Welcome to Season 5 of the Anchor Change podcast! For the next few months, I’m excited to engage in conversations about Gen Z, artificial intelligence, and, of course, politics. For my first episode, I’m talking to Cory Ondrejka, the chief technology officer of SmartNews, where we explore the intersections of technology, creativity, and community. We also reflect on our shared experiences in Madison, Wisconsin.We cover Cory’s early career in tech, including his time at Second Life and Facebook, and the lessons learned about product development and user engagement. The conversation shifts to the challenges of news consumption in a polarized environment, introducing NewsArc as a solution aimed at improving how people access and engage with news. We delve into the complexities of political bias in journalism and the growing trend of news avoidance, emphasizing the need for intentionality in news consumption. Looking ahead, Cory shares his vision for the future of news and technology, advocating for a respectful and engaging news ecosystem.Here’s what we cover:* Roots in Madison: A Journey Through Time* Navigating the Digital Landscape: Early Career Insights* Reflections on Facebook: Lessons from the Past* Innovating News Consumption: The Birth of NewsArc* Addressing Political Bias in News* Understanding News Avoidance: Trends and Insights* Looking Ahead: The Future of News and TechnologyHope you enjoy!Download the NewsArc app here.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
What if tarot wasn’t about predicting the future—but about helping you tell your story?In this week’s episode, I’m joined by writer, tarot coach, and Substack author Chelsey Pippin Mizzi for a conversation that bridges the spiritual and the practical, the mystical and the creative. Chelsey’s approach to tarot isn’t about fortune-telling—it’s about reflection, imagination, and accessing the parts of ourselves we’ve forgotten how to listen to.We talk about:* Why tarot is a tool for creative storytelling—not a test you can fail* How she combined her background in writing, theater, and editing into a tarot coaching business* The myths (and anxieties) that keep people from connecting with their intuition* What it means to “shadow play” and how we can write from our darker, unclaimed selves* How Chelsey’s Substack and books (Tarot for Creativity and The Shadow Path) are changing the way writers engage with their inner worldPlus, she pulls a tarot card for the episode and shares what’s exciting her most right now.Whether you’re tarot-curious or creatively stuck, this one’s full of permission, play, and practical magic.🃏 Mentioned in this episode:* Tarot for Creativity * The Shadow Path* Tarot Spreads Yearbook* Chelsey’s newsletter and journaling club: The Shuffle on SubstackAnchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
How do you build a life that unfolds like a story worth telling?This week, I sit down with the inimitable Kate Hill—writer, cook, mentor, and founder of the creative retreat Camont in Southwest France. Kate has lived many lives: as an art curator, barge navigator, cookbook author, and now as a Substack writer sharing deeply personal reflections on food, place, and creative practice.In this episode, we talk about:* The thread of storytelling through every chapter of Kate’s career—from puppeteering to cookbooks* How she knows when it’s time to pivot and the inner signals that guide her* What makes a place feel magical—and how she intentionally designed Camont to nurture quiet creativity* The ritual (and snobbery) of the French farmers market and why it’s more than just food* Why she chose to serialize her memoir on Substack and how she thinks about paid vs. free content* Advice for people in midlife and beyond who are yearning to take a leap but don’t know howThis one’s for anyone wondering if it’s too late to start something new. (Spoiler: it’s not.)📰 Read a bit about Kate and her summer pie recipe in the New York Times earlier this month.🇫🇷 Here’s my recap of the two week’s I spent at Camont: My French Writing Adventure🌿 Learn more about Kate’s work and retreats at https://relaisdecamont.com/📝 Read her writing: Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
What if your business could be both wildly successful and soulfully aligned? In this episode, I talk with Rachael James, the founder of Wild Alabaster and Urban Alchemy Coffee Co., about building brands that are both beautiful and healing, crafting a life that fits your actual needs, and how to panic responsibly when the momentum takes off faster than you planned.We talk about:* How she accidentally became a crystal dealer and made $10k in a weekend* Her philosophy of therapeutic retail and what makes an experience sacred* Why she believes in magic, science, and the power of aesthetic healing* How she navigates burnout, motherhood, and scaling without losing herself* The power of branding, pacing, and staying rooted in your “why”Whether you’re building a business, a portfolio life, or just figuring out your next chapter—this episode is a warm, grounded reminder that you don’t have to do it all at once. The thing meant for you will show up.🛍 Use code ANCHOR20 for 20% off at wildalabaster.com Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
Trust and safety is often misunderstood—seen as reactive, political, or merely procedural. But for those doing the work, it’s something much deeper: a profession built on care, resilience, and community.Charlotte Willner, Executive Director of the Trust and Safety Professional Association (TSPA), joins Katie to share how she got into the field, what it was like writing the first rules of the internet at Facebook, and why building professional support networks is critical to the field’s future.This episode goes beyond tech policy headlines to explore:* The early days of trust and safety before it had a name* Career pivots, burnout, and when it’s time to leave* How AI is changing the work—not replacing it* Why community is essential for people doing invisible labor* The deeper gender and cultural dynamics in caregiving roles like trust and safetyWhether you’re in the field or just trying to understand it better, this episode sheds light on the people and values holding up the internet behind the scenes.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
When headlines fuel distrust in government and disruption feels more chaotic than constructive, how do we hold onto hope—and channel it into real reform?This week on Anchor Change, I talk with Jen Pahlka—founder of Code for America, author of Recoding America, and former U.S. Deputy CTO—about what it means to not just criticize the system, but to fix it. We dive into:* Why public servants feel both unseen and indispensable—and how her truth-telling book changed that* How AI could help cut through procedural bloat and modernize government services* What too many reformers get wrong about "disruption"* The real story behind the U.S. Digital Service and what it taught her about policy vs. implementation* Her hopeful message for those disillusioned by recent political changesFrom the importance of how things get done to the promise (and risk) of AI in the public sector, this conversation is a reminder that real change takes time, courage—and clarity.📘 Grab Jen’s book Recoding America if you haven’t already.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
Steve Grove has had a front-row seat to the evolution of the internet, from his early days at YouTube shaping the political division to navigating crisis in state government, and now—reinventing local journalism as publisher of the Star Tribune.In this episode, I talk with Steve to talk about the through lines in his career, what led him to leave Silicon Valley for his home state of Minnesota, and why going local may be the most overlooked solution to our national dysfunction. We unpack the early optimism of platforms in politics, the challenges of shifting between tech, government, and media, and what it really takes to rebuild trust—community by community.Whether you're considering a big life pivot or trying to find purpose in a broken system, Steve’s story is a reminder that reinvention isn’t a detour—it’s the path.🔑 Key Topics:* The early days of YouTube politics and platform optimism* Leaving Big Tech for state government—and what he learned* The culture shock (and opportunity) of working in government* Rebuilding trust through local journalism* The underestimated power of community and place-based identity* Advice for anyone considering a career pivot* Why reinvention is a superpower📌 Mentioned:* Steve’s new book: How I Found Myself in the Midwest: A Memoir of Reinvention* The Minnesota Star Tribune: www.startribune.com* Steve’s website and book tour: www.stevegrove.com💬 Favorite Quote:“When you go local, you don’t have time for polarization—you’re too busy solving problems.” —Steve Grove📣 Subscribe + ShareLove this episode? Don’t forget to rate and review Anchor Change and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform. And if it resonated with you, share it with someone else navigating their own reinvention.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
In this conversation, Katie Harbath speaks with Hamish McKenzie, co-founder of Substack, about the transformative role of the platform in the media landscape. They discuss how Substack is redefining trust in journalism, the impact of AI on content creation, and the importance of direct relationships between creators and their audiences. McKenzie shares insights on the evolution of media from centralized control to a more democratic model, the challenges of navigating political discourse, and the future of journalism in an increasingly complex digital world.Topics covered include: * The Media Disruption Landscape* Phases of Media Evolution* Substack's Growth and Community Building* Political Discourse and Responsibility* Navigating Risks in Political Engagement* Content Moderation and Free Speech* Fostering Diverse Dialogue* Scaling Challenges for Substack* Navigating PR Challenges in Tech Companies* The Role of AI in Publishing* AI as a Tool for Creators* Balancing Content Formats for Audience Engagement* Subscription Models and Reader Fatigue* The Journey from Journalism to Entrepreneurship* Future Vision for Substack and Media Culture* Reimagining Trust in Publishing* Navigating AI and CreativityYou can follow Hamish on his Substack Disjointed and you can listen to his recent TED talk here.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
This week’s episode is for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by the pace of AI—or unsure of what power they really hold to shape the future.Rumman Chowdhury is a trailblazer in the responsible AI space—she’s worked in big tech, launched her own nonprofit, advised the Biden administration, and now runs Humane Intelligence. What makes her stand out isn’t just her résumé—it’s her refusal to settle for cynicism.She calls herself an AI optimist. And not in a naive way. She knows the risks, she’s lived them—but she still believes that we have agency. That our choices—what tools we use, what questions we ask, what we say no to—actually matter. And that optimism, in this moment, is a radical act.We talk about how to embrace failure, how to test and red-team the technologies shaping our world, and why the right to repair isn't just about tractors—it’s about power, access, and dignity in the digital age.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, I sit down with Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, for a candid conversation about leading through disruption. From implementing a tighter paywall strategy that turned the publication profitable, to navigating career pivots from editor to executive, Nick shares the lessons he’s learned in data-driven leadership and reinvention.We dig into the evolving identity of journalists in the Substack era, the ethics of using AI in reporting, and how media companies can remain trusted institutions in a time of fragmentation. Plus, Nick reflects on why resting after a marathon—and in life—is harder than it sounds.If you're a journalist, entrepreneur, or just trying to make sense of a changing information landscape, this episode will give you clarity, grounded insights, and a little inspiration.📌 Topics include:* Why The Atlantic tightened its paywall—and what happened next* How Nick uses LinkedIn videos for strategy and brand visibility* The pros and cons of journalists going solo* The Atlantic’s approach to AI use and partnerships* Strategic advice for the next generation of journalists* The future of trustworthy media in divided America📍 Follow Nicholas Thompson on LinkedIn and check out his podcast, The Most Interesting Thing in AI.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
When Suzy Dean left teaching, she wasn’t just making a career pivot—she was reclaiming her peace. In this episode, I talk to Suzy—also known as @woowoobestie_suzy—about the path from high school English teacher to intuitive entrepreneur and creator of her own unique digital brand.We talk about what it means to show up online with honesty, how to take care of your nervous system while building a business, and why your next big move might be less about hustle and more about alignment.Whether you’re growing a brand, raising a family, or just trying to find a minute to rest—this conversation is full of grounded wisdom, belly laughs, and unexpected reminders to make life more magical.Topics we cover:* Walking away from a job that no longer fits* How Suzy manifested her “bridge job”* Turning essential oils and woowoo magic into a thriving business* Creating boundaries and rituals in public-facing work* Rest, rhythm, and running an online shop with soul👀 Check out Suzy’s work at yourwoowoobestie.com📸 Follow her on Instagram: @woowoobestie_suzy Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
I’m excited to announce that the podcast returns Thursday, May 29, with a fresh season of conversations designed to help you navigate life's complexities—and panic responsibly. As part of streamlining my brand, the podcast has officially transitioned from Impossible Tradeoffs to Anchor Change. This season, you'll hear stories of courageous pivots, meaningful transformations, and actionable insights from thought leaders including: * Christina Wallace, author of The Portfolio Life* Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic* Rumman Chowdhury of Humane Intelligence* Hamish McKenzie from SubstackAnd many more!This podcast is going to be available in video and audio formats! Please subscribe and follow on YouTube and your favorite podcast provider to ensure you don't miss a single episode!Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
For my last podcast of season three and 2024, I’m thrilled to welcome Ravi Agrawal, the Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Policy magazine, to reflect on this historic year of elections.We discussed the significant trends and observations from the 2024 elections globally during our conversation. He highlights the challenges incumbents faced, the role of cybersecurity and AI in elections, and the geopolitical implications of these electoral outcomes. The discussion also delves into the future of Indian politics, the impact of technology on global relations, and the evolving media landscape.Thank you all for listening this season. I’ll be back in 2025! I’ve got many things planned, including turning this into a video podcast, so stay tuned. Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
This week I had the honor of moderating a fireside chat with NPR CEO Katherine Maher and C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist at the National Conference on Citizenship’s annual conference. We were able to record it to bring to you on this podcast.Katherine and Sam both took on these roles this year, and some of the things we discuss include:* Reflections on the evolving role of civic media in an increasingly polarized society.* How NPR and C-SPAN approach trust-building and transparency in today’s media landscape.* The importance of local news and its impact on civic engagement, voter turnout, and community resilience.* Insights into the challenges of adapting to digital platforms while preserving core missions. Fast Company just named C-SPAN a Brands That Matter honoree for its ability to turn government coverage into TikTok-ready entertainment.* The role of artificial intelligence in improving media accessibility and efficiency while maintaining editorial integrity.* Discussion on addressing ideological diversity in newsrooms and ensuring balanced coverage.* Key takeaways on fostering civil conversations and bridging divides in American politics.I hope you enjoy!Support the Insights That Keep You AheadYour support as a paid subscriber enables me to dive deeper into the critical intersections of tech and politics, delivering unique analysis and curated insights you won’t find elsewhere. By upgrading, you gain access to exclusive content, early previews of key stories, and a community of like-minded readers who care about these pressing issues.Join me in shaping a more informed conversation—your support makes this work possible, and I couldn’t do it without you. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
I’m grateful this week that Aaron Rodericks, Vice President of Trust and Safety at Bluesky, made the time to join me for a conversation about how the platform is tackling the surge in users it’s seen in the U.S. since the election. This isn’t the first time they’ve seen such growth spurts—another happened in Brazil when X was briefly banned. These rapid user increases bring unique challenges to moderating content and require some impossible tradeoffs.Aaron talks about the different approaches Bluesky takes to content moderation, the unique aspects of the platform, its decentralized nature, and the challenges of scaling operations amidst rapid user growth. Aaron shares insights on content moderation, the balance between automation and human oversight, and the evolving policies to address emerging harms. The discussion also touches on user control, verification processes, and the future compliance and product development roadmap.To learn more about Bluesky’s approach, read Mike Masnik’s piece Protocols, Not Platforms: A Technological Approach to Free Speech. Also, here is an interview Wired did with CEO Jay Graber this week, as the platform crosses 24 million users.Please support the curation and analysis I’m doing with this newsletter. As a paid subscriber, you make it possible for me to bring you in-depth analyses of the most pressing issues in tech and politics. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
Happy Thanksgiving! I decided to release an episode today because I figured people would want something to listen to while prepping the turkey or driving to see family and friends.I also know that Thanksgiving and the holidays can be a time when tough conversations arise, especially after an election. That’s why I wanted to talk to Lori Brewer Collins.Lori is an executive coach. She and I met after the 2016 election when she created a program called Cultivate the Karass to help people across the political spectrum develop relationships with people on the other side of the aisle. I knew Lori’s son Jake before he died in 2015, and the idea for this came from a post-it note he had on his computer in the White House.Lori is a master at creating spaces for people to feel heard. In this conversation, she discusses her work in leadership development and the importance of fostering connections across ideological divides. She emphasizes the significance of building trust, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and the art of deep listening. The discussion also highlights the role of vulnerability, curiosity, and inquiry in facilitating meaningful conversations and understanding among diverse groups. We explore the complexities of facilitating difficult conversations, particularly around race and political differences. We also discuss the emotional exhaustion following elections, the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, and strategies for navigating family discussions with grace and kindness. Lori emphasizes the need for curiosity, intentionality, and the power of listening in fostering meaningful connections amidst differing viewpoints.I hope you enjoy our conversation. Thank you so much for listening to and supporting this work. It means the world to me.Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
This week on the podcast, I chatted with Rebekah Park, Vishnupriya Das, Devika Kumar, and Laura Murray, researchers at Gemic, a global growth strategy firm. They worked with Nhu Le, Rachel Xu, and Beth Goldberg from Google’s Jigsaw on a study looking at how young people in India and the US trust online content in the age of generative AI.I wrote about this study back in October and have been quoting it nonstop to people exploring how the information environment has changed, especially in the context of the election.The team comprised anthropologists and strategists and the conversation delves into the origins of their research, the importance of understanding the social dynamics of information, and the unique approach they took in studying Gen Z's interaction with technology, particularly in the context of a two-country study involving the US and India. The team emphasizes the significance of qualitative research and the intimate understanding it provides in exploring how individuals navigate the digital landscape. The conversation delves into the research methodology and findings of a study on online behavior, focusing on the qualitative aspects of user engagement and the emotional dynamics that influence trust in information. The participants' experiences reveal a complex interplay between light and heavy content consumption, highlighting the importance of feelings in shaping online interactions. The discussion emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of how people navigate information in a digital landscape, particularly in the context of misinformation and trust.I highly recommend you look at the seven information modes that emerged from their work and consider how people want to get heavy information, such as politics and news, versus more lighthearted stuff. I think this research is essential for professionals looking to get information out into the world and those who are trying to shape the online information environment.Please support the curation and analysis I’m doing with this newsletter. As a paid subscriber, you make it possible for me to bring you in-depth analyses of the most pressing issues in tech and politics. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
Image created by ChatGPTIf I’m honest, I’m still processing everything. I’m giving myself and others the space to process everything. But, I still wanted to do a podcast. I have this deep fear that if I don’t stick to a schedule, I’ll fall off the wagon of creating content. It's probably not true, but I like to keep doing things to move forward. Since I had no idea where we would be as a country today, I decided to conduct an experiment I’ve wanted to do for a while for this week’s podcast.Back in October, Google’s Notebook LLM tool, which uses AI to generate podcasts, went viral because of its quality. I decided to upload my six most popular Anchor Change posts from the last two years and ask it to create a podcast acknowledging that we were two days after Election Day and to look at how technology had impacted our information environment.Here are the top posts:* Platforms run away from politics and news / July 9, 2023 * The Future of our Information Environment / Oct 9, 2024 * Zuck’s Letter to Jordan and the Telegram CEO Arrest / Aug 28, 2024* Digging Into Ten Overused Tech Tropes / Apr 3, 2024 * Our World in 2025 / Jan 3, 2024 * Cambridge Analytica Five Years Later / March 16, 2023 It’s a pretty interesting conversation between the two AI hosts and not too bad. I wish I could have given a longer prompt about what I wanted them to focus on and in what order, but for a first go I’m excited at this possibility to repurpose content in other formats.Enjoy!Anchor Change with Katie Harbath is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode, I welcome Maria Giannopoulos who shares her unique journey at the intersection of politics and technology, particularly her role in the 2024 Republican National Convention. She discusses the extensive planning involved in organizing such a large-scale event, developing a digital strategy to engage both on-site attendees and online audiences, and the increasing importance of influencers in political campaigns. Maria also reflects on her experience at Google, the cautious approach tech companies take towards elections, and her insights on future trends in digital politics, including the potential impact of AI and AR/VR technologies.Maria is known as @greekmaria on various social media platforms and you can also find her at Greekmaria.com. Please support the curation and analysis I’m doing with this newsletter. As a paid subscriber, you make it possible for me to bring you in-depth analyses of the most pressing issues in tech and politics. Get full access to Anchor Change with Katie Harbath at anchorchange.substack.com/subscribe