AI needs power. A lot of power. But what happens when that power comes from 35 unpermitted gas turbines dropped into the middle of a historic Black neighborhood?

In this episode, Eric sits down with Dr. Sacoby Wilson, award-winning environmental health scientist and recent Heinz Award for the Environment honoree, who’s helping Boxtown in Memphis push back against Elon Musk’s xAI “Colossus” data center. Dr. Wilson breaks down how data centers are becoming the newest front in environmental and energy justice, why the pollution burden keeps landing on the same communities, and what they're doing about it.

We talk about “IMpowerment Science,” community air monitoring, climate redlining, regenerative agriculture, and what it really takes to turn data into power for frontline communities. Then Eric and Kirk reconnect to unpack what this fight says about philanthropy, technology, and who gets left out of our big, shiny visions of the future.

If this conversation hits home for you, follow Let’s Hear It and leave a quick rating or review—it helps more people find these stories and the people behind them.

On the latest Let’s Hear It, Eric sits down with the unstoppable Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America — and wow, is this one a shot of optimism for your civic soul.

From growing up in California’s Central Valley to becoming the first Latina Chief of Staff in the U.S. Senate, to running Hillary Clinton’s 2016 political operation, Amanda has seen power from every angle. Now she’s using all that experience to reimagine how government can actually work for people — with systems that are simple, fair, and human.

Amanda and Eric dig into how Code for America is helping states modernize public services, why good government is built in everyday interactions, and what gives her hope even in turbulent times.

A must-listen for anyone who still believes democracy works best when it works for everyone.

🎧 Listen now — and if Amanda’s optimism gives you a lift, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review Let’s Hear It wherever you get your podcasts.

Nonprofits are essential, but are they getting what they need to succeed? And what happens when philanthropy clings to old habits while democracy teeters?

In this episode, Eric sits down with writer, humorist, and nonprofit truth-teller Vu Le, creator of Nonprofit AF. With his trademark mix of sharp wit and blunt honesty, Vu pulls no punches on everything from “crappy funding practices” to the SkyMall-style whims of foundations, to the urgent need for philanthropy to get serious in defending democracy and the most vulnerable communities.

It’s not all fire and brimstone—Vu reminds us why joy itself is resistance, shares what keeps him hopeful (spoiler: snakes and the 3.5% rule), and even previews the joke-turned-fan-demanded one-man show you never knew you needed.

If you’ve ever wondered how nonprofits can thrive in spite of their funding structures this conversation is just what you’ve been waiting for.

💡 Vu’s new book Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy comes out October 14, and Nonprofit AF returns to Substack on August 19.

In this episode of Let's Hear It, Eric sits down with two public interest comms powerhouses—Ann Searight Christiano and Angela Bradbery—who’ve just dropped what might be the most anticipated textbook in our field: Public Interest Communications Strategy for Change Makers. 

Ann and Angela share how their years in the trenches at places like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Public Citizen shaped this groundbreaking resource—and why storytelling, systems thinking, and listening (really listening) are the keys to actually making change. They discuss their “six spheres of influence,” the “back-of-the-envelope” strategy tool, and why being strategic isn’t the same as shouting into the void (no offense to your latest TikTok brainstorm).

It’s a lively, insightful conversation filled with warmth, humility, and a generous dose of “finally, someone wrote this down.” If you’ve ever had a boss say, “just make it go viral,” this one’s for you.

Enjoy the episode—and if you love it, don’t forget to follow, rate, and review. Your support helps others find the show (and helps keep us off TikTok, which we would suck at).

Let’s Hear It is back after a brief break—and we’re diving into one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had yet. In this episode, Eric sits down with Rachael Kagan, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Blue Shield of California Foundation. With a background in journalism and public health, Rachael has channeled her experience into creating The Journalist Playbook—a practical, compassionate, and groundbreaking tool for improving how domestic violence is covered in the media.

Together, they unpack the why and how of this innovative resource, the effect it’s already having across California newsrooms, and what it means to truly shift the narrative around domestic violence. This isn’t just a tool for reporters—it’s a model for how philanthropy, journalism, and advocacy can work together to drive lasting change.

You’ll also hear candid reflections on Rachael’s journey from the frontlines of health communications to the strategic heights of philanthropy, plus a moving reminder that domestic violence affects far more people than we may realize—58% of Californians, to be exact.

Find the playbook at LetsEndDV.org and the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

We’re thrilled to be back—thanks for welcoming us into your ears. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review!

What makes an effective communicator in today’s chaotic political landscape? This week, Eric sits down with the legendary Doug Hattaway—founder of Hattaway Communications, political strategist, and storytelling expert—to find out. From his early days in journalism and politics to helping shape the way nonprofits, foundations, and campaigns communicate, Doug shares the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Together, they dive into why voting is expressive, not transactional, the role of AI in strategic messaging, and how we can bridge political divides through effective communication. Plus, Kirk and Eric unpack why the failure to build meaningful engagement infrastructure has led us to where we are today—and what needs to happen next.

If you care about messaging that actually moves people, don’t miss this.

Tune in, get inspired, and if you like what you hear, don’t forget to rate and review!

What’s the economy for, anyway? Shouldn’t time, happiness, and beauty be at the center of our lives? We know this sounds, er, quaint, given the times, but don’t we all need a bit of beauty right now? This week, Eric sits down with writer, filmmaker, and activist John de Graaf, whose decades-long career has been dedicated to challenging the culture of overwork, overconsumption, and environmental neglect.

From his groundbreaking PBS documentary Affluenza to his advocacy for shorter workweeks and his latest film project on the progressive, activist roots of America the Beautiful, John has consistently asked the big questions about what makes life truly worth living. In this thoughtful and engaging conversation, he shares his perspective on the bipartisan politics of beauty, how nature and shared public spaces can bring people together, and why he’s spent his life working his butt off so we don’t have to.

It’s a rich discussion full of humor, history, and a call to rethink what progress really means. And we really mean it.

Find John and his work at johndegraaf.com.

Loved this episode? Follow, rate, and review Let’s Hear It so more people can find these conversations.

Is Wikipedia the last bastion of truth on the internet?

Eric speaks with Anusha Alikhan, the Chief Communications Officer for the Wikimedia Foundation – the nonprofit behind Wikipedia, the internet's largest encyclopedia.

Anusha shares insights into how Wikipedia grew from a scrappy experiment into a trusted global resource with 50 billion monthly views and over 60 million articles in 334 languages. They discuss Wikipedia’s unique consensus-driven model, its fight against bias and misinformation, and the existential challenges posed by AI tools like ChatGPT, which heavily rely on Wikimedia’s vast trove of data.

Curious about the quirky side of Wikipedia? Anusha reveals some of her favorite fun facts, like professional ironing (yes, it’s a sport!) and "cute aggression." And for those worried about the future of truth in a world driven by algorithms, Anusha shares why she's optimistic, and why human editors will always be essential.

Eric and Kirk also explore the deeper question: What can philanthropy and society learn from Wikipedia’s transparent, collaborative model? From the importance of trust and knowledge equity to the challenges of surveillance capitalism, this conversation hits all the big questions about the internet’s past, present, and future.

Don’t miss this engaging and thought-provoking episode with one of the most insightful voices in nonprofit tech!

Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe so more people can discover Let's Hear It. See you next time!

It’s a brand-new year, a new season, and… a brand-new low? Nah!! This week, Let’s Hear It flips the script as co-host Eric Brown interviews the mystery man himself, Kirk Brown. That’s right—our favorite interlocutor steps into the hot seat to reflect on his fascinating journey from humble Iowan roots to becoming a nonprofit communications force of nature.

Kirk shares how growing up amidst Iowa’s agricultural rhythms and caucus-season chaos shaped his worldview, his approach to climate work, and his knack for community-driven solutions. You’ll hear about his leap into advocacy, running a nonprofit media shop, and his work founding Recharge America—a bold initiative sparking grassroots engagement around clean energy.

Expect laughs (we’re looking at you, Kirk’s Hollywood sunburn story), insights into the evolving communications landscape, and a big picture look at why creating enduring political constituencies is the secret sauce for real change.

Plus, Eric and Kirk dive into the big themes: How do we overcome disinformation, build local trust, and organize for meaningful, sustainable progress? This episode is packed with ideas for funders, advocates, and anyone passionate about driving change—community by community.

Join us as we kick off Season 7 with humor, heart, and some Kirk Brown wisdom you didn’t know you needed. And as always, please rate and review us wherever you listen—because it really helps more people find the show!

Need a dose of hope and perspective after a tough election season? Join Let's Hear It co-host Eric Brown for a conversation with Takema Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Converge, a social justice communications consulting firm.

Drawing on her background in art and African American studies, Takema brings a refreshing perspective on how imagination and creativity are essential for social change. She reminds us that even in challenging times, we need "imagineers" who can envision a more inclusive future.

After two decades of working with major foundations and nonprofits across the U.S., Takema shares practical wisdom about playing the long game when it comes to social justice. She emphasizes that real change happens over generations, not election cycles. From her current home base in Jamaica (the country, not Eric’s birthplace), she explains how stepping back has given her a broader view of America's challenges and opportunities.

The conversation tackles tough questions about what's next for racial justice and democracy after recent setbacks. Takema reminds us that we all need just a little space to process, breathe, and clear our heads before putting our shoulders to the wheel for the task ahead of us.

She points to encouraging signs of progress, like the growing infrastructure for civic engagement across the South, while acknowledging there's still much to do. As she puts it, the goal should be to "make America great for the first time" - building a truly inclusive democracy that works for everyone.

For foundation and nonprofit leaders feeling overwhelmed by current events, this episode offers a bit of comfort and a constructive path forward. Takema's blend of strategic thinking and heartfelt optimism provides a welcome antidote to, well, you know.