Best Mesfin Podcasts (2025)

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Social Studies Show: Episode 32- Germany Lancaster 47:00

4d ago47:00

47:00

Germany Lancaster is an Art Director, creative strategist, and all-around idea machine. She’s worked with some of the biggest brands—Toyota, Lululemon, Microsoft—bringing bold visuals and culture-forward storytelling to life. From ad campaigns to passion projects like Black Girl Beach Day, Germany’s all about making creative work that actually mean…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 31- Jason Brown 44:24

3M ago44:24

44:24

Welcome to The Social Studies Show, where we dive deep into the intersection of advertising, culture, and creative careers. Today’s guest is Jason Brown—a visionary marketing executive, cultural curator, and champion for the next generation. With over two decades of experience at the crossroads of sports, media, entertainment, and technology, Jason…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 30- David Mesfin 52:15

5M ago52:15

52:15

On this episode of the Social Studies Show! Today, we’re thrilled to introduce David Mesfin - a visionary Creative Director at Innocean, specializing in automotive campaigns for Genesis, Hyundai, and Kia. With over 15 years of expertise, he has orchestrated award-winning campaigns for major events like the Super Bowl, FIFA, and the NFL, launched gl…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 29- CALPAK BTS 8:05

6M ago8:05

8:05

This episode of the Social Studies Show offers a behind-the-scenes look with Photographer / Director - Stan Evans stanevansphoto.com and the real-world challenges of executing high-stakes billboard campaigns and video productions. In a field crowded with photo coaching programs and online resources, the show stands out by focusing on practical less…

1
Sound Bite Dr. Kamal Kar 0:40

6M ago0:40

0:40

Sound Bite from Dr. Kamal Kar recorded in Dublin, Ireland.

1
Episode 21: Dr. Kamal Kar 19:38

7M ago19:38

19:38

We sit down with Dr. Kamal Kar, the visionary behind the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) approach, in collaboration with Vita. With over two decades of experience transforming sanitation practices in more than 73 countries, Dr. Kar shares his insights into how community-led initiatives drive significant change in public health, environmental …

1
Special General Election Episode 55:19

7M ago55:19

55:19

Jess and Molly come out of hiatus to share our recommendations for local non-partisan races and ballot initiatives. Move the Needle signup: Zoom or Insta. Get a sample ballot (scroll down) Our list of recommendations (Reminder: These are only the contested races): JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT 8 Year Term Kimberly Ann Thomas JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT Inc…

1
Episode 20: Yenenesh Girma 4:12

8M ago4:12

4:12

Podcast guest: Yenenesh Girma, Vita's Human Resources Officer. Note: This podcast contains an in-person translation from Amharic to English by Risko Assefa, Vita's Community-led Learning Project Leader. In this episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, we explore the inspiring journey of Yenenesh Girma. Over 18 years with Vita, Yenenesh advanced f…

1
Episode 19: Jerry Oloba 1:41

8M ago1:41

1:41

In this podcast episode recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, the spotlight is on Jerry Oloba, the Human Resource Management Leader at Gamo Bara Secondary School. Jerry is leading a movement to empower women and girls through education in the Gamo region, where traditional gender roles limit women's opportunities. Her mission is deeply personal, driven…

1
Episode 18: Tihut Tsehay 1:35

8M ago1:35

1:35

In this podcast episode recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, we explore the inspiring journey of Tihut Tsehay, Public Relations Officer at the Gamo Development Association. A passionate advocate for cultural preservation and community empowerment in the Gamo Zone, Tihut's Sociology and Social Anthropology background from Arba Minch University has equi…

1
Episode 17: Sintayehu Abebe 2:27

8M ago2:27

2:27

In this podcast episode recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, Sintayehu Abebe, Arba Minch University's Academic and Clinical Director, discusses the importance of community-focused initiatives, particularly in maternal and public health. She shares her journey from midwife to Assistant Professor and her current role, emphasising the connection between …

1
Episode 16: Tseganesh Anbesie 3:33

8M ago3:33

3:33

In this podcast episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, Tseganesh Anbesie, an English Language Lecturer and PhD candidate at Arba Minch University, discusses the transformative impact of gender empowerment in Ethiopia. She highlights the significant challenges Ethiopian women face. Tseganesh's work addresses these issues. The episode also explor…

1
Episode 15: Dr. Mekdes Ourge 1:49

8M ago1:49

1:49

In this podcast episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, Dr. Mekdes Ourge, an Assistant Professor and Researcher at Arba Minch University, explores the transformative impact of the Moringa tree on women's empowerment and community health in Ethiopia. She discusses the tree's significant nutritional and economic benefits, particularly for women, p…

1
Episode 14: Miserak Tanga and Mekedes Dawit 9:33

8M ago9:33

9:33

This podcast episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, features in-person translation by Risko Assefa, Vita's Community-led Learning Project Leader. It explores the transformative impact of Vita's initiatives in the Gamo Zone, focusing on women's empowerment through improved cooking technologies. The discussion highlights insights from Miserak Tan…

1
Episode 13: Dr. Teklu Wegayehu Zara 8:28

8M ago8:28

8:28

This podcast episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, highlights the transformative work of Dr. Teklu Wegayehu Zara, Arba Minch University’s Director of Community Engagement. Collaborating with Vita, Dr. Teklu has led efforts to electrify local health centres and schools, significantly enhancing education and healthcare. The episode also explores…

1
Episode 12: Mesaye Tesafye 1:27

8M ago1:27

1:27

This podcast episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, showcases Vita's impactful work. With insights from Mesaye Tesafye, Vita's Admin and Finance Coordinator, the episode delves into the significant transformations seen in the region through initiatives like efficient cooking stoves and community-led projects. Mesaye expresses his pride in being…

1
Episode 11: Solomon Kebede 8:35

8M ago8:35

8:35

This podcast episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, explores the transformative work of Vita, an organisation committed to sustainable development. The episode delves into Vita's innovative community-led approach, which empowers local communities to shape their socio-economic future. Solomon Kebede, Vita's Ethiopia Deputy Director, shares his e…

1
Episode 10: Dr. Ashenafi Gunnabo 5:40

8M ago5:40

5:40

This podcast episode is recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, and features Dr. Ashenafi Gunnabo, Arba Minch University’s Assistant Professor of Plant-Microbe Interactions. It explores the transformative impact of his collaboration with Vita in the Gamo Highlands. Together, they tackle the critical issue of potato crop diseases that threaten local subsi…

1
Episode 9: Dr. Degife Zebire 6:24

8M ago6:24

6:24

Recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, the podcast episode spotlights Dr. Degife Zebire, Arba Minch University's Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Assistant Professor of Plant Breeding and Genetics. Dr. Zebire is a driving force behind the modernisation of Ethiopian agriculture through innovative technologies. The episode highlights his c…

1
Episode 8: Demoz Ayele Betru 2:24

8M ago2:24

2:24

Recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, the podcast episode features Demoz Ayele Betru, Vita’s Manager of the Improved Cookstove Programme. The discussion delves into the impactful work of Vita, a pioneering organisation committed to sustainable development in Ethiopia. The episode highlights how the Improved Cookstove Programme is transforming rural com…

1
Episode 7: Dr. Abera Uncha 8:56

8M ago8:56

8:56

The podcast episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, features Dr. Abera Uncha, Director of the Postgraduate School at Arba Minch University. Dr. Uncha discusses his efforts to empower local communities by focusing on food security, forest restoration, and gender empowerment. He also highlights the collaboration with Vita and the impact of introdu…

1
Episode 6: Risko Assefa 10:59

8M ago10:59

10:59

The podcast episode, recorded in Arba Minch, Ethiopia, highlights Vita's impactful work, as explained by Risko Assefa, Vita's Community-led Learning Project Leader. Key initiatives include introducing improved cookstoves that cut fuel consumption by 50% and enhancing women's health, safety, and time management. This time-saving allows women to enga…

1
Episode 5: Tsehayu Kassie 18:16

8M ago18:16

18:16

The podcast episode, featuring Tsehayu Kassie, Vita's Programme Manager for the Gamo Zone Project, speaking from Arba Minch, Ethiopia, highlights the success of the Gamo Zone Project, which focuses on sustainable development and community empowerment. The project has significantly improved food security, transforming agricultural practices such as …

1
Episode 4: Tadele Girma Kodo 6:05

8M ago6:05

6:05

Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tadele Girma Kodo, Vita's Potato Senior Agronomist, highlights the transformative impact of Vita's agricultural programmes in the country. Vita has made significant strides in Ethiopian agriculture, particularly through its potato programme, which has greatly enhanced disease management using AI via the PlantVilla…

1
Episode 3: Sultan Abdrahiman George 13:24

8M ago13:24

13:24

Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Sultan Abdrahiman George, Vita’s Head of the Green Impact Fund, highlights the impactful initiatives Vita has undertaken in the country. The podcast episode discusses these efforts, focusing on grassroots actions to address climate change while empowering local communities, particularly women. The Green Impact Fun…

1
Episode 2: Mesfin Kebede 6:20

8M ago6:20

6:20

Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mesfin Kebede, Vita's Coordinator of Natural Resource Management, highlights his decade-long work with the organisation. He focuses on transforming rural Ethiopia through agricultural innovation. Mesfin discusses how Vita's initiatives have uplifted over 100,000 smallholder farmers, enhancing their productivity an…

1
Episode 1: Asfaw Mekuria 7:01

8M ago7:01

7:01

Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Asfaw Mekuria, Vita's Ethiopia Country Director, reflects on 14 years of impactful work focused on sustainable development and innovation. Vita has been dedicated to enhancing rural Ethiopia's food security and agricultural practices. The organisation collaborates with government bodies to introduce new technologi…

1
Podcast Trailer 1 1:42

8M ago1:42

1:42

Introducing Vita Voices - Vita's new podcast series brings you to the heart of community-led development in Ethiopia. Hear directly from Vita's team of experts, academics, researchers, and local leaders as they share their stories and insights in their authentic voices. Recorded on the ground in Addis Ababa and Arba Minch in Ethiopia in July 2024, …

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 28- Fred Sands IV 57:29

1+ y ago57:29

57:29

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Social Studies show! Today, we are thrilled to introduce our special guest, Fred Sands IV, an exceptionally talented Art Director and Graphic Designer hailing from the vibrant city of New York. Fred Sands, IV has an impressive background, having served as the Design & Production Coordinator at PAPER Magazi…

1
HouseParty Interlude 5:51

1+ y ago5:51

5:51

Check out the week of events and updates at www.dogoodwork.org/houseparty Registration for Jess' panel: History to Present Day: Race and Housing in Ann Arbor Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us …

1
Civic Therapy: WTF Community Engagement with Yodit Mesfin Johnson 1:06:53

1+ y ago1:06:53

1:06:53

Today we talk to Yodit Mesfin Johnson about the problematic promises of community “engagement,” and what it could look like to pivot more towards community-driven planning. Yodit is presently co-leading (with Jess and developer partners Avalon Housing and the Ann Arbor Housing Commission) a community-driven planning effort for the mixed-use afforda…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 27- Reggie Casagrande 41:21

1+ y ago41:21

41:21

In this episode, we're thrilled to introduce you to Reggie Casagrande, an integrated marketing powerhouse whose expertise in brand development, strategy, and digital communications is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With over a decade of experience under her belt, Reggie has carved a unique path in the industry, leaving an indelible mark on culture…

1
Civic Therapy: WTF Schools with Liz Lin 59:39

1+ y ago59:39

59:39

We continue our Civic Therapy miniseries talking to Ann Arbor Public Schools parent Liz Lin about WTF Schools: amygdala parenting, Zoom kindergarten, why she almost ran for school board, and why she didn’t. Links we referenced: The Free Press article that broke the story of the lawsuit The original lawsuit filing itself The form to sign up to make …

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 26- Amy V. Cooper pt. 02 40:54

2y ago40:54

40:54

The second part of Amy V. Cooper's Social Studies Show dives into the details of the photography business. She gives a window to the perspective of creatives looking to get their work out to brands as well as working through the ethics of finding the right clients and partners. Amy brings over 25 years of experience in the photography industry to t…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 25- Amy V. Cooper pt. 01 39:24

2y ago39:24

39:24

On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have AMY V. Cooper. Amy is a photography consultant, creative business mentor, marketing strategist, thought partner, and mindset coach with over 25 years of experience in the photography industry. She has worked as a photographer agent, advertising agency art buyer, and entertainment & magazine photo e…

1
Civic Therapy: Transportation with Reverend Donnell Wyche 47:21

2y ago47:21

47:21

Our Civic Therapy miniseries continues with Reverend Donnell Wyche about WTF Transportation. We embrace our collective Big Feelings about kids being able to bike to school, e-bikes as a vector of radicalization, the just-proposed Driving Equality Ordinance, and the cost of not taking Vision Zero literally. Links we referenced: Transportation Altern…

1
Civic Therapy: Library Lot with Dan Adams 59:15

2y ago59:15

59:15

In a continuation of our new miniseries, Civic Therapy, we are talking with Dan Adams about WTF, Library Lot. Dan is a corporate attorney, local housing activist, and long-time bike person. He has lived in Ann Arbor since 2008 and grew up down the road in Dexter. In November 2022 he published a long piece in Damn Arbor about the current status of t…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 24- Samira Jackson 53:45

2y ago53:45

53:45

On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have Samira Jackson - Account Executive at Art Machine in Hollywood, - Samira has made her way through the ranks working on award winning campaigns Like BlackKKKLansman with Gravillis and taking insights from Spike Lee. On her rise in the entertainment industry she navigated the career path at Leroy and…

1
Civic Therapy: WTF, Planning?? – with Lisa Sauvé and Scott Trudeau 1:01:15

2y ago1:01:15

1:01:15

A proposed development with robust sustainability and affordability components, considered by many in our community to be a slam dunk for approval, hit a surprising road block this week. Join Jess and Molly for our first Civic Therapy session with Lisa Sauvé and Scott Trudeau: what happened to SouthTown, and why what happened points to some larger …

1
We’re Back!: ...the same but different 7:37

2y ago7:37

7:37

We’re back! Ann Arbor AF is…the same but different. Molly and Jess catch you up on the haps and where the pod will be going this summer. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on Twitter and Facebook. And hey, if you wanted to ko-fi us a few dollars to help…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 23- Toby Kaufmann 50:43

2y ago50:43

50:43

On this episode of the Social Studies Show we have Toby Kaufmann - The Creative Director of the Facebook App. She is also the Creative Director of Pur·suit, a digital archive and deck of playing cards re-imagining Catherine Opie’s seminal work from the 90’s, in collaboration with artist Naima Green. In 2020, she curated a show of Naima’s work at Fo…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 22- Keith Hodges 31:01

2y ago31:01

31:01

Keith Hodges' journey to fitness was an unusual one . He got his start by experimenting on himself and transitioned to working with weight loss clients. In this episode of the Social Studies Show he talks about the effects of advertising health within diverse communities and bringing that process to action through procedure in unique training metho…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 21- Sanja Komljenovic 1:21:50

2y ago1:21:50

1:21:50

SANJA KOMLJENOVIC Founder & CEO of ONA CREATIVE began her career in digital marketing with the Los Angeles Clippers and was recruited by Nike.The day after leaving Nike, they hired her as a contractor. This “accidentally” led to more collaborative work and the launch of her creative agency, ONA, developed with a focus on initiatives that move the w…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 20- Terence Lester 46:11

2y ago46:11

46:11

Terence Lester is a storyteller, public scholar, speaker, community activist, and author who is the founder and Executive Director at Love Beyond Walls a nonprofit organization focused on raising poverty and homelessness awareness and community mobilization. He’s known for nationwide campaigns that bring awareness to homelessness, poverty, and econ…

1
Ben Connor Barrie on Damn Arbor 1:02:28

2+ y ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Today we are talking with Ben Connor Barrie about yet another blue-language civic engagement media project: Damn Arbor! We cover a lot of ground, including why it's important to say nice things about where you live. Come check out our episodes and transcripts at our website, annarboraf.com. Keep the conversation going with fellow Ann Arbor AFers on…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 19- Eric Tung 38:35

2+ y ago38:35

38:35

As Winter approaches we have an appropriate guest to discuss winter fashion and diversity in the marketplace. For this episode of the Social Studies Show we have Eric Tung CEO of Fera Ski Brand. A minority owned, female founded, LGBTQ+ led apparel company that is extremely rare in the outdoor space. Sharing a love of fashion and winter sports Eric …

1
Jerome Horne on Radically Abundant Transit 58:33

2+ y ago58:33

58:33

Today we are talking with Jerome Horne about radically abundant transit. We also took deep detours into being vulnerable, what our kid selves would think of us today, and navigating advocacy as and with humans. Links we mentioned: TransitCenter's website and podcast, High Frequency Jerome on socials: Twitter and LinkedIn Jerome as t-shirt influence…

1
Ryan Henyard and Paul Fleming on the Coalition for Reenvisioning Our Safety 57:39

2+ y ago57:39

57:39

Today we talk (and dream a little) with members of the Coalition for Reenvisioning Our Safety. Paul is an Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health and helps to organize the Michigan Chapter of Public Health Awakened. He spends his time thinking about, researching, teaching, and organizing around root causes of healt…

1
Conversation with FIXER-UPPER author Jenny Schuetz 57:04

2+ y ago57:04

57:04

Today we are talking with Jenny Schuetz! In addition to being the author of the phenomenal book Fixer-Upper: How to Repair America's Broken Housing Systems, she is a Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro and is an expert in urban economics and housing policy. Before joining Brookings, Jenny worked at the Federal Reserve Board in Washington, D.C. and tau…

1
Social Studies Show: Episode 18- Val Harvey 45:50

2+ y ago45:50

45:50

Val Harvey shares her journey into the entertainment industry as a Hair and Makeup Artist working in Hollywood. Her clients are a who's who of the studios - Disney, ABC, FOX TV and HBO have her on speed dial. Her career in makeup ten years ago starting out at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills. Early on, Val has been sought out by celebrities, photogra…

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Mesfin Podcasts

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