How to Change the World

Ep. 192 - Is Business Becoming Our New Government? With Elizabeth MacBride & Seth Levine

If it feels like corporations have more influence than elected officials right now… you're not imagining it.   Authors Seth Levine and Elizabeth MacBride join me to unpack their new book, Capital Evolution: The New American Economy — and the argument that we're living through a major transition in American capitalism. They break down how the last 50 years of "shareholder-first" thinking helped concentrate wealth and opportunity, why we're now in a messy in-between era, and what they believe could come next: a more "dynamic capitalism" that still values markets, but expands ownership and opportunity, encourages longer-term thinking, and redefines the relationship between business, government, and the public.   We also talk about what accountability looks like when business is a primary actor in society, where the line is between corporate values and politics, and why our fractured information environment (and AI) makes it harder to see what's actually real.   If you've been trying to make sense of the economy, power, and what's shifting beneath our feet — this conversation offers language, context, and a few reasons to stay clear-eyed (and hopeful).   👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

Ep. 191 - Hustle has a Shelf Life with Quinn Tempest

Our culture would have us believe that most any problem can be solved by working harder, longer, faster, more. But what are the limitations of hustle culture and how can we move beyond it?   Brand and business strategist Quinn Tempest helps solopreneurs build businesses that change the world without pounding themselves into the ground. In this insightful episode, she shares what it looks like to build a life-first business (versus lifestyle business), how to know when your "operating system" needs an upgrade, and practical ways to realign your why with your what across brand, offers, pricing, and marketing. We also talk about identity shifts, the power of community when you're a team of one, and why entrepreneurship can quietly reshape "business as usual." If you've been stuck in busywork, this conversation is a nudge to zoom out, update, and take the next right step — one move at a time. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

Ep. 190 - Read Today, Lead Tomorrow: Sophie Allen Etchart on Tackling the Literacy Crisis

What if a 10-week, after-school program led by older students could move the needle on a statewide literacy crisis? Sophie Allen Etchart, founder and CEO of Read Better Be Better (RBBB), shares how a simple, peer-led reading model — pairing middle school leaders with younger readers — is helping Arizona students beat the odds in a state where 61% of third graders aren't reading at grade level. Sophie shares how she built Read Better Be Better from testing the curriculum with a kid in her neighborhood to a recent study by an independent education group confirming that students in their programs outperform their peers on key literacy measures. Now, the program stands as a Tier II evidence-based option schools can include in their literacy plans. If you care about focusing school boards on what works, championing the science of reading, and finding leadership by looking around — not up — this conversation offers a hopeful, practical roadmap for systems-level change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

Ep. 189 - From Crisis to Victory: The Fight to Save Disability Support Services with Brandi Coon and Amy Haley

What if a 13-year-old could bring lawmakers from both parties to the same table… and win?   Parents, caregivers, and disability advocates flooded the Arizona Capitol this year to stop a funding crisis that threatened essential services for people with developmental disabilities. Two of the leaders in that fight — Brandi Coon, president of Raising Voices Coalition, and Amy Haley, advocate and mom to 13-year-old twins — share how an entire community organized, refused to be ignored, and forced change.   From budget battles and cross-party negotiations to policy wins that protect services families rely on every single day, Brandi and Amy break down how advocacy really works, and why storytelling, relentless persistence, and showing up (in whatever way you can) matter more than titles or money.   Whether you're a caregiver, a public policy nerd, or just someone who wants to believe change is still possible, this conversation is a blueprint for everyday people demanding dignity, stability, and respect — and getting it.   👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now.

Ep. 188 - Turning Consumer Choice into Global Impact with Fairtrade International's Dr. Arisbe Mendoza

What if your morning coffee could strengthen entire communities? Dr. Arisbe Mendoza, Director of Global Impact at Fairtrade International, shares how everyday purchases — your morning coffee, chocolate bar, or bottle of wine — can create ripple effects across communities worldwide. From living-income pricing and climate-resilient farming to gender equity and co-ownership by 1.9 million farmers and workers, Arisbe reveals how Fairtrade is redefining what ethical trade can achieve — and why October’s Fair Trade Month is the perfect time to reflect on the impact of our everyday choices. Whether you’re leading a social impact organization, working toward sustainability goals, or just rethinking your weekly grocery list, this conversation shows how small, intentional actions can add up to systemic change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!