The Conversationalist Podcast

In a world where we’re constantly inundated with bad news, how can we focus on building a better one? 

In this episode of the Conversationalist podcast, TC Founder and CEO Sophie Beren sits down with Branden Harvey, a social entrepreneur, speaker, and journalist who focuses on the good happening in the world. Branden shares his message of hope within darkness and how his work seeks to mobilize his audience to create change. He also offers advice for navigating difficult news, and importance of validating other people’s experiences.

Branden is a GOOD friend of The Conversationalist. He is a Portland-based storyteller who amplifies good news on the Goodnewspaper  and the Sounds Good podcast with his company Good Good Good. He also unifies positive changemakers through an online community of more than 250,000 world changers. He's helped brands like Disney and Southwest Airlines tell meaningful stories.

Here at The Conversationalist, we’re on a mission to amplify 1,000,000 Gen Z'ers voices and unify the world, one conversation at a time. On each episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, The Conversationalist Founder and CEO Sophie Beren interviews activists, entrepreneurs, and game-changers from the TC community as well as experts and thought leaders who are at the forefront of social change. Each conversation invites guests to share their story, their perspectives, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are today. Sophie is here to help break open your echo chamber so that you can unify your world.

Now, we want to hear from you! How are you using your voice for good? Join The Conversationalist Community on the Geneva app. You’ll be able to make new friends, find new opportunities, and have 24/7 conversations about anything under the sun that matters to YOU! Come and introduce yourself, break the ice, share your hot takes, and so much more. Want to be chosen as our featured hot take on our next podcast? Make sure you’re in our community and sharing your thoughts in our hot takes room.

Follow The Conversationalist on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to stay up to date on all things Gen Z. Let’s unify the world together!

Listen to The Conversationalist Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, and more. View the episode transcription here. For a full recap of our podcasts and to access more info on our guests, check out our blog. We’ll see you next week.

What is it like to reach over 750k followers on social media? What does it mean to use your platform for good? 

In this episode of the Conversationalist podcast, TC Founder and CEO Sophie Beren sits down with Jade Darmawangsa, a social entrepreneur, speaker, influencer, and TikTok star. Jade got started in the e-commerce space at only ten years old and is now using her platform to share her wisdom with others. She shares advice on navigating imposter syndrome, the value of being an “imperfect” advocate, and how to get started on your journey toward using your voice for good. 

Jade is the CEO at X8 media, an influencer marketing agency that works with tech platforms and civic movements. She also founded an incubator program, CRE8, an organization that helps Gen Z creators build long-term businesses through blockchain and cryptocurrency. 

Here at The Conversationalist, we’re on a mission to amplify 1,000,000 Gen Z'ers voices and unify the world, one conversation at a time. On each episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, The Conversationalist Founder and CEO Sophie Beren interviews activists, entrepreneurs, and game-changers from the TC community as well as experts and thought leaders who are at the forefront of social change. Each conversation invites guests to share their story, their perspectives, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are today. Sophie is here to help break open your echo chamber so that you can unify your world.

Now, we want to hear from you! How are you using your voice for good? Join The Conversationalist Community on the Geneva app. You’ll be able to make new friends, find new opportunities, and have 24/7 conversations about anything under the sun that matters to YOU! Come and introduce yourself, break the ice, share your hot takes, and so much more. Want to be chosen as our featured hot take on our next podcast? Make sure you’re in our community and sharing your thoughts in our hot takes room.

Follow The Conversationalist on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to stay up to date on all things Gen Z. Let’s unify the world together!

Listen to The Conversationalist Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, and more. View the episode transcription here. For a full recap of our podcasts and to access more info on our guests, check out our blog. We’ll see you next week.

How can we start difficult conversations about race on college campuses? How can we use our voices to advocate for causes that matter? 

In this episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, The Conversationalist Founder and CEO Sophie Beren sits down with Kahlil Greene, the first Black student body president at Yale University. In his role, Kahlil united student groups to raise over $57,000 for racial justice organizations through the Yale Together movement after George Floyd's murder. In a conversation that spans various Gen Z topics, Kahlil speaks out about his unique experiences as a Black college student and his initiatives on and off-campus. 

Kahlil is a public speaker, writer, and youth justice advocate who is passionate about racial equity in education. He is also a senior at Yale studying the History of Social Change and Social Movements. He is a member of the Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy, the Institute of Social and Policy Studies Director’s Fellowship, and the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. 

Here at The Conversationalist, we’re on a mission to amplify 1,000,000 Gen Z'ers voices and unify the world, one conversation at a time. On each episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, The Conversationalist Founder and CEO Sophie Beren interviews activists, entrepreneurs, and game-changers from the TC community and experts and thought leaders who are at the forefront of social change. Each conversation invites guests to share their story, their perspectives, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are today. Sophie is here to help break open your echo chamber so that you can unify your world.

Now, we want to hear from you! How are you using your voice for good? Join The Conversationalist Community on the Geneva app. You’ll be able to make new friends, find new opportunities, and have 24/7 conversations about anything under the sun that matters to YOU! Come and introduce yourself, break the ice, share your hot takes, and so much more. Want to be chosen as our featured hot take on our next podcast? Make sure you’re in our community and sharing your thoughts in our hot takes room.

Follow The Conversationalist on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to stay up to date on all things Gen Z. Let’s unify the world together!

Listen to The Conversationalist Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, and more. View the episode transcription here. For a full recap of our podcasts and to access more info on our guests, check out our blog. We'll see you next week. 

How can Gen Z address student poverty in our communities and fight for equal access to education? 

In this episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, TC Founder and CEO Sophie Beren sits down with Matine Khalighi, who uses his platform to level the playing field for students experiencing homelessness. Matine details his journey as the founder of EEqual, which he started when he was only in eighth grade. He offers advice for young people looking to make their mark on the world, including tips for staying true to yourself while navigating the social impact space and the power of asking someone what they need instead of assuming you already know. 

Matine Khalighi is an incoming first-year student at Harvard University, the Executive Director of EEqual, and the host of the Let’s Talk Impact Podcast.

Here at The Conversationalist, we’re on a mission to amplify 1,000,000 Gen Z'ers voices and unify the world, one conversation at a time. On each episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, Founder and CEO Sophie Beren interviews activists, entrepreneurs, and game-changers from the TC community and experts and thought leaders who are at the forefront of social change. Each conversation invites guests to share their story, their perspectives, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are today.

Now, we want to hear from you! Join The Conversationalist Community on the Geneva app. You’ll be able to make new friends, find new opportunities, and have 24/7 conversations about anything under the sun that matters to YOU! Come and introduce yourself, break the ice, share your hot takes, and so much more. Want to be chosen as our featured hot take on our next podcast? Make sure you’re in our community and sharing your thoughts in our hot takes room.

Follow The Conversationalist on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to stay up to date on all things Gen Z. Let’s unify the world together!

Listen to The Conversationalist Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, and more. View the episode transcription here. For a full recap of our podcasts and more info on our guests, check out our blog. We’ll see you next week.

What is it like to be the CEO of your own company at only 11 years old?

In this episode of the Conversationalist podcast, TC Founder and CEO Sophie Beren sits down with activist and entrepreneur Naomi Porter who founded her first company at just 11. Naomi shares the details of her entrepreneurial journey, and how she balances being a business owner and a student. She acknowledges the important lessons she’s learned along the way, including placing trust in herself, valuing collaboration over competition, and the importance of empowering others in her mission to build a better world.

Naomi Porter is the founder and CEO of Spice it Up and Bright Futures. In 2019, she founded EntrepreYOUership, an organization that’s served over 600 young people through free workshops that equip young people with an entrepreneurial mindset. 

Here at The Conversationalist, we’re on a mission to amplify 1,000,000 Gen Z'ers voices and unify the world, one conversation at a time. On each episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, The Conversationalist Founder and CEO Sophie Beren interviews activists, entrepreneurs, and game-changers from the TC community as well as experts and thought leaders who are at the forefront of social change. Each conversation invites guests to share their story, their perspectives, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are today. Sophie is here to help break open your echo chamber so that you can unify your world.

Now, we want to hear from you! Join The Conversationalist Community on the Geneva app. You’ll be able to make new friends, find new opportunities, and have 24/7 conversations about anything under the sun that matters to YOU! Come and introduce yourself, break the ice, share your hot takes, and so much more. Want to be chosen as our featured hot take on our next podcast? Make sure you’re in our community and sharing your thoughts in our hot takes room.

Follow The Conversationalist on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to stay up to date on all things Gen Z. Let’s unify the world together!

Listen to The Conversationalist Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, and more. View the episode transcription here. For a full recap of our podcasts and to access more info on our guests, check out our blog. We’ll see you next week.

How can we have productive conversations around politics and other challenging topics? 

In this episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, TC Founder and CEO Sophie Beren sits down with Ziad Ahmed, a speaker, student, and founder committed to passing the mic and amplifying Gen Z voices from various perspectives. Ziad talks about his experience breaking open his echo chambers following the 2016 election and how he balances the personal and political during essential conversations.

Ziad is the 22-year-old CEO of JUV Consulting, Founder of Redefy, and is also a senior at Yale. 

Here at The Conversationalist, we’re on a mission to amplify 1,000,000 Gen Z'ers voices and unify the world, one conversation at a time. On each episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, Founder and CEO Sophie Beren interviews activists, entrepreneurs, and game-changers from the TC community and experts and thought leaders who are at the forefront of social change. Each conversation invites guests to share their story, their perspectives, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are today.

Now, we want to hear from you! Join The Conversationalist Community on the Geneva app. You’ll be able to make new friends, find new opportunities, and have 24/7 conversations about anything under the sun that matters to YOU! Come and introduce yourself, break the ice, share your hot takes, and so much more. Want to be chosen as our featured hot take on our next podcast? Make sure you’re in our community and sharing your thoughts in our hot takes room.

Follow The Conversationalist on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to stay up to date on all things Gen Z. Let’s unify the world together!

Listen to The Conversationalist Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, and more. View the episode transcription here. For a full recap of our podcasts and more info on our guests, check out our blog. We’ll see you next week. 

Here at The Conversationalist, we’re on a mission to amplify 1,000,000 Gen Z voices and unify the world, one conversation at a time. On each episode of The Conversationalist Podcast, The Conversationalist Founder and CEO Sophie Beren interviews activists, entrepreneurs, and game-changers from the TC community, as well as experts and thought-leaders who are at the forefront of social change. Each conversation invites guests to share their story, perspectives, and the obstacles they’ve overcome to get to where they are today. Sophie is here to help break open your echo chamber so that you can unify your world. Listen to our first three episodes dropping on March 31st!

Now, we want to hear from you! How are you using your voice for good? Join The Conversationalist Community on the Geneva app. You’ll be able to make new friends, find new opportunities, and have 24/7 conversations about anything under the sun that matters to YOU! Come and introduce yourself, break the ice, share your hot takes, and so much more. Want to be chosen as our featured hot take on our next podcast? Make sure you’re in our community and sharing your thoughts in our hot takes room.

Follow The Conversationalist on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok and subscribe to our Youtube Channel to stay up to date on all things Gen Z. Let’s unify the world together!

Listen to The Conversationalist Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Audible, Spotify, and more. For a full recap of our podcasts and to access more info on our guests, check out our blog. We’ll see you next week.

Do you know someone who’s been “cancelled?” In 2020, we’ve all seen it, heard about it, or experienced it to some degree. You mention your favorite song of the moment and you’re met with “no way, he’s cancelled!” You check your Twitter timeline just to see that “#___isOverParty” is trending. You see people on social media unfollowing or unfriending others for having different beliefs than themselves. All of this is a result of the infamous phenomenon, cancel culture, and it seems like every day, someone is being cancelled for something they did or said. 

We sat down with communications and cultural specialists Natasha Tynes and Ari Joseph to discuss the effectiveness of cancel culture and the impact it has on our society as a whole. Where do we draw the line? Join the conversation with us and read more about our guests below! 

Natasha Tynes is a Jordanian-American author and communications professional based in Washington, DC.  She is the author of the speculative literary novel They Called Me Wyatt, and is a regular contributor to a number of publications inside and outside the United States. Natasha experienced cancel culture first hand after something she tweeted, so listen in on our conversation to learn more about what happened. Natasha’s non-fiction work has appeared in the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Esquire, The International Journalists Network, and others. Her short stories have appeared in Geometry, The Timberline Review and Fjords. She has appeared on a number of national and international TV programs, including Larry King Live, CBS’s Morning show, and more. Follow Natasha on Twitter @NatashaTynes! 

Ari Joseph is an organizational change management specialist, Ari Joseph is the Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at a large media company. Using principles of cognitive, social, and I/O psychology to Ari assess the policies, procedures, and cultures of organizations, and he designs and implements strategies to recruit, retain, and advance people from diverse backgrounds, including women, minorities, LGBTQ individuals and first-generation college graduates. Ari is passionate about encouraging and facilitating communication, using reason and persuasion to affect change through relationship building and connecting people across real and perceived differences. 

Want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Conversationalist podcast? Here’s what to do: Follow us on Instagram @theconversationalist Rate our podcast and leave us a review on iTunes or on the Apple Podcasts app. DM us on Instagram to tell us when you've completed steps one and two and what username you used to subscribe and leave the review, and we'll give you the insider access on how to get featured!

Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we covered this season! You can also apply to become a Brand Ambassador or join our Online Community to connect with other passionate Conversationalists around the world. Thanks for tuning in and we’ll see you next week! 

Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever said “Ok Boomer” in passing to someone older than you? Have you heard of this viral trend sweeping TikTok and the internet throughout 2019? Younger generations seem to have always felt a disconnect with the generations preceding them, and today we want to unpack why this is the case. Is there still potential for intergenerational conversations or did the meme shut this down? 

For today’s conversation, we sat down with Aja Romano and Peter Kuli to discuss the origins of “OK Boomer,” and why this trend became so popular in this present moment. Read more about our guests below! 

Aja Romano (they/them) writes about culture at Vox, focusing on the internet and geek culture. Their essays and contributions have appeared in numerous books on culture, and their articles are frequently referenced in fan studies, and they were a 2019 fellow of the National Critics Institute. Check out their bylines, media appearances and more at ajaromano.com, or listen to them blather about true crime and tarot decks on Twitter @ajaromano. 

Peter Kuli (he/him) is a 19 year old producer from Boston. He doesn’t really take himself too seriously as he spends most of his time making dumb jokes with his friends on Twitter. Peter stumbled into mainstream attention as he helped bring the phrase “OK Boomer” into the pop culture zeitgeist. Now with this attention, he’s waiting for the right moment to make a whole new wave of music. Follow Peter on Instagram, Twitter, and Spotify to keep up with his work! 

Want to be featured on an upcoming episode of The Conversationalist podcast? Here’s what to do: Follow us on Instagram @theconversationalist Rate our podcast and leave us a review on iTunes or on the Apple Podcasts app. DM us on Instagram to tell us when you've completed steps one and two and what username you used to subscribe and leave the review, and we'll give you the insider access on how to get featured!

Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we covered this season! You can also apply to become a Brand Ambassador or join our Online Community to connect with other passionate Conversationalists around the world. Thanks for joining the conversation with us and we’ll see you next week! 

Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that Gen Z has been recently coined as the “Activism Generation?” Young people have been at the forefront, time and time again, of major movements in history. Gen-Z is rising up to face the challenges they see in society, spearheading change in politics, social justice, the environment - you name it. 

On today’s episode, we sat down with Gen-Z activists Deja Foxx and Amanda LaCount to discuss what activism looks like today, what it looks like in their respective fields, and how activism today differs from that of past generations. Read more about our guests below! 

Meet Deja Foxx, who is an activist, organizer, influencer, speaker, and strategist. From homelessness in high school to the forefront of the reproductive justice movement and Dean’s List at Columbia University, Deja is changing the world at 19 years old. She’s been named a Teen Vogue 21 under 21, joined the Dazed 100, and received the Planned Parenthood Catalyst for Change Award. Deja is also the founder behind both the El Rio Reproductive Health Access Project and Gen Z Girl Gang. Through influencing, she has become MAC Cosmetics' youngest ambassador, joined Nike as a Dream Leader, and most recently took leave from her university to work full time as a surrogate strategist and staffer on the Kamala Harris campaign. Follow Deja’s work and journey on her Instagram @dejafoxx! 

Meet Amanda LaCount, who is a hip hop dancer, actress, choreographer, singer, model and influencer taking the world by storm. Amanda has been a dancer since she was two years old and she moved to LA in 2015 to follow her dream of becoming a professional dancer and actress. Some of her most notable performances include performing on this past season of America’s Got Talent, dancing alongside Lady Gaga in her latest music video, walking in Rihanna’s “Savage X Fenty” Show at NYFW which is now streaming on Amazon Prime, dancing at Coachella with Lizzo, dancing with Meghan Trainor at the Radio Disney Music Awards, dancing in Katy Perry's "Swish Swish" music video feat. Nicki Minaj, and many more. Amanda spearheaded her own movement #BreakingTheStereotype which promotes body positivity and the belief that any "body" can be a dancer. Amanda's passion is dance, but her goal is to inspire others to follow their dreams. Follow Amanda on Instagram @amandalacount to keep up with her performances and the #BreakingTheStereotype movement! 

Interested in joining Sophie on her mission to unify the world? Follow @theconversationalist on Instagram and Twitter, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to us on YouTube to give your perspectives on the topics we covered this season! You can also apply to become a Brand Ambassador or join our Online Community to connect with other passionate Conversationalists around the world. Thank you for joining the conversation with us and we’ll see you next time!  

Support the show: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theconversationalist/ 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.