How to Change the World

How can local leadership truly make a difference in a world that needs hope? In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Representative Sean Camacho, elected official for Colorado House District 6, covering East Denver, to unpack the disconnect between voters and politicians - and what we can do about it. A lifelong public servant, Air Force Academy graduate, and lawyer, Sean brings a rare mix of military discipline, legal expertise, and heartfelt commitment to civic duty. Catherine and Sean explore the truth behind common political frustrations: Why does it feel like nothing ever changes? What happens after we vote? And how can regular people influence the decisions that affect our everyday lives? Whether you're feeling disillusioned with politics or fired up to make a difference, this conversation sheds light on what's really going on behind the scenes - and why showing up matters more than ever. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

When people see you everywhere, they start to believe in your legitimacy. In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with two PR powerhouse - Shanté Micah and Josh Moody, co-founders of visibility intelligence company Good News - to break down what it really takes to get your message in front of the media, and why visibility is essential for changemakers today. Shanté is a veteran PR strategist and author of PR Power Play, known for helping entrepreneurs and changemakers turn powerful stories into earned media wins. Josh is a systems architect and digital marketing strategist who has built scalable PR tech used by hundreds of founders to boost credibility, drive inbound leads, and expand their influence. Together, they break down why visibility matters now more than ever - and how to build it intentionally. From pitching smarter to automating the behind-the-scenes grind, this conversation offers practical insights for anyone ready to grow their impact through media. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your reach, this episode will help you trade hustle for strategy - and start showing up where it counts. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

What if the way we've been taught to make change is actually holding us back? In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo is joined by consultant, author, and systems-change strategist Heather Hiscox to explore what's broken in the way changemakers approach impact - and how we can do better. Heather is the founder of Pause for Change and author of No More Status Quo, a powerful call to action for leaders ready to disrupt outdated models and create lasting change through experimentation, empathy, and equity. Together, Catherine and Heather unpack some of the biggest frustrations changemakers face: slow-moving systems, resistance to innovation, and the pressure to have all the answers. Heather shares her proven approach to overcoming these obstacles by shifting from rigid plans to testable solutions - ensuring that communities are not just consulted, but centered. With stories from her own journey and lessons from the field, Heather offers listeners a practical, people-first framework for doing good better. This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit professionals, civic leaders, and mission-driven organizations looking to elevate their impact in a rapidly changing world. Tune in for refreshing honesty, actionable takeaways, and a new lens on what it really means to lead change in 2025 and beyond.

In this special rerun of our very first episode from February 2018, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Jeannette Maré, the Founder of Ben's Bells Project. She shares the deeply moving story of her son Ben and how simple yet profound acts of kindness helped her navigate the darkest period of her life. Through Ben's Bells, Jeannette has built a nonprofit dedicated to spreading kindness, fostering connection, and inspiring communities to be more compassionate. This conversation will leave you inspired, reminding us all that kindness isn't just a nice idea—it's a force for real, meaningful change. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform to revisit where How to Change the World all began!

"That's how I think about adaptation, it's not assimilation. You're not giving up the best parts of yourself to fit in or so that people will like you. You're consciously choosing from an empowered place." What does it mean to create change right where you are? In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Trystan Reese, author, storyteller, and longtime advocate for trans inclusion, to explore the power of influence in our everyday lives. Trystan shares his personal journey, from going viral as a trans parent to building a career in diversity, equity, and inclusion. With nearly two decades in the trans community, Trystan offers insights on how each of us can use our unique sphere of influence to foster a more just and inclusive world. Tune in for a conversation on storytelling, advocacy, and the everyday actions that create lasting impact. Watch now on YouTube and Spotify!

"The right story at the right time can change everything." In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo dives into one of the most essential topics for changemakers right now: storytelling in a crisis. With the Trump administration's attacks on marginalized and historically underrepresented communities, Catherine explains why storytelling is more important than ever in times like this. She also shares the common mistakes to avoid, and how you can craft stories that not only capture attention but drive action. Your stories shape how people understand the time we're in right now - and most importantly, what they do next. Tune in for clear, actionable tips on how to make sure those stories create real change. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

"Remember that we are the majority - and we've got to start acting like it." In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo welcomes Mini Timmaraju, abortion access advocate and President of Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), to talk about how Mini is fighting back and moving reproductive rights forward in a time of great opposition. Mini shares with Catherine the personal story that solidified her commitment to abortion advocacy, as well as what success looks like for the abortion advocacy movement now. Listen to hear more about Mini's strategic and storytelling approach to advocacy and building progress amidst opposition, including the importance of sharing stories about both the struggles and the triumphs. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

"What if we were the seeds after a forest fire?" In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo welcomes back Luis Ávila, President and founder of Iconico - a company all about creating lasting, systemic change. Luis shares some of the biggest lessons he's learned about fostering progress in the midst of devastation, particularly during the chaos and challenges of the Trump administration. They discuss how changemakers can avoid getting overwhelmed by instead focusing on small, important steps that lead to meaningful change. In other words: planting seeds. Oftentimes, we feel like we need to think bigger in order to be impactful - when in reality, focusing on what we can do in the here and now, with the people we're currently surrounded by, is what makes the greatest difference. Tune in to hear tips for how to focus our efforts where we can be most impactful, and to be reminded that the greatest story we can tell right now is one of hope. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo dives into the transformative power of storytelling for changemakers facing the challenges of 2025. With a new presidential administration and a heightened sense of uncertainty, effective communication is more vital than ever. Catherine shares practical strategies to help you inspire, educate, and lead with impact. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are by telling stories that reflect their current reality while equipping them with the knowledge they need to engage. At the same time, she highlights the power of inspiring hope by painting a vivid picture of the future you're working toward—showing how a better world is possible and motivating others to take action. Catherine also explores the value of simplifying your message and explaining your work in clear, accessible terms that resonate with new audiences. Finally, she underscores the impact of sharing individual stories, reminding us that even in overwhelming times, personal narratives bring clarity, hope, and a deep connection to why our work matters. Packed with inspiration and actionable insights, this episode will help you harness the power of storytelling to create meaningful change. 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 Veronica Aguilar, an inspiring Arizona native, first-generation college student, and the founder of Young & Empowered Women. Veronica also serves as the Vice President of Recruitment for Teach For America, where she has dedicated over a decade to advocating for educational equity. Catherine and Veronica discuss the power of storytelling in inspiring change, the importance of prioritizing self-care in leadership, and how to create a world where anyone—regardless of their background—can achieve their dreams. Veronica shares insights from her journey, from her time as a TFA corps member to her current leadership roles, and how her commitment to developing young female leaders is reshaping her community. Tune in to hear how Veronica's work is empowering the next generation of leaders, one story and one dream at a time. Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch on Spotify or YouTube now!