The Business of Giving

Kevin Krall 0:00
You're listening to locally produced programming created in KU NV studios on public radio K, u and v 91.5. You're listening to special programming sponsored by the cars marketing Chamber of Commerce. The content of this program does not reflect the views or opinions of 91.5 Jazz and more, the University of Nevada Las Vegas or the Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education.

Speaker 1 0:38
People live in Hello, everyone. And welcome to the business of giving podcast. My name is Guy Dawson and I am the Executive Director of the cause marketing Chamber of Commerce. And the business of giving podcast was developed to showcase businesses and nonprofit organizations. We at the Chamber of Commerce are all about bringing these two pillars of the community together and we celebrate the value of nonprofit organizations in for profit businesses on this show. The mission of the cause marketing Chamber of Commerce is we ignite opportunities between businesses and nonprofits for the purpose of benefiting our members and the communities we serve. Our vision is a world where social responsibility is the new bottom line, and our values, our integrity, unity, community engagement and professionalism. The month comes really quickly, it seems like I was just in the studio not very long ago. But here we are back in celebrating the New Year. Now we're into February, which is like a short a flash. But here we are back talking about nonprofits and for profit businesses. And I've got two excellent guests who are going to be in the studio today to talk about the things that they represent. As a matter of fact, both of them are going to be discussing things related to mental health. And it's interesting that, especially as a result of COVID, it seems like the the topic of mental health has been something that's been highlighted much more in the media in in society than in any time that I can ever remember over the course of my lifetime. And so in terms of the nonprofit world in the for profit world and things related to a mental state that we're dealing with, and so we're going to discuss it from both angles. today. We have a representative from a nonprofit organization mark or a debt sir, who's going to talk about it from the perspective of veterans and we have Katie Waechter, who is an advocate and huge advocate for mental health, wellness. And so she's going to be talking about different aspects from there along with her traditional business that she's involved in. Because that's what we're all about at the cause marketing, Chamber of Commerce. It's all about highlighting what you're doing in terms of your entrepreneurial or professional journey, as well as how you can bring the experiences that that you have in the business world and partner with worthy nonprofit organizations. And there are so many organizations out there that are doing great works to contribute to the community. And there's really a natural partnership. This is what we've discovered through developing this chamber over about the last seven, almost eight years, actually now that we've been working on from when we started doing events related to nonprofits and business to actually forming the cause marketing Chamber of Commerce, to the point we are now we're really starting to expand what our scope is, and but we've definitely found that there is a wonderful relationship between nonprofit organizations and for profit businesses that should be celebrated. And again, that's what we do here on this show. My first guest for today is Katie Waechter with the watch Media Group. Welcome, Katie. Hi, thank

Unknown Speaker 3:57
you for having me, Guy and happy to be here.

Speaker 1 3:59
So before we get into the mental health oriented things will you share with the audience what watch Media Group is about? Absolutely

Speaker 2 4:07
watch Media Group is we're actually a copywriting firm and a ghost writing firm. And we specialize in helping specifically mental health businesses, but also businesses in the healthcare space. And we focus on really helping them tell their stories, reach more people, and ultimately help more people because that's, that's our goal is to help businesses who are helping people,

Unknown Speaker 4:27
what got you into that business?

Speaker 2 4:29
Well, I think mental health is what got me into it. I think that anyone who's really passionate about mental health probably has a story to tell. And I'm, you know, just like that, and I have always been passionate in mental health. And I really wanted to take that and run with it. And I knew that I wasn't going to be a therapist. But I did also know that I was skilled at writing and so I wanted to combine those two, mental health and writing to ultimately help more people. I think it's important to get information out there that reaches the people who who actually are, you know, feeling mental health challenges and to give them the support that they need? And, and so that's where the passion comes in. And that's why I really like working with those organizations. Tell

Speaker 1 5:11
us how your writing is a part of this, this partnership being able to express things related to mental health with your writing? Yeah,

Speaker 2 5:20
absolutely, I would say that I'm on a mission to help mental health organizations to connect with more people to tell their stories, to reach more people and to ultimately help more people and writing is the mechanism to do that writing is the tool to make that happen. And a lot of people don't realize how important content is, these days, everyone talks about, oh, we got to do this. And we got to do that. But with every marketing effort you take, writing is an essential part of that. And the words you say, matter, and not only that, but how you say them matters. And a lot of I think other marketers or copywriters don't have that skill set in knowing, you know, there's a big difference between saying something like committed suicide versus die by suicide, and us as people as a society, we need education. And we also need support. And so the writing is that bridge, I think, to help make that happen. So

Speaker 1 6:14
what's the impact of your writing? Hope you've been doing this for a while. And when you write about mental health, how does it How does it impact people?

Speaker 2 6:23
Yeah, I think it's a really, it's a, it impacts people in a big way. One of my clients is the National Alliance for Mental Illness, the northern Nevada and the Southern Nevada chapters. And so working with nonprofits is a big part of what I do. And, and so depending on who your client is on who is saying these words, you want to make sure that, you know, it's appropriate. So Nami, I'm always fitting in with what their national standards are, and repeating those messages and making sure that it's consistent. But then on the other side of that, you know, I have my own brand, and my own passions, and I am finally getting that book done. And so writing in that area, has been, you know, a passion project for me. And ultimately, writing about anxiety is what I'm doing. Mostly now, I'm on my own, you know, projects and things like that. I would

Speaker 1 7:14
imagine that there's a lot of research that goes into these topics that you're writing about in what do you learn from that? I mean, actually, studying mental health, tell us what that process is like?

Speaker 2 7:27
Absolutely. So I have a bachelor's in psychology and a master's in information science with a focus in mental health. So all that is to say is that I know the research, I know how to study the research. And what I think is really important, a key point to remember here is that, you know, a lot of good research goes into mental health and healthcare in general. But between the research and the clinical setting, it can take 10 to 20 years before that reaches the right people. And so we can have all this research being done. And it's important to read it and to take it and digest it. But it's important to take that and to present it to people in a way that they understand. Because that's what's missing right now is the research that's being done. And the clinical setting in which it's being applied. A lot of people just go off of what they know what they learned in college, not recognizing that there is more research coming out consistently. And so a part of what I do a big part of what I do and where my passion comes in, is taking that research, making it digestible, and putting in front of the people who is really going to help. And that's that's really key, you know, if you want to, you know, everyone talks about misinformation versus saying the right thing versus disinformation in the internet is wild these days. So it's important for us as experts to make sure that what we're putting out there is correct information and is backed by research. And

Speaker 1 8:52
as I had mentioned before, Katie post COVID We have an environment that is very open to learning more about mental health people seem to be talking about this topic and a level that that I've definitely never experienced in. What's that, like for the people who are actually suffering with mental illness? Is that a good thing or a bad thing? What do you think?

Speaker 2 9:13
Yeah, that's a tricky question. I think it is a good thing in the sense that it's important that we all recognize that mental health matters. We all have mental health, like you said, these, these little stigmas, they don't need to be stigmas anymore. And and that's great in that sense. But also on the other side of things, you know, we don't want to we don't want to get so busy making mental health a trend that we forget to pick up the people who actually are suffering and so, you know, even just last month, we're in at the end of December with what happened with Twitch and that rocked the world and people were shocked that somebody who seems so happy and put together could die by suicide. And it just goes to show that you know As we talk about it, like it's a trend, but there are still people suffering through the cracks. And so it's not just on us to talk about mental health and say, It's okay to not be okay. It's also on us to reach out to the people that we love to our families, to our friends, tell them that we love them, and that we're here for them. And maybe we don't know what to say. But oftentimes, just being there for somebody who's struggling is enough. That's all they need to keep going just for that day.

Speaker 1 10:26
I guess it's great, though, to run a business like you do that encompasses something that you have such passion for. And you're such an advocate. I mean, when they talk about, you know, be in a business that you love, right, you enjoy the topic, you you're learning a lot from it, is that important to you that you're you're doing a business that's really in alignment with your values and what you're all about?

Speaker 2 10:49
Yeah, absolutely. I think when I first started business, my own business, I was essentially a copywriter, I had the passion for mental health, but I took on business from many different industries. And now that I've evolved and my business has evolved, I'm much more specific in wanting to work with mental health and healthcare businesses and, and it's because the passion is there, they give me a reason to show up and they give me a reason to try every single day and, and what's important is to get these messages out. And so these are the organizations that I love to work with, because they keep the passion really alive.

Speaker 1 11:23
Well, I've really enjoyed watching your platform evolve through the years, Katie, you and I have been friends for a long time and just to watch what you've done with this, to the point where you You're becoming a assemble really a figure in the world of, of mental health. I just think it's fantastic. And hey, just keep up the great work and how can the people get in contact with you if they want to hire you as a copywriter? Absolutely.

Speaker 2 11:47
Thank you so much for the words of encouragement. My big goal is really just to keep getting out there in the mental health community, whether it's with organizations who are clients, or not, you know, the point is to all come together and so if anybody wants to talk mental health, or copywriting or ghost writing with me, I am available you can check on my website at watch media group.com You can email me at Katie K T ie at watch media group.com And give me a call 702-338-7358 and thanks again guys. I'm really grateful to be here.

Speaker 1 12:18
Thanks for being a part of the show Katie and again, mental health from this perspective of copywriting and being able to write about it is something that most of us probably don't even think about. But getting the word out about how to that you know the importance of advocacy for for good mental health is so important and keep just keep doing what you're doing. Katie the cause marketing chambers got a couple of events that are coming up in February, we have our cause and business education series. That's our online event that we host on the third Tuesday of every month this month. It happens to be the 21st of February from 6pm to 7pm. These events are excellent opportunities for you to learn about specific industries. We've had people from nonprofit organizations, tax experts, financial experts, marketers, cars, marketing experts. And so yes, if you want more information about the cars and business education series event on the 21st of February from 6pm to 7pm, visit the website cause marketing chamber.com. All of our events are always available on that website. Also our monthly mixer event is on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 6pm to 8pm. And cause marketing Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer always features a nonprofit organization. It is a traditional networking event with a twist in that we have a deserving nonprofit organization that comes and does a presentation during the event that we host and the nonprofit that will be featured at the event that we're going to have on the 28th of February is called the fresh Foundation. And they're a nonprofit that supports combining youth sports with academics a lot of the things that they're doing is using all of the things that you learn being in athletics the discipline, the the camaraderie, the teamwork, taking those principles in teaching young people how they can apply them to their academic lives and so we're, they're very big on most athletes are not going to be in a professional ranks. Very few people are going to be LeBron James or, or Tom Brady. But academically, you being prepared for the world that we live in as a young person is really important. So we're looking forward to the fresh foundation being a nonprofit that we feature at the cause marketing Chamber of Commerce monthly mixer and that is going to be on February the 28th in Big B's barbecue on Fort Apache. And again if you want more information about the event that's coming up, please visit our website cause marketing chamber.com and have another good friend who is runs a nonprofit organization, actually that was featured at one of our mixer events. He is Mark Gora debt, sir. And he is with rec therapy, barbecue for mental health. He does a lot of great things for veterans and their struggles with mental health. Welcome to the show, Mark.

Speaker 3 15:17
Thanks, guys. Good to see you. I'm glad we were finally able to make this happen. We've been working on this for a little while.

Speaker 1 15:22
Yes, I've been trying to get you in the studio for a long time. And I'm glad that we were able to make it, put it together. Same here, same here, look, looking

Unknown Speaker 15:29
forward to it.

Unknown Speaker 15:30
Tell us about your organization.

Speaker 3 15:33
Well, rec therapy barbecue for mental health actually started back in 2001. I had been previously with a couple other veteran organizations, but it got to the point to get a little bit older. And if I don't go ahead and do something that I really wanted to do, then, you know, may regret it. So founded this organization really with a goal of being an advocate for mental health. But one of the biggest things, though, is helping bridge the gap between veterans, military and civilians. Mental health does not pick and choose, it doesn't matter whether you served overseas, or if you know, you're working at a convenience store, whether you're 65 years old, or 14 years old. And by doing this, I was able to work and meet a lot of amazing people. But the other thing too, though, is getting to know people, veterans and military families is right there is that they have families, and they are not technically in the military. So give us a chance to expand a little bit more, you know, really go ahead and take a look because you figure too, if you're deployed, whether it's you know, mom or dad, somebody is back home, they'd be with the kids, they are definitely dealing with the mental health just as much as the person who has been deployed.

Speaker 1 16:52
And of course, post traumatic stress syndrome has become a popular phrase on so many fronts. I know, as a younger person, I always associated it with serving in the military. And now it's used for a lot of things beyond just military service, but is that a lot of the tie ins to the mental health issues that veterans have? Is it PTSD?

Speaker 3 17:16
I mean, certainly PTSD is a is a big part of things. But the other thing too, and again, you talked a little bit before about the pandemic. And we know an awful lot of things change. But I think two is where something's changed in regard to mental health. A lot of things started falling under one umbrella before we will be talking about suicide prevention. But you still also had domestic violence, whether it was verbal, domestic abuse, opioids, any type of drug addiction. And if I got to the point where I think we put everything under one umbrella, just trying to focus on one particular thing, there are plenty times you're going to miss some people. So you know, this way, we're able to have conversations with people find out what it is that they need, you know, again, because it's certainly the chance of missing and reaching some people that if they think okay, the only thing that they're talking about is domestic violence, verbal, okay, then they really don't worry too much about domestic violence where someone actually hits me, or opioid addiction. And again, there's so many other you know, other small things. You know, we've heard so much about young kids vaping. You know, there are a lot of things that definitely will tie into the mental health. Yes, PTSD is one of it. But, you know, trying to narrow down any type of particular things. It's not so easy. So for me, I'm glad that we did. What all those things under one umbrella. But like I said, I think it definitely lets people know that okay. It all is part of mental health, and get if you have a question, somebody should be there to be able to give the answer.

Speaker 1 19:06
And veterans are definitely one of the most underserved communities in our society. And of course, I've talked to a lot of veterans about things related to mental health. And for a lot of them, they say it's just hard to communicate what's going on with him with other people. And so I guess with your organization, you're creating an environment that allows them to be able to, to express themselves is that part of what you do with your nonprofit? A

Speaker 3 19:34
little bit. One of the things that that I've been fortunate about is the organizations that I've been involved with have been very open, willing to do the things that we want to do. I know for me, one of the biggest things is you need to stay active, you need to get out of the house, you need to do things with your family. And again, just because there was so many different groups out here, and I know for me now living in Vegas, as far as I'm concerned, I can go outside every day. I lived in Chicago for 24 years. No, I cannot go outside every single day. You know, so there really aren't too many excuses where you can't get out and go ahead and do things, you can get people out doing things together. And there are a lot of people that I know are very comfortable. When there were the appears, well, there was other people that certainly can relate, you know, to what they're doing. But the other part of it, though, too, is that when they get together, they all want to have a good time. But if there is that one person, that someone may be to identify and think you know, what, some just doesn't take? Guy just seems a little bit off today. I want to pull them over to the side. We're gonna have a little chat. Okay, yep, he's got a stomach bug, he's fine. Nope, he's got something else going on, then we're gonna need a little bit of chat. So it's great that as a community, there are a lot of the men and women out there, who are we looking out for each other? Well, like I said to is one things that we're trying to do is now try to get also civilians to understand a little bit more, because like I said to, it's not just the veteran community, but it always is good to know that if you're in a room with somebody, like I said, whether they're military veterans, whomever, if they seem to be like, maybe they're in crisis, okay, do you know what those signs are? Can you help them out, because like I said, a lot of people are just too stubborn. They're too proud. They do not want to let their guard down to say, you know, what, I've, I've got a problem, I need to do something. So sometimes some people need just that little bit of, you know, that, that imaginary hug, where someone can say, hey, I'm here for you, let's talk.

Speaker 1 21:45
And I know you host a lot of events, that seems to be a big part barbecues and otherwise, and tell me some of the feedback that you get from the vets as a result of these events that you put on,

Speaker 3 21:55
it's always positive. Like I said, a lot of stuff that we're doing is, you know, primarily outdoors, people get to hang out. And when we're doing our events for for my organization, it's not about us, making money. It's about us giving back, but doesn't when we do events, and whether it's our people cooking serving, a lot of the folks who helped me are actually veterans. And it's keeping again, it's busy hands, busy minds, we're all having a good time. You know, where we're out. And, you know, we're socializing. And that's really what what it all comes down to. The other part of it too is though, is I've been very fortunate and working with the Henderson silver knights in the G League, Ignite basketball, who have been phenomenal partners, where I think since November, we brought about 200, veterans and their families, to different hockey games and basketball games. And that'll continue with the end of March with the Arena Football. So you know, if we know that we have opportunities, to get the families out to spend some quality time to get all these people get, get them away, you know, turn the TV off, turn the phone off, stay off your social media, stay off the news, and hang out and have a good time. The the feedback is always is always great. I mean, we'll always have somebody who will say to us that you know what, I don't typically like going to a sporting event. But what's nice dollar loan center, it's a small arena. And we've had people say to us, this is great. When's the next game? When can I come again? So you know, this way? Now we know, okay, we've got our own little mental list here of some other people. And the feedback that we get is, is is always great. And you know, that just really helps us and drives us to say, okay, what can we do next? What's the other group that we need to find? Who are the people out to because we know the other thing too, from being an advocate for mental health? As an organization, we know, there's only so many people that we're going to reach. But you know, if we're able to work with other people, and they can see that, you know, what, yeah, this does work. Well, hopefully, they can tell some other people or maybe they know some people that do need to get out and say, you know, what, this group is having this group, this group is having that. But I think the other thing where I've been very fortunate, just the organizations that I've worked with, we just developed some really, really nice partnerships. And we all know what's what's going on with different things in the community. So that certainly helps. Well, it was great

Speaker 1 24:24
to see the business community come out and support the event that we did with your nonprofit recently, Mark. And I mean, that's really what it's all about. We love it when we get a room full of people that get to hear the story about a nonprofit that's really contributing to the community. I'm sure there's a lot of people out there that maybe have never heard of your nonprofit, but by them being able to participate. Right, it puts you in a position to get volunteer supporters from the community and so yeah, we we thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to present your nonprofit that Good. Yeah,

Speaker 3 25:00
it was it was great. Um, and especially told me no, we talked about a lot of things that we talked, you know, regarding these with mental health and no shameless plug. But, you know, when I had reached out to big Beasley our friends of mine, it's a small business. And, you know, trying to survive a small business during COVID. I can't even imagine the stress, you know, that anybody wouldn't, you know, would have gone through. So there's a lot out there. Yeah, that's part of our focus with the chamber. While we always try to do these events at at restaurants or local businesses, mark is, like you said, it's,

Speaker 1 25:37
you know, we have to contribute to our community by supporting businesses in our community. And so yeah, it was great, Big B's, the food was excellent. And we've actually got our next event as a direct result of us connecting with you over there at Big B's to support them even more. And so for for a veteran out there who might be in despair right now that's listening to this radio broadcast, what would you say to them? How can your organization help them?

Speaker 3 26:07
I think a lot of things we've just, you know, developed a really good list of resources. And like I said, we know that there are some people who have, you know, a friend that they can reach out to to get some assist. But I've also learned over time, that not being a veteran, sometimes people almost find that a little bit easier and contacting me, I think that you know, okay, I don't want you know, you know, somebody maybe who I served with or another veteran, but, you know, I do have the resources. I don't have all the answers to all sorts of questions, but I think I know where to find them. And I said, I've been very fortunate as a person, I did not serve. But my connection with the veteran community. And where I understand the mental health side of it is, I'm a suicide attempt survivor. So I've been in a place where many of those folks have been. And that's really, you know, I think you know, how our relationship developed, I think, you know, that's why they're comfortable and talking to me. But the veteran community also came my safe place because they understood where I was. So, yep, I've definitely had many people who have reached out to me, I receive text messages at 230 in the morning, phone calls at six in the morning, whatever time that it may be. And you know what, whatever I need to do, you know, to address whatever situation that they're in, we're going to make it happen. And

Speaker 1 27:31
you've got a couple of events coming up, you want to make some announcements about those, see if we can get someone to some people to come and support it.

Speaker 3 27:38
Well, I think the really the next big one that we have is on March 3, is we are working with the G league Ignite, where it's salute our veterans, and tickets are going to be $11, buy one get one free. However, it's a certain QR code and a certain Fievel link. And it is on our Facebook and Instagram, Rex therapy barbecue. But people can also reach me by email, at rec therapy, barbecue, it's our EQ therapy bbq@gmail.com, I can certainly send them the link to that. And other things too, in April, I believe is going to be April 8, we're going to be doing a must have the Military Child, that information is not yet with the arena football for the Las Vegas Nighthawks who also play over at the dollar loan center. So those are a couple of big things. And again, what I like about dose Sure, its veterans, its military, its families, its people out and about, we do have several other games that we will be offering tickets to for the G league night in the silver knights that that we have done over time. And if you think that you have an organization, you know, that you might be interested or want to know, again, just how we can get you into a game, you know, by all means, email, the website, Rex therapy bbq.com, and my cell is 702-466-4143.

Speaker 1 29:10
Well keep up the great work that you do and for the community mark, and again, there's a large veteran population here in Las Vegas and all over the country, if not the world, and I'm sure there are plenty of people that can benefit from the therapeutic efforts of of working with an organization like yours, so yep, just phenomenal work, marking keep doing the good work that you're doing. Thanks. I

Unknown Speaker 29:33
appreciate it. Thanks for your support.

Speaker 1 29:34
Good. Ya know, again, I want to encourage everyone to go to our website cause marketing Chamber of Commerce, if you'd like to become a member, we're really an organization that is growing and embracing people becoming a part of the things that we're doing. We have membership opportunities for people who are in business or nonprofit organizations as well as membership opportunities for people who are not who join as individuals. That's one of the things that makes us unique amongst Chambers of Commerce is that we offer this specific membership that can be for a person who just wants to be in our space. Maybe they want to get into volunteerism, maybe they are just someone who really supports nonprofits, you can actually be a part of a chamber of commerce without being a nonprofit business or a for profit business. And so for more information about how to join the Chamber of Commerce, visit our website, cause marketing chamber.com, you can push a button, go on and sign up. We'd love to have you as a member. We also want to encourage you to follow us on all of our social media platforms. We have a Twitter, Facebook, Instagram LinkedIn page and we're also in the development right now of a YouTube page the business of giving podcast and we're going to be having our audios and videos up there and a much much more was in the works right now. You can also find us on SoundCloud under the the business of giving and so again grateful to the University of Nevada Las Vegas que un V 91.5 for allowing us to bring you the business of giving podcast and if I want to encourage you to do anything and that is go out there and do business for good.

Unknown Speaker 31:37
The weight of the world on my shoulder. As I'm getting older your people gets older. Most of us only care about money.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai