Why Change? A Podcast for the Creative Generation

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. In this episode you’ll learn: How creativity and “quiet time” are intertwined; Why we must take time...

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...

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 disc...

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. In this episode you’ll learn: How T...

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...

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 i...

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...

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. In this episode you’ll learn: How you can increase civic participati...

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 philanthr...

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. In this episode you’ll learn: The ways in which the teaching...

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. In this episode you’ll learn...

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 theme...

During this episode of Why Change? Co-hosts Jeff and Madeleine discuss the changes to their work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and the interdisciplinary leadership of teaching artists and cultural practitioners over the last year. Madeleine chats with Fié Neo, an interdisciplinary artist based in Singapore, who has worked as a fashion designer, participatory artist, and has applied her knowled...

During this fourth episode of Why Change? you will meet one of our co-hosts, Madeleine McGirk. Madeleine is an actor and teaching artist and leads a global network supporting participatory artists. She has an interest in politics, social change through the arts, and inspiring, powerful women leaders. In this episode, you’ll learn: About efforts to connect the global field of teaching artists Madel...

During this third episode of Why Change? you will meet one of our co-hosts, Ashraf Hasham. Ashraf is from Seattle and brings a youth-focused and creative viewpoint to the conversation. He discusses the connections between his family coming from Pakistan to the United States, leadership coming from his artistic skills, and and landing jobs with youth-led organizations and the Seattle Office of Arts...

During this second episode of Why Change? , you’ll meet one of our co-hosts, Rachael Jacobs. Rachael is a university lecturer, dancer, aerialist, and political and social activist whose work is grounded in creativity and cultural consciousness. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why arts activism plays a huge role in every aspect of Rachaels life. An arts-based strategy to gather community to advocate...

During this first episode of Why Change? , you’ll meet one of our co-hosts, Karla Estela Rivera. Karla is a writer, performer, activist, and arts advocate who uses storytelling to uplift folks in underserved communities in Chicago. In this episode, you will learn: The ways storytelling have connected Karla to her communities in Puerto Rico and Chicago; The creative impacts Karla has made within he...

Welcome to Why Change? A Podcast for the Creative Generation ! We bring listeners around the globe to learn how arts, culture, and creativity — especially as applied by young people — can change the world, one community at a time. This podcast shares timely news and dives deep into the work of young creatives who catalyze social change and those who are committed to cultivating their creativity. L...