How to Change the World

What if a 13-year-old could bring lawmakers from both parties to the same table… and win? Parents, caregivers, and disability advocates flooded the Arizona Capitol this year to stop a funding crisis that threatened essential services for people with developmental disabilities. Two of the leaders in that fight — Brandi Coon, president of Raising Voices Coalition, and Amy Haley, advocate and mom to 13-year-old twins — share how an entire community organized, refused to be ignored, and forced change. From budget battles and cross-party negotiations to policy wins that protect services families rely on every single day, Brandi and Amy break down how advocacy really works, and why storytelling, relentless persistence, and showing up (in whatever way you can) matter more than titles or money. Whether you're a caregiver, a public policy nerd, or just someone who wants to believe change is still possible, this conversation is a blueprint for everyday people demanding dignity, stability, and respect — and getting it. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now.

What if your morning coffee could strengthen entire communities? Dr. Arisbe Mendoza, Director of Global Impact at Fairtrade International, shares how everyday purchases — your morning coffee, chocolate bar, or bottle of wine — can create ripple effects across communities worldwide. From living-income pricing and climate-resilient farming to gender equity and co-ownership by 1.9 million farmers and workers, Arisbe reveals how Fairtrade is redefining what ethical trade can achieve — and why October's Fair Trade Month is the perfect time to reflect on the impact of our everyday choices. Whether you're leading a social impact organization, working toward sustainability goals, or just rethinking your weekly grocery list, this conversation shows how small, intentional actions can add up to systemic change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

The Six Questions To Ask Before You Hire Marketing Support How do you know what kind of marketing help your organization really needs? Too often, changemakers either ask for an outcome ("I need to raise more money") or something too broad ("I need help with social media") — and end up with the wrong fit. In this solo Changemaker Chat, Catherine lays out six questions every leader should ask before hiring marketing support. From clarifying whether you need strategy or execution, to defining success, skills, scope, and budget, she shares a practical framework to help you find the right partner — and avoid wasted time, money, and morale. Whether you're running a campaign, planning a big event, or growing your capacity, this episode will help you get clear on what you actually need — and set you up to hire the kind of support that frees you to focus on what matters most: driving real change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

How do you build a content strategy that actually works — without burning out or getting lost in the noise? Do you ever feel like you're churning out content with knowing if it's truly working? In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Neuendorff, the content strategist behind many of Javelina's client projects, to talk about creating content with purpose. We cover how changemakers can align their content with their mission and bigger goals, even when resources are limited. Kristen shares simple frameworks, practical tools, and real examples from the field — including how we repurpose content, prioritize the right platforms, and use storytelling to create deeper connections. Whether you manage your organization's social media or want to refine your own personal strategy, this conversation will leave you with actionable ideas you can put into practice today. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

Scott Stirrett is a Canadian entrepreneur and author dedicated to empowering young professionals. In a captivating discussion, he explores the idea of reinventing oneself as a key advantage in today's uncertain world. Scott introduces six pillars for thriving, including adaptability, anti-fragility, and building both weak and strong professional networks. He emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and an entrepreneurial mindset to seize opportunities and navigate change. Practical tips for networking and risk tolerance round out this insightful conversation.

Too often, marketing Return-on-Investment (ROI) gets reduced to dollars in and dollars out. In this solo episode, Catherine challenges that narrow view and explores why the impact of marketing is about so much more. From building community and awareness to shifting culture and shaping long-term behavior, she reframes marketing as a powerful tool for changemakers that goes far beyond short-term revenue. Along the way, she shares client stories and a surprising lesson she picked up from a Swiss athletic brand — all pointing to the same truth: the best return on marketing is measured in relationships, not just transactions. Whether you're leading a nonprofit, reporting to a board, or simply trying to prove the worth of your work, this conversation will help you expand the way you see ROI — and make the case for marketing as an essential driver of change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with innovation strategist and educator Dr. Steve Diasio to talk about how we rethink creativity, challenge outdated systems, and foster innovation that actually works for everyone. From breaking down the myths of who gets to innovate to sharing tools for collaboration across teams and sectors, Steve brings clarity and energy to one of the most overused — and misunderstood — concepts in changemaking. Whether you're a leader trying to spark new ideas or someone pushing for change inside a rigid system, this conversation will help you reframe what's possible — and why creativity might be your greatest tool. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

How do we create real change in a world that feels stuck? A powerful framework to define decision-making roles - especially when the stakes are high. In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with renowned facilitator, author, and systems change expert, Adam Kahane to talk about how we move forward when collaboration feels harder than ever. With decades of experience helping unlikely allies work across deep divides, Adam shares lessons from his new book "Everyday Habits for Transforming Systems" and reflects on the power of radical engagement: showing up, staying curious, and choosing to work together—even when it's uncomfortable. From navigating burnout to embracing progress that isn't always visible, this conversation offers grounded insight for anyone committed to change. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking.

Is the Democratic Party facing a messaging crisis — or something deeper? This episode unpacks the post-election fallout and growing perception that Democrats are out of touch with working-class voters. In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Javelina's own David Waid — co-founder and VP of political campaigns — and political strategist Justin Plumb to dig into the latest trends in politics and campaigning. From media bubbles and Hollywood influence to populism, branding, and the internal tug-of-war between progressives and moderates, they explore the complex forces shaping today's political landscape. They also break down the tools and tactics shaping campaigns today — from AI and hyper-targeted ads to the unexpected power of authenticity — and what it will take to reach voters heading into the 2026 midterms. If you're trying to understand what's really happening inside political campaigns — or how to build a stronger, more inclusive movement — this conversation is essential listening. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube.

Clarity in decision-making is essential, especially under pressure. Discover a powerful framework known as the decision tree, which outlines four key roles: decision maker, included, consulted, and alerted. Hear real-world examples, including a high-stakes DEI scenario where clear roles helped avert confusion. Catherine Alonzo shares insights on how organizations can navigate challenges effectively and emphasizes the importance of preparedness for urgent situations. This clarity allows teams to make courageous decisions swiftly and meaningfully.