How to Change the World

"What if we were the seeds after a forest fire?"

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo welcomes back Luis Ávila, President and founder of Iconico - a company all about creating lasting, systemic change. Luis shares some of the biggest lessons he's learned about fostering progress in the midst of devastation, particularly during the chaos and challenges of the Trump administration. They discuss how changemakers can avoid getting overwhelmed by instead focusing on small, important steps that lead to meaningful change. In other words: planting seeds. Oftentimes, we feel like we need to think bigger in order to be impactful - when in reality, focusing on what we can do in the here and now, with the people we're currently surrounded by, is what makes the greatest difference.

Tune in to hear tips for how to focus our efforts where we can be most impactful, and to be reminded that the greatest story we can tell right now is one of hope. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo dives into the transformative power of storytelling for changemakers facing the challenges of 2025. With a new presidential administration and a heightened sense of uncertainty, effective communication is more vital than ever. Catherine shares practical strategies to help you inspire, educate, and lead with impact. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are by telling stories that reflect their current reality while equipping them with the knowledge they need to engage. At the same time, she highlights the power of inspiring hope by painting a vivid picture of the future you're working toward—showing how a better world is possible and motivating others to take action.

Catherine also explores the value of simplifying your message and explaining your work in clear, accessible terms that resonate with new audiences. Finally, she underscores the impact of sharing individual stories, reminding us that even in overwhelming times, personal narratives bring clarity, hope, and a deep connection to why our work matters. Packed with inspiration and actionable insights, this episode will help you harness the power of storytelling to create meaningful change.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Veronica Aguilar, an inspiring Arizona native, first-generation college student, and the founder of Young & Empowered Women. Veronica also serves as the Vice President of Recruitment for Teach For America, where she has dedicated over a decade to advocating for educational equity.

Catherine and Veronica discuss the power of storytelling in inspiring change, the importance of prioritizing self-care in leadership, and how to create a world where anyone—regardless of their background—can achieve their dreams. Veronica shares insights from her journey, from her time as a TFA corps member to her current leadership roles, and how her commitment to developing young female leaders is reshaping her community.

Tune in to hear how Veronica's work is empowering the next generation of leaders, one story and one dream at a time. Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch on Spotify or YouTube now!

What will drive social change in 2025? In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo explores key trends poised to shape the next year. From co-creating intergenerational, community-led efforts tailored to local needs, to embracing the role of AI and technology in advancing social change, Catherine highlights the tools and strategies we'll need to tackle the challenges ahead. She dives into the power of shifting the narrative to tell stories of hope and empowerment instead of fear and hate, understanding the unique influence of Gen Z and youth movements, and focusing on priorities amidst a sea of urgent issues. Whether you're a seasoned changemaker or just starting your journey, this episode of How to Change the World will inspire you to make 2025 a year of progress, collaboration, and positivity.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube or Spotify now!

2024 has been an incredible year for How to Change the World! Hosted by Catherine Alonzo, each episode brought powerful stories and insights from remarkable changemakers working to create a better world.

From bold leadership and advocacy to reimagining systems and inspiring action, Catherine's incredible conversations with our change-making guests reminded us what's possible when we work together.

Revisit your favorite moments or catch up on episodes you missed wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube now!

Thank you for listening and watching, and we'll be back with more incredible stories of change in 2025!

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Maggie Bauer and Eric DeMarco, members of the How to Change the World book club, to reflect on the thought-provoking reads of 2024. Together, they delve into themes of unexpected consequences, exploring how small choices can ripple into significant impacts. They discuss the complexities of repairing broken relationships, and how to approach these challenges with intention and humility. The conversation also dives into the critical topic of consuming less, examining what it means to live more sustainably in a world driven by excess. Tune in for insights, reflections, and inspiration to carry into the new year.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

Check out the How to Change the World book club's 2024 reading list below:

• Consumed by Aja Barber

• Where the Line is Drawn by Raja Shehadeh

• Same as Ever by Morgan Housel

• How Infrastructure Works by Deb Chachra

• On Repentance and Repair by Danya Ruttenberg

• Strangers to Ourselves by Rachel Aviv

• The Debt Trap by Josh Mitchell

• The Originalism Trap by Madiba Dennie

• Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer

• On Censorship by James LaRue

• A Renaissance of Our Own by Rachel Cargle

• The Right Call by Sally Jenkins

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo engages in a thought-provoking conversation with John Webster, a seasoned leader with a remarkable career spanning national security, politics, and community engagement. John brings a unique perspective with a diverse background that includes serving as a US Air Force officer, an intelligence planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the owner of Executive Millwork & Cabinetry.

They delve into John's role in the Republicans for Harris campaign in Arizona, exploring how he navigated political divides to foster unity and collaboration. The discussion expands to how politics influences every aspect of our lives and actionable ways to get involved—whether by running for office, joining committees, or canvassing for candidates.

John's extensive experience—from advising the US Ambassador to Finland on defense trade to teaching at the US Air Force Academy—highlights his dedication to enabling organizations and individuals to succeed. With advanced degrees from institutions like Oxford University and Arizona State University, John combines deep expertise with practical insight to inspire positive change.

This episode is packed with lessons on leadership, the power of civic action, and the importance of building bridges in an increasingly divided world. Tune in to learn how to step up, get involved, and make a difference in your community. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Javelina's own Justin Plumb, Political Strategist, and Elizabeth Davis, Marketing Strategist, to unpack lessons learned from a year of social change. From the results of the 2024 election to the change-making sector on the local level, they explore how the outcomes are shaping the political landscape and discuss their implications for Javelina's diverse clients—from political campaigns to businesses and nonprofits.

Listen as they share key insights from 2024, including shifts in voter behavior, trends that defined the year, and lessons learned that will help changemakers navigate the road ahead. Whether you're in politics, marketing, or community building, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to inspire your work to shape a better world.

In this episode of How to Change the World, Catherine Alonzo welcomes Leroy "Buster" Silva, a dynamic leader and advocate for Indigenous empowerment from the Pueblo of Laguna. Leroy is the Executive Director of the Laguna Community Foundation, where he spearheads initiatives to generate resources and support for the community. He is also the visionary behind Family+Indigenize+Thrive, an intergenerational movement revitalizing community wellness through partnerships and connection.

With a wealth of experience and deep-rooted commitment to his community, Leroy brings inspiring insights into how core values and active partnerships can transform lives. As a celebrated leader, he has received numerous honors, including being named a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Leader and a Native American 40 Under 40 honoree.

Join us as we explore Leroy's journey, his dedication to creating lasting change, and his vision for thriving Indigenous communities. Plus, learn why family, wellness, and meaningful connections fuel his personal mission to build a better future for generations to come.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

On this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with two remarkable leaders in social work, Brandie Reiner and Terri Waibel, to share the incredible story of passing SB 1036 through the Arizona Legislature. This groundbreaking bill adopts the Social Work Licensure Compact, which allows social workers to obtain licensure across multiple states, improving access to vital services for patients and reducing the hurdles of holding multiple licenses for practitioners.

Brandie Reiner, Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, Arizona Chapter, and Terri Waibel, founder and clinical director of Center for Compassion, share the significance of this legislation in addressing workforce shortages, expanding telehealth, and supporting patients and families. With Terri's deep expertise in grief and trauma and Brandie's leadership in public policy and behavioral health, the conversation highlights the impact of the Compact on both the social work profession and the communities it serves. Together, they explore the bill's potential to transform social work practice and improve public access to care.

Join Catherine, Brandie, and Terri as they delve into how this legislation is not only changing lives but shaping the future of social work in Arizona and beyond - and what lessons about driving change we can draw from their journey.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!