Best Changemaker Allies Podcasts (2025)

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From Problems to Possibilities: Transforming Leadership and Society with Scott Sherman 57:21

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15h ago57:21

57:21

In this powerful conversation, our host Mentor Dida sits down with Dr. Scott Sherman, founder of the Transformative Action Institute, to explore what it really takes to lead meaningful change in today’s world. Scott is the co-founder of the Transformative Action Institute, where he trains the next generation of changemakers to tackle the world’s bi…

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Beyond Purpose: Why Mattering Comes First with Zach Mercurio 48:53

7d ago48:53

48:53

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Cole talks with Zach Mercurio about the critical yet often overlooked concept of mattering, which is the fundamental human need to feel significant to the people around us. The conversation explores how we're experiencing not just a loneliness epidemic or disengagement crisis, but a mattering deficit where pe…

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From Inner Work to Systems Change: Olga Shirobokova on Changemaking & Social Entrepreneurship 1:03:15

15d ago1:03:15

1:03:15

What does it really mean to be a changemaker? In this rich and reflective episode, Olga from Ashoka joins Mentor Dida to explore the full arc of changemaking—from the personal to the planetary. Drawing on 13+ years at Ashoka, Olga shares how her understanding of changemaking evolved—from direct service to systems change, and ultimately, to supporti…

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Designing the Unscripted: A Masterclass in Process Facilitation with Natasha Walker 59:39

22d ago59:39

59:39

What if the key to great facilitation isn’t just what happens in the room- but everything you do before you even walk in? In this episode, we dive in with Natasha Walker, a master facilitator who believes preparation is an act of care. With decades of experience leading complex conversations across sectors, Natasha shares why planning every minute …

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124 | Flow Forward: Community-Driven Solutions to Period Poverty 17:30

28d ago17:30

17:30

What would you do if you had to miss school or work simply because you didn’t have access to period products? In this episode of You Betcha She Did, host Rayna Rokicki tackles the often-overlooked issue of period poverty with Laura Welsh, board member of The Monthlies Project. Together, they explore how the organization is working to ensure that no…

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From PolyCrisis to PolyOpportunity: Creating Spaces for Transformative Change with Joel Fariss 55:17

29d ago55:17

55:17

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Cole talks with Joel Fariss of Holon Institute about navigating the complexity of our current moment and creating spaces for transformative community experiences. The conversation explores the poly opportunity - a play on "polycrisis" - which represents the multiple pathways and possibilities emerging during …

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The Evolution of us a Facilitators: What We’ve Learned, Unlearned, and Are Still Figuring Out 47:54

1M ago47:54

47:54

In this special episode of Facilitating Change, the full Changemaker Allies team - Mentor Dida, Cole Hoover, and Ali Fraenkel - comes together for a heart-to-heart conversation on their evolution as facilitators. This episode is honest, reflective, and rooted in lived experience. We explore: When we first realized we were facilitators - and why tha…

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Facilitating What Wants to Happen: Nicole Taylor on Deep Listening & Presencing 1:03:38

1M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

What does it take to create space where real transformation happens? In this episode of Facilitating Change, we sit down with Nicole Taylor - facilitator, leadership coach, and fierce advocate for well-being - who brings a deeply integrative approach to space holding. With roots in yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and somatic experiencing, Nicole shares…

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Easing the Journey of Becoming: Dustin Liu on Facilitation, Purpose, and System Sensing 57:49

2M ago57:49

57:49

In this deep and energizing episode, Mentor Dida sits down with Dustin Liu - facilitator, educator, and the Senior Associate Director at NYU Stern’s Initiative on Purpose and Flourishing - for a conversation that spans the art, science, and spirit of facilitation. Together we explore what it means to “ease the journey of becoming,” how to create co…

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The Soil of Leadership: Wisdom for Leaders Navigating Challenging Times with Dr. Britt Yamamoto 1:02:16

2M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Cole talks with Dr. Britt Yamamoto about his book "The Soil of Leadership” and meaningful ways to support social impact leaders right now. A large part of the conversation centers around the core metaphor from the book about “growing soil”. Britt compares conventional farmers who focus on growing plants (shor…

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123 | Time Management Tips to Gain 10 Hours Each Week with Jenna Piche 20:21

2M ago20:21

20:21

Who doesn't need more time in their life? I know I do. But what is the secret? How do we find more time in our lives without sacrificing our sanity or sleep? My guest this week, Jenna Piche, a time management coach, shares some practical ways to reframe how you look at your tasks, your time and your week to make your space in your schedule for thin…

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The Art & Science of Facilitation: How to Design & Facilitate Sessions That Matter with Jenny Sauer-Klein 1:06:23

2M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

In this conversation, we dive deep with Jenny Sauer-Klein - a master of designing experiences that don’t just tick a box, but truly move people. Jenny has worked with companies like Airbnb, Google, and Genentech to bring their cultures to life, and she's the founder of The Culture Conference, where leaders come together to build workplaces that act…

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Letting Life Work Through You: Inner Leadership and Holding Space with Sarah-Marie Hopf 1:01:01

3M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

In this soulful conversation, Sarah-Marie Hopf, joins us to explore the deeper art of facilitation - one that doesn’t just solve problems, but awakens possibility. Sarah-Marie is an executive coach, spaceholder, and facilitator who brings rare presence and clarity into the room. In this episode, we explore: How she first discovered facilitation as …

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Connection Orientation: What Facilitators Can Learn from Professional Coaching with Kori Linn 55:20

3M ago55:20

55:20

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Cole sits down with Kori Linn, a professional coach who works with high achievers and individuals navigating complex relationships. Kori shares her insights on creating spaces where healthy conflict can thrive and how facilitation can benefit from coaching methodologies. She explores the concept of "connectio…

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122 | Screen-Free Family Fun + The NFL Draft in Green Bay 14:24

3M ago14:24

14:24

You might be wondering what does Screen-Free Family Fun have to do with the NFL Draft in Green Bay? If you guessed that they are connected with the Family Trivia with Dad and Lad podcast, then you are correct! Meet Keely Marlowe, the mom and one of the creators of the Family Trivia with Dad and Lad podcast. My family loves this podcast and I was th…

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The Power of Silence and Presence: Vipul Shaha’s Approach to Facilitation 1:03:38

3M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

In this episode of Facilitating Change, we sit down with Vipul Shaha, creator of 'Mindful Being' and a global facilitator passionate about holistic education, mindfulness, and transformation. Vipul shares his journey from teaching in under-resourced classrooms to integrating mindfulness, nature, and body awareness into his facilitation practice. He…

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Everyday Habits, Extraordinary Change: A Conversation with Adam Kahane 51:22

3M ago51:22

51:22

In this conversation, Cole Hoover and Adam Kahane of Reos Partners explore the art of systems transformation through stories from Adam's remarkable career. They discuss how everyday habits create lasting change and why transformation must inherently be a collective activity. Adam shares insights from his forthcoming book, highlighting the value of …

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Designing Transformative Learning: A Deep Dive into Learning Experience Design with Maria Galaykova 59:33

3M ago59:33

59:33

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Mentor Dida sits down with Maria Galaykova, a learning experience designer who is passionate about creating transformative experiences through human-centered design and constructivist psychology. Maria discusses her journey from a certification manager and workplace consultant to discovering the missing link …

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121 | Building Community through Education and Mentorship with Denise Wittstock 19:24

4M ago19:24

19:24

What does it take to create real change in a community? If you said act local, and start small, you are spot on. In this episode of You Betcha, host Rayna interviews Denise Wittstock, a passionate leader running for the school board in Sheboygan and the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Denise shares her journey back to her hometown to raise her fam…

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24. Here's an Ally: ParkingNSites ft. Jawanza Lamar 31:11

4M ago31:11

31:11

Send us a text This week's episode is with Jawanza Lamar, the founder of ParkingNSites, an organization dedicated to breaking down parking barriers and improving accessibility for mobility-challenged individuals. After experiencing a life-changing accident, Jawanza saw firsthand the struggles people with mobility challenges face—especially when it …

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120 | Empowering Education and Educators with Allie Tasche 23:10

4M ago23:10

23:10

What makes a school district thrive? In this episode of You Betcha She Did!, host Rayna sits down with Allie Tasche, a passionate candidate running for reelection to the Sheboygan area school board. Allie delves into critical issues like teacher retention, professional development, and the need for strategic funding to support inclusive education a…

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Playing for Real: Unlocking Team Potential through the Power of Play with Peter Williamson 1:05:42

4M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

In this insightful episode of Facilitating Change, Mentor Dida sits down with Peter Williamson, co-founder of Barometer XP, to explore how play can powerfully transform team dynamics and organizational culture. Peter shares his journey from professional athlete to expert facilitator, revealing how play became central to his approach to building str…

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The Language of Respect: Why Good Intentions Often Miss Their Mark with Dr. Julie Pham 53:11

4M ago53:11

53:11

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Cole Hoover speaks with Dr. Julie Pham, an expert on interpersonal dynamics, organizational development, and cross-sector collaboration. Julie unpacks why our traditional understanding of respect often leads to disconnection, despite our best intentions. She shares frameworks from her book The 7 Forms of Resp…

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119 | How to Protect Your Peace When the World Feels Crazy with Jenn Cassetta 22:05

4M ago22:05

22:05

Do you ever wake up feeling like you’ve stepped into an alternate reality—one where the world feels upside down, and nothing makes sense? If so, you're not alone. This week, I’m joined by my dear friend Jenn Cassetta—a powerhouse TEDx speaker, empowerment coach, and self-defense expert—who brings her wisdom and resilience to the conversation. In th…

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23. Here's an Ally: Dravet Syndrome Foundation ft. Mary Anne Meskis 21:48

4M ago21:48

21:48

Send us a text This week's episode is with Mary Anne Meskis, a founding member and the Executive Director of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation (DSF)—a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and funding research for Dravet syndrome. Dravet syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that begins in early childhood, typically cau…

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Redefining Leadership, Facilitation and Fatherhood: A deep dive with Jeff Hittner 1:04:05

4M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Mentor Dida speaks with Jeff Hittner, a master facilitator, executive coach, and founder of the Ambitious Dads project. With 25 years of experience building better teams and people, Jeff shares his insights on how vulnerability and safe spaces drive transformation. From designing engaging workshops to helping…

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Inside the State of Facilitation 2025: Insights, Surprises, and What’s Missing with Ali Fraenkel, Cole Hoover, and Mentor Dida 59:21

5M ago59:21

59:21

In this episode, the Changemaker Allies team, your co-hosts Mentor Dida & Cole Hoover alongside Ali Fraenkel, welcome you to a reflective discussion inspired by THE go-to, global annual report for facilitation. We dive into musings, a-has, and reflections inspired by the 2025 State of Facilitation Report from SessionLab. With insights from over 1,0…

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Change Starts Within: A Leader's Guide to Complex Collaboration with Mark Horoszowski 55:59

5M ago55:59

55:59

In this conversation, Cole and Mark explore the intricate dynamics of cross-sector collaboration and leadership in social enterprise. They discuss the messy reality of collaboration, where often everyone shows up with their own goals, metrics, and ways of measuring success. The discussion gets personal as they unpack how leaders need to do their ow…

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Ecosystem Acceleration: How to Build Ecosystems and Establish Power Dynamics with Kenny Clewett 59:04

5M ago59:04

59:04

In this thought-provoking episode, Mentor Dida is joined by Kenny Clewett, who co-leads Ashoka’s Hello World initiative, a global effort focused on migration, integration, and refugee movements. Kenny shares his journey from his pastoral work to becoming a facilitator and change leader, spearheading cross-sectoral collaborations to tackle some of t…

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Creating Spaces for Social Impact Leaders to Thrive with Nate Wong 1:03:56

5M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

In this conversation Cole connects with Nate Wong, a Partner at The Bridgespan Group and social impact educator, to explore how facilitation and transformative spaces can reshape relationships between funders and nonprofits. As a strategic advisor, Nate works to reshape traditional relationships between nonprofits and philanthropists, building new …

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118 | Pause and Reset: How Intentional Breaks Helped Me Refocus on What Matters 15:36

5M ago15:36

15:36

Feeling overwhelmed and out of sync with your goals? I was and here is what I did about it. In this solo episode of You Betcha She Did!, I’m opening up about the power of taking intentional breaks to reset and realign. I’ll share my own journey of stepping back from the hustle to focus on what truly matters—like fitness, creativity, and finding my …

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Weaving Communities for Change: Building Self-organized & Interconnected Communities with Valentina Raman 59:03

6M ago59:03

59:03

In this episode of Facilitating Change, Mentor Dida speaks with Valentina Raman, co-founder of YouthxYouth and The Weaving Lab, about her approach to weaving communities, designing learning experiences, and building capacity for collective action. Valentina shares how she creates spaces for participants to bring their whole selves, the art of holdi…

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117 | Generational Wealth: Building a Legacy Beyond Money with Nikki Nash 31:43

6M ago31:43

31:43

What if building generational wealth isn’t just about money, but about creating a legacy of knowledge, opportunities, and skills that can transform your family’s future? In this episode of You Betcha She Did, Rayna interviews entrepreneur Nikki Nash who dives deep into the multifaceted concept of generational wealth, challenging the notion that wea…

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22. Here's an Ally: National Brain Tumor Society ft. Tom Halkin 1:01:27

6M ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Send us a text This week's episode is with Tom Halkin, the Director of Public Affairs at the National Brain Tumor Society—the largest patient advocacy organization in the United States dedicated to curing brain tumors and supporting patients and their families. In our conversation, Tom sheds light on the harsh reality that, while survival rates for…

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116 | Starting Over: How Luisa Molano Turned $1,000 into a Mission to Empower Women 30:27

6M ago30:27

30:27

What would you do if you had to start over with just $1,000 and a six-month lease? In this episode of You Betcha She Did, host Rayna Rokicki sits down with Luisa Molano, a trailblazer in female entrepreneurship, to explore her extraordinary journey. From bravely escaping an arranged marriage at 18 to walking away from a high-net-worth relationship …

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When Deep Listening Guides Design with Nani Vishwanath 52:08

6M ago52:08

52:08

In this conversation, Cole and Nani talk about the art of transformative facilitation, exploring how to create spaces where authenticity is more important than assimilation, and deep listening guides design. They dive into Nani's work with the Courage Collective, discussing how her mission to "elevate the voices of the unheard" shapes her approach …

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How Communication Creates the Space for Transformation with Mohsin Mohi Ud Din 1:07:13

6M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

In this episode of Facilitating Change, we sit down with Mohsin Mohi Ud Din, founder and CEO of #MeWe International Inc., to explore how communication, storytelling, and mindfulness are shaping changemakers across the globe. With more than 10,000 youth and caregivers impacted in over 12 countries, Mohsin shares insights from his groundbreaking narr…

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115 | Master Marketing in 2025: Proven Tips from Victoria Hajar 28:15

6M ago28:15

28:15

Wondering how to make your marketing actually connect with your dream clients? In this episode of You Betcha She Did, I chat with marketing consultant Victoria Hajar about how female entrepreneurs can simplify their marketing and make it work. We dive into why getting crystal clear on your messaging is key, how to choose the right lead channel (lik…

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114 | 4 Strategies to Bring More Calm and Gratitude into Your Holiday Break 10:06

7M ago10:06

10:06

Winter Break and the Holidays can be a hectic time. Tune into this bite-sized episode to learn 4 strategies to bring more calm and gratitude into your life at this moment. Also Thank you to ALL the listeners of You Betcha She Did! You guys are the reason this show keeps going and growing and when that happens we elevate women everywhere! If you're …

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Creating Spaces for Collaboration with David Ehrlichman 1:01:39

7M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Cole and David explore the art of effective gathering design and its crucial role in fostering meaningful conversations and cohesive experiences, especially in virtual settings. They discuss reimagining conferences as catalysts for ongoing learning communities. David shares insights on the benefits of time-bound "seasons" in collaborations, clear r…

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113 | Timing Your Leap: When to Embrace Entrepreneurship and Strategically Raise Your Rates 24:09

7M ago24:09

24:09

Ready to ditch the 9-to-5 and be your own boss? In this episode of You Betcha She Did, Rayna sits down with Liz Steblay, an author and thriving solopreneur, to uncover the secrets to self-employment success. From mastering your mindset and managing money to setting the right prices and leveraging LinkedIn, Liz shares the real-world strategies that …

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112 | Turning $50K Debt into $500K Profit: Pia Silva's Branding Success Story 21:57

7M ago21:57

21:57

How do you turn a mountain of debt into a thriving, profitable business? In this episode of You Betcha She Did, host Rayna chats with branding powerhouse Pia Silva, who shares her incredible journey from financial struggle to stunning success. Pia reveals how she and her husband reimagined their small branding agency, ditching unprofitable long-ter…

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21. Here's a Warrior: Multiple Sclerosis & Type 1 Narcolepsy ft. Nicole Kenyon 47:11

7M ago47:11

47:11

Send us a text This week's episode is with Nicole Kenyon, head of the National MS Society Community Council in Tampa and a passionate fitness enthusiast. Living with Multiple Sclerosis and Type 1 Narcolepsy, she is committed to empowering others through legislative advocacy, fundraising, and fitness and community initiatives. In our conversation, N…

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111 | Tis the Season to Give Some Love to Hospitality Workers 20:34

7M ago20:34

20:34

The holiday season is a busy one for everyone but especially those in the Hospitality Industry. Working in hospitality is a high pressure, intense career that while rewarding can also be strife with mental health issues and addiction. When you're out and about this holiday season, remember to give some extra love, kindness and respect to those work…

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Collaborative Changemaker: Facilitating Change Through Collective Wisdom with Greg Van Kirk 1:05:11

7M ago1:05:11

1:05:11

In this episode of Facilitating Change, we sit down with Greg Van Kirk, social entrepreneur and co-founder of The New Development Solutions Group, including Community Enterprise Solutions and Social Entrepreneur Corps. Greg shares his unique journey from investment banking to the Peace Corps, and how his work in rural communities helped him transit…

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110 | Pro Woman Basketball Player Ready to Mentor HS Girls? Yes Please! 17:14

7M ago17:14

17:14

If you're a current podcaster or aspiring podcaster who wants to grow their business with a podcast, check out Podcast Growth Club where Rayna shares her best strategies to help you grow and monetize your podcast with a small audience. Support the Show and Rayna's Work to Elevate MidWest Women! Buy Me a Coffee If you love the show, please subscribe…

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109 | Sustainability for Person and Planet + A Road Map to Traveling the World for A Year 20:06

8M ago20:06

20:06

In this episode, Rayna sits down with Wisconsin native Stephanie Krubsack, founder of Purevant Living, a B2B company dedicated to helping businesses elevate their sustainability practices. Growing up on a reforestation tree farm in the 1990s, Stephanie developed an early passion for sustainability, which led her to launch Purevant Living five years…

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108 | Breathe Better, Sleep Better: How Myofunctional Therapy Can Transform Your Health with Becca Rose 23:36

8M ago23:36

23:36

Are you looking for natural remedies to improve your health? In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—tools for wellness: your breath. Wisconsin-based Myofunctional therapist Becca Rose joins us to reveal how myofunctional therapy can address jaw clenching, teeth grinding, snoring, and even sleep apnea by focusing o…

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107 | Feeling Overwhelmed? You're Not Alone. 19:38

8M ago19:38

19:38

Are you feeling overwhelmed, like life’s moving faster than you can keep up? In this episode of You Betcha She Did, Rayna shares an excerpt from the Intuitive Mentor Mom podcast, where host Tara Mychelle dives into navigating life’s chaotic moments. Seeing as it is Election Day in the US and life has been feeling overwhelming and chaotic the last f…

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Trust, Power and Emergence with Dr. Pierce Otlhogile-Gordon 48:35

8M ago48:35

48:35

In this conversation, Cole and Dr. Pierce Otlhogile-Gordon explore the multifaceted role of facilitation. Pierce shares his journey to becoming a facilitator, rooted in childhood experiences and time spent navigating academia. They discuss the challenges some face in identifying as facilitators and balancing primary objectives with community-buildi…