S1 E25: Young People Are the Salt of the Earth with Lucia Torres, Alicia Hansen, and Michelle Dunn Marsh

In this episode of Why Change? Co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss Ashraf’s interview with three organizational leaders who orchestrated the publishing of a book featuring young photographers. In the interview with Lucia Torres, Alicia Hansen, and Michelle Dunn Marsh, the group discusses their collaboration, the power of young people, and the impacts of storytelling. Ashraf and Jeff debrief about the long-term impacts of creative collaborations like these on the nonprofit arts sector.

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S1 E21: Creating Narratives with Dan Hudson

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss the importance of public and personal investment in narrative building. Ashraf interviews Dan Hudson, the executive director of the National Film Festival for Talented Youth. They discuss how technology, pedagogy, and adults can help young people cultivate their own stories. Ashraf and Jeff debrief about the importance of shifting narratives, debates about “talent,” and how privileged adults can use their power (or cede it) for the empowerment of young creatives.

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S1 E20: Fresh Perspectives with James Miles

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss new perspectives brought about by big ideas. Ashraf interviews James Miles, an actor, teaching artist, arts administrator, and nonprofit executive who shares his professional story and history contributing to systemic change to support youth through the arts, youth culture, and beyond. The episode concludes with a discussion of vulnerability and the self-examination necessary to effectively support young people as our next leaders.

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S1 E15: Musical Collaborations with Distant Cousins – Part 2

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss inspiration, perseverance, and a return to normal. Ashraf shares the second part of a two-part interview with the band Distant Cousins, who wrote the theme song for this podcast. They talk about how music-making brings people together, to overcome their differences, and its ability to heal wounds. The episode concludes with a discussion of how youth-led creative youth development projects can change the world.

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S1 E13: Acting in Multiple Roles with Courtney J. Boddie

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss the connections between childhood artistic experiences and their work today. Ashraf interviews Courtney J. Boddie about her work as a theatre maker, teaching artist, podcaster, and more. The episode concludes with their reflections about personal sustainability and the reactions of the arts and cultural education field in response to the civic action resulting from the crises of 2020.

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S1 E12: Musical Collaborations with Distant Cousins – Part 1

During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Ashraf and Jeff discuss inspiration, perseverance, and a return to normal. Ashraf shares the first part of a two-part interview with the band Distant Cousins, who wrote the theme song for this podcast. They talk about their music-making process and work with young people in schools. The episode concludes with the ideas of honesty and profundity and the impacts those concepts have on our work as musicians and educators.

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S1 E3: MEET OUR CO-HOSTS: Ashraf Hasham

During this third episode of Why Change? you will meet one of our co-hosts, Ashraf Hasham. Ashraf is from Seattle and brings a youth-focused and creative viewpoint to the conversation. He discusses the connections between his family coming from Pakistan to the United States, leadership coming from his artistic skills, and and landing jobs with youth-led organizations and the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture.

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S0 E0: Trailer: Why Change? A Podcast for the Creative Generation

Welcome to Why Change? A Podcast for the Creative Generation! We bring listeners around the globe to learn how arts, culture, and creativity — especially as applied by young people — can change the world, one community at a time. This podcast shares timely news and dives deep into the work of young creatives who catalyze social change and those who are committed to cultivating their creativity. Listeners are invited to join hosts Jeff M. Poulin, Karla Estela Rivera, Ashraf Hasham, Rachael Jacobs, and Madeleine McGirk each week to learn and laugh while envisioning new futures through the question, “why change?”

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