Hosted by
Jeffrey M. Zucker
Stories of Hope, Change, and Human Potential
Join us for meaningful conversations exploring how people create positive change in their communities and beyond.
About the Host
Meet Jeffrey M. Zucker, the voice behind meaningful conversations about positive change
Jeffrey M. Zucker
Jeffrey M. Zucker is a serial entrepreneur whose endeavors include real estate, film production, cannabis, hospitality, and more. He is a philanthropist in the areas of Drug Policy and Criminal Justice Reform, healthcare, and education.
Jeffrey was born and raised in Charleston, SC and currently lives in Denver, CO. He graduated from Boston University's Questrom School of Business, where he founded multiple successful real estate businesses through Saltshaker Holdings, a company he founded and continues to run as President and CEO. Jeffrey's other notable companies include Green Lion Partners and Big Smits Entertainment.
His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father's mission of Tikkun Olam (repair the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible.
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Join the conversation and discover stories of hope and change.
Episodes
108: Jeremy Gardner on Founding Mystic Ventures, Crypto's Evolution & Ethical Psychedelic Investing
SHOW NOTES: Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/ywqLDnnvNB0 Jeremy Gardner is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Mystic Ventures, a venture fund focused on psychedelic medicine. In this episode, Jeremy joins the podcast to share his journey from rebellious youth to impactful investor. He discusses his early work in crypto, passion for psychedelics, views on masculinity, and the importance of empathy in leadership and life. We also explore his filmmaking journey and direct philanthropic work that’s changing lives around the world. Chapters: 00:00 – Existential Drive & Crypto Disillusionment Jeremy talks about being driven by impact, not money, and shares insights from the crypto industry. 07:25 – Van Life & Love for Colorado Jeremy discusses traveling in a camper van, visiting Colorado, and enjoying nature and freedom. 11:02 – Childhood & Upbringing in Northampton He reflects on growing up in a progressive town and how that shaped his worldview. 18:40 – School Struggles & Formative Japan Experience Jeremy shares about getting arrested, ADHD, and a life-changing stint in Japan as a kid. 26:25 – College Chaos & Rediscovering Purpose Stories of dropping out, psychedelic revelations, and developing a self-designed major at Bard. 34:15 – Political Internship & Occupy Wall Street Roots Jeremy details his work at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination and how Occupy led him to crypto. 42:50 – Founding the Blockchain Education Network How Jeremy launched a global student movement that became foundational in crypto education. 50:00 – Reflections on Crypto’s Evolution He critiques the industry’s trajectory, Wall Street influences, and his return to crypto with a new company. 55:42 – MadeMan Skincare & Positive Masculinity Jeremy shares the vision behind his skincare brand aimed at redefining masculinity. 1:00:05 – Psychedelics, Purpose & Mystic Ventures His lifelong relationship with psychedelics and launching Mystic Ventures to support ethical psychedelic businesses. 1:10:50 – Investing Ethically & Impact Over Profit Jeremy discusses founder alignment, success metrics, and why impact drives his portfolio decisions. 1:18:15 – Filmmaking & Crypto Castle Productions From dream to reality—producing films, lessons from Cannes to Netflix, and staying creatively fulfilled. 1:28:50 – Making Impact Tangible Stories of helping people directly, including funding food aid in Afghanistan and empowering entrepreneurs. 1:36:40 – Global Empathy, Conflict & Perspective Deep dive into Middle East politics, the need for empathy, and perspectives on conflict and identity. 1:45:35 – Legacy, Gratitude & What Matters Most Jeremy reflects on life satisfaction, fulfillment, and what he’s most grateful for if it all ended tomorrow. Jeremy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jg1578/ https://www.instagram.com/gonzogardner/ https://x.com/Disruptepreneur Mystic Ventures: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mystic-ventures/ https://venture.angellist.com/v/back/mystic-ventures-2 Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 6/16/25
107: Bryan Mauk shares lessons in the unhoused community, recovery, and scaling social enterprise for justice reform
SHOW NOTES: Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/D7zlefTWd5g Bryan Mauk is a passionate social entrepreneur and advocate for criminal justice and drug policy reform. He currently leads End It For Good, championing health-centered approaches to addiction and incarceration, building on decades of grassroots and executive experience in housing, reentry, and digital access. In this episode, Bryan and Jeffrey discuss social impact, recovery & scaling reform. Bryan also shares his journey from teen volunteer to national nonprofit leader. Learn how his early work with the unhoused inspired a lifelong mission of healing trauma, empowering second chances, and advancing compassionate drug policy with End It For Good. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro Clip 0:55 - What Motivates You? 2:50 - Early Life 10:23 - College Experience 17:53 - PC's for People 21:33 - End It For Good 26:47 - Making Your Mark 37:21 - Upcoming Initiatives 41:54 - When Work Affected Change 46:54 - Mentor 50:35 - Ask Jeff a Question 52:21 - Most Grateful for 54:11 - Most Proud of 56:35 - Snap Your Fingers 59:47 - How to Support Bryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-mauk-77a04310/ End It For Good: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enditforgoodms/ https://enditforgood.com/ https://www.instagram.com/enditforgoodms/ https://www.facebook.com/EndItForGoodMS/ Other resources: The PBS documentary “Her Time” is actually called “Apart” - https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/apart/ Free copy of End It For Good founder Christina Dent’s book, Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction, to the first 5 listeners that email them at curious@enditforgood.com and include the name People are the Answer! Christina Dent’s been on PatA podcast twice: Episode #’s 4 and 94 Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/24/25
106: Taylor West on advancing psychedelic policy, aligning incentives with humanity, and mindful parenting
SHOW NOTES: Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/NO9xrHpgBOc In Episode 106 of People Are the Answer, Taylor West, Executive Director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, joins Jeffrey Zucker to discuss her path from political advocacy to pioneering work in psychedelic-assisted therapy policy. Taylor opens up about the human side of policymaking, the challenges and revelations of parenting, and her vision for realigning economic incentives to better serve humanity. A powerful conversation on healing, storytelling, and purposeful change. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro Clip 1:26 - Introductions 2:35 - What Motivates You? 6:28 - Where did you grow up? 14:42 - Policy Reform 19:50 - First Steps Post College 29:21 - Political Campaigning 35:52 - Legalization of Adult Use Cannabis 44:36 - Psychedelics 57:19 - Healing Advocacy Fund 1:07:16 - Finding Balance 1:14:14 - When Work Affected Change 1:17:23 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:20:59 - Most Grateful for 1:29:27 - Snap Your Fingers 1:33:41 - How to Support Taylor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-west-34736455/ Healing Advocacy Fund: https://www.linkedin.com/company/healing-advocacy-fund/ https://healingadvocacyfund.org/ Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/9/25 📣 Share your story to support the movement 💬 Subscribe for more human-centered conversations
105: Bennie Fowler on NFL Transition, Leadership, and Finding Purpose After Football
SHOW NOTES: Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/Eu4LRqArAj4 Bennie Fowler is a Super Bowl-winning former NFL wide receiver turned leadership coach, speaker, and author. Drawing on his experience with elite teams and iconic quarterbacks, he now empowers individuals and organizations through mentorship, mindset training, and purpose-driven communication. Chapters: 0:58 - Intro 2:33 - What Motivates You? 7:07 - Where Did You Grow Up? 10:42 - Giving Back 16:00 - Collegiate Ball 21:53 - Peyton Manning's Last Career Pass 23:32 - Denver 26:12 - Sports Retirement 29:21 - Silver Spoon: The Imperfect Guide to Success 32:35 - Life After Retirement 37:06 - Entrepreneurship 39:04 - When Work Affected Change 40:24 - Mentors 44:12 - Staying Involved with the Broncos 47:26 - Most Grateful for 48:40 - Snap Your Fingers 51:23 - How to Support Bennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennie-fowler-iii-a43027173/ https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/silver-spoon-the-imperfect-guide-to-success_bennie-fowler/26139897/item/53977891/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=low_vol_backlist_standard_shopping_retention_17605068861&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=606977662558&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwna6_BhCbARIsALId2Z22cnMpSd6JxaINLz3xMZpYNXt9ShwBCuoRKPRiL0Zzbmg1Fe9GUn8aAmBkEALw_wcB#idiq=53977891&edition=27636296 CapRock: https://www.linkedin.com/company/caprock-alignedwealth/ https://caprock.com/ Other resources: Broncos podcast - https://thednvr.com/broncos/podcast/page/2/ Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/8/25
104: Pamela Metzger on Systemic Justice Reform
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/j_ArBxK8Gfk Pamela Metzger, Director of the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at SMU, shares her transformative journey as a dedicated public defender who navigated the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, advocating for thousands of detainees in New Orleans. Discover how this life-changing experience led to systemic reforms in criminal justice, focusing on the right to counsel and prosecutorial practices. Learn about the innovative approaches being implemented to ensure justice and empathy in the legal system. Chapters: 0:00 - Clip 0:56 - Intro 1:32 - What Motivates You? 4:50 - Law School 6:54 - Upbringing 12:14 - Women's Resources 17:24 - Steps After Law School 20:33 - Running University Clinics 22:25 - Katrina 37:20 - When You Were Recruited 42:47 - AI 52:02 - Randomized Control 58:01 - Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center 59:37 - To Those Who Think Everyone in CJ System is Bad 1:06:44 - Reaching Across the Aisle 1:12:42 - Passions Outside of Criminal Justice 1:16:43 - Most Grateful for 1:18:53 - Snap Your Fingers 1:20:37 - How to Support Pamela Metzger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamela-metzger-07b90715a/ Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center: https://www.linkedin.com/company/deasoncenter/ https://www.smu.edu/law/centers-and-initiatives/deason-center https://www.instagram.com/smulawdeason/ Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 1/30/25
103: Pip Lawrence on growing up on the nonprofit world, neuroscience, Wall Street in ‘08, and psychedelic therapy
Show notes: In this episode, Pip Lawrence, the co-founder and Managing Partner of Delphi VC, and Jeffrey Zucker discuss growing up in the nonprofit world, neuroscience, Wall Street in ‘08, and psychedelic therapy. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:09 - Delphi VC 4:03 - What Motivates You? 8:24 - What Made You Want to Give Back? 11:30 - From College to VC 18:46 - Cognitive Neuroscience and Art 26:27 - Psychedelics 32:44 - Balancing Mission and Impact 38:26 - Delphi's Portfolio 45:38 - Toxins in Cannabis 50:48 - Women's Health 54:57 - Conservation 1:00:45 - Great Grandson of a Congressman 1:04:51 - AI & Lessons from the Holocaust 1:14:52 - Snap Your Fingers 1:16:41 - How to Support Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/hP-R3gsLeBQ Delphi VC: https://www.delphi.vc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/delphi-vc/ https://www.instagram.com/delphi.vc/ https://x.com/Delphi_VC Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 12/11/24
102: Dr. Rick Doblin on activism, psychedelics, epigenetics, and generational trauma
Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), and Jeff Zucker discuss activism, psychedelics, epigenetics, generational trauma, and more. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/xlsVDPRvDtE Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:34 - People are the Answer 4:37 - Put it Into Practice 5:56 - Intention 10:24 - Fear and Motivation 12:05 - What Motivates You? 19:45 - How Relatives Coped with the Holocaust 24:36 - Epigenetics of Trauma 26:29 - Giving Back in Early Life 33:43 - Global Spirituality 39:49 - What Lead to Starting MAPS? 52:44 - How Do We Move Forward with MDMA? 57:08 - State Level an Option? 1:00:28 - MAPS Cannabis Project 1:02:18 - Medical Cannabis in SC 1:05:02 - How Do You Avoid Burnout? 1:07:18 - What is MAPS Working on Now? 1:11:04 - Oregon Recriminalization 1:13:17 - Snap Your Fingers 1:15:26 - How to Support Rick Doblin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdoblin/ https://www.instagram.com/rickdoblinphd/ MAPS: https://maps.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mapsnews/ https://www.instagram.com/maps__org/ https://www.facebook.com/mapsmdma https://twitter.com/MAPS https://www.youtube.com/c/mapsmdma https://www.reddit.com/user/MAPSPsychedelic/?rdt=36196 Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 12/3/24
101: Cortney Woodruff on democratizing world class education
Show notes: In this episode, Cortney and Jeffrey discuss his learnings in his grandparents grocery store as a kid, his dedication to academics, how he sometimes spent years opening up opportunities, building and growing a business that helped fitness trainers build thriving businesses, living all over the world, changing education, and much more Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qknWDZeSCDw Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 10/31/24 Cortney Woodruff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-woodruff-7182222b/ https://www.instagram.com/tvcort/ Assemble: https://www.linkedin.com/company/assembleftobegreat/ https://www.assemble.fyi/ https://www.instagram.com/assemble.fyi/ https://x.com/AssembleFYi Bio: Cortney Woodruff is the American tech investor, entrepreneur, and founder, CEO of Trainersvault as well as the Co-founder & CEO of the online education platform, Assemble. The international businessman and former Division 1 athlete integrates fitness, finance, tech, and entertainment to empower Black and brown youth through instruction. Woodruff’s mission merges worlds and creates opportunity by connecting Black thought leaders across industries to a broad learning community. The Jackson, Mississippi native has lived in over 10 cities across the United States, Europe, and Asia throughout a self-started career raising seed capital. Dedicated to normalizing success in the Black community, his work combines an expansive worldview with a thriving professional network. Woodruff lives in Los Angeles, California. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:36 - What motivates you? 4:35 - Early Life 9:01 - Success in Mississippi 11:59 - Education 17:10 - First Start Up 19:11 - Trainer's Vault 44:13 - Assemble 56:12 - How to Access Assemble 56:59 - How Does Assemble Recruit Experts? 59:54 - Future of Assemble 1:02:59 - Evolution of Education 1:09:16 - When Work Affected Change 1:12:39 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:16:30 - Snap Your Fingers 1:20:06 - How to Support
100: Alex Hodara and Vin Vomero on first venture together, developing projects, and their wild trips
Show notes: In this episode, Alex, Vin, and Jeffrey discuss their first venture together, developing projects, and their wild trips. They talk about the significance of the pod’s 100th episode, parenting philosophies, AI, the future, Gushers and more Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/w9y0lTmzEg8 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 10/23/24 Alex Hodara https://www.instagram.com/alexhodara/ Rocket Club: https://www.instagram.com/rocketclub/ https://rocketclub.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabkWY7bqg2GBYavVf99cPo3zLLnd_wfcj90cKRwiTjmgUFLWUCazWamKAc_aem_8LsZ3B56poZ1JpCtd5PQbg Vin Vomero https://www.instagram.com/vinnyboombatzz/ FoxyAI: https://foxyai.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/foxy-ai/ Other resources: Jeff’s Episodes - 85.1 https://youtu.be/hC3BlY5QvKA?si=HVvA5exgEf5OEDq_ 85.2 https://youtu.be/eSGC8WB2ssI?si=n0v2hdgU1X-Wk4C5 https://www.instagram.com/dfwdisneydad/ https://dailydad.com/ Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:50 - Get to Know Vin 3:05 - What Motivates Vin 5:30 - FoxyAI 7:06 - Alex and Rocket Club 10:55 - HPM 19:07 - Vin, Snap Your Fingers 22:54 - Alex, Snap Your Fingers 25:22 - Vin's Note to Jeff's Sons 26:20 - Jeff's Parents Inspiring Jeff 30:55 - Others Inspiring Jeff 32:55 - HPM Accidental Super Bowl Trip 39:51 - Hockey in Jamaica 42:35 - Disney Adults 47:02 - Parenting 54:27 - Reflecting 58:11 - Future Predictions
99: Bill Hughes on creating education-to-workforce models and removing barriers to jobs for those qualified but lacking degrees
Show notes: In this episode, Bill and Jeffrey discuss his unique path from Harlem through prestigious educational institutions, ultimately leading him to degrees at Harvard and MIT and working in software. After spending 9 years helping an education business with their digital transformation, he created JobReady, developing career-aligned course collections, enabling job seekers to follow pathways that lead to jobs and promotions. We discuss the company’s exit, how he found Education Design Lab, the lives changed along the way, and much more! Learn more: Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/W2fW6ZpF_2o Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 10/10/24 Bill Hughes https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhughes316/ Education Design Lab: https://www.linkedin.com/company/education-design-lab/ https://eddesignlab.org/ https://www.instagram.com/educationdesignlab/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6vgVHYOkJk6RIY6HJnyQBA Other resources: https://www.open4learning.com/ https://innovationlabs.harvard.edu/ https://www.edc.org/careers-edc?utm_source=edc&utm_medium=LN&utm_content=job&utm_campaign=smedcorg Bio: Software executive focused on new ventures, strategy, innovation, and product management. As CEO and Founder of JobReady, his goal is to deliver high-quality, affordable, relevant career pathways and credentials for the 21st century to a million job seekers and career shifters. JobReady is developing career-aligned course collections from the thousands of courses available, enabling job seekers to follow pathways that lead to jobs and promotions. Initial pathways will include cybersecurity, data science, project management, leadership, IT skills, business skills, and certification prep. Message Bill directly for more information about JobReady and how you can learn more. Expertise: Corporate strategy, business development, new ventures, win-win deals, software product management, new product development, venture capital, entrepreneurship, strategic consulting, project management, software development, financial analysis, analytical modeling, software patents. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:37 - New Majority Learner 4:51 - What Motivates You? 11:37 - Education 12:55 - Pearson 17:29 - Job Ready 21:59 - Education Design Lab 37:08 - Generative AI 49:54 - Why Can't We Get Re-Routed? 57:53 - EDL's Future 1:07:14 - When Work Affected Change 1:09:48 - Most Grateful for 1:12:53 - Snap Your Fingers 1:16:28 - How to Support
98: Shireen Jaffer on her journey from Pakistan to the US at age 7, the duality she experienced growing up in Palo Alto, transforming education
Show notes: In this episode, Shireen and Jeffrey discuss her journey from Pakistan to the US at age 7 and the incredible sacrifices her parents made to make it possible. We also cover the duality she experienced growing up in Palo Alto, the variety of jobs she worked from ages 12-18, when she realized what’s valuable in life vs. in our educational system, transforming education, and much more Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/-y4xdKbGgSY Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 5/23/24 Shireen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shireenjaffer/ https://www.instagram.com/shireenjaffer_/ Skillify: https://www.linkedin.com/company/skillify/ https://www.skillifynow.com/ https://www.instagram.com/skillifynow/ https://www.facebook.com/Skillify/ https://twitter.com/skillify Other resources: https://cosmosinstitute.substack.com/ Bio: I'm a people-obsessed product builder based in San Francisco. I was born in Pakistan, won the luck lottery at age 7 and immigrated to Palo Alto, where I was bred to solve real world problems and build my first business at 17. While attending USC full-time, I bootstrapped my first company Skillify to challenge our societal obsession with college and helped 150,000 high school students get real world exposure via internships and mentors. I focused on impact and profitability from day 1 and scaled Skillify programs to 220 schools by the time I graduated three years later. I'm so proud to have helped hundreds of thousands of students discover what they love, and be recognized as Forbes 30 under 30 for work I love doing. The longer story? I can tell you live - say hi at Shireen@skillifynow.com Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:42 - What Motivates you? 3:46 - Immigrating 13:06 - Early Life in US 19:08 - Education 25:50 - Skillify 31:02 - Changing People's Lives 44:03 - Life After Skillify 1:10:20 - Education, Vocation 1:16:58 - Most Grateful for 1:18:02 - Snap Your Fingers
97: Rob Kramer on creating generational wealth for the formerly incarcerated
Show notes: In this episode, Rob and Jeffrey discuss Rob’s career journey, including time as a singer-songwriter, creating various software businesses, fighting to bring clean water to people in need, crypto, and much more Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/692yswK9-nI Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 8/1/24 Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robkramerpurposelab/ Business: https://www.purposelab.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/purposelab-llc/ https://www.instagram.com/purposelabs/ https://www.facebook.com/purposelabsonline https://www.justiceservedcoffee.com/ https://www.justiceservedcoffee.com/ Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:51 - What Motivates You? 10:27 - Moving Pixels and Early Career 16:07 - Hip Swap 18:55 - Global Water Trust 23:38 - Purpose Labs 34:51 - Justice Served Coffee 47:21 - Justice Served Process 49:28 - How to Get Justice Served Coffee 52:28 - Coffee Industry 1:03:10 - When Work Affected Change 1:08:50 - Mentor 1:09:57 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:11:49 - Most Grateful for 1:13:49 - Snap Your Fingers 1:15:42 - How to Support
96: Skippy Mesirow on Healing Our Politics, filming in Laos, love for Aspen, importance of self-awareness
In this episode, Skippy and Jeffrey discuss his upbringing, working in the Obama campaign and other political endeavors, his time filming a travel show in Laos, his love for Aspen and the effort he’s put toward that, the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/yLq9212ki2w Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 8/6/24 Skippy Mesirow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skippymesirow/ https://www.instagram.com/skippymesirow/ https://www.facebook.com/skippymesirow Business: https://www.instagram.com/electedleaderscollective/ Podcast - https://www.healingourpolitics.com/ Gone Gonzo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbyNgfPUJTM www.electedleaderscollective.com https://aspen.skyrun.com/ https://www.healingourpolitics.com/#newsletter Bio: Skippy Mesirow is a public to his core. He is the Founder of the Elected Leaders Collective, a Natural Medicine Advisory Board member, and a former Aspen City Councilperson. His life's mission is to heal our politics. In 2007 Skippy rose from unpaid intern to Deputy Director of home state and a 5-state region for Obama for America 08'. At 23, he ran a state-wide race as Campaign Manager for Jesse White 2010. Turned off by the toxicity of politics in Chicago, Skippy left a promising career and traveled the world, often solo with a backpack and a motorcycle. His perspective began to expand. Working on an ill-fated start-up, he moved back to his favorite place on Earth, Aspen, CO., where he had previously lived as a competitive skier and collegiate national champion. Here he began to do "the work," diving deeply into his soul, connecting and healing and re-contextualized years of childhood trauma and their resulting expression. As he did, he re-engaged politically. He co-founded and Chaired Aspen NextGen to give youth a voice. He organized a successful ballot initiative to change Aspen's election day, resulting in the highest-ever voter turnout by 26%. He Chaired the APCHA housing board and the P&Z Comission, going on to serve four years on Aspen’s City Council from 2019-2023. In his term, Aspen established a net-zero-waste goal and passed a housing strategic plan. Skippy advocated for innovation to improve government function, citizen involvement, and voter turnout and t psychedelic reform. He serves on the Aspen Psychedelic Resource Center board. During his service, he observed incredible heart-centered leaders try to make change, only to drop out as they faced public hate, misinformation, conflict, and the resulting stress, anxiety, overwhelm, and other mental health challenges of our toxic culture. Integrating his mental-health journey, he founded the Elected Leaders Collective to "heal our politics." The ELC works with elected officials and public servants to reduce mental health challenges, increase performance, and connect with other heart-centered leaders. ELC's coaching addresses all five parts of the human experience – mind, body, emotion, unconscious, and spirit. Leaders cultivate awareness, remove internal blocks, and achieve aligned external action to reach their highest self in life and leadership. Skippy lives with his partner Jamie in Aspen. They travel as much as possible, still on two wheels, to unconventional places. Skippy is an ultra-marathoner, burner, skier, biker, driver, & cook w/"Citizen" tattooed on his right arm. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:44 - Healing Our Politics Podcast 11:00 - What Motivates You? 17:32 - Where Did You Grow Up? 25:29 - What Drew You to Colorado? 33:44 - Growth at an Impressionable Age 35:47 - Electric Vehicle Start Up 38:02 - Gone Gonzo 45:29 - Political Origin 51:49 - Healing in Politics 1:04:28 - Public Service 1:14:08 - When Work Affected Change 1:19:49 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:22:52 - Most Grateful for 1:24:15 - Snap Your Fingers 1:27:43 - How to Support
95: Alison Blair on journey from stage actor/producer to NPO admin, power of teaching kids to recognize harmful relationships, her folk-rock band
In this episode, Alison and Jeffrey sit down to discuss her journey from stage actor and producer to non-profit administrator, the power of teaching kids to recognize harmful relationships, her folk-rock band, Little Deep, and much more Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/6h68_8rMmLM Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/9/24 Alison: https://www.instagram.com/iamalisonblair/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/littledeepmusic/?hl=en Nest Foundation: https://www.nestfoundation.org/ https://www.facebook.com/NestFoundation/ https://www.instagram.com/nestfoundation/?hl=en https://twitter.com/NestFoundation Bio: Alison joined Nest in the spring of 2021. She brings with her a decade of nonprofit administration experience, in both the arts and law & policy sectors . A non-profit theater producer for five years, she has worked both on- and off-Broadway, regionally, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, producing festivals, fundraisers, and educational events. She manages programs for Nest, facilitating organizational systems, ensuring program deliverables, managing development and outreach, and providing team support cross-programmatically. In her free time she can be found traveling, reading tarot, and gigging around NYC and the Catskills in her folk-rock band. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:18 - What Motivates You? 4:16 - Current Role 8:34 - Early Life 13:08 - Early Career 18:48 - Nest Foundation 31:38 - Pushback from Parents 38:13 - The Student Experience 47:46 - Future of Nest 50:38 - How Educators Get Involved 54:18 - Little Deep 56:17 - When Work Affected Change 1:03:00 - Mentor 1:05:02 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:09:31 - Most Grateful for 1:11:47 - Snap Your Fingers 1:14:10 - How to Support
94: Christina Dent on approaches to addiction that reduce crime and empower families
Show notes: In this episode, Christina and Jeffrey chat about her incredible book, Curious: a foster mom’s discovery of an unexpected solution to drugs and addiction, as well as how End It For Good has evolved since their last conversation and the “staircase to recovery” as well as growing support for different types of recovery journeys. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/me_HTcqo-P4 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/30/24 Christina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinabdent/ https://www.instagram.com/christinabdent/ End It For Good: https://enditforgood.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwl4yyBhAgEiwADSEjeHW4zajtl0os_z-LkzXZ8qiH9Bsg3KCUprRz5cqqGWcIWBgdp7iQQxoCxuYQAvD_BwE https://www.instagram.com/enditforgoodms/ https://www.facebook.com/EndItForGoodMS/ https://twitter.com/EndItForGoodMS Contact - Curious@enditforgood.com Other resources: Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction - https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Discovery-Unexpected-Solution-Addiction/dp/B0CMCDV8VP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=I74YGFPXBVD9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.P3QhsNIPa0w36dbtXZtkeddL5vuGou8YhJX21rk2Fp4oIuTI6VB6B2Tl04RrBExAUj3fbibSt7sHFNhbl_PG8WR7g3piyzrNkgBPKsIGP25p3bZt7kTYUwCoM1IFI513gaanjpKxqe-toAexq4Nct3GxwRbmVk3n_VZEyYg_BEwvck3vZ3BGAMh7hMWEV7lOUlkhyIhDk4UndTOYgB9GiniXJgAm_VvaDgpW4ygmPek.C6h21av_RSPCGELOw1AgGMEGPLZtC3j3BRHaRVauIco&dib_tag=se&keywords=Curious%3A+A+Foster+Mom%27s+Discovery+of+an+Unexpected+Solution+to+Drugs+and+Addiction&qid=1715710051&sprefix=curious+a+foster+mom%27s+discovery+of+an+unexpected+solution+to+drugs+and+addiction%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-1 Bio: Christina is an author, TEDx speaker, and perpetual question-asker. She grew up in a conservative, Christian home and earned a degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Ministry from Belhaven University. As a young adult, Christina assumed she had a solid understanding of how the world works. That changed when she and her husband became foster parents in 2014. The neat bow she had tied around her mental box of how the world works began to unravel. What had previously been a category of people in her mind, people addicted to drugs, now had a name, face, and an infant son sleeping in the extra bedroom down the hall. Her foster care experience gave her an up-close look at the realities of addiction, drug use, and the far-reaching impact of our drug laws. This became the catalyst for months of reading, questions, and listening as she tried to reconcile her beliefs as a Christian with the pain and suffering she saw first-hand. What she learned changed her mind. The laws she thought were the answer to keep people from using drugs she now saw as causing more harm than help to people made in God’s image. Christina founded End It For Good out of her desire to invite others to listen to the voices directly impacted by our drug laws. She hopes that more people will explore the root causes of drug-related harm and consider a different approach. She wrote the book Curious: A Foster Mom's Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs and Addiction to share her story and the research and experiences that changed her mind about the best path forward to help people thrive, even in a world where harmful drugs exist. Christina is married to her college sweetheart Thomas, and they live in Ridgeland, MS, with their three sons. On the weekends, you can find her biking, in a hammock reading a biography, or playing board games with the family. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:40 - End It For Good 5:47 - How Has EIFG Evolved? 10:33 - Curious 23:17 - Curious on Audio Book 26:16 - Origin Story 32:29 - Life After Publishing Curious 39:39 - Sentencing in Real Time 47:34 - Regulated Vs Street Drugs 52:33 - Rehabbing Yourself 57:53 - Staircase to Recovery 1:04:17 - Transcending Religion 1:12:50 - Engagement Around Curious 1:16:11 - When Work Affected Change 1:20:45 - Snap Your Fingers 1:23:37 - How to Support
93: Steven Mosier on his upbringing, design, hockey, and his podcast
In this episode, Steven and Jeffrey discuss his hard-working upbringing in Michigan as a prolific art student, how he got into hockey, his move east in 2000, his hockey story, starting his podcast, and much more. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/iaqvClKaJ-k Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/30/24 Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smosier/ https://www.instagram.com/coach_steve94/ Cross Ice Pass & SYP: https://www.crossicepass.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@CrossIcePassNYC https://podcasts.apple.com/hu/podcast/cross-ice-pass/id1702436506 https://open.spotify.com/show/0wUaK9BvEU5w1ozAz4xQH8?si=e5b27af44fd74aab&nd=1&dlsi=ed7329adbc1146a8 https://twitter.com/CrossIcePassNYC https://www.instagram.com/crossicepassnyc/ https://www.instagram.com/sypartners/# https://www.linkedin.com/company/sypartners/ https://www.sypartners.com/ Bio: I am a graphic designer that has worn many hats throughout my career as a director, senior, production specialist, and even a brand consultant, among other titles. The art industry has been a large part of my in-house and client focus until I found my current role at a renowned transformation consultancy as a “maker” Senior Studio Designer and Studio Manager of various experiences and printed matter for Fortune 500-based transformation work. As of May, I also manage our department in our New York office. Recently, I started a passion project to talk about my favorite activity that I coach, play, and enjoy. Hockey has been a big part of my life outside of design, and I have been looking for a platform to talk about all aspects of the sport. So I started a podcast called Cross Ice Pass. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 6:18 - S.Y. Partners 10:00 - Education 14:43 - Intro to Hockey 19:21 - Relationship with Hockey 23:42 - Experiencing 9/11 29:49 - Getting Involved in Local Hockey 38:46 - Cross Ice Pass 43:36 - When Hockey Changed Lives 47:33 - Mentor 49:30 - Most Grateful for 54:52 - Snap Your Fingers 57:01 - How to Support
92: Sanjay Rawal on peace via arts, sports, food systems, and social justice
In this episode, Sanjay and Jeffrey discuss his upbringing as the son of two Indian immigrant professors, why college is a waste, moving to NYC to be part spiritual teacher Sri Chinmoy’s community, making films, and much more. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/_Bzue3rFmiQ Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/24/24 Sanjay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjay-rawal-586108247/ https://www.instagram.com/mrsanjayr/ Illumine: https://illumine.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/illumine-service-foundation-inc/about/ https://www.instagram.com/illumineservice/ Food Chains - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vw-qTCW8fo Ocean Monk - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOeB1grhfBc Gather - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfSGB-aSo6A Other resources: https://www.wingsofamerica.org/ https://malaika.org/ Bio: Film Director with a track record of making feature-length human rights and human interest documentaries, all of which have been distributed on major streaming platforms. I moonlight as the Executive Director of a small nonprofit just as a way to stay connected to a number of issues. Past life as a consultant/project developer to governments, nonprofits and large cap private equity firms. Chapters: 0:00 Intro 5:28 - Education 9:11 - Early life 12:57 - Early Career 19:04 - Documentaries, Food Chains & Ocean Monk 23:13 - Running as a Religion 29:30 - Measuring Success 33:14 - Financing Films 35:50 - Gather 40:38 - What's Next 46:11 - The Late Game Process 48:24 - What's Next for Jeff 50:13 - Volunteer Work 53:09 - When Work Affected Change 55:27 - Most Grateful for 57:33 - Snap Your Fingers 1:03:49 - How to Support
91: Brian Abrams on AI for peace building and conflict resolution
In this episode, Brian and Jeffrey discuss his career path, the evolution of his world view, and approaching all things with curiosity. He shares poignant quotes and references that serve to frame his thought processes Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/C0OjL7cq-No Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/8/24 Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/btabrams/ B Ventures Group: https://www.bventuresgroup.com/ Bio: Having managed over $1 billion in assets, seen nearly 10,000 startups, sat on over 15 boards of directors, and generated top-tier returns, I’ve learned that a human-centric approach to investment is not only the right way but also the best way. “Who?” and “Why?” are much more important questions than “What?” and “How?”. At its best, venture capital should be a financial means to a human end, not the other way around. Today I’m working to discover and connect with great human beings around the world in emerging regions such as Southeast Asia (e.g. Vietnam) and Central/Eastern Europe (e.g. Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Bulgaria) as well as “hot spot” ecosystems (e.g. Tel Aviv, Berlin, Tallinn, Reykjavik, and many others). I also have a passion for peacebuilding and conflict resolution, and I’m exploring ways to apply the venture capital model toward a more peaceful world. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:20 - What Motivates You? 6:40 - Early Life 9:49 - Education 13:55 - Early Career 28:07 - Shift in Career 31:32 - B Ventures Group 38:31 - AI 43:55 - Peace and Conflict Resolution with AI 47:58 - Sourcing Deals 52:41 - Future of B Ventures Group 55:24 - When Work Affected Change 57:19 - Mentor 59:04 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:11:25 - Most Grateful for 1:13:06 - Snap Your Fingers 1:15:52 - How to Support
90: Stacey Putka on upbringing, Miss Colorado, and helping others
In this episode, Stacey and Jeff discuss her upbringing, a brief consideration of journalism, her time as Miss Colorado, and dedicating herself to helping people. Watch this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/-FRzTgKLvEA Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/4/24 Stacey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-putka/ https://www.instagram.com/stacey_c_putka/ Breakthrough: https://www.linkedin.com/company/timetobreakthrough/ https://timetobreakthrough.org/ https://www.facebook.com/TimeToBreakthrough/ https://www.instagram.com/time2breakthrough/ https://www.youtube.com/c/TimetoBreakthrough?sub_confirmation=1 Bio: Stacey believes fiercely in challenging perceptions and in the power of transformation. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, with a father who took full advantage of his second chance in life after recovering from addiction, Stacey has always been inspired to facilitate transformation in the lives of others. Stacey received a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Colorado State University and a master’s in social work from the University of Denver. Prior to joining the organization, Stacey provided mental health and substance abuse treatment to men on parole and probation. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 7:58 - Education 14:51 - Early Career 29:18 - Breakthrough 37:40 - Continued Involvement 41:12 - When Work Affected Change 46:55 - Mentor 49:47 - Ask Jeff a Question 51:28 - Most Grateful 53:21 - Criminal Legal System 56:32 - Snap Your Fingers 59:08 - How to Support
89: Kevin Lavelle on creating comfy shirts, building better baby monitors, and more.
In this episode Kevin and Jeff discuss his lead up to becoming an entrepreneur, including living in Dubai, his ultimately getting the itch to do his own thing, endless searches for perfect fabrics, the difficulty of getting good sleep as a parent, and so much more! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/FSwf_RSbvhI Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/2/24 Kevin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinlavelle https://kevinslavelle.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kevinslavelle/ https://twitter.com/kevinslavelle Harbor: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harborsleep/ https://harbor.co/ https://www.instagram.com/harborsleep https://www.facebook.com/HarborSleep/ https://twitter.com/harborsleep Other resources: https://www.mizzenandmain.com/ Bio: Kevin brings a wealth of experience from his role as the Founder and Chairman of Mizzen+Main, having invented the world’s first performance fabric dress shirt. With a successful growth round raised from L Catterton, partnerships with world-renowned athletes like Phil Mickelson and JJ Watt, and a background in omnichannel retail, Kevin is not only a dedicated entrepreneur but also a loving husband and father of two. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 11:00 - What Motivates You? 18:10 - Early Life 21:17 - Giving Back 23:17 - Early Career 32:53 - Mizzen + Main 48:27 - Stepping Down 58:29 - Stand Together 1:03:57 - Harbor 1:21:57 - Future of Harbor 1:27:54 - When Work Affected Change 1:31:06 - Most Grateful 1:34:56 - Snap Your Fingers 1:37:45 - How to Support
88: Ethan Nadelmann on his educational journey through Harvard, transitioning from Middle Eastern politics to drug policy, and more.
In this episode, Ethan and Jeff discuss receiving multiple degrees from Harvard, his transition from Middle Eastern politics to drug policy, orchestrating vast changes in drug policy issues, podcasting, and more. Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6OHOqD8W5jI Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 12/20/23 Ethan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethannadelmann/ https://www.instagram.com/enadelmann/ https://www.ted.com/talks/ethan_nadelmann_why_we_need_to_end_the_war_on_drugs DPA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drug-policy-alliance/ https://drugpolicy.org/ https://www.instagram.com/drugpolicyalliance https://www.tiktok.com/@drugpolicyalliance https://twitter.com/DrugPolicyOrg https://www.facebook.com/drugpolicy https://www.youtube.com/@DrugPolicyAlliance Resources for Israel: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RbzoBNQojr7j5cEP0x5yNqppF9CiVXXgDtkuLdvnryc/edit?usp=sharing Other: Psychoactive Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/0pfK53IF7WhEWtntXAFQ4W https://www.thefire.org/ Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethan_Nadelmann Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 7:25 - Education & Harvard Discourse 14:26 - International Drug Policy 17:55 - Early Experience with Drugs 27:23 - What Drug Policy Needs Now 36:08 - Drug Policy Alliance 47:54 - Becoming Drug Policy Alliance 53:49 - Accomplishments 1:07:58 - A Question for Jeff 1:20:37 - Psychoactive Podcast 1:26:10 - Snap Your Fingers 1:33:34 - How to Support
87: David Weild IV on opportunity, a great equalizer in society
In this episode, David and Jeffrey discuss his journey from Molecular Genetics to finance, his friendships with Steve Jobs and Michael Jackson, his transformational work on getting the JOBS Act passed, and how providing financial opportunity can continue to be a great equalizer in our society Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcYwprEn0QQ Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 1/11/24 https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-weild-iv-03a597/ https://www.weildco.com/ https://www.facebook.com/WeildCo/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/weildco/ Other resources: https://www.tuesdayschildren.org/ Bio: David Weild IV is an American investment banker and financial commentator best known for holding the position as Vice Chairman of NASDAQ. He is currently the Founder, Chairman and CEO of Weild & Co. Inc., parent company of the investment banking firm Weild Capital, LLC (dba Weild & Co.) Weild is also known as the "father" of the JOBS Act, and has been involved in drafting legislation for the US Congress. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 10:50 - Importance of Giving Back 19:44 - JOBS Act 27:17 - Education and Early Career 32:03 - NASDAQ 39:29 Issue Works 54:47 - Weird & Co 59:40 - Tuesday’s Children 1:05:17 - Michael Jackson 1:10:27 - Market Opening with Jeff Bezos 1:14:14 - Mentor 1:16:08 - Most Grateful 1:18:17 - Snap Your Fingers 1:21:18 - How to Support
86: Terrence Gallman on years in prison, Wall Street, movie production
In this episode Jeffrey chats with Terrence about his tough upbringing, lengthy prison sentence, ultimately landing a job on Wall Street then starting his own firm after release, and the adaptation of his autobiography into a feature film. Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 12/6/23 Terrence: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrence-gallman-9b08101a/ https://www.instagram.com/terrencelgallman/ https://www.facebook.com/terrence.gallman.3 GIG Group: https://giggroupinc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/urbanren/ https://twitter.com/urbanren1 Other resources: https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Me-Personal-Journey-Rediscovery/dp/1495928780 https://www.amazon.com/LOVES-JOURNEY-Road-Less-Traveled/dp/1481951238 https://www.amazon.com/WALL-STREET-BONDS-URBAN-RENAISSANCE-ebook/dp/B07KSMY4PR Bio: CEO at GIG Group, Gallman currently leads GIG Group whose mission, shared by its benefactors and sponsors, is deeply rooted in the spirit of inclusion and seeks to provide a wide range of “high-exposure/resume-building” jobs for underprivileged communities and provides an opportunity for those communities to participate and integrate in the Global and Domestic Financial Markets, starting with local Financial Institutions in community partnership with GIG. Gallman is also AUTHOR of Love’s Journey: The Road Less Traveled, Wall Street Bonds: The Urban Renaissance, JUSTUS screenplay, and the autobiography FINDING ME, the subject of the upcoming feature film "NO RIGHT WAY,” written by Clay Ayers - longtime writer for Quentin Tarantino’s A Band Apart. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 18:26 - Early Career 21:51 - Sentencing 30:43 - Leaving Prison 35:07 - After Prison 49:58 - GIG Group 58:40 - Mentor 59:54 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:05:04 - Most Grateful for 1:06:06 - Snap Your Fingers 1:10:54 - How to Support
85.2: Host Jeffrey M. Zucker on criminal justice reform, drug policy, and what's next
We continue this week with part 2 of a very special episode as our producer Kait Grey sits down with our host and podcast creator Jeffrey M. Zucker, as they discuss his work in start-ups, movie production, and more of his advocacy work in drug policy and criminal justice reform. If you missed last week’s post, head back an episode to part 1 where we discuss his growing up in the South, the incredible legacy his parents bestowed on him, and his early endeavors in hospitality. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eSGC8WB2ssI Learn more: Host: Kait Grey Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording Date 9/7/23 Personal: https://www.instagram.com/jeffzucker/ https://x.com/jeffzucker https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyzucker/ Companies: https://www.instagram.com/peoplearetheanswer/ https://www.instagram.com/dipdevices/ http://peoplearetheanswer.com http://saltshaker.com http://greenlionpartners.com https://www.bigsmits.com/ https://dipdevices.com/ https://www.thelategame.com/ TLG Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFVjH5SsQyc Other resources: https://www.mpp.org/ https://ssdp.org/ https://maps.org/about-maps/ https://rocketclub.com/ Bio: Jeffrey M. Zucker is a serial entrepreneur born and raised in Charleston, SC and currently living in Denver, CO. He graduated from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where he founded multiple successful real estate businesses through Saltshaker Holdings, the operating company he founded and runs as President and CEO. Jeffrey’s other endeavors include film production, cannabis, hospitality, tech, and more. His notable companies include Green Lion Partners and Big Smits Entertainment. Additionally, Jeffrey, who serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of the Marijuana Policy Project, is a philanthropist in the areas of Drug Policy and Criminal Justice Reform, healthcare, and education. His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father’s mission of Tikkun Olam (repair the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible. Additionally, Jeffrey hosts the podcast People are the Answer where he interviews innovators in social impact. Jeffrey is happy to get involved with projects, people, and ideas in which he believes. His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father’s mission of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible. Episode 2 Chapters: 2:11 - America Israel Cannabis Association 8:55 - Saltshaker Holdings 11:21 - Green Lion Partners & Dip Devices 18:03 - BU/GLP Cannabis Annual Competition 22:46 - Big Smits Entertainment 29:40 - The Late Game 34:33 - More on Dip Devices & Green Lion Innovations 36:45 - People are the Answer Podcast 44:02 - MPP & Drug Policy 58:11 - MAPS 1:04:35 - Dawg Nation 1:08:16 - When Work Affected Change 1:12:39 - Mentor 1:16:24 - Ask Kait a Question 1:23:44 - Most Grateful For 1:24:42 - Snap Your Fingers 1:27:07 - How to Support
85.1: Host Jeffrey M. Zucker on early entrepreneurship, hockey roots
In this episode, Jeffrey and Kait discuss his growing up in the South and starting his career young at the Carolina Ice Palace, the incredible legacy his parents bestowed on him, and lessons learned while being a young entrepreneur in hospitality. We talk about his work in cannabis, as well as his advocacy work in drug policy and criminal justice reform. We also cover his goals for this podcast and his forthcoming movie, The Late Game…episode 2 coming next week. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hC3BlY5QvKA Learn more: Host: Kait Grey Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 9/6/23 Personal: https://www.instagram.com/jeffzucker/ https://x.com/jeffzucker https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreyzucker/ Companies: https://www.instagram.com/peoplearetheanswer/ https://www.instagram.com/dipdevices/ http://peoplearetheanswer.com http://saltshaker.com http://greenlionpartners.com https://www.bigsmits.com/ https://dipdevices.com/ https://www.thelategame.com/ TLG Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFVjH5SsQyc Other resources: https://www.mpp.org/ https://ssdp.org/ https://maps.org/about-maps/ https://rocketclub.com/ Ep 60 - Aloe Blacc - https://youtu.be/d4MqLu2WrKc?si=iKJtJP7HfUjHjyJz Fat Cuz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fw-kjbfGfo Bio: Jeffrey M. Zucker is a serial entrepreneur born and raised in Charleston, SC and currently living in Denver, CO. He graduated from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, where he founded multiple successful real estate businesses through Saltshaker Holdings, the operating company he founded and runs as President and CEO. Jeffrey’s other endeavors include film production, cannabis, hospitality, tech, and more. His notable companies include Green Lion Partners and Big Smits Entertainment. Additionally, Jeffrey, who serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of the Marijuana Policy Project, is a philanthropist in the areas of Drug Policy and Criminal Justice Reform, healthcare, and education. His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father’s mission of Tikkun Olam (repair the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible. Additionally, Jeffrey hosts the podcast People are the Answer where he interviews innovators in social impact. Jeffrey is happy to get involved with projects, people, and ideas in which he believes. His business decisions are determined not only based upon making a profit, but also—inspired by his late father’s mission of Tikkun Olam (repair of the world)—with the goal of improving the lives of others as much as possible. Episode 1 Chapters: 0:00 - Cannabis Consumption 4:12 - Intro 8:38 - Importance of Giving Back 11:50 - Jerry Zucker 16:15 - Early Career 23:22 - Carolina Ice Palace 30:03 - Education 37:08 - Internships 53:22 - Hodara Property Management 57:34 - Pizza Persona 1:10:00 - The InterTech Group 1:13:02 - Leaflist & the Cannabis Industry
84: Gillian Rabin on impact filmmaking and women’s rights
In this episode, Gillian and Jeffrey discuss her lifelong passion for being on stage, acting and production, desire to tell important stories, and much more. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lSfcw68eaPg Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 11/29/23 https://gillianrabin.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@gillian_ray https://www.instagram.com/gillianrabin/ https://www.facebook.com/gillian.rabin/ https://www.l8theofficialshort.com/ https://www.geniusmesh.com/ https://resolvemediagroup.com/ Other resources: https://www.gawinlist.com/ Bio: From singing herself to sleep in her crib at night to singing on the stage, Gillian’s passion for performance has never wavered. Her love for storytelling, empathetic connection, and creativity is the driving force for everything she does— from writing to acting to marketing. Pursuing her passion, Gillian moved to Atlanta where she attended Oglethorpe University on a Georgia Shakespeare Full-Tuition Scholarship. After four years of studying, rehearsals, writing, internships, and performances, Gillian graduated valedictorian with a BA in Theatre and a BA in Communication & Rhetorical Studies. Gillian has had the honor of working with People Store Talent Agency as both a Film & Television Intern and as an actor before she signed with AWA and Robyn Bluestone Management. You can see Gillian’s array of characters in Emergency, Gigi & Nate, The ReEducation of Molly Singer, and as a recurring on The Big Door Prize on Apple TV. Gillian is grateful for the opportunities she’s had to work with phenomenal directors, actors, writers, and producers, and excited for upcoming projects with talented storytellers. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 6:07 - Education 10:15 - Early Career 20:27 - Goals 28:06 - L-8 Short Film 37:41 - L-8 Process 49:15 - How to Watch L-8 52:42 - Where Do You Go from Here? 58:30 - When Work Affected Change 1:06:54 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:14:29 - Most Grateful 1:15:32 - Snap Your Fingers 1:18:57 - How to Support
80: Julie Christeas on sustainable filmmaking
In this episode, Julie and Jeffrey discuss her journey from immigrating from Greece at a young age to growing up in Brooklyn and New Jersey, her unexpected path to becoming a producer, her impact on Jeff’s production career, how taking care of the environment is a win-win for impact and business, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/O4gwHSzyCSI Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 9/18/23 https://www.tandempictures.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tandempictures/ https://www.facebook.com/tandempictures https://www.linkedin.com/company/tandem-pictures/ Other resources: https://www.tandempictures.com/brand-content?wix-vod-video-id=c1c8e677ffc144c9955977e89f1d6931&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-julnk1ne https://www.producersunion.org/ https://www.earthangelsets.com/ https://www.motionpictures.org/2020/12/the-sustainable-production-alliance-celebrating-the-green-production-guides-10-year-anniversary/ https://www.bricfoundation.org/ https://www.green4ema.org/ Bio: JULIE CHRISTEAS is the founder and CEO of Tandem Pictures, since 2010. Her recent films include BLACK BEAR (Sundance 2020) starring Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott and Sarah Gadon, which was released last year by eOne/Momentum, and THE SURROGATE (SXSW 2020/Monument Releasing). She also executive produced the cult horror favorite THE EYES OF MY MOTHER (Sundance 2016/Magnet Releasing), MONOGAMY (Best NY Narrative, Tribeca Film Festival 2010), the feature doc DUKALE'S DREAM starring Hugh Jackman, and GHOST TEAM starring Jon Heder, David Krumholtz, Justin Long, Amy Sedaris and Melonie Diaz. Previously she produced BLOOD STRIPE (Jury Prize for Best Narrative Film, LA Film Festival 2016), WILDLIKE starring Bruce Greenwood and Brian Geraghty (HIFF), and THE SLEEPWALKER starring Christopher Abbott and Brady Corbet (Sundance 2014/IFC). Julie also produces original short-form content for some of the biggest brands in the world -- Amazon, Chase Bank, Ford Motors, Netflix, Cadillac and many more. Before Tandem, Julie was EVP across production and development at Renart Films. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 12:47 - Importance of Giving Back 18:29 - Education 27:49 - Early Career 30:31 - Producers 40:13 - Tandem Pictures 46:27 - Representation in the Industry 49:54 - Sustainable Sets 58:35 - Profit Donations 1:00:27 - Black Bear & Nuked 1:05:28 - BRIC Foundation 1:07:40 - Barbie 1:14:02 -When Work Affected Change 1:18:04 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:20:30 - Snap Your Fingers
83: Madison Margolin on Journalism and her Jewish Psychedelic Journey
In this episode, Madison and Jeffrey discuss her Hindu-influenced Jewish upbringing, how she became a journalist, the important role psychedelics have played in her life and Judaism, her living part-time in Israel and being there during the start of the current war, her book, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LP561tXLBfA Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 10/27/23 https://twitter.com/margolinmadison https://www.instagram.com/madisonmargolin https://www.madisonmargolin.com/ https://ayinpress.org/ https://beherenownetwork.com/category/madison/ Other resources: Exile & Ecstasy: Growing Up with Ram Dass and Coming of Age in the Jewish Psychedelic Underground Amazon: https://hayhs.com/ee_pp_pb_az Amazon Kindle: https://hayhs.com/ee_pp_eb_az Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3MCeu6q Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/3MXvYvF Booktopia: https://bit.ly/45yoGWc Books-A-Million: https://bit.ly/3N6Ux9D Waterstones: https://bit.ly/42drIw9 Indigo: https://bit.ly/4282uzl Bio: Best way to contact me is through the contact form on my website: madisonmargolin.com I'm a writer specializing in psychedelics and cannabis. I also cover Jewish life, science, and other drugs. Based between New York and California, I have written for Rolling Stone, Playboy Magazine, The Progressive Magazine, High Times Magazine, Nylon, Bon Appetit, Broccoli Magazine, LA Weekly, Motherboard, the Village Voice, Tablet, Times of Israel, Merry Jane, the Forward, Narratively, VICE, Cannabis Wire, Miss Grass, Leafly, The Influence, Christian Science Monitor, Freedom Leaf, Inverse, Marijuana Moment, Herb, Deutsche Welle, and other publications. In addition to writing, I've had the honor to speak about cannabis journalism and cannabis feminism at conferences like AAN (Association of Alternative Newsmedia, San Diego 7/18), Digital Hollywood (Los Angeles 5/18, 10/18), The Rind/Limone Creative's Women in Weed (11/18), The Cannabis Media Summit (12/18), and so forth. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 12:07 - Education 23:52 - Jewish Psychedelic Scene 25:57 - Early Career 32:24 - Current Endeavors 34:24 - State of Psych Movement 41:24 - Set and Setting Podcast 43:15 - Exile & Ecstasy 46:47 - Ram Dass 50:10 - Tzfat 53:04 - Ayin Press 55:06 - October 7th 1:06:29 - When Work Affected Change 1:08:17 - Mentor 1:11:47 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:15:54 - Most Grateful for 1:17:23 - Snap Your Fingers 1:18:10 - How to Support
82: Dissecting the social impact of the Barbie movie
This episode features a deep dive on the master class in social impact that is the Barbie movie with friend of the podcast Megan Gregory, our editor Nick Case, and our producer Kait Grey. Regardless of how you felt about its messages, there’s no denying that this was a new way of deeply weaving impact into film Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dRtxJTOInb4 Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 11/1/23 Chapters 0:00 - Intros 5:43 - The Hype 9:25 - What is it About Barbie? 16:36 - Gloria’s Monologue 25:57 - Triangle vs Circle 31:33 - Sasha’s Monologue 40:49 - Millennial Parenting 43:38 - Ruth’s Monologue 48:27 - Mental Health 55:30 - The Male Complex 1:01:46 - Soundtrack 1:05:05 - Examine Your Relationships 1:11:30 - Mattel Over the Years 1:30:39 - Takeaways 1:36:25 - How to be a Better Ally
81: Laxmi Parthasarathy on reestablishing trust in journalism
In this episode, Laxmi and Jeffrey discuss her multicultural upbringing, underrepresentation in media, working in radio in Rwanda, the complexity of launching global news bureaus, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/keFJS7cm6Fw Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 9/18/23 Laxmi: https://www.instagram.com/lsarathy/ Global Press: https://globalpressjournal.com/ https://www.globalpress.co/# https://www.instagram.com/globalpressjournal/ https://www.facebook.com/globalpressjournal/ https://twitter.com/GlobalPress Other resources: https://trustingnews.org/ Styleguide.globalpressjournal.com https://mediaimpactfunders.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/GlobalPressReport_IntlNews_March2023_Final-1.pdf https://a.co/d/eZVF56x Bio: Laxmi Parthasarathy is the Chief Operating Officer of Global Press, an international news organization that trains and employs local women reporters in under-covered media markets. She leads worldwide operations, spearheads the global expansion strategy to build new bureaus, and develops partnership strategies to bolster the organization’s reach. She has launched news bureaus around the world, including in Mongolia, Mexico, Nepal and Puerto Rico. Most recently, she built and launched Global Press News Services (GPNS), the B2B division of Global Press, which provides values-aligned products and services to global clients and raises revenue to support the core operations of Global Press. With a track record of pioneering cutting-edge innovations in global newsrooms, Laxmi has more than a decade of expertise in media development, newsroom representation and operational systems design. In her role as COO, Laxmi leads Global Press’ unique commitment to serving some of the hardest to reach audiences in the world. She oversees the organization’s global expansion and training division and is building a global team tasked with delivering Global Press journalism to people who need it the most. Over her career, she has led multiple media development initiatives in over a dozen countries and worked on radio programs in Rwanda and Swaziland. Prior to Global Press, Laxmi served as Director of Global Media Partnerships at Ashoka, the world’s largest association of social entrepreneurs where she authored a pioneering study, “The Bottom-Up Media Revolution: How Social Entrepreneurs Are Building Trust Between Communities and the Media,” that analyzed data on 200 media innovators across 22 countries. In 2006, Laxmi founded “My Roots” to deliver news to the community of Malvern, by the people living in it. This Toronto-based media start-up and quarterly print publication achieved a circulation of over 5,000 and was distributed to all public, private and catholic schools in North-East Scarborough. In 2019, Laxmi was appointed a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Mentor to support Canada’s top doctoral scholars in leadership development and In 2020, American Express named her one of six Next Generation Leaders. Laxmi holds a Master’s degree in Media, Communications and Development from the London School of Economics and completed her undergraduate studies at the School of Journalism and Communications at Carleton University. She is an author of the book “Kamala Harris and the Rise of Indian Americans” (Wisdom Tree, 2021) and lives in Washington D.C. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 7:57 - My Roots 12:46 - Global Press 14:54 - Education 17:15 - Early Career 21:31 - Work's Impact 24:13 - Rwanda Initiative 27:43 - Canadian International Development Agency 30:12 - Research 37:42 - Global Press Continued 55:39 - Funding Model 59:53 - Future of Global Press 1:03:17 - Honors 1:04:16 - Odissi 1:06:09 - When Work Affected Change 1:08:12 - Mentor 1:10:44 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:12:48 - Most Grateful for 1:13:41 - How to Diversify 1:14:59 - Snap Your Fingers 1:17:08 - How to Support
79: Lindsay Luttrell on producing Culinary TV that changes lives
In this episode, Lindsay and Jeffrey discuss her journey to becoming an emmy-nominated Food TV competition show producer and what a deep impact some of these shows have on so many lives and how beautiful meal experiences bring people together. We also talk about her incredible podcast, Table 5, where she has intimate conversations with renowned chefs. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TuJlOnOb9gA Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 10/3/23 Table 5 podcast: https://linktr.ee/table5 https://www.instagram.com/table5pod/ https://open.spotify.com/show/1Velho24X3CyPykPDh0zOv https://www.youtube.com/@luttr003/videos https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/table5 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/table-5-with-lindsay-luttrell/id1602604278 https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy83YTUyYjc5NC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw https://pca.st/4a4hxanr https://anchor.fm/s/7a52b794/podcast/rss Bio: Lindsay Luttrell produces popular food competition series such as Guy's Grocery Games, Tournament of Champions, and more. Prior to getting into culinary shows, she spent time in casting for talk and reality series. She is also the creator and host of Table 5 podcast, where she interviews world-renowned chefs. Chapters 0:00 - Intro 11:13 - Education 14:55 - Early Career 33:33 - Food Network 46:10 - Table 5 53:16 - Favorite Restaurants 59:11 - When Work Affected Change 1:06:48 - Mentor 1:10:13 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:14:26 - Most Grateful 1:16:30 - Snap Your Fingers 1:18:41 - How to Support
78: Braden Fineberg on making it easy to create and manage non-profits
In this episode, Braden and Jeffrey discuss Braden’s founding of Ribbon, a platform that makes it easier to start nonprofits while efficiently managing their complexities. They discuss his upbringing in Texas, his time at companies like Matterport and Tesla, his founding of Round Up, and how his mom’s diagnosis led him through a struggle-filled attempt to start a non-profit, ultimately culminating in Ribbon… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgwYsfh6o18 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 9/27/23 https://getribbon.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/getribbon/ https://www.facebook.com/ChooseRibbon Bio: 0:00 - Intro 3:39 - Education 9:07 - Early Career 25:29 - Engineers without Borders 27:09 - RoundUp 34:24 - IRS 39:16 - Ribbon 50:58 - Damar Hamlin Foundation 53:03 - Non vs For Profit 1:01:58 - Food Deserts 1:15:58 - When Work Affected Change 1:18:20 - Mentor 1:21:35 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:24:28 - Most Grateful for 1:27:17 - Snap Your Fingers 1:31:36 - How to Support
76: Craig Kramer on global mental health
In this episode, Craig and Jeffrey discuss Craig’s brief political career, time in Korea, world travels while helping to create impact in healthcare, his deep dive in mental health and how it was personal for his family, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BYZ_HLhK9ew Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 8/23/23 https://www.edelmanglobaladvisory.com/contact-us https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigkramer1/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-action-alliance-for-suicide-prevention/ https://twitter.com/Action_Alliance https://twitter.com/Edelman_EGA https://www.facebook.com/ActionAlliance https://www.youtube.com/TheActionAlliance https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/ Bio: Craig Kramer is retired from his role as Mental Health Ambassador for Johnson & Johnson. In that capacity, Kramer led a Johnson & Johnson team that helped transform mental health care globally by raising awareness, reducing stigma, promoting research, improving access, and ensuring better patient outcomes. Key initiatives included a global leaders’ coalition to champion proven, scalable reforms, including “next-in-class” workplace mental health practices, and establishing the first employee resource group (ERG) in the world for employees who live with mental illness, either as a patient or caregiver and ally. Before that role, Kramer held various positions in global corporate and government affairs at Johnson & Johnson and worked as a lawyer in the U.S. Congress, a Washington, D.C., law firm, and an international human rights organization. He is a graduate of Princeton University, the University of Michigan School of Law, and Harvard Business School. In addition to his role as private sector co-chair of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Kramer also serves on the boards or steering committees of the DMAX Foundation, the Mental Health Center of Denver (WellPower), Project HEAL, Trinity Counseling Services, and the United Nations Health Innovation Exchange Investor Coalition. 0:00 - Intro 8:31 - Early Career 16:57 - Johnson & Johnson 23:27 - Global Campaign on Mental Health 28:52 - Mental Health Alliance for Employers 30:55 - Alliance for Diverse Abilities Employee Research Group 36:22 - Nation Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention 43:12 - Mental Health Resources in Prisons 45:34 - Edelman Global Advisory 50:53 - When Work Affected Change 53:59 - Ask Jeff a Question 57:56 - Snap Your Fingers 59:46 - How to Support
77: Nitzan Pelman on using social capital for growth
In this episode, Nitzan and Jeffrey discuss her upbringing in an orthodox Jewish community, her work at Teach for America, founding ReUp Education and eventually ClimbHire and how to use social capital for growth… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xY1H839fhJI Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 9/6/23 https://climbhire.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/climb-hire/ https://twitter.com/climbhireco https://www.facebook.com/ClimbHireCo/ https://www.instagram.com/climbhire/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMOjisOt_BLhuXeSj564pdQ Bio: Nitzan is a social entrepreneur at heart and cares deeply about finding solutions for breaking the cycle of poverty through education and workforce development. Nitzan launched Climb Hire, a new upskilling organization, that helps overlooked and hidden talent prepare for "new collar" jobs related to Salesforce. A key ingredient in Climb Hire's program is building and leveraging social capital. Climb Hire is based on Nitzan's research and findings from her Entrepreneur in Residence role on LinkedIn's Social Impact team. Nitzan is also an Aspen Institute Ascend Fellow. Prior to Climb Hire, Nitzan founded ReUp Education in 2015 and served as its founding CEO for 3 years. ReUp partners with universities to re-enroll students who have dropped out of college. ReUp has brought back nearly 10,000 students to college since its inception. In 2007, Nitzan founded the New York region of Citizen Schools and served as its first Executive Director for six years. Over Nitzan's tenure, students in the program graduated from high school at a 20% higher rate than their peers. In that period, Nitzan raised nearly 15 million dollars for the organization, managed an annual budget of 5 million, grew the organization to 100 staff members, and served thousands of students. Nitzan was an Assistant Director at the Department of Education in New York City. She also served as the first Development Director at Teach for America New York. Nitzan holds a Masters in Public Administration from New York University and a BA from Stern College for Women. Nitzan was highlighted as a leader with The Limited's "What Leading Looks Like" campaign and was profiled on their website. Nitzan has also advised and supported various education technology companies and non-profit organizations including Akilah Institute for Women and Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE), KIPP, and New Leaders for New Schools. 0:00 - Intro 7:41 - Education and Early Career 12:44 - Citizen Schools 19:52 - ReUp Education 27:15 - LinkedIn 30:02 - Aspen Institute 32:25 - Climb Hire 49:10 - How to Grow Diverse Workforces 55:07 - When Work Affected Change 58:40 - Mentor 1:01:50 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:03:15 - Most Grateful for 1:06:38 - Snap Your Fingers 1:10:37 - How to Support
75.2: Ethan Nadelmann on the state of the Middle East
Unfortunately, in this week’s episode, we really couldn’t avoid the negative while Jeff speaks with Ethan Nadelmann, founder of Drug Policy Alliance. Initially, this episode was scheduled to dig into drug policy. However, given recent events in the Middle East, Jeff and Ethan’s Jewish heritage, and Ethan’s background in politics, they just didn’t feel right discussing anything else. Join us for an impassioned and informative conversation… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AliPtZ8NnM4 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 10/11/23 Ethan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethannadelmann/ https://www.instagram.com/enadelmann/ https://www.ted.com/talks/ethan_nadelmann_why_we_need_to_end_the_war_on_drugs DPA: https://www.linkedin.com/company/drug-policy-alliance/ https://drugpolicy.org/ https://www.instagram.com/drugpolicyalliance https://www.tiktok.com/@drugpolicyalliance https://twitter.com/DrugPolicyOrg https://www.facebook.com/drugpolicy https://www.youtube.com/@DrugPolicyAlliance Resources for Israel: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RbzoBNQojr7j5cEP0x5yNqppF9CiVXXgDtkuLdvnryc/edit?usp=sharing Bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethan_Nadelmann 0:00 - Intro 5:21 - Education 10:46 - Jeff's Background 13:05 - Persecution and Drug Policy 15:45 - Hamas 19:50 - People and Politics 27:11 - Missed Opportunity 31:14 - What's Happening on the Left 34:44 - Hamas vs Jihad 39:20 - How Did Israeli Government Drop the Ball? 41:57 - Vengeance 50:43 - Jews in the Arab World 53:16 - Re-shuffling of World Power 1:00:45 - United States 1:07:41 - How Do We Make the Center Loud? 1:15:15 - Future of the Middle East
75: Dr. Roxy Manning on having antiracist conversations
In this episode, Dr. Roxy Manning and Jeffrey discuss her books “Having Antiracist Conversations” and “The Antiracist Heart”, her immigration to the US and the bullying that accompanied it, her education and career, a major health scare, non-violent communication and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FE3bEw0xj58 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 8/15/23 Dr. Manning: https://linktr.ee/roxymanning https://roxannemanning.com/ https://www.facebook.com/RoxyManningPhD/ https://www.instagram.com/roxygiraffe/ https://www.youtube.com/c/RoxyManningPhD https://twitter.com/roxymanningphd https://www.amazon.com/stores/Roxy-Manning/author/B0BVDWFKXM Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC): https://www.cnvc.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-nonviolent-communication/ https://www.facebook.com/centerfornonviolentcommunication/ https://twitter.com/NonviolentFor/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3bnYn7uzrdsiGM4zKuD3LQ/videos Other resources: Workshop - Fierce Compassion: Skills for Antiracist Conversations: https://sarahpeyton.com/product/fierce-compassion-roxy-manning-sarah-peyton/ Book - How to Have Antiracist Conversations: Embracing Our Full Humanity to Challenge White Supremacy https://www.amazon.com/How-Have-Antiracist-Conversations-Embracing/dp/152300373 Book - The Antiracist Heart: A Self-Compassion and Activism Handbook https://www.amazon.com/Antiracist-Heart-Self-Compassion-Activism-Handbook/dp/1523003782 Bio: Antiracist, Nonviolent Communication speaker, consultant & psychologist bringing people & groups together to address today's harms while nurturing Beloved Community | Learn how to respond against microaggressions 0:00 - Intro 10:46- Education and Early Career 21:56 - "I heard a pop" 29:12 - Nonviolent Communication 36:14 - Responding to Microaggressions 10:52 - Clinical Psych in San Francisco 45:15 - The Center for Nonviolent Communication 47:04 - Leveraging Self Compassion to Counter White Supremacy 49:52 - Fierce Compassion, Skills for Antiracist Conversations 53:47 - When Work Affected Change 58:00 - Mentor 1:00:25 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:03:56 - Most Grateful for 1:05:23 - Snap Your Fingers 1:07:28 - How to Support
74: Henk Rogers on Tetris, climate action, space exploration
In this episode, Jeffrey chats with Henk Rogers, a serial entrepreneur best known for bringing Tetris to the world, but his story goes way beyond video games. Henk’s a climate activist, space explorer, and entrepreneur who is on a path to get Hawaii to 100% renewable energy. Henk and Jeff discuss his upbringing, the Tetris story/movie, his work in climate action with Blue Planet Alliance, and his efforts in space exploration… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ODpZeThujw4 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 8/23/23 Henk: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henkrogers/ https://www.instagram.com/henkrogers/ https://twitter.com/henkrogers https://www.facebook.com/HenkRogers/ Blue Planet: https://blueplanetfoundation.org/ https://www.bluestartups.com/ https://www.blueplanetenergy.com/ Other resources: https://moonbasealliance.com/ Bio, Henk: I am a Dutch-born entrepreneur and clean energy visionary who has dedicated the past decade of my career to the research, development, advocacy and implementation of renewable energy sources in my adopted home of Hawaii. More recently, I have been a leading global advocate for space exploration as the Chairman of the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems and the founder of the International MoonBase Alliance, a group dedicated to building the first colony on the moon. I spent my early career in Japan as a video game developer and publisher, gaining distinction for producing the country’s first major role-playing game, The Black Onyx. I then went on to revolutionize the video game industry by securing the rights for the blockbuster Tetris, which 30 years later remains a bestseller and global icon of gaming culture. Follow me on my journey to create a world in which humanity and nature can live in harmony. 0:00 - Intro 11:29 - Education 13:32 - Black Onyx to Tetris 22:51 - Blue Lava Wireless 24:56 - Blue Planet Alliance 31:03 - Climate Change Status 35:41 - Incubator Program 37:50 - Blue Planet Energy 39:32 - Space Exploration 43:58 - International Moonbase Alliance 50:54 - When Work Affected Change 52:31 - Mentor 54:12 - Ask Jeff a Question 59:13 - Most Grateful 1:00:43 - Snap Your Fingers 1:04:19 - How to Support
73: Jaime-Jin Lewis on making childcare more accessible
In this episode, Jeff chats with Jaime-Jin Lewis, founder of Wiggle Room, where they’re working to make childcare as accessible as possible. A 2021 David Prize winner, Jaime-Jin has also been named one of the most 100 Influential People in Care. They discuss her being born in South Korea and growing up in the US, how hospitality work helped build a foundation, getting engaged in impact in NYC, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/RmBZ0y18nYA Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 8/8/23 Jaimejin.com https://www.instagram.com/jaimejin/ https://twitter.com/jaimejin https://www.facebook.com/jaimejin Wiggle Room: https://www.wiggleroomnow.com/ http://www.carefinder.nyc https://www.instagram.com/wiggleroomapp/ https://twitter.com/wiggleroomapp https://www.facebook.com/wiggleroomapp https://www.linkedin.com/company/wiggle-room-app/
72: David Homan, super-connector, on the power of trust and trusted relationships
In this episode, David and Jeffrey discuss the power of trust and trusted relationships and how he leverages that with Orchestrated Connecting. We also discuss his childhood, his music and non-profit careers, a more recent start-up endeavor, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/n0SfWWDqgNc Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/26/23 https://orchestratedconnecting.com/ https://orchestratedopportunities.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlfKlXohGGw https://orchestratedconnecting.com/podcasts/ https://www.homanmusic.com/ Bio: David: I believe in the power of trust and trusted relationships. This is my world. I run a community of 800+ family offices, startups, philanthropists, and impact focused individuals. This community of "givers" make thousands of intros each year that result in tangible, effective, and inspiring changes in people, businesses, impact, and opportunity. I've changed organizations from the inside out and rebuilt them to flourish. I am a "super-connector" whose reach and knowledge-base spans wealth, influence, and dozens of industries, giving me access to those with the means to make positive change. My advice is sought after privately with influential colleagues to help them weave a larger, more impactful and purposeful set of goals. Specialties: Strategic planning; Board Development; Public Speaking; Arts; Fundraising; Connecting; Depth of knowledge on single topics (oranges, islands, cod, salt, paper, tea); and raising my kids. My writings have been published via Forbes, &simple, and I work at the intersection between action and connection. As part of Nexus, Forbes Impact, the Arthur Miller Foundation and many other avenues where my expertise and connections are utilized for social good, I believe that when you engage people to give you enrich not only the lives of those beneficiaries, but also those who come to understand philanthropic impact as an incredible way to achieve purpose in your life. 0:00 - Intro 10:27 - Education 16:25 - Early Career 29:32 - LunaClips Media 34:52 - When COVID Hit 53:13 - Orchestrated Connecting 1:00:00 - Depth of Music Engagement 1:05:10 - Orchestrated Opportunities 1:11:02 - When Work Affected Change 1:15:50 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:21:34 - Most Proud of 1:25:00 - Snap Your Fingers 1:28:09 - How to Support
71: Sarah Peyton on the power of relational neuroscience
Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/25/23 In this episode, Jeffrey sits down with Sarah Peyton , a relational neuroscience educator, constellations facilitator, certified Nonviolent Communication trainer, and author of multiple books. They discuss her traumatic upbringing in Alaska, working as a translator on a Soviet fishing boat, her draw to relational neuroscience and bringing it to others, the importance of self-compassion, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-icowJ2jwl0 Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/sarahpeytonauthor/ https://www.facebook.com/sarah.peyton.773 https://twitter.com/resonantself https://www.youtube.com/sarahpeyton https://sarahpeyton.com/ https://www.yourresonantself.com/ Other resources: Links to How to Have AntiRacist Conversations & The AntiRacist Heart https://antiracistconversations.com/#events?seg_id=01H5MTJMDDJPEF0RWXBSHP7YVZ.14755.1689694851503 Healing from Disorganized Attachment webinar series https://sarahpeyton.com/product/healing-disorganized-attachment-series/ Fierce Compassion: Skills for Antiracist Conversations https://sarahpeyton.com/product/fierce-compassion-roxy-manning-sarah-peyton/ Bio: Sara: I’m a neuroscience educator, constellations facilitator, certified Nonviolent Communication trainer and author who invites audiences into a compassionate understanding of the effects of relational trauma on the brain, and teaches about how to use resonance to change and heal. But it wasn’t always this way… I used to struggle with brutal depression and anxiety. I was in constant battle with a lacerating self-critical inner voice that told me I was worthless, stupid, and unlovable. Before I understood the science of how difficult events impact our automatic brain patterning, and how trauma fragments our capacity for self-warmth, I thought I was just plain broken. But there is nothing wrong with me, nor with you. We make sense. No matter what challenging feelings we have, no matter how flawed our strategies are for trying to get our needs met. I am thrilled to share what I’ve learned about how trauma impacts the brain, and how we can move into a joyful relationship with ourselves and others through resonant healing. Read more about me here. I dream of a world where all humans have a sense of belonging and mattering, where we treat ourselves, the planet, and the beings around us with gentleness and care. Do you have this longing too? If so, you are in the right place. 0:00 - Intro 13:57 - Trauma and the Brain 16:46 - Sarah's Journey 20:23 - Translating for Soviets 27:50 - Your Resonant Self 32:08 - Relational Neuroscience 39:43 - Affirmations for Turbulent Times 41:33 - Healing from Disorganized Attachment 45:37 - Leveraging Self-compassion to Counter W.S. 53:07 - Constellations Facilitator 57:43 - Default Mode Network 1:04:35 - Recognition of Subtle Forms of V. 1:08:12 - Psychedelic Medicine and Trauma 1:10:45 - When Work Affected Change 1:14:20 - Mentor 1:15:55 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:18:22 - Most Proud of 1:21:12 - Snap Your Fingers 1:22:47 - How to Support
S7E10 (episode #70): Jason Mendelson on applying VC skills to Criminal Justice Reform
In this episode, Jeffrey sits down with Jason Mendelson, a recovering Venture Capitalist, attorney, CJR advocate, musician, producer, and all-around badass changemaker and entrepreneur. They discuss his upbringing, the injury that led him away from music for a time, becoming a venture capitalist, and more. He’s written and recorded his own album, played in various bands, and produced for stars like Aloe Blacc, Payge Turner, and many more and also founded CJR organization Breakthrough. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zrppDxI_5T0 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/24/23 Breakthrough: https://timetobreakthrough.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/timetobreakthrough/ Books: Venture Deals - https://a.co/d/38pCzmM How to Be a Lawyer - https://a.co/d/cCAQ2TQ Jace Allen music: https://jaceallen.com https://open.spotify.com/artist/6PbQjHVCUrghNLctvGturu https://jaceallen.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@jaceallen https://www.instagram.com/jaceallen_music/ https://www.facebook.com/jaceallenmusic https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jace-allen/1365882791 https://soundcloud.com/user-949081121 Gen3 Music: https://gen3band.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1TPAYfqlShQs2XeMXHOil3?si=OolkMYJISuy14EUj2k0vJw https://music.apple.com/us/artist/gen3/1561047640 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClhSEHtaWhSwVG3-MlenEIg Bio: Jason: I am a musician and work in the criminal justice reform ecosystem. I've written a best-selling book (Venture Deals) and will release my second book "How To Be a Lawyer" in Q2 2022. In my past, I have been a venture capitalist, startup co-founder, adjunct professor and part-time author in Boulder, CO. Previously, I was an attorney at a large tech Law firm and prior to that, a software engineer. I won't answer LinkedIn requests for anything pertaining to my tech-world background. If you want to chat about something in the criminal justice reform space or musical (and not music tech / startup), I'm all ears! Jace Allen Music Bio 0:00 - Intro 8:59 - Importance of Giving Back 11:01 - Education 12:56 - Early Music Career 15:29 - Injury 18:31 - Corporate Life 24:40 - Venture Capital 26:37 - Venture Deals, How to Be Smarter Than Your Lawyer and Venture Capitalist 30:47 - Breakthrough 40:29 - Law Professor 41:14 - How to Be a Lawyer: The Path from Law School to Success 44:04 - SRS Aquium 47:20 - AI 53:11 - Jace Allen 55:08 - Good Noise Studios 1:00:47 - Gen3 1:02:42 - Art Creating Impact 1:08:15 - Stand Together Foundation 1:16:40 - When Work Affected Change 1:21:20 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:23:05 - Most Proud of 1:24:44 - Snap Your Fingers 1:25:54 - How to Support
S7E9 (episode #69): Barry Friedman on reforming policing, alternatives to police response, and more
In this episode, Jeff sits down with Barry Friedman, NYU professor, author of critically acclaimed The Will of the People: How Public Opinion Has Influenced the Supreme Court and Shaped the Meaning of the Constitution and Unwarranted: Policing Without Permission, as well as founder of the Policing Project at NYU. They discuss Barry’s career journey, his experience on 9-11 and how it changed his perspective, the supreme court, front-end accountability for police and the role every citizen can play in it, alternative response initiatives, how entertainment can normalize issues, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XR-k6_FUiI0 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/12/23 Barry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-friedman-0843b065/ https://twitter.com/barryfriedman1 Policing Project: https://www.policingproject.org/ https://twitter.com/PolicingProject https://www.facebook.com/PolicingProjectNYU/ Other resources: Safetyreimagined.org The Will of the People book: https://a.co/d/4JlgEe8 Unwarranted book: https://a.co/d/4cSQpgf https://30x30initiative.org/ BIO: Barry Friedman serves as the Faculty Director of the Policing Project at New York University School of Law, where he is the Jacob D. Fuchsberg Professor of Law and Affiliated Professor of Politics. The Policing Project partners with communities and police to promote public safety through transparency, equity, and democratic engagement. Friedman has taught, litigated, and written about constitutional law, the federal courts, policing, and criminal procedure for over thirty years. He serves as the Reporter for the American Law Institute’s new Principles of the Law, Policing. Friedman is the author of Unwarranted: Policing Without Permission (2017), and has written numerous articles in scholarly journals, including on democratic policing, alternatives to police responses to 911 calls, and the Fourth Amendment. He appears frequently in the popular media, including The New York Times, Slate, Huffington Post, Politico and The New Republic. He also is the author of the critically acclaimed The Will of the People: How Public Opinion Has Influenced the Supreme Court and Shaped the Meaning of the Constitution (2009). Friedman graduated with honors from the University of Chicago and received his law degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center. He clerked for Judge Phyllis A. Kravitch of the US Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. 0:00 - Intro 5:27 - Education 8:58 - Early Career 11:06 - NYU 14:13 - 9/11 18:18 - The Will of the People 25:57 - Packing the Court 29:14 - Policing the American Law Institute 32:39 - Policing Project 33:51 - Unwarranted, Policing without Permission 38:55 - War on Drugs 43:14 - Neighborhood Policing Initiative 49:05 - How Can We Help Create Change? 51:07 - Alternative Responses 1:01:16 - STAR Program 1:03:23 - When Work Affected Change 1:06:50 - Mentor 1:08:41 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:18:48 - Most Grateful 1:20:33 - Snap Your Fingers 1:22:23 - How to Support
S7E8 (68): Salen Churi, VC, on supporting innovation through policy change
In this episode, Jeff sits down with his friend Sal Churi, Founder and General Partner at Trust Ventures, a VC firm that helps portfolio companies navigate and change regulatory issues that are impeding their progress and their positive impact on society. They discuss Sal’s family history that includes surviving the holocaust and fighting in wars, his growing up in Ohio, and how he transitioned from a law professor to a policy-focused Venture Capitalist, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/l7a5QrV8-YY Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/11/23 https://www.trustventures.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/trustventures/ Bio: Salen is a leading expert on navigating the collision points of innovation and regulation. A former law professor at the University of Chicago and founder of its Innovation Clinic, he has advised startups on regulatory strategy across industries. Previously, Salen practiced law at the international law firms of Kirkland & Ellis and Sidley Austin, and advised low-income entrepreneurs in overcoming barriers at the Institute for Justice. 0:00 - Intro 5:19 - Upbringing 13:35 - Early Career 29:56 - Trust Ventures 35:25 - Financial Success vs Policy Success 44:23 - Business as a Vehicle for Change 50:36 - Clean Energy and Affecting Policy Change 53:16 - Oklo Energy 58:46 - Antora Energy 1:02:27 - AI 1:06:22 - Future of Trust Ventures 1:07:57 - Mercatus Center 1:10:42 - When Work Effected Change 1:14:12 - Mentor 1:18:56 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:20:45 - Most Proud of 1:24:24 - Snap Your Fingers 1:26:03 - How to Support
S7E7 (episode #67): Martin Richardson on healing the hockey community
In this episode, the first in-person video recording for the show, Martin and Jeffrey discuss Marty’s career as a controller and CPA, how DAWG Nation started, what led him to dedicate himself to the org full time 5 years ago, his college soccer career, building an accessible ice rink, and much more. We even dig into my own passion for hockey, its influence on my life, and my ongoing work with his organization Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q0lCuruqT4M Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 7/13/23 DAWG Nation: https://www.dawgnation.org/ https://www.instagram.com/dawgshockey/ https://twitter.com/DawgsHockey https://www.facebook.com/DawgNationHockeyFoundation https://www.linkedin.com/company/dawg-nation-hocky-foundation/ Bio: Experienced finance professional with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, business modeling, and tax planning. Also founder and president of one of Colorado's fastest-growing nonprofit charities (Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation). Skills include fundraising, executive networking, event management, board president, and business planning. 0:00 - Intro - 9:03 - College Sports 12:09 - Early Career 14:22 - Dawg Nation 20:53 - Dawg Nation Aid Stories 27:57 - Humboldt Broncos 30:19 - Jared Bednar 33:41 - Dawg Bowl 37:20 - Sled Hockey 40:38 - Willie O'Ree Hero Award Finalist 43:19 - Future of Dawg Nation 48:06 - Youth Soccer Coach 53:05 - Mentor 54:52 - Ask Jeff 1:01:11 - Most Grateful for 1:03:27 - Snap Your Fingers 1:05:42 - How to Support
S7E6 (episode #66): Daniel Emr on rescuing and restoring victims of human trafficking
In this episode, Dan and Jeffrey discuss Dan’s spending most of his teenage years in Ukraine, why he left a cushy engineering job to tackle human trafficking, whether legalizing and regulating sex work will help to alleviate the issue or not, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MqBP6BqW8hE Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 6/7/23 Dan’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-emr-29b06335/ Worthwhile Wear: https://worthwhilewear.org/ https://www.facebook.com/worthwhilewear/ https://www.instagram.com/worthwhilewear/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOEGKGe7AVpKX_qXaPFoidg https://www.linkedin.com/company/worthwhile-wear-inc./ Bio: Dan is an experienced Executive Director with a heart to provide hope and restoration to women affected by human trafficking both globally and in the US. Dan is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Business Planning, Entrepreneurship, Volunteer Management, and Public Speaking. He has a strong business development background and graduated from Clearwater Christian College. He is also fluent in Russian as he grew up in Ukraine as the son of missionaries. 0:00 - Intro 4:03 - Growing Up in Ukraine 11:10 - Education 12:12 - Early Career 23:56 - Worthwhile Wear 30:24 - Worth It 39:26 - The Well 50:24 - Revenue vs Donors 53:45 - Act Challenge 1:01:43 - When Work Affected Change 1:04:20 - Mentor 1:06:02 - Ask Jeff a Question 1:09:57 - Most Grateful 1:11:45 - Trafficking Stats 1:18:11 - Snap Your Fingers 1:20:10 - How to Support
S7E5 (65): Barb Clapp on jointly creating jobs and improving senior care
In this episode, Barb and Jeffrey discuss her career and entrepreneurial journeys, starting and growing Dwyer Workforce Development to improve senior care and provide job opportunities, including facilitating a $590 million business acquisition and conversion to non-profit, her passion for helping animals, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FdS-rz9okm0 Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 6/6/23 Barb: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barb-clapp/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/barbclapp/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/barbclapp Dwyer Workforce Development: Website - https://dwyerworkforcedev.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dwyerworkforcedev/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/dwyerworkforcedevelopment LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/dwyer-workforce-development/ Bio: Barb Clapp joined Dwyer Workforce Development as CEO in 2021. In her role, she leads non-profit program development, operations, strategic partnerships, marketing tactics and board development while leveraging past entrepreneurial and non-profit success to develop an immediate and sustainable market presence. A successful entrepreneur and national business leader, Clapp was the founder and CEO of Clapp Communications, an international communications company that she sold in 2019 with the goal of taking her expertise into the nonprofit world. Barb has received numerous awards for her leadership. Committed to give a voice to the voiceless, Barb shares the Dwyer family’s passion for building stronger communities through workforce development and improving senior care.
S7E4 (episode #64): Renée Rosillo on supporting founders from underserved communities
In this episode, Renée and Jeffrey discuss her growing up in Mexico City, Venture Capital, AI, Web3, the importance of propping up underserved founders, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yKCMLk2vj1Y Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 5/31/23 https://www.reneerosillo.com/ https://twitter.com/rerosillo https://www.instagram.com/0xrerosillo/ https://www.joinprism.xyz/ https://www.founderfamilia.com/ https://twitter.com/founderfamilia https://minervarobotics.com/ https://www.beondeck.com/ Bio in Renée’s words: I am an entrepreneur and a technical founder. I specialize in business, technology, art and culture. I live in San Francisco and work as an activist for underrepresented founders. I co-founded an api engine for open banking solutions in Latin America—an initiative that was widely adopted across the region. Previously, I worked at the UN managing global youth initiatives and was a delegate at international events. My collection of Latin American art is growing fast; I am building up my portfolio of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) from Latino artists.
S7E3 (episode #63): Lindsay Siegel on early stage impact investing, tackling racial wealth gap
In this episode, Lindsay and Jeffrey discuss her early career and how a few different leaps of faith had incredible impact on her career path and world view, her work with early-stage start-ups and helping them engrain impact and good values into their businesses, tackling the racial wealth gap, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3WoKZXWQzbw Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 5/3/23 https://www.lindsaymsiegel.com/ https://twitter.com/lindsaymsiegel https://www.companyventures.co/grand-central-tech Other resources: http://www.blacksheepinn.com/ Eco-lodge in Ecuador https://venturebeat.com/enterprise/how-vc-capital-can-create-a-better-more-equitable-future/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/letslevel/ https://www.levelleaders.com/ Bio: I am working towards systems change. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of social good, business and technology, notably as an executive coach to startup founders and leading the Zahn Innovation Center at The City College of New York (CUNY). At Company Ventures, I created our North Star program to support founders to codify their values and purpose, commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and I run our workforce development efforts. Throughout my career I’ve worked across sectors - corporate, nonprofit, university, government. Early in my career, I managed The Black Sheep Inn, an ecolodge in rural Ecuador, learning the true impact of responsible business. I’ve earned an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BS from Northwestern, and I sit on the advisory boards of CUNY Tech Prep and the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership’s MPA program. Pronouns: she/her/hers
S7E2 (#62): Bryan Stern on helping Americans and allies escape war zones, views from the 9/11 rubble
In this episode, Bryan and Jeffrey discuss his experience at ground zero on September 11, his long military career, how he was motivated to do all that he could to bring Americans home at any cost, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-Y4a7328ODo Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 5/2/23 https://www.projectdynamo.org/ https://www.instagram.com/projectdynamo/ https://www.facebook.com/ProjectDYNAMOorg/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/projectdynamo/ https://www.youtube.com/@projectdynamo1711 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atfZ2651_Zg&feature=youtu.be - Grey Space Video (Liam Neeson) Other resources: Veterans Crisis Hotline - 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 Bio: Lieutenant Commander Bryan Stern is an internationally renowned special operations intelligence officer. He is a proven expert in "denied area" operations, hostage rescue, and hostage negotiation. Stern is widely known for his work leading Project DYNAMO conducting on the ground daring rescues behind enemy lines in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Russia. Rescue operations he personally led include: John Spor (LONE STAR), Kirillo (Eddie) Alexandrov (DETROIT LIONS), Terry Gately (RIO GRANDE), Robert Platt (DEVIL) PATHFINDER-Russia, TWIN CITIES, GEMINI 1 (Lenny & Moishe Spektor), and hundreds of others. He has been featured in international mainstream media including CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, BBC, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and the AP. Stern regularly consults on films involving espionage, politics, action, military, law enforcement, and international intrigue.
S7E1 (episode #61): Jai Kensey on creating true social impact through business
In this episode, Jai and Jeffrey discuss her growing up in Southern California and finding her way east, the various roles that taught her how to be successful in the communications space, her desire to create positive impact, how she ended up at GTI, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZeblxdyNVfM Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 5/18/23 Jai’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/Jaikensey GTI: https://www.instagram.com/begoodgreen/ https://www.gtigrows.com/ https://twitter.com/gtigrows https://www.instagram.com/gtigrows/ https://www.facebook.com/GreenThumbIndustries/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtigrows/ Other resources: Good.green to register for 6/19 DE&I Event Jai Kensey joined Green Thumb in 2021 as Director of Social Impact. In this role, she leads community outreach efforts in support of the company’s Growing for Good program. Prior to Green Thumb, Jai was Manager of Development Communications at the American Red Cross, National Headquarters in Washington, DC. Jai has managed and supported various internal and external communications and community relations efforts in the non-profit, government and corporate sectors while working at companies such as Young Communications Group in Los Angeles, California; Publicis Life Brands and Edelman Public Relations in Sydney, Australia; Sprint and Boost Mobile in Irvine, California; and Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide in Washington, DC. Jai currently serves on the board of Illinois Women in Cannabis, a not-for-profit group created to serve, support, and advance women connected to Illinois’ regulated cannabis industry. Jai received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing from Georgia State University.
S6E10 (episode #60): Aloe Blacc on fostering change with music, biotech
In this episode, Aloe and Jeffrey discuss Aloe’s relationship with music, what he learned in the corporate world before going into music full time, how artists can create change, his upcoming cause-themed album, his work in biotech, and much more, covering issues like healthcare, criminal justice reform, poverty, and beyond… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/d4MqLu2WrKc Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 5/17/23 Aloe: https://www.aloeblacc.com/ https://twitter.com/aloeblacc https://www.instagram.com/aloeblacc/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzZegs5Uz4uhFFPsdQVcC-A https://open.spotify.com/artist/0id62QV2SZZfvBn9xpmuCl https://youtu.be/BTTHS1iSWNs - “Free” Music Video Other resources: https://www.malarianomore.org/ https://artivistentertainment.com/ Bio: Raised on salsa, merengue, and cumbia, Blacc fell in love with hip-hop as a kid and started writing rap songs when he was nine. With his lyrics drawing influence from socially conscious artists like KRS-One, he put out his first hip-hop mixtape at age 17. Later developing a fierce admiration for such soul musicians as Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye, he also discovered an affinity for folk-rock singer/songwriters during his college years. “One of the most important factors in my transition from hip-hop to being a singer was listening to people like Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Kris Kristofferson, and Cat Stevens,” Blacc says. “Their songs are full of emotion that’s expressed in strong lyrics, and that had a big impact on me.” After inking a deal with indie label Stones Throw, Blacc released his solo debut Shine Through in 2006 and sophomore album Good Things in 2010. Boosted by the breakout success of “I Need a Dollar” (which was selected as the theme song to HBO’s How To Make it In America), Good Things reached gold status in countries around the world and paved the way for his signing to XIX Recordings/Interscope Records in 2012. Made in collaboration with groundbreaking producers like Pharrell Williams, Lift Your Spirit dropped on New Year’s Day in 2014, debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Album. Looking back on his musical path so far, Blacc notes that landing a deal with XIX Recordings/Interscope prompted a major moment of reckoning, and led him to re-examine his artistic intentions. “When I signed a major-label contract, I recognized the power of having a larger audience, and I promised myself that I’d use my voice for social change,” he says. And in creating his upcoming album, Blacc has kept focused on making music meant to inspire a positive shift in mindset. “When things happening in the world seem so terrible and dark, it’s so easy to get stuck in all the negative,” he says. “But I try to do whatever I can to help people out of that. I want my music to be the light.”
S6E9 (episode #59): Ibrahima Souare on empowering community entrepreneurs
S6E9 (episode #59): Ibrahima Souare on empowering community entrepreneurs In this episode, Ibrahima and Jeffrey discuss Ibrahima’s immigration at a young age from Guinea, Africa and navigating his new home, his educational and career journeys, how he helps small businesses, the incredible number of acronyms in the non-profit and government worlds, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qs_Dcfs8Gis Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 4/28/23 NYPACE: https://www.nypace.org/ https://www.instagram.com/nypacenews/ https://twitter.com/NYPACEnews https://www.facebook.com/NYPACE https://www.linkedin.com/company/2890448/ https://www.youtube.com/user/NYPACE Other resources: https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2021/10/2021-new-york-city-40-under-40/185868/ Bio: Ibrahima Souare is the Executive Director of NYPACE. Previously, Ibrahima worked as a Senior Community Development Officer at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC NYC) where he was responsible for managing a portfolio of programs in economic development, affordable housing, health equity, and financial opportunity across the New York City local market. Ibrahima’s pillar accomplishment while with LISC NYC was the successful launch and management of a small business relief & recovery fund that awarded over $1.1 million in direct grants to 112 minority owned businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, he successfully advocated for funding and managed a network of 16 community-based organizations across New York City to provide ongoing technical assistance and business development support to small, women, and BIPOC owned businesses. Prior to LISC NYC, Ibrahima had served as Assistant Director at LaGuardia Community College’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center, where he supported a number of small businesses to become responsible vendors for government agencies, and before that, he served as Business Development Associate working with MWBEs at New York State’s Chief Economic Development agency, Empire State Development, where he led statewide efforts to increase utilization of MWBEs on procurements opportunities. Within each of his capacities, Ibrahima has intentionally positioned himself to support the launch, growth, and sustainability of small businesses and entrepreneurs access resources. In 2021, City & State, a renowned multimedia news organization, recognized Ibrahima as one of its distinguished honorees for the NYC 40 Under 40 Rising Stars. Ibrahima holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Lehman College, and a Master’s degree in public administration from CUNY Baruch College’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, where he was a National Urban Fellow. 40:18 - NYPACE
S6E8 (episode #58): Brian Vicente on a patient-first approach to drug reform, starting a top law firm, and more…
In this episode, Brian and Jeffrey discuss Brian’s growing up as the son of an immigrant, playing soccer, finding his calling to fight the war on drugs, being an advocate and attorney for patients in need, founding a premier law firm, starting businesses, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jfCxwHXzY7o Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 4/27/23 Vicente LLP: http://VicenteLLP.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vicentellp/ https://www.facebook.com/VicenteLLP.Law https://twitter.com/VicenteLLP https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvC6KYzp_QPLF6lTAfxYlWg NHCC: https://nhccouncil.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/nhcc-national-hispanic-cannabis-council/ https://www.instagram.com/nhccouncil/ https://www.facebook.com/nationalhccouncil/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_WLuX-AWye59cVabW2UrXw/featured Other resources: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vsstrategies/ https://www.vsstrategies.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/simplifya/ https://www.simplifya.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/leafwire/ https://www.leafwire.com/ https://vicentellp.com/people/brian-vicente/ Brian: I am a passionate supporter of marijuana reform and have spent the past decade plus helping to create and shape cannabis laws across the US, and working with cannabis entrepreneurs and investors to start and grow compliant and profitable businesses. As one of the primary authors of Amendment 64 and co-director of its historic campaign, I was an integral part of the team that made Colorado the first geographic area in the world where possession, use, and regulated distribution of marijuana is legal for adults. In 2014 The Guardian (UK) named me "the industry's de facto spokesman," and my unique experience with marijuana policy has created opportunities for me to serve as a formal advisor to local, state, and federal governments, including assisting Uruguay with becoming the first country in the world to fully-regulate the adult marijuana market.
S6E7 (episode #57): Roger BelAir on how pickleball is changing prisoners’ lives
In this episode, Roger and Jeffrey discuss Roger’s career through banking, motivational speaking, and writing financial books–and how that took him to bringing Pickleball to prisons Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3eXBvHynYM0 Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 4/26/23 Roger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roger-belair-80314111/ https://www.facebook.com/belairr/ BelAirR@gmail.com Conscience VC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscience-vc/ Bio: A Pickleball Background Like No Other! Years ago Roger BelAir was introduced to to Barney McCallum, the only living founder. They quickly became friends and many of the anecdotes and vignettes Roger shares about the game come directly from Barney. Next Roger came to know the managment of Pickle-Ball, Inc., the company formed by the three founders to promote the game. He learned even more “behind the scenes” stories. As a result, Roger’s clinics are uncopyable! With a style that mixes humor, insights, and proper technique, Roger has taught 2,500+ people … from a former Wimbledon tennis pro to Fortune 500 executives to grandmothers who want to stay active and have fun. He is frequently the Guest Teaching Pro at the renowned Rancho La Puerta (one of the “Five Best Destination Spas in the World” according to Travel + Leisure magazine). He has also taught at the JW Marriott Palm Desert, one of the top ten tennis resorts in the country. Inspired by a CBS’s “60 Minutes” segment on crime, Roger envisioned pickleball as a means of teaching “life skills” in prisons. Since most inmates are eventually released, perhaps pickleball could help make them better people … making it safer for all of us once they return to society. His thinking was correct. He introduced the game to men charged with murder at Chicago’s Cook County Jail and his program was hugely successful. Gang members who wouldn’t even talk to each other were playing pickleball together. Soon they were even laughing together! Disciplinary problems at the jail were reduced. The success of his program in Chicago led Roger to prisons coast-to-coast, from Rikers Island in New York to Corcoran in California (where Charles Manson served time). His life-changing efforts have been applauded by NPR, ESPN, and a front-page story in USA TODAY. Even a popular radio station in Dubai found his story newsworthy! Off the court, Roger is a financial expert who has been profiled in a cover story of Money magazine; an acclaimed author of books on finance and investments; and a keynoter at business conventions around the country. He’s been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and many other publications. He knows finance, but pickleball is his passion.
S6E6 (episode #56): Dr. Kortney Ziegler on transactivism, financial assistance software, and more…
In this episode, Dr. Ziegler and Jeffrey discuss Kortney’s growing up in Compton, his journey as a trans man, getting multiple degrees including the first Northwestern PhD in African American studies, being a software entrepreneur, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rDFVbNiMn-c Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 4/25/23 Kortney: http://kortneyrziegler.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kortney-ziegler-65885845/ Well-Money: https://well-money.com/ Ideas 42 Ventures: https://www.ideas42ventures.com/ Other resources: http://www.stillblackfilm.org/ https://www.transhack.org/ https://www.fastcompany.com/40517779/now-you-can-help-bail-people-out-of-jail-every-time-you-buy-something https://www.diablomag.com/people-style/people/40-under-40/article_752da883-d569-575d-a6d3-bdb46f615da9.html Bio: Meet Kortney Ziegler, PhD, a serial entrepreneur who develops simple tech solutions that increase financial and social prosperity for users. Before WellMoney, Kortney co-founded a crowdfunding platform – Appolition – that raised over $1 million to pay bail for people who couldn’t afford it. It was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by FastCompany. In following this success and with the support and investment from the ideas42 Ventures Studio, Kortney launched WellMoney to provide communal financial support for those who need it. “I’m passionate about using simple but proven technologies for social good.“
S6E5 (episode #55): Suzanne Torregano & Bryoni Prentice on giving opportunities to girls in STEM
In this episode, Suzanne, Bryoni, and Jeffrey discuss how they ended up at Electric Girls, the importance of women’s representation in STEM and beyond, how their inspired students go on to inspire others, and much more … Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bsgCDii5ycs Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 4/20/23 Bryoni: https://www.instagram.com/bryonicatering/ Bryonicatering.com https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/halloween-cookie-challenge/photos/meet-the-competitors Electric Girls: https://www.linkedin.com/company/electric-girls/ https://www.instagram.com/electricgirlsed/ https://www.facebook.com/electricgirls https://twitter.com/electricgirlsed Stand Together/Electric Girls video: https://youtu.be/KM7UJEURt-E Suzanne Bio: Purposeful executive with a proven record of success, delivering visionary leadership, defining positive outcomes, and sustainable strategies that drive organization growth. Adept at developing strategic fundraising practices leveraging executive communication to optimize impact. Excel at building and strengthening relationships with community, clients and C-suite leaders and valued as a trusted advisor who delivers profitable solutions that achieve results, surpassing expectations. Demonstrated capacity to build, mentor, develop and lead high-performance teams, creating a collaborative culture that values individual skills, inspires confidence, and empowers members to deliver exceptional results. Bryoni Bio: I’ve been in education for 12 years as a Career and Technology teacher, a coach, as well as team lead. This last year has been a transition of relocating and beginning a journey in non profit, as a program director for a STEM organization. I am also a private chef, catering to each and every need of my clients! Customized cookies and AMAZING catering cuisines.
S6E4 (episode #54): Mohan Sivaloganathan on the importance of young voices and troublemaking for the status quo
In this episode, Mohan and Jeffrey discuss Mohan’s moving around the world growing up, his career path to social impact, his incredible work to give young people a voice in change at OurTurn, and how he’s using music as a vehicle for impact… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tf-QsR3ar9U Learn more: Recording date: 4/19/23 Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Mohan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msivaloganathan/ https://twitter.com/mdotsiva OurTurn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/our-turn/ https://www.itsourturn.org/ https://www.instagram.com/ourturnnatl/ https://www.itsourturn.org/donate Ahmen (Mohan’s music): https://twitter.com/iamahmen https://ahmen.us/about/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/6ncpPE7r020PEOEgLqzuV0 https://www.instagram.com/iam_ahmen/ https://www.youtube.com/user/Ahmenmusic https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_ahmen https://www.facebook.com/iamahmen Bio: First and foremost, I am a father, husband, son, brother, friend, and Troublemaker for the status quo. I’m known as the Batman of Social Impact, as a C-suite executive by day, and hip-hop artist + speaker by night. Throughout my career, I have led national organizations and advanced equitable solutions for systems change. I amplify my impact by channeling my voice and creativity to spark civic engagement through music and public speaking, with a footprint that has impacted thousands of students, young professionals, philanthropists, and corporate leaders across the globe. “Mohan’s passion, his bare-naked honesty, his courageous storytelling – beautifully entangled in the rhythm of his infectious music – bewitched us and set the tone for learning, inspiration, and collaboration about changing mindsets and the role that each person can play in making the world a better place.” – Kyla Shawyer, CEO of The Resource Alliance I am a first-generation American and son of Asian immigrants, and I lean into the power of identity, culture, and social innovation to move people, money, resources, and policies in pursuit of justice. As shared by Derek Humphries, Director of DTV Group, I draw on family heritage, contemporary politics, the emotions and experiences of audiences, and the deep heritage of social struggle to inspire diverse stakeholders and influence lasting positive change in the arts, education, human services, and business. “…his passionate music performances can come only from a place of deep social engagement that genuinely changes lives for the better. Mohan is the kind of constructive troublemaker that we need to see more of.” – Derek Humphries I’m grateful for the recognition I have received, such as being named a 40 Under 40 Rising Star in NY and being featured by Fast Company, Good is the New Cool, ESPN, and more. Even with those spotlights, I’m better recognized as “joyfully serious,” as coined by a friend and colleague. I am hungry to disrupt the status quo, and equally passionate about cultivating a journey with teammates that is marked by wellbeing, growth, and fulfillment. This duality isn’t common, and might even be jarring, but I’m compelled by these words from the Dalai Lama: “Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.”
S6E3 (episode #53): Jason Radisson on unicorns and making jobs more people-focused
In this episode, Jason and Jeffrey discuss Jason’s journey from a tough, rural upbringing to being a seasoned entrepreneur, serial unicorn breeder, and making jobs more accessible and people-focused. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SmiFu0xp3FE Learn more: Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Recording date: 3/15/23 Jason: Twitter - https://twitter.com/jasonradisson Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jradisson/ Kitcaster - https://kitcaster.com/jason-radisson/ Shift One: Website - https://www.shiftone.net/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shift1app/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Sh1ft1/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/shift1app/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/sh1ftapp Jason learned startup skills early in life. He was born to a 16-year old single mom, and worked blue-collar jobs from short order cook to HVAC technician to fund school and climb out of poverty. From that inauspicious start, he went on to Harvard, a Fulbright Scholarship, and McKinsey & Company. Since becoming an entrepreneur, Jason has worked with more than a dozen first tier VCs, firms like Softbank, Accel, DST, Andreessen Horowitz, Monashees, and Sequoia. Together he and his teams have built and scaled multiple tech unicorns, platforms that today provide work and improved living standards to millions of workers, from Bogota to Boston. His latest venture is Shift One, where he is Founder & CEO, is a platform that is helping solve the global shortage of skilled front line workers, with more than 300,000 users from nurses to solar technicians.
S6E2 (episode #52): Steve Fletcher on the impact and importance of local businesses
Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case In this episode, Steve and Jeffrey discuss Steve’s career journey to ultimately finding his calling supporting local businesses in Charleston, SC and improving their chances at success Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5KIcVag8mVU Learn more: Recording date: 3/2/23 Lowcountry Local First: Website - https://www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LowcountryLocalFirstCertified/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lowcountrylocal/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/lowcountry-local-first/ Podcast - https://www.lowcountrylocalfirst.org/news/podcasts Jeff on Steve's podcast - https://www.mixcloud.com/ohmradio/small-talks-big-ideas-with-jeffery-zucker-4-3-23/ Steve Fletcher is the Director of Economic Development at Lowcountry Local First. Steve earned his BA from the College of William & Mary and his MPA from the College of Charleston. He's worked as a PR account executive but he's also been a brewery tour guide, a door-to-door fundraiser, a bartender, and a traveling musician. Since 2019, Steve has been advocating for the Lowcountry's local-independent businesses. He currently sits on the board of the William & Mary Alumni Charleston Chapter and formerly served as Head of Partnerships at Startup Grind Charleston. Steve hosts and produces two podcasts that have been selected as finalists for the City Paper's best local radio show category. When he's not hanging with his cats or dog, you'll find him rummaging through the records at Gray Cat Music or cycling with his wife to their neighborhood bakery, EVO, for rosemary cheese scones.
S6E1 (episode 51): Will Hoge on sending a message with music
Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case In this episode, Will and Jeffrey talk about Will’s journey to becoming a musician, going from all about rock and roll to a family man, the accident that almost took his life, using music to create positive change, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8yiqUImckJg Learn more: Recording date: 3/7/23 https://www.facebook.com/willhoge https://www.instagram.com/willhoge/ https://twitter.com/WillHoge https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrhRpQD6x-k7M0Ge5YxMHqg https://music.apple.com/us/artist/will-hoge/205092 https://open.spotify.com/artist/6a8DSomMqspxk3s3WlBjNT Will Hoge is an American Americana music singer, songwriter, and musician from Nashville, Tennessee, United States. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Will_Hoge
S5E10 (episode #50): Meredith Olson on transforming education through entrepreneurs
In this episode, Meredith and Jeffrey discuss how she went from being an off-shore oil and gas engineer to eventually becoming entrenched in the education space and making it more effective, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Recording date: 3/1/23 Meredith: https://twitter.com/mereolson VELA: https://www.Velafund.org https://www.instagram.com/velaedfund/ https://www.facebook.com/VelaEdFund https://twitter.com/VelaEdFund https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLCEts4U-PzzulEsSpuC9dA Bio: Meredith leads VELA Education Fund, where she is determined to serve brave, creative people who are boldly reimagining education in their communities and beyond. Meredith is inspired by everyday entrepreneurs who are willing to let go, listen, and learn from children as they discover their magic spark. Meredith and her husband are raising their family of four children in Wichita, Kansas.
S5E9 (episode #49): Ana Zamora on funding just change in the criminal justice system
In this episode, Ana and Jeffrey discuss Ana’s career journey, how she was drawn into the criminal justice reform, and how she’s ended up going further than she even could have dreamt. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WROp4iIBFFs Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case Learn more: Recording date: 2/28/23 Ana: https://twitter.com/anarzamora https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-zamora-6180ab17/ The Just Trust: https://www.thejusttrust.org/ https://twitter.com/thejusttrust https://www.facebook.com/TheJustTrust/ https://www.instagram.com/thejusttrust/ Other resources: https://www.openhousesf.org/ Ana: Until I crossed over into philanthropy in 2018, I spent my career fighting on the front lines of criminal justice reform—as an organizer, advocate, and campaigner. I’ve been in the trenches of this work when we lost way more than we won. I know the deep, painful sting of losing a major campaign that you’ve thrown your whole heart into. I also know what it feels like to be part of progress. It’s these experiences that built my advocacy chops and taught me that the pathway to real change is crooked, rife with setbacks, and that no map exists to help you traverse it. My journey began in an administrative role with the California Appellate Project, an organization that provides legal services to people in California facing execution. There I learned about the harm and stigma that our punitive, unforgiving system has on communities and families, including my own. I then spent the next ten years working at the ACLU, ultimately as director of criminal justice reform. Using integrated advocacy, I worked to advance issues including sentencing reform, reducing use of the death penalty, legislative and administrative reforms around wrongful convictions, and greater prosecutorial accountability through voter education and engagement. During these years, I also served in leadership roles in two California ballot measures: as Deputy Campaign Manager for Yes on 34 in 2012 and as Campaign Manager for No on 66 in 2016. And I launched the first ever statewide prosecutor accountability campaign, simply called: “Meet Your DA.” In my advocacy life, I was deeply frustrated with the extreme lack of resources in our movement—especially for organizations with directly impacted leaders. I saw philanthropy as a critical unlock and eventually moved into a new role as director of criminal justice reform at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), which became one of the largest funders of frontline criminal justice reform work in the country—a $143 million portfolio in just under three years. My team at CZI backed key wins like Measure 110 in Oregon to decriminalize all drug possession; helped defeat Proposition 20 in California, which sought to roll back key justice reforms; funded the Clean Slate Initiative, supporting record-clearing policies for millions of people in Pennsylvania, Utah, Michigan, and other states; and, importantly, supported countless reform and organizing efforts led by directly impacted groups, in states often passed over like West Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. In my personal life, I am proud to serve on the Board of Directors of Openhouse in San Francisco, which serves LGBTQ+ seniors. It’s an honor and a privilege to now lead The Just Trust—where I get to wear all of my hats and channel the stings of losses, the glory of wins, and the hope that I feel from across this powerful, diverse, ever-evolving fight for justice, safety, and wellbeing.
S5E8 (episode 48): Andre McGregor on activating safety data to improve communities
In this episode, Andre and Jeffrey discuss how ForceMetrics is activating public safety data to better serve our communities, being the son of Jamaican immigrants, his journey to the IVY league, FBI, and beyond, including time as an EMT and Firefighter. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pvcezujteG0 Learn more: Recording date: 1/27/23 Andre: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andremcgregor/ ForceMetrics: https://www.forcemetrics.ai/ Other resources: https://elkkids.org/ Mr Robot Season 2 (“Andre” character in S2 eps 2 and 8): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B01H4KWUEC/ref=atv_dp_season_select_s2 FBI Cyber Special Agent turned tech entrepreneur in data analytics. Over the last decade, I have developed, managed, and secured diverse enterprise network and computer systems and led several large-scale, complex, and high profile FBI cyber cases as a certified NSA Blue Team cyber responder having started it all at Brown University. Oh, and I was technical consultant for the TV show Mr. Robot.
S5E7 (47): Lydiah Kemunto Bosire on the importance of African youth to our future
Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker Producer: Kait Grey Editor: Nick Case In this episode, Lydiah and Jeffrey discuss Lydiah’s journey through her life and career, starting 8B, and why this cause is so important to the future of our world. Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dH-JA4F4xrk Learn more: Recording date: 2/6/23 Lydiah: https://www.instagram.com/drlydiahkbosire/ https://twitter.com/drlydiahkbosire/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlydiahkemuntobosire/ 8b: https://www.8b.africa/ https://www.instagram.com/8beducation/ https://twitter.com/8B_AfricaEdu https://www.facebook.com/8BEducationInvestments/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/8b-education-investment-fund/ Other resources: International Student Places of Origin - https://opendoorsdata.org/data/international-students/all-places-of-origin/ ‘Youth Bulge’ Can Promote Security And Prosperity In Africa - https://adf-magazine.com/2022/08/experts-say-youth-bulge-can-promote-security-and-prosperity-in-africa/ Job creation for youth in Africa - https://www.brookings.edu/blog/africa-in-focus/2019/12/16/job-creation-for-youth-in-africa-assessing-the-employment-intensity-of-industries-without-smokestacks/ Bio: Dr. Lydiah Kemunto Bosire is the Founder and CEO of 8B Education Investments, a VC-backed technology company with a mission to enable African brilliance to have a global impact. 8B has built the first end-to-end platform that enables African students to identify best-fit global universities and level up their applications, access affordable financing, and connect with career support for job placement, thereby providing colleges, universities and employers access to the world’s fastest-growing talent pool. 8B was recently featured on CNN International announcing Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter joining the Board. 8B also made a commitment at the 2022 Clinton Global Initiative for a $30m partnership with Nelnet Bank, a subsidiary of publicly-traded Nelnet, Inc., in a first lending partnership of its kind with a US bank. Born and raised in Kenya, Lydiah brings personal experience to the field of innovative finance, along with two decades of working on issues of international politics, development, and human rights, including at the United Nations, the World Bank, and leading global NGOs. Lydiah completed a doctorate in politics at the University of Oxford. She holds additional degrees from Cornell University.
S5E6 (46): Chef Nyesha Arrington on breaking barriers with thoughtful food
In this episode, Nyesha and Jeffrey discuss Nyesha’s career journey, what it’s like being on TV, how food can bring people together, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aLtTVfy1d7M Learn more: Recording date: 12/5/22 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nyeshajoyce/ Website: https://www.nyeshaarrington.com/ TedX talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nw4owe_WdBs Plateworthy with Eater: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUeEVLHfB5-Sr228v7G2sTyVfh8tsHePY Chef Nyesha J. Arrington has been in love with the kitchen since cooking alongside her Grandmother at a young age. Born in Southern California, Arrington was introduced early to diverse foods such as bulgogi, octopus, and homemade kimchi during the first stages of life which these experiences infinitely shape Arrington's palate development and her ideas about cooking and culture. By integrating flavors and techniques from around the world, Arrington is able to create a global style that is both personal and unparalleled. A graduate of the Art Institute of California in Los Angeles, Arrington draws from a fine dining background and has worked with the legendary French chef Joel Robuchon and Melisse. The late Jonathan Gold placing both of her California restaurants in the “Best 101 of Los Angeles”. Arrington is celebrated for her advocacy of using farm fresh, locally, and responsibly sourced ingredients and has been featured on the Los Angeles Times, Food & Wine, GQ, Cooking Channel, Essence Magazine, Life and Thyme, and Eater LA for her accomplishments in the culinary industry. Partnerships with Facebook, Tastemade, Nike, PBS continue to advocate for her culinary vision for the world. Additionally, Arrington has headlined Austin Food & Wine, Los Angeles Food Bowl, Disney California Adventure® New York Food & Wine Festival, and most recently was featured on the Cover of The Rachael Ray Everyday (March 2019) and Delta Airlines’ Sky Magazine (May 2018). Today, Arrington owns and operates a full-service Chef consulting & catering business. While traveling around the globe for speaking engagements and dinner collaborations. Her greatest enthusiasm will always be diving into the creative process and cooking “Food that Hugs the Soul.”
S5E5 (45): Tess Murphy on how micro-loans are changing the world
In this episode, Tess and Jeffrey discuss how her years abroad influenced her desire to create impact, being a “Kiva Boomerang,” the incredible impact that can come from loans as low as $400 and from an individual lending as little as $25, why Kiva gift cards are the best gift cards, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TOml6XzWvPM Learn more: Recording date: 11/16/22 Tess: Connecting Around a Shared Purpose - ideas to engage employees & customers - https://assets.brandfolder.com/q7tke1-5izjcg-d8lx55/v/15575737/original/Connecting%20Around%20A%20Shared%20Purpose%20Kiva.pdf Tess on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-murphy-7a21b083/ Kiva: Website - https://www.kiva.org/ Donate to Kiva - https://www.kiva.org/donate/supportus Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kiva Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kiva.org YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/kiva LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiva-org Tess is the director of managed lending at Kiva, an international non-profit that celebrates and supports people looking to create a better future for themselves, their families and their communities through financial inclusion. Tess started out her career by harnessing her passion for travel and writing through her travel website as she taught English in Myanmar and worked across Southeast Asia. Eventually, she made her way to Kiva as an online marketing intern, and soon became a Kiva fellow, working directly with Kiva borrowers in Zimbabwe and South Africa. After a few years at Indiegogo and Wishbone.org, she found her way back to Kiva as the manager of Strategic Partnerships. Her work has blossomed into becoming the program lead for Managed Lending, a B2B solution that utilizes products and services to meet partner goals of audience engagement and/or organization impact through Kiva. She is responsible for building out the programmatic strategy, keeping employee engagement and corporate social responsibility at the forefront, providing account management and customer support, partner campaigns, communication needs, and business development.
S5E4 (episode 44): Mason Tvert on cannabis being safer than alcohol led to legalization
In this episode, Mason and Jeffrey discuss how Mason got into cannabis policy, the late, great Steve Fox, the stunts they pulled to get media attention, how legalization impacts so many other policies, his work at VS Strategies, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zM9JXjVXL5k Learn more: Recording date: 11/14/22 Vicente Sederberg LLP - https://vicentesederberg.com/ VS Strategies - https://www.vsstrategies.com/ Marijuana Policy Project - https://www.mpp.org/ Students for Sensible Drug Policy: https://www.ssdp.org/ Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition - https://www.ccjrc.org/ Mason Tvert is a partner at VS Strategies based in Denver. He also serves as communications adviser to Vicente Sederberg LLP. Mason has been working to change public policies and public attitudes regarding cannabis since 2005. He has been called "The Don Draper of Pot" by Politico Magazine, "marijuana's top evangelist" by The Boston Globe, and one of the "100 Most Influential People in Cannabis" by High Times magazine. In 2012, The Denver Post named him Colorado's "top thinker" of the year in politics and government, and High Times recognized him as "Freedom Fighter of the Year," for the outsized role he played in Colorado's historic legalization initiative and efforts that led up to it. Prior to joining VS Strategies, Mason served as director of communications for the Marijuana Policy Project, the nation's largest marijuana policy organization, where he managed strategic communications, media relations, and online outreach in support of reform efforts at the federal, state and local levels. While at MPP, he co-directed the successful 2012 initiative campaign to regulate marijuana like alcohol in Colorado and worked on several other state and local campaigns, including the successful legalization initiatives in Alaska, Nevada, Maine, and Massachusetts. He also coordinated communications efforts that contributed to the adoption of medical cannabis laws and decriminalization policies in several state legislatures around the country. Previously, Mason co-founded and served as executive director of Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) and its 501(c)(4) advocacy arm, the SAFER Voter Education Fund, which laid the groundwork for the successful legalization effort in Colorado and facilitated the passage of cannabis-related student referendums on more than a dozen college campuses around the U.S. He led two successful local ballot measure campaigns in Denver, including the 2005 initiative that made it the first city in the world to remove all penalties for cannabis possession. Mason has done thousands of media interviews and appeared in hundreds of local, national and international news outlets. He has contributed columns to several publications, and he is a co-author of the book, "Marijuana is Safer: So why are we driving people to drink?"
S5E3 (episode 43): Brian Hooks on scaling what’s working to maximize impact
In this episode, Brian and Jeffrey discuss how Brian ended up at Stand Together, why he’s the luckiest guy in the world, and that we must unite with anyone to do right and no one to do wrong. They speak of several of the important issues Stand Together is working on, including Education, Health Care, and Criminal Justice, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UCnBEyw_lMc Recording date: 11/3/22 Learn more: Stand Together: https://standtogether.org/ Stand Together Foundation: https://standtogetherfoundation.org/ Charles Koch Foundation: https://charleskochfoundation.org/ Believe in People book: https://smile.amazon.com/Believe-People-Bottom-Up-Solutions-Top-Down/dp/1250200962 Cafe Momentum: https://cafemomentum.org/ The Phoenix: https://thephoenix.org/ Mercatus Center: https://www.mercatus.org/ Brian Hooks is chairman and CEO of Stand Together, a philanthropic community that works with more than 700 business leaders and philanthropists to empower people to realize their unique potential and help every person rise. Stand Together’s comprehensive approach to addressing the country’s biggest challenges includes support for more than 1,000 professors at over 300 universities, tens of thousands of K-12 teachers, more than 300 community-based organizations addressing persistent poverty, and millions of grassroots activists working to improve public policy. Brian is also president of the Charles Koch Foundation. Previously, he served as executive director and COO of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, where he led strategy and operations for a growing research, education, and public policy center. He is co-author with Charles Koch of the book, Believe in People: Bottom Up Solutions for a Top Down World, a national bestseller published in November 2020 by St. Martin’s Press. Brian was named to the 2021 TIME100 Next list, featuring leaders who are shaping the future of their fields. Brian serves on the boards of the Mercatus Center, Institute for Humane Studies, Reason Foundation, and the Just Trust. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife and daughter.
S5E02 (episode 42): Laura Patrick on improving the community via business and philanthropy
In this episode, Laura and Jeffrey discuss how she uses business and philanthropy to improve her local Charleston community and beyond… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a043DKLzLsU Learn more: Recording date: 11/2/22 Laura’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellepizzle/ Next Page Podcast: https://linktr.ee/nextpagepodcast 4 Corners Productions: https://www.4cornersproduction.com/ https://www.facebook.com/4CornersProductions/ https://www.instagram.com/4cornersproductions/ Bay Street Biergarten: https://www.baystreetbiergarten.com https://www.facebook.com/BayStreetBiergarten https://www.instagram.com/baystreetbiergarten/ https://www.4cornersproduction.com/ Patrick Properties Hospitality Group: https://www.pphgcharleston.com/ https://www.facebook.com/pphgevents/ https://www.instagram.com/PPHGEvents/ https://www.pinterest.com/pphgcharleston/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/patrick-properties-hospitality-group/ One80 Place: https://www.one80place.org/ https://www.facebook.com/CharlestonHomeless/ https://www.instagram.com/_one80_place https://twitter.com/One80Place Laura Patrick is an attorney, entrepreneur, and marketing specialist who has held a life-long interest in the arts, journalism, and hospitality. A native of Charleston, SC, Laura grew up surrounded by her family’s conservation efforts and contributions to the local art scene, where she built a passion for philanthropy, the local art scene and supporting creative endeavors. After receiving a degree in Mass Media and Marketing from College of Charleston, Laura graduated from University of San Diego School of Law with a concentration in Intellectual Property. No matter what project she’s involved in, she maintains a passion for facilitating artists and business owners in creating, growing and protecting their rights. Today, Laura is Co-Owner and the Chief Marketing Officer of Bay Street Biergarten and an Operating Partner of Patrick Properties Hospitality Group. Outside of working with PPHG, Bay Street Biergarten, and 4Corners Productions, Laura enjoys spending time with her two children and binging true crime – but not at the same time.
S5E1 (episode 41): Kelly Smith on micro schools transforming education
In this episode, Kelly and Jeffrey discuss Kelly’s background in nuclear fusion, his time in the energy sector, teaching kids how to code, founding Prenda, the issues with our current education system, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/xznYnuT3CM0 Learn more: Recording date: 8/26/22 Prenda: Website - https://www.prenda.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/prendalearn Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/prendalearn/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6GcJFx_Yh1CpKzUUuzzQg LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/prenda/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@prendalearn Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/prendalearn/ After a decade of interesting jobs (marketing, product management, consulting, strategy for big and small companies), Kelly found his passion: helping young people learn. He started Prenda with the goal of changing the way we think about education.
S4E10 (episode 40): Greg Spero on releasing creative potential in every human
In this episode, Greg and Jeffrey discuss Greg’s music career, software endeavors, his many learnings along the way, his passion for releasing the infinite creative potential in every human, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/T69ciFvnCjk Recorded: 8/26/22 Learn more: Greg: Website - https://www.gregspero.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/gregspero/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/gregspero YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCON3ixoHJ46HXlkQR4ttdw Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gregspero/ Pitch: Website - https://welovepitch.com/ Facebook - https://facebook.com/welovepitch Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/welovepitch Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/welovepitch/ Tiny Room studio: Website - https://www.tinyroom.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tinyroomstudiosla/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/tinyroomlive/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@tinyroomstudios YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/TinyRoom Spirit Fingers band: Website - www.spiritfingers.live Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/SpiritFingersLive/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/spiritfingerslive Greg Spero and a million creative paths. Greg Spero is a musician on a mission. A multifariously creative force who’s built an entire ecosystem that empowers self-expression, Spero creates music and tech that embodies limitless possibilities. A Los Angeles-based pianist/keyboardist, producer, arranger, composer, bandleader, YouTube educator, label-owner and internet entrepreneur, he’s devoted a good deal of his time to building vehicles that connect fellow artists with audiences. “We all have this ability to be infinitely expansive, to be everything that we want to be,” he says. “It’s a matter of how we manifest our goals.” What sets Spero apart isn’t so much his expansive vision as his combination of musical prowess and entrepreneurial acumen. As a recent piece for the Philadelphia public radio station WRTI declared, "Any notion that supremely talented musicians cannot be savvy, intentional entrepreneurs is upended by the idea of Greg Spero." Familiar to a diverse array of listeners through his collaborations with the pop star Halsey and the funk/fusion Miles Electric Band, Spero has also composed music for film, theater and television, written songs with Rolling Stones bassist Darryl Jones, and co-produced tracks with Ski Beatz. In recent years he’s focused on Spirit Fingers, his powerhouse quartet featuring a cadre of the era’s definitive players, including bassist Hadrien Feraud (or Max Gerl), Italian guitarist Dario Chiazzolino, and drummer Mike Mitchell (aka Blaque Dynamite, a key Kamasi Washington collaborator). AllAboutJazz summed up the combo by describing Spero as “an undeniably gifted pianist” who has assembled “a veritable supergroup in terms of their prodigious talent...Imbued with preternatural levels of skill and a high replay value" The group released an eponymous debut album on Shanachie Entertainment entitled Spirit Fingers, a project centering on a piece hailed by WGBO’s Nate Chinen as “a cinematic composition whose main attraction is the polyrhythmic groove [that] morphs and changes like a weather system.” …bio continued at https://www.gregspero.com/bio
S4E9 (episode 39): Jared Fishman on fixing inequalities in the justice system
In this episode, Jared and Jeffrey discuss Jared’s career journey through the middle east, law school, becoming a civil rights attorney, being in a dad garage band, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Justice Innovation Lab Website - https://www.justiceinnovationlab.org/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/Lab4Justice Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lab4justice/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Lab4Justice LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/justice-innovation-lab/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNI8MsJACp5gJDImRXUKANQ Jared Fishman is the founder and executive director of Justice Innovation Lab, an organization that designs data-informed solutions for a more equitable and effective justice system. Justice Innovation Lab uses a collaborative approach to help justice system decision-makers identify and fix inequities in their jurisdictions. Prior to founding Justice Innovation Lab, Jared served for 14 years as a prosecutor in the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. He led some of the most complex civil rights prosecutions in the country, securing convictions in high-profile cases involving police misconduct, hate crimes and human trafficking. Jared received multiple awards from the Department of Justice for distinguished service, including the Civil Rights Division’s highest award for excellence in legal advocacy. Over the last decade, Jared has handled some of the country’s most significant prosecutions of police misconduct. He was the lead federal attorney prosecuting a North Charleston, South Carolina, police officer for fatally shooting Walter Scott in the back, though Scott, an African-American, was unarmed and posed no threat. Jared and his team secured a conviction in the federal case, a rare example of a police officer being held accountable in a police shooting. Jared regularly speaks on issues of data-driven justice reform, police accountability, hate crimes, and human trafficking, and has trained international and local police, prosecutors, and judges on best practices in these areas. He serves as adjunct faculty at the George Washington University Law School and Georgetown University. His work and analysis have been featured on CNN, CBS, CBC, and in the New York Times and the Washington Post. Jared earned his law degree from the George Washington University Law School, and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He began his career at the U.S. State Department, where he worked to rebuild legal systems in post-war Kosovo. He also served as a line prosecutor at the Washington, DC, US Attorney's Office, where he handled domestic violence and sex crimes cases.
S4E8 (episode 38): Kasey Lundquist Reiter on empowering start-ups to affect change
In this episode, Kasey and Jeffrey discuss her time living in The Netherlands, her finance and operations background, and how she got into profit for purpose and helping companies affect change, among much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: RTV website - https://www.risetogetherventures.com/ RTV LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rise-together-ventures/ Kasey Lundquist Reiter is co-founder and GP of Rise Together Ventures, a hybrid venture and philanthropy firm that empowers growth stage companies to reimagine the ways their business assets and core strengths can be used to drive social change. Kasey started her career in investment banking and private equity and made the switch to startup operations after earning her MBA. She has worked at both pre-revenue, early stage companies and large venture-backed scale-ups, most recently as the head of vehicle operations, EMEA for Bird before making the switch back to the investing side. She enjoys traveling and experiencing other cultures, and has lived in NYC, Chicago, LA and Amsterdam. Kasey received her BA from Duke University and her MBA from the Kellogg School of Management. Kasey currently lives in Santa Barbara and is a proud mom of two kids.
S4E7 (episode 37): Chris Wilson on going from incarceration to serial impact entrepreneur
In this episode, Chris and Jeffrey discuss Chris’s difficult upbringing that had him at funerals every month, how he turned his life around while incarcerated, his rampant helping of others, starting businesses, creating art since he got out, and much more Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Chris: Website - http://chriswilson.biz/ Book - https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FRTZXBS?tag=randohouseinc5760-20 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wilson-905a7963/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chriswilsonslife/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004496409995 YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrBd4xwNV29v42w51ewEEtA Born and raised in Washington D.C, Chris grew up under extremely difficult circumstances. Poverty, drug addiction, and gun violence was the everyday norm in his community. At the age of 17, he was charged with a crime, convicted, and sentenced to natural life in prison. It was during times of isolation that he decided to not only to turn his life around, but to make a difference in the lives of people who currently live in poverty-stricken communities similar to his childhood surroundings. “Many years ago, I committed my life to self-improvement and helping others. I sat in a dark cell and wrote up what I now call my Master Plan. A plan to build a business empire and help others.” While imprisoned, he earned his high school diploma, graduated from all of the vocational shops, earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Sociology, from Anne Arundel Community College and taught himself to speak and write in several foreign languages. He became a mentor, started a career center, book club and after serving 16 years in prison, he has returned to society a changed man. He now resides in Baltimore City and is the owner and founder of the Barclay Investment Corporation, a multi-service social enterprise, specializing in residential and commercial contracting work. Barclay works closely with local workforce and social service providers to connect unemployed Baltimore City residents with clients who are in need of a number of services. His other business ventures include The House of DaVinci, a high-end furniture restoration and design company and Master Plan Productions, a social impact content development company.
S4E6 (episode 36): Dr. Amanda Reiman on cannabis, psychedelics, and more
In this episode, Amanda and Jeffrey discuss sportscasting, failing out of college, social work, drug policy, cannabis data, psychedelics, growing your own medicine, web3, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/T71gjS_d48Q Learn more: Amanda: Twitter - https://twitter.com/AmandaReiman Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amandamendoaklandish My Personal Plants: Website - https://www.mypersonalplants.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/personalplants Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/personalplants Twitter - https://twitter.com/PlantsPersonal YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9Via_nkuAkz5B48rN3Q7Q Sacrd Gardn: Twitter - https://twitter.com/sacrdgardn Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sacrdgardn/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC84EcCqlYVsy2NONnaZMNkg Discord - https://discord.com/invite/jbv7raNcu2 OpenSea - https://opensea.io/SACRDGARDN New Frontier Data: Website - https://newfrontierdata.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/newfrontierdata/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/NewFrontierData Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/newfrontierdata/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NewFrontierData YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm965QVxHCf50rzoxbOOxKg Excelsior College Cannabis Control Program - https://www.excelsior.edu/certificate/graduate-certificate-in-cannabis-control/ Ganjier Porgram - https://www.ganjier.com/ Cannabis Travel Association (CTA) - https://www.cannabistravelassociation.org/ Amanda Reiman is Vice President of Public Policy Research for New Frontier Data and the Founder of Personal Plants, a multimedia platform supporting the home cultivation of entheogenic plants. After receiving her PhD from UC Berkeley, Dr. Reiman was the Director of Research and Patient Services at Berkeley Patients Group, one of the oldest dispensaries in the country, and the Manager of Marijuana Law and Policy for the Drug Policy Alliance, a national non-profit that was engaged in the drafting and campaigns of legalization initiatives across the country and abroad. She also taught courses on substance abuse treatment and drug policy at UC Berkeley for 10 years. Dr. Reiman is an internationally recognized cannabis expert and public health researcher. Dubbed “The Brain” by Elle.com, she is a leader the field of cannabis as a substitute for alcohol and other drugs and has presented her research on cannabis dispensaries and the use of cannabis as a substitute for opiates all over the world. She has written for/been quoted in The Huffington Post, New York Times, Washington Post, and Playboy as well as numerous peer reviewed academic journals and several textbooks. Also an expert in cannabis policy on the local, national and international level, Dr. Reiman was the first Chairwoman of the Berkeley Medical Cannabis Commission and also sat on the Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commission. She currently sits on the Board of Cannabis Doing Good and the Cannabis Travel Association International and is a member of the Ganjier Council.
S4E5 (episode 35): Eli Dourado on increasing innovation and economic growth
In this episode, Eli and Jeffrey discuss Eli’s life and career journey, and his massive efforts and impact in internet, energy, and aerospace policies, among other sectors. Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Eli: Website - https://elidourado.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/elidourado The CGO: Website - https://www.thecgo.org/ Donate! - https://www.thecgo.org/donate/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/centerforgrowthandopportunity/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/cgousu YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj_0YjJx74BtrGylUp9PXEw LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/center-for-growth-and-opportunity-at-utah-state-university/ Medium - https://medium.com/@cgousu Eli Dourado is a senior research fellow at the Center for Growth and Opportunity at Utah State University. His work focuses on identifying and eliminating the barriers to the hard technology innovations needed to drive large increases in economic growth. He has worked on a wide range of technology policy issues, including aviation, space, geothermal energy, and cryptocurrency. His popular writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Foreign Policy, among other outlets. Prior to joining the CGO, Eli was the first policy hire at a supersonic aviation startup. Before that, he was a senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and director of its technology policy program. He received a PhD in economics from George Mason University and a BA in economics and political science from Furman University.
S4E4 (episode 34): Maggie Lin on immigrating into foster care and exiting the system
In this episode, Maggie and Jeffrey discuss her immigration to the US as a child and struggles through the foster care system, as well as how she ended up at Dartmouth College, her philosophy background, her years living in India and Mongolia, her journey of starting and growing Foster Nation, and much more…here is Maggie Lin on People are the Answer. Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Foster Nation: Website - https://www.fosternation.org/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thefosternation/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheFosterNation Twitter - https://twitter.com/thefosternation CareerX - fosternation.org/careerx For most, turning 18 is a moment of anticipation and potential: a milestone that ushers in the freedom and possibilities of finally reaching adulthood. But what if turning 18 meant being turned out on the streets? What if it meant you lost the support you needed to start your life as a young adult? What if your circumstances were filled with setbacks that most teens didn’t face? For the approximately 26,000 foster youth who “age out” of the system each year – reaching legal adulthood without being placed in permanent adoptive homes – these what-ifs are dire realities. Former foster youth are less likely than the general population to graduate high school or to attend or graduate college, and 20% will become “instantly” homeless. As a former foster youth who moved through eight different placements, Maggie Lin knows first-hand how critical support and resources are during this “aging out” transition point. But she also knows her story turned out differently than most foster youth. Maggie succeeded in college in part because at her last home placement she had a healthy environment and a foster family who supported her transition to adulthood. More than a decade after graduating from Dartmouth College, Maggie now leads Foster Nation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering foster youth as they age out of the system. Launched in 2016 in partnership with The Pritzker Foster Care Initiative and Foster Care Counts, Foster Nation seeks to provide equal access to opportunity for former foster youth. Foster Nation engages communities to support foster youth aging out of the system, helping them become self-sufficient, successful college students and/or young adults. The organization addresses the challenges faced by former foster youth with financial resources, donated essentials, social support and mentorship. “Kids who have families can pick up the phone and call mom and dad if they have a question, or to ask for resources they need. So many of our foster students just don’t have that,” says Maggie Lin, Founder, Foster Nation. “Equal access to opportunity is about having the basics that every person needs — with or without a family — in order to have a chance at succeeding in life.” Foster Nation’s programming focuses on providing the community support and basic fundamental resources former foster youth need. The organization leads ongoing campaigns that provide free meals; clothing for everyday confidence or interviews; and basics like hygiene products and laundry detergent. COVID-19 has only made these efforts more urgent, as former foster youth who rely on colleges for secure food and housing are forced to face a compounded crisis. One of the most important resources Foster Nation offers its members is community support. “I remember being in college and feeling like the only person who didn’t have family or people to rely on,” says Maggie. Holiday, graduation and birthday gift-giving programs help members feel loved as they celebrate milestones. Meanwhile, social awareness initiatives, like their #SpeakUp series, help break down stigma and change the way the public thinks about former foster youth. Today, Foster Nation partners with 44 colle
S4E3 (episode 33): Harley Blakeman on creating job opportunities for fellow people with convictions
In this episode, Harley and Jeffrey discuss Harley becoming homeless as a teenager, turning to drugs, spending over a year in prison, and his journey through education and founding a company that helps people with convictions find jobs. Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Honest Jobs Website Twitter Facebook Instagram Linkedin Harley’s Instagram Twitter Book - Grit: How to Get a Job and Build a Career with a Criminal Record Harley Blakeman is the Founder and CEO of Honest Jobs, Inc., the nation’s largest fair-chance employment platform. Formerly incarcerated himself, Harley knows how hard it is to get a job when you have a felony, as 19 million Americans do. He collaborates with partners across the private, public, and nonprofit organizations, with the goal of helping people with criminal records have ample opportunity to thrive at work, at home, and in their communities.
S4E2 (episode 32): Douglas Berman on the human element of criminal justice and drug policy
In this episode, Doug and Jeffrey discuss the human element of criminal justice and drug policy, Doug’s career journey, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Doug’s Twitter, Blog Ohio State Drug Enforcement and Policy Center Referenced study on cannabis making people more empathetic Professor Douglas A. Berman is Newton D. Baker-Baker & Hostetler Chair in Law at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and Executive Director of the Drug Enforcement and Policy Center, housed in the Moritz College of Law. Berman’s principal teaching and research focus is in the area of criminal law and criminal sentencing, though he also has teaching and practice experience in the fields of legislation and intellectual property. He has taught Criminal Law, Criminal Punishment and Sentencing, Criminal Procedure–Investigation, The Death Penalty, Legislation, Introduction to Intellectual Property, Marijuana Law, Policy & Reform Seminar, Federal and State Clemency Decision-making, Sentencing Law & Policy, and the Legislation Clinic. Professor Berman attended Princeton University and Harvard Law School. In law school, he was an editor and developments office chair of the Harvard Law Review and also served as a teaching assistant for a Harvard University philosophy course. After graduation from law school in 1993, Professor Berman served as a law clerk for Judge Jon O. Newman and then for Judge Guido Calabresi, both on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. After clerking, Professor Berman was a litigation associate at the law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, and Garrison in New York City. Professor Berman is the co-author of two casebooks. Sentencing Law and Policy: Cases, Statutes and Guidelines, published by Aspen Publishers, is now in its fifth edition. Marijuana Law and Policy, was released by Carolina Academic Press in 2020. In addition to authoring numerous publications on topics ranging from capital punishment to the federal sentencing guidelines, Professor Berman has served as an editor of the Federal Sentencing Reporter for more than a decade, and also now serves as co-managing editor of the Ohio State Journal of Criminal Law. Professor Berman is the sole creator and author of the widely-read and widely-cited blog, Sentencing Law and Policy and also the blog Marijuana Law, Policy and Reform.
S4E1 (episode 31): Rabbi Dr. Ari Sytner on kidney donation, grieving, counseling, and more…
In this episode, Rabbi Ari Sytner and Jeffrey discuss Ari’s career and life journey from becoming a Rabbi to becoming a couples counselor, and a lot of job and educational experiences in between… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Rabbi Sytner’s Website Book: The Kidney Donor’s Journey Book: The Ultimate Relationship Workbook for Couples Rabbi Dr. Ari Sytner is a passionate marriage therapist, licensed clinical social worker, author, inspirational speaker, rabbi, and proud kidney donor. He is a graduate professor of social work at Yeshiva University and provides trauma intervention nationally in the wake of tragic mass shootings. Dr. Sytner lectures extensively about compassion, love, kindness and marriage, sharing his unique doctoral research on marital relationships. He is the author of The Ultimate Relationship Workbook for Couples and of The Kidney Donor’s Journey. Dr. Sytner is one of only a handful of PhD’s around the world that hold a Certification level of credentials in the Gottman Method of couples counseling. He is also certified as a Telehealth therapist, qualified to deliver services remotely.
S3E10 (episode 30): Dr. Michael Barnes on teaching, ed tech, and investing part of your rent, and more…
In this episode, Michael and Jeffrey discuss his journey from teacher to founder, exiting TeacherTalent, starting Viva, and his incredible learnings along the way…major discussion of Viva Fund begins at 59:22 Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: https://viva.fund/ https://www.instagram.com/vivaequity/ https://twitter.com/VivaEquity https://www.facebook.com/VivaEquity https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivaequity/ https://twitter.com/PolicyRiot Portfolio highlights: Creation Crate, Gardenio, Uinclude Michael Barnes is the Co-Founder & CEO of Viva - a new app which helps landlords save money while renters build wealth. Renters living in the Viva network for 30 years can build $250k in wealth without ever holding debt and with the freedom to live wherever, whenever. Michael is the former CEO of TeacherTalent, a Techstars company acquired in 2018. He is committed to helping create a more equitable world, and in addition to leading his team, he advises and invests in diverse and social impact teams. Michael also enjoys spending time traveling with his family, including 3 cool kids (ages 5, 11, 13), and playing ultimate frisbee.
S3E9 (episode 29): Todd Rose on individuality and collective illusions
In this episode, Todd and Jeffrey discuss going from failing out of high school to a Harvard professor, collective illusions, the importance of social trust, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Populace.org Toddrose.com Twitter.com/ltoddrose Laboratory for the Science of Individuality Collective Illusions book Dark Horse book The End of Average book Square Peg book Todd Rose is the cofounder and president of Populace, a think tank committed to a positive-sum world where all people have the opportunity to live fulfilling lives in a thriving society. Prior to Populace, Dr. Rose was a professor at Harvard University where he served as the faculty director of the Mind, Brain, and Education program, as well as led the Laboratory for the Science of Individuality. Todd is the best-selling author of Collective Illusions, Dark Horse, and The End of Average. He lives in Burlington, Massachusetts.
S3E8 (episode 28): Justin Kahn on the importance of of a legal defense plan and more
In this episode, Justin and Jeffrey discuss Justin’s career journey, growing up adjacent to the VA system, the process of starting and exiting telehealth company TruClinic, his current endeavors in personal liability insurance, his cat that thinks she’s a human, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Reepher website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Justin is passionate about social entrepreneurship and the belief that a company can provide for the social good while still having an economically successful business...all while having some fun along the way. He views his work as the Co-Founder & CEO of Behavior Labs, Co-Founder & CEO of reepher, Founder/CEO of TruClinic, and his work with InTouch Health as opportunities to impact the world in a positive way by making insurance and healthcare more accessible and equitable.
S3E7 (episode 27): Veronica Wright on the importance of drug legalization
In this episode, Veronica and Jeffrey discuss her career path, how she changed her mind on drugs and why they should be legal, balancing her 9-5 with her nonprofit work, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: NCDL website, donate Veronica Twitter Veronica Wright is the founder of the National Coalition for Drug Legalization, a nonprofit (501 c 3) that supports drug legalization through research and community outreach. She is a blossoming community leader and change advocate for criminal justice reform. As a strong advocate for such issues as eliminating mandatory minimums, reducing prosecutorial overreach, obliteration of all elements contributing to the prison industrial complex, and bail reform, she works hard to build partnerships with organizations and people who shares her desire for change.
S3E6 (episode 26): Alexys Feaster on the mindset of success and more
In this episode, Alexys and Jeffrey discuss her career journey, how she had to change her mindset to be successful, what it’s like being a female, black founder, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Alexys Instagram Kinship Advisors website, Instagram, LinkedIn Protege website, Instagram, LinkedIn Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s JLH Fund website, donate Alexys Feaster is the Founder and CEO of The Kinship Advisors, a social impact advisory firm that partners with people of influence in sports, entertainment and business to maximize their platform for social good. The Kinship creates alliances where personal development, social justice, strategic business expansion and sustaining impact in underserved communities is the focus. The Kinship Advisors manages the $5.3M Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund and leads the strategic legacy building for various NBA All-Star players and other athletes who are focused on the impact they’ll leave in the community. The Kinship Advisors also advises companies like Metro Esports and is an Executive Producer for Just Women’s Sports, companies who focus on diversifying various aspects of the sports industry. Alexys is also the Managing Partner, Global Head of Sports and Entertainment at Protégé, a platform focused on democratizing access to opportunities by connecting the best experts in the world, including musicians like DJ Khaled, with everyday people looking for a breakthrough moment in life. Prior to The Kinship, Alexys spent six years at the NBA and was known as the “NBA’s other coach” for her work empowering players off the court and was responsible for the efforts that led to the increase in the NBA player voter registration rate from 26% to 96% in 2020. Before the NBA, Alexys was the mastermind behind the athlete and celebrity engagement strategy for President Obama’s reelection campaign, creating various political and social good digital campaigns including Alicia Keys’ “We Are a Powerful Force”, the NFL’s “Gotta Vote”, and Jay-Z’s “The Power of Our Voice.” Alexys is a frequent speaker on the intersection of sports, entertainment, culture and social impact and was recognized in 2021 by Forbes the Culture as a champion of business excellence and was the recipient of the Hennessy Never Stop Never Settle Black entrepreneur award. She was also recognized as one of 2020’s most powerful women in sports by Slam Magazine and by Adweek as one of the 30 most powerful women in sports. Alexys recently launched The Kinfolk Foundation, which exists to be the bridge between the needs of Black and underserved communities and people of influence who seek to build a legacy of social impact. Alexys holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from James Madison University, a minor in music industry business and a minor in Spanish language from the Universidad de Salamanca. In 2017, Feaster earned a Certificate in Disruptive Strategy from HBX - Harvard Business School and she graduated from the American School of Professional Life Coaching, an ICF-approved school, in 2020. Alexys is a professional Advisory Board Member for the National Basketball Wives Association, a Board Member for the Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management at James Madison University
S3E5 (episode 25): Amy Barch on better re-entry and reducing recidivism
In this episode, Amy and Jeffrey discuss her path to starting Turn90, what the future holds for the organization, second chance hiring, reducing recidivism, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Turn90 website, donate, print shop, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Amy Twitter In 2012, Amy Barch founded Turn90, nonprofit with the mission to help men succeed after prison. Prison reentry became her life’s passion after an internship in a local jail helping incarcerated individuals earn their GED. Turn90 (formerly Turning Leaf) has received national attention for its innovative, therapeutic approach to reentry, and is currently expanding its footprint by opening a second location in Columbia and a third in upstate South Carolina. Amy earned a Bachelor’s in Law, Societies and Justice from the University of Washington and is currently earning a Master’s in Criminal Justice at Arizona State University. She has called Charleston her home since 2010.
S3E4 (episode 24): Antong Lucky on criminal justice reform and ending gang violence
In this episode, Antong and Jeffrey discuss Antong’s path including starting the Bloods gang in Dallas at age 14, reforming himself while incarcerated, dedicating his life to ending gang violence, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Antong Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn Urban Specialists website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram Heal America website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube Get Antong’s book Todd Rose’s books Antong Lucky, the founder and former leader of the Dallas 415 Blood Gang, is now the President of Urban Specialists, a national nonprofit dedicated to disrupting trends of violence and poverty in urban communities. At an early age Lucky was a talented and gifted student. His love of school and straight A’s was no match for the neighborhood he encountered. Lucky succumbed to his environment and became embroiled in crime and gang violence that landed him in prison. Antong denounced his gang affiliation in prison, started reading a lot of books to educate himself and began working to unite rival gangs. Antong quickly rose to become one of the most sought mentors in prison. His teachings of accountability and conflict resolution taught fellow inmates how not to use violence as their primary language but instead practice peace. Antong has spent the last twenty two years working to end violence in communities by training traditional and non traditional change makers to effectively mentor youth away from a life of gangs, crime and violence. Most recently, Antong is working with the chief of Police in Dallas developing strategies with community to address systemic issues along with violence and effective strategies to address violence and poverty. Antong is a sought after speaker on issues of eradicating violence, reentry, Criminal Justice Reform and bridging the gap between law enforcement and community.
S3E3 (episode 23): Patrick Fitzgibbons on criminal justice, mental health
In this episode, Patrick and Jeffrey discuss criminal justice reform, unique needs of first responders for mental healthcare, Patrick’s own recovery, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: CJ Evolution Podcast website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Get Patricks book Evolve FHE website, Shatterproof First Responders’ Program, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram Patrick Fitzgibbons is a retired Police Commander from Colorado with over two decades of experience in various capacities. He is also a military veteran serving with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, NC. Patrick holds advanced degrees in Organizational Development and Leadership. Patrick is a part time college professor and enjoys mentoring and coaching the next generation of criminal justice professionals. Patrick is an avid supporter of first responders and The US Military. Patrick is also a sought-after speaker and coach to criminal justice organizations and personnel. Patrick enjoys spending time with his family and friends, taking care of his body and mind, and of course being the host and creator of the Criminal Justice Evolution podcast.
S3E2 (episode 22): Dr. Nicole F. Roberts on global health, ending food insecurity and its effects, and more
In this episode, Nicole and Jeffrey discuss making dents in food insecurity and human trafficking, having a bias for action, the best part of the SuperBowl, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Global Good Podcast Feed a Billion website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube Donate! $1=1 meal!; volunteer Nicole Instagram, Twitter, Forbes Dr. Nicole F. Roberts is the Executive Director of Feed A Billion, an international nonprofit that feeds girls around the world to prevent exploitation, and the founder of Health & Human Rights Strategies, a health care and human rights-focused advising firm in Washington, D.C. Roberts is also the host of The Global Good Podcast based on her years of international work.
S3E1 (episode 21): DA Beth McCann on improving our criminal justice system
In this episode, DA McCann and Jeffrey discuss her career journey, changing laws at the legislative level and seeing them in action as DA, changing the criminal justice system, para-skiing, and more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Denver District Attorney website Denver DA Twitter Denver DA LinkedIn Restorative Denver The Conflict Center Juvenile Diversion Program Turning Over a New Leaf Beth is the current District Attorney in Denver, having been sworn in on Jan 11, 2017. Prior to this, she served 8 years as the State Representative for House District 8 in North and Central Denver. She spent several years in the Colorado Attorney General’s office as the Deputy in charge of civil litigation and employment law. She was the first female Manager of Safety in Mayor Webb’s administration, supervising the police, sheriff, and fire departments. She practiced law for 8 years with a private firm and she also spent several years in the Denver District Attorney’s office as a deputy and chief deputy district attorney, handling hundreds of cases. She clerked for US District Judge Sherman Finesilver. She was a founding mother of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association and served as its president. She has served on many boards and committees. Beth obtained her law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and her undergraduate degree from Wittenberg University. She is married and has two children.
S2E10 (episode 20): Alice Marie Johnson on making the most of prison and sentencing reform
In this episode, Alice and Jeffrey discussed her journey to and from prison, making the most of time incarcerated, criminal justice and sentencing reform, the importance of telling stories of the incarcerated, and much more. Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Alice Instagram, Twitter Taking Action for Good Website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Alice’s book: After Life: My Journey from Incarceration to Freedom Alice Marie Johnson is a former federal prisoner turned advocate who received worldwide attention when Kim Kardashian West advocated for her release from a mandatory life sentence without parole for a first-time nonviolent drug case. After almost 22 years in federal prison, Alice was granted clemency in 2018 by President Trump and a full pardon in 2020. Her powerful story has been deemed a “catalyst” for the passage of the First Step Act, the most significant criminal justice legislation in recent history. Today, as the founder and CEO of Taking Action for Good, Alice puts human faces to problems in our justice system and provides a powerful voice for those who are unable to speak for themselves. She advocates for clemency and pardons for deserving individuals, policy changes that focus on redemption and rehabilitation instead of punishment, and reforms that provide hope and opportunity instead of prison time. Her story is chronicled in her memoir, After Life: My Journey from Incarceration to Freedom. Alice was honored as one of four women designated as a “Women’s Right Defender” at the United Nations on International Women’s Day, received the CAOC Advocate for Justice Award in 2019, and just recently an Ebony Power 100 Honoree.. She has appeared on numerous media outlets advocating for criminal justice reform and has been a featured speaker and panelist at countless events and summits. Her fight continues!
S2E9 (episode 19): Jason Wang on second chances after incarceration
In this episode, Jason and Jeffrey discuss Jason’s very difficult upbringing as a child of immigrants, how he ended up in the criminal justice system, and ultimately how he changed his life and the lives of many others for the better. Along the way, he became an entrepreneur, a catalyst for change, and an incredible example for those re-entering society after incarceration. Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: FreeWorld website, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin Jason Twitter At the age of 15, Jason Wang was given a 12-year sentence at a maximum security prison in Texas. Upon release he earned two master’s degrees and was still unable to find a job due to his criminal history. Jason decided to become an agent for change. He started FreeWorld. FreeWorld empowers people who have been in prison with educational support and technical skills to enter into high wage, high demand careers so they can live fulfilling lives, prison free. FreeWorld aims to break the cycle of recidivism and generational poverty by demonstrating the potential of reentering citizens creating meaningful career pathways and providing critical support services for the individuals and their families to overcome significant barriers. Jason’s full story
S2E8 (episode 18): Tabreez Verjee on mission driven tech
In this episode, Tabreez and Jeffrey discuss mission driven tech, the entrepreneurial journey, how people interact with money, and much more… Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more: Tabreez Instagram, Twitter Devoted Health Long-Term Stock Echange (LTSE) Kiva.org Watsi.org Tabreez: Greetings everyone! I’m ethnically Indian with a family from east Africa and a Persian name. I grew up first in Brazil and then moved around various cities in the Midwest before settling in the San Francisco bay area before college at Berkeley. I’ve always seen money and business as energy to create and serve a future where all beings can thrive and be fulfilled. I love having the backs of amazing humans who are master artisans and builders of this kind of future. In the last decade, I’ve become increasingly fascinated with the relationship between our inner world and what we manifest in the world around us. Amongst many identities, I am also a three-time entrepreneur and technology start-up investor. We co-founded Uprising to invest in and radically support gifted technology entrepreneurs who see their companies as vehicles to serve the whole. I’m particularly drawn to heart centered, embodied teams with “goosebumpy” missions that not only address big problems and the systems that created them, but who also understand the significance of simultaneously transmuting the stories, culture, and consciousness from which those systems arise. Some of the many real life superheroes we have backed include the teams behind Devoted Health, Long Term Stock Exchange (LTSE), Lyft, Calm, Braintrust, ClassDojo, Virta Health, Good Eggs, Landit, SV Academy, and Change.org.I was also lucky to be a founding board member and funder at Kiva.org where I served for 11 years. The Uprising Crew has also helped catalyze a number of other initiatives including breakthrough treatments for Autism and Type I Diabetes, the Palo Alto Longevity Prize, and funding for several ground breaking non-profits like Watsi.org and CareMessage.
S2E7 (episode 17): Patrick Bryant on entrepreneurs giving back to the community
In this episode, Patrick and Jeffrey discuss Patrick’s entrepreneurial journey, giving back to the community and to entrepreneurs, diving with sharks, and more… Learn more: Patrick Website, Instagram, Twitter Code+Trust Shine Papers GoToTeam Teamphoria Event.Gives The Harbor Entrepreneur Center Patrick Bryant is a co-founder of Code/+/Trust software development firm in Charleston, SC. After co-founding his first company, Go To Team (broadcast video services) and taking it to 20 offices around the US 25 years ago, his bio is then a steady stream of starting new companies in media, rolling papers, and software. As a serial entrepreneur, he continues to start and invest in new startups including, Teamphoria (human resource engagement software), Event.Gives (fundraising event software), ADesk (crew production directory software) & Shine Rolling Papers. Bryant feels strongly about making Charleston and South Carolina a better place to work as an Entrepreneur. He serves as a Trustee of Trident Tech, on the SC Department of Workforce & Employment Workforce Review Committee, chairs the Harbor Entrepreneur Center, and was previously Chairman of Palmetto Goodwill and the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce. He’s recognized as a Liberty Fellow by Wofford College, a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network, and as a Riley Fellow granted by Furman University. Bryant resides in Isle of Palms, SC with his two sons Pate and Jack. Bryant loves the start-up process… that moment when you create something innovative that can scale… when you see that clear vision of how to get a unique product or service to everyone on the planet. And then build a company around it with talented creative people. After years as a serial entrepreneur, he founded the Harbor Entrepreneur Center to provide a place to help others launch companies and create collision among the other entrepreneurs in the region. The keys to his entrepreneurial success are now the founding principles taught to start-up founders in the Harbor Accelerator, a 14 week program offered to 16 companies a year in Charleston, SC. Each company selected receives free space, mentor-ship, access to investors, and free services like marketing, law, and accounting. His first principal is to think of start-ups as movie scripts with a specific timeline for growing each company and a clear plan to exit. Second, selecting the start-up idea is a clear formula involving scale, innovation, and ability to execute. Scale defines any business idea on a spectrum based on ease of ability to sell it to people multiple times, in multiple areas of the world, and with a small cost of expansion. Innovation comes through deploying new ideas that can be hopefully protected through trade secrets or intellectual property. Ability to execute is the understanding that the members of any team have unique skills suited to the enterprise including network contacts and skill sets. In his current companies Bryant has used all these values to ensure success.
S2E6 (episode 16): Halim Flowers on starting an empire while incarcerated, sentencing reform
In this episode, Halim and Jeffrey discuss the need for criminal justice reform, Halim’s 22 years in prison and the policy it led him to pursue, the incredible creative empire he’s building, and more… Learn more: Halim website, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube Ideallionaires Instagram Rising DC artist defies stereotypes while delivering a powerful message Halim: “My mission is to love everyone unconditionally all of the time. I use photography, painting, poetry, and spoken word to further my love revolution. Through my love revolution, my purpose is to live the love that I want to see in the world to inspire others to love radically beyond the superficial barriers that serve to separate us from seeing how we are all connected to each other.”
S2E5 (episode 15): Sihyun Choi on investing with an ecosystem view toward impact
Learn more: Stand Together Stand Together Foundation Stand Together Ventures Lab Sihyun LinkedIn In this episode, Sihyun and Jeffrey discuss the state of impact and how to measure it, the role of innovation across for and not-for profits, and so much more. Sihyun Choi leads two groups within Stand Together: (1) Stand Together Ventures Lab (STVL), the early-stage venture investment arm of the Stand Together Community that seeks out disruptive ideas in the market to drive exponential transformations in society and advance its mission; and (2) Stand Together Foundation (STF) to invest in leading social entrepreneurs working in local communities to break cycles of poverty. Sihyun joins Stand Together Ventures Lab after 12 years of client service, most recently with Oliver Wyman, a leading international management consulting firm, and the Advisory Board Company. He has advised executives on their corporate strategy and new business ventures across the public sector, defense, commercial aerospace, national logistics, and healthcare sectors. Sihyun graduated from the University of Virginia with a B.S. in Commerce.
S2E4 (episode 14): Troy Dayton on drug policy and experiencing joy
In this episode, Troy and Jeffrey discuss drug policy reform, how to experience more joy and connection in life, and much more… Learn more: Troy Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn Make That Change Reflections Retreat August 11-14 in Saratoga Springs MPP MAPS SSDP The Arcview Group Troy: I spent most of my adult life working to legalize drugs because I thought that the worst thing was to put someone in prison for what they put in their body. At some point I realized that living in mental, emotional, and spiritual prisons was way more widespread. And unlike actual prisons the keys to these prisons are in our hearts. So I set out to help people find the keys. I do this by "growing for the growth of all." I've been thoroughly committed to my own growth since my dad first introduced me to Wayne Dyer tapes when I was 12. Later Burning Man, deep intentional psychedelic work, meditation, therapy, and counseling and coaching trainings kept bearing fruit as I began to hone the skills at helping others on their journey. I do this via online courses, in person group experiences, and 1-1 coaching. I"m currently feeling most alive helping entrepreneurs who have reached a certain level of success but who feel a bit trapped by it and are seriously contemplating leaving their companies to pursue other dreams but just don't know where to begin.
S2E3 (episode 13): Heidi Drauschak on changing how political policy works
In the 3rd episode of season 2, Heidi and Jeffrey discuss playing the policy game while trying to change it, crowdfunding change, RV life, and more Learn more: CrowdLobby website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter; Heidi Instagram, In Search of Bliss blog Unaffiliated: How to get involved in local politics Heidi is a government and policy consultant with experience on the campaign trail, at the White House, and in the lobbying industry. She holds a JD and MBA from the University of Richmond. In her free time, she travels the country in an RV with her husband, two dogs, and cat!
S2E2 (episode 12): Jake Kloberdanz on cause-centric commerce
In episode 2 of season 2, Jake and Jeffrey discuss cause-centric commerce, democratizing the wine industry, giving hope, and much more…. Learn more: One Hope Wine website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube; 20/20 Collective; After the Fire USA; Fume Brands website; Instagram Jake Kloberdanz founded ONEHOPE in 2007 where he has served as CEO for 13 years. ONEHOPE empowers people to share wine and give hope by powering over 3,000 in-home and virtual wine tasting experiences monthly. Since launching ONEHOPE in 2007, Jake has successfully raised more than $100 million to help grow the brand from zero to over 1.5 million bottles a year, and build a flagship vineyard, home and winery from the ground up in the heart of Napa. Their wines have received numerous 95+ point ratings and 100+ medals in wine competitions. Under Jake's leadership, ONEHOPE has grown to one of the 250 largest wineries of 10,000+ in the US and has received recognition in Inc. magazine’s “500|5000” the last six years for being amongst the fastest-growing private companies nationwide thanks to their innovative DTC model powered by thousands of independent consultants (Cause Entrepreneurs) who have put on 30,000+ wine tasting events in the last year, all raising money for over 10,000 non-profits. Sales of their wine and gifts have empowered the ONEHOPE Foundation to donate over $6M to many deserving nonprofit partners. Other professional accomplishments and commitments include: - Founding Fumé, a vertically integrated cannabis company with ultra-premium and luxury brands. - Serving as an advisor to 8VC, one of the most successful Technology VC's in the world with over $3 billion under management. - Serving on the board of Rebuild North Bay, a foundation that's already helped raise over 1 Billion Dollars for the long-term rebuilding of the North Bay following the recent wildfires Jake has been recognized by Bloomberg Businessweek’s, “Top 25 under 25”, Wine Enthusiast’s, “Top 40 Under 40”, and by Ernst & Young as a nominee for “Entrepreneur of the Year” on multiple occasions. He’s spoken at events and universities including TEDx, The UN Global Summit, Stanford, U.C. Berkeley, UCLA and MIT, and his work has been profiled in magazines including Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc.; and on shows such as CNBC, FOX and ABC sharing his expertise in building consumer brands, communities and his new model, known as Cause-Centric Commerce, the integration of social impact into everyday commerce and culture. A graduate of Haas School of Business, Jake was a four-year Scholar-Athlete at Berkeley playing football and rugby, where he won numerous national championships.
S2E1 (episode 11): Dr. Marion McNabb on public health, cannabis research, working in Ethiopia
In the season 2 opener, Marion and Jeffrey discuss Marion’s public health work, cannabis research, living and working in Ethiopia, and much more… Episodes are now available on YouTube, and season 2 episodes will all include videos of the interviews! Learn more: Cannabis Center of Excellence DONATE, website, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter; The Phoenix Art Project Etsy, Instagram, Facebook; 510 Innovations website, Instagram, Facebook; Marion LinkedIn Marion McNabb, Dr PH, MPH Dr. McNabb is the CEO of 510 Innovations, a human and data sciences think tank serving the healthcare, cannabis, and entheogenic plant medicine industries. She also co-founded and is the President of the Cannabis Center of Excellence, Inc a Massachusetts-based 501c3 nonprofit organization that conducts citizen-science-focused population studies and programs in the areas of community engagement, medical and adult-use cannabis, and social justice in the industry. The CCOE serves as a virtual resource & network of industry patients and stakeholders who aim to break the stigma and advance social justice initiatives. Dr. McNabb is the Retail Appointee to the MA Cannabis Advisory Board. She is the Principal Investigator of six research studies examining the reasons and impact of cannabis use among adult-use consumers and medical patients, veterans, and the impact of cannabis use among consumers, medical patients, veterans, and the impact of COVID on these individuals in MA and the US together with UMass Dartmouth (UM-D). She sits on several advisory boards for academic cannabis educational and workforce training programs. Dr. McNabb has collaborated on cannabis research with academic partners UM-D and Rider University and educational programs with Excelsior University, Holyoke Community College, BU, Wayne State University, and others. Dr. McNabb is the former CEO and Co-Founder of the Cannabis Community Care and Research Network (C3RN), a MA-based cannabis research company from 2018–20 that aimed to improve adult-use cannabis and medical therapy research. C3RN, with UM-D, led research studies in cannabis consumer and patients and veterans health and medical cannabis while also partnering on the Cannabis Advancement Series events to drive change for veterans’ access. From 2019-20, C3RN was an approved vendor for the first-in-the-nation cohort of the MA’’s social equity training program. C3RN helped to establish the Holyoke Community College Cannabis Education Center that provides workforce training programs, and C3RN was the winner of the first annual 2018 Boston University Ancillary Cannabis Startup Competition. Dr. McNabb also has over 15 years of global public health experience in the areas of digital health, HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and family planning, working primarily in Africa and Haiti. Dr. McNabb holds a DrPH from BU School of Public Health and an MPH from the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Episode 10: Victor Nguyễn-Long on marketing for good and stopping Asian hate
In episode 10, Victor and Jeffrey discuss Victor’s Vietnamese-American upbringing, how he went from studying engineering to a career in marketing, voter turnout activism, raising millions to stop Asian hate, bridging the political divide, Web3 and NFTs, and much more... Learn more: Victor’s Instagram, Twitter; ACRONYM; Stop Asian Hate; Civics interview referenced Victor Nguyễn-Long is a Vietnamese American freelance Creative Director working at the intersection of pop culture, politics, and activism. Most recently, he spent the 2020 election as Creative Director for ACRONYM and led creative production for their $100 million digital effort to help elect President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Before jumping into politics, he spent 17 years helping some of the world's greatest brands create more meaningful relationships with their consumers, having led experience innovation at Audi, digital and social media marketing for Nike Sportswear, and collegiate marketing at Red Bull. When not consulting for consumer brands like YouTube, GoFundMe, Uber Eats, and Converse, he's in constant search of ways to inspire a new era of American civic engagement through creativity and pop culture.
Episode 9: Moe Brown on perseverance, listening, and going from athlete to congressional nominee
In episode 9, Moe and Jeffrey discuss why listening is so important, his football career, working for the SC Department of Commerce, running for Congress, his new consulting firm, and much more... Learn more: Process First website; Moe’s: Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn PFC is a strategic business development, brand & culture enhancement, public relations & communications firm based out of Columbia and Fort Mill, SC. At PFC, Moe works with clients to build winning cultures through a team approach and achieve winning outcomes by establishing processes that identify, meet, and sustain winning objectives. Moe is the former Democratic Nominee for South Carolina's 5th Congressional District in 2020. Running as a first-time candidate, Moe won a historic Democratic Primary receiving the most votes in history. Prior to his run, he worked for Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP leading their Economic Development and Negotiated Incentives service offering. Also, he served as the Managing Director for Hill Impact, LLC, and Project Manager for the South Carolina Dept. of Commerce, at which he recruited over 5,000 jobs and nearly $1 billion of capital investment.
Episode 8: Mara Gordon on treating seriously ill patients with cannabis around the world and on Netflix
In episode 8, Mara and Jeffrey discuss cannabis treatment protocols and education, global patient access, and much more... Links: Aunt Zelda’s, Zelira Therapeutics, Society of Cannabis Clinicians, Weed the People on Netflix, Mary Janes: The Women of Weed Learn more: Mara Gordon is the co-founder of Aunt Zelda’s™, Octopi Wellness, and Zelda Therapeutics (now Zelira Therapeutics). She specializes in the development of cannabis treatment protocols for seriously ill patients, and is a pioneer in medicinal cannabis globally. Aunt Zelda’s™ line of products are the result of years of research & development in consultation with knowledgeable physicians and world-renowned researchers. Utilizing time-proven extraction processes improved with modern technology, Aunt Zelda’s™ products offer precisely measured potency & purity that allows patients to dose to the milligram, unlocking the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Aunt Zelda’s™ is manufactured by The Oil Plant. Previously, Mara worked as a process engineer, helping Fortune 500 companies create intelligent software. This experience has enabled her to take a detailed & scientific approach to medical cannabis. Her pioneering work in cannabis was recently chronicled in the Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein documentary, “Weed the People”, as well as Windy Borman’s film “Mary Janes: The Women of Weed”, and Ben Daitz's "The Medicine in Marijuana". Mara is a Director of North Bay Credit Union (NBCU). She has been the keynote speaker at numerous conferences around the globe, and holds numerous advisory board positions including Zelira Therapeutics, CannPal, House of Saka, Patients Out of Time, and Marijuana Business Daily.
Episode 7: Evan Nison on the path from activism to entrepreneurship and how they intertwine
In episode 7, Evan and Jeffrey discuss how activism can lead to entrepreneurship, changing drug laws, and life… Learn more: NisonCo website, Instagram, LinkedIn; Evan Instagram; National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML); Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP); Marijuana Policy Project (MPP); Death with Dignity; Camp Friendship Evan Nison has helped reform cannabis laws since 2008 and is the youngest member of the NORML National Board of Directors. He was included in Marijuana Venture’s 40 under 40 and High Time’s 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis. He also received a pen used to sign the New York medical marijuana law, New York legalization law, and New York 911 Good Samaritan Law. In 2012, he founded NisonCo PR one of the largest cannabis PR firms, which Business Insider called “the imminent PR agency in cannabis” in 2021. In 2018 NisonCo also launched an SEO agency, which has become a leader in cannabis SEO. With about 25 employees, the agency works with dozens of industry leaders in cannabis and other cutting-edge industries across the globe. They’ve represented viral celebrity brands, leading MSOs, NASDAQ and billion-dollar IPOs, national voter-registration drives, and some of the largest vaporizer and CBD brands in the country. The Observer listed NisonCo at the top of their Cannabis PR Power List in 2019. Evan has also been featured in major news outlets, including Good Morning America, the NY Times, CNN, Politico, USA Today, NBC New York, Bloomberg TV, Forbes, and has been profiled in The Cannabist, Civilized, Ithaca Times, Home News Tribune, The Marijuana Times, and the Sun Times.
Episode 6: Reilly Pharo Carter on life, education, and the state of the world…
In this episode, Jeffrey and Reilly discuss life, education, and the state of the world…a little more background noise than preferred in this one, as it was the first in-person recording of PatA, and our children are playing in the room above us, but it’s a great listen nonetheless... Links: You can reach Reilly via email at reilly at rpcconsult.com; Open Systems Institute Reilly brings over a decade of experience as a leader in Colorado's education policy landscape. Over the last 10+ years she has worked to develop and advance policy, guide political strategy, build and sustain philanthropic fundraising, support a statewide ballot measure campaign and build and sustain a powerful and thoughtful coalition of partners. Reilly served as the Colorado Children’s Campaign’s Government Affairs Director from 2009 to 2011, then as the organization’s Vice President of Education Initiatives from 2011 – 2014. Reilly’s work focused on developing statewide political strategy as well as the creation and advancement of education policy. From 2015 – 2020, Reilly was the President and CEO for Climb Higher Colorado, an education nonprofit. The organization focused on advancing research-based family school partnerships, supporting a robust coalition focused on educational equity and launched an education fellowship program, the Systems Impact Institute. Reilly now provides consulting services through RPC Consulting. Reilly served as a member on The Colorado Health Foundation's Policy Board from 2015-2020, is a mentor through the Challenge Foundation and is an inaugural fellow with the Open Systems Institute. Reilly was born and raised in Colorado and lives in Denver with her husband, Brett and daughter, Gwen. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Kansas and a Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy from Brown University.
Episode 5: Kim Napoli on becoming an activist and leader in MA cannabis
In episode 5, Kim and Jeffrey discuss Kim’s journey to becoming an activist attorney, seeing her future husband speak years before meeting, Massachusetts cannabis, and much more… LINKS: Kim's Instagram, Vicente Sederberg Law Firm, Trella (winner of BU Competition 3), 5th Annual BU Competition event registration: November 10, Kim Napoli is the director of diversity, equity & inclusion at Vicente Sederberg LLP. As a member of the firm's new Impact & ESG Practice Group, she is responsible for assisting clients in the creation, implementation, and progress made towards their goals related to diversity, equity and inclusion. She also works to ensure compliance in these areas as they relate to regulations and laws at the state and federal levels, with a focus on plans to positively impact communities. Kim is a deft strategic advisor who works diligently, and with good instinct, for the benefit of her clients and the industry. Prior to this, Kim worked in a number of roles for a national cannabis company including, senior director of corporate social responsibility and director of diversity programs. Since 2017, Kim has served on the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission’s Cannabis Advisory Board as Governor Charlie Baker’s appointed expert in minority business development. In this role, she helps the Cannabis Control Commission in the development and implementation of the state’s cannabis regulations and policy. She also served as the director of outreach for the successful 2016 campaign to legalize cannabis in Massachusetts. In addition, Kim is a member of the Cannabis Trade Federation’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Task Force. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from Suffolk University; College of Arts and Science, and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. She is active in her local communities and has served as an appointed member of the Roxbury Strategic Masterplan Oversight Committee and as a member of the Sudbury Public School’s Superintendents Reopening Task Force. Kim is also an elected corporator for Middlesex Saving Bank in Massachusetts.
Episode 4: Christina Dent on changing minds on drug policy in the deep South
In episode 4, Christina and Jeffrey talk about why her feelings changed on drugs and addiction, changing minds on drug policy in the deep South, growing up there, and more... Learn more: EndItForGood website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Conference: SHIFT from Drug War to Drug Health; Christina Instagram, Christina Twitter, Christina Tedx Talk; Chasing the Scream book Christina is a writer, TEDx speaker, and perpetual question asker. She grew up in a conservative, Christian home and earned a degree in Biblical Studies with an emphasis in Christian Ministry from Belhaven University. As a young adult, Christina assumed she had a solid understanding of how the world works. That changed when she and her husband became foster parents in 2014. The neat bow she had tied around her mental box of how the world works began to unravel. What had previously been a category of people in her mind, people addicted to drugs, now had a name, face, and an infant son that was sleeping in the extra bedroom down the hall. Her foster care experience gave her an up-close look at the realities of addiction, drug use, and the far-reaching impact of our drug laws. This became the catalyst for months of reading, questions, and listening as she tried to reconcile her beliefs as a Christian with the pain and suffering she was seeing first-hand. What she learned changed her mind. The laws she thought were the answer to keep people from using drugs she now saw as causing more harm than help to people made in God’s image. Christina founded End It For Good out of her desire to invite others to listen to the voices directly impacted by our drug laws. Her hope is that more people will explore the root causes of drug-related harm and consider a different approach. She is currently writing a book on the research and experiences that changed her mind about the best path forward to help people thrive, even in a world where harmful drugs exist. Christina is married to her college sweetheart, Thomas, and they live in Ridgeland, MS with their three sons. On the weekends you can find her biking, in a hammock reading a biography, or playing board games with the family.
Episode 3: Andy Lipman on battling cystic fibrosis and empowering other CF warriors
In episode 3, Andy and Jeffrey dug into Andy’s fight to conquer Cystic Fibrosis, books he’s written, love of sports, running with the Olympic torch, and more... Follow Andy and The CF Warrior Project on Twitter: @CFWarriorProj; Instagram: @CFWarriorProject;TikTok: @cf_warrior_project ; and Facebook: Andy-Lipman. Check out Andy’s website at cfwarriorproject.org. Andy Lipman has cystic fibrosis, but cystic fibrosis will never have him. On his 38th birthday, Andy passed the current median life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). At 48, his life expectancy now exceeds the expected. Andy is a positive role model who defied all odds to become a college graduate, Olympic-torch bearer, runner, advocate, author, husband, and father. He is dedicated to finding a cure for this genetic disease. Andy’s fourth book, The CF Warrior Project: 65 Stories of Triumph Against Cystic Fibrosis, celebrates the people from around the globe who, like him, persevere and live life the fullest every day even though they have a terminal, invisible disease. The book is available on Amazon and other booksellers. Andy is currently working on a second installment of The CF Warrior Project. The CF Warrior Project is more than a book, it is a movement. Andy, in fact, appeared on The Today Show to discuss his story along with the movement. Andy has two written memoirs telling his story battling the long odds of a CF diagnosis: Alive at 25: How I’m Beating Cystic Fibrosis and The Drive at 35: The Long Road to Beating Cystic Fibrosis. In addition, he wrote A Superhero Needs No Cape about a young person who grows up wanting to play Major League Baseball, but he must do so while fighting cystic fibrosis. Not just relating stories of survivors, Andy is also dedicated to finding a cure for this terminal disease. He founded the Wish for Wendy Foundation in memory of his older sister, who died from CF after only 16 days of life. In 2017, Andy was the recipient of the Alex Award presented by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. As of 2021, Wish for Wendy has contributed more than $4.5 million to help raise awareness for cystic fibrosis and fund research for a cure. Andy has spoken all over the US and in Ireland. Andy adheres to a rigorous daily workout routine. His fitness accomplishments include: running the 10-km Peachtree Road Race every year since 1997, finishing a triathlon, and completing the difficult 90-day workout program P90X. In 2006 Andy became a father, a miracle for any male with cystic fibrosis because they are nearly all infertile. The Lipmans’ second child, also conceived with the help of IVF, was born in 2008. Andy holds a degree from the University of Georgia and serves on the Terry College of Business emeritus board. He also has served on the GA Chapter of the CF Foundation board (the first ever CF patient to do so) and was the corporate sponsorship chair for three years at the National CF Foundation. Andy currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Andrea and their two children. He began a breakthrough cystic fibrosis drug called Trikafta in November of 2019 and has since seen his lung function skyrocket to levels he has not seen in more than 25 years.
Episode 2: Karen O’Keefe on ending the drug war
In this episode, Karen and Jeffrey discuss ending the drug war, education, human rights, and Bike advocacy… As the director of state policies at the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP), Karen manages grassroots and direct lobbying efforts in state legislatures for the nation’s leading marijuana policy organization. Working closely with local allies and lawmakers, her team led the successful advocacy campaigns to pass more than a dozen medical cannabis and decriminalization measures through state legislatures. Her department also spearheaded the campaigns that made Vermont and Illinois the first two states to legalize marijuana for adults’ use legislatively (rather than by voter initiative), as well as the campaign to make Connecticut the most recent state to legalize cannabis. Karen earned her J.D. from Loyola School of Law, New Orleans, where she received the Gillis Long Public Service Award. She lives in West Hollywood, California, and has been involved in a wide array of community activism and volunteerism, including related to education, bicycling infrastructure, disability rights, peace, and human rights. She also served as an appointment member of the West Hollywood Rent Stabilization Commission from 2018-2021. Relevant links: MPP.org, whatiffoundation.org, schoolonwheels.org, wehobike.org
Episode 1: Alex Hodara on investing in students
Alex Hodara is the Founder of Rocket Club, "The S.T.E.A.M. and Entrepreneurship Certificate Program for Innovators Ages 7-14." Rocket Club has been an incredible addition to the lives of its students, staff, and others. Alex began his career founding Hodara Real Estate Group, an investment and development company started as a brokerage in 2008, when he was a junior business student at Boston University. The success of this student-owned and student-run brokerage led to his being named one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30”. In 2011 Alex bought, renovated, and rented his first building. Today he owns 200 multifamily units between Boston and Jersey City. In 2018, Alex founded Rocket Club and in 2021 was named as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Alex, who grew up in Westfield, New Jersey, received a B.B.A. from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. He currently resides in New York City. For more information go to rocketclub.com
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