I'm a writer specializing in Christian theology, history, and classical studies. Also a Lutheran pastor. Visit my blog at aaronsimms.com!
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Aaron Simms Podcasts
Disruptors for GOOD is a podcast that showcases global social entrepreneurship and social enterprises committed to ethical fashion, impact investing, climate mitigation, sustainable travel, and businesses generating positive global impact. Through in-depth interviews, Grant Trahant, the founder of Causeartist, engages with innovative and impactful startups and brands worldwide.
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Meet WYDE, the Impact Exchange Turning Trading Fees Into Nonprofit Funding - Martin Simms & Aaron Rafferty // Founders of WYDE
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48:15For decades, nonprofits have relied on the same narrow funding playbook. Donations spike at year end. Grant cycles are slow and unpredictable. Teams spend enormous time fundraising instead of delivering impact. Meanwhile, trillions of dollars move through global markets every day with no connection to social outcomes. In Episode 235 of the Disrupto…
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Causeartist Next: Nominate a Social Entrepreneur
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2:27For over a decade, Causeartist has published the annual Social Entrepreneurs to Watch list. If you know a founder building a real solution, put them on our radar. What is Causeartist Next? Causeartist Next is our annual list of social entrepreneurs building companies that put impact next to profit, not behind it. We cover founders creating practica…
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10 Ocean Conservation Startups Fighting Marine Pollution
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5:44
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5:44The statistics on marine pollution are staggering: an estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans every single year, equivalent to dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the sea every minute. This crisis impacts everything from coral reefs and endangered species to the seafood on our plates. For decades, the fight to save our…
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8 Startups Turning Agricultural Waste into Clean Energy
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4:36The push to decarbonize the world’s energy systems now overlaps with a long standing problem: what to do with the massive amount of agricultural waste produced every year. Billions of tons of crop residues and animal waste are generated across the globe. Much of it is left to rot or is burned, which adds to air pollution and releases methane. The r…
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10 Battery Recycling and Storage Startups Changing the Grid
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6:06The global move toward cleaner energy is gaining speed, yet two issues continue to shape its future. We need a dependable and sustainable supply of battery materials, and we need storage systems that can carry the grid through long periods of weak wind or sunlight. The surge in electric vehicles and utility scale renewables has put real pressure on…
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Ben & Jerry’s is often celebrated as the blueprint for socially conscious capitalism, a company that set out to prove business could serve both profit and purpose. Founded in 1978 in Burlington, Vermont by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, the brand grew from a local scoop shop into a global symbol of activism wrapped in indulgence. Its mission, famo…
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Climate action often feels heavy. The headlines focus on crisis, the solutions demand sacrifice, and the average person ends up believing their choices are too small to matter. Robert Luo has been working to break that cycle. As the CEO of Tanbii, he is building a platform that turns climate restoration into a daily habit through play. His team has…
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Allbirds is a sustainable footwear and apparel company founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California (though with roots in New Zealand). Its mission centers on creating environmentally responsible apparel using natural materials, minimizing carbon footprint, and promoting sustainable consumer habits. From its early viral growth and…
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Impact Startups Spotlight - Tabs for a Cause
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4:27The idea that doing good should be simple is not new. The problem is the world rarely makes it simple. That is where Tab for a Cause comes in. What started as a clever college experiment has grown into one of the most accessible digital giving tools on the internet. With nothing more than an internet connection and the habit of opening new browser …
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Impact Startup Spotlight - Waiākea Hawaiian Beverages
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3:38In the crowded world of consumer packaged goods, few companies truly live their mission from the inside out. Waiākea Hawaiian Volcanic Beverages, founded in 2012 in Hilo, Hawai‘i, stands apart as one that does. Co-founded by Ryan Emmons, his cousin Alex Preston, and friend Matt Meyer, the brand was built on a simple but revolutionary idea: great ta…
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At Causeartist, we love highlighting founders who turn lived experiences and community insights into solutions that change lives. Erik Olson, CEO of Dignity Made, has built a social enterprise tackling generational debt among coconut farmers in the Philippines. What began as a single conversation with a farmer has grown into a thriving business tha…
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Impact Startup Spotlight - How Oddbird Is Redefining Wine and Changing Our Relationship with Alcohol
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3:53Oddbird is transforming the wine industry, proving that world-class wines can be just as sophisticated and celebratory without alcohol. Founded in Sweden in 2013 by a former social worker who witnessed the impact of alcoholism on families firsthand, Oddbird was born from a desire to challenge the role of alcohol in modern culture. Today, the brand …
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Impact Startup Spotlight - Better & Better Is Redefining Oral Care With Vitamin-Infused Toothpaste
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4:07When most people think about brushing their teeth, they rarely think about nutrition. For Vladimir Vukicevic, it became the foundation for a new way of thinking about health and habit. As the Co-founder and CEO of Better & Better, Vladimir is reimagining what daily wellness can look like, starting with something as simple and universal as toothpast…
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Impact Startup Spotlight - Revolutionizing Beauty: The Slow Approach of Lola Arnao
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3:58In an industry dominated by excess packaging and synthetic ingredients, Lola Arnao is carving out space for what the brand calls “slow beauty”, a movement focused on simplicity, sustainability, and self-care that’s good for both people and planet. Founded by a mother-daughter duo in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, Lola Arnao creates concentrated, plast…
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Impact Startup Spotlight: The Startup Using AI to Conquer Food Waste in Dining Halls
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4:08Every year, universities across the world throw away thousands of pounds of perfectly good food, from untouched entrees to overproduced menu items. For Raccoon Eyes AI, a startup born out of Georgia Tech, this isn’t just a statistic. It’s a challenge to be solved through data, design, and behavioral science. Founded by a group of engineering studen…
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Inside Mural Pay’s Mission to Redefine Global Payments and Financial Inclusion
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34:56Mural Pay’s founder, Sinclair Toffa, joins Disruptors for GOOD to share how stablecoins and programmable payments can rewire cross-border money movement for businesses, creators, and marketplaces. From early inspiration in West Africa to on-the-ground deployments with global platforms, Sinclair explains why faster settlement, lower fees, and end-to…
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Inside Fast Forward’s AI for Humanity Report and the New Era of Nonprofit Innovation - Kevin Barenblat, Co-founder of Fast Forward
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23:51On this episode of Disruptors for GOOD, I sits down with Kevin Barenblat, Co-founder of Fast Forward, to unpack how the nonprofit accelerator is helping mission driven teams use technology, and now AI, to scale impact. From the early days of tech nonprofits to a new wave of AI powered organizations, Kevin shares what he is seeing on the ground, wha…
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Meet Trusty: The AI Powered Letter of Wishes for Passing Down What Matters
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35:23Trusty is building a simple, human way to pass down more than money. In this episode, Trusty co-founder and CEO Randy Frisch joins to share how a digital Letter of Wishes, paired with AI and secure sharing, can reduce confusion for families, bring advisors into the loop, and preserve the stories behind the things we love. Key takeaways Trusty creat…
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Funding Rounds: Episode 5: $1B+ for Clean Energy, Autism Care, and Public Safety Tech
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4:03Hey friends, Welcome back to Funding Rounds, where we break down the week’s most impactful startup and venture funding announcements—highlighting the mission, the money, and the impact behind it all. This week, over $1 billion was invested across public safety tech, clean energy, autism care, robotics, carbon removal, and more. Let’s get into it. F…
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Hope Hydration Is Rebuilding the Water Fountain for the 21st Century - Just Raised $20M in Series A Funding
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31:17In this episode of Disruptors for GOOD, host Grant Trahant speaks with Jorge Richardson, co-founder and CEO of Hope Hydration, a startup on a mission to make free water universally accessible—powered by beautiful, connected hardware and backed by advertisers. Fresh off a $20 million Series A funding round, Jorge shares how Hope is transforming how …
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Funding Rounds: $650M+ for Space Labs, Medicaid Tech, and Climate Solutions
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2:59Varda Raises $187M Series C to Manufacture Medicine in Space 🚀 Funding: $187 million Goal: Bring zero-gravity biomanufacturing to commercial scale Impact: Creating life-saving therapies that can only be made in orbit 🔗 Learn more AWAKE Chocolate Lands $8M CAD to Fuel Functional Chocolate Growth 🍫 Funding: $8 million CAD Goal: Expand caffeinated cho…
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Funding Rounds: $1B+ in Funding Across Health, Climate, Housing & AI
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4:38Carbon to Sea Initiative Commits $4M to Ocean Carbon Removal R&D Funding: $4 million joint investment with MEOPAR Goal: Advance research on ocean-based carbon dioxide removal in Canada Impact: Unlocking ocean tech as a scalable solution for climate mitigation 🔗 Read more Trusty Raises $1M to Redefine Estate Planning with AI Funding: $1 million pre-…
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Hey friends, After 10 incredible years of building Causeartist solo, I’m excited to share something personal with you. Last year, some amazing partners who believe deeply in the mission and future of Causeartist reached out. I knew from the initial conversation it was the right fit. The Pay It Forward Company (PIF) has officially acquired Causearti…
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Funding Rounds: $500M for Climate, AI, Accessibility, and the Creative Economy
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5:45Fiber Global Raises $20M to Scale Circular Building Materials Funding: $20 million Series A Goal: Expand production of sustainable materials that reduce construction waste Impact: Tackling industrial emissions and advancing the circular economy Read more → Lumion Secures $10M to Power the Future of Trade Schools Funding: $10 million seed round Goal…
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The Cleobella Story: Creating Jobs, Style, and Sustainability - Angela O’Brien, Founder and Creative Director of Cleobella
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26:52In episode 230 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Angela O’Brien, founder and creative director of Cleobella, an ethical fashion brand rooted in global inspiration, artisan partnership, and sustainability. What began as a dream during a year-long adventure through Southeast Asia in 2006 has grown into a globall…
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Disrupting Water Infrastructure: Pulling Clean Water from the Air - Brian Sheng / Co-founder and CEO of Aquaria
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28:52In this episode of Disruptors for GOOD, I sit down with Brian Sheng, the co-founder and CEO of Aquaria, to explore how his company is reshaping the future of water access. At a time when nearly 30 million Americans are affected by water scarcity each year—and our infrastructure is failing to keep up—Aquaria offers a revolutionary solution: extracti…
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Building Markets: The Acumen Journey to Poverty Alleviation - Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder & CEO of Acumen
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46:38In episode 228 of the Disruptors for GOOD Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder & CEO of Acumen on her global journey that led her from the world of international banking to the heart of social entrepreneurship—beginning in Rwanda, and now reaching 650+ million lives through Acumen’s work around the world. From …
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(Crossover) $3B Raised, 500M Lives Impacted: Inside LeapFrog Investment's Bold Vision
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51:35Welcome to another episode of the Investing in Impact podcast. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Andy Kuper, Founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, a pioneering firm that has reshaped how global capital can drive profit with purpose. Dr. Andy Kuper, founder and CEO of LeapFrog Investments, has redefined how private capital can create meaningful change. Si…
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Transforming Prenatal Wellness for Women and Men - Vida Delrahim and Ronit Menashe, Founders of WeNatal
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39:48In episode 227, we’re diving into a powerful conversation about reproductive health and a movement that’s transforming the prenatal wellness space for both women and men. I’m joined by the incredible minds behind WeNatal, a supplement brand designed to shift the fertility narrative — from a woman-only issue to a couple’s shared journey. When it com…
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Howard Fischer - Co-Founder of Gratitude Railroad Impact Investment Firm
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39:19Today, I'm joined by Howard Fischer, Co-Founder and Chief Evangelist of Gratitude Railroad, to discuss his journey from Wall Street to impact investing and how Gratitude Railroad is building a community-driven approach to fund entrepreneurs creating lasting social and environmental change. Prior to his work in impact investing, Howard spent over 30…
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Transforming Healthcare Data: Aaron Neiderhiser, CEO and Co-Founder, of Tuva Health
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39:23In episode 226 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Aaron Neiderhiser, CEO and Co-Founder, of Tuva Health, on transforming healthcare data with an innovative open-source model. By providing healthcare organizations with a robust and cost-effective solution, Tuva Health enables researchers, analysts, and engineers …
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Meet Parcel Health: Redefining Pharma Packaging for Sustainability - Founders Melinda Su-En Lee and Mallory Barrett
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44:46In episode 225 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Melinda Lee and Mallory Barrett, founders of Parcel Health, on creating pharmaceutical packaging solutions that protect people and preserve the planet. Each Parcel Health package is crafted with compostable paper and protected with Parcel Coat™, ensuring that med…
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Dr. Jeannie Annan PhD - Chief Research and Innovation Officer at International Rescue Committee and Co-founder of The Airbel Impact Lab
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42:56Dr. Jeannie Annan is the Senior Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations. The IRC responds to the worst humanitarian crises, helping people whose lives have been shattered by conflict, disaster, and persecution to survive, recover, and…
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Lime's Journey to Sustainable Urban Mobility - Andrew Savage, a founding member and VP of Sustainability at Lime
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34:06In episode 223 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Andrew Savage, a founding member and VP of Sustainability at Lime, on growing the companies sustainability efforts alongside its revenue growth. In 2017, Lime emerged as a fresh face in urban transportation, reimagining how we navigate our cities with electric sc…
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Disrupting Healthcare Education: Osso VR's Impact on Surgical Training
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32:32In episode 222 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Justin Barad, MD, CEO of Osso VR. We explored how his groundbreaking virtual reality platform is transforming surgical training, improving healthcare outcomes, and setting new standards in medical education worldwide. Traditional surgical training methods, while…
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Bonus Episode: System Catalysts - How to Build Trust with One Acre Fund
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31:26Today, instead of our regular program, we wanted to play an episode from System Catalysts, a podcast about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world. English Sall talks to the people behind One Acre Fund, an organization that supports smallholder farmers in Africa through a brilliant social enterprise model. They di…
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Where do .ORG emails come from? Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR)
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32:02In episode 221 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry (PIR), on running the .org domain registry, internet governance, and the .org Impact Awards. In this conversation, Jon Nevett shares his journey from a legal background to the technology sector, specifically focusing on…
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A Vision for Public Good in Real Estate: Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons
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38:25In episode 220 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers by reimagining and rebuilding forgotten spaces into high-quality homes. About Derwin Sisnett Derwin Sisnett is the founder and CEO of A…
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Creating Positive Change Through the Joy of Travel - James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel
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35:02In episode 219 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, on the company's mission to create positive change through the joy of travel. For many conscious travelers, the journey now extends beyond personal enjoyment to include responsible and sustainable choices that benefit both …
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Building a Sustainable Luxury Brand // Vanessa Barboni Hallik - Founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow
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34:10In episode 218 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vanessa Barboni Hallik, Founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, on her journey from finance to fashion and the mission behind the sustainable luxury brand. About Another Tomorrow Born from Vanessa’s desire to create a more sustainable future, Another Tomorrow offers…
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Transforming Public Systems for Outcomes - Caroline Whistler // CEO and Co-Founder of Third Sector
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46:41In episode 217 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Caroline Whistler, CEO and Co-Founder of Third Sector, on the organization's mission to transform government funding for social impact. Founded in 2011, Third Sector is a national nonprofit organization that works with government agencies, community-based organiz…
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Suwha Hong, CEO of Indego Africa - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Impact of Indego Africa
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28:21In episode 216 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Suwha Hong, CEO of Indego Africa, on empowering female artisans with vocational skills, business acumen, and crucial access to global markets, transforming them into self-sufficient entrepreneurs. Since its inception in 2007, Indego Africa has been at the forefro…
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Beyond Hydration - Jayce Newton // Director of Impact at Liquid IV
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33:26In episode 215 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jayce Newton, the Director of Impact at Liquid IV. Jayce shared his inspiring journey and the mission-driven initiatives of Liquid IV aimed at expanding clean water access. With a strong commitment to making a tangible difference, Liquid I.V. is not just a compan…
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Hedvig Alexander // Co-Founder of Powered by People - Wholesale + Dropship made Sustainable + Backend Technology for Millions Global Artisans
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38:25In episode 214 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Hedvig Alexander, Co-Founder of Powered by People, on bridging the gap between artisans and global buyers through modern technology and tools. Hedvig, the co-founder of Powered by People, shares her journey from being a Danish army captain to becoming an entrepreneur. She discusses how…
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Ash Bhardwaj // President and CEO of Onx Homes: Disrupting the Homebuilding Industry in a Sustainable Way
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39:09In episode 213 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Ash Bhardwaj, President and CEO, of Onx Homes, on disrupting the homebuilding industry in a sustainable way. Key Takeaways from Interview The homebuilding industry is in dire need of disruption due to issues such as lack of durability, outdated construction methods, and inefficient sup…
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In episode 212 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Sanchali Pal, Founder & CEO at Commons, on helping people make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives. The app focuses on meeting people where they are and helping them make better choices when it comes to shopping. The app provides information on brands that are more sustain…
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Samantha Rudolph // Co-Founder at Babyation - Revolutionizing Breastfeeding with Modern Technology
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26:24In episode 211 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Samantha Rudolph, the visionary Co-founder of Babyation. Samantha shares her inspiring journey of building a modern breast pump that is revolutionizing the breastfeeding experience for mothers everywhere. In the revolving world of parenting technology, Babyation…
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Navjot Sawhney // Founder of The Washing Machine Project: creating the world's first flat-packable, manual washing machine that empowers women and girls to reclaim lost hours, pursue education, and generate ...
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28:24In episode 210 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Navjot Sawhney, Founder of The Washing Machine Project, on creating the world's first flat-packable, manual washing machine that empowers women and girls to reclaim lost hours, pursue education, and generate income. Imagine a world where laundry isn't a chore, but a chance. A chance fo…
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Brett Hagler // CEO and Co-founder of New Story Homes - Solving Global Housing: The Balance of Philanthropy and Market-Based Solutions at New Story Homes
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30:32In episode 209 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Brett Hagler, CEO and Co-founder, of New Story Homes, on using philanthropy and market-based solutions to solve the global housing crisis. The global housing crisis is a staggering issue, affecting 1.6 billion people who live without adequate housing. This crisis stifles the potential …
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“I Don’t Need Water, I Need a Job”: The Deux Mains Story of Entrepreneurial Resilience - Julie Colombino-Billingham // Founder of Deux Mains
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33:12In episode 208 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, we speak with Julie Colombino-Billingham, founder of Deux Mains, on transforming lives in Haiti through business and employment. In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti, a country torn apart by natural disaster found a beacon of hope and renewal in Deux Mains. Founded by Julie …
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