This week we're taking a plunge into the gulf of Mexico with marine biologist Chad Hanson.  Chad is a fisheries science and policy analyst at The Pew Charitable Trusts working on their Conserving Marine Life in the United States campaign. He studies the science and data critical to the health of the gulfs ecosystem and breaks it down to help inform partners and policy makers what actions we can take to conserve and restore coastal marine life. 

How do you know when love turns into something more nefarious? How do you recognize the signs of an abusive relationship? What do you do when a friend turns for you for help? Rachelle Nesta turns on her mic to answer these questions and more. The Director of Development at New Beginnings—a nonprofit that's hard at work in the Seattle area empowering survivors, raising community awareness and ending domestic violence—Rachelle lets survivors know that they are not alone and New Beginnings is there for them when they're ready. 

This week, we're joined by Constanza Roeder. She is the founder and CEO of Hearts Need Art, a nonprofit whose mission is to create moments of joy, self-expression, and connection for those facing life-altering health challenges. Think Patch Adams with a paint brush and guitar.  A singer,  adolescent leukemia survivor and speaker, Constanza is on a mission to humanize health care through the arts. She's the type of person whose passion radiates from her, it's both contagious and inspiring. It's a conversation I won't soon forget.

This week, we're talking to 60 year old Patent Lawyer, Tim Markison. In late September, Tim embarked on a 3,000 mile journey from San Diego California to St. Augustine Florida on his bicycle. His aim is to increase awareness of child abuse prevention and promote healing for its victims. A survivor himself, Tim is raising money to prevent this epidemic from continuing to plague future generations through the Interwoven Circles Foundation. Tim's story is not of pain and heartbreak but a story of finding the courage to heal from a traumatic past to give hope for the future. 

This second half of Miking Change's conversation with Terry Anderson, the executive director of Cartoonists Rights Network International.  CRNI is a human rights non-profit specifically for cartoonists whose work has lead to a threat on their life or liberty.  In part two, Terry dives into their mission and shares stories of brave cartoonists all around the world risking life and liberty to practice their craft. 

Like Michael Jordan in Space Jam, Miking Change jumps into the world of cartoons with Terry Anderson, the executive director of Cartoonists Rights Network International.  CRNI is a human rights non-profit specifically for cartoonists whose work has lead to a threat on their life or liberty.  In part one, Terry explains how political cartoons play a critical role in our public discourse and when threatened—can be a sign of a democracy in decline. 
 

In this brief episode, Jesse grabs the microphone to interpret how the conversations on Miking Change have challenged him and inspired growth. 

Disability rights activist Daniel Hodges joins Miking Change to talk about Peaces of Me, a young nonprofit that promotes universal access and inclusion for those living with a disabilities and chronic illness. Founding the organization all while juggling law school, Daniel's perspective has been profoundly shaped by his experience as a blind man living with chronic pain and other conditions. He has spent a lifetime surpassing the low expectations placed on him and has made it his personal calling to aid others living with a disability and chronic illness reach their full potential. 

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, or NWIRP, joins Miking Change to discuss immigration law. NWIRP 's mission is to promote justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. They envision a world where all persons are afforded justice and equity, regardless of where they were born. Staff attorney Emma Rekart talks with Jesse about inequities that exist with in the United State's immigration system and the myths around deserving or undeserving immigrants. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness | Seattle's mission is to address the unmet mental health needs within our community through support, referral, education, and outreach. They are working to create a world where all those impacted by mental illness know they are not alone, and are empowered to live a fulfilling life. 

Jeremiah Bainbridge, Development Manager, joins Miking Change to discuss the stigma around mental illness. A mental health activist, Jeremiah brings a lived experience to the topic and gives listeners a vivid picture of what its like to navigate both the health care system and the justice system with mental illness.