Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Development Download Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by AFP Greater Houston Chapter
On this podcast, we have connected, candid, and fun conversations about all things fundraising. Hosted by Sarah Brown Rankin, CFRE.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 5 days ago52 min
What Makes a Message Land: The Neuroscience of Donor Communication
In this episode of The Development Download, Dr. Nhung Tran, Director of Stewardship and Donor Experience at Rice University, joins us to explore the neuroscience behind donor communication. We talk about what's happening in the brain when people encounter fundraising messages, how brain chemistry can influence attention, connection, and response, and what fundraisers can learn from that science as we think more intentionally about how we communicate with our audiences. Nhung Tran, DBA | LinkedIn
- Sep 30, 202640 min
Ethics, Everyday with Peggy Rhoads
In this episode of The Development Download, Peggy Rhoads, CFRE, Senior Director of Development at The Health Museum and a member of the AFP Global Ethics Committee, joins us to talk about ethics in fundraising. In recognition of AFP Global's Ethics Month in October, we discuss the work of the committee, why ethics matter, the resources available to AFP members, and practical ways to make ethical reflection part of our everyday work. For resources on fundraising ethics, visit AFP Global's Ethics page: https://afpglobal.org/ethics LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-rhoads-cfre/
- Sep 2, 202648 min
From Namesake to Honoree: A Conversation with M. Anne Murphy and Nicole McWhorter
What happens when the namesake of an award sits down with the person receiving it? In this episode of The Development Download, M. Anne Murphy and Nicole McWhorter join us to talk about the M. Anne Murphy Award for Professional Advancement, the growth of fundraising as a profession in Houston, and the responsibility development professionals share in helping move the field forward. They reflect on mentorship, curiosity, professional growth, and the people who shaped their own careers. We also look ahead to the 40th anniversary of National Philanthropy Day on November 11 and what the event means to Houston's fundraising community. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemcwhorter/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-anne-murphy-6918377/
- Aug 5, 202646 min
Beyond Silos: A Partnership Case Study
In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Anne Marie Blacketer, CFRE, CEO of the Lupus Foundation of America Texas Gulf Coast Chapter, and Dr. Dan Price, Director of Data & Society and the Community Health Worker Initiative at the University of Houston Honors College. Anne Marie and Dan share the story of an organic partnership rooted in public health, community education, and aligned mission. Both bring deep knowledge of the issues facing Greater Houston, along with a clear passion for improving health outcomes and expanding access to trusted information. What began as shared interest and mutual respect has grown into a collaboration that crosses organizational boundaries and resists the silos that can too often limit nonprofit work. Their conversation offers a case study in what can happen when partners are driven first by community impact, with fundraising and future grant opportunities growing naturally from that shared work. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-marie-blacketer-cfre-13b980/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-price-70b4b246/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/lupus-foundation-of-america-texas-gulf-coast-chapter-inc/ https://www.linkedin.com/school/uh-honors/
- Jul 8, 202638 min
1 Question, 25 Stories: Live from Ask the Experts
Recorded live at AFP Greater Houston's Ask the Experts conference on June 16, 2026, this episode of The Development Download brings together 25 voices from across our fundraising community to answer one question: Can you share a relationship that started as a simple connection but grew into something much more meaningful? Their answers touch on mentorship, career growth, friendship, and the unexpected ways one conversation can shape a path forward. Featured Voices: Gayla Wilson Andrea Romero Andrea Ward Abby Trahan Madeline Sebastian Jennifer Kapral Kristyna Torres Cheryl Worley Jessy Napier Kamari Brewer Matt Pham Samantha Sheets-Olinsky Nicole Moore-Kriel Liz Bear Derrick Owens Kinsey Crabtree Lena Khattab Corey Chao Kelly J. Zúñiga Lilia Duque Michelle Monaco Angela Seaworth Marty Murad Alexandria Hodge Kelsey George
- Jun 3, 202642 min
What the Houston Zoo Can Teach Us About Workplace Culture
In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Audra Jesudason, Vice President of Philanthropy and Membership, Lisa Marie Avendano, Chief Operating Officer, and Kirsten Ufer, Senior Creative Director at the Houston Zoo. Workplace culture is one of those things everyone talks about, but it can be difficult to define and even harder to build. In this conversation, we explore how the Houston Zoo has cultivated a culture of connection among its staff, the role leadership plays in fostering it, and the benefits a friendship-forward workplace can have for both employees and organizational success. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/houston-zoo/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/audrajes/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lma713/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-ufer-56ab5010/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmikaylabrown/
- May 6, 202645 min
Investing in Your Growth as a Fundraiser with Rice's Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership
In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Sara Ralston, M.Ed., Associate Director of Operations for the Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Rice University's Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies. We explore what brings fundraisers to seek out additional training, credentials, or continuing education. Sara shares what participants are typically hoping to gain, what they often walk away with beyond their expectations, and how to think strategically about investing in your own growth. We also discuss the programs offered through Rice's Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, including who they may be a fit for and what prospective participants can expect. If you've been considering how to grow in your fundraising or nonprofit career, this episode offers helpful perspective on approaching professional development with intention. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ralston-61a56a50/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-mikayla-brown/
- Apr 8, 202639 min
Make Networking Work for You (Just in Time for the Ask the Experts Conference)
In this episode of The Development Download, we're joined by Jamie Spiva, CFRE, Senior Director of Major Gifts and Foundations at Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, and LaGina Rae Harris, owner of The Us Space and a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur. Jamie also serves as Chair of AFP Greater Houston's 2026 Ask the Experts Conference. Together, we explore how to make networking actually work for you. We focus on one of the most important and often overlooked aspects of networking: the follow-up. Jamie and Lagina share creative, actionable ways to build on the energy of a first meeting and turn introductions into meaningful relationships. We also preview this year's Ask the Experts Conference and its new focus on facilitated networking. If you've ever felt unsure about networking, or want to get more out of the connections you're already making, this episode is for you.
Get The Development Download Podcast summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark Vandeventer
Practical strategies and insights for development professionals to raise major gifts and build sustainable donor relationships.
Nonprofit Hub Radio
Interviews with nonprofit leaders and experts offering practical insights to help organizations improve and grow.
FundraisingAI
Examines the ethical and practical use of AI in fundraising, including trends, data privacy, and social impact.
Nonprofit Everything
A bi-weekly Q&A podcast covering topics related to nonprofits.
Community Catalysts
Leaders from local government and nonprofits share hard-won lessons and practical strategies for building stronger communities.
The Development Podcast
Explores global development challenges through data, research, and innovative solutions from the World Bank Group.
That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs
A Christian author explores books, faith, travel, music, and conversations with friends, sharing what inspires and delights her.
The Curiosity Shop with Brené Brown and Adam Grant
Two researchers examine leadership, connection, and change by combining qualitative and quantitative insights.
A Shot in the Arm Podcast
Ben Plumley
Don't Mom Alone Podcast
A mom of four boys hosts conversations to help parents feel less isolated through shared experiences and supportive resources.
Money Making Conversations Master Class
Entrepreneurs, business leaders, and changemakers share real strategies and mindset shifts that turned ambition into measurable success.
Raising Boys & Girls
Child development experts discuss practical strategies and insights for parenting boys and girls with empathy and hope.
About The Development Download Podcast
On this podcast, we have connected, candid, and fun conversations about all things fundraising. Hosted by Sarah Brown Rankin, CFRE.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Development Download Podcast in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Development Download Podcast daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Development Download Podcast as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Development Download Podcast podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Development Download Podcast product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by AFP Greater Houston Chapter.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The Development Download Podcast release new episodes?
The Development Download Podcast publishes monthly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Development Download Podcast cover?
The Development Download Podcast covers topics including Education, Business, Non-Profit. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Development Download Podcast summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.