Rethink Community: The Podcast

In this episode, Brian Dobyns reflects on how living just above the poverty line shaped his sense of what was possible. He shares stories of being excluded from help and discouraged from pursuing opportunities, leading to a mindset of resignation. Together, we discuss the emotional impact of these experiences and how encouragement and small successes can help break fatalistic narratives, emphasizing the need for support and belief in each other.  

In this episode, John White welcomes Andrea Carter to unpack how personal experience can radically reshape our understanding of poverty. Andrea reflects on her early years as a teacher, when she held common misconceptions about families in poverty, and describes how her own journey through situational poverty challenged and transformed those beliefs.  Andrea shares how repeated judgment can create “forced helplessness” and offers practical advice: build real relationships, include those with lived experience in leadership, and move from “us versus them” to a true sense of shared community.  

In this episode, I speak with Aaron Earlywine and Maddie Mitchell to challenge narratives that assume “poverty is a personal failing” or “people in poverty are helpless.” Aaron shares insights from his work as a pastor and counselor, stressing the value of kindness and community, while Maddie explains how her perspective shifted from making assumptions to recognizing the strengths and agency of families in need. Together, they discuss moving from “doing for” to “walking alongside,” highlight the resourcefulness of those experiencing poverty, and show how listening and respect can help rewrite the narrative. Read more at our blog.  

What if the stories we believe about poverty are holding us back from real change? For generations, narratives of blame, pity, and resignation have shaped how we respond to poverty-often with harmful consequences. But what happens when we center the voices of those who live these realities every day? In this series, we unpack the unproductive narratives that keep communities stuck and discover how new stories -rooted in lived experience- can spark meaningful change for everyone. In our first episode, we hear from John White, a leader with decades of experience in public and community service, who shares how bringing lived experience into policy-making can truly drive change. From personal reflections to practical advice, John describes his journey of understanding community challenges not through the lens of common narratives but through direct engagement and lived experience. He offers a tangible example of how proximity to real stories can shape policies and practices that impact families and communities across an entire state.   Don’t miss this powerful conversation about leadership, justice, and the future of community-driven change.  

The divisions in our country are not just caused by disagreements; they’re fueled by misunderstanding and even contempt, and they can be healed with dignity.  Join us in a conversation with Paul Hemminger, a dignity builder and storyteller, and learn how each of us can be changemakers right where we are. https://www.dignityindex.us/resources

Have you ever encountered a moment when a member of your team shared a personal experience or an insight that facilitated connection or unlocked a solution to a challenge you were facing?  Inside our teams and communities lies a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Yet, fear of judgment and misunderstanding creates barriers, hindering open communication. This month, join us for a session with Shandell Jamal, a consultant, catalyst and bridge builder, who shares valuable insights on honoring and valuing everyone's experiences and wisdom within your organization.

How is hope linked to trust? And what is empowerment really?  Words often fall short when describing these two realities but most of us know when we experience them.  Hope and empowerment connect us to a better future and signify that we need each other to thrive.  Join us as we hear from Michael Cafasso, CEO of St Mary Corwin Hospital, as he shares leadership insights and tangible actions to build hope and cultures of empowerment.

Over the past two decades, all facets of the American health system have come to understand the deep connection between social and environmental factors and health outcomes, including lifespan.  Tracey Stute, a dedicated advocate and practitioner in behavioral health, joins me in this episode to delve into our evolving understanding and explore ways communities can assist those who've endured trauma and confronted health disparities. Home Equity Discussion Guide

In this episode, we are joined by our very own Andrea Carter, with Think Tank.  Andrea invites us beyond the scarcity and pain of poverty to the hidden abundance found in people, families, and neighborhoods.  Andrea connects listeners to our common humanity and the ways we both cope with hardships and pursue well-being.  Today’s listeners will find themselves inspired to reconnect with the most profound gifts of life - relationships, simplicity, and spirituality. 

In this episode, our guest is Thomas White, a seasoned entrepreneur in the Gig Economy.  Thomas speaks from his own lived experience on the benefits of gig work, the pitfalls and how entrepreneurs and everyday people can leverage their skills for cash through current platforms.  Thomas also speaks to how each of our communities can better support entrepreneurs and those choosing to make a living through non-traditional approaches to work and business.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Amy Riegel, a leader on housing in the state of Ohio.  Amy shares with us stories of what led her to dedicate her life to helping Ohioans find safe and affordable housing.  She sheds light on the current housing situation in our nation and offers insights into how each of us can become more supportive neighbors for those facing challenges with finding a place to call home. Cohhio.org nlihc.org

“If you take a chance on us, we’ll take a chance on you.” Those were the words that first led Carlos Guajardo to join forces with Think Tank over a decade ago, and ultimately to contribute his story and insights to the creation of the Cost of Poverty Experience. Now a published author of a book about his life story, Carlos shares his deep and honest reflections in this episode about what it took for him to journey out of poverty, and the unanticipated redemption he has found along the way. Unanticipated Redemption by Carlos Guajardo

Decades ago when Pastor Ken Moss’ prison term ended and he became a returning citizen, conversations were just getting started about the challenging realities of life with a prison record. Now an instrumental leader in developing and facilitating the Reentry Cost of Poverty Experience, Pastor Ken Moss shares more of his story: What it took to rebuild his life outside prison walls, and the radical relationships that helped him find a place to flourish. 

Today Melissa Massey is a powerful supporter and advocate for survivors of domestic violence. Like many working in her field, her story is rooted in the firsthand experience of rebuilding life on the other side of addiction, poverty, and domestic violence. In this episode, Melissa reflects on where life has taken her and how she’s using that experience as a platform to help others.

Poverty is much more than an issue, and more than a statistic. It’s a condition experienced by real human beings, each with their own unique story. Guest Kristin Hicks first shared her experience of poverty with Think Tank over a decade ago, to help shape the Cost of Poverty Experience. Today she reflects on that experience, the wisdom she has gained, and the relational and emotional support that helped her make the journey out of poverty.

Time. Honor. Authenticity. Relationship. These are key ingredients for organizations that want to Build Together with those with lived experience - but sometimes they feel difficult to manage within the pressures of outcomes, deadlines, and budgets. Dr. Jimeka Holloway has spent years as a guide to organizations and communities seeking change. In this episode she shares her personal experience and insight about how organizations can persevere through these tensions, and the practices and beliefs that need to guide those who truly want to Build Together to see their communities thrive.  Learn more about Dr. Jimeka Holloway

Karin VanZant is a leader who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, especially when it comes to the systems intended to help those at the margins of poverty. Karin’s own proximity to the realities of poverty and to people who have navigated it have shaped her views on what it means to lead and what it looks like to build together to create systems that work for everyone.

Sharon Gilmore has spent the past several decades transforming pain into purpose. Using her story and her voice to inspire others today, she is just as committed to helping organizations understand the human resources and assets they may be missing: those with lived experience. Sharon is a passionate advocate for communities to believe in the powerful potential of those who have walked the hardest paths. Learn More about Sharon

What if we looked at a person who needs help not just as a “need” - but as someone who has the greatest potential to help others in that same situation? The field of addiction and recovery has been using this approach for years to bring healing and change. On this episode, we hear the stories of two men who first were helped by and then became part of an organization that values their lived experience and builds together with them for greater impact. Shepherd’s House

This season we’re exploring the vital but difficult practice of how we Build Together to bring change. Sean Walton, Sr. has lived on both sides of Build Together: As someone who knows what it’s like to live at the margins economically, and who’s also advised and been part of organizations working to revitalize marginalized communities. Sean shares from his life experience what kind of investment it takes to build trust, communicate respect, and ultimately lead real change by building together.