
The Charity Show
Tim Beynon and Piers Townley
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Top 10 The Charity Show Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Charity Show episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Charity Show for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Charity Show episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

07/22/24 • 48 min
What makes a great charity leader—and why is strategy so vital for success? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley explore the power of strong leadership and planning in the nonprofit sector.
Featuring special guest Vicki Beevers, Chief Executive of The Sleep Charity and winner ofStrategic Leader of the Year, this episode covers:
- Vicki’s journey from teaching to founding The Sleep Charity
- The biggest challenges of leading a charity and why strategy is key to long-term success
- The dangers charities face without a clear vision and plan
- Highlights from the Bank of England charity auction, where new £20 notes featuring King Charles III raised substantial funds
- Incredible fundraising stories, including a firefighter tackling an ultra-marathon on a treadmill while watchingFireman Sam, and brave skydivers jumping for charity
Whether you’re a charity leader, fundraiser, or just love hearing inspiring stories from the sector, this episode is packed with insights and advice.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow and leave a five-star review to help more people discoverThe Charity Show.
#CharityPodcast #CharityShow #CharityExperts #NonprofitLeadership #CharityStrategy #FundraisingStories #SocialImpact
Get in touch with the show
-Send us a message: https://tr.ee/OvwtI-oDvJ
Email us:[email protected]
-Send us a voice message: https://tr.ee/zMWg00GiKG
Check out our episode poll on Spotify
Leave us a comment or review
Chapters
(00:00) Hello and welcome
(01:36) Busy times and auction house shocker
(08:40) News headlines
(13:31) Introducing Vicki Beevers - The Sleep Charity
(14:51) Vicki's background
(16:28) Strategic leader of the year award
(21:04) Dangers of not having a clear strategy
(22:12) What is strategic drift?
(24:25) How do you get your staff and your teams to live by your strategy
(30:26) What qualities do you think are necessary to be a strategic leader in charity
(33:53) Strategy and change
(38:08) Inspiration
(39:16) Do you worry about whether you're doing a good job as charity leader?
(43:35) Superstars of the week
(47:49) Get involved in the show
Featured Charities:
-The Fire Fighters Charity: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/
-The Brain Tumour Charity: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/
-The Sleep Charity:https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/
-The Charity Digital Skills Report: https://charitydigitalskills.co.uk/
Vicki Beevers, Chief Executive, The Sleep Charity
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicki-beevers-43094325/
Full episode transcript:
Read here:https://thecharityshowtranscripts.blogspot.com/2024/07/episode-6-full-transcript.html
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Send in a voice message: https://tr.ee/zMWg00GiKG
Note from Tim and Piers
All views expressed in this podcast are entirely our own, as are the dodgy dad jokes!

08/19/24 • 37 min
Welcome to this special highlights episode of The Charity Show! Hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley are taking a well-deserved break, but we've got a treat for you as we look back at some of the best moments from season one.
In this episode, we revisit some of the most inspiring stories and insightful discussions that have graced our show. From the incredible fundraising efforts of Alex Staniforth, founder of Mind Over Mountains, to Richard Jain's expert insights on rebranding for Brainkind, and Sarah White's journey of starting SuperShoes from her kitchen table, this episode is packed with highlights.
We also delve into the evolving landscape of AI in the Charity sector with Zoe Amar, and hear from Katie Docherty, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, about the current state of fundraising amidst the cost of living crisis. Plus, we get the inside scoop on the voluntary sector manifesto with Saskia Koynenburg from NCVO.
Join us as we celebrate the incredible guests and stories that have made season one unforgettable. And don't forget, we'll be back with season two on 16 September. Until then, enjoy your summer and stay inspired!
Get in touch with the show
Send us a message: https://tr.ee/OvwtI-oDvJ
Send us a voice message: https://tr.ee/zMWg00GiKG
Check out our episode poll on Spotify
Leave us a comment or review
Chapters
(00:00) Welcome
(01:30) Looking back at Season 1
(02:58) Alex Staniforth: Mind over Mountains
(09:01) Richard Jane, Brainkind
(13:34) Sarah White, SuperShoes
(18:25) Zoe Amar, AI and charities
(22:46) Katie Docherty, CIOF
(27:22) Vicki Beevers, Strategic Leader of The Year
(31:09) Saskia Koynenburg, NCVO
(37:06) We'll be back!
Featured Charities:
Mind Over Mountains: https://www.mindovermountains.org.uk/
Brainkind: https://www.brainkind.org.uk/
Super Shoes: https://www.supershoes.org.uk/
The Chartered Institute of Fundraising: https://ciof.org.uk/
NCVO: https://www.ncvo.org.uk/
Full episode transcript:
Read here: https://thecharityshowtranscripts.blogspot.com/2024/08/season-1-highlights-show-full-transcript.html
Note from Tim and Piers
All views expressed in this podcast are entirely our own, as are the dodgy dad jokes!

06/10/24 • 47 min
How do small charities create a big impact? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley speak with Sarah White, Chief Executive of Supershoes, about the journey of a volunteer-driven charity that crafts custom-designed shoes for children undergoing cancer treatment. Sarah shares how a simple act of kindness grew into a national organisation and highlights the vital role of volunteers in making a difference.
This episode also covers:
- The Fire Fighters Charity receiving Royal patronage from King Charles
- The Brain Tumour Charity’s £1 million milestone with Wickes
- The incredible legacy of Rob Burrow and the groundbreaking of the Rob Burrow Centre for MND
- Project Giving Back at the Chelsea Flower Show, supporting UK charities through garden displays
- This week’s Superstars: Nihar Kandakar, a dedicated volunteer for The Wolfpack Project, and Shilpa Sheddev, who skydived for Leukaemia UK
Tune in to hear inspiring stories of resilience, creativity, and the power of volunteers in the charity sector.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow and leave a five-star review to help more people discoverThe Charity Show.
#CharityPodcast #CharityShow #CharityExperts #Volunteering #SmallButMighty #MakingADifference #Fundraising
Get in touch with the show
-Send us a message: https://tr.ee/OvwtI-oDvJ
Email us:[email protected]
-Send us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCharityShow
Answer our episode question on Spotify
Check out our episode poll on Spotify
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(00:53) Welcome to the show
(04:01) Coming up
(08:33) This week's news: Rob Burrow and Chelsea Flower Show
(11:36) Project Giving Back
(15:20) Supershoes
(16:26) Welcome Sarah, CEO of Supershoes
(19:22) Early days of Supershoes
(20:51) Supershoes' volunteer model
(31:02) The power of being a small charity
(34:51) Working with partners
(39:33) The future of Supershoes
(42:05) Advice to others
(43:19) This week's Superstars
(46:36) Coming soon
Featured Charities:
-The Fire Fighters Charity: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/
-The Brain Tumour Charity: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/
-Supershoes: https://www.supershoes.org.uk/
-Leukaemia UK: https://www.leukaemiauk.org.uk/
-The Wolfpack Project: https://www.thewolfpackproject.org.uk/
-Project Giving Back: https://www.givingback.org.uk/
https://www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk/
-Motor Neurone Disease Association
https://www.mndassociation.org/
https://www.bowelresearchuk.org/
https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/
Full episode transcript:
-Read here: https://thecharityshowtranscripts.blogspot.com/2024/06/episode-3-full-transcript.html
Note from Tim and Piers
All views expressed...

05/27/24 • 46 min
How can a rebrand transform a charity’s future? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley explore the complexities of charity rebranding with Richard Jane, Director of External Affairs at Brainkind. Richard shares the strategic journey from The Disabilities Trust to Brainkind, revealing the key decisions behind the change, the role of stakeholder engagement, and how to balance legacy with a fresh identity.
This episode also covers:
- The power of rebranding and how it can redefine a charity’s trajectory
- The hidden costs ofnot rebranding and why change can be a crucial investment
- The inspiring fundraising feats of nine-year-old Arthur Middleton, who took on a mountainous challenge, and 107-year-old Joan Willett, whose determination has inspired thousands
Tune in to hear expert insights on rebranding, the importance of community involvement, and the incredible stories of fundraisers making a difference.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow and leave a five-star review to help more people discoverThe Charity Show.
#CharityPodcast #CharityShow #CharityExperts #Rebranding #Fundraising #CharityLeadership #MakingADifference
Get in touch with the show
- Send us a message:https://tr.ee/OvwtI-oDvJ
- Email us:[email protected]
- Send us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCharityShow
- Answer our episode question on Spotify
- Check out our episode poll on Spotify
Episode Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:53) Welcome to episode two
(02:20) Mental Health Awareness Week
(03:46) Coming up
(07:09) If you were a brand...
(09:13) Jelly Babies and Help for Heroes
(11:36) Rebranding - Richard Jane, Brainkind
(14:52) Introducing Brainkind
(17:51) Why rebrand from The Disabilities Trust?
(19:51) Consulting with staff and beneficiaries
(25:49) Sticking points along the way
(28:05) Rollout
(30:16) Working with an agency
(33:12) Impact of the rebrand
(37:35) Advice for others
(38:57) Superstars of the week
(45:08) Coming soon
Featured Charities:
- The Fire Fighters Charity: https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/
- The Brain Tumour Charity: https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/
- British Heart Foundation: https://www.bhf.org.uk/
- Brainkind: https://www.brainkind.org/
- Help for Heroes:https://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/
- Mental Health Foundation:https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/
- Horatio's Garden:https://www.horatiosgarden.org.uk/
Full episode transcript:
Note from Tim and Piers
All views expressed in this podcast are entirely our own, as are the dodgy dad jokes!

Charity apprenticeships, AI in nonprofit Work, and fundraising trends – with Laura Thurlow BEM
The Charity Show
09/30/24 • 44 min
How can charities make the most of government-funded apprenticeships—and what’s the future of AI in the nonprofit sector? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley explore the latest opportunities and challenges facing the charity world.
Featuring special guest Laura Thurlow BEM, former charity CEO and apprenticeship expert, this episode covers:
- Over 700 apprenticeship opportunities available to charities
- How AI is transforming the nonprofit sector—both its potential and its risks
- Why some charities consistently raise more than others and what fundraisers can learn
- The latest third-sector news and updates
- The inspiring journey of Dr. Catherine Pointer, a leukaemia survivor supported by the Little Princess Trust, now a cancer researcher funded by the charity
If you’re interested in charity innovation, fundraising success, or sector-wide opportunities, this episode is packed with practical insights.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow and leave a five-star review to help more people discover The Charity Show.
#CharityPodcast #CharityShow #CharityExperts #NonprofitApprenticeships #AIinCharity #FundraisingSuccess #CharityInnovation
Chapters:
- 00:00 Welcome to Episode 10
- 01:44 Charity sector updates from the last two weeks
- 06:56 Listener voice messages
- 07:31 Apprenticeship opportunities in the charity sector
- 09:38 AI technology in charity work
- 10:25 Charity news and inspiring stories
- 15:39 Interview with Laura Thurlow BEM
- 17:41 Government-funded apprenticeships and how charities can benefit
- 23:29 Smaller charities and apprenticeship programs
- 32:29 Laura Thurlow’s career and Queen’s Honours List
- 37:32 How to apply for apprenticeship programs
- 39:31 Superstars of the week
Featured Charities and Guests:
- Laura Thurlow, Charity Apprenticeship Advocate (LinkedIn)
- The JGA Group
- Little Princess Trust:Supporting children with cancer and funding cancer research
- Anthony Nolan UK:Saving lives through stem cell donations
- Young Gloucestershire: Supporting young people in need
- Donkey Sanctuary: Caring for donkeys and promoting animal welfare
- Women’s Aid,Refuge,IDAS,Safe Lives: Domestic abuse support charities
Get involved:
- Email us: [email protected]
- Send us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCharityShow
- Send us a written message: https://tr.ee/OvwtI-oDvJ
- Check out our episode poll on Spotify
- Leave us a comment or review
Full episode transcript:
- Read the full transcript here: https://thecharityshowtranscripts.blogspot.com/2024/10/episode-10-full-transcript.html
Note from Tim and Piers
All views expressed in this podcast are entirely our own, as are the dodgy dad jokes!

Parkrun's 20th Anniversary, Unclaimed Gift Aid, and Comedy in Charity - with Garrett Millerick
The Charity Show
10/14/24 • 52 min
How has Parkrun grown into a global movement with over 10 million runners and nearly a million volunteers? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley celebrate 20 years of Parkrun, exploring its incredible impact on health, community, and charitable giving.
Key topics in this episode:
- The £560 million in unclaimed Gift Aid every year—how charities can take action
- Special guest Garrett Millerick, comedian and writer ofDo Gooders, on blending comedy with sensitive charity topics in his BBC Radio 4 sitcom
- The rising cost of stamps and its impact on charity Christmas card fundraising
- Honouring the legacy of Neil Dickson and his contributions to The Brain Tumour Charity
Whether you’re a fundraiser, charity leader, or simply love a good story about community impact, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow and leave a five-star review to help more people discover The Charity Show.
#CharityPodcast #CharityShow #CharityExperts #Parkrun #GiftAid #DoGooders #Fundraising #CommunityImpact
Chapters
(00:00) Welcome to the show
(01:39) Smiley Charity Film Awards and a legacy to remember
(06:05) What is the best sitcom?
(09:24) News: The price of stamps and missing GiftAid
(10:59) Parkrun turns 20
(15:39) Garrett Millerick: Do Gooders, the third sector and comedy
(47:01) Superstars of the week: Pothole disappointment and lifetime supporter
(50:41) Coming soon
Featured Charities and Guest Links:
- Garrett Millerick - Links to his socials, shows and everything you could need
- Do Gooders on BBC Sounds
- Sophie Kinsella's new book, What Does It Feel Like?
- Parkrun: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/
- RNLI: https://www.rnli.org/
- Wiltshire Air Ambulance: https://www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/
Get involved:
- Email us: [email protected]
- Send us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCharityShow
- Send us a written message: https://tr.ee/OvwtI-oDvJ
- Check out our episode poll on Spotify
- Leave us a comment or review
Full episode transcript:
Note from Tim and Piers
All views expressed in this podcast are entirely our own, as are the dodgy dad jokes!

12/09/24 • 51 min
What does it take to lead some of the UK’s biggest charities? In this episode of The Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with Chris Sherwood, outgoing CEO of the RSPCA, as he reflects on his leadership journey and his next big challenge at the NSPCC.
Chris shares insights on:
- The rewards and challenges of leading major charities
- Why mentoring matters in the charity sector
- His transition from animal welfare to child protection and what he hopes to achieve at the NSPCC
Also in this episode:
- The Santa in the City run, where thousands of Santas took to the streets for charity
- A young schoolboy’s epic fundraising challenge—running the entire Cornish coastal path
- How Google Street View & Whizz-Kidz are making the London Underground more accessible for wheelchair users
Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with one of the sector’s most experienced leaders.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow and leave a five-star review to help more people discover The Charity Show.
#CharityPodcast #CharityShow #CharityExperts #NonprofitLeadership #Mentoring #Fundraising
Chapters
(00:00) Coming up in Episode 15
(01:23) Hello and welcome
(07:25) Introducing Chris Sherwood
(08:40) Chris's early charity career
(11:07) Becoming Chief Exec at Relate
(14:42) What qualities make a good Chief Exec?
(16:45) The importance of a good mentor
(21:02) Third sector news
(23:33) Controversies
(28:36) Chris Sherwood - Part 2
(32:41) Leading through the pandemic
(35:20) Moving on to NSPCC
(42:46) Balancing work and life
(44:45) Relaxing
(46:04) Superstars of the week
Featured Charities and Guest Links:
Get involved:
- Email us: [email protected]
- Send us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCharityShow
- Check out our episode poll on Spotify
- Leave us a comment or review
Full episode transcript:
Note from Tim and Piers
All views expressed in this podcast are entirely our own, as are the dodgy dad jokes!

Navigating youth engagement: Insights from the Duke of Edinburgh's Award - with Katie Bamber and Laura McIntosh
The Charity Show
04/07/25 • 58 min
How can charities connect with young people in a noisy digital world? In this episode of The Charity Show, Tim and Piers dive into the ever-evolving world of youth engagement - and what charities need to do to truly connect with the next generation.
They’re joined by Katie Bamber and Laura McIntosh, the dynamic duo behind the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s (DofE) award-winning comms strategy, to explore how the charity stays relevant, resonates with young people and builds lasting impact in an increasingly noisy world.
In this episode:
📺 How the TV series Adolescence has shone a spotlight on the role children's charities can play in changing the conversation on youth pressures
📱 Keeping it real online—DofE’s approach to engaging young audiences in a digital-first world.
🎙️ The power of podcasts—why Navigating Now became a vital part of DofE’s communications strategy.
🧠 Top tips for youth engagement—from storytelling with authenticity to listening without assumptions.
🎉 What’s next for DofE—plans for its 70th anniversary and a bold new strategy to grow its reach.
Whether you’re working in youth services, charity comms, or just curious about what makes a youth campaign resonate in 2025, this episode is packed with advice and insight.
Get in touch:
📌 Listen to The Charity Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
📌 Got a story or idea to share? Email us at [email protected]
📌 Send us a voice message or connect on social—all the links you need are here: https://linktr.ee/thecharityshow
📌 Enjoyed the episode? Leave a five-star review and follow/subscribe so you never miss what’s next!
Chapters
(00:09) Welcome to Episode 23
(06:53) Interview with Katie Bamber and Laura McIntosh – Part 1
(28:51) Third Sector News
(32:49) Interview – Part 2
(52:23) Superstars of the week
(56:55) What’s coming up next
Useful Links
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) official website
- DofE Youth Ambassadors – Learn more about the voices shaping the Award’s future
- The DofE’s research into young people’s experiences – Including insights mentioned in this episode
- The #FreeToBeMe campaign – Empowering young people to explore who they are
- The Charity Show on LinkedIn – Follow for more insights from across the sector

03/17/25 • 16 min
Some people run marathons, others bake cakes... and then there are those who strap a fridge to their backs or race down icy slopes in nothing but a helmet and boots! 😳
In this episode of The Charity Show Bites, Tim and Piers dive into the craziest, most extreme, and downright bizarre fundraising challenges attempted in the name of charity. From marathon-running in deep-sea diving suits to cycling across the world on a penny farthing, these fundraisers prove that there’s no limit to human determination (or creativity!).
Tune in to hear about:
🏃♂️ A man who ran 30 half-marathons in 30 days... carrying a fridge!
🩸 An artist who paints entirely in his own blood (yes, really).
🛷 The Naked Sledding World Championships – because fundraising should be fun, right?
🌍 Rowing across the Atlantic at 70 years old to support Alzheimer’s research.
What’s the wildest charity challenge you’ve ever seen? Or better yet – what’s the strangest thing you’d do to raise money? Let us know over on our social channels, or via the links below!
#CharityPodcast #ExtremeFundraising #WeirdDonations #NonprofitLife #TheCharityShow
Get involved:
- Email us: [email protected]
- Send us a voice message
- Leave us a comment or review
Follow us on social - every link you need is HERE

06/24/24 • 49 min
How is artificial intelligence transforming the charity sector? In this episode ofThe Charity Show, hosts Tim Beynon and Piers Townley sit down with Zoe Amar, a leading expert in digital strategy for charities, to explore how AI is being used to enhance fundraising, boost efficiency, and create powerful storytelling opportunities.
This episode covers:
- How charities are using AI to improve donor engagement and automate tasks
- Real-world examples, including a Scottish hospice using AI to preserve patient memories
- The ethical considerations of AI in the third sector
- The inspiring story of Andy Airey, Mike Palmer, and Tim Owen, who have raised over £1.4 million for Papyrus in memory of their daughters
- A record-breaking paddle-out challenge by Healing Waves Charity and RNLI Jersey, raising funds for vital causes
Join us as we uncover the opportunities and challenges AI presents for charities and celebrate the incredible fundraisers making a difference.
Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow and leave a five-star review to help more people discoverThe Charity Show.
#CharityPodcast #CharityShow #CharityExperts #AIForGood #NonprofitInnovation #SocialImpact #Fundraising
Get in touch with the show
-Send us a message: https://tr.ee/OvwtI-oDvJ
Email us:[email protected]
-Send us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCharityShow
Answer our episode question on Spotify
Check out our episode poll on Spotify
Chapters
(00:00) Coming up in Episode 4
(01:36) Welcome
(04:51) Who's on the show this week?
(09:44) News
(12:46) AI and the third sector
(14:18) AI - what are we talking about here?
(15:40) Examples of where it's being used well
(22:26) Will AI lead to job cuts?
(28:36) AI and fundraising
(30:45) Take up of AI
(32:06) Concerns around data privacy and confidentiality
(34:02) How transparent do charities need to be about AI?
(35:53) Are there any specific AI tools that charities should consider using?
(37:34) What role should senior leaders take with AI?
(41:49) Is the future bright for AI in our sector?
(43:03) Superstars of the week
(47:45) Coming up on The Charity Show
Featured Charities:
The Fire Fighters Charity:https://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/
The Brain Tumour Charity:https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/
Papyrus:https://www.papyrus-uk.org/
Healing Waves Charity:https://www.healingwaves.org/
RNLI Jersey:https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/jersey-lifeboat-station
Bristol Autism Support:https://www.bristolautismsupport.org/
Marie Curie:https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/
More about Zoe
Website:https://zoeamar.com/
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeamar/
Full episode transcript:
Read here: https://thecharityshowtranscripts.blogspot.com/2024/06/episode-4-full-transcript.html
--- Send in a voice message:https://www.speakpipe.com/TheCharityShow
Note from Tim and Piers
All views expressed in this podcast are entirely our own, as are the dodgy dad jokes!
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Charity Show have?
The Charity Show currently has 29 episodes available.
What topics does The Charity Show cover?
The podcast is about Non-Profit, Podcasts and Business.
What is the most popular episode on The Charity Show?
The episode title 'Small charity power, Royal patronage and inpsiring legacies - with Sarah White' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Charity Show?
The average episode length on The Charity Show is 43 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Charity Show released?
Episodes of The Charity Show are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of The Charity Show?
The first episode of The Charity Show was released on Apr 25, 2024.
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