Grow Wild Creative

It’s !! And we’ve got a special episode focused on all things nonprofit, philanthropy, and giving back.

I'm chatting with Jonathan Barona, Chief Fiscal Sponsorship Program Officer at Movement Strategy Center on all things philanthropy!
We dive into how the our traditional way of giving back is highly flawed—typically excluding the people it claims to “help.”

We talk Patagonia’s Legacy Giving, and whether or not that white CEO should quit—and whole lot more.

Say it louder for people in the back. 👏🏻

*xandmentalhealth

I’m really excited about the next podcast to come out about mental heal—particularly for men.

I found out I had OCD only a few months ago. But have likely been living with it for decades. (Decades!) I thought OCD meant I needed a clean house or to make sure things were in their proper places. I have never been that type of person.

The diagnosis didn’t stop the disorder, but it has given me the awareness and tools to quickly pull myself back to the present, without obsessing over my worries.

Men are even less likely to seek mental healthcare, which is why I’m excited about Grow Wild’s next pod. Stay tuned. 👀

In the latest episode, I'm talking with Karyn Wittmeyer, s*x therapist and non-monogamy advocate about all things non-monogamy. From the common (mis)perceptions of this particular orientation, and how monogamous folks can advocate for their non-monogamous friends.

Karyn is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist and a s*x therapist that focuses on nonmonogamous and q***r relationships and clients. She has also just started an educational course on helping people develop their nonmonogamy skills that comes from her many years of experience of being nonmonogamous and working with nonmonogamous clients.

Link in bio! Or you can listen on and

***rcouple ***r ***ridentity

🪞If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought “wow I’m so fat.” This podcast is for you.

✨I’m talking with about all things fat joy! And about the systems that prevent both fat folks and straight-sized folks from living a joyful life in their body.

👏🏻 And thanks to the amazing for all his behind-the-scenes work to make this podcast sound as beautiful as the conversation is!

I feel incredibly proud that Grow Wild Creative was able to be a small part of the Austin Business Women of the Year Awards, hosted by this year.

Once upon a time, I was involved more heavily in the Austin philanthropic scene. I attended (and helped plan) fundraisers, appreciation events, and networking meetups.

I ultimately left the entire sector for a different opportunity. These types of events, where affluent people sponsor and grant to the 'less fortunate' never felt right. Something felt off, but I really couldn't articulate it then.

No matter what our communications said, the subtext was present throughout every event...it was always about power over others vs. power with others.

But ABW was different.

From the thoughtful way, they presented awards, to their nomination and voting process. And even to the accessible sponsorship levels, so small businesses like mine could support --they are clear about being in power with others.

Last night, I felt in power with women in Austin. I felt proud to be a part of this community. And I cannot wait to be a part of it for years to come.

Congrats to all the winners! Felicia Reed, , , ! So so so deserved! 🔥

And thank you to my beautiful friends and for joining me! Y'all made it so much more fun. ❤️

When I first heard the song ‘Wildflowers’ I was floored.

How can one metaphor about some flowers articulate how I felt so deeply?

She’s magic. That’s how.

The song was eventually the inspiration for Grow Wild…because I help companies grow and I believe growing wild is all about authenticity, courage, and trust.

Just like that song.

Thank you, Dolly. For being an American treasure and for always sharing your light.

If you haven’t heard the song, go listen right now!

Just your friendly reminder to stop using the word "really" in your writing.

What other words should avoid?

(And like everything, there are always exceptions to the rules. Yes, really).

SEO still matters, a lot.

It is a bit of a unicorn.🦄 In that it’s challenging to test (like say A/B testing on an email). But SEO undoubtedly helps drive people to your website without needing to fuel tons of money into ads.

It’s a slow burn, just like a good ole Texas brisket, you can’t rush it. 🤠

Corporate isn’t about “gifting” donations to organizations. 🚫🎁

🌏 Private sector companies often profess that they’re “changing the world,” and “saving lives,” but the reality is, that the private sector and corporations weren’t designed to change the world.

We are designed to make a profit. 🤑

Nonprofits and public organizations were made to make a big impact in the world, but the private sector has stripped a lot of power from these entities, promising that they can do a better job at making the world better.

I don’t believe that.

I believe companies should give up, not give back.

Grow Wild Creative gives 5% of our gross profits to Austin Bat Cave -- an organization that empowers students to find their voices and tell their stories through creative writing programs.

I give up 5% because it is a part of my philosophy that philanthropy should be baked into our operating expenses, not gifted with our excess profits.

shouldn't be a company's way of laundering its reputation by marketing its "social good."

Instead, companies should partner with, (instead of power over) organizations that are actually...making the world a better, more equitable place. ❤️🌎

Learn more about Austin Bat Cave and Grow Wild's CSR philosophy: 👇🏻

https://growwildatx.com/corporate-social-responsibility/

Giving Up 5% of Gross Income - Grow Wild Creative 5% of my gross profits go directly to student writing programs. Corporate social responsibility isn't about giving back, it's giving up to create an equitable future.

I have one due today and my eye is already twitching.