How do the stories we write help us understand our world and make connections to others? In this episode, Joanne and Sarah are in conversation with Grant Faulkner, author and Executive Director of National Novel Writing Month. NaNoWriMo generates deep and meaningful engagement in writing communities to transform ideas into the written word. The interview explores how writing taps into our imagination to shape perceptions, values, and belief systems and deepen humanity's understanding of one another and our collective ability to shape the future.

How are generous private contributions from corporations, foundations, and individuals applied to a portfolio tackling the root causes of complex and interconnected global issues to create a better future for all? What type of public charity is entrusted with these contributions to social change leaders in local communities and around the globe? In this episode, Joanne and Sarah are in conversation with Rachel D. Latimore of Echoing Green, a social innovation fund and leader in the social impact space for over 30 years. Rachel D.'s work centers on building a Fellow community and culture that is deeply collaborative, inclusive, and equitable for nearly 1,000 global Fellows across 86 countries. Echoing Green strives toward a collective pursuit of justice, with the belief that humanity will rectify imbalances of power, cease exploitation, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.

Rachel D. is a Social Sector Leadership Development Fellow and doctoral student at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development pursuing an EdD in Leadership and Innovation where she is focusing her problem of practice and dissertation work on advancing social impact by creating a framework that centers racial, cultural, and geographical equity to support social innovation leaders.

How do relationships and trust play a role in activating people's desire to take bold action when faced with adversity? Who in your community has the social capital to efficiently organize and deploy disaster response resources, and keep hope alive? In this episode, Joanne and Sarah interview Nick Haley, a youth advocate and civic leader in the heart of California’s Wine Country. Through health and natural disaster crises and transitions, some community nonprofits are at the forefront of driving change, innovation, and progress. Nick’s story shows how people can turn trauma to triumph. Despite numerous challenges facing youth service organizations, many nonprofit leaders demonstrate leadership, resiliency, and flexibility in their efforts to support their communities and model a path forward toward a thriving society.

What is the responsibility of freedom? Which guiding principles of philanthropy can be applied to build the conditions necessary for a thriving society? As the world increasingly looks to philanthropists to put humanity on a path to progress, Sarah and Joanne explore the story of Jamia Jowers and her journey through the halls of power, often serving as a representative stakeholder on behalf of those whose voice is underrepresented at the table of global decision-makers. 

Do you believe in your ability to make a meaningful difference in the lives of strangers in distress? What role can you play in creating societal change, and rekindling a spirit of love and hope for humanity? In this episode, Joanne and Sarah are in conversation with Kerry Rodgers, an artist, educator, activist, and social impact entrepreneur in San Francisco.

Kerry talks about her work, influences, and inspirations, and how these experiences of getting "proximate" to suffering can deepen understanding and change lives.

Together they grapple with complexities in a conversation that explores a person's willingness to use kindness to meet people where they are and describes how even small acts can change lives, shape culture, and restore a sense of vitality to communities.

What role does tax policy play in influencing the social, economic, and democratic power structure that philanthropy is built upon?

In this episode Joanne and Sarah interview Will Fitzpatrick, a technology and business lawyer, about the changing nature of private philanthropy, how major donors determine the focus of the work they choose to fund, and its influence on society.

Will shares insights from his unique experiences working with high net worth individuals, family offices, and foundations to accelerate their philanthropic impact.

Where does philanthropy end and public policy begin? What role can philanthropy play in bringing people together? Who is part of the design process? In this episode, Joanne and Sarah are joined by Sarah Berger Gonzalez to explore ways cash transfers can strengthen communities, and contribute toward a society where everyone thrives.

How do we ignite healthy conversations to illuminate hope in complex issues? In this episode, Joanne and Sarah interview Fred Dust, author of Making Conversation. Fred is a champion of the arts and civil society, supporting the visionary work of independent artists as a board member of the Sundance Institute and National Public Radio (NPR). His thought leadership has led to new thinking and ways to shift societal narratives.

“My legacy is to be out there relentlessly telling stories of people who get through the hardest conversations in their life, and do it successfully.”

What does it take for a society to thrive? Who and what contributes to this intricate and complex system? In the second season of the Track Two Podcast, we focus on philanthropy and turn to the voices of activists, academics, policy pros, and nonprofit thought leaders to hear their inspiring personal stories, ideas, and explorations aimed at solving big problems and contributing toward vibrant, healthy societies. 

"Solve the local problem first" | Human-Centered Design & First Response Mental Health
Each of us has a role to play in making our communities better. Where do we begin? What can we contribute, and how can we be of service to colleagues, friends, and family? How do we know what’s needed? What if finding a solution to an organization’s or community’s problem could be achieved by talking to peers and connecting through a systematic support program delivered through an app?

These are the types of problems Kevin Kuchta excels at solving. Join Joanne and Sarah in conversation with Kevin about his unusual journey to entrepreneurship and learn more about how Kevin and his team are designing software services built on principles of human-centered design with the potential to ignite transformational change in mental health outcomes for first responders and other groups.