Here are three things you’ll learn in this episode:

How Dreamzilla’s name and mission were inspired by overcoming challenges as a neurodivergent individual.
You’ll hear the personal story behind the name “Dreamzilla” and how it represents turning struggles into strength. Riddhi shares how her own journey as a neurodivergent individual shaped the organization’s mission to help others embrace their unique identities and pursue their dreams without limits.

The unique programs Dreamzilla offers—including scholarships, mentorship, and support circles—to empower young adults.
From funding passions in art, sports, and science, to offering safe spaces for peer connection and one-on-one coaching, Dreamzilla is creating opportunities that go beyond traditional education. Ken and Riddhi explain how these programs are designed to nurture both personal and professional growth.

Why community-driven support and personalized empowerment are essential for long-term success.
This episode highlights the importance of having a supportive community that understands and uplifts neurodivergent individuals. You’ll learn how Dreamzilla’s approach of combining collective encouragement with personalized mentorship builds confidence, resilience, and lasting impact.

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How Luisa transitioned from finance to nonprofit communications and found fulfillment  

Discover how Luisa left an unfulfilling career in banking to pursue nonprofit communications, and why working in a mission-driven space gave her the sense of purpose she had been missing.

The unique role of mobile social media in African communities and growing digital engagement  

Learn how communities in Rwanda and other parts of Africa use mobile-first platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram to connect, share resources, and grow audiences faster than you might expect.

Tips for collaborating respectfully with partner organizations and finding unexpected marketing opportunities  

Hear Luisa’s approach to listening first, adapting to local culture, and spotting unplanned content moments that can turn into highly successful campaigns.

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Why Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Are Uniquely Equipped to Lead Community Transformation
Dr. Lena Miller highlights the unique skill set of formerly incarcerated individuals, especially those who have served life sentences. Through their time in high-stress environments like level four yards, they develop an acute sense of emotional intelligence and the ability to assess danger, manage conflict, and maintain peace. This makes them uniquely equipped to lead efforts like the "pit stops" initiative, where they work to reduce violence and build safer spaces in the most challenging neighborhoods.

How Emotional Intelligence and Trauma-Informed Care Reduce Violence and Build Safer Public Spaces
Dr. Miller emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed care in transforming community spaces. The "pit stops" initiative, designed to support the unhoused and at-risk individuals, utilizes emotional intelligence to de-escalate tense situations. The steady presence of trained individuals who understand trauma—often those who have faced similar struggles—creates an environment where violence is reduced and people feel safer, leading to cleaner and calmer public spaces.

What It Means to Create a Social Service Revolution Modeled After the Speed and Investment of the Tech World
Dr. Miller compares Urban Alchemy’s approach to social services to the rapid innovation seen in the tech world. She explains how their approach, driven by passion and efficiency, can achieve remarkable success even with limited resources. By applying the same level of focus and investment that the tech industry uses to drive change, they’re able to provide real, scalable solutions to complex social issues like homelessness, mental illness, and public safety—an idea that could revolutionize the social service sector.

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Why B2B startups need to test fast and market smarter

Discover how Wheels Up Collective helps early-stage tech companies find product-market fit and scale with intention—before the funding runs dry.

How to build an agency with values (and say no to toxic clients)

Learn Amy’s philosophy on protecting your team, setting boundaries, and creating a business that’s driven by kindness, not just contracts.

How AI is changing the B2B marketing landscape

Get Amy’s take on how AI tools are influencing content, search, and sales—and what it really means to optimize for the future.

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Three Things You’ll Learn From This Episode:

Why Latino entrepreneurship is the key to generational wealth

Learn how Gabriel’s work with Latino Founders is empowering overlooked communities through capital, connection, and cultural pride.

How getting out of your comfort zone sparks innovation

From traveling internationally to trying new food, Gabriel shares how stepping into the unfamiliar can inspire life-changing business ideas.

What healthcare teaches you about business and leadership

Discover how 25+ years in the healthcare industry taught Gabriel empathy, relationship-building, and operational readiness — skills every founder should have.

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Why Every Story Matters

Doug explains how helping someone share their personal story—no matter how ordinary it may seem—can create powerful emotional connections that ripple across generations.

The Power of Preserving Heritage

Discover how Doug’s nonprofit uses video interviews to memorialize veterans, reconnect families, and keep legacies alive through digital storytelling.

How Stories Can Build Community and Heal

Hear examples of how one story—when shared with the right person at the right time—can reunite families, inspire legislation, and even help strangers understand their own loved ones better.

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Episode Notes Three Things You’ll Learn: The 3 Brain States—and How to Shift into the Best One Discover the difference between Brain 1.0 (survival mode), Brain 2.0 (dopamine-driven pursuit), and Brain 3.0 (inner sage)—and why most of us live in the first two without realizing it. Why Burnout and Scarcity Are Contagious Learn how nonprofit workers, community leaders, and even well-meaning systems unintentionally pass on stress, and how healing at the individual level can transform collective outcomes. How Meditation, Science, and Community Can Rewire the Brain From silent retreats in Dharamsala to applying contemplative neuroscience in Philadelphia schools, Due explains how we can train our minds—regardless of background—to foster well-being, creativity, and connection. 
 

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Why women leave tech—and how to keep them in

A lack of belonging, not capability, is the primary reason women drop out of computer science programs. Sue shares how Rewriting the Code addresses this through connection, visibility, and peer support.

Why ‘every company is a tech company’

Whether it’s Netflix or the WNBA, tech powers every industry. Hear how Rewriting the Code helps women align their passions with tech careers in industries they truly love.

The power of near-peer mentorship

It’s not always about the CEO or the C-suite. Sometimes the most meaningful advice comes from someone just one or two steps ahead. Discover how near-peer relationships foster relatable, real-world growth.

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What refugee resettlement really looks like—from fleeing danger to rebuilding a life

Holly explains the full journey of a refugee, from escaping persecution to navigating housing, language, and employment in a brand-new culture.

How community plays a pivotal role in healing and belonging

Learn how sports, sewing circles, and culturally sensitive mental health support help refugees regain joy, dignity, and connection.

Why partnerships between government, schools, and citizens are key to long-term success

Discover how Idaho’s network of volunteers, nonprofits, schools, and businesses collaborate to create a welcoming environment where refugees thrive—not just survive.

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Three Things You’ll Learn:

Why rural and underserved communities face higher risks and fewer resources when it comes to Alzheimer’s care

Sharon explains how geographic isolation, medical access, and cultural stigma make early diagnosis and support more difficult—but not impossible.

How caregivers are the hidden backbone of dementia care—and how you can support them

From simple meals to acts of kindness, Sharon shares the most overlooked needs of caregivers and the small actions that can make a big difference.

Why the future of Alzheimer’s treatment is more hopeful than ever before

Learn about the new blood-based biomarkers, FDA-approved treatments, and increased research funding that are paving the way for better diagnosis, prevention, and care.

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