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

Kristine Michie brings together a dynamic group of changemakers to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead for those working to protect democracy, equity, and justice. This episode dives into the evolving landscape of power, the importance of community, and how joy can be an act of resistance. Whether you are in the nonprofit world, government, or grassroots organizing, this episode offers...

Listen in as Kristine and Dale discuss: The 50K local journalists that have lost their jobs in the last 10 years and why this is a foundational problem for community and democracy Local news gives us local things to talk about; this is vital to growing community connections The many ways philanthropy can support local news, both for-profit and nonprofit Why systems change always includes narrative...

Listen in as Kristine and Joseph discuss: What avocado toast has to do with narrative change Who’s worthy of investment and what we lose when we don’t realize it How to center and insist on joy Somersaulting as a management tool Why work in cities is powerful The vision of Living Cities that everyone in an American city can live an abundant, economically sustainable, thriving, connected and health...

In this episode you’ll meet Jean Oelwang, CEO of Virgin Unite, who’s had the privilege to work (and play!) with global luminaries like Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela, Peter Gabriel, and Desmond Tutu, using joy and fun to crack the code on solving the world’s biggest problems.  You’ll hear inside scoop on how her boss, Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson, prefers pranks and practical jokes to Power...

In this episode, global philanthropic star Latanya Mapp shares how decades of play and purpose infuse her leadership style and help her shine bright as CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. Tales of voices lifted in song, a passion for the clarinet, and a penchant for Play-Doh fill our conversation and make clear Latanya is no stranger to play! She has used it for years to get things done and...

In this episode: We first met Lyft CEO David Risher one year ago when he joined us for a free-wheeling discussion about growing and sustaining a culture of play in corporate America. Listen in as he reveals that his time running an international nonprofit was great preparation for leading the global ride share company – and try to guess which one he declares more playful! As we step into the expec...

Join Kristine Michie for this year-end episode, a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with her parents, Jim and Kathleen Stiven. As they reflect on decades of activism, advocacy, and art education, this episode beautifully weaves together lessons on empathy, resilience, and the transformative power of play. Whether you're a change-maker or someone seeking joy in meaningful work, this episode will...

Join Kristine Michie and PlayFull’s producer Doug Sandler as they celebrate an incredible year of The PlayFull Podcast . Through reflections on standout episodes and impactful conversations held during a tumultuous year, they explore how joy and play can be both a buffer and powerful tool to transform leadership, spur social change, and enhance personal well-being. Featuring stories from global le...

Join Kristine Michie as she dives into the world of play with Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks. Together, they explore how play can transform schools, workplaces, and communities by fostering joy, resilience, and connection. From adapting play for virtual platforms during the pandemic to partnering with nonprofits nationwide, this episode offers an inspiring look at how small, playful changes c...

Kristine Michie and a group of changemakers discuss resilience and joy post-2024 election. They share anecdotes, reflections, and strategies on rest, ancestral wisdom, and community in advocacy. This episode inspires and offers practical ways to make an impact, blending play and purpose. Key Takeaways: Rest as resistance ensures sustainable advocacy. Ancestral wisdom provides grounding and strateg...

In this episode, Kristine Michie dives deep with Andrea Longton—author of Social Justice Investor, professional investor and activist—on how individuals can transform their financial decisions into meaningful social and climate justice commitments. From simplifying complex financial concepts to sharing empowering stories, Andrea reveals the tools and mindset shifts necessary to align personal weal...

In this episode, Kristine Michie joins Imara Jones, CEO and founder of TransLash Media, in exploring how storytelling shapes cultural perspectives and advances social change. Imara shares her journey as a change-agent and explains how TransLash illuminates the humanity of trans people to create new narratives. Together, they discuss the importance of joy as an internally-generated survival tool an...

On today's podcast, 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 girls of color to build a more jus...

This week’s episode was recorded six days before the 2024 Presidential election, and dropped two days after. As we chatted, Ana Marie and I tried to comfort and challenge our future selves as we moved into a week of unknowns. Listen in as Kristine and Ana Marie discuss: A broad and inclusive definition of philanthropy. How pluralism differs from seeking common ground. Playfully imagining possibili...

Listen in as Kristine and Ronda discuss: How to get people off the sidelines on climate–reaching those who are concerned but not activated Why women hold the key to an abundant climate future: They are the most impacted and the most impactful when it comes to this issue The genesis of Project Dandelion and why the dandelion is the perfect and powerful symbol for a women-led climate justice movemen...

Listen in as Kristine and Joseph discuss: How avocado toast proves the lasting and transformative effect of narrative change Who’s worthy of investment and what we lose when we don’t realize it How to center and insist on joy Somersaulting as a management tool Why work in cities is powerful The vision of Living Cities that everyone in an American city can live an abundant, economically sustainable...

Listen in as Kristine and Eric discuss: How to change the conversation from who is racist, to what is racism Their shared but completely different experience living through school desegregation in California in the 1970s The first time Eric tried to right a wrong – hint: at an amusement park when he was five years old How kids can transcend, resist, and connect even when the grown-ups do not. Or s...

Listen in as Kristine and Trabian discuss: How cognitive science provides tools and evidence for moving from deficit-framing to asset-framing Why it’s our choices that define us, not our circumstances – and this is the most powerful way to identify ourselves and others Why we act on what we perceive to be true, forgetting that perceptions are faulty, fleeting, and can be changed in an instant What...

Listen in as Kristine and Charisse discuss: Defining racism, why anti-racism is a core value at Next Street, and why it should be a core value for all of us That black is a rainbow color and having deep conversations with kids through play and creativity Rewriting the game, inviting others to play, and crafting new rules from an equity framing The tangible and intangible things that lead to a beau...

Listen in as Kristine and Ali discuss: Creating a compelling narrative around why our institutions should serve everyone Mitigating the corrosive effects of polarization Building national institutions that are strong enough to deliver on the needs of the American people The Hewlett Foundation’s focus on trustworthy elections, democratic infrastructure, and dependable institutions The importance of...

Since recording this episode with Joe in the Spring a lot has happened.  The always-salient issues of how to protect and grow democracy have added urgency in the current climate, and philanthropy’s involvement is more needed than ever. Here’s an excerpt from his op-ed on political violence in The Chronicle of Philanthropy : “To preserve the nation’s democracy, [philanthropic] support can’t on...

UPDATE since we recorded!!! Check out Ben & Jerry’s new democracy-themed flavor – Churn Out the Vote – in stores and scoop shops now! Listen in as Kristine and Palika discuss: What closing a prison, cannabis equity, and fighting the death penalty have to do with ice cream What it means to work for a company that has been rooted in joy and justice, and how that can lure a community organizer in...

Listen in as Kristine and Jeanine discuss: Growing up in a family (with sister, Stacey!) that knew the power of play  Being relentless and relentlessly-positive while doing difficult change work and facing challenges every day from every direction The Census, CDC, redistricting, and other things that only sound dry but are actually the beating heart of our democracy  The importance of pl...

For the last 12 months, Taharka Brothers Ice Cream, based in Baltimore, has sent its award-winning ice cream to PlayFull guests all over the US.  This episode was recorded on location at the Taharka Factory in Maryland with two of its employee-owners, “Cousin” Vinny Green and Mike Prokop. Listen in as Kristine, Vinny and Mike discuss: Turning a part-time, teenage job into a decades-long caree...

Listen in as Kristine and LaTosha discuss: The evolution of the 2024 US Election from “Imagine the consequences” to “Imagine the possibilities.” Being part of a record breaking, nationwide community organizing initiative for and by Black women in support of Kamala - and how that rippled into collective action across socio-political boundaries. Why the Harris and Walz presidential ticket is more re...