Matthew Burnell is the Founder and CEO of Clickbid, an event management software that provides nonprofits a "crazy simple" all-in-one platform for mobile bidding, ticketing, and donor engagement.

On this episode of the pod, Matthew and I contrast the capabilities of AI with human-centered fundraising, re-emphasizing that fundraising is rooted in emotional truth and that in-person events create a specific moment to give, allow storytelling, and restore context for donors. Matthew delves into a few tips and tricks around AI and the power it has provided him for product exploration, prototyping, and agentic coding, and how he learned early in his career that the work he would pursue would be technical with a social benefit.

Since 2002, Clickbid has raised over 200 million for over 2,000 clients across 5,000 events and they have played a central role in supporting my fundraising events over the years.

To learn more about Clickbid, visit https://try.cbo.io

As we close out 2025, it is a pleasure to welcome April Monet to The Pod of DC. April is the founder of 48x and the 48 and Forward Foundation, focused on empowering individuals to create pathways for personal growth and impact.

On this episode, April shares her unique journey coming of age as a competitive athlete in the heartland of America and the challenges she faced along the way. After injuries sidelined a once-promising collegiate basketball career, April overcame depression and found new paths in healthcare, journalism, and eventually public relations. April shares the impact of her work with professional athletes, the importance of philanthropy in her business model, the evolution of PR, and her dedication to fostering financial literacy and personal growth among her clients.

To learn more about April's inspiring story of resilience, adaptability, and commitment to success with intention, visit the48x.com.

First jobs, first homes, weddings, and watching our kids grow from birthday candles to graduation caps—our lives are shaped by the moments that stitch our stories together. And for us bicentennial Gen X’ers, the next thread in the tapestry is the big 5-0h.

On this episode of the pod, Rick reconnects with friend and former college professor Michael Mafodda — a creative thought leader and storyteller — for a conversation about his weekly Substack newsletter, A Pirate Looks at Fifty. The title nods to Jimmy Buffett’s 1998 memoir of the same name, fittingly released the same year Michael and Rick graduated from JMU.

Michael's Music Monday posts blend nostalgia with wisdom—reflections from a man who’s spent half a century growing as a husband, father, professional, and man of faith. Exploring his playlist feels like taking a heartfelt journey through time, rich with lessons and a deep sense of gratitude.

Subscribe to Michael's weekly newsletter on Substack at https://apiratelooksat50.substack.com