Progress Reimagined

For activists and organizers worldwide, digital tools have become vital infrastructure for creating change. Yet most rely on platforms designed for other purposes, with business models that don't prioritize movement needs. Emil Vincentz, Executive Director at Acter, discusses how their encrypted organizing app is building technology that truly serves social movements rather than extracting value from user data and attention. This conversation explores the challenges of digital organizing in an era of increased authoritarianism, the importance of secure and usable tools, and how decentralized technology can help preserve activist spaces. Whether you're an activist, community organizer, or simply concerned about digital rights, this discussion offers valuable insights on creating technology that puts people before profit.

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Key Topics:
-The difference between mobilizing vs. organizing in social movements
-How current digital tools shape activist organizing (often not for the better)
-Matrix protocol and decentralized technology for movement security
-Designing technology that respects user attention and privacy
-Security challenges for activists in restrictive environments
-Creating sustainable movement structures that don't rely on individuals
-Balancing usability with security in activist technology

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📖 Further Reading
Polycrisis
Digital Hygiene
Digital Security Tips for Protesters
Mesh Network
Gen Z Has Regrets
About Matrix

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Connect With Acter:
Acter App available on iOS and Android app stores
Digital Activism Podcast: https://acter.global/podcast/
Reach out to Emil: emil at acter.global or hello at acter.global
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acter-global/posts/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/acterglobal.bsky.social
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acterglobal/

Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.

From organic waste to fast fashion, tune in to this episode to discover how we can collectively transform trash into resources, curb wasteful production, and decarbonize our planet.

Discover how our linear "take-make-dispose" system wastes limited resources and how the circular economy transforms waste to resource opportunities. Join Ian McKee, founder of the Carrot Network, as he reveals how environmental economics and sustainable business models revolutionize resource management. Learn why organic waste which accounts for more than half of global waste is fully recyclable, how Extended Producer Responsibility creates corporate accountability, and how climate finance solutions like liquidity pools drive sustainability investment. This conversation offers essential insights for anyone interested in waste management innovation or transforming environmental challenges into economic opportunities. 

Listen to Discover:
-How environmental economics reveals hidden value in waste streams
-How waste to resource thinking fundamentally changes economic models
-The sustainable business models emerging from circular economy principles
-Why composting organic waste is the foundation of circular systems
-How Extended Producer Responsibility programs are creating economic incentives for proper waste management
-Why putting a price on waste is essential for driving system-wide change
-The innovative liquidity pool solution to the climate capital trilemma
-How the circular economy could be our most powerful tool for decarbonization
-The importance of connecting all participants in the waste management ecosystem
-How small individual actions compound into significant environmental impact

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Connect with Carrot Network
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carrot-network/people/
Website: https://www.carrot.eco/

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Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.

Learn how to take control of your online privacy - even if you're not tech-savvy.

Discover essential digital privacy tips and practical cybersecurity strategies with Pavel Zoneff from The Tor Project. Learn how to protect your online privacy and secure your digital footprint without being a tech expert. From understanding internet security basics to implementing privacy tools, this episode guides you through the fundamentals of staying safe online.   
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Key Insights:
-Why your online privacy matters (even if you have "nothing to hide")
-Simple steps to protect your personal information online
-How to browse the internet safely without sacrificing convenience
-Real stories of how privacy tools protect everyday people 
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Tor Project:
https://www.torproject.org/
https://www.torproject.org/download/
https://donate.torproject.org/
https://snowflake.torproject.org/

Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.

Discover how Equitech Collective contributes to healthcare equity through innovative technology and social impact. In this inspiring conversation, Chi Ling shares her journey from public service to founding Equitech, a social enterprise dedicated to making healthcare more accessible through digital innovation and AI solutions.

Learn how Equitech's initiatives, from AI-powered healthcare tools to coding boot camps for refugees, make a meaningful difference in communities. Chi Ling discusses how impact ventures can achieve both social purpose and financial sustainability through self-sustaining business models and shares practical insights for others looking to drive change in digital health and healthcare accessibility.
 
Key Insights
How technology can drive healthcare equity and community empowerment
Building sustainable impact ventures that balance purpose and profit
Leveraging AI as a force for good in healthcare delivery
Creating opportunities through digital skills training and refugee support
Practical strategies for starting and scaling social enterprises


Connect with Equitech
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/equitechcollective 
Website: https://www.equity.tech/

Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.

As housing becomes increasingly unaffordable worldwide, architect Clara G reveals how communities are creating sustainable solutions through collective ownership and innovative technology. Drawing on examples from Vienna to Barcelona, she shares practical approaches to make housing both affordable and environmentally conscious in this perspective-shifting episode.

Watch to discover:
-Why housing shouldn't be treated as a commodity
-How cooperative housing makes homes 20-30% more affordable
-The role of blockchain in democratizing housing finance
-Why regenerative design is key to sustainable housing
-How communities can lead housing innovation

Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.

As our world faces unprecedented changes, renowned commons researcher and P2P Foundation founder Michel Bauwens reveals how societal chaos is actually birthing a new civilization. Drawing from decades of research in peer-to-peer systems, commons-based solutions, and decentralized networks, he maps out what's emerging and why there's hope.

Watch to discover: 

• Why current chaos is a necessary transition phase

• How seed forms predict future societal structures

• The role of Web3 and blockchain in this transformation

• Why regenerative practices are replacing extractive systems

• How communities can thrive during this transition

Dr. Michel Bauwens is the founder of the P2P Foundation and a pioneering researcher in commons-based solutions. As a thought leader in his field, he has helped cities and organizations worldwide develop plans for a future based on collaboration rather than competition. His work spans from advising governments and organizations to documenting emerging forms of social organization. Based in Chiang Mai, Thailand, he leads research on how communities can work together more effectively in our rapidly changing world.

Connect with Michel:
Twitter/X: @mbauwens

Resources mentioned:
P2P Foundation Wiki: [https://wiki.p2pfoundation.net/Main_Page] (25,000+ articles)
Fourth Civilization Substack: [https://4thgenerationcivilization.substack.com/]
Regen Network
Book: "Scale" by Geoffrey West
Book: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl
Book: "Half-Earth: Our Planet’s Fight for Life” by Edward O. Wilson 

Topics covered:
#NewCivilization #Transformation #Commons #PeerToPeer #Decentralization #Web3 #Regeneration #SocialChange #FutureOfSociety #DigitalTransformation

Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.

Welcome to Progress Reimagined, a show dedicated to redefining progress with humans and our planet at the center. 

Think being too old or non-technical means you've missed the startup boat? Think again. In this candid conversation, Katerina Stroponiati, founder of Brilliant Minds, and Kathleen Chu challenge conventional wisdom about who can succeed in today's tech landscape. They examine how AI is democratizing entrepreneurship for experienced professionals and demonstrate how seasoned individuals are launching ventures that unlock human potential at every stage of life.

From revolutionizing the energy sector to pioneering cryptocurrency solutions, their discussion reveals that life experience combined with AI isn't just a powerful combination—it's the perfect foundation for creating ventures that foster human flourishing. For anyone who thought their innovative years were behind them, this conversation illuminates why your accumulated experience might be the beginning of your most impactful chapter yet.

Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.

For decades, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has reigned as the supreme measure of economic success, shaping policies and decisions affecting billions worldwide. But in an era of mounting environmental challenges, rising inequality, and shifting social priorities, this singular focus on GDP may be leading us astray. Join economic policy expert Amanda Janoo, Economics and Policy Lead at Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEALL), as she unravels why our current system of measuring economic progress misses crucial aspects of human and planetary wellbeing. Through discussion, she explores how alternative economic indicators could help create a more sustainable and equitable future. Whether you're an economics enthusiast, policy maker, or simply someone curious about why traditional economic measures seem increasingly disconnected from lived reality, this episode offers fresh insights into one of the most pressing questions of our time: How do we define and measure true economic progress in the 21st century?  

Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.

Progress Reimagined is a podcast that dives into new ideas, economic models, and technologies that promote social equity, environmental sustainability, and our well-being. We feature innovators and changemakers and showcase everything from economic designs that help communities thrive to technologies that protect our privacy and digital rights. Together, we challenge assumptions about progress and work towards building a more inclusive and regenerative future that puts people and the planet first.

Progress Reimagined

What does real progress actually look like?

Progress Reimagined explores innovative ideas, technologies and economic models that put humanity and our planet first.  

Through solo reflections and conversations with thinkers, innovators and changemakers, we examine the ideas shaping our world and the ones that could reshape it for the better. 

Subscribe to Progress Reimagined
https://substack.com/@progressreimagined
https://www.youtube.com/@ProgressReimagined
https://www.instagram.com/progress_reimagined/

Host: 
Kathleen Chu
progressreimagined at proton.me

❤️ Thank you for listening! If you know anyone who would benefit from today's episode, please share it and help spread the word.

© 2026 Progress Reimagined. All rights reserved.