Meant for More – Karen Olson on Compassion, Purpose, and Social Change

Apr 1, 2025

On this episode of Free Thinking with Montel, we sit down with Karen Olson, a true trailblazer in social advocacy and the founder of Family Promise, a national nonprofit dedicated to uplifting homeless and low-income families. Karen shares her remarkable personal story—from the childhood loss of her mother to a chance encounter with a homeless woman that forever changed her life. Through compassion, resilience, and an unwavering drive, Karen built a national movement of over 200,000 volunteers, helping more than a quarter of a million people annually. We explore the pressing issue of family homelessness, discuss the systemic reforms needed to address it, and talk about how anyone can make an extraordinary impact through small acts of kindness. Karen also opens up about her life-changing accident, her continued advocacy, and the lessons in gratitude and resilience that fuel her every day. If you’ve ever wondered how you can find meaning, overcome adversity, or contribute to creating a better world, this conversation is for you. Tune in and be inspired to discover your own purpose.

📖 Karen’s book, Meant for More, is available now and provides a powerful blueprint for living a life of compassion, connection, and impact. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to make a difference in your community.