The Negative Space Podcast

What if we've been trying to solve the wrong problem? In this episode of The Negative Space , Patricia McLoughlin sits down with Chad Houser, founder and CEO of Café Momentum, to explore how a restaurant became a catalyst for transforming the lives of justice-involved youth. Together, they discuss the power of second chances, the systems that too often hold young people back, and why creating oppo...

Since the Dobbs decision, reproductive rights advocates have been navigating a rapidly changing legal and cultural landscape. In this episode of The Negative Space, Patricia McLoughlin sits down with Julia Taylor Kennedy of the Center for Reproductive Rights to discuss how abortion restrictions are impacting healthcare, workplaces, and communities across the country. Together, they explore the pow...

The Power of a Blank Page with The Strangers Project What happens when we put down our phones and share our stories with strangers? In the Season 2 premiere of The Negative Space , host Patricia McLoughlin sits down with Brandon Doman , founder of The Strangers Project , and designer and community strategist Exa Kutler to explore the power of human connection in an increasingly disconnected world....

Rising sea levels, eroding coastlines and worsening storms threaten communities worldwide, while anti-climate agendas stall critical action. The Surfrider Foundation has spent decades at the intersection of grassroots activism and policy change, fighting to protect our oceans and encourage systemic action. In the face of growing anti-climate action, we’re joined with Surfrider CEO, Chad Nelsen, as...

In a country reeling from mass shootings—with only thoughts and prayers offered—Moms Demand Action is on the frontlines of the fight for gun safety. With a powerful network of over 400 chapters nationwide, they’re challenging the very systems that perpetuate gun violence at the root. We spoke with Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, to spotlight their work in tackling...

From banned books to restricted speech in schools, censorship is surging—with stories that live outside the mainstream being cast to the margins. With Project 2025 and the new administration pushing for deep-rooted information control, the danger isn’t just in banned books—it’s in the ideas they hold. Nick Higgins of Brooklyn Public Library broke down how this legacy institution is fighting back,...

The Internet’s tides are changing—social media is not what it used to be back in 2008. As the digital world shifts, social media platforms are now more than just virtual spaces, but battlegrounds for privacy and autonomy. Tracy Chou, founder of Block Party, is on a mission to take the power back from corporate algorithms and give it to users. We spoke with Chou to lay bare the chaotic evolution of...

When the earth quakes or sociopolitical issues arise, World Central Kitchen is on the frontlines—often even before journalists. Powered by a global supply chain of advocates and (yes) chefs, it’s been a pioneering force in humanitarian aid since 2010. From serving up life-saving meals in crisis zones to navigating aid in regions like Gaza, we sat down with Linda Roth, CCO of WCK, to explore the co...

In a post-Roe reality, the fight for reproductive freedom hasn’t stopped—it just got a new look. With abortion access under attack, digital censorship silencing providers, and legal gray zones complicating care, the abortion pill has become a frontline tool for autonomy. Francine Coeytaux, one of the original founders of Plan C, joins us to unpack the realities of self-managed care and hidden barr...

Nearly a decade after the landmark case legalizing gay marriage—the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities nationwide are under attack. With government-led erasure and rising anti-Queer legislation on the rise, Jim Obergefell joins us to reflect on his historic Supreme Court case, unpack the right-wing backlash and pull lessons from his playbook for resistance.  Guest : Jim Obergefell is the named pl...