The PlayFull Podcast with Kristine Michie: Bringing Fun to the Serious Work of Changing the World

On this episode of The PlayFull Podcast , host Kristine Michie welcomes Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project, for an energizing and timely conversation on the future of local news. From joy-filled convenings to real-world impact through nonprofit journalism, Sarabeth brings clarity, creativity, and hope to one of democracy’s most urgent challenges. This is a story about rebuildi...

On this episode of The PlayFull Podcast , host Kristine Michie welcomes Vanessa Wakeman, founder of The Wakeman Agency, for a rich and candid conversation rooted in strategy, courage, and language. Vanessa brings decades of communications leadership to this episode, but it’s her ability to blend intention with imagination that truly resonates. Whether you're navigating high-stakes messaging, quest...

Kristine Michie welcomes longtime policy strategist and justice advocate Robert Raben in this Brave Voices episode of The PlayFull Podcast . Together, they explore how humor, faith, strategy, and emotional grounding can sustain meaningful work during times of cultural and political pushback. This is a deeply human and refreshingly unfiltered conversation about staying present, playful, and princip...

In this heartfelt group episode of The PlayFull Podcast , Kristine Michie brings together three powerful changemakers to reflect on the anniversaries of Marriage Equality and the Stonewall Uprising. Through stories that span decades of activism, personal transformation, and community celebration, these leaders explore the deep roots of LGBTQ+ resistance—and the power of joy, love, and play to push...

In this rich and timely episode of The PlayFull Podcast, host Kristine Michie reconnects with Glen Galaich of the Stupski Foundation for a bold and deeply reflective conversation. Drawing on the insights of many in the philanthropy space navigating choppy waters, Glen dissects what it means to show up differently in this moment of societal and sectoral reckoning. Listeners will find inspiration, c...

On this episode, Kristine Michie sits down with activist, strategist, and co-founder of the 22nd Century Initiative, Scot Nakagawa , joining our chorus of brave voices. With decades of experience confronting white supremacy, fascism, and authoritarianism, Scot shares his deeply rooted belief in joy, humor, and community as vital tools for resistance. Listeners will find both inspiration and ground...

In this powerful continuation of The PlayFull Podcast’s Brave Voices series, host Kristine Michie brings together a chorus of extraordinary changemakers—visionaries in gender justice, philanthropy, political peacebuilding, and social innovation—for a deeply honest, spirited conversation. What unfolds is a rare and refreshing look at how bravery, playfulness, discomfort, and connection intersect in...

In this moving kickoff to The PlayFull Podcast’s new “Brave Voices” series, host Kristine Michie is joined by Edgar Villanueva—author, activist, and founder of the Decolonizing Wealth Project—for a vulnerable, powerful conversation about truth-telling, repair, and joyful resistance. With deeply personal stories and bold new initiatives, Edgar and Kristine invite listeners into a visionary conversa...

We had to rewind this episode from just a few months back because Nancy’s reporting on DEI has become the Bible for those following this issue. In just the last week, Amazon, McDonald’s, and Merck shareholders and boards have all resoundingly rejected proposals to retreat or scale back on their diversity and equity initiatives! They join other powerhouses like John Deere, Yum! Brands, Levi’s, Cost...

Summary In this audience-favorite rewind episode, we explore the power of play, joy, and inclusive storytelling for driving transformative social change with Ada Williams Prince.  Known widely for her work with Melinda French Gates and Pivotal Ventures, our guest is a visionary nonprofit leader who has stepped out on her own, continuing to champion the voices and experiences of women and girl...

While many call today’s guest the father of play, Dr. Stuart Brown credits Aristotle and even our hunt-and-gather ancestors with first recognizing play as a way to get things done and make their world more livable. Nonetheless, modern play research (and inspiration for The PlayFull Podcast!) began with Dr. Brown, who has been studying play for as long as this host has been alive!  His interes...

In this milestone 100th episode of The PlayFull Podcast, Kristine Michie closes the Just Transition series in conversation with philanthropic futurist Trista Harris. Together, they offer a masterclass in harnessing imagination, possibility, and joy—even (especially!) in uncertain times. Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, navigating systems change, or simply trying to stay lit from within, this co...

On this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, host Kristine Michie welcomes Dimple Abichandani, a seasoned advocate and new author (her book, A New Era of Philanthrop y, is out this week!), for a deep and energizing conversation. Together, they explore how philanthropy must evolve for a just future, weaving in ancestral wisdom, collective action, and moral imagination. Listeners will find a rich blend...

In this episode, Kristine Michie explores philanthropy's critical challenges with Aaron Dorfman and Senowa Mize-Fox from the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP). They expose systemic gaps in funding: climate funders over-indexing on big orgs and tech solutions, foundations retreating from 2020 commitments, and the chronic under-resourcing of frontline organizations. For funders,...

In this episode, Kristine Michie talks with Chris Lawrence, Chief Program Officer at the Interledger Foundation, about reimagining financial access in a digitally connected world. They explore what it means to create systems that move with people—across borders, crises, and communities—through open protocols and inclusive design. From artist-led explorations of money to refugee wallets and cross-b...

In this episode, Kristine Michie sits down with Erin Axelrod from LIFT Economy to explore the mechanisms and practices that support the growth of a non-extractive, regenerative economy. Challenging traditional business paradigms, Erin explores how worker-owned enterprises, B-Corps movement, and even potluck dinners can transform economic systems to benefit all life - not just humans, but entire ec...

In this compelling episode, Kristine Michie sits down with Laurin Leonard, CEO and co-founder of R3 Score, to explore how businesses can make smarter, fairer hiring decisions. Laurin shares how outdated background checks create unnecessary barriers to employment for millions of Americans—and how her innovative approach is helping companies expand opportunities while managing risk. From addressing...

On this episode, Kristine Michie welcomes media veteran and optimism advocate Bill Burke for a conversation that will shift how you see the world. From leading TBS at age 29 to running The Weather Channel and now launching The Optimism Institute, Bill has spent his career exploring the power of storytelling, leadership, and play. He unpacks how optimism isn’t blind positivity but a practice—one th...

In this episode, Kristine Michie sits down with entrepreneur, activist, and change-maker Kat Gabrielle, a powerhouse in funding and supporting marginalized founders. Through personal stories, including a traumatic but transformative experience with racial violence, Kat shares how she embraced radical visibility and built The Well Work, a platform connecting Black women and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to...

Join Kristine Michie in this PlayFull exploration of how AI tools can be trained to be allies for the progressive movement. With guests Aram Fischer from Change Agent AI and Mikka Kei MacDonald from Community Change, this conversation cracks open how values-aligned tech can dismantle power imbalances, challenge the dominance of corporate giants, and invite more people to the table. If you've ever...

Host Kristine Michie interviews leaders Dino Foxx, Lora Smith, and Fernando Abarca about reimagining philanthropy to better serve communities. They discuss trust-based funding, breaking outdated rules, and how play and creativity fuel social change. This inspiring episode challenges conventional philanthropy, envisioning equitable resource flow, housing justice, and joyful movement work. Key Takea...

Join host Kristine Michie as she welcomes Blair Glencorse, co-founder of Accountability Lab, to discuss how play, storytelling, and unexpected partnerships can drive social change. From red-carpet celebrations for ethical leaders to using music and sports to fight corruption, Blair shares how moving from shame to fame might be the magic we need to create the just world we envision. Through his Int...

Nonprofit and philanthropic leaders dedicate themselves to service, but navigating corporate responsibility, social justice, and DEI backlash can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Kristine Michie sits down with ESG expert, corporate recruiter, and media professional Nancy Levine Stearns to discuss the current landscape of corporate DEI. In spite of mounting pressure—from activist shareholders to...

In this special Valentine’s Day gathering, host Kristine Michie welcomes back former guests to continue the conversation on what fuels their work. These leaders in philanthropy, activism, and social impact have shared their stories before, but in this episode, they reflect on the power of love—not just as a feeling, but as a deliberate choice that shapes leadership, fuels resilience, and sustains...

In this episode, Kristine sits down with Julia Roig of The Horizons Project to explore how “weaving” is the secret sauce to effective partnering, organizing, and collaborating. And in this moment, it’s what will help us sustain our movement and save democracy. They dive into the power of connection, the role of courageous action, and why play is essential in serious work. If you're looking for ins...