In this episode of The Barter Edge, we sit down with Darryl Vine, co-founder of Firefly Initiative, to unpack how his organisation is reinventing the volunteer landscape through innovation, impact, and a powerful partnership with Bartercard.

From elevating unseen community heroes to offering new ways for businesses to give back, Darryl shares thought-provoking insights into the “economy of social good,” their unique reward system using ECT tokens, and how barter can bridge the gap between generosity and growth.

If you’re a purpose-driven business owner or curious about how trade dollars can amplify your community impact—this one’s for you.

🕒 Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome & intro to Firefly Initiative
[01:00] Why volunteers are the $1.3 trillion backbone of Australia’s community sector
[02:45] The challenge: Rewarding volunteers & funding not-for-profits
[03:40] The overlooked heroes: A story from the Multiple Birth Association
[04:40] Why the next generation of volunteers needs a new system
[06:00] Why Firefly partnered with Bartercard
[07:30] Local business, local impact: Connecting small business with volunteer consumers
[09:00] Innovating with trade: How Firefly uses Bartercard to fund community experiences
[11:00] From barbecues to boat days—creative ways trade dollars make a difference
[13:00] Using spare capacity to give back: Cinemas, golf courses, motels & more
[14:50] A no-risk opportunity: Free 3-month campaign for Bartercard members
[16:00] Building a circular economy between volunteers and small businesses
[17:00] How to get involved & connect with Firefly Initiative

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Volunteers aren’t just helpers—they’re community powerhouses
• Bartercard provides a bridge between doing good and growing your brand
• Firefly Initiative’s ECT tokens create real value exchange for volunteer time
• Businesses can advertise to Firefly’s audience with zero cash upfront for 3 months

Maximising Business Growth and Balance with Alison Wheeler on Barter Edge

In this episode of the Barter Edge Podcast, host Jen interviews high-performance business coach, bestselling author, and speaker Alison Wheeler. Alison shares her journey from occupational therapist to business coach, emphasising the importance of work-life blend over balance. She discusses her successful use of Bartercard to grow her business and improve her lifestyle, highlighting the significance of real connections and client engagement. Alison also offers a special deal for listeners to access her new digital course on harnessing personal superpowers for a balanced and successful life.

00:00 Introduction to Barter Edge Podcast
00:24 Meet Alison Wheeler: High Performance Business Coach
00:50 Alison's Journey: From Occupational Therapist to Business Coach
02:42 The Concept of Work-Life Blend
04:31 Leveraging Bartercard for Business Growth
05:21 Innovative Uses of Bartercard
07:50 Current Business Trends and Opportunities
11:04 The Importance of Humanizing Your Brand
12:06 Advice for New Bartercard Members
13:02 Special Offer for Bartercard Members
14:31 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of the Barter Edge Podcast, host Jen interviews Alison Wheeler, a high-performance business coach, Amazon best selling author, and worldwide speaker. Alison shares her journey from occupational therapy to business coaching, emphasising injury prevention, mental health, and productivity. She discusses the challenges of achieving work-life balance and introduces the concept of 'work-life blend.' Alison highlights the benefits of using Bartercard to open networking opportunities and shares strategic ways to utilise trade for business and personal growth. Additionally, she offers Bartercard members exclusive access to her new digital course, which aims to help individuals harness their superpowers without burning out. Tune in to learn valuable insights on business growth, sustainability, and the importance of real human connections in the digital age.

00:00 Introduction to Barter Edge Podcast
00:24 Meet Alison Wheeler: High Performance Business Coach
00:50 Alison's Journey: From Occupational Therapist to Business Coach
02:42 Balancing Business and Life: Insights from Alison
04:31 The Power of Bartercard: Alison's Experience
05:21 Innovative Uses of Bartercard
07:50 Current Business Trends and Opportunities
12:06 Advice for Business Owners Considering Bartercard
13:02 Special Offer for Bartercard Members
14:31 Conclusion and Contact Information