This week, we're diving into some real talk about the state of HIV services today with Joy Winheim, President of Epic Empath Partners in Care, and Tom Manning, longtime producer of The Joy Ride cycling fundraiser.

Joy and Tom break down what Epic does across four Florida counties, from medical case management to housing support and HIV outreach, and how The Joy Ride, now in its modern iteration after 34 years, continues a legacy that began with helping people through the height of the AIDS crisis. We talk about the challenges of fundraising in today's political and economic climate, the reality of major funding cuts hitting HIV services nationwide, and why keeping younger generations engaged and aware of this history matters more than ever. Plus, Joy shares the story behind her boldest (and most rejected) fundraiser t-shirt ideas, and we get the details on The Joy Ride's exciting expansion to California and beyond.

Of course, we kick things off with David & Paul catching up on road trip dealbreakers, career confessions (yes, the hemorrhoid cream story makes a comeback), and a shoutout to a local pay-what-you-can café doing good in the community.

In This Episode:
– Meet Joy Winheim & Tom Manning of The Joy Ride
– What Epic does to support HIV services across Tampa Bay
– The real impact of funding cuts on nonprofit organizations
– The evolution of The Joy Ride from the AIDS crisis to today
– Why keeping younger generations engaged matters
– Joy's boldest (and most rejected) fundraiser t-shirt ideas
– The Joy Ride's exciting expansion to California and beyond
– How $282,000 was raised with just 100 riders last year
– David & Paul's road trip confessions and career throwbacks

Whether you're passionate about HIV advocacy, love a good cycling event for a cause, or just want the laughs and honesty David & Paul bring every episode, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the fight for community care is far from over, and that joy and purpose can go hand in hand.