Disruptors for GOOD | Social Entrepreneurs and Social Enterprises

Disruptors for GOOD is a podcast that showcases global social entrepreneurship and social enterprises committed to ethical fashion, impact investing, climate mitigation, sustainable travel, and businesses generating positive global impact. Through in-depth interviews, Grant Trahant, the founder of Causeartist, engages with innovative and impactful startups and brands worldwide.

Latest episodes

Nov 10, 2021 • 30min

The State of the Sustainable Fashion Industry - Garik Himebaugh // Founder of Eco-Stylist

Nov 2, 2021 • 25min

The Future of Sustainable Pet Food - Shannon Falconer // Co-founder and CEO of Because, Animals

Oct 28, 2021 • 22min

The Future of Impact Travel - Lauren Chu // Director of Communications at Operation Groundswell

Oct 26, 2021 • 39min

Nurturing Capital for Human Flourishing - Joshua Haynes // Managing Partner at Masawa Fund

Oct 19, 2021 • 50min

How Botanical Chocolate Can Revolutionize Healthy Living - Justin Polgar // Co-Founder of YES Cacao

Oct 10, 2021 • 48min

Creating Sustainable Jobs for Women Through Fashion and Empowering Them to a Life Beyond the Sex Trade - Colleen and Maggie Clines // Anchal

Oct 2, 2021 • 31min

Future of Food Technology - Michael Pellman Rowland // Board Member at Baseline Wealth Management

Sep 27, 2021 • 37min

Medical Cannabis for Veterans - Bryan Buckley // Co-founder of Helmand Valley Growers Company

----------------------------------------Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.comIf you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In episode 115 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast I speak with Bryan Buckley, Co-founder of Helmand Valley Growers Company and Battle Brothers Foundation, on bringing medical cannabis to military veterans dealing with PTSD and at significant risk of suicide.As a Special Operations Team Commander with Marine Raiders, Bryan led multiple teams in deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom-Trans Sahara (Africa), South East Asia, and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan (Helmand Province). Developed rapport with numerous host nation forces, enhanced capability and capacity within the host nation units, and briefed US Ambassadors. Led a 20 man Marine Raider Team to Afghanistan that mentored, trained, and conducted over 40 combat operations with an Afghan Special Operations Battalion. Bryan also deployed twice to Operation Iraqi Freedom with Marine Infantry and Marine Reconnaissance.Bryan, is an accomplished sales and operations leader. Distinguished background in leadership, policy, training, management, operations and strategic decision making. Adept in negotiation, alliance formation and organizational communication. Ability to forge productive partnerships among stakeholders and reach high-level decision makers within sophisticated organizations, ensuring free and productive flow of information. Counsel and assist those within and in association with governmental agencies, along with private sector, to adopt best practices in compliance with applicable regulations and statutes. Bryan is a graduate of Villanova University. Awarded Bronze Star Medal with "Combat Distinguishing Device" for Heroic ServiceAwarded the Purple Heart Medal for wounds received during combat operationsAbout Helmand Valley Growers Company(HVGC)The Helmand Valley Growers Company was founded by United States Special Operations Veterans (Marine Raiders). Since its inception, HVGC has been in discussions with some of the cannabis industry’s top researchers and has developed a veteran based protocol to effectively prove the benefits of medical cannabis.Over time, and through HVGC presentations and seminars, the principles of HVGC realized a recreational brand will be a monetary success and will help fund the ultimate mission of HVGC, providing medical cannabis to the veterans of our United States Military.As a service disabled veteran owned business, HVGC is intimately aware of the daily challenges that veterans face as a result of their time spent on the battlefield. Some of these wounds are not visible to the naked eye.America is facing a wide-scale opioid epidemic that has taken countless lives; not excluded from this crisis, the veteran community has been critically impacted.When the U.S. Military deploys to the combat, roughly 60% of those deployed will be prescribed opioids upon return to the United States, and over half will develop a dependency/addiction.This has caused far too many vets to lose their way, and in an ever-increasing pandemic, take their own lives.HVGC began its outreach into the veteran community by observing first-hand and listening to the suffering of America's veterans. The founders knew right then that the cause was worthy; and that the mission was defined. The next step moved Bryan and the team into researching medical cannabis and speaking with the top experts in the field.As their research progressed, the answer to this crisis became clear: develop alternative medical solutions for those suffering with pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, sleep disorders, and most critically, are at significant risk of suicide. The recreational cannabis and branding will be used to assist in accomplishing these goals and ultimately serve as a profit center for HVGC.Medical Cannabis for PTSDIn 2014, a study published in the Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, revealed that patients with PTSD experienced a 75-percent decrease in their symptoms upon using medical cannabis.However, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is mandated to follow federal regulations regarding cannabis. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, which makes the drug illegal on a federal level. As a result, the VA does not recommend cannabis as a treatment for veterans.Furthermore, cannabis use is prohibited at all VA medical centers, including facilities located in states where cannabis is legal.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.Check out:Partner with us - Learn moreImpactInvestor.io - Discover impact investors from around the world.Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.As a sister compan...

Sep 20, 2021 • 20min

Crypto for GOOD - Joe Waltman // Executive Director of GiveCrypto and Product Manager at Coinbase

----------------------------------------Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.comIf you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In episode 114 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Joe Waltman, Executive Director of GiveCrypto and Product Manager at Coinbase on using crypto and blockchain technologies to deliver funds directly in the hands of the impoverished and the unbanked.GiveCrypto is a nonprofit created by Brian Armstrong, the founder of Coinbase, to distribute cryptocurrency to people living in poverty. By using crypto and blockchain technologies, the organization put funds directly in the hands of individuals living in difficult circumstances around the world.Join the world's most trusted place to buy and sell cryptocurrency. Try Coinbase here. (affiliate link)Examples we discuss on how GiveCrypto has impacted lives around the world:Direct crypto payments to individuals living in refugee camps where currencies are forbidden inside the campsDirect crypto payments to women living with domestic violence issues and no financial means to leave their abuserHelping local merchants accept crypto paymentsHelping impoverished individuals set up crypto walletsDelivery simple financial services to individuals left behind by traditional banking systemsAccording to Groundswell, there is substantial evidence that unconditional cash transfers are an effective way to help people. Distributing crypto is similar to transferring other forms of money to people. The organization expects many recipients will find ways to convert the crypto into their local currency. Some may transact crypto-to-crypto as well. It may also help spark economic growth by giving access to property rights and financial services on an open network. A great deal of work needs to be done to test these hypotheses and see what it most effective.The GiveCrypto MissionThe mission is to financially empower individuals by distributing cryptocurrency to those most in need. GiveCrypto connects donors and recipients anywhere in the world. Over the past three years, they've impacted the lives of thousands of individuals and their families via direct crypto transfers.Over one billion people have a smartphone but don't have access to basic financial servicesThe organization not only identifies recipients in need and distribute funds to them - they also connect those people to a truly open financial system. All it takes is access to the internet.Crypto democratizes the philanthropic process. As a society and donors, we can send cryptocurrency directly to any recipient and they’ll receive it instantly. This includes people without bank accounts and those living in places where fiat money is “broken”.Watch the how it works video.How will the fund operate?GiveCrypto.org will be an evergreen fund (or endowment) that is designed to live and grow forever. It will grow in value based on new donations and if the value of cryptocurrency continues to grow.What types of currencies will you accept?GiveCrypto.org is cryptocurrency agnostic. The organization currently accept the following currencies: BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, XRP and ZEC.Is my donation tax deductible?Yes. Donations through the site are tax deductible through our fiscal sponsor the Pledge Group. You will need to provide your name and email (and receive a receipt) for the donation to be tax deductible. You can also donate anonymously but the donation will not be tax deductible.How do you prevent fraud?The organization uses a combination of data collection validated with backchecks, verifiable evidence and blockchain analysis to minimize and prevent fraud.Where do recipients use the funds?The organization recruits at least one vendor that accepts payment in cryptocurrency. Additionally, recipients hold the crypto and exchange it between themselves. In the future, GiveCrypto will offer cash-out options.Are you programs OFAC compliant?Yes. They've have drafted a comprehensive sanctions compliance policy and screen all of our program participants against all relevant lists.See more FAQs here.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.Check out:Partner with us - Learn moreImpactInvestor.io - Discover impact investors from around the world.Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they ...

Sep 16, 2021 • 36min

Tech for the Homeless - Alex Stephany // Founder of Beam

----------------------------------------Spotlighting impact startups, brands, and founders.We feature social impact startups, conscious brands, and visionary founders shaping the future of business. Join thousands—subscribe to our weekly newsletter for exclusive interviews, the latest funding rounds, digital tool reviews, and curated products fueling the impact economy.To learn more, please visit causeartist.comIf you enjoy this podcast, please rate and review the show. It's a huge help. Thanks!In this episode of the Disputers for Good podcast, I speak with Alex Stephany, the founder of Beam, on solving homelessness using crowdfunding technology at scale.Beam is a crowdfunding platform that enables new career opportunities for homeless men and women. Beam uses technology and global citizens to help fund skills training and education to homeless individuals. With the Beam platform, you can help someone start a new career and leave homelessness for good.The platform works like this. Each person on the platform is referred to Beam by an established homeless charity or their local council. They receive a dedicated support specialist - a Beam employee who supports them all the way into their new career! The support specialists conduct basic security checks to make sure the referred person is mentally and physically ready to enter full-time employment. After that they help each person develop a tailored career plan, building on their unique strengths and interests.Once approved to be on the Beam platform, we as global citizens, can choose to help fund one person’s training or fund everyone equally. You can choose support once or monthly. You’ll get an email introducing you to a new person you’re supporting every month and learn more about their individual storyThe founder of Beam, Alex Stephany, was inspired to build Beam after getting to know a homeless man at his local Tube station in London. The man had spent decades out of work. Alex would buy him cups of coffee and pairs of socks, but could see his condition going from very bad to even worse.When the man had a heart attack, Alex asked himself: “What could we do to make a real difference to that man’s life?” The answer lay in giving him the skills to support himself. Alex knew that’d cost much more than a coffee. But what if everyone chipped in?Before Beam, Alex ran the parking app, JustPark, which he grew from 2 to over 40 people and still support as a Board Advisor. At JustPark, he had his first experience with crowdfunding when he led a record-breaking equity crowdfunding round - what was the largest crowdfunding round for a startup in history.He is also the author of a book on the sharing economy called The Business of Sharing, and also advised the city of Seoul as part of the Mayor's Sharing Economy Advisory Panel.Watch his TED Talk here.Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here.Check out:Partner with us - Learn moreImpactInvestor.io - Discover impact investors from around the world.Podcast Made with TransistorPodcast cover design Made with CanvaBuild amazing web platforms with Webflow ---------------------------------------- Disruptors for GOOD is powered by PIF Advisory — a global services firm empowering startups and enterprises with expert guidance, tailored solutions, and measurable results. Whether you’re launching your first venture or scaling globally, PIF Advisory delivers full-cycle support across every core function of your business:Bookkeeping, Accounting & Tax Management – Organized, compliant, and transparent financials managed by licensed professionals (CPAs, CFAs, CMAs, and lawyers) to drive smarter decision-making.Growth & Marketing – Data-driven strategies across branding, web, advertising, CRM, and sales enablement—all optimized for measurable ROI.Outsourced CFO – Flexible financial leadership covering cash flow, forecasting, and strategic planning.Entity Management – Stay compliant and ready for scale with expert corporate governance and compliance support.Operations, HR & Admin – Streamlined infrastructure to boost team efficiency and keep your business running smoothly.IT & Security – Safeguard your data and operations with best-in-class infrastructure, compliance, and protection.Technology Consulting – Build the right tech stack with expert support across NetSuite, QuickBooks, Avalara, and more.Management Consulting – Unlock growth with industry-specific advisory services focused on metrics, operations, and scalability.As a sister company to PIF Capital Management, they also offer clients direct insights into venture capital and access to a global investor network—ranging from individuals to sovereign wealth funds.👉 Learn more or schedule a discovery call at pifadvisory.com

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