How to Change the World

If politics has started to feel like nothing but noise, this conversation offers a different way in.   Entrepreneur, investor, and author Neil Thanedar joins me to talk about his new book Positive Politics. We discuss why politics, messy as it is, is still one of our most powerful tools to create lasting social change. We unpack why negative politics dominates our attention, what positive politics looks like in practice, and how changemakers can get involved without burning out. From supporting a local issue to influencing a bill or stepping into leadership, there are more entry points than many people realize. Neil also shares his long-term vision for a "Y Combinator for politics" style accelerator that helps ambitious optimists move from caring to building real solutions, faster.   If you care about the future, feel disillusioned by the status quo, and want a more grounded path from frustration to action, this episode is for you.   👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!  

2026 is poised to be a chaotic year in politics and elections – with high-stakes consequences. So, what better time to analyze and predict the year ahead with Javelina's resident political experts?    In this episode, I'm joined by Javelina political strategists David Waid and Justin Plumb to unpack what they're already seeing in early 2026 — from fractures within both parties, to how campaigns are thinking about authenticity, to the role AI will (and won't) play in reaching voters. We get into voter turnout, midterm dynamics, wedge issues, and why some of the most effective candidates may be the ones who blend heart with strategy.   We also share our own bold predictions (some serious, some not-so-serious) about the races, actors, and surprises that may define this cycle — and what this moment is signaling about politics more broadly.   If you've been trying to make sense of the political landscape, this conversation offers insight, context, and a reminder that even unpredictable cycles have patterns worth watching.   👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

What a year of changemaking books taught us about how to drive meaningful impact.    In this special second annual How to Change the World Book Club episode, Catherine is joined by book club regulars Maggie Bauer and Eric DeMarco to share the standout reads of the year, the themes that kept surfacing, and the "book awards" they handed out along the way. From most hopeful to most likely to shift your perspective, they dig into big topics like AI bias, climate resilience, disability justice, emotional labor, and the role of community in creating real change — and reflect on the surprising ways reading together can move you from awareness to action.   Here are the 12 books we read in 2025: January - Atomic Habits by James Clear (personal growth) February - Demystifying Disability by Emily Ladau (disability/advocacy) March - What the Wild Sea Can Be by Helen Scales (nature/environment) April - Factfulness by Hans Rosling (society/economics)  May - Emotional Labor by Rose Hackman (workplace/gender) June - Murder the Truth by David Enrich (government/politics) July - Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson (economics/technology) August - Moral Ambition by Rutger Bregman (society/change) September - We All Want to Change the World by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (society/politics) October - Unmasking AI by Joy Buolamwini (technology) November - Medicine River by Mary Annette Pember (Native American history) December - Hope Dies Last by Alan Weisman (environment)    👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!  

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

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

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

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

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

The Six Questions To Ask Before You Hire Marketing Support How do you know what kind of marketing help your organization really needs? Too often, changemakers either ask for an outcome ("I need to raise more money") or something too broad ("I need help with social media") — and end up with the wrong fit.   In this solo Changemaker Chat, Catherine lays out six questions every leader should ask before hiring marketing support. From clarifying whether you need strategy or execution, to defining success, skills, scope, and budget, she shares a practical framework to help you find the right partner — and avoid wasted time, money, and morale.   Whether you're running a campaign, planning a big event, or growing your capacity, this episode will help you get clear on what you actually need — and set you up to hire the kind of support that frees you to focus on what matters most: driving real change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

How do you build a content strategy that actually works — without burning out or getting lost in the noise? Do you ever feel like you're churning out content with knowing if it's truly working? In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Neuendorff, the content strategist behind many of Javelina's client projects, to talk about creating content with purpose. We cover how changemakers can align their content with their mission and bigger goals, even when resources are limited. Kristen shares simple frameworks, practical tools, and real examples from the field — including how we repurpose content, prioritize the right platforms, and use storytelling to create deeper connections. Whether you manage your organization's social media or want to refine your own personal strategy, this conversation will leave you with actionable ideas you can put into practice today. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

How can we thrive in a rapidly changing world? Canadian entrepreneur, author, and social impact leader Scott Stirrett shares how to thrive in uncertainty—and why reinvention is the new career advantage. From self-compassion over perfectionism to adaptable planning, anti-fragility, generalist "power skills," and building both weak and strong ties, Scott shares practical tools from his book The Uncertainty Advantage to help you navigate fast change with confidence. Whether you're leading a team, plotting your next move, or rebuilding after a setback, this conversation reframes uncertainty as fuel for growth — and shows how to act on opportunities as they emerge. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!  

Too often, marketing Return-on-Investment (ROI) gets reduced to dollars in and dollars out. In this solo episode, Catherine challenges that narrow view and explores why the impact of marketing is about so much more.   From building community and awareness to shifting culture and shaping long-term behavior, she reframes marketing as a powerful tool for changemakers that goes far beyond short-term revenue. Along the way, she shares client stories and a surprising lesson she picked up from a Swiss athletic brand — all pointing to the same truth: the best return on marketing is measured in relationships, not just transactions.   Whether you're leading a nonprofit, reporting to a board, or simply trying to prove the worth of your work, this conversation will help you expand the way you see ROI — and make the case for marketing as an essential driver of change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!  

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with innovation strategist and educator Dr. Steve Diasio to talk about how we rethink creativity, challenge outdated systems, and foster innovation that actually works for everyone. From breaking down the myths of who gets to innovate to sharing tools for collaboration across teams and sectors, Steve brings clarity and energy to one of the most overused — and misunderstood — concepts in changemaking. Whether you're a leader trying to spark new ideas or someone pushing for change inside a rigid system, this conversation will help you reframe what's possible — and why creativity might be your greatest tool. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

How do we create real change in a world that feels stuck? A powerful framework to define decision-making roles - especially when the stakes are high. In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with renowned facilitator, author, and systems change expert, Adam Kahane to talk about how we move forward when collaboration feels harder than ever. With decades of experience helping unlikely allies work across deep divides, Adam shares lessons from his new book "Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems" and reflects on the power of radical engagement: showing up, staying curious, and choosing to work together—even when it's uncomfortable. From navigating burnout to embracing progress that isn't always visible, this conversation offers grounded insight for anyone committed to change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking.

Is the Democratic Party facing a messaging crisis — or something deeper? This episode unpacks the post-election fallout and growing perception that Democrats are out of touch with working-class voters. In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Javelina's own David Waid — co-founder and VP of political campaigns — and political strategist Justin Plumb to dig into the latest trends in politics and campaigning. From media bubbles and Hollywood influence to populism, branding, and the internal tug-of-war between progressives and moderates, they explore the complex forces shaping today's political landscape. They also break down the tools and tactics shaping campaigns today — from AI and hyper-targeted ads to the unexpected power of authenticity — and what it will take to reach voters heading into the 2026 midterms. If you're trying to understand what's really happening inside political campaigns — or how to build a stronger, more inclusive movement — this conversation is essential listening. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube.

A powerful framework to define decision-making roles - especially when the stakes are high. "It's one of the best ways to make sure your team is ready for whatever comes next." In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo breaks down one of the most essential tools for changemakers today: the decision tree. At a time when organizations are having to respond quickly in a rapidly changing landscape, Catherine explains why clarity in decision-making is more critical than ever. You'll hear real-world examples of where the decision tree worked — and where it didn't — and learn how to use it to drive faster, more meaningful action in moments of pressure or uncertainty. This is the kind of clarity that will help your team not just respond, but respond well. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

How can local leadership truly make a difference in a world that needs hope? In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Representative Sean Camacho, elected official for Colorado House District 6, covering East Denver, to unpack the disconnect between voters and politicians - and what we can do about it. A lifelong public servant, Air Force Academy graduate, and lawyer, Sean brings a rare mix of military discipline, legal expertise, and heartfelt commitment to civic duty. Catherine and Sean explore the truth behind common political frustrations: Why does it feel like nothing ever changes? What happens after we vote? And how can regular people influence the decisions that affect our everyday lives? Whether you're feeling disillusioned with politics or fired up to make a difference, this conversation sheds light on what's really going on behind the scenes - and why showing up matters more than ever. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

When people see you everywhere, they start to believe in your legitimacy. In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with two PR powerhouse - Shanté Micah and Josh Moody, co-founders of visibility intelligence company Good News - to break down what it really takes to get your message in front of the media, and why visibility is essential for changemakers today. Shanté is a veteran PR strategist and author of PR Power Play, known for helping entrepreneurs and changemakers turn powerful stories into earned media wins. Josh is a systems architect and digital marketing strategist who has built scalable PR tech used by hundreds of founders to boost credibility, drive inbound leads, and expand their influence. Together, they break down why visibility matters now more than ever - and how to build it intentionally. From pitching smarter to automating the behind-the-scenes grind, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone ready to grow their impact through media. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your reach, this episode will help you trade hustle for strategy - and start showing up where it counts. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

What if the way we've been taught to make change is actually holding us back? In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo is joined by consultant, author, and systems-change strategist Heather Hiscox to explore what's broken in the way changemakers approach impact - and how we can do better. Heather is the founder of Pause for Change and author of No More Status Quo, a powerful call to action for leaders ready to disrupt outdated models and create lasting change through experimentation, empathy, and equity. Together, Catherine and Heather unpack some of the biggest frustrations changemakers face: slow-moving systems, resistance to innovation, and the pressure to have all the answers. Heather shares her proven approach to overcoming these obstacles by shifting from rigid plans to testable solutions - ensuring that communities are not just consulted, but centered. With stories from her own journey and lessons from the field, Heather offers listeners a practical, people-first framework for doing good better. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit professionals, civic leaders, and mission-driven organizations looking to elevate their impact in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for refreshing honesty, actionable takeaways, and a new lens on what it really means to lead change in 2025 and beyond.

In this special rerun of our very first episode from February 2018, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Jeannette Maré, the Founder of Ben's Bells Project.  She shares the deeply moving story of her son Ben and how simple yet profound acts of kindness helped her navigate the darkest period of her life. Through Ben's Bells, Jeannette has built a nonprofit dedicated to spreading kindness, fostering connection, and inspiring communities to be more compassionate. This conversation will leave you inspired, reminding us all that kindness isn't just a nice idea—it's a force for real, meaningful change. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to revisit where How to Change the World all began!