Sounds Good with Branden Harvey

Sounds Good Season Finale // If you've been looking for a sign to change your life, this is it. As you've probably figured out by now, life isn't a linear line. It's full of ups and downs, uncertainty, and confusion; however, what guides us through is intentionality. That's what illustrator and author Adam J. Kurtz's fourth book, You Are Here (For Now): A Guide to Finding Your Way, tackles. In it are essays and illustrations aimed to help readers with personal transformation — instead of simply living life getting through it day by day, Kurtz wants you to actually enjoy where you are and who you are. As a best-selling designer, artist, and public speaker (whose work has been featured in the New Yorker, NYLON, and more), Adam has dedicated his whole life to finding the humor, truth, and optimism in being alive. He channels the lessons he's learned through his art and wants you to know that it's all going to be okay. His art and stationary brand has been sold all over the world and he's amassed a big social media following through his work in mental health. In this episode, Adam J. Kurtz talks to us about what purpose really means to him and how we’re never as alone as we feel. Guest: Adam J. Kurtz, author of You Are Here (For Now): A Guide to Finding Your Way Order You Are Here (For Now) on Bookshop or Amazon and follow Adam J. Kurtz on Instagram and Twitter Sponsor: For purpose-driven brands and organizations looking for an agency specializing in collaborative problem solving and expert craftsmanship — learn more about Moon March moonmarch.com. Sponsor: Listen to the podcast Breaking Glass at breakingglasspodcast.com/good. → Listen to more Sounds Good at https://goodgoodgood.co/podcast → Get more good news at the all-new https://goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at https://goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a subscriber and get the Goodnewspaper at https://goodgoodgood.co/subscribe

Bethaney Wilkinson, author of The Diversity Gap and founder of The Diversity Gap Academy, dives into the crucial link between intentions and actionable change in workplace diversity. She shares her insights on creating safe spaces for marginalized voices, the importance of empowerment in fostering racial justice, and the need for self-reflection among leaders. Bethaney emphasizes embracing imperfections during progress and highlights how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful change for an inclusive work environment.

Mary Zhu, co-founder and executive director of Develop for Good, shares her inspiring journey from an immigrant background to leading a nonprofit that connects tech students with organizations in need. She discusses how her early experiences with nonprofits propelled her to bridge technology and social impact. Listeners learn about the significance of digital transformation for nonprofits, the unique challenges they faced during the pandemic, and the potential for students to gain valuable experience while making a difference.

Growing up in the racially and economically segregated suburbs of Maryland, Patrice Berry found herself wanting to work in U.S. policymaking after experiencing firsthand how hard it is for marginalized folks to finish school, get assistance, and provide for their families. She now works for the mayor of Oakland, California, working to improve local and state laws. It was there that she was inspired to found AssistHub, an app that helps Californians access any public benefits they may be eligible for. As it turns out, there’s a ton of unclaimed public benefits that’s available to everyone: $60 billion to be exact — and AssistHub is working to change that. Finding the intersection between technology and public good is something Patrice has done successfully. In this episode, Patrice talks about her work with Oakland’s local community-based organizations, the inspirations that drive her goals, and the misconceptions of what public benefits are — and how Patrice is working to deconstruct those misconceptions. Guest: Patrice Berry, founder of AssistHub Visit AssistHub’s website, www.assisthub.org Sponsor: For purpose-driven brands and organizations looking for an agency specializing in collaborative problem solving and expert craftsmanship — learn more about Moon March moonmarch.com. Sponsor: Listen to the podcast Breaking Glass at breakingglasspodcast.com/good. → Get more Good Good Good at the all-new https://goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at https://goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a subscriber and get the Goodnewspaper at https://goodgoodgood.co/subscribe

Aral Sürmeli, a Harvard-educated doctor and founder of the HERA app, discusses his mission to improve healthcare for refugee women. He shares his journey from jazz to medicine, illustrating the healthcare struggles faced by refugees, especially mothers. The conversation dives into innovative solutions like the HERA app, which connects users to essential healthcare services. Aral emphasizes the importance of community and technology in providing tailored support for refugee populations, and highlights the resilience needed in humanitarian work.

Laura Wittig, co-founder and CEO of Brightly, discusses the journey of creating an eco-friendly shopping platform after her tech career at Adobe, Amazon, and Google. She emphasizes the importance of being an imperfect environmentalist, encouraging incremental changes like Meatless Mondays. Laura shares optimistic insights about climate progress and the significance of community support in fostering sustainability. The conversation also highlights overcoming challenges in launching a sustainable business during the pandemic and promoting conscious consumer habits.

Jason Wang, CEO of FreeWorld and a formerly incarcerated individual, shares his transformative journey from prison to advocacy. He discusses the immense challenges ex-felons face when reintegrating into society, including systemic obstacles that hinder their second chances. Highlighting the importance of support and job opportunities, Jason emphasizes how his organization helps break the cycle of generational poverty. He candidly reflects on his own struggles and the need for heartfelt change in the penal system to foster hope and community for those seeking a fresh start.

Christy Delafield, Managing Director of Communications at Mercy Corps, shares her insights on the aftermath of the devastating 7.2 earthquake in Haiti. She discusses the urgent needs for medical aid, food, and shelter, highlighting the overwhelming commitment of local teams in the recovery efforts. The conversation touches on the evolving nature of humanitarian aid, emphasizing community resilience and sustainable solutions, including agricultural support and climate change initiatives. Christy's experiences illustrate the power of hope amid crisis and the importance of ongoing support for relief efforts.

Jason Putorti, co-founder of Resistbot, shares how his platform simplifies contacting elected officials, making civic engagement accessible. He discusses the power of collective voices in advocacy, particularly in the wake of increased activism since 2016. The conversation highlights how technology has transformed advocacy and underscores the importance of individual actions in driving change. Jason also addresses whether politicians genuinely consider constituents' opinions and emphasizes that every contribution counts, no matter how small.

Poppy Jamie, a British entrepreneur and mental health influencer, discusses the liberation found in letting go of perfectionism. She emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and the evolving nature of happiness, especially after the pandemic. Poppy advocates for flexible thinking to combat unrealistic societal expectations, and highlights the significance of embracing imperfections for personal growth. She also shares insights on the transformative power of mindfulness and pausing to align decisions with core values. Join her journey towards peace and fulfillment!