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.
Read moreS1 E24: Local Knowledge with Rosa Zerrudo
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Madeleine and Jeff discuss their work during summer and how focusing locally has benefited their global communities. Madeleine interviews Rosa Zerrudo, a Filipino artist, educator, and social activist who uses localized creative processes with diverse populations focusing on topics like climate change, justice, and more. Madeleine and Jeff conclude with a discussion about the role of play, imagination,and collective thinking.
S1 E23: Responsive Creative Social Change with Jacki Kauli and Verena Thomas
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Rachael and Jeff discuss their connection to places. Rachael interviews Jacki Kauli and Verena Thomas about their perspectives on international development and their work in Paupau New Guinea. Rachael and Jeff conclude with ideas about how to be more responsive creative practitioners.
Read moreS1 E22: Social Transformation with Inès Sanguinetti
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Karla and Jeff discuss the connections between interpersonal and community-based connections and wellbeing. In Spanish, Karla interviews Inès Sanguinetti, founder and artistic director of Fundación Crear Vale la Pena in Argentina; they discuss the concept of social transformation and how creativity and culture can lead to systems change. Karla and Jeff conclude with ideas about turning these concepts into everyday actions.
Read moreS1 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.
Read moreS1 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.
Read moreS1 E19: Getting Your Hands in the Roots with Penny Hay
In this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Rachael and Jeff discuss their relationship and how colleagues can help each other dive deep on topics, to expand their perspectives. Rachael interviews Penny Hay, a creativity scholar and organizational leader in the UK. They discuss the role of creativity in social movements and how to work on systems change to reimagine education. Rachel and Jeff debrief with a passionate dialogue about the role of creativity in the world - like creative justice - and how definitions don't matter.
Read moreS1 E18: We Rather than I with Jeffrey Tan
In this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Madeleine and Jeff discuss their work connecting people around the globe. Madeleine interviews Jeffrey Tan, a teaching artist and network building in Asia who works with the disabilities community. Madeleine and Jeff debrief the conversation thinking broadly about the impact of funding systems change.
Read moreS1 E17: Quiet Time, Rest, and Creativity with Jeff M. Poulin
In this episode of Why Change? host Jeff M. Poulin describes the quiet week at Creative Generation. He shares the research underpinning their decision, reflections from throughout the crises of 2020, and concepts about maintaining nourished in our work intersecting culture, education, and justice.
Read moreS1 E16: Educators as Changemakers with Corey Mitchell
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Rachael and Jeff speak about the impact of theatre in their lives and why policy-makers should increase access to arts education. Jeff interview Corey Mitchell, a long-time educator, the first recipient of the TONY Award for Excellence in Theatre Education, and founder of the Theatre Gap Initiative. They discuss how increasing access to theatre education opportunities for students of color to reimagine the future of American theatre. Rachael and Jeff debrief with a dialogue about how young creatives are envisioning the future of education and the arts.
Read moreS1 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.
Read moreS1 E14: Devising Democracy with Quenna Lené Barrett
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Karla and Jeff discuss how artists are leading civic dialogues in their communities. Karla interviews Quenna Lené Barrett about her work as a theatre maker creating works about policy change. The episode concludes with a discussion about how change is necessary and why theatre-makers should be elected to public office.
Read moreS1 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.
Read moreS1 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.
Read moreS1 E11: Freedom is a Practice and Hope is a Discipline with Dr. Knucklehead
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Karla and Jeff discuss creative approaches to justice in their work. Jeff interviews Amir Whitaker - a.k.a. Dr. Knucklehead - about his work as an artist, activist, and attorney delivering on the promise of arts and cultural education to California’s young people while maintaining his practice as a musician. This episode examines different approaches for creative social justice projects led by intergenerational teams of youth and adults balancing self-care and artistic practice as healing throughout the process.
Read moreS1 E10: Co-Creating Imagination and Joy with Yazmany Arboleda
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Madeleine and Jeff discuss politics and how to increase civic engagement through the arts. Madeleine interviews Yazmany Arboleda, who is New York City’s artist in residence for civic engagement; they discuss practical strategies for co-creating imagination, joy, social action, and more.
Read moreS1 E9: Live from the BOOST Conference: Cultivating Thriving Youth and Organizations with DeLashea Strawder and Dalouge Smith
The Why Change? Podcast is coming to you live from the BOOST Conference! Jeff M. Poulin chats with DeLashea Strawder - the Executive and Artistic Director of Mosaic Youth Theatre and recent Recipient of the 2021 Lewis Prize For Music - about innovative arts-based youth work in the BOOST podcast lounge. He also chats with Dalouge Smith, CEO of The Lewis Prize for Music about new models of philanthropy in music for social change programs.
Read moreS1 E8: Let's Just Go For It with Eric Booth
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Rachael and Jeff discuss the levers of change which drive the sector of practice in their own contexts. Rachael speaks with teaching artist, actor, and author, Eric Booth about field building, starting initiatives, and the most pressing issues facing the field of community-based arts practice.
Read moreS1. E7: Anchoring in Love with Sangeeta Isvaran
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Madeleine and Jeff discuss grounding their work in self-care and prioritizing humanity. Madeleine speaks with artist, educator, and activist Sangeeta Isvaran about her work throughout India and Asia, particularly her actions throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, they discuss the importance of anchoring our work in love.
Read moreS1 E6: Undercover Artistry with Patrick Kabanda
During this episode of Why Change? co-hosts Jeff and Rachael discussing leading our way out of the pandemic with values at the fore, centering young people and anti-racist practices specifically. Jeff speaks with author, musician, and economist, Patrick Kabanda about his book The Creative Wealth of Nations and the role of arts and cultural education in sustainable development. Finally, these themes are applied to the ideas of “applied creativity” and how to be an “undercover artist” with values.
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