Best Tom Ahern Podcasts (2025)

1
How To Make Magic: A Conversation with Roger Ali 55:09

6d ago55:09

55:09

Roger Ali is Chair of the AFP Global Board and one of the most respected voices in nonprofit leadership. With more than two decades in the field, he has led teams that have raised over $150 million through transformative capital campaigns and major gift strategies, holding senior roles at Niagara Health Foundation, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundati…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Small Wonder 1:02:01

10d ago1:02:01

1:02:01

This time, Tom gives us an update on his replay of the Catan expansions before we take a big look at small games. What are the pros and cons of games that can fit in your pocket? Also, we share a new Tale of Horror, as well as our latest batch of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 01:03 - Summer: Origins, Dice Tower East, Dice Tower Cruise, Gen Con 05:…

1
Show Up Every Day: A Conversation with Abby Trahan 21:22

14d ago21:22

21:22

Abby Trahan is the Associate Director of Philanthropy at MD Anderson Cancer Center and one of two recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Young Professional award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In just five years, Abby has delivered transformational fundraising results—from growing monthly giving at the Houston Food Bank to securing …

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Judging The Book 1:04:21

24d ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Tom, Julie, and Eric run through the nominees for the German Game of the Year awards before focusing on the episode's main topic: box covers. How does what you put on the front of the box attract a particular audience? We also have a tale of horror? as well as a question from the mailbag, and of course our usual assortment of Roses, Thorns, and Hul…

1
Spilling the Tea: A Conversation with Martha Schumacher 1:07:44

28d ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Martha Schumacher is a global philanthropy strategist, leadership coach, and past chair of AFP International. As President of Hazen Consulting and founder of the Hazen Institute for Leadership Training, she’s spent over 25 years helping mission-driven organizations grow their impact—and their people. In this conversation, we explore the trails she …

1
Let's Talk About Love: A Conversation with Dr. Jen Shang 40:30

1M ago40:30

40:30

Professor Jen Shang is Co-Founder and Director of the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy, and the world’s only philanthropic psychologist. She was the first person to earn a PhD in Philanthropy, and her research on donor identity and meaning has been featured in the New York Times, BBC, and Chronicle of Philanthropy. In 2025, she received AFP’s…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Home Base 57:12

1M ago57:12

57:12

This time, Tom gives us an audio tour of the new Dice Tower Studios in Ft. Myers, with tales to tell about the adventurous move. We present a Tale of Amazement and delve into the mailbag, and we close the show with our Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 01:09 - Moving to Ft. Myers 04:51 - The New Studio 23:04 - Tale of Amazement 28:55 - Question: What …

1
What Gives You Life: A Conversation with Jeff Schreifels 1:03:30

1M ago1:03:30

1:03:30

Jeff Schreifels is Principal at Veritus Group and co-author of It’s Not JUST About the Donor. With over 35 years in nonprofit fundraising, he’s helped thousands of professionals create meaningful donor relationships and raise more money with integrity and heart. In this episode, we begin not in the office—but on the road—with Jeff’s 1,000-mile bike…

1
Vocation: A Conversation with Jeremy Wells 37:46

2M ago37:46

37:46

Jeremy Wells is the Senior Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. With more than twenty-five years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, he's been instrumental in advancing equity and community-led solutions through philanthropy. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Jeremy was…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Plugging In 1:04:18

2M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

This time, Tom shares his adventures in Mexico, and Julie has tales to tell from Greece. Then, we kick of our discussion of video games that feel like board games with Eric's obsession with Blue Prince, before moving on to a bunch of other electronic games, including some that have made the leap to boardgames. We open up the mailbag for a question …

1
What Drives Me Forward: A Conversation with Ashley Hufft 58:07

2M ago58:07

58:07

Ashley Hufft is President and CEO of Unbound, an international nonprofit based in Kansas City that partners with families worldwide on their self-directed paths out of poverty. A Harvard-trained attorney and anthropologist, Ashley has built a distinguished career advancing sustainable solutions to poverty, food insecurity, education, and gender equ…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Where Do Boardgames Come From? 1:19:19

2M ago1:19:19

1:19:19

Tom is busy moving the studio, so Julie and Eric invite Robert Geistlinger from Arcane Wonders (and also Julie's husband) to join in a discussion about boardgame production. Where do the materials that go into our games come from? What do you look for in a manufacturer? And why doesn't everybody print their games in Cleveland? And of course, we clo…

1
The Point You Do Not Go Past: A Conversation with Tom Ahern 51:49

2M ago51:49

51:49

Tom Ahern is one of the most influential voices in donor communications. The New York Times has called him “one of the country’s most sought-after creators of fundraising messages.” A self-described writer before he could write, he has authored multiple acclaimed books, trained thousands of fundraisers around the world, and most recently published …

1
Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant: A Conversation with Sabrina Walker Hernandez 57:07

3M ago57:07

57:07

Sabrina Walker Hernandez is a consultant, coach, and facilitator who helps small nonprofits grow leadership, strengthen boards, and raise more money. She began her career in 1996 and spent 20 years with the Boys & Girls Clubs, including 11 as CEO in Edinburg, Texas, where she led a $12 million capital campaign, built a $500,000 endowment, and tripl…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Where Credit is Due 1:05:02

3M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Today, we focus on what designers should do when they've built a design on an existing game. How much borrowing is too much borrowing? We also look ahead to some upcoming events, share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, and run through our latest batch of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:49 - Tom's Apology 01:25 - Dice Tower Cruise and Dice Tower E…

1
Launchpad: A Conversation with Rebecca and Chris van Bergen 58:50

3M ago58:50

58:50

Rebecca van Bergen and Chris Van Bergen are the visionary leaders behind Nest, a nonprofit advancing gender equity and economic inclusion in the global artisan and maker economy. As Founder and Executive Director, Rebecca launched Nest in 2006 at just 24, building partnerships with brands like Etsy and Patagonia to support over 250,000 artisans acr…

1
This Miraculous Work: A Conversation with Karyn Grossman Gershon 56:49

3M ago56:49

56:49

Karyn Grossman Gershon is CEO of Project Kesher and the architect of its international network of feminist Jewish leaders. She has helped raise over $40 million to support Jewish women and girls across Eastern Europe and Israel, advancing gender equality, public health, and Jewish life. Most recently, she’s helped shape a gendered response to the w…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Life, The Universe, and Everything in the Rulebook 1:11:33

3M ago1:11:33

1:11:33

We kick off this episode with some chit-chat regarding the moving of Dice Tower HQ, some upcoming events, Tom's efforts to impress the chef at a Japanese restaurant, and the most played games at Dice Tower West. A listener question leads us to discuss the layout of rulebooks and how best to do so. We share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, and clos…

1
219: The Grieving Body, and the Science of Love and Loss with Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor 54:28

3M ago54:28

54:28

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, to explore the intricate relationship between grief, the brain, and the body. Drawing from her decades of research, Mary-Frances shares insights on how our bodies physically experience grief, why loss reshapes our inner world, and how cultural an…

1
The Painful Things: A Conversation with Eileen Heisman 1:34:09

3M ago1:34:09

1:34:09

Eileen Heisman is one of philanthropy’s most influential leaders. As the founding President and CEO of National Philanthropic Trust, she grew it into a global powerhouse, facilitating over $63 billion in charitable giving. A ten-time honoree on the NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50, she’s advised world leaders, taught at Penn, and shaped the…

1
I'm Not Surrendering: A Conversation with Tony Martignetti 1:11:52

3M ago1:11:52

1:11:52

A former attorney who walked away from law to find his true calling in philanthropy, Tony Martignetti has spent over 27 years helping organizations grow and thrive. He’s the founder of Martignetti Planned Giving Advisors and the host of Tony Martignetti Nonprofit Radio, where he’s been sharing expert insights and candid conversations with nonprofit…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Western Expansion 1:05:29

4M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

This time, we are recording in person at Dice Tower West (with some new mics!). We talk specifics about our new-ish venue for DTW, and then get more general with a chat about our convention strategies and planning. The Tale of Boardgaming Horror is one for the ages, and we close the show with some Roses, Thorns, Hula Hoops, and Crossovers. 00:47 - …

1
Never In My Wildest Dreams: A Conversation with Maya Kuppermann 1:03:09

4M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

Maya Kupperman has spent her career building organizations that drive innovation in philanthropy. As co-founder and CEO of Temelio, she’s using AI to make grantmaking faster and more efficient. Before that, she helped grow MainStreet from a seed-stage startup to Series B and advised The Farmlink Project, which connects surplus farm produce to food …

1
Creating Systems That Are Just: A Conversation with James Misner 1:06:12

4M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

James Misner is committed to building systems that create lasting impact. Growing up near Philadelphia in the 1990s, he was struck by his community’s negative attitudes toward refugees from the Balkans and Rwanda. This led him to study political science, work in resettlement, and dedicate his career to helping nonprofits secure the resources they n…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - GOOOOOOAL! 55:12

4M ago55:12

55:12

This time, we're talking sports, and how game designers can best emulate them. Plus, Horror, Hula Hoops, Roses, and Thorns. 00:59 - Announcements: Dice Tower West and East 02:04 - Sports Boardgames 20:10 - Tale of Boardgaming Horror 25:48 - Charcuterie 30:24 - 1 A.M. Jailbreak 33:07 - Helionox Chronicles 37:47 - Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Secon…

1
The River: A Conversation with Jim Langley 1:04:52

4M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Jim Langley is a leading voice in philanthropy. As President of Langley Innovations, he’s helped hundreds of institutions rethink fundraising through research-driven strategies. A former advancement leader at Georgetown, UC San Diego, and Georgia Tech, he’s led groundbreaking campaigns and shaped best practices in donor engagement. Through his book…

1
People-Powered: A Conversation with Sara Lomelin 1:03:56

4M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

Sara Lomelin is a philanthropy disruptor and the founding CEO of Philanthropy Together, a global movement advancing collective giving. She’s the creator of the Latino Giving Circle Network, the largest network of Latinx philanthropists in the U.S., and a TED speaker recognized on Forbes’ 50 Over 50: Impact List. Sara is passionate about shifting po…

1
218: Dr. Kirk Honda on Cultural Shifts, Philosophical Insights, and Healing Modalities 1:25:38

4M ago1:25:38

1:25:38

On this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I chat with the legendary Dr. Kirk Honda about all things therapy, culture, and philosophy. We dive into different therapeutic approaches—what works, what doesn’t, and why it all depends—while unpacking how cultural trends are shaping the way we think about mental health. We also get into some big philosoph…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Upping the Ante 58:33

5M ago58:33

58:33

This time, Eric gives an update on his Middle School Game Night before the gang launches into a discussion of how playing games for tangible prizes changes the vibe at the table. Then, we move on to a Tale of Boardgaming Horror, check the mailbag, and share some Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:48 - Announcements: Gamefound, Dice Tower West 02:33 …

1
Be Ready: A Conversation with Sharise Harrison 1:16:24

5M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

Sharise Harrison is the Assistant Vice President of Advancement Services and Prospect Management at California State University-Sacramento. A leader in philanthropy and data equity, she’s spent over a decade redefining how nonprofits approach prospect research to reduce bias and build more inclusive fundraising practices. Sharise also serves as Pre…

1
"Who Can I Help Today?": A Conversation with Natalie Silverstein 1:05:16

5M ago1:05:16

1:05:16

Natalie Silverstein is an author, speaker, and podcast host whose work is all about inspiring kindness and service in families and teens. Natalie is the founder of the New York affiliate of Doing Good Together and the host of the award-winning podcast Simple Acts, Big Impact: Celebrating Teen Changemakers, where she highlights incredible stories of…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Talk At The Table 1:04:09

5M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

Tom complains about the cold before we all discuss forms of Table Talk. What just bends the rules, and what breaks the game? We share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, a couple of questions from the mailbag, and some new Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:40 - It's cold in Florida 01:41 - Gamefound - SupportDicetower.com 02:11 - Dice Tower East and …

1
The Most Basic Cure for Everything: A Conversation with Heidi Johnson 50:51

5M ago50:51

50:51

Heidi Johnson is a nonprofit founder, storyteller, and the creator of Charity Matters, a platform and podcast highlighting everyday heroes who make the world better through service. After a personal tragedy in 2002, Heidi founded the Spiritual Care Guild at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, which became a national model for pediatric chaplaincy. Tod…

1
Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Mind: A Conversation with Payton McGriff, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 37:07

5M ago37:07

37:07

Payton McGriff is the founder and CEO of Style Her Empowered (SHE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and women in Togo through education, employment, and innovation. Established in 2017 as a class project, SHE has grown into an international organization, providing over 1,500 girls with free uniforms, school fees, and resource…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Buoyant Breakfast 2025 54:20

5M ago54:20

54:20

On board the Dice Tower Cruise 2025, Tom, Julie, and Eric run through their holiday gaming opportunities. Julie asks how we prefer to to vacation, and we end the show with a bunch of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops that we encountered on the ship. 00:44 - We're on a Ship 01:32 - Holiday Happenings 02:18 - Star Realms Rise of Empire 07:59 - Ito, Jackb…

1
217: Archetypes, Dreams, and the Hidden Patterns That Rule Your Life with Dr. Michael Conforti 1:18:57

6M ago1:18:57

1:18:57

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Michael Conforti, Jungian analyst and founder of the Assisi Institute, to explore the intricate interplay between archetypes, dreams, and the unconscious. Together, we delve into how patterns of meaning shape our lives, the role of the collective unconscious in human behaviour, and the transformati…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Looking Back at 2024 1:06:34

6M ago1:06:34

1:06:34

Julie and Eric spend some time recapping PAX Unplugged before all of us take a look at the year that was 2024. What was the easiest game to teach? The game that you'd best set aside a day to play? The Hoopiest Hula Hoop? All will be revealed, dear listener! 01:00 - PAX Unplugged Recap 14:03 - The Quiet House 16:49 - Star Trek TNG VCR Game 20:41 - 2…

1
216: Dr. Kirk Schneider on Finding Meaning and Awe in Everyday Life 1:06:05

6M ago1:06:05

1:06:05

Welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! Today, I have the absolute honour of sitting down with Dr. Kirk Schneider—one of the leading voices in contemporary existential-humanistic psychology and a true pioneer in the field of depth-oriented healing.Dr. Schneider has an impressive career that spans decades. He’s a licensed psychologist, the past edito…

1
The Kids Still Need Us: A Conversation with Rachel Rutter, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 36:16

6M ago36:16

36:16

In this episode, we speak with Rachel Rutter, founder and executive director of Project Libertad, a nonprofit that supports unaccompanied immigrant youth with free legal representation, essential services, and newcomer programs. An immigration lawyer and passionate advocate, Rachel has been recognized as one of the Top Five CNN Heroes of 2024 for h…

1
Reversing the Narrative: A Conversation with Yamilée Toussaint, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 40:50

7M ago40:50

40:50

Yamilée Toussaint is the founder and CEO of STEM From Dance, a trailblazing nonprofit that inspires girls from underrepresented communities to pursue STEM careers by merging the creativity of dance with the power of technology. An MIT graduate and former Teach for America educator, Yamilee has been recognized as a thought leader in reimagining STEM…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Mission: Middle School 56:39

7M ago56:39

56:39

This time, Eric is looking for advice from Julie and Tom about running a game night at his son's Middle School. How deep a hole has he dug for himself? Plus, a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, a question from the Listener Mailbag, and a bouquet of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 01:47 - Dice Tower Winter Spectacular 02:24 - Tom's Anniversary Cruise, …

1
Moonshot: A Conversation with Bill Littlejohn 1:18:03

7M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Bill Littlejohn is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare philanthropy. As Senior Vice President and CEO of the Foundations of Sharp HealthCare, he has driven initiatives raising more than $300 million and spearheaded Sharp's $2 billion ENVISION campaign to transform healthcare in San Diego. A former AHP Chair and Si Seymour Award recipient, …

1
215: Emmy Van Deurzen on Authenticity, Dreams, and Existential Wisdom 1:11:04

7M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

In this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I had the absolute privilege of speaking with Emmy Van Deurzen, an iconic figure in existential psychotherapy and philosophy. We delved into the rich terrain of dream analysis and discussed how our unconscious lives can reveal pathways to authenticity.We also explored Emmy's personal journey: her love of So…

1
Unconditional Love: A Conversation with Stephen Knight, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 25:28

7M ago25:28

25:28

Stephen Knight is one of the top five CNN Heroes of 2024 and the founder of Dogs Matter, a nonprofit organization that has provided foster care for over 1,200 pets belonging to individuals in substance abuse recovery. Inspired by his journey of overcoming addiction and the transformative bond with his rescue dog Jayde, Knight has created a program …

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Delicious Cardboard 57:02

7M ago57:02

57:02

Tom, Julie, and Eric share some Thanksgiving recipes before launching into a discussion of how designers tackle the theme of cooking in games. We have a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror that pushes our Angry Button, and we close the show with a Thorn-heavy set of games played. 00:57 - Announcements: Dice Tower East, West, and Cruise 2026 02:22 - Than…

1
A Refuge in Music: A Conversation with Ron Davis Alvarez, a 2024 Top Five CNN Hero 32:26

7M ago32:26

32:26

Ron Davis Alvarez is Founder of the Dream Orchestra in Gothenburg, Sweden and one of 2024's Top Five CNN Heroes. Since 2016, Ron has brought together refugees, immigrants, and locals, speaking in over 20 languages, to create music and build community. His work shows how people can rebuild lives and connect across cultures.…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Trendy 1:05:52

8M ago1:05:52

1:05:52

Tom, Julie, and Eric discuss some Thanksgiving plans before reacting to some recent manufacturing trends in the boardgame industry, from environmentally friendly choices, to the insistance that every game have a custom insert. Our Tale of Boardgaming Horror is a case of mistaken identity, and we close the show with some Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoop…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Future Proof 1:08:38

8M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

This time, Tom looks forward to the CMON Expo, while Eric and Julie talk about their plans for PAX Unplugged. We discuss best practices for publishers when they know an expansion is coming. We share a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror, and close the show with a Spooky set of Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 00:58 - Announcements: Dice Tower West, PAX Un…

1
At The Table with The Dice Tower - Best and Wurst of Essen 2024 1:04:51

9M ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Tom and Julie are back from Germany with stories to tell. We talk about the crowds, events, snacks, and games of Spiel before shuffling through a new Tale of Boardgaming Horror. And we close the show with some of our latest Roses, Thorns, and Hula Hoops. 01:02 - Back-to-Back WSBG and Spiel 06:10 - Crowds at Spiel 11:23 - Tom and Julie Together (Bri…

1
214: Philosophies of Psychedelic Experiences with Dr. Julien Tempone-Wiltshire 1:01:54

9M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

In this special episode, I sit down with Dr. Julien Tempone-Wiltshire to explore the profound philosophical implications of psychedelic experiences. We dive deep into how these altered states of consciousness can reshape our understanding of reality, identity, and existential meaning. Dr. Tempone-Wiltshire brings his expertise in the intersection o…

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Tom Ahern Podcasts

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