Podcasts about Public good

Who ever heard of a state-based agency that is older than the state itself?  The Texas General Land Office was established in 1836 by the Congress of the Republic of Texas, the sovereign country that became the State of Texas ten years later, in 1846. When that transition happened, Texas retained control of all of its public lands.  That made the General Land Office's role even more important, and it remains to this day as custodian of things like mineral rights, surveying and maps, disaster relief, immigration enforcement, and a whole host of other missions. Dr. Dawn Buckingham is the elected Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office, and has held that office since 2023. She joins Heritage Explains today to talk about her role and the uniquely American way her office is using public lands for public good.  --- The Texas General Land Office: https://www.glo.texas.gov/ Dr. Dawn Buckingham on X: https://x.com/DrBuckinghamTX?lang=en --- Email us at heritageexplains@heritage.org 

Who ever heard of a state-based agency that is older than the state itself? The Texas General Land Office was established in 1836 by the Congress of the Republic of Texas, the sovereign country that became the State of Texas ten years later, in 1846. When that transition happened, Texas retained control of all of its public lands. That made the […]

Which came first: the business or the purpose?For most companies, the answer is the business. But Tony's Chocolonely turned that formula upside down.In this episode of Purpose 360, Carol Cone welcomes Douglas Lamont, CEO of Tony's Chocolonely, for a fascinating conversation about one of the world's most purpose-driven companies. Founded by investigative journalists determined to expose child labor and exploitation in the cocoa industry, Tony's wasn't created to sell chocolate—it was created to prove that chocolate could be made differently.Douglas shares how Tony's has transformed that original act of advocacy into a global brand while staying relentlessly focused on its mission. He explains why the company calls itself an impact company, how its sourcing model and Mission Lock governance structure protect purpose at scale, and why transparency, collaboration, and creativity are essential to driving systemic change.Whether you're leading a purpose-driven business, building one from the ground up, or simply curious about how business can become a force for good, this conversation offers practical leadership lessons and an inspiring vision for what's possible.Purpose 360 is produced by TruStory FM.Full Show Notes & ResourcesView on YouTube (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Tony's Chocolonely • Douglas Lamont (03:16) - Childhood Influences (05:32) - Favorite Flavor (06:07) - Origin Story (10:28) - Becoming the Company It Is Today (11:42) - Shifting Careers (12:45) - How They Fight Exploitation (18:42) - Five Principles (20:11) - Reporting Good and Bad (21:33) - Advice for Building Brand (22:29) - Two Governance Tracks (25:31) - Marketing (29:34) - The Name (31:07) - Advice to Young People (33:21) - Advice for Social Entrepreneurs (34:11) - Rapid Fire Questions (36:58) - Last Word (38:04) - Wrap Up

AI is here. Hiding from it isn't an option. __________ For more resources to live like a Christian in this cultural moment, go to breakpoint.org.

Why do billionaires often pay lower tax rates than working Americans? In this episode of the Sunlight Tax Podcast, I sit down with tax policy expert and professor, Ray Madoff, to explore how income, wealth, and inheritance are taxed in the United States, and why the current system often favors the ultra-wealthy.We discuss wealth inequality, estate taxes, billionaire tax strategies, and the most promising proposals for tax reform. If you've ever wondered how the tax code shapes who builds wealth in America, this conversation offers a clear and accessible look at what a fairer tax system could look like.Also mentioned in today's episode:02:30 Background on Professor Ray Madoff and her work05:40 How the tax system favors the wealthy07:19 The impact of growth in stock value and tax treatment09:02 Living off wealth, not income10:04 Inheritance, gifts, and the lack of taxation12:15 The estate tax and loopholes16:20 Public perception and fairness in the tax system17:21 How the wealthy avoid taxes: borrowing against assets23:02 Political feasibility of tax reforms25:46 Wealth taxes and their challenges29:56 Legal and constitutional issues with wealth taxes31:46 Potential benefits of well-designed tax policiesIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.About Professor Ray D. Madoff:Ray D. Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and the cofounder and director of the Boston College Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American Dead and lead author of The Practical Guide to Estate Planning. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Review of Books, among other outlets.Episode Links:Professor Ray Madoff's Book: The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American AristocracyMy FAQ page on how to Tax the RichGet my Tax Help on SubstackGet your FREE visual guide to tax deductionsOrder my book: Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed Get full access to Taxes For Humans at sunlighttax.substack.com/subscribe

What can a national litter study tell us about human behavior, environmental stewardship, and the future of America's communities?In this episode of Purpose 360, Carol Cone welcomes David Scott, Senior Vice President of Impact and Analytics at Keep America Beautiful, to discuss the organization's newly released National Litter Study—one of the most comprehensive analyses of litter and waste behavior in the United States.The findings reveal encouraging progress, including a 34% decline in litter along roadways and waterways since the previous study. But the research also uncovers important challenges, from rising tire waste and cardboard litter to significant concentrations of debris along America's coastlines.Together, Carol and David explore what the data reveals about changing consumer habits, why litter is fundamentally a behavioral issue, and how cleaner communities contribute to stronger local economies, safer neighborhoods, and healthier environments. David also shares practical insights into the proven strategies that help reduce litter, the role of shared responsibility, and why community engagement remains one of the most effective tools for creating lasting change.Purpose 360 is produced by TruStory FM.Full Show Notes & Resources HereView on YouTube Here (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - David Scott, Keep America Beautiful (02:39) - David's Background (04:18) - Their First Litter Study (06:02) - The Litter Study (08:53) - Coastal Areas (12:01) - Change in Consumption (14:29) - Litter Bugs (15:17) - Impact of Cleaner Places (17:07) - Key Messages (19:12) - When Seeing Someone Litter (20:15) - Social Cleanups (22:11) - Last Thoughts (24:02) - Wrap Up

It's time for The Indicator Quiz! We test you, dear listener, on your knowledge of topics that we've covered on The Indicator. For today's quiz show, we are putting an urban planner from Nevada to the test. Play along with us and see how you do!Are you interested in being a contestant on our next Indicator Quiz? Email us your name and phone number at indicator@npr.org and put "Indicator Quiz" in the subject line.Fact checking by Sierra Juarez.Your Next Listen — A trap-loving DJ takes on economics Connect with The Indicator — Sign up for The Indicator's brand new newsletter— Buy the Planet Money book— Find our socials, YouTube and more!— For sponsor-free episodes, subscribe to NPR+ See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Long before sustainability, ESG, and stakeholder capitalism entered the business mainstream, Jeffrey Hollender was building a company founded on the belief that business could serve both people and the planet.In this episode of Purpose 360, Carol Cone welcomes Jeffrey Hollender, co-founder and former CEO of Seventh Generation, and her fellow pioneer of the purpose movement for a candid conversation about his new book, Built for a Better World, and the remarkable story behind Seventh Generation. Together they explore the realities of building a mission-driven company before the market was ready, the role of transparency in earning consumer trust, the challenges of scaling culture during rapid growth, and the difficult lessons Jeffrey learned about investors, governance, and leadership.Jeffrey also reflects on employee ownership, activist business leadership, and the boardroom decisions that ultimately led to his departure from the company he founded. Along the way, he shares why today's purpose-driven businesses must think beyond products and profits to address the broader impact they have on people, communities, and the planet.Purpose 360 is produced by TruStory FM.Full Show Notes & Resources HereView on YouTube Here (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Jeffrey Hollender (03:49) - Jeffrey's Background (07:03) - Seventh Generation (09:51) - The Early Years (11:06) - The Name (12:59) - Built for a Better World (16:45) - Albertson's Example (19:31) - Role of Employees (21:26) - Company Machinations (23:58) - Moderating Growth (26:58) - Learning Through Activism (29:13) - Going Too Radical (31:12) - Working with a Board (33:51) - Getting Terminated (35:56) - The Role of Family (38:37) - What Companies Get Wrong About Purpose (40:53) - Speed Round (42:17) - Last Words (43:07) - Wrap Up

This week, as the far-right continues to fan the flames of violence and division, Coco and Nish are joined by Hasan Piker: Twitch streamer, influencer, and left-wing political commentator who was recently blocked from entering the UK. They dig into what makes him “not conducive to the public good”, and why it's important to speak the truth–however that comes across. They also talk about political allegiances, the future of progressive politics, and the worrying rise of far-right MAGA movements across the world. Does a Labour government have the answer?GUESTS Hasan Piker CHECK OUT THESE DEALS FROM OUR SPONSORS AURA FRAMES:https://www.auraframes.co.uk Code: PSTUKWISE: https://www.wise.comBT: Search ‘Why BT' to find out more. Pod Save the UK is an Intelligence Squared production for Crooked Media.Get in touch - contact us via email: podsavetheuk@crooked.comLike and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUKInstagram: https://instagram.com/podsavetheukTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podsavetheukBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/podsavetheuk.crooked.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/podsavetheukX: https://x.com/podsavetheuk

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Aisha Coffey joins The Great Battlefield podcast to talk about working at the FDA before it was attacked by the Trump administration and why she joined FWAD (Federal Workers Alliance for Democracy), a coalition that supports federal workers to uphold their oath by protecting the public good.

This special episode of Purpose 360 was recorded live at the Engage for Good conference, and host Carol Cone continues her conversations with leaders shaping the future of corporate purpose, nonprofit partnerships, employee engagement, and social impact strategy.Carol Cone is joined by Bryan Klopack of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Nathan Measom of the American Red Cross, Deborah Barge of The Trevor Project, Sarah Knott of Hasbro, and Kari Hayden Pendoley of Impact Savvy. At Engage for Good, they join leaders across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and corporate purpose to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore how organizations can create more meaningful and integrated approaches to impact.These featured leaders share how they build partnerships that create value for both businesses and communities, engage employees as powerful drivers of purpose, and respond to evolving social needs with creativity and commitment. They discuss workforce development, mentorship, mental health, disaster response, and stakeholder engagement, but they return repeatedly to one central idea: lasting impact starts with listening, grows through authentic relationships, and strengthens through long-term commitment.Together, these conversations capture the candid, practical, and forward-looking insights for anyone who wants to strengthen communities, engage stakeholders, and advance purpose in a rapidly changing environment.Purpose 360 is produced by TruStory FM.Full Show Notes & Resources (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Engage for Good Conference Part 2 (02:21) - Bryan Klopack • Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (14:55) - Nathan Measom • American Red Cross (19:21) - Deborah Barge • Trevor Project (30:36) - Sarah Knott • Hasbro (31:14) - Wrap Up (32:18) - Kari Hayden Pendoley • Impact Savvy

Social impact is moving out of standalone CSR departments and into the center of how organizations think about leadership, culture, talent, and innovation. Recorded live at the Engage for Good conference, this special episode of Purpose 360 brings listeners inside conversations shaping the present and future of the industry.Engage for Good brings together leaders across philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and corporate purpose to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore how organizations can create more meaningful and integrated approaches to impact.Host Carol Cone sits down with Nancy Molenda and Brittany Cruickshank of Mattel, Karoline Katus of the Obama Foundation, Navid Ladha of OnPurpose Careers, and Jorge Alvarez of Active Minds for conversations about embedding social impact into business strategy, cultivating values-based leadership, redefining mission-driven careers, and building long-term partnerships rooted in trust and collaboration. Together, the conversations capture the candid, practical, and forward-looking insights that emerge when leaders committed to social impact come together to share what's working, what's changing, and what's next.Purpose 360 is produced by TruStory FM.Full Show Notes & Resources (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Engage for Good Part 1 (02:35) - Nancy Molenda & Brittany Cruickshank • Mattel (15:28) - Karoline Katus • Obama Foundation (19:49) - Navid Ladha • OnPurpose Careers (23:58) - Jorge Alvarez • Active Minds (35:38) - Wrap Up

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing virtually every facet of our lives. While there's a lot of doom and gloom predictions, what does a future look like if we're more intentional about using AI to actually better lives? We're sharing a recording of Chris and the New York Times' Ezra Klein's discussion at the Center for American Progress 2026 CAP IDEAS conference. They discuss what a new approach to artificial intelligence might look like–one intended to maximize AI's benefits for the public good. And for more on AI, be sure to check out "WITHpod: The AI End Game," our new special series all about the revolutionary impact of AI, right here on the WITHpod feed.  Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing virtually every facet of our lives. While there's a lot of doom and gloom predictions, what does a future look like if we're more intentional about using AI to actually better lives? We're sharing a recording of Chris and the New York Times' Ezra Klein's discussion at the Center for American Progress 2026 CAP IDEAS conference. They discuss what a new approach to artificial intelligence might look like–one intended to maximize AI's benefits for the public good. And for more on AI, be sure to check out "WITHpod: The AI End Game," a new special series all about the revolutionary impact of AI, wherever you get your podcasts.  Want more of Chris? Download and follow his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Balaji Ganapathy returns to Purpose 360 as a leader with decades of experience shaping one of the world's most purpose-driven organizations and a renewed vision for what comes next. Longtime listeners will recognize his journey from building impact at Tata Consultancy Services to scaling global social initiatives. Now, he is launching his own venture, Social Positive. But throughout his career, one throughline remains: purpose is not a side effort. It plays the same role technology once did, serving as the ultimate driver of innovation, growth, and long-term relevance.We invited Balaji to share the insights he's gained from more than two decades of leading purpose at scale, and to unpack what it truly takes to turn intention into impact. He challenges leaders to rethink purpose as a growth engine while outlining the four critical gaps holding back progress today: from misaligned funding and execution challenges to measurement limitations and barriers to scaling proven solutions. He also introduces Social Positive's approach, including a practitioner-led community, data-driven insights, and an AI-enabled decision tool, all designed to help leaders better align resources, strategy, and action.Listen for insights on:Why “purpose is the new tech” still holds trueCreating shared measurement across partnersLeading with a “society first” mindsetUsing AI to accelerate social impact work Resources + Links:Watch this episode on YouTube!Balaji Ganapathy's LinkedInSocial PositiveThe CollectiveImpactScapeRika (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Balaji Ganapathy (02:47) - Balaji's Backstory (05:12) - Learning from Previous Roles (08:20) - Is Purpose Still the New Tech? (10:53) - Shifting the C-Suite (13:17) - Partnership Success (16:29) - Social Positive (23:01) - AI Native Impact Consulting (28:18) - Opportunities in Asia (30:34) - Suggestions for Young People (31:37) - Speed Round (33:13) - Last Word (34:51) - Wrap Up

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Has the 24/7 news cycle done more public good or harm? Michael reflects on the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner while examining the profound impact of round-the-clock news coverage on American society. From the Gulf War and 9/11 to O.J., political polarization, and “doomscrolling,” Michael explores how cable news transformed journalism, public awareness, and national discourse. Did real-time reporting democratize information and strengthen accountability — or create ideological silos, anxiety, and a nonstop demand for outrage? Listen here, then vote! And please rate, review and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bombas was already thriving—scaling rapidly, achieving billions in sales, and donating more than 200 million items to people experiencing homelessness—when founder David Heath recognized that the company's next phase of growth would require a different kind of leadership. He made the intentional decision to step aside as CEO, and Jason LaRose, a seasoned operator with experience scaling brands, was thoughtfully brought in—first as president, then as CEO—creating a seamless transition rooted in shared respect for Bombas' purpose, culture, and product excellence.We invited David Heath and Jason LaRose to share what it really takes to navigate a founder-to-CEO transition while preserving the soul of a purpose-driven company. They discuss the importance of humility, trust, and deep respect for what's already been built, as well as the discipline required to scale without disrupting culture or diluting mission. From Jason's intentional “listen-first” leadership approach to David's continued role as a strategic partner, their conversation reveals how purpose can act as a north star through change and growth. They also explore how Bombas continues to innovate, expand into new categories and channels, and grow its giving network, all while proving that purpose isn't a tradeoff to profitability, but a driver of it. For purpose-driven leaders, it's a compelling story of how one leader passes purpose to the next—and how impact can grow without losing what matters most.Listen for insights on:Recognizing when founder leadership must evolveBuilding trust before stepping into CEO roleScaling operations without compromising mission integrityProtecting culture during periods of rapid growthResources + Links:Watch this episode on YouTube!David Heath's LinkedInJason LaRose's LinkedInBombas Impact ReportBombas Giving Partner DirectoryPrevious Purpose 360 Episode: The Love That Bombas Socks Made (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet David and Jason from Bombas (02:56) - Backstories (05:35) - How They Met (07:32) - The Germ of the Idea (10:13) - Jason's Start (14:30) - Dave's Role (16:46) - CEO Advice (18:30) - First 60 Days and Volunteering (20:41) - Expand Products (22:31) - Superior Production (24:18) - Moving Into Retail (25:55) - Giving Partners (28:17) - Looking to the Future (30:12) - Message to Young People (33:28) - Fast Track Questions (38:42) - Last Word (39:45) - Wrap Up

In this week's episode, both of our storytellers build shields to protect themselves and discover what happens when those defences fail.Part 1: As a lonely teenager searching for connection, Christopher Moncayo-Torres turns to an unlikely disguise—a giant Clifford costume—in hopes of bridging the gap between himself and the world around him.Part 2: JP Flores has always been the family's “smart kid,” a role that becomes his armor in college—until the pressure of living up to that identity begins to crack.Christopher Moncayo-Torres is an Ecuadorian-American writer, actor, teaching artist and live storyteller, born and bred in Queens, NY, and new-ish to living in LA. Most recently, he performed alongside his Ecuadorian father (yes, really) in "No Sabo", an award-winning, solo-ish show about rekindling their once estranged relationship, despite their language barrier. He's now working on a live-ish cooking show with his mother. He also hosts the monthly storytelling-workshop show, Fail Better Story Time at Studious Coworking Space in LA's Chinatown. More info can be found at www.failbetterarts.com He's an instructor and host for The Moth. He's also a 3x Moth StorySLAM winner who has been featured on The Moth Radio Hour podcast.JP Flores recently completed his PhD in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology from UNC Chapel Hill, where he studied how DNA folds in 3D space to control when, where, and why genes turn on. He calls this the origami of gene regulation. Originally from Los Angeles, he's also pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Innovation for the Public Good, blending his love for bridging science and society. He's a HHMI Gilliam Fellow, a podcast host (From Where Does It STEM?, a Spotify Next Wave Award winner), and is passionate about turning science communication into community connection. He is also a co-founder of the nonprofit organization, Science For Good. Outside the lab, JP plays guitar and gigs around North Carolina, and lives with his very opinionated and stubborn wiener dog, Vienna. As a first-gen college student, he's driven to make science more community-centered and for the public good.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While there is a public uproar about China having access to the work of American scientists, there is a bigger issue at stake: Is science “owned” by “the public”? If not, why are we so worried about the Chinese?Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/if-science-public-good-let-china-pay-it

While there is a public uproar about China having access to the work of American scientists, there is a bigger issue at stake: Is science “owned” by “the public”? If not, why are we so worried about the Chinese?Original article: https://mises.org/mises-wire/if-science-public-good-let-china-pay-it

Many companies today are choosing silence over visibility when it comes to their social and environmental commitments. What might appear as retreat or inconsistency is, in fact, something more deliberate. Christopher Marquis describes this phenomenon as “strategic hibernation,” or a calculated pause in external communication driven by political tension, stakeholder scrutiny, and shifting expectations. Rather than abandoning purpose, companies are pulling back publicly while continuing the work internally, protecting their capabilities, talent, and long-term investments. But this creates a critical tension: how to navigate risk without eroding trust or losing momentum on the very issues that define a company's impact and identity.We invited Christopher Marquis, Author and Sinyi Professor of Chinese Management at the University of Cambridge, to unpack this moment and what it means for purpose-driven leaders. Christopher explores why strategic hibernation is not the same as “green hushing,” and outlines how organizations can remain disciplined in communications while actively maintaining their core assets and preparing for when conditions shift. He shares insights on how companies can continue investing in sustainability and social impact behind the scenes, why internal alignment and values-based leadership matter more than ever, and how leaders can thoughtfully assess political risk without compromising their long-term mission.Listen for insights on:Maintaining employee trust during uncertaintyProtecting culture as a strategic assetWhen to re-engage publicly on issuesGlobal perspectives on corporate silenceResources + Links:Christopher Marquis' LinkedInHarvard Business Review: Is This a Moment for Strategic Hibernation?Christopher Marquis' Website (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Chris Marquis (01:59) - Chris' Background (02:52) - Why This Work (04:46) - Strategic Hibernation (09:14) - Three Ways (11:43) - Regional Differences? (13:23) - Advice to CEOs and Boards (14:44) - Internal Comms (16:53) - AI's Role (18:36) - Being Socially Responsible (19:40) - Speed Round (21:05) - Last Word (21:53) - Wrap Up

In this episode of PGAP, host Michael Bayliss welcomes special guest Peter Tait, convenor of the Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy. Peter discusses the critical importance of citizen participation in the democratic process and how citizen assemblies have great potential in building momentum on issues such as planned Degrowth and population policy. Peter Tait has been a General Practitioner for over 40 years, 30 of them in Aboriginal health in Central Australia. He was 2007 RACGP General Practitioner of the Year and 2017 Public Health Association Australia Sidney Sax medalist. He teaches Population Health at ANU. You can find out more about the Canberra Alliance for Participatory Democracy HERE. Peter represented CAPaD at the New Economy Network Australia (NENA) conference in 2025. Did you like this episode and want to explore more PGAP episodes? We recommend the premiere episode for this season with Marcus Champ, representing Public Money, Public Good, who also presented at the NENA conference. Or listen to the NENA conference coordinator, Tiyana Jovanovic, HERE. For a slightly older episode, our interview with Mark Diesendorf explored issues referred to in this episode such as state capture of government policy. For further reading, you may be interested in Michael's blog article for Population Media Centre, which argues why large and rapidly growing populations can dilute democracy. This is explored further in my article on The Overpopulation Project: “The Planet Cannot Hold the Weight of 8.2 billion Narratives.” During the interview, Peter explains the concept of Sociocracy and its capacity to achieve consensus even with large and disperse populations. In the episode introduction, Michael reflects on his recent presentation on Degrowth at Perth's Curtin University. Aiming to engage students emotionally with Degrowth as a moral imperative, the feedback was hugely encouraging, as the below photo hopefully attests. Michael at back centre PGAP will be on a break over the next couple of months. In the meantime, Michael is offering a free Sustainable Population Mug, for every review of PGAP on Apple Podcast. All you need to do – after writing the review – is contact PGAP on our CONTACT FORM and Michael will respond on his return. In the down time, we also encourage you to engage at least one person on the issue of Degrowth, please write to us and let us know how your conversation went. All views, opinions and past legacies of PGAP guests are exclusively theirs and do not necessarily reflect those of PGAP or Sustainable Population Australia.Special Guest: Peter Tait.

Would it be a surprise if we told you the rich don't actually live in the same tax system as everyone else? Tomorrow is Tax Day, when millions of Americans will be filing their taxes or applying for extensions, so Nick and Goldy sit down with Ray D. Madoff, Professor of Tax Law at Boston College, and author of The Second Estate, to pull back the curtain on how wealth really moves—and why so much of it never gets taxed at all. Because here's the twist: The system wasn't supposed to work this way. But over time, something changed. Now, the people who live off paychecks carry the tax burden… while the people living off wealth often don't have to play the game at all. Professor Madoff explains what happened and what it would take to fix it.  Ray Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and director of the Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is a leading expert on tax policy, wealth, and philanthropy, and author of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy. Social Media: @raymadoff Further reading:  The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy. The Atlantic - How to Tax Billionaires CNBC - Lawsuit over $21 million donor-advised fund highlights risks of DAF giving Washington Post - A Signature GOP Issue Is Omitted From Trump's ‘Big' Tax Bill. Weird New York Times - America Builds an Aristocracy Website: http://pitchforkeconomics.com Facebook: Pitchfork Economics Podcast Bluesky: @pitchforkeconomics.bsky.social Instagram: @pitchforkeconomics Threads: pitchforkeconomics TikTok: @pitchfork_econ YouTube: @pitchforkeconomics LinkedIn: Pitchfork Economics Twitter: @PitchforkEcon, @NickHanauer Substack: ⁠The Pitch⁠

This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast featured Brent Westergren from Partners for the Public Good, an organization focused on improving local government operations, particularly procurement processes. Brent shared his background in public policy and government effectiveness, including his work at Harvard Kennedy School and his current role helping cities plan, procure, and deliver infrastructure projects. The discussion covered how procurement systems can be strategic levers rather than just compliance functions, with Brent providing examples from his work in Jackson, Mississippi, where they reformed payment systems and created a vendor self-service portal to improve contractor relationships. They explored the tension between elected officials and staff regarding budget priorities, and discussed how local government's importance continues to grow despite challenges in smaller communities. The conversation concluded with reflections on the future of local government and the role of professional city management in addressing operational challenges. Introducing Partners for the Public Good The transcript shows the beginning of a podcast interview between host Jim Hunt and guest Brent Westergren from Partners for the Public Good. The conversation focused on introducing Brent and his background before diving into the organization's work. Jim expressed interest in hearing about Brent's journey that led him to work in local government, but the specific details of Brent's background were not captured in this transcript portion. The interview was just starting, with plans to discuss Partners for the Public Good and its role in local government in future segments.  https://partnersforpublicgood.org/ Federal Funding and DEI Challenges Jim and Brent discussed the upcoming National League of Cities Conference in DC, where Jim will be attending. They reflected on how federal funding priorities have changed over time, particularly comparing the current focus on larger budget items to the previous emphasis on CDBG programs. The conversation concluded with Jim sharing a concerning example of a young employee's limited understanding of DEI requirements, highlighting broader concerns about implementation and oversight in government programs. Improving Government Procurement Systems Jim and Brent discussed the importance of effective government systems, particularly procurement processes. Brent explained that Partners for Public Good works to improve these systems in local governments across the country, focusing on back-office functions like procurement, finance, and budgeting. They highlighted how streamlined processes can make a significant impact on both government workers and residents. The conversation touched on the challenges of navigating complex procurement rules, which Brent described as often being viewed as a compliance function rather than a strategic tool for government leaders. Strategic Procurement and Vendor Relations Brent discussed how procurement can be used strategically rather than just as a compliance function, using the example of purchasing police cars. He shared his experience working with Jackson, Mississippi, where the city owed $10 million to vendors. The team reworked workflows, streamlined systems, and created a new online vendor self-service portal to address payment issues and improve vendor relationships. As a result, Jackson has established stronger partnerships with local businesses and improved its financial trajectory. Aligning Staff and Elected Priorities Brent and Jim discussed the challenges in aligning the priorities of elected officials and city staff, particularly regarding budgeting and project implementation. Jim highlighted a common issue where staff initiatives, like increasing sewage rates, may face resistance from elected officials. Brent emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on the city's goals and using data and stakeholder input to align arguments with officials' priorities. Both agreed on the need to find common ground between staff needs and city objectives to ensure effective governance. Effective Communication in Local Government Brent and Jim discussed the importance of effective communication between elected officials and staff in local government, particularly regarding budget decisions and public services. They emphasized that providing accurate information to officials helps them make informed decisions about infrastructure investments, such as sewage and water rates, while also maintaining operational systems that residents don't have to think about. Jim shared a quote from Brent's COO, Niha Gupta, highlighting the importance of local government in addressing fundamental community needs like 911 response times, water services, and housing. Government Innovation and Efficiency Strategies Brent discussed the challenges in government operations, particularly in areas like emergency response and procurement processes. He highlighted that while governments may not operate like the private sector, they can still be entrepreneurial and innovative in delivering services effectively and efficiently. Brent emphasized the importance of strategic procurement processes and working with contractors to achieve high-quality services within budget constraints. Jim noted the difference between private sector operations and local government budgets, prompting a discussion on how local governments can adopt more efficient practices while working within their financial limitations. Local Government's Critical Role Jim and Brent discussed the future of local government and its importance in the coming years. Brent emphasized that city government will remain crucial, with 80% of public infrastructure dollars being spent by state, county, and local governments. They explored challenges facing smaller towns and the role of professional city management in addressing these issues. The conversation also touched on the need for effective procurement processes and the importance of understanding operational deficiencies rather than attributing problems to individuals.

Baltimore faces a set of deeply interconnected challenges: aging and unsafe housing, high energy costs for families with limited means, and a generation of underemployed youth struggling to access meaningful work. These overlapping issues reveal a systemic gap highlighting an opportunity to rethink how housing, workforce development, clean energy, and economic mobility can be addressed together.We invited Brendan McCluskey, President at Trident Builders, to share how his team is tackling these challenges through a bold and collaborative model. Brendan explains how Trident Builders is transforming vacant homes into energy-efficient housing using modular construction and solar technology while creating training and job pathways for underemployed youth. He also shares how partnerships across business, nonprofits, and community leaders are helping scale solutions.This discussion offers a compelling look at how one company is rethinking the role of business in solving complex social problems and how leaders across sectors can identify opportunities within their own work to build solutions that strengthen communities.Listen for insights on:Supporting small, community-based developers to keep wealth localCollaborating across sectors in addressing systemic community challengesConnecting environmental sustainability with economic mobility Watch this conversation on YouTube!Resources + Links:Brendan McCluskey's LinkedInTrident BuildersThe Bmore Co-Op (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Brendan McCluskey, Trident Builders (02:45) - About Brendan (04:52) - Lessons from Parents (06:15) - Baltimore (07:21) - Revenue vs. Sustainable Systems (09:47) - 10,000 Small Businesses (11:33) - BMore Co-op (15:56) - Parts and Problems (18:26) - Equity (20:29) - Helping the Youth (22:31) - Modular Manufacturer (23:34) - Selecting the Right Partners (24:58) - Using Solar (27:50) - Example Project (29:47) - Advice for Young People (30:30) - Integrating AI (31:11) - Quick Takes (33:06) - Last Word (33:35) - Wrap Up

Playspaces are often dismissed as “nice-to-haves” with their colorful swings, slides, and monkey bars, but KABOOM! was founded on the urgent belief that they are an essential community infrastructure. The organization's origin traces back to a tragic moment when two children lost their lives playing in an abandoned car because there was nowhere safe to play in their neighborhood. That devastating inequity sparked a movement to ensure that where a child lives does not determine whether they have access to safe, joyful play. Today, as KABOOM! celebrates 30 years, the organization has evolved from building individual playgrounds to advancing a data-driven, systems-level strategy to end playspace inequity for good.We invited Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!, to talk about why play is a critical investment in children's futures and how meaningful, lasting impact happens when communities shape the solutions themselves. In this episode, Lysa shares how KABOOM!'s co-creation model ensures that playgrounds are designed with kids and neighbors, not simply delivered to them, leading to deeper stewardship and significantly higher usage. She also explores how collective action by residents, municipal leaders, and corporate partners helps scale long-term transformation. And importantly, she highlights the environmental and public health dimensions embedded in today's playground design. At its core, this work makes clear that designing for children is one of the most powerful strategies for shaping stronger communities and a more equitable future.Listen for insights on:Co-creating with residents for lasting neighborhood ownershipBuilding cross-sector partnerships that endureEmbedding climate resilience into community infrastructure Watch this episode on YouTube!Resources + Links:Lysa Ratliff's LinkedInWhat Is Playspace InequityThe City of Uvalde and KABOOM! (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (00:13) - Meet Lysa Ratliff from KABOOM! (02:43) - Lysa's Background (04:42) - Parental Influence (06:22) - KABOOM!'s Origin Story (08:38) - Why Access Matters (11:28) - Pivot Points (15:59) - The Co-Creation Process (18:56) - Build Day (20:56) - Uvalde Story (24:19) - Creating an Ecosystem (27:37) - Long-Term Partners (30:45) - Environmental Action (37:41) - Integrating AI (38:50) - Rapid Fire Questions (40:03) - Last Word (41:36) - Wrap Up

Send a textThis time Boozy sits down with the Certified Legal Layman, Alkali, for a discussion of how the United States simply decided that the Sixth Amendment didn't apply to the poors by dissecting the history leading up to the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright, which established the concept of a state-run public defender's office.Also, AI gets someone more jail time and a someone tells the ethics board they aren't the boss of them.Show materials and files: https://www.patreon.com/posts/152250898?pr=trueLegal Funhouse Theme by Status Ferret. Check out his stuff here!Support the showSupport Boozy and the show over on Patreon, Kofi, or maybe watch him at Twitch. You can read his writings and get updates about performances, releases, bonus material, and case materials at Lawyers & Liquor, his website. If you want to support Alkali, you can do that at his Twitch channel or on their Patreon!

Learning to teach math teachers better with Dr. Melodie Baker, Executive Director of ImpactSTATS, a research and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing equity through policy and data-driven storytelling. Dr. Baker has been helping bridge the gap between research and practice, which ensures that important scholarship in mathematics education is understood and used by audiences beyond our field. Links ImpactStats Teachers Empowered to Advance Change in Mathematics Project (teachmath.info) Amidon Planet Podcast E029: Teaching (Online) Better with Jen WolfeSpecial Guest: Melodie Baker.

Sustainability is at a pivotal moment. Amid political backlash, greenhushing, and growing scrutiny of ESG and DEI, many have questioned whether the movement has lost momentum. We invited Andrew Winston, globally respected sustainability advisor, bestselling author, and recently named #1 management thinker in the world with Paul Polman by Thinkers50, to share his perspective on where sustainability truly stands. Drawing on his recent Fortune article, “2025: The Year Sustainability Didn't Die,” Andrew explains why critics have misread the signals. While companies may be quieter publicly, the underlying drivers of climate impacts, demographic shifts, market forces, and technological innovation continue to accelerate action across sectors and geographies.This conversation explores where meaningful progress is unfolding, from China's rapid expansion in clean energy and electric vehicles to investments in decarbonization and electrification. Andrew examines why sustainability is often held to a higher ROI standard than other business investments, how leaders can better articulate long-term value creation, and what courage looks like in today's climate of uncertainty. This conversation ultimately centers on a deeper question facing every executive: Is the world better off because your business is in it?Listen for insights on:Why sustainability continues despite political backlashMaking a stronger ROI case for sustainabilityBalancing AI innovation with decarbonization goals Resources + Links:Watch this conversation on YouTubeAndrew Winston's WebsiteFortune: 2025: the year sustainability didn't dieNet PositiveAndrew Winston's Books (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Meet Andrew Winston, Winston Eco-Strategies (05:07) - Andrew's Background (07:05) - Evolution of Sustainability (09:16) - Purpose and Sustainability (10:18) - Fortune Article (12:02) - CEO Characteristics (14:33) - Flourishing (15:20) - AI and Energy Demand (19:10) - ROI Metrics (21:31) - Courage Is Critical (24:02) - Health and Sustainability (25:00) - Deciding Where to Invest (26:16) - Truly at Risk (28:45) - One Non-Negotiable (29:42) - Last Word (30:48) - Wrap Up

Invest Like the Best: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- My guest today is John Arnold. John is probably the most famous energy trader of all time and certainly the most successful. One of the things John talks about is cultivating the best seat in your industry – the seat with the best perspective, the most information, the best systems..  John has been closely watching China's convergence in robotics, AI, and EVs, and shares his perspective from his recent trip to the country. We talk about the state of energy markets today – the misaligned goals and incentives, the NIMBYism that prevents building in America, and what he actually thinks about the wave of nuclear energy startups that everyone seems excited about.  John is also one of the most innovative philanthropists working today, applying that same analytical rigor to diagnosing structural failures across America — in healthcare, criminal justice, education, and beyond For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  ----- Become a Colossus member to get our quarterly print magazine and private audio experience, including exclusive profiles and early access to select episodes. Subscribe at ⁠colossus.com/subscribe⁠. ----- Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ramp.com/invest⁠ to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. ----- Trusted by thousands of businesses, Vanta continuously monitors your security posture and streamlines audits so you can win enterprise deals and build customer trust without the traditional overhead. Visit vanta.com/invest.  ----- WorkOS is a developer platform that enables SaaS companies to quickly add enterprise features to their applications. Visit ⁠WorkOS.com⁠ to transform your application into an enterprise-ready solution in minutes, not months. ----- Rogo is the AI platform for finance. They're building agents for Wall Street that are trained to understand how bankers and investors actually do work: from diligence and modeling, to turning analysis into deliverables. To learn more, visit rogo.ai/invest. ----- Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ridgeline.ai. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠). Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like The Best (00:02:43) Episode Intro (00:03:43) Learnings from John's Trip to China (00:06:28) The EV Industry in China (00:08:43) How Subsidies Create Intense Competition (00:10:54) US-China Relationship (00:12:42) The Cost of Greatness (00:14:52) Creating the Best Seat in the Market (00:19:30) Baseball Card Arbitrage (00:23:03) Trading Natural Gas Futures (00:24:59) Energy Market Making Explained (00:27:11) Why Energy is Exciting Again (00:31:14) Meeting the Increased Demand for Energy (00:32:53) Why Policy is the Biggest Threat to Progress (00:36:28) Fixing Energy Infrastructure in the US (00:39:29) Advanced Nuclear Technology (00:42:05) The Prospects of Energy Startups (00:43:44) Input Costs in Solar & Batteries (00:47:54) Geothermal Energy: The Most Exciting Sector (00:50:57) Housing Reform in the US (00:53:39) The Role of Philanthropic Foundations (00:57:00) Reforming the Criminal Justice System (01:03:48) Social Outcomes Downstream of Education (01:07:20) Misaligned Incentives in the Healthcare System (01:12:08) Journalism as a Public Good (01:14:17) The Kindest Thing

My guest today is John Arnold. John is probably the most famous energy trader of all time and certainly the most successful. One of the things John talks about is cultivating the best seat in your industry – the seat with the best perspective, the most information, the best systems..  John has been closely watching China's convergence in robotics, AI, and EVs, and shares his perspective from his recent trip to the country. We talk about the state of energy markets today – the misaligned goals and incentives, the NIMBYism that prevents building in America, and what he actually thinks about the wave of nuclear energy startups that everyone seems excited about.  John is also one of the most innovative philanthropists working today, applying that same analytical rigor to diagnosing structural failures across America — in healthcare, criminal justice, education, and beyond For the full show notes, transcript, and links to mentioned content, check out the episode page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  ----- Become a Colossus member to get our quarterly print magazine and private audio experience, including exclusive profiles and early access to select episodes. Subscribe at ⁠colossus.com/subscribe⁠. ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Ramp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Ramp's mission is to help companies manage their spend in a way that reduces expenses and frees up time for teams to work on more valuable projects. Go to⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ramp.com/invest⁠ to sign up for free and get a $250 welcome bonus. ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Vanta. Trusted by thousands of businesses, Vanta continuously monitors your security posture and streamlines audits so you can win enterprise deals and build customer trust without the traditional overhead. Visit vanta.com/invest.  ----- This episode is brought to you by ⁠WorkOS⁠. WorkOS is a developer platform that enables SaaS companies to quickly add enterprise features to their applications. Visit ⁠WorkOS.com⁠ to transform your application into an enterprise-ready solution in minutes, not months. ----- This episode is brought to you by Rogo. Rogo is an AI-powered platform that automates accounts payable workflows, enabling finance teams to process invoices faster and with greater accuracy. Learn more at Rogo.ai/invest. ----- This episode is brought to you by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ridgeline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Ridgeline has built a complete, real-time, modern operating system for investment managers. It handles trading, portfolio management, compliance, customer reporting, and much more through an all-in-one real-time cloud platform. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ridgelineapps.com. ----- Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thepodcastconsultant.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠). Timestamps (00:00:00) Welcome to Invest Like The Best (00:02:43) Episode Intro (00:03:43) Learnings from John's Trip to China (00:06:28) The EV Industry in China (00:08:43) How Subsidies Create Intense Competition (00:10:54) US-China Relationship (00:12:42) The Cost of Greatness (00:14:52) Creating the Best Seat in the Market (00:19:30) Baseball Card Arbitrage (00:23:03) Trading Natural Gas Futures (00:24:59) Energy Market Making Explained (00:27:11) Why Energy is Exciting Again (00:31:14) Meeting the Increased Demand for Energy (00:32:53) Why Policy is the Biggest Threat to Progress (00:36:28) Fixing Energy Infrastructure in the US (00:39:29) Advanced Nuclear Technology (00:42:05) The Prospects of Energy Startups (00:43:44) Input Costs in Solar & Batteries (00:47:54) Geothermal Energy: The Most Exciting Sector (00:50:57) Housing Reform in the US (00:53:39) The Role of Philanthropic Foundations (00:57:00) Reforming the Criminal Justice System (01:03:48) Social Outcomes Downstream of Education (01:07:20) Misaligned Incentives in the Healthcare System (01:12:08) Journalism as a Public Good (01:14:17) The Kindest Thing

James Altucher Show: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- A Note from James:Is he the most hated man in America? I don't think so.Martin Shkreli was notorious for various reasons that you'll hear about in this episode—there are some crazy stories—but I've come to know Martin over the past few months as both a friend and business partner.Let's just hear his stories and explanations. I think you'll agree with me that this is one of the smartest people I've ever had on the podcast.Episode Description:Martin Shkreli became one of the most controversial figures in business history—labeled “the most hated man in America,” prosecuted, imprisoned, and publicly vilified.In this conversation, he tells his side of the story.Part 1 focuses on how media narratives form, why conviction and risk-taking matter in entrepreneurship, and the deeper mechanics behind the pharmaceutical controversy that made him famous. He explains the economics of drug pricing, insurance systems, neglected medications, and why public perception diverged so dramatically from what patients actually experienced.The episode also explores learning across disciplines, intellectual courage, prosecutors' incentives, and how public scandals evolve into legal consequences.Whether you agree with him or not, the discussion raises uncomfortable questions about business, regulation, media, and reputation.What You'll Learn:Why media narratives can shape public opinion more than factsThe real economics behind pharmaceutical pricing and insurance coverageHow entrepreneurs learn complex industries without formal trainingWhy conviction and risk tolerance are essential in investing and businessHow incentives within legal and political systems influence outcomesTimestamped Chapters:[00:02:00] “Most Hated Man in America” — Media Narratives & Reputation[00:03:11] A Note from James[00:03:45] Humor vs. Backlash: Handling Public Criticism[00:06:39] Conviction, Investing & Standing Your Ground[00:09:00] Optimism, Forgiveness & Business Relationships[00:12:08] The Pharma Controversy Begins[00:14:52] From Hedge Funds to Biotech CEO[00:17:40] Learning New Industries from Scratch[00:19:00] Staying Curious & Avoiding Fear of Complexity[00:21:00] Borrowing Knowledge Across Domains[00:23:06] How People Actually Learn Complex Skills[00:29:00] Entrepreneurship, Ego & Motivation[00:31:20] The Daraprim Pricing Decision Explained[00:34:00] Neglected Drugs & Pharma Economics[00:37:00] Profit Motive vs. Public Good[00:41:13] Why He Became the Target[00:45:00] Prosecutors, Incentives & Legal Strategy[00:47:00] Hedge Funds, Technical Violations & Trials[00:50:00] High-Profile Cases & Selective Enforcement[00:53:00] Media Attention & Personal DecisionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Is he the most hated man in America? I don't think so.Martin Shkreli was notorious for various reasons that you'll hear about in this episode—there are some crazy stories—but I've come to know Martin over the past few months as both a friend and business partner.Let's just hear his stories and explanations. I think you'll agree with me that this is one of the smartest people I've ever had on the podcast.Episode Description:Martin Shkreli became one of the most controversial figures in business history—labeled “the most hated man in America,” prosecuted, imprisoned, and publicly vilified.In this conversation, he tells his side of the story.Part 1 focuses on how media narratives form, why conviction and risk-taking matter in entrepreneurship, and the deeper mechanics behind the pharmaceutical controversy that made him famous. He explains the economics of drug pricing, insurance systems, neglected medications, and why public perception diverged so dramatically from what patients actually experienced.The episode also explores learning across disciplines, intellectual courage, prosecutors' incentives, and how public scandals evolve into legal consequences.Whether you agree with him or not, the discussion raises uncomfortable questions about business, regulation, media, and reputation.What You'll Learn:Why media narratives can shape public opinion more than factsThe real economics behind pharmaceutical pricing and insurance coverageHow entrepreneurs learn complex industries without formal trainingWhy conviction and risk tolerance are essential in investing and businessHow incentives within legal and political systems influence outcomesTimestamped Chapters:[00:02:00] “Most Hated Man in America” — Media Narratives & Reputation[00:03:11] A Note from James[00:03:45] Humor vs. Backlash: Handling Public Criticism[00:06:39] Conviction, Investing & Standing Your Ground[00:09:00] Optimism, Forgiveness & Business Relationships[00:12:08] The Pharma Controversy Begins[00:14:52] From Hedge Funds to Biotech CEO[00:17:40] Learning New Industries from Scratch[00:19:00] Staying Curious & Avoiding Fear of Complexity[00:21:00] Borrowing Knowledge Across Domains[00:23:06] How People Actually Learn Complex Skills[00:29:00] Entrepreneurship, Ego & Motivation[00:31:20] The Daraprim Pricing Decision Explained[00:34:00] Neglected Drugs & Pharma Economics[00:37:00] Profit Motive vs. Public Good[00:41:13] Why He Became the Target[00:45:00] Prosecutors, Incentives & Legal Strategy[00:47:00] Hedge Funds, Technical Violations & Trials[00:50:00] High-Profile Cases & Selective Enforcement[00:53:00] Media Attention & Personal DecisionsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a moment defined by disruption and accelerating change, Carol Cone sits down with one of the world's most seasoned CEO observers to decode what's really keeping leaders up at night. Alan Murray, journalist, former CEO of Fortune, and now Founding President of the WSJ Leadership Institute, has spent decades in candid conversation with the heads of the world's largest organizations. What emerges from this exchange is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how today's CEOs are navigating geopolitical instability, AI transformation, cultural division, and fragile trust. Drawing on insights from hundreds of top executives, Murray makes a compelling case: the greatest challenges facing CEOs are no longer purely strategic or technological but are profoundly human.At the heart of the discussion is a powerful tension shaping the C-suite: while AI dominates boardroom agendas, the real work lies in culture, trust, and human alignment. Murray also shares why empathy has emerged as a defining leadership competency, how purpose and moral clarity are becoming competitive differentiators, and why organizations that successfully engage and inspire their people will outpace those that rely solely on technological advantage. This is a deeply strategic dialogue about leading through volatility, humanizing organizations in an AI-driven era, and building cultures resilient enough to thrive amid constant change.Listen for insights on:Turning AI ambition into measurable valueDifferentiating through talent and not just techReframing empathy as strategic leadershipPreparing young leaders for human-centered workResources + Links:Watch the full conversation on YouTubeAlan Murray's LinkedInThe WSJ Leadership InstitutePodcast: WSJ Leadership Institute Presents: Leaders (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:06) - Alan Murray (03:03) - Alan's CEO Leadership Title (05:19) - Leadership Institute Backstory (06:07) - Shape of the Institute (08:55) - Conversation with CEOs Today (10:30) - The AI Revolution (12:16) - Balancing This New World (15:22) - Empathy (18:40) - Balancing Humanity with Technology (19:50) - Moral Leadership (21:39) - Becoming More Human and Humanized (22:48) - Reinforcing the People Part (24:38) - Evolving the Culture (25:20) - Most Presing Social Issues (27:27) - Advice for Young People (29:28) - Last Word (30:15) - Wrap Up

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Simon Marginson, Emeritus Professor of Higher Education at Oxford University, to discuss his new book 'Global Higher Education in Times of Upheaval: On Common Goods, Geopolitics and Decolonization.' They cover a range of topics, including the rise of right-wing nationalism, China's scientific advancement, and the challenges posed by neoliberalism and neocolonialism to the higher education sector. Simon emphasizes the need for higher education to be oriented towards the common good and discusses the distinctions between public goods and common goods in this context. The conversation explores the differences between higher education systems in the Anglosphere and other parts of the world, as well as the implications of internationalization versus globalization.

JUST Ice Tea was born from a refusal to let a company's purpose and impact disappear. JUST Ice Tea's roots trace back to Honest Tea, a pioneering brand built on the idea that beverages could be better for people and the planet. But when Honest Tea was ultimately discontinued after being sold, something incredible happened. The founders and long-standing partners across the supply chain came together with a shared resolve that fair trade and environmentally responsible tea would not end with Honest Tea. In just 90 days, their commitment brought the newly created JUST Ice Tea to consumers. And only two years later, JUST Ice Tea has surpassed the revenues of Honest Tea.We invited Seth Goldman, Co-Founder and CEO of JUST Ice Tea—as well as Board Member for Beyond Meat and PLNT Burger—to share the lessons, setbacks, and mindset that shaped his journey. Seth reflects on resilience in the face of loss, the power of long-term relationships, and why impact must be built directly into the product, supply chain, and culture of a company. He offers insights on stakeholder capitalism, the responsibility of boards and investors, and the importance of finding hope where it isn't obvious. His story is an invitation to believe that business can scale purpose, deliver justice, and create profit—one bottle at a time.Listen for insights on:Outperforming traditional growth strategies through resilience and valuesEmbedding impact directly into products, not just marketingThe power of stakeholder relationships in moments of change Resources + Links:Seth Goldman's LinkedInJUST Ice TeaMission in a BottlePurpose Pledge (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Seth Goldman, Just Ice Tea (02:28) - Seth's Backgrouna dn Commitment to Socially Responsible Business (05:36) - What's Changed About the Movement (07:51) - Frustrations (08:39) - Framework for Embedding Purpose (11:11) - No Downside (11:38) - Learning from Honest Tea (17:57) - Impact to Stakeholders (20:06) - Mission in a Bottle (22:53) - Recommendations for Boards (24:09) - Creating Alignment (24:40) - Purpose Pledge (26:10) - Rapid Fire Questions (27:46) - Last Words (28:24) - Wrap Up

David Schoeller-Diaz, Impact Engagement Manager formerly with the CyberPeace Institute, joins Humanitarian AI Today producer, Brent Phillips, to discuss the urgent need to conceptualize cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as public goods rather than individual responsibilities. Drawing from twenty years of experience in the humanitarian and peace-building sectors, David highlights how grassroots organizations are currently targeted by sophisticated threats like ransomware and spyware without adequate systemic support. He advocates for a shift toward collective infrastructure, such as regional cybersecurity operations centers and mandatory platform responsibility, to protect the entire social fabric from the cascading impacts of cyberattacks. The conversation further explores how community engagement principles from David's work with UNICEF, including localization and building on local capacity, can be applied to AI governance. David warns against the dangers of corporate dependency and "parachuting" external experts into aid and development contexts, instead proposing a "community immunity system" powered by federated learning and blockchain to share threat intelligence while maintaining data sovereignty. Both speakers emphasize that authentic AI literacy and genuine partnerships with local technologists are essential to ensuring that emerging technologies support democratic civic spaces rather than reinforcing existing vulnerabilities.

What even is AI anyway, and how do we harness it for the good of the people? Host Emily talks technology and public power in this episode with Bruce Schneier and Nathan Sanders, authors of Rewiring Democracy: How AI will Transform our Politics, Government, and Citizenship. Find the book at your local library!   Overdueing It is a project funded by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and is produced by library staff around the Ocean State. We are proud to be a resident partner of the Rhode Island Center for the Book. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent those of the Overdueing It podcast, its sponsor organizations, or any participants' place of employment. The content of Overdueing It episodes are the property of the individual creators, with permission for Overdueing It to share the content on their podcast feed in perpetuity. Any of the content from the Overdueing It podcast can not be reproduced without express written permission.    Our logo was designed by Sarah Bouvier and our theme music is by Neura-Flow.   Books The Mechanic and the Luddite: A Ruthless Criticism of Technology and Capitalism by Jathan Sadowski A Drop of Corruption by Robert Bennet Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes Lynch on Lynch edited by Chris Rodley Rewiring Democracy: How AI will Transform our Politics, Government, and Citizenship by Bruce Schneier and Nathan Sanders The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger The Hidden Language of Trees by Peter Wohlleben The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman A Hacker's Mind by Bruce Schneier Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard   Media Zero Dark Thirty Ella McCay Zenon Girl of the Twenty First Century   Other Song - The Arrogant Worms: Carrot Juice is Murder (I've Heard the Scream of the Vegetables) Video - The Fall  

What even is AI anyway, and how do we harness it for the good of the people? Host Emily talks technology and public power in this episode with Bruce Schneier and Nathan Sanders, authors of Rewiring Democracy: How AI will Transform our Politics, Government, and Citizenship. Find the book at your local library!   Overdueing It is a project funded by the Rhode Island Office of Library and Information Services and is produced by library staff around the Ocean State. We are proud to be a resident partner of the Rhode Island Center for the Book. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speakers' own and do not represent those of the Overdueing It podcast, its sponsor organizations, or any participants' place of employment. The content of Overdueing It episodes are the property of the individual creators, with permission for Overdueing It to share the content on their podcast feed in perpetuity. Any of the content from the Overdueing It podcast can not be reproduced without express written permission.    Our logo was designed by Sarah Bouvier and our theme music is by Neura-Flow.   Books The Mechanic and the Luddite: A Ruthless Criticism of Technology and Capitalism by Jathan Sadowski A Drop of Corruption by Robert Bennet Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes Lynch on Lynch edited by Chris Rodley Rewiring Democracy: How AI will Transform our Politics, Government, and Citizenship by Bruce Schneier and Nathan Sanders The Light Eaters by Zoe Schlanger The Hidden Language of Trees by Peter Wohlleben The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies by Alison Goodman A Hacker's Mind by Bruce Schneier Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz The Hands of the Emperor by Victoria Goddard   Media Zero Dark Thirty Ella McCay Zenon Girl of the Twenty First Century   Other Song - The Arrogant Worms: Carrot Juice is Murder (I've Heard the Scream of the Vegetables) Video - The Fall  

Patagonia has long stood as the north star for companies striving to create meaningful impact and proving that business can thrive with purpose. Today, Patagonia stands alone in its ownership model: it has one shareholder—the planet. Instead of “going public,” Patagonia famously “went purpose,” restructuring in 2022 so that 100% of its voting stock flows into the Patagonia Purpose Trust to guard its values, and 100% of its non-voting stock now supports the Holdfast Collective, a nonprofit fighting the environmental crisis. Each year, every dollar not needed to run the business moves directly to protecting nature. It's a business that invites people into the beauty of the outdoors while safeguarding the planet that makes those adventures possible.We invited Vincent Stanley, Director of Philosophy at Patagonia—and one of its very first employees—to reflect on the decades of learning, experimentation, humility, and courage that shaped Patagonia's journey. Vincent explores topics from the company's early fiber-to-farm revelations and culture-defining philosophy classes, to its iconic “Don't Buy This Jacket” campaign, industry-shaping activism, and bold ownership redesign. For any leader or organization seeking to deepen its impact, Vincent offers rare insights into what it truly takes to build a business where profit becomes a byproduct of purpose.Listen for insights on:Transforming harm discovery into long-term environmental innovationChallenging consumerism through bold, values-led storytellingBuilding company culture through shared responsibility and lived valuesCollaborating across industries to advance standards and certificationsResources + Links:Watch this episode on YouTubeVincent StanleyPatagonia's OwnershipThe Responsible CompanyPatagonia Action Works (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (01:07) - Meet Vincent Stanley, Patagonia (04:26) - Vincent's Background (07:55) - Director of Philosophy (10:37) - Company Ethos (11:57) - If Nature Could Talk (13:15) - Pivot Points (15:58) - Seeing the Fields (17:32) - Role as Storyteller (21:10) - Black Friday (24:50) - Quality Is an Environmental Issue (27:03) - Fair Trade and Culture (31:12) - Showing Authenticity (32:45) - Patagonia Action Works (33:42) - Change in Ownership (36:32) - Feelings at the Time (37:22) - Message to Future Leaders (39:40) - Last Words (41:07) - Wrap Up

In this special seasonal episode of the Hort Culture podcast, join Ray as he sits down with Boyd County Horticulture Extension Agent Lori Bowling to explore a truly impactful and unique horticulture program: the Federal Correctional Institution Master Gardener Program in Ashland, Kentucky. Lori shares the origin story of the program, which began more than two decades ago with a simple orchard planting and evolved into a full Kentucky Master Gardener certification offered inside a federal prison. Listeners learn how incarcerated participants complete the same rigorous coursework and volunteer requirements as any Master Gardener, while gaining valuable job skills, purpose, and confidence. The conversation highlights the program's far-reaching benefits, including the production of tens of thousands of pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each year that are donated to River Cities Harvest and distributed to food-insecure families across Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. This episode powerfully illustrates how horticulture education, community partnerships, and Extension programming can change lives—both inside and outside prison walls—by growing food, skills, and hope.River Cities HarvestBoyd County Extension Horticulture ProgramQuestions/Comments/Feedback/Suggestions for Topics: hortculturepodcast@gmail.comCheck us out on Instagram!

Purpose 360 convenes leading voices in social impact, business, and philanthropy at the start of every year and asks them to share their predictions for what lies ahead. As we enter 2026, purpose leaders are navigating rapid advances in AI, growing pressure on social sector funding, shifting workforce expectations, and a renewed focus on culture, leadership, and human connection. Together, these experts offer perspectives on how purpose-driven work is evolving and what it will require next.This year, we invited Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America; Kevin Martinez, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at ESPN; Alexandra Amouyel, President and CEO of Newman's Own Foundation; and Alan Murray, Founding President of the Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute and former CEO of Fortune Media, to share their predictions for 2026. Drawing on backgrounds that span nonprofits, philanthropy, corporate leadership, and media, they explore both the opportunities and tensions shaping the future of purpose.Listen for insights on:AI as a powerful opportunity and a critical responsibilityWhy human connection, leadership, and values matter more than everThe growing need for focus, clarity, and authentic activation of purpose inside organizationsPractical advice for early- and mid-career professionalsResources + Links:Artis Stevens' LinkedInArtis Stevens' Purpose 360 EpisodeKevin Martinez's LinkedInKevin Martinez's Purpose 360 EpisodeAlexandra Amouyel's LinkedInAlexandra Amouyel's Purpose 360 EpisodeAlan Murray's LinkedInAlan Murray's Purpose 360 Episode (Part 1)Alan Murray's Purpose 360 Episode (Part 2) (00:00) - Welcome to Purpose 360 (02:35) - Artis Stevens from Big Brothers Big Sisters (03:29) - BBBS's Purpose (04:22) - 2026 Predictions re: Function and Activations of Purpose (06:05) - Opportunities (07:25) - Advice for Young People (09:03) - The Future of Purpose 2026 (10:12) - Kevin Martinez from ESPN (10:26) - ESPN's Purpose (10:44) - Take Back Sports Initiative (11:32) - Purpose in 2026 (13:49) - Barriers and Challenges (14:45) - Discuss, Debate, Decide, Align (15:33) - Advice for Young People (17:10) - Mental Health (19:32) - Alex Amouyel from Newman's Own (19:56) - Newman's Own Purpose (21:07) - Purpose in 2026 (24:23) - Advice for Young People (26:52) - Hit the Ground Running (27:56) - Alan Murray from The Wall Street Journal Leadership Institute (28:25) - Alan's Title (29:29) - What CEOs Are Saying (31:22) - Humanizing Factors (32:23) - Purpose's Evolution (33:54) - Opportunities (34:29) - Challenges (35:33) - Advice for Young People (37:15) - Exciting Time (37:56) - Wrap Up

Bari Weiss bows to Boss Donnie and takes 60 Minutes down with her. Ben riffs. Ishan Daya gives you the scoop on this year's budget. The Head Tax the council shoulda passed versus the dumbass Debt Sale they did pass. The budge is as bad as a Tribune editorial, making the council the Tribune Caucus. Ishan is co-executive director for the Institute for the Public Good.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ray D. Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and the cofounder and director of the Boston College Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American Dead and lead author of The Practical Guide to Estate Planning. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Review of Books, among other outlets. Get a copy of her brilliant book The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, a global alternative investment firm, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. He is the host of the podcast Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci. A graduate of Tufts University and Harvard Law School, he lives in Manhasset, Long Island.

Some Chicago alders balked at Mayor Brandon Johnson's inclusion of a corporate head tax in his 2026 budget proposal. In response, a group of moderate and conservative city councilors put forth a list of alternative proposals that does not include the tax on businesses; instead they rely on raising taxes on garbage collection and liquor sales, as well as budget cuts, which the mayor rejected in turn. Yesterday, we heard from alders about why they're championing their alternative proposal. Today, In the Loop hears from Julie Dworkin with the Institute for the Public Good and Asha Ransby Sporn with the Black Voter Project for their takes on the alders' plans. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

My conversation with  Ray Madoff starts at about 35    minutes in to today's show  Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. This show is Ad free and fully supported by listeners like you! Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Join us Thursday's at 8EST for our Weekly Happy Hour Hangout!  Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE  On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete The Second Estate How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy Ray D. Madoff A revelatory book that lifts the curtain on America's most consequential public deception: how the rich get richer using tools the government gave them. Amid conflicting narratives about the drivers of wealth and inequality in the United States, one constant hovers in the background: the US tax code. No political force has been more consequential—or more utterly opaque—than the 7,000-page document that details who pays what in American society and government. Most of us have a sense that it's an unfair system. But does anyone know exactly how it's unfair? Legal scholar Ray D. Madoff knows. In The Second Estate, she offers an unprecedented look behind the scenes of America's byzantine system of taxation, laying bare not only its capacity to consolidate wealth but also the mechanisms by which it has created two fundamentally separate American societies: the working Americans who pay and the ultra-rich who benefit. This is not a story of offshore accounts or secret tax havens. In The Second Estate, Madoff shows that the US system itself has, over time, been stripped and reconstituted such that it now offers a series of secret paths, hidden in plain sight, for wealthy people in the know to avoid taxation altogether. Through the strategic avoidance of traditional income, leveraging of investments and debt, and exploitation of rules designed to promote charitable giving, America's wealthy do more than just pay less than their share; they remove themselves from the tax system entirely. Wealth becomes its own sovereign state, and the living is surprisingly—and maddeningly—cheap. Ray Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School, where she teaches and writes in philanthropy policy, taxes, property, and estate planning. She is Co-founder and Director of the Boston College Law School Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good, a non-partisan think tank that convenes scholars and practitioners to explore questions regarding whether the rules governing the charitable sector best serve the public good. Madoff is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of the American Dead (Yale University Press), which looks at how American law treats the interests of the dead and what this tells us about our values for the living. The Financial Times called it "a sparkling polemic." She is also the lead author on one of the top treatises on estate planning entitled Practical Guide to Estate Planning (CCH). Madoff's expertise includes philanthropy policy, the rights of the dead (including the ability of the dead to control their bodies, reputation, and property), estate taxes, comparative inheritance law, and wealth inequality and taxes. A regular commentator on a number of these topics, Madoff has appeared on dozens of national radio shows including On Point, Talk of the Nation, All Things Considered, Here and Now, and Marketplace, among others. Madoff is a frequent contributor to the opinion pages of the New York Times and has published op-eds in the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, LA Times, Boston Globe and Chronicle of Philanthropy. Among her professional activities, Madoff is a member of the American Law Institute, an academic fellow of the American College of Trusts and Estate Counsel, and past president of the American Association of Law Schools' Trusts and Estates Section. She was named a 2014 Top Women of the Law by Mass Lawyer's Weekly and Critic of the Year by Inside Philanthropy. She was also named to the NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 in 2017 and 2018 for her work promoting reform of the tax rules governing philanthropy.  An experienced mediator, Madoff is a leading authority on the use of mediation to resolve will and trust disputes. Prior to teaching, she was a practicing attorney for nine years in New York and Boston. Join us Thursday's at 8EST for our Weekly Happy Hour Hangout!  Subscribe and Watch Interviews LIVE    On YOUTUBE.com/StandUpWithPete ON SubstackStandUpWithPete   Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page   Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift Send Pete $ Directly on Venmo All things Jon Carroll  Buy Ava's Art    Subscribe to Piano Tuner Paul Paul Wesley on Substack Listen to Barry and Abigail Hummel Podcast Listen to Matty C Podcast and Substack Follow and Support Pete Coe Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing

Chicago faces a $1.15 billion deficit. To raise revenue, Mayor Johnson proposed a corporate head tax that would charge companies with 100 or more employees – who spend 50% of their time in Chicago – $21 per employee per month. This would raise an estimated $100 million annually and would be used to fund community safety and violence interruption. But some business leaders say it's a “job killer.” In the Loop speaks with Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, Julie Dworkin, co-executive director of the Institute for the Public Good and Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association for different viewpoints on the corporate head tax. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Houston's Mayor John Whitmire says he knows how to deal with Boss Donnie—suck up to him. Ben riffs. And get out your paper and pencils to take notes as Ishan Daya and Julie Dworkin tell you everything you need to know about Mayor Johnson's budget. Also a word or two about TIFs. Don't get Ben started. Ishan and julie are co-founders of the Institute for Public Good, a budget-analysis think tank in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's new remarks, we observe how quaint the racial dialogue of 2018 was (or at least your host's was) in light of what was coming down the line for the nation. After a brief discussion of protest and backlash, we proceed to flash back to episode 72's discussion of how the same message can be heard differently in the context of race (that's the quaint part), revisit an oft-injured left-hander who was a low-key Red Sox great, and drop by Casey Stengel sailing uneasily through the great hurricane of 1938.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?