Send a text

This episode of the Do Something More Podcast originally aired in December 2023. On it I’m joined by Katie Bunnell, co-founder and President of the Live Your Dream Foundation, a Utah-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering single mothers through education.

The Live Your Dream Foundation awards scholarships to single mothers across Utah, helping them complete college, university, or technical school programs so they can build stable careers and better provide for their families. But their support goes beyond financial assistance — they have created a strong, uplifting community that offers encouragement, connection, and enrichment for single mothers and their children.

In this episode, Katie shares her personal journey of becoming a single mother and the perseverance it took to finish her own college degree. She also shares how with the support of family members and a desire to give back, she founded Live Your Dream to help other single moms overcome financial and emotional barriers to higher education. She also highlights some of the ways her nonprofit has had to pivot to raise money and make the most of every donation they receive.

If you’re passionate about nonprofit work, supporting single mothers, education scholarships, community service, or helping families break cycles of hardship, this inspiring conversation will show how one woman’s experience turned into a mission that is changing lives throughout Utah.

Listen now to learn how education, community support, and volunteer-driven nonprofit leadership are helping single mothers live their dreams.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Live Your Dream Website

Live Your Dream Instagram

Live Your Dream Facebook

Follow the podcast on social media:

Do Something More Instagram

Do Something More Facebook

Do Something More YouTube

Send a text

What if your creativity could become a simple but powerful act of service?

In memory of her mother, Angela Wilson launched the Instagram account Gifts No One Asked For, a heartfelt service project where she creates watercolor postcards and hand-lettered calligraphy art — and gives them away for free. Anyone can request a custom piece to send to a friend, family member, or loved one who could use encouragement, hope, or a reminder that they are not alone.

In just over a year, Angela has fulfilled more than 1,000 requests, delivering uplifting artwork to all 50 states and 10 countries. Along the way, she’s received messages letting her know how her small acts of kindness have brought comfort, healing, and joy during difficult seasons.

In this episode of the Do Something More Podcast, Angela shares how she turned grief into service, how starting before feeling “ready” made all the difference, and why you don’t have to be perfect — or the best — to make a meaningful impact. If you’ve ever had an idea to use your talents, creativity, or passions to give back, this episode will inspire you to start now and grow along the way.

Listen to Episode 116 to hear Angela’s inspiring story and discover how you can use your unique gifts to serve, volunteer, and make a difference in your own community.

Links mentioned in episode:

Gifts No One Asked For Instagram

Follow the podcast on social media:

Do Something More Instagram

Do Something More Facebook

Do Something More YouTube

Send a text

When Luke Mickelson discovered that children in his community were sleeping on the floor without beds, he decided to do something about it. Involving youth from his church and his own children, Luke built and delivered beds to kids in need in his own town. What began as a small act of service quickly revealed a much larger problem — and an incredible opportunity to serve in a hands-on, meaningful way.

That small effort became 'Sleep in Heavenly Peace', a nonprofit organization now with more than 400 chapters across the United States. Last year alone, they provided approximately 90,000 beds to children who needed a safe and comfortable place to sleep. Through large community ‘Build Day' events, volunteers of all ages can come together to build beds and even join a delivery team to help deliver and install the beds — making a tangible difference in the lives of local families.

In this episode of the Do Something More Podcast, Luke shares the inspiring story behind Sleep in Heavenly Peace, how the nonprofit continues to grow, and practical insights for other nonprofits and community organizations looking to create engaging, impactful volunteer opportunities.

If you’re passionate about volunteering, community service, nonprofit leadership, or making a difference for children in need, this episode will inspire you to take action and do something more.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Website

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Instagram

Sleep in Heavenly Peace Facebook

Care Portal

Follow the podcast on social media:

Do Something More Instagram

Do Something More Facebook

Do Something More YouTube

Send us a text

‘Hot Mess Express’ is exactly as awesome as it sounds! This non-profit has affiliates all over the country dedicated to women helping women, judgment-free. Whether it’s a new college student moving into her dorm, a mom or family navigating a difficult season, or an elderly woman needing the love and support a true community can bring, these volunteers walk into homes and through compassion, cleaning and organization give women in their communities a fresh start. As they beautifully say, it’s ‘not a handout, just a hand.’

In this episode of the Do Something More Podcast, host Melissa Draper sits down with Brittinie Tran, President and Board Chair of Hot Mess Express, to talk about the heart behind this powerful organization. Brittinie shares inspiring stories from the field and gives the needed reminder that none of us need to feel alone or afraid to ask for help.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Hot Mess Express Website

Hot Mess Express TikTok

Hot Mess Express Instagram

Hot Mess Express Facebook

Follow the podcast on social media:

Do Something More Instagram

Do Something More Facebook

Do Something More YouTube

Send us a text

What if your New Year’s resolutions focused less on doing more for yourself and more on doing a little more for others?

In this first episode of 2026, I’m sharing why service-focused resolutions matter—and simple, sustainable ways to give back without overwhelm. From slowing down in daily interactions to using your words, time, and talents for good, these small shifts can make a big difference.

If you’re looking for meaningful goals, simple ways to serve, or a fresh perspective on giving and receiving, this episode is for you. 🤍

Follow the podcast on social media:

Do Something More Instagram

Do Something More Facebook

Do Something More YouTube

Send us a text

In this inspiring Christmas episode I sit down with Connie Manwaring, Manager and President of the Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra, to explore the remarkable story behind Handel’s Messiah and the powerful tradition of using music to bless and uplift others.

Connie shares the fascinating charitable history of Handel’s Messiah — including how its very first performances were created as benefit concerts that raised funds for the poor, freed debtors from prison, and supported vulnerable children. She also opens up about her own journey from growing up in East Germany to studying music around the world, serving as a missionary, and ultimately founding a nonprofit choir dedicated to continuing Handel’s legacy of compassion.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🎵 The incredible backstory of Handel’s Messiah and why it remains one of the most beloved and meaningful works of all time
🎄 How the Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra uses its annual Messiah performances to support rotating charities, from refugee organizations to children in need
❤️ The healing, unifying power of choral music — and why singing together builds community, empathy, and spiritual strength
🙌 Why attending a Messiah performance (or even just hearing the Hallelujah Chorus!) can become a meaningful Christmas tradition for your family

Whether you’re passionate about service, fascinated by the history of sacred music, or simply looking for ways to bring more kindness and purpose into your holiday season, this conversation will fill you with gratitude, joy, and Christmas spirit.

✨ Listen now and discover how music, charity, and community can help us all “do something more” this holiday season.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra Website

Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra Instagram

Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra Facebook

Follow the podcast on social media:

Do Something More Instagram

Do Something More Facebook

Do Something More YouTube

Send us a text

In this powerful episode I sit down with Hayley Smith, founder and CEO of Lifting Hands International, a nonprofit dedicated to providing meaningful, needs-based aid to refugees around the world.

Hayley shares the eye-opening story of how a two-week volunteer trip to Greece opened her eyes to the realities of the global refugee crisis and inspired her to begin an organization that now supports displaced families in multiple countries. From chaotic camps in Greece to community-centered livestock programs in Jordan, Hayley takes us inside the world of humanitarian work, refugee support, and what it truly means to offer help in ways that actually matter.

Listeners will learn:
✨ Why listening is the foundation of effective service and humanitarian aid
✨ How Lifting Hands International provides aid refugees actually ask for—including goats, hygiene kits, community support, and local resources
✨ Simple ways anyone can help—from volunteering locally to becoming a small monthly donor
✨ What most people misunderstand about nonprofit work, refugee needs, and humanitarian response

This conversation is both educational and deeply inspiring, offering real-world insight into how ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference—right where they are.

If you’re passionate about service, volunteering, nonprofits, refugee aid, or finding meaningful ways to give back, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Links mentioned in the episode:

Lifting Hands International Website

Lifting Hands International Instagram

Lifting Hands International Facebook

Lifting Hands International in The Giving Machines

Follow the podcast on social media:

Do Something More Instagram

Do Something More Facebook

Do Something More YouTube

Send us a text

In this inspiring replay episode, I revisit one of the most impactful conversations I've had on the show — a deep dive into the giving-circle movement with '100 Women Who Care.' I personally joined my own local Utah Valley chapter after recording this episode over two years ago, and I've been attending quarterly meetings ever since. Today, I wanted to bring back this episode to highlight why this powerful model of collective giving continues to grow — and why you might want to be part of it too.

Jessica Farnsworth, a longtime leader with the Utah Valley chapter, shares the origin story of '100 Women Who Care', how these giving circles work, and the incredible impact that happens when women combine their resources to lift local nonprofits. You'll hear how chapters across the country are changing lives through “Impact Awards,” learn what actually happens inside a one-hour meeting, and discover the inspiring personal stories behind the organizations they support.

And since this conversation was first recorded, the Utah Valley chapter has surpassed 100 members — growing their impact even more. Whether you’re local to Utah or living anywhere else in the U.S., there’s likely a chapter near you.

Links mentioned in the episode:

100 Women Who Care Utah Valley Website

100 Women Who Care Utah Valley Instagram

100 Women Who Care Utah Valley Facebook

100 Who Care Alliance Website

KSL Article on 100 Women Who Care Utah Valley Reaching 100 Members

Follow the podcast on social media:

Do Something More Instagram

Do Something More Facebook

Do Something More YouTube