Impact Everywhere | Positive Impact in Unexpected Places

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a massive global shortage of PPE. Similarly, the increased usage of PPE has led to an unprecedented rise in single-use plastic pollution from the medical sector. Lifecycle Revive is an Ontario-based company that specializes in recycling PPE waste. Joining us today is the company’s VP of Business Development, Andy Straisfeld. Andy has over a decade of experience in the medical supply sales space, and he is now using his knowledge in alignment with a cause he believes in. In today’s episode, Andy talks about apathy when it comes to recycling medical supplies and sheds light on why Lifecycle Revive has chosen the mission they have. We hear about how they quickly mobilized and got an incredible team together to tackle this growing issue. Andy is clear on Lifecycle Revive’s vision and does not sugarcoat that change will be slow, but it is something they are wholeheartedly committed to. He has personal experience of what it is like to lay the foundations for a plan that will only come to fruition in the future and carries this lesson with him into business. We need a paradigm shift when it comes to thinking about the lifespan and cycle of a product, and Lifecycle Revive is doing great work to get the needle moving in creating this change. To hear the full episode, click the link of your favorite podcast platform below.The conversation took place live on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club. See upcoming conversations here!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

Von Wong shares his reactions after his conversation with Andrea Demichelis, founder and CEO of Elliot For Water

Water scarcity is one of the greatest problems faced by the world. When people do not have access to clean, safe drinking water, all aspects of their lives — from health, to education, to safety — are negatively impacted. Andrea Demichelis is a young Italian entrepreneur who has come up with an ingenious way to chip away at this global issue. Andrea founded Elliot For Water, a search engine that gives over half of its profits to finance clean water projects. In this episode, we hear more about the project’s mission and how Andrea came to be interested in water. We find out about their partnership with Bing and how the search engine plans to make money. There are so many clean water projects out there already, but many of them fail because they do not reflect the community’s needs. Andrea is aware of this and talks about the organizations they have chosen to work with to ensure they are making a positive impact rather than a negative one. Our conversation also touches on how Elliot For Water makes the user experience attractive, why working in the social enterprise space should not mean compromising profit, and what the future has in store for the search engine. We all search the internet numerous times a day, so imagine what a difference it could make if we attached this everyday activity to such an impactful project? Check out the full episode at one of the links below on your favorite podcast platform:The conversation took place live on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club. See upcoming conversations here!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

Von Wong shares his reactions after his conversation with Social Justice Activist, Choreographer and Changemaker Susan Slotnick. 

Most people would not see a connection between dance and prison. But today’s guest, Susan Slotnick, is different. Susan is a visual artist, a choreographer, a dancer, a writer, an advocate for social justice, and for the last 16 years, she has volunteered in various correctional facilities teaching dance to inmates. She recently released a book called Flight: The Dance of Freedom, as a guide for those who want to find ways to use their skills to support inmates. In this episode, Susan talks about the journey of finding her purpose and the moment she realized she was doing what she had been put on Earth to do. She talks about the value of highly reciprocal work and the danger that comes in instances when you are working more for your fulfillment than for the good of others. It is not easy to maintain these boundaries, and Susan shares the challenges she has experienced when it comes to setting them. We also hear about how dance creates a space for inmates to connect with their authentic selves, some assumptions Susan had going into her work, and the heartbreak she experienced at various moments. Susan is a teacher in the true essence of the word because she does not position herself as a savior, but rather gives her students the tools to help them on their journeys. To check out the full conversation, click on your favorite podcast platform’s link below.The conversation took place live on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club. See upcoming conversations here!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodePeople in prisons are victims as well as perpetrators. Susan knew that dance would be a powerful tool for them to heal, as it had consistently helped her heal throughout her life. Dancing in a particular way has been scientifically proven to re-wire the brain.Susan believes that while resilience is something we inherit, it can also be nurtured. Being resilient is the foundation for what helps us to pursue our dreams, even when we are told we can’t achieve them.Do not try to meet your needs while trying to meet the needs of others. You have to be clear on your motives and what you expect to gain when doing this kind of work because it could so easily cross the line. The good you can do can be encroached upon when you do not have these boundaries.We all have an authentic self and a persona, whether we are in prison or not. Dance is a tool that allows us to step into our authentic selves and be seen nonverbally, all while being so beautiful that it inspires everyone watching to be their authentic selves at that moment.Recognizing that nothing you have achieved has happened without others is the cornerstone of humility. Take the time to reflect on what other people have done for you in order to contextualize your achievements and realize they are part of a collective.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with motivational musician Jurgis DIDSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcast 

In the world we live in, where only things that can be marketed and sold are deemed valuable, we lose opportunities to express ourselves authentically. Music has been heavily commoditized, and as a result, many of us feel excluded from participating in this art form. Yet music exists all around us and once we tap into this profound realization, music will be a tool for transformation in our lives. Jurgis Didžiulis, or Jurgis DID, is an award-winning musician who brings the magic of participatory music into boardrooms and conferences to cultivate a sense of belonging between us as human beings. Besides this, he has an MBA, studied political science, and has extensive experience in painting, corporate education, media consulting, and many other social fields.In today’s episode, which oscillates between a combination of song and a participatory musical experience, Jurgis reflects on how he views music and why he believes it is something that has been stolen from us. We also hear about the value Jurgis places on education and how we can use it to co-create a regenerative future. Near the middle of the conversation, Jurgis plays a song to illustrate the power that music has in shaping our experience and holding space for us. After that, we touch on how he goes about creating his musical experiences and fosters connection. Wrapping up, Jurgis talks about why artists need to help plant ideas about what a different future looks like and he ends with another musical interlude. Check out one of the links below for the full episode.The conversation took place live on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club. See upcoming conversations here!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeMusic is a language that so many of us are excluded from because we have been led to believe we are not worthy of being in the space. However, music is not confined to a recording studio; it lives everywhere!When you realize that music is everywhere, not in a meta sense, but a very literal way, your life, and your experiences will transform completely. Jurgis’s relationship with music has changed because he views music in this way now.Jurgis uses music to create an interactive experience (in settings like business meetings) and hold space for people to create a sense of community. Because of the music, people are more aware of the energy that they bring to a space.According to Jurgis, the role of the artist in a regenerative future is planting the seed of what it could look like. Science only takes us so much of the way, and artists bring imagination and inspiration to the people.Even though Jurgis is not a successful musician by conventional standards, he can make the music he wants and gets to work with people by bringing the warmth of connection into their lives. He adds value that may not be able to be quantitatively measured, but that does not mean it does not exist.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Philip Raub - the CEO of Model No. and co-founder of B8ta.Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcast 

If you look at the furniture industry as a whole, it has always been predicated either on design or functionality, and these two ends have largely ignored the environmental impacts of what it takes to make furniture. One company looking to address both the customization needs of customers and sustainability concerns is Model No. Furniture, who believe that one size does not fit all. They produce custom 3D-printed pieces made from food waste. The company’s CEO, Phillip Raub, joins us to share his insights into where the world of furniture is headed.We kick off by hearing about the impetus for founding the company and how its mission has grown over time. By addressing their own pain points, the founders have stayed committed to their vision of running a low-volume, high-impact business that is rooted in transparency and innovation. We then hear about some of the unique business strategies the company hopes to leverage, like micro-factories and allowing customers to redesign pieces based on their changing needs. After this, Phillip talks about his personal shifts in consumption patterns and how this led him to join Model No. after his time at b8ta. Wrapping up, we discuss accountability, creating a culture of mutual learning, and why companies who are truly mission-driven should be altruistic. Tune in at one of the links below for the full episode.The conversation took place live on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club. See upcoming conversations here!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeModel No. carved a niche for themselves when they realized that though 3D printing was being used in other spaces, it was not utilized in the furniture industry.One of the many sustainable aspects of the company is that the material used in the furniture is made of food waste. Phillip provides the inedible parts of corn as an example, which can be ground into pellets and eventually be 3D printed.Other interesting aspects of Model No.’s business model/future plans:1. A goal to eventually ensure customers can continually customize an item of furniture they’ve bought2. A strategy to utilize micro-factories, which reduce some of the environmental burden that is created by furniture production.With the advent of fast fashion and other factors, our views around consumption have shifted over time. We no longer value craftsmanship and reusing items in the same way as we used to. It is important to try to get back to these kinds of values, where we do not view items as disposable.Some of Phillip’s business insights:1. Companies should help one another if they truly care about their mission (example of Allbirds offering advice to Amazon Basics on how to make their shoes more environmentally friendly).2. Companies should be recognized for their commitment to improving, not just berated for what they have done wrong (especially when related to sustainability).3. We need to hold large companies accountable and ensure that if they say they are committed to sustainable practices that they actually follow through.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Kim Bryden, founder of Cureate, which exists to shift the dollar back into our local communities by building an empowered food & beverage supply to meet a changing consumer demand.  Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcast 

The food system is set up to keep consumers purchasing in a way that perpetuates inequality. Today we speak to Kim Bryden, Founder, and CEO of Cureate, about how she is trying to change this by creating an empowered supply chain through food. Cureate is a woman-owned business that exists to shift dollars back into local communities by building a supply to meet changing consumer demand. They do this by helping entrepreneurs start successful, ethical food businesses and then connecting them to big city governments and organizations with demand as well as purchasing power.Our conversation starts with Kim sharing her views on some of the causes of inequality where she highlights a broken food system that self-perpetuates to keep those with capital in power. From there, we talk about how Kim got the idea to start Cureate. She talks about how she merged her belief in art as a vehicle for change with her knowledge of the impact the food system can make on people’s lives. She gives us an overview of how her career was driven by her values rather than job stability before starting Cureate, and how she learned about small businesses and the broken food system along the way. Next, we take a deeper dive into the services that Cureate offers and how Kim would completely restructure the U.S. food system and make it more accountable if she could. For all this and more about fighting for equality by tweaking our systems for procurement, be sure to check out the full episode at one of the below links.The conversation took place live on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club. See upcoming conversations here!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeTo Kim, communities are disempowered for three reasons:1) The global “efficient supply chain” that devalues labor and cares very little about the environmental impact2) Little public understanding of how to scale up backyard manufacturing and processing in the midst of a pandemic3) Money is pulled out of our communities and put into the hands of a few, creating more power and wealth imbalanceThe food system is a powerful economic engine. It is a massive component of our GDP. You can create economic opportunities for people through this system.The three services Cureate offers are education, partnerships, and consulting. Kim has designed a set of courses for food and beverage entrepreneurs that are looking to start a business. From there, she identifies opportunities for institutions and big businesses to shift their money back into small businesses that have graduated from her program. Lastly, she partners with big-city governments and businesses in order to help them invest in more economic development opportunities for everyone.While it is important for individual consumers to ‘shop their values’ and to vote with their dollar, the big systemic change will happen when large institutional purchasers start purchasing from local producers.The food system is set up in a way that keeps buyers purchasing from large companies. They have the capital to subsidize their operations so that their products are the cheapest. Products are bought because of price and not so much because of the ethics of their production. This is something Kim is trying to change.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Leyla Acaroglu, UNEP Champion of the Earth, Founder of the Unschool of Disruptive Design. Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

When it comes to sustainability and related issues, many of us might feel hopeless and like there is nothing for us to do. This is, in part, due to the negative messaging around these challenges. Today’s guest, Dr. Leyla Acaroglu, has an entirely different way of thinking about these obstacles. Not only is it imbued with hope, but it draws on systems thinking and holistic views of sustainability to show that change is possible. Leyla is a sociologist, Founder of the UnSchool of Disruptive Design, a UNEP Champion of the Earth, and the Founder of the CO Project Farm, a unique educational ecotourism property in Portugal. In this episode, Leyla talks about circularity and why we need to move away from the linear, exploitative economy that currently exists. We hear how starting UnSchool was a rebellion against the mainstream education she had spent all of her academic life in, and she shares some of the provocative design frameworks they teach at UnSchool. Leyla acknowledges that change is slow, and by using a systems thinking lens, people are better able to understand their actions as related to much broader contexts. She talks about how this way of viewing the world keeps her hope alive, along with the importance of acknowledging our agency and actions, and the changes we can make in our immediate worlds. Check out the full episode at one of the links below for more on Leyla’s worldview, positivity, and zeal for a better world.The conversation took place live on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club. See upcoming conversations here!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeThe current linear economy is problematic because it is based on the extraction and exploitation of nature and results in waste that also harms the natural world. At both ends of the linear spectrum, there is room for the loop to be closed.Sustainable design encompasses more than just material choices. It is concerned with considering the whole-life environmental impact of a product, so it draws on life cycle assessment and systems thinking.The two massive systems at play in the economy are the force of the market and how it incentivizes behavior. As consumers, we drive demand, so when we make different decisions, companies respond to them.Changing an organization from within is different from building one from the ground up. The UnSchool provides participants with tools on how to move the needle in existing organizations. By mapping systems dynamics, they can understand the limitations, opportunities, points of interventions, and how to use their agency.The Anatomy of Action concept Leyla and her team designed for the United Nations Environment Program that helped people embrace a more sustainable lifestyle is based on five categories: food, stuff, move, money, and fun. These are five areas everyone makes lifestyle decisions in.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Mohammad Modarres, TED resident, NPR How I Built This Fellow, and founder of Abe's Eats.  Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

In a world that is becoming increasingly polarised by differences in political ideologies, race, sexuality, and faith, there are a special few who go against the grain to create positive, lasting change. Today we speak with Mohammad Modarres, an award-winning social entrepreneur, TED resident, and NPR ‘How I Built This’ Fellow. He is also the founder of Abe’s Eats, a company that brings the Muslim and Jewish faiths together over the shared meals and conversations at the dinner table. A large part of this mission is creating meat and other foods that are both halal and kosher. Additionally, Abe’s Eats promotes regenerative agriculture practices in order to rebuild soil and combat climate change.In this episode, Mohammad walks us through his personal story and the genesis of Abe’s Eats, going on to explain the differences and similarities between kosher and halal foods. As we explore the topic, we talk to Mohammad about some of the difficulties he faces, like measuring the success of Abe’s Eats, as well as the backlash he receives from conservative communities. Toward the end of the show, we give some of our good friends, Christine, Amber, and MCK, a chance to ask Mohammad some questions. His responses touch on contending with cancel culture, finding common language among society, and how he sees himself as a ‘triple bottom line’ activist. For more insights from Mohammad, be sure to check out one of the links below to hear the full episode.The conversation took place live on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club. See upcoming conversations here!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeAbe’s Eats Slogan: “Building a longer table, not a taller fence”As a political cartoonist, Mohammad sought to bring attention to hard-hitting issues, which made him consider what drives people and how people of different backgrounds can work together to solve a problem.At a time when bigotry against Jews and Muslims was skyrocketing, Mohammad wanted to bring the communities together, but eating together was made difficult when one group eats kosher and one eats halal.Mohammad was not the first to sell meat (and other products) that was both kosher and halal, but he was the first to label it as such. Big companies that had been selling products for a long time would face backlash from the more conservative customers if they labeled themselves as both kosher and halal. By starting off labeling Abe’s Eats as such, Mohammad avoided some criticism.Success isn’t necessarily having everyone at an Abe’s Eats dinner hold hands and sing together at the end of the meal. Rather, it is having people converse with other faiths and think deeper afterward about their own beliefs in order to promote understanding.Around the 2016 election, Mohammad’s best friend and roommate was an older, Trump-supporting woman. In a very polarized world, we should get to know our neighbors. It is hard to hate someone for their differing beliefs if you spend time with them and seek to know them deeper.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Matthew Barrett, founder of Goal Click, and how his skepticism slowly shifted to understanding over the course of the conversation. Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

In an ever-changing world with so many different cultures and life experiences, sport can offer us an entry point through which we can understand broader social contexts and dynamics. Goal Click is a storytelling organization that uses soccer as a lens to amplify stories of people around the world. They have worked with adidas, FIFA, UNHCR, and many more. The organization partners with people across the globe and gives them a platform to tell the story of their lives and football community through photography and the written word. Interestingly, Goal Click does not go into communities to create projects. Instead, it provides a space to amplify existing efforts. Matthew Barrett, the co-founder of Goal Click, joins us today to share some of his insights. We first hear how Matthew combined his interests in history and sport to found the organization. He highlights that soccer is frequently presented as a panacea to overcoming social issues. Instead, it should be viewed as a tool that works in conjunction with other things to create meaningful, sustainable change. Matthew shares examples of some of the work that Goal Click has done, which highlight the power of what happens when people can tell their stories themselves rather than always being the subject of someone else’s. By empowering others, not only are they showing who they are to a new audience, but they are in a position to view themselves in a new light as well. We also learn about the organization’s decision to give participants analog cameras in a hyper-digital world. The conversation took place on Clubhouse under the Impact Everywhere Club, and as the conversation wraps up, we hear some great audience questions and insights. Whether you are a soccer fan or not, this show will give you a newfound appreciation for how powerful the sport has the potential to be. Tune in at one of the below links for the full episode, and be sure to check out the Impact Everywhere Club on Clubhouse if you want to hear the conversations live and participate!Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeAt university, Matthew realized he could combine his academic interest of history with his love of sport because of the insights sport offers about societies. Goal Click provides a unique, natural way to teach people about world events and social issues by piquing their interest through a sports lens. It allows people to share their own stories rather than other people coming in to tell it for them.The medium for these stories is primarily written word and analog photography. There are many reasons for using analog vs. digital, with the main one being that it offers equality across the stories. Someone in one part of the world may have access to a very nice camera or cell phone, while others don’t. Shipping them an analog camera makes it so everyone’s photos have the same base, and it often leads to more intentional shots.Goal Click considers themselves curators, not creators, in that they partner with organizations already doing work and amplify the stories. They don’t want to be starting initiatives in areas they are not experts in.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Wilson Griffin after he shares the movement he hopes to kick off with Recurate.Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

Recurate is minimizing fashion’s environmental footprint by streamlining the sale and purchase of second-hand goods. Today we speak with Recurate co-founder and COO Wilson Griffin for insights into how their incredible platform is innovating the resale industry. We open our conversation with Wilson unpacking the state of the resale market. After walking us through the pain points that people have when accessing this industry, he explains Recurate standardizes buying and selling while making the process easier and the logistics more efficient. A key part of their offering, Wilson highlights how their platform benefits both brands and brand-loyal customers. Following this, we explore how Recurate taps into existing customer behavior to help brands develop deeper relationships with their customers, all while promoting sustainability. Later, we ask Wilson about how he met past guest Peter Dering and his influence on Recurate’s business strategy. He then shares how Recurate’s model aims to revolutionize resale. We round up our discussion by touching on how Wilson sees the role of business in achieving ambitious climate goals and his take on the likelihood of a circular economy based on subscription and renting, not ownership. Check out one of the links below for the full episode and to hear more about the environmental impact of resale and what Recurate is doing to make it more accessible:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeThe current state of the resale economy is difficult. A lack of consistency in information in listings on sites like eBay can make some consumers reluctant to buy second-hand, while the time-consuming aspect of making an accurate listing can hold people back from selling their items.Recurate makes buying and selling second-hand easier by integrating it right on the brand website. Your purchase history makes it easy to list directly from the site you purchased, and Recurate handles all the back-end work. The benefits of an economy in which items are bought and sold multiple times are numerous, including:1. The brand is more likely to make their product better quality if they know they will make money for it lasting longer and selling more than once.2. The brand will foster a closer relationship with consumers who can earn store credit for reselling the item through Recurate, which just offers the brand another sale.3. The consumer can buy a better quality item for a cheaper price, and it will last longer and have less of a negative environmental impact than fast fashion.If you are a brand looking to implement Recurate into your model, contact Wilson via email. If you’re a customer wishing one of your favorite brands would implement Recurate, reach out to them and reach out to Recurate.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Anjali Nayar after she shares her crazy journey from scientist to journalist to filmmaker, to now founder and CEO of TIMBY and the amazing impact it has had on the world. Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

Our guest today is the ultimate jack of all trades. A scientist, journalist, award-winning filmmaker, and most recently, tech entrepreneur — Meet Anjali Nayar. Anjali began her career as a scientist before realizing that it wasn’t the lack of facts that prevented change, but the lack of hope. This led her first into journalism, and then documentary filmmaking for award-winning films like Gun Runners and Silas, which demonstrate the human potential for transformation. One of Anjali’s latest feature documentary, Silas, highlights citizen reporters that are using smartphones to expose the land-grabs and corruption in their countries. In fact, Silas is the whole reason TIMBY came about in the first place.TIMBY, short for “This is My Backyard,” is a suite of encrypted tools created by Anjali. It is used by communities and NGO workers to document and share human rights violations in order to hold companies and governments accountable. TIMBY is used across the world by governments, the United Nations, OXFAM, WWF, and many others.In this episode, host Benjamin Von Wong speaks to Anjali about the responsibilities of storytellers around the world, how we need to re-think aid in the context of empowering communities, and how we as individuals can fight against corruption. For the full story of Anjali’s career and how TIMBY is having a positive impact in the world, click on your preferred podcast platform below:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeStorytellers, whatever the form, have an obligation to tell the story in a way it will reach people while also ensuring it is told from the subject’s perspective.Anjali’s service, TIMBY, came to be while working on the film Silas as a way to increase the exchange of information and collect media for the film.Storytelling can be extractive — you come in, you tell the story, and you leave. By developing TIMBY while telling the story of Silas, it provided a long-term system to help locals solve their own problems.TIMBY operates on a SAS model, which mainly relies on revenue from subscriptions. The tool has spread to so many different countries and organizations that the TIMBY team works with whoever wants to use it to build it to work for them. The point of most tech developments is to empower people to do what they want to do quicker and better — TIMBY shows that:1. There are ways to use tech to adapt to different circumstances to help humans across the globe.2. You don’t need a background in tech to build something amazing.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Nasreen Shiekh after hearing her amazing escape from modern-day slave to social entrepreneur and shares a few lessons and takeaways.Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

Modern-day slavery affects over 40 million people around the world and its byproduct can be seen throughout society in the clothes you wear, the phone you use, and the coffee you drink. Today we speak with Nasreen Sheikh, an ex-slave who escaped her sweatshop to change the lives of others. Born undocumented in a village on the Indian-Nepalese border, Nasreen’s fate would have her forced into an arranged marriage by the age of twelve. Not accepting her future, Nasreen tells us how as an illiterate child who didn’t know her own age, escaped to Kathmandu with her cousin, only to fall prey to a sweatshop.Nasreen details her experience and touches on horrifying working conditions, low wages, and how the clothes she was making had more freedom than she did. After all, the garments would be put on ships and taken to Europe and beyond. Her life changed when she came across a man who taught her how to read and write. Now Nasreen is empowering women, fighting for fair trade, living wages, and better nutrition through her organizations, Local Women’s Handcrafts and Empowerment Collective. Nasreen tells us what gives her hope, how the average person can create change, and why values need to be the bedrock for a better future. To hear more about Nasreen’s incredible story, be sure to tune in today.Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeSweatshops are well hidden, but if you trace down a supply chain far enough beyond the big factories, you can find them.Escaping the cycle of sweatshop labor is very difficult, as people are often unaware that they have other options, or have not received enough education to find better work.Nasreen worked up to 20 hours a day at just 10 years old, with cold water to put in her eyes to keep her awake, blasting music, no windows, and in cramped quarters. Workers weren’t allowed to talk to each other and would not receive their $2/day pay and would be punished with rotten food if they did not finish the clothing order.By pure chance of circumstance, Nasreen found herself free of the sweatshop when the agent disappeared. Left on the street, she encountered a stranger who agreed to teach her. In receiving this education, she opened new doors in her life.Having a business plan is not the most important thing. Nasreen acquired a loan for a sewing machine and used the skills she learned in the sweatshop to start making more ethical garments, then started teaching others to do the same.Nasreen’s organizations, the Empowerment Collective, and Local Women’s Handicrafts have employed women and given a livable wage, along with skills and education.If you are concerned about where your coffee, chocolate, clothes, or anything comes from, pay attention to certifications like the Fair Trade Certification or equivalent. You can also utilize tools from non-profits like Fashion Revolution to look into your products.If you are starting a business (or are evaluating your operations) and find it is difficult to keep in mind all the different ethical factors, remember that someone or something is affected in real life by your business decisions.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Reed Berkowitz on the intentional consumption of fiction, what it means to the lives that we lead, instances of Apophenia in his own personal life, as well as how he plans to discover more narratives of hope in his own life.Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

In this episode, we sit with Reed Berkowitz, who has over 25 years of experience designing, writing, and researching award-winning interactive experience for some of the largest entertainment companies. We talk to Reed about all things fiction including what happens when fictional and real worlds collide. We kick things off by hearing more about Reed’s childhood and what fictional stories gave him that he couldn’t find anywhere else. After hearing about how fiction can help you conquer fears and life’s adversities, Reed continues by contrasting the difference between entertainment and escapism. As our conversation deepens, we talk about QAnon and discover how this movement has uncanny similarities to an alternate reality game. Reed touches on the structure of alternate reality games and introduces listeners to concepts like rabbit holes, trailheads, and the communities that take part in solving puzzles. We then take a look at the disconcerting psychology behind this real-world alternate reality and hear about epiphanies as well as pre-schizophrenic states and delusional thinking. In the latter half of the show, Reed tells us how we can avoid slipping into this rabbit hole through building and nurturing connection with others, before explaining how video games can bring people together. To conclude the show, we ask Reed how video games can inspire social discourse and activism to become more fun and engaging. To hear his response, and much more, check out one of the links below:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeFiction gives us what is missing from our lives in reality. Maybe it’s courage, maybe it’s structure, maybe it’s something else. Analyzing why you enjoy certain types of fiction will reveal things about your life that can help you improve it.“Fictioner” is a generalized term coined by Reed to replace specific terms like ‘reader’ or ‘viewer,’ since now fiction exists in our world in many forms. A fictioner is the counterpoint to the author — one is making the fiction, one is using it. Fiction is an activity, and a fictioner uses what they consume to manipulate their inner world. QAnon has the structure of an alternate reality game. It starts with a rabbit hole, a strange thing that happens to catch your eye, followed by a trailhead that reveals information, patterns, questions — where you discover an entire community trying to solve the same puzzles.Keeping connected to as many people as possible from different backgrounds and beliefs will prevent you from slipping down a rabbit hole, because it helps to innoculate you against false narratives.Videogames (and other hobbies) can bring people together because when you’re playing, you don’t care what someone’s political preference or race is.

Von Wong reacts to his conversation with Darrah Blackwater on Spectrum rights, his responsibility as a settler, and what it's like to be an educator.Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

Indigenous spectrum sovereignty refers to the idea that Native Nations should have exclusive rights to the electromagnetic spectrum that exists over their lands. Darrah Blackwater is a citizen of the Diné Nation, also known as the Navajo Nation, and today we sit down with her to talk about her activism in raising awareness about this issue. In 2017 alone, the United States made $41.7 billion by auctioning off spectrum: airspace containing radio waves that wireless internet connections use. Many of the areas containing this spectrum exist on traditionally indigenous lands. If these indigenous groups had the rights to this spectrum and could build infrastructure to use it, it would present a solution to the challenges of economic development on tribal lands. Our conversation with Darrah begins on the subject of racism and ignorance, and how to best respond to people who say offensive things about issues they have never thought about. From there, we dive into the subject of spectrum sovereignty, and Darrah talks about the different ways that lack of access to spectrum is throttling indigenous groups that live on the land where this resource exists in abundance. She talks about how spectrum should be considered a basic human need in 2021, the challenges of getting the U.S government to recognize this, and the different ways she is trying to fight back. Wrapping up, we talk to Darrah about her latest project — hiking across the Colorado Trail to raise awareness about the dispossession of native groups from so-called ‘untouched’ or ‘pristine’ lands in America. Check out one of the following links for the full episode:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This EpisodeApproaching microaggressions and other difficult topics with curiosity to avoid making others with different perspectives feel defensive. The digital divide is becoming increasingly harmful to those without connectivity. Living without connection exacerbates wealth and opportunity inequality. This has only deepened with COVID-19.Connectivity and spectrum access are provided exclusively through government auctions to large companies who can afford it like T-Mobile, Sprint, etc. who then use their infrastructure to offer services. Without access to spectrum, community network development projects are not possible. Despite numerous treaties, Native Americans have historically had to fight to preserve access to every natural resource. Spectrum sovereignty is the next resource being fought over. These waves are naturally occurring, and as sovereign nations apart from the United States, they deserve the rights to their waves.The U.S. government does not want to give up spectrum sovereignty, claiming that ‘spectrum’ is not specifically stated in treaties but this is slowly changing. The Nation of Hawai’i recently won the rights to their spectrum and successfully installed their own infrastructure to provide connectivity to their people.Darrah uses hiking as an opportunity to reconnect with stolen indigenous lands, and to educate the people she meets along the way. Her adventures give her access to the hiking community, who help amplify her message.

The smallest beginnings can lead to meaningful impact in unexpected ways, and our guest today exemplifies this kind of powerful story. Youmna Chamcham from the Live Love movement talks to us about starting small in Beirut and how the early work she and her team put in has created rippling effects and grown into a massive, global force. Live Love started as a simple idea for bracelets and a positive message and now has 315 chapters across the world, with 1.5 million active followers. They managed to recruit 15 thousand volunteers in aid of rebuilding Beirut after the devastation of the explosion in August 2020 and have also spearheaded recycling programs in the city. Intentionally for the youth, by the youth, Live Love fits Lebanon’s predicament well, and as our guest explains, the positive changes in the country are a result of the younger generation’s refusal to settle for the problems they have inherited. We chat about fighting apathy and the role of hope in igniting and keeping fires of change alight. Youmna and Live Love are doing some of the most inspiring work at the moment, empowering individuals to see how they can make an impact in the world, exactly what we stand for here at Impact Everywhere! To hear all of Youmna’s thoughts, be sure to check out the full episode at one of the links below:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This Episode- The Beirut ExplosionThe power of social media was shown in the wake of the devastation. Though not in Lebanon at the time of the explosion, Youmna was able to quickly set up fundraising efforts on social media. The peer-to-peer style of relief that came from posting urgent, specific requests for assistance was very effective.Storytelling helped those experiencing trauma after the blast. Sharing the information and videos was difficult to witness, but it helped people cope with their feelings of anger.- Unique frameworks used by Live LoveWhen building Live Love, they didn’t just decide on one method they would take to approach certain problems — what they do instead is more like improv. They see an issue, put a reaction out, and observe how people respond to it.When presenting a problem, they always include a call to action — people are inspired when they are given a way to help. This is how they built their huge network of volunteers.Their goal is to not rally people around fear, but rather focus on fun, gamified campaigns.- Big projects that have resulted from Live LoveLive Love adopted a franchise model and has a goal for wide expansion. They trained Live Love ambassadors in different villages and cities in Lebanon and created frameworks for them to run their own events and rally their own volunteers. There are Live Love franchises in several other countries as well — the more the better!- Starting SomethingStuck with a million ideas? Start with something achievable and immediate. You might have to try several ideas before one stick, but the best ideas will always be the ones that make you happiest.Keep in mind that it’s always easier to start something than sustain it. Maintain hope through the process, and always make sure you’re re-evaluating how your project is functioning to see if there can’t be improvements.

Today we speak to an artist of multiple talents — Adam Roa is an actor, spoken word poet, YouTuber, podcast host, online community leader, musician, and a life coach! Adam has spoken at conferences all over the world and his poem, You Are Who You’ve Been Looking For, has well over 200 million views online currently. We get to have an amazing conversation with this true creative, focusing on the power of relationships and how the art that we make, makes us feel. The common thread of relationships is present in all of Adam’s work, a concept that encompasses how we relate to others, as well as to ourselves. Adam unpacks his thoughts on how to measure what we make, talking about important metrics such as online engagement and financial compensation, but prioritizing how it makes us feel. We also get into the value of self-love and creating and living with compassion. Adam makes a strong argument for treating oneself as someone you love and getting away from too much limitation and critique, and instead, following pure creativity and curiosity. So for all this and more from a wonderfully inspiring person making waves in many different pools, make sure to listen to the full episode at one of the below links:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This Episode:• Adam's thoughts on the drive to create and his view on selfish needs.• The creative process for Adam and how it has been influenced by his evolution.• The complex relationship between Adam and his audience. • Art and technology; healing, feeling, and the getting past human defenses.• Consuming and creating art — Adam's perspective on the interaction between the two. • Following curiosity and creativity without concern for results.• Getting away from external 'shoulds' and freeing ourselves from needless limitations. • Adam's journey as an artist — childhood interests, aspirations, and dedication. • Adam's massively viral poem You Are Who You've Been Looking For.• The pressure of finding 'success' and our expectations of progress.• Categories and metrics to measure impact — how Adam weighs his work. • Building community and Adam's relatively new focus on this area. • Adam's advice around self-love and finding time to focus on our own needs. • Final thoughts from Adam and his wish for everyone to treat themselves with love! See the summary, graphics and more here: https://medium.com/impact-everywhere/adam-roa-self-love-podcast-c210580a1f10

Creating approachable, entertaining content on a topic like sustainability is not easy. Not only is it a broad, catch-all term that has come to mean many things, but sustainability-related content can feel chiding and exclusionary. Levi “Save The World” Hildebrand, is a YouTube sustainability influencer taking a different approach, and he hopes to include those ordinarily outside of the conversation. His open-minded, non-judgmental take that promotes a spectrum of environmentalism — where you “don’t need to be a hero to save the planet” — has seen his videos garner over nine million views in under four years. In this episode, we hear how Levi built his channel through his unique communication strategies and the balance he strikes between brand content and other pertinent issues. Levi acknowledges the responsibility he has to his audience as a self-proclaimed gateway drug to sustainability and talks about the measured way he handles sponsorship and content creation. We also touch on building trust, how Levi ensures he is not compromising himself for the sake of ad revenue, his privilege and the risks it has allowed him to take, and his evolving theory of change. Check out one of the below links for the full episode:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple PodcastsKey Points From This Episode:The moment Levi realized that YouTube was a platform he could use to make a difference.Levi’s approach to creating content and how he engages with people outside the climate change conversation.How Levi stayed motivated to produce content before his first viral video.Levi’s theory of change and how it has evolved over the years.Why we need to move past the ‘all or nothing’ mindset when it comes to sustainability.The importance of communicating sustainability topics strategically.How curiosity and consistency help create trust with someone you have never met.The responsibility Levi feels when he introduces or endorses a brand to his audience.Getting a mining company as a video sponsor – Levi shares this interesting story.How Levi deals with negative comments and why he is excited about engaging in difficult conversations.Balancing channel performance with stories that need to be told: How Levi does it.Why Levi has chosen to not have a brand-only focused channel.Levi’s strategy for diversifying his income and not being reliant on ad revenue solely.Hear about the NPO, 1% for the Planet, and Levi’s involvement in the organization.Why Levi has decided to have his business climate certified and what this means.Benjamin weighs in on whether Levi should demonetize his channel or donate profits to environmental causes.The privileges that come with being a white, North American man and how they have allowed Levi to take risks.How Levi’s interest in being famous has changed over the past year.Building relationships and growing with an audience – why this excites Levi so much.A final message from Levi: Live with intention. Share this episode: https://medium.com/impact-everywhere/levi-hildebrand-sustainable-youtube-podcast-585eee43e226

See full summary and quotes here: https://medium.com/impact-everywhere/courtney-boyd-myers-community-and-kelp-podcast-61446690396aWhether you’re fighting against climate change or concerned about animal welfare, sinking your teeth into a kelp burger is a great place to start. Today we sit with AKUA Founder Courtney Boyd Myers, a visionary whose company promotes sustainable agriculture. As an added bonus, her ocean farming practices keep fishermen employed without harming sea creatures. Having had great success with her first product, kelp jerky, Courtney and her team wanted to create something bigger and better— enter the kelp burger. To kick our conversation off, Courtney talks about the magic behind kelp and its sea vegetable superpowers.After hearing about its nutritional benefits, and why it’s planet-friendly, we then dive into Courtney’s history in the food industry. She tells us about the lessons she learned from the startup world, as well as how to create a profitable business while remaining ethical. Toward the end of the episode, we turn away from AKUA’s sustainable food mission to look at Courtney’s life in more detail. She opens up about her history, shares valuable tips, and talks to us about lessons she’s learned and mistakes she won’t make again. So join us and sink your teeth into this episode at one of the following links:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

With over 32 Million dollars raised on Kickstarter, Peter Dering, CEO of Peak Design is best known as the king of Kickstarter - but in environmental circles, Peter is also known as the Co-Founder of Climate Neutral - the largest carbon neutrality certification body in the world. In today's episode, our conversation with Peter dives deeply into two subjects — why companies should offset their emissions and the benefits of creating a value-driven business that prioritizes employee happiness. After chatting to Peter about his relentless optimism and how a strong work ethic can be developed by building the right team, we discuss the values and purpose that Peak Design is founded on. We then reflect on Peter’s goal of giving his employees the best shot at fulfillment, how outside investment affects company culture, and why value-first companies have such high employee attraction and retention. From fostering an ideal work environment, we jump to exploring Peter’s view that companies are responsible for their environmental impact. He unpacks the reasons that companies should pay to offset their emissions before explaining the different types of carbon emissions. We talk about what it takes for companies to become truly carbon-neutral and how the failings of the limited carbon certification industry-inspired Peter to co-found Climate Neutral. Near the end of the episode, Peter pulls back the curtain and gives listeners advice on creating a successful Kickstarter campaign, along with details on the peer-to-peer marketplace that he’s developing. For the full episode, check out one of the links below:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcast

Full episode here: https://bit.ly/33O8qCaIs it possible to make money while doing good, or are these two concepts mutually exclusive? Joining us on the show to testify about her experience is Natalie Voland, the president of GI Quo Vadis, GI Quo Vadis is a mission-driven real estate development company with the vision of consciously building communities through the preservation and restoration of historically significant buildings, adaptively repositioning these assets to create employment opportunities for entrepreneurs. With a background in social work, Natalie was somewhat of an outsider in the real estate world when she first inherited the failing family business. Her strong focus on sustainability and community initially got her far more criticism than support. But after 25 years, she has earned the admiration of everyone in her circle, from employees and tenants to once-hostile community members. In this episode, Natalie talks extensively about the problem with planned obsolescence, the consequences of failing to pay attention to sustainability, and why people, profit, and the planet deserve equal consideration whenever any decision is made at their table. Tuning in, listeners will hear how she convinced others about the credibility of her vision, what she did to turn enemies into advocates, the measures of her success, and why you have to stand up for what you believe in at all costs. Check out the full episode at your preferred podcast platform linked below:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

See the full episode here: https://medium.com/impact-everywhere/bret-kugelmass-nuclear-podcast-2ca3eba52ea0?source=collection_home---4------0-----------------------f hearing the term ‘nuclear energy’ evokes images of explosions and toxic radiation leaking into the water, you are not alone. This widely-held (mis)perception is, in fact, the doing of the nuclear energy industry itself. Today’s guest, Bret Kugelmass, is on a mission to re-educate the world about the need for nuclear. Bret is the Managing Director at the Energy Impact Center, a non-profit whose goal is to reverse climate change. He also hosts a wildly successful podcast, Titans of Nuclear. With a background in robotics and commercial drones, Bret is an energy outsider in many ways. Once he realized he wanted to get into the fight against climate change, he started learning about this powerful source of energy.We begin with a history of the nuclear power industry, where Bret sheds light on the perverse incentives that have underpinned its negative reputation. Nuclear power is not unsafe, but there’s a lot of money that makes people believe it is. We also discuss the link between nuclear power and climate change and why no other form of energy will be able to undo the existing damage. Bret highlights that at this point, low carbon is not enough. We need to actively reverse the damage by capturing existing carbon in the atmosphere. Our conversation also touches on the OPEN100 Project — an open-source framework to help countries build small nuclear reactors — and how the cultural shift around nuclear power might happen. Check out the full episode at one of the links below:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

As impact investing becomes an increasingly popular investment philosophy, are creatives being left out of the equation? Upstart Co-Lab looks to create an ecosystem where impact investors can connect with funds, businesses, and real estate projects that drive social and environmental impact through the creative economy lens. Laura Callanan, the organization’s founder and today’s guest, joins us to share why the creative economy should be a priority in the impact investing space. We begin by looking at current investing in the creative economy and the work Upstart Co-Lab is doing to make investments in creative industries more intentional. We hear about how they categorize industries and why the metrics of investing in these enterprises are the same as other investment metrics. Impact investors look for things like job creation, environmental impact and community development, so investing in the creative economy should meet identical outcomes. Laura anchors the theory she shares with incredible examples of social impact enterprises she has worked with over the years. As is clear from her evidence, creative entrepreneurs — because of their position in their communities — are still able to express themselves artistically, all while making a broader social impact. Our discussion also touches on the intersection of philanthropy and impact investing, the need for the creative economy to tap into impact investment capital in light of minimal government funding, and Laura’s experience of becoming an entrepreneur later in life. Check out the full conversation at one of the following links:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

Society is in the early stages of a profound transformation, and by finding our passions we can all make bigger impacts and speed up the process of building a new world. Today’s guest is John Hagel, joining us on the show to talk about some key concepts from his research in Silicon Valley. He speaks on the role of passion and community in sustained performance improvement within high-pressure environments, amongst other topics. John is the author of The Power of Pull, and a prolific writer on the theme of how we should tackle the world’s greatest problems. He has also been a Co-Chairman at the Center for the Edge with Deloitte for almost 13 years, working on edge strategy and the future of work. John begins by talking about the need for society to reframe its fear-based narratives as opportunity-based ones. We then explore John’s concept of the ‘passion of the explorer’, which asserts the need for people to find their passions as well as describes how this can be done. For John, being committed to a cause should not be about discipline as much as passion, and if we can find our passions, it follows naturally that we will be able to make bigger impacts. We spend some time discussing John’s journey through different passions and how they all center around his desire to help people achieve their potential. Toward the end of the show, John talks about the shifts in the world from a push to a pull-based economy and what this all means. For all this and more about the importance of community, how to increase the probability of serendipitous meetings, and the role of community in big achievements, be sure to tune in at one of these links:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

Check out the full episode here: https://medium.com/impact-everywhere/bill-bensley-luxury-sustainability-podcast-5c9828be136fImagine a zoo where all the humans are caged while the animals roam free. This is just one of the many ground-breaking concepts manifesting in the form of the World Wild resort designed by architect Bill Bensley. Bill is a renowned architect who has created some of the world’s most iconic hotels, resorts, spas, homes, and even palaces, but perhaps more importantly, he has a heart for conservation and bridging the gap between luxury and sustainability. In this episode, Bill talks to Benjamin Von Wong about his process of purchasing the property for Shinta Mani Wild and what he did to craft a one-of-a-kind experience for guests — including building the longest zip line in Southeast Asia — offering guest breathtaking views of the Tmor Rung River.As listeners will hear, both the environment and community have benefited greatly from the job opportunities created by the resort, with poachers and loggers now being recruited as rangers and able to provide for their families. Bill gets into the White Paper he wrote on the pillars of sustainable design, the kind of conversations he has with hotel owners and developers who have only profits in mind, and how he came to have a say in how the properties he designs are operated. You can also look forward to hearing Bill discuss the value of curiosity, recreational painting, and the environmental goals he hopes to achieve in the future. Check out one of these links for the full episode:Subscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Google PodcastsSubscribe on Apple Podcast

The news is just like our diet, and what we consume can have huge impacts on our health. In today’s world, consuming news is just one click away and can be crammed in on your commute to work, paired with breakfast, or picked at before you even get out of bed in the morning. Today’s guest is Branden Harvey, and he believes we can empower ourselves and those around us just by deciding how we consume news. As the founder of Good Good Good, Branden wants to turn positivity into a vital part of our purpose as human beings. Through social media and — believe it or not — print media, he believes we can change the world. In this episode, you’ll hear about how the human brain has a negative bias toward bad news, and how good news can be used as a means to do good. We kick things off by talking about the impact journalism has on mental health, and how Good Good Good is not competition to standard media, but rather a much-needed accompaniment. Branden tells us about the difference between hopefulness and optimism, and why the former is a wonderful tool we all have access to. We also delve into the finer details and take a peek at Good Good Good’s unique take on marketing and how Branden went from individual creator to the leader of an organization. Listen to the full conversation at one of the following links:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsFull Episode: https://medium.com/impact-everywhere/branden-harvey-good-news-podcast-f98d3aec7da0

After 30 episodes, I thought it would be interesting to summarize what we've learned so far as a group, where we're at right now, and where you want to see this podcast to go!It's a short ten-minute summary, and if you have any thoughts - please share! I'd love to hear from you. hi (at) impacteverywhere.org

As You Sow is a non-profit foundation that utilizes shareholder advocacy to force corporations to be more responsible in their business. They have had remarkable successes with big corporations and the type of change they have been involved in can have huge rippling effects through sectors and society. Joining us on the show is Sarah Milne, Vice President of Advancement at As You Sow, and she is here to share some of the strategy and action that has allowed the organization to achieve these wins. We talk about how they apply pressure in order for shifts to happen and the idea of putting shares in a company to good use. Sarah underlines the values of ‘safe, just, and sustainable’ as a foundation for what we should be requiring of corporations, and we also get into her idea of creating a better capitalist reality. Our guest believes strongly that government action is vital on big issues such as climate change and that without legislative change, we will be unable to shift the tide. Listeners can expect to hear about what it takes to stay committed to incremental change, the efficacy of reports, and moving beyond important words in vital actions. Sarah gives us such a great picture of what it means to work for good within the confines of huge companies and political powers, and her steadfastness and drive is truly inspiring. Listen at one of the below links to hear the full episode:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple Podcasts

Can social media change the world? Today’s guest, Alison Teal, hopes to have a positive impact and enact environmental and social change through her digital platforms. Also known as the “Female Indiana Jones,” Alison lives and works at the intersection of education and entertainment, an influencer and adventurer. Alison travels the world with her camera and her iconic pink surfboard to share global secrets of survival, sustainability, health, and happiness through her comedic and inspirational film and blog series: Alison’s Adventures. She has also just signed a book deal with Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, called Alison’s Adventures: Your Passport to the World. In this episode, she shares with us how she made her social media debut, how she approaches her adventures, how she thinks about change, and how she is making a living during this time of COVID. She also speaks about how she reconciles with the scope of a problem, how she has adapted her strategies to be seen in today’s more algorithmic ecosystem, and how the pandemic has illustrated the need for us to live sustainably. Listen to this episode in full at one of the below links:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsOr get access to all the free graphics and read the takeaways here!

Philanthropic investment funds are far less helpful than they would lead us to believe. This means that investing for the good of humanity needs to follow a different model. Today, we explore a concept called impact investing with Dr. Charly Kleissner, a novel approach he has been developing over the last 20 years that prioritizes impact over returns. Over this time, Charly has started KL Felicitas Foundation, Toniic, and ImpactAssets, three groups that try to orchestrate impact investing in different ways. This episode takes place in two parts. The first focuses on Charly’s investment philosophy and why he thinks the system is broken and needs an overhaul. In this section, we use the term Deep Ecology as a springboard to understand Deep Impact investing and how it presents an alternative investment model that is not born from an anthropocentric philosophy. We explore why philanthropy and ESG’s actually have a net harmful impact, how social impact bonds and tokenization of impact present a way forward, and the steps Charly’s different companies have taken to get impact investing off the ground. The second section of the show dives into the other half of the equation, a consciousness revolution Charly believes needs to happen before humanity can take the steps required to live in a way that benefits rather than harms the planet. For many insights into the world of investing and the channels that exist there as well as inside ourselves, be sure to tune in at one of the links below:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsRead the full summary here!

As the movement against animal cruelty and the suffering caused by the meat and dairy industries continues to gain momentum, there are important and world-shifting developments happening across many different sectors of industry and science. Joining us to talk about his work to reduce animal cruelty in the food sector is Josh Balk, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection at the Humane Society. Having been a part of important and substantive legislative change in the animal rights movement, including the recent Proposition 12, which has banned the sale of caged animals’ eggs, veal, and pork in California, Josh is expertly positioned to offer insight into the current state of the cause. He has witnessed an amazing transformation over the past few years, and it is refreshing to hear someone on the frontlines run through the valuable victories that have been won. Josh shares some thoughts on how change actually occurs in his world, and his thoughts on shifting culture in an inclusive and friendly way make a lot of sense. For Josh, the task of reducing meat and dairy consumption is best approached through innovation and taste, and he believes that once people are exposed to convenient and delicious forms of cruelty-free food products, massive change will be within reach. One way he is pioneering this is by cofounding the already popular alternative-meat brand — JUST.Josh talks about plant-based foodstuffs as well as the looming possibility of commercially available cultivated meat — meaning meat that is created independently from the life of an animal. We hear from him why this idea of lab-grown meat is not actually as shocking or freaky as some of us might feel and his vision for how it can catch on in a major way. Josh comments on the usefulness of an obsessive dedication to a cause, and working with the grain to bring people on board through non-accusatory and non-judgmental means. For a truly inspiring chat with someone making a sizable impact on the future of a more humane world, do not miss this conversation! Listen at one of the links below:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsRead the full summary here

Resource scarcity, pollution, overpopulation — we are at a point in the trajectory of civilization where we must either remain complacent and stick to our linear economic model, or we take action to enact change. But, as consumers, how do we know what information to trust and what to do with it? On the other side of the coin, how do researchers and activists make sure their work reaches enough people to make an impact and drive more change? Marcus Eriksen, Co-Founder of The 5 Gyres Institute, joins us today to explore questions like these while also talking about the work he does and the incredible life experiences he has had that led him to it. 5 Gyres empowers action against the global health crisis of plastic pollution through science, art, education, and adventure. Marcus and 5 Gyres have done countless amazing things. Perhaps most notably, he conducted the research that led to the banning of microbeads in the U.S. We kick the discussion off talking about this research and the hope it has given Marcus, and then hear his thoughts on how to be more skeptical consumers of information that can take action on what we learn. From there, we hear the incredible stories of Marcus’ childhood where his love of nature began, and the experiences he had as a marine that inspired him to join the movement to rid the world of plastic using science. Toward the end, we talk to Marcus about the need to collaborate and weave stories around scientific research because, if not, the lessons you have for the world might be forgotten, or worse, never even heard. For valuable insights on how to take action and join the movement for change, be sure to tune in at one of the below links:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsRead the full summary here with graphics and more!

Meet Ivan Cash: Human Connection Specialist, Artist, Filmmaker, and Speaker. His focus is building human connection and reducing the overload of technology in the modern world. Ivan has a special gift for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, and his eye for a great idea is second to none. After all, his projects are designed to go viral and he’s appeared on basically every major news source at least once.In today’s episode, we hear from him about his approach to projects, the strategies he uses to make sure his important work is seen, and how he tries to live in the world in a more present way. Ivan has worked on numerous impressive projects, and he delves into several of these on this episode. One such project, also involving host Benjamin Von Wong, involved putting up “No Tech Zone” signs in a park and filming people’s reactions when they saw they’d be fined $100 for using their phones. The latter part of the episode goes on to discuss the power of intentional time and methods for staying productive and focused during this period of uncertainty across the world. Ivan talks about the blessing and curse of being hyper-organized and his approach to staying on track with the work he has committed to. Ivan is such an inspiring artist and communicator, so you definitely do not want to miss this amazing chat.Read the full summary with extra graphics here!

Despite their protected status, one-third of the world’s nature reserves are under threat from human activity. Enter Code of Conscience: an elegant software solution that aims to stop the big machines that are used to destroy the planet. Today’s guests are its creators, Hugo Veiga and Diego Machado, who share their story and the challenges that they faced. They are co-Chief Creative Officers at an advertising agency called AKQA Sao Paolo, and are master storytellers who have created a number of different impactful campaigns. In this episode, Hugo and Diego first discuss Code of Conscience, which is a (free!) open-source software that detects when an unauthorized machine is entering a protected area. This code either shuts down the machine, sends a message to the company utilizing the machine to say it should not be there, or notifies the organization in charge of protecting the area. They talk about how they came up with the idea and the struggles they have faced in making it widely utilized. The pair then goes on to discuss some of the other projects they’ve worked on with AKQA. They touch on issues they experience when trying to change human behaviors, the way they approach design campaigns that will resonate with people, and the value of human connection and collaboration. Check out one of the below links to listen to the episode in full:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsRead the full summary with more bite-sized quotes here!

An estimated 92 million tons of textiles go to landfills across the globe each year. Today’s guest is Graham Ross, a serial entrepreneur looking to change this. During a mid-life crisis, Graham switched careers into the fashion industry, without having any experience. This isn’t a story about how Graham started a fashion line just to look more fashionable, but rather a story about how Graham, while pulling on a thread of curiosity, discovered an industry that was toxic and wanted to do something about it. Graham was curious about how he could start solving the problem, so he went on a mission to create the greenest t-shirt on the planet. That t-shirt, made using agricultural waste, ended up being his first product, which then grew into an entire clothing line called Kusaga Athletic. Realizing that he couldn’t take on major fashion brands, no matter how many t-shirts he sold, Graham took a more technological approach, starting BlockTexx, which is an Australian clean technology company focused on recycling textile waste. In this episode, Graham talks about how he essentially Googled his way to solving one of the world’s greatest challenges, how he built up a company inside the fashion industry despite not having any experience, and what he does to stay inspired to keep fighting the good fight. Tune in at one of the following links for the full conversation:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsSee the full blog post & free graphics hereRead the Detailed Summary here

Over 2 Billion people in the world live without access to toilets and clean sanitation. Serial entrepreneur Jack Sim has made it his life’s work to address this problem, starting the World Toilet Organization and helping instate World Toilet Day, raising awareness, and making change happen. Today, we hear from Jack about how he began this conversation and breaking down the taboo and silence on the subject. In today's episode, Jack explains his model of ‘mutual exploitation’ as a way of creating change, as well as how he created a movement built out of millions of heroes, rather than one central figure. Jack shares his thoughts on finding big problems to work on, his approach to change, and the fulfillment that is possible when we aim for the seemingly impossible. Our guest is a firm believer in the mission over the person, and argues that we should all be unimportant next to the cause we are fighting for. For Jack, the meaning of life is found in your usefulness and service to the rest of the planet and he is such a great example of helping people and inspiring change around him. Listeners can expect to gain insight into a worldview that prioritizes hope and positivity in the face of adversity, so tune in to hear from a wonderful voice of impact, with a great sense of humanity and humor!Read the Full Summary here.Read my detailed podcast notes here.Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple Podcasts

Today’s guest is Royce Mann, an 18-year-old youth activist and spoken word poet who went viral with a piece called White Boy Privilege when he was only 14. Since then, Royce has been wrestling with the balance between fame and responsibility as well as the privilege he has as a white male in Atlanta, Georgia. Royce has thought very carefully about the fine line between activism and virtue signaling, and in today’s show, he shares some of the lessons he has learned throughout his brief but exciting career. We tackle some pertinent topics including the responsibility that comes with visibility and privilege, the way we can best use our skills to further the causes we believe in, how important it is for us to become aware of our complicity in the systems we fight against, as well as the power of conversation, the spoken word, and art. Royce shares a few of his poems today, and we discuss the different issues that inspired him to write them. We also cover the important themes that his poetry brings up about the intersection between identity and audience, the importance of speaking from one’s own experience, and the gap between the intention behind a piece and how it is received. Be sure to tune in for this valuable conversation about privilege, activism, and responsibility at one of the below links:Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsRead the full summary here: https://medium.com/impact-everywhere/royce-mann-privilege-podcast-6cf739aabb36

When most of us think about art and science, we perceive them as two separate worlds. However, according to today’s guest, Michelle Thaller, there are far more similarities between art and science than meets the eye. As a NASA scientist, Michelle’s insatiable curiosity and desire to discover fuels her, and this passion is tangible throughout the conversation. We kick off the show with Michelle debunking some commonly-held misconceptions about scientists. From there, we turn our attention to the importance of scientific research before talking about why young people should not ignore their inner voice when deciding on a path to pursue. Although problems such as climate change are undeniable realities, there is a role for everyone, not only scientists, to play in enabling change. Along the way, we discuss the need to push the boundaries of science, why polarization is a powerful political tool and how we can overcome it, and what we can do in our own backyard to get the needle moving on the issues that matter. While Michelle does not sugarcoat the enormity of the challenges that lie ahead for us, her message is still one of hope. She believes that by focusing on cultivating our innate curiosity, we will find the answers we need. No time to listen to the podcast? No worries. Detailed summary of the full Podcast here!Loved the episode and want to share it? I've made some custom free graphics and art for just this episode here!

Did you know, thought leaders around the world, including the current CEOs of both Microsoft and Slack, are focusing on empathy as one of the most critical skills to the business, creativity, and design. In this episode, we speak to Ilana Ben-Ari, an inventor and social entrepreneur who has devoted her life to spreading empathy by developing toys that help to nurture this practice through her business Twenty One Toys.Over the course of 45 minutes, we cover the role that toys have played in influencing creative geniuses, how engaging in play is a catalyst for fostering creativity and how Ilana managed to package an experience into a product. Often those who originally oppose attending these workshops express how important the work of teaching empathy and creativity is. Ilana leaves listeners with a final message: To solve the world’s problems, we need more creatives to become entrepreneurs. Listen to this episode at one of the links below to find out how Ilana is making an impact, one toy at a time.Listen on SpotifyListen on Google PodcastsListen on Apple PodcastsRead my detailed recap of the entire episode here.Read the Medium Summary with free quotes and graphics here.