The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community

What if hope isn't just an emotion we feel, but a skill grounded in science that we can understand and cultivate? In this special episode, hosts Kris and Kamatara sit down with quantitative psychologist and hope expert Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino to explore the fascinating intersection of hope, resilience, trauma, and neurobiology. Together, they unpack what hope actually is, why it matters in the...

Join us for the final episode of Season 2 of The Big View Podcast, where we’ve been exploring the power of mindset: how it shapes our lives, our relationships with our families and communities, and the way we engage with the world. In this closing conversation, hosts Kamatara and Kris dive into the practice of generative dialogue, discussing what it means, how to cultivate it, and why it’s essenti...

In this episode, Kamatara and Kris explore how the process of Appreciative Inquiry opens up fresh possibilities in Big View and large-scale systems change work. Sometimes called “the Other AI,” Appreciative Inquiry asks powerful questions and identifies the present strengths of a person, group, community, or society. This asset-based approach invites change from a grounded place of vision and crea...

In Part 2 of our conversation with Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication, we continue exploring the role of empathic intelligence—this time focusing on its importance in navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict. Together, we dive into some passages from Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication to reflect on how empathy...

In this two-part series, Kris & Kamatara dive deep into the transformative power of empathic intelligence with special guest Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication. In Part 1, we explore what empathy and empathic intelligence truly are, including a breakdown of their two core components and the three types of empathy. We also discuss...

This episode is the final installment in our 3-part series on Centering People and Purpose. Special guests Andrew Sprock and Kayla Johnson (of Circles Grant County in Marion, Indiana) join Kamatara and Kris for a conversation about the vital role of Narrative Change in Big View work. Faced with critical issues after only a few years, Circles Grant County recognized that doing “business as usual” w...

In this episode, Kamatara and Kris continue a three-part series on Centering People & Purpose by diving into the third mindset of Big View: Transformational Relationships. Joining us is special guest Addie Hartnett, National Coach for Circles USA, who brings powerful insights from over a decade of experience in multiple roles across the poverty alleviation arena. What happens when we choose connec...

In this episode, Executive Director Kamatara Johnson and Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander kick off a three-part series on Centering People & Purpose, starting with the second mindset of Big View: Values-Based Organizing. What happens when we lead with what we stand for, not just what we stand against? Join us as we explore how shared values can be a powerful foundation for organizing work tha...

Join Circles USA’s Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander, and special guest Patty Herndon, Big View Chair and Circle Leader from Circles Davis County, as they explore the critical importance of centering those most impacted by the challenges of poverty. Together, they discuss how elevating lived experiences and amplifying the perspectives of strategically under...

What does Systems Change really mean, and how do we create it in ways that are transformative, long-lasting, and impactful at every level of society? Systems change addresses the root structures and policies that shape our lives, affecting everyone from those directly impacted by laws to those who hold the power to make them. But how do we create meaningful change that brings together perspectives...

What’s the real answer to poverty in our country? Ask anyone, and you’ll get an opinion—likely a different one from each person. Some argue that individual responsibility and "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" is the way forward; others believe a robust social safety net (in the form of benefits, programs, philanthropy, etc.) is the only way to ensure everyone has a fair chance. So, what’s t...

In the final episode of Season 1, we wrap up our journey through the five stages to prosperity with the last stage, Advancement. Here, individuals have now moved out of survival mode, built a foundation to withstand future crises, found purpose and belonging, and have reached a point of peaceful satisfaction and self-actualization. Kamatara and Yvette share how we can co-create equitable, thriving...

In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette dig into the fourth stage to prosperity, Placement. During this stage, individuals bring their newly gained skills and confidence into a workplace and community where they can have an impact, experiencing rich mutual reciprocity and a deep sense of belonging. Episode Transcript: circlesusa.org/s1e5

In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette explore the third stage to prosperity, Readiness, when individuals have the breathing space to make conscious choices about their futures. During this promising time, they can begin reconnecting with their dreams and tap into support networks to find new opportunities for personal and career growth. Episode Transcript: circlesusa.org/s1e4

In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette delve into the second stage to prosperity, Stabilization. With imminent threats mitigated, individuals in stabilization can focus their energy on building a strong foundation for their lives. As they gather a support system and access essential services, they transition into increased self-sufficiency in all arenas, preventing a return to crisis. Episode Transc...

In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette illustrate the first stage to prosperity, Crisis Intervention, emphasizing the importance of addressing immediate crises with the necessary interventions, support, and resources to help individuals move into stability. They also touch on the stigma that individuals are often battling in this phase and the valuable role that community can play in combating inter...

In this season premiere, Kamatara and Yvette give a brief overview of Season 1 and the 5 Stages to Prosperity: Crisis Intervention, Stabilization, Readiness, Placement and Advancement. Episode Transcript: circlesusa.org/s1e1