Hey everyone - Dean here!
Whether or not this podcast was going to continue has been up in the air for a while now. As I've taken on a pastoral position and also have 3 young boys of my own, I simply do not have the same time to devote to this project as I used to. In saying that, my passion for it has not dwindled an ounce! I want to see it continue to bless so many people, but we need the funds to pay people to do the things I can no longer do. (For example, for Season 4-aside from the graphic design- I did everything myself. The scheduling, recording, editing, production, post-production, and social media). Without this funding, it's likely the podcast will conclude as is - but in saying that, it has already surpassed my wildest dreams in regards to its reach and impact.
If you want to see this podcast continue - and by God's grace grow even further, please consider contributing on a financial level through this GoFundMe. (If you'd like to donate directly, you can contact me personally).
Below is our short story and a breakdown of where all the funds will be used.
Since 2018, Why They Did That has been dedicated to uncovering the untold and overlooked stories of the Bible—stories that don’t just explain what the character did, but why they did it and how that relates to the everyday listener. With over 800,000 downloads, people from around the world, and guests who range from scholars to everyday believers, Why They Did That has become a trusted space for people seeking deep, thought-provoking conversations about Scripture.
Now, as we prepare for Season 5, we’re stepping into something bigger than ever before—and we need your help to make it happen.
Our Goal: $35,000
To produce a 16-episode season with the quality and intentionality our listeners expect, we’re raising $35,000 to cover the full cost of production. Every dollar will go directly to creating a season that’s both visually engaging and spiritually enriching.
Here’s exactly where your support will go:
Production & Creative ($20k)
• Set Design & Construction: Creating a beautiful, custom-designed space for filming
• Filming & Editing: High-quality production across 16 episodes (audio and video)
• Post-Production: Sound mixing, color grading, motion graphics, and more
• Music Licensing: Ensuring the season sounds as good as it looks
• Software Subscriptions: Tools for editing, production, and design
• Graphic Design: Thumbnails, promo materials, social media content
[Testimony: We have secured a room for the studio to be built that we can use free of charge!]
Guest Logistics ($5k)
• Travel & Accommodation: Covering flights, lodging, and hospitality for our speakers
Outreach & Growth ($5k)
• Marketing & Promotion: Reaching new audiences across social media and platforms
• Merchandise: For donor rewards and spreading the word
• Event Participation: Representing the podcast at events like GYC and ASi
Sustainability ($3.5k)
• Contingency Buffer: To cover any unexpected production needs and ensure the season runs smoothly
(The goal of 35k takes into consideration the transaction fees that must be paid to GoFundMe)
Why It Matters
We believe this season has the potential to change lives, not because we’re doing something flashy, but because we’re staying faithful to what Why They Did That has always been about: bringing people closer to God by showing just how relevant Scripture really is.
Your donation, whether it’s $10 or $1,000, is a direct investment in that mission.
Organizer
Dean Cullinane
Organizer
Penn Valley, CA