We’re honored to share that Sweet Oak Collaborative, Inc. and our founder, Esther Miranda, were recently mentioned on the February 10 episode of Blake Talks Good, a podcast hosted by Blake Jennings.
For those who may not know the show, Blake Talks Good is a podcast focused on helping individuals, nonprofits, churches, and community leaders think more deeply and act more effectively when it comes to serving others. Hosted by Blake Jennings—founder of OnRamp and a longtime nonprofit leader—the podcast explores what it means to turn compassion into action and make a measurable difference in the lives of others. Blake brings years of hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership, community partnerships, and service-driven work, making this a thoughtful and practical listen for anyone who cares about meaningful impact.
The February 10 episode features Chris Field, whose words about Esther and the work of Sweet Oak left many in our community deeply moved. For those who know Esther, it’s no surprise. Her work has long inspired the people around her—not because she seeks attention, but because she consistently shows up, listens, and helps where help is needed most.
What People Are Saying
Mary Walker, SOC Vice President
“This is a great podcast for anybody who wants to live a life of meaning and purpose. Chris Field is the guest on Blake’s podcast, and I can’t say how proud and thrilled I am that Chris gave a wonderful shout-out to a nonprofit I support financially and by volunteering: Sweet Oak Collaborative, Inc. Sweet Oak figures out what needs to be done and just gets it done—no fanfare, no huge non-transparent budget, just a bunch of volunteers who do what it takes, often taking up where other nonprofits stop. I’m also proud to call Esther Miranda, Sweet Oak’s founder, a friend. I love the great things Chris had to say about her.”
JoAnn Willis, The NEST (Collaboration Partner)
“Our own Esther Miranda from Sweet Oak Collaborative is mentioned in this podcast about 13 minutes in. She is such a great inspiration to many of us in the nonprofit world. She’s helped me in so many ways. It’s an honor to call her friend.”
A Note from Esther Miranda
“I am beyond speechless.
I simply cannot find the words to say thank you enough, but I will find a way.On behalf of Sweet Oak Collaborative, Inc., thank you both for shining a light our way.
For those who may not know: Blake was instrumental—pivotal, really—in my decision to found a nonprofit. A conversation over a cup of coffee at Sweet Eugene’s convinced me it was possible, that I must do it… and he helped me do it. Because he is one of those very rare people who doesn’t just talk the talk, but truly walks the walk.
And while I have two of Chris’s books on my shelf, I had only met him once—about a week ago. We were at a meeting. He said nothing, just nodded and smiled, and I whispered, ‘Hey, it’s great to finally meet you,’ and gave him a hug.
So you can understand why the generosity of his words—for three full minutes of this podcast—left me speechless.
I’m not going to tell you which three minutes, because I want everyone reading this to listen to the entire podcast. It is so good, and it is so important.
Our community is beyond blessed to have these two icons—pillars of good, leaders with servant hearts—helping move us forward.
Let us not get to 80 years old and wonder whether our lives, and what we did with them, mattered.”
Listen to the Episode
You can listen to the February 10 episode of Blake Talks Good here:
Spotify: Blake Talks Good episode link
Recognition is never the goal. The work is.
But when people who have spent their lives building real, meaningful impact pause to name the work of Sweet Oak Collaborative, it matters.
Not because it flatters us.
Because it confirms what this community already knows:
Quiet, practical, relentless compassion changes lives.