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The Discovery Pod | Non Profit Leaders Podcast

The Discovery Pod

Canada’s Leading Social Profit Leadership Podcast

Join Douglas Nelson, President and Managing Director of The Discovery Group, as he interviews leaders in the social profit sector. Gain insights and find inspiration in conversations with CEOs, Board Chairs, Founders, and senior leaders about their career journeys, the evolving social profit landscape, and the pressing challenges shaping the sector today. Download and subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Castbox.

Douglas Nelson | Podcast Host

THE DISCOVERY POD

BY THE NUMBERS

  • Over 80,000 downloads and counting
  • 250+ episodes and counting
  • 55% of listeners are CEOs, Executive Directors, or senior leaders
  • Subscribed listeners from 8 countries
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“The entire experience from the first connection through the set-up details, the wonderful conversation and promotion of the podcast was great. I loved the depth and richness of the array of topics we covered, and it truly felt like a warm and great conversation. I was so surprised at how many people continue to let me know they have heard it and how much they enjoyed the conversation. The Discovery Pod really encouraged authenticity, and they have a sincere intention to teach through these diverse conversations.”

Jennifer GillivanPresident & CEO, IWK Foundation
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“I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Douglas on the Discovery Pod. His thoughtful questions around leadership within the charitable sector helped to draw out insights that I hope others can benefit from as well.”

Michael RossiChair, Terry Fox Foundation
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“The Discovery Pod is an incredibly valuable resource for leaders across the non-profit sector. It is a learning opportunity, a view into the sector at any given moment in time, and Doug is always a pleasure to converse with. The Discovery Pod is a must listen.”

Tracey DrakeCEO, Royal BC Museum
Learn from non profit leaders

Learn from Leaders

Each episode features candid conversations with senior leaders across the social profit sector. They share what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what it really takes to lead with purpose.

Nonprofit Sector trends

Understand Sector Trends

From shifts in governance and fundraising to new models of community engagement. You’ll gain context, perspective, and practical insight into where the sector is headed next.

Nonprofit leadership insight

Hear Real Stories

The work of leadership often happens behind the scenes—and that’s where our conversations begin. These are stories of challenge, change, and learning from sector leaders.

Latest Episodes

Discovery Pod | Serena Nguyen | CILAR

Season 9 Episode 29
Coalition of Leaders Advancing Respect
With Serena Nguyen,
Founding Executive Director

Discovery Pod | Vanessa Paesani | Pond-Deshpande Centre

Season 9 Episode 30
Pond-Deshpande Centre
With Vanessa Paesani, Executive Director

The Discovery Pod | canadian Climate Institute, Rick Smith, President | Canadian Climate Institute

Season 9 Episode 31
Canadian Climate Institute
With Rick Smith, President

Discovery Pod | Jen Angel | Public Spaces

Season 9 Episode 32
Evergreen Canada
With Jen Angel, CEO

Discovery Pod | Jess Tomlin | Equality Fund

Season 9 Episode 33
Equality Fund
With Jess Tomlin, CEO

Discovery Pod | Deb Lester | Young People

Season 9 Episode 34
Convenant House Vancouver
With Deb Lester, CEO

Discovery Pod | Wen-Chih O'Connell | Charitable Donations

Season 9 Episode 35
PayPal Giving Fund Canada
With Wen-Chih O’Connell,
Executive Director

Discovery Pod | Mike DeGagné | Indigenous Students

Season 9 Episode 36
Indspire
With Mike DeGagné, President & CEO

Discovery Pod | Amanda Burrows | First United

Season 9 Episode 37
First United
With Amanda Burrows, Executive Director

The Discovery Pod | Christy Holtby | Billion-Dollar Partnership

Season 9 Episode 38
Alberta Cancer Foundation
With Christy Holtby, VP, Philanthropy

Discovery Pod | Josée Thibault | Social Innovation

Season 9 Episode 39
What’s Shaping the Future Now
With Josée Thibault, Practice Lead, Philanthropy & Social Innovation

Opportunity Spotlight

Discovery Pod | Jane Potentier and Laura Milligan | Philanthropic Partnership

Opportunity Spotlight
Associate Director, Philanthropic Partnerships

The Discovery Pod | Michael McKnight | United Way British Columbia

Opportunity Spotlight
Chief Development Officer

Discovery Pod | Ching Tien | Foundation For Women

Opportunity Spotlight
Executive Director