The PlayFull Podcast
Whether you’re ladling soup at a local shelter or attending a UN Peace Conference, those who devote their lives to the service of others are often exhausted and in need of a little break.
Welcome to the PlayFull Podcast, where host Kristine Michie and her guests bring fun to the serious work of changing the world.
Gregg Bishop: Making Good on a $50M Racial Justice Pledge
In this week's episode, delve into the inspiring journey of Gregg Bishop, who, in response to September 11, made the pivotal decision to transition from the corporate world to the nonprofit sector, now serving as the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Social Justice Fund and philanthropic adviser to Joe and Clara Tsai, catalyzing significant social, racial, and economic justice initiatives in NYC, while sharing insights on his experiences working for the City of New York and his transformative encounters with meaningful questions.
Generation WHY: A Young Changemaker Taking the Lead | Addison Carey, Development Manager, San Diego Food System Alliance
Addison, a Southern California native, channels her lifelong passion for environmental activism into systemic change in climate and food systems, leveraging her sociology degree and diverse experience in grant writing, CRM management, and donor outreach at Solana Center for Environmental Innovation and MiraCosta College, now advocating for sustainability and equity within the food system as a member of the SDFSA family, while indulging in hobbies like knitting, baking, gardening, and spending time with her cats
Building Mission into Business Models | Daniel Buchbinder, CEO, Alterna Center for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Daniel's chocolate-tasting board game reflects his passion for play, double bottom-line businesses, and risk-taking entrepreneurs, as we explore Alterna's support for social enterprises like Chocolate Sero, discussing cultural shifts towards embracing risk, diversifying founders, and the symbiotic growth of businesses and social missions, all while enjoying double-impact ice cream flavors from Ben & Jerry's in this sweet conversation about impact.
Equity at the Edges | Salin Geevarghese, Obama Alum and CEO, SGG Insight
Join us as Salin Geevarghese shares insights from the Oval Office to the family dinner table, navigating diverse spaces with humor and purpose.
Banking's Audacious Changemaker | Jenny Flores, Wells Fargo
Join us for a fascinating discussion with Jenny Flores, the Head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy for Wells Fargo, as she shares insights on redistributing $420 million to small business owners during the pandemic and her philosophy of dreaming big.
Getting Donor Dollars Moving | Jen Risher, Half my DAF
Jen Risher shares her journey of turning shame into service, tackling conversations around money, power, and privilege with candor and conviction, and sparking a movement to unlock millions of dollars from stagnant funds for nonprofit support.
When Caring is Currency | Lisha Bell, PayPal
From her time forming and performing with a USC dance troupe to the orange boots that she dons for big events, and how to gain a coveted ticket to her annual gumbo feast, Lisha’s take on play reveals it’s as much a counter-balance to weighty matters at work as it is her secret sauce to getting that very work done.
What’s It Really Like to Work at Ben & Jerry’s | Alexa Harrison, PR Manager B&J
Join us as Alexa Harrison spills the inside scoop on her mission to spread the word about Ben & Jerry's, complete with free ice cream perks, lobby slides, and 'play break' meeting agendas.
Healing Partisan Divide | Layla Zaidane, CEO Millennial Action Project
Listen in today to hear Layla Zaidane describe the solution that’s right in front of us when it comes to healing vast divides: finding the 'third thing' – whether it’s loving French bulldogs or bowling – with her Millennial Action Project leading the way.
The People’s Money | Glen Galaich, CEO of The Stupski Foundation
Glen Galaich, CEO of The Stupski Foundation, shares his urgent mission of swiftly distributing the $365 million fortune left by Larry and Joyce Stupski to impactful causes and communities.
Hungry for Impact | Gail Becker, Founder of CAULIPOWER
Join us as Gail Becker discusses her journey from honoring her dad's legacy to creating a successful food company that revolutionized the industry, all while tackling issues from supply chain logistics to food insecurity and ultimately deciding who gets the first bite of chocolate ice cream.
On the Shoulders of Giants (Aristotle specifically) | Dr. Stuart Brown, National Institute for Play
Join us as Dr. Stuart Brown, often hailed as the father of play, delves into the profound significance of play across human history and its pivotal role in shaping our world, with insights spanning from Aristotle to modern research and practical applications for today's changemakers.
Rest is a Radical Act | Hector Mujica, Head of Economic Opportunity, Google.org
Meet Hector Mujica, Head of Economic Opportunity for the Americas for Google.org, as he leads philanthropic efforts across the Americas and discusses the power of play in tackling monumental challenges.
Keeping Your Cool When Obama Calls | Cecilia Muñoz, National leader in public policy
Discover the incredible journey of Cecilia Munoz, from serving as a White House advisor under President Obama to advocating for immigration reform, all while finding balance through singing in a choir and indulging in card games on Zoom.
Impact Homage | Kristine Michie
In the finale of our debut season, Kristine Michie shares her impactful journey, guided by the mantras of joy and service, while offering a glimpse into the exciting lineup of changemakers awaiting in Season Two!
Why Ditching Your Strategic Plan is the Best Plan | Kristine Michie
In this episode, Kristine Michie unveils the secrets of effective strategic planning, challenging conventional wisdom with fresh insights and metaphors from ballast to playground equipment, advocating for shorter-term plans for greater adaptability in a volatile world.
Ending Modern-Day Slavery ... and Taking Fridays Off | Kathyann Powell, Exec. Director, Saving Jane
Discover Kathyann Powell's remarkable journey from fashionista to abolishinista, dedicated to ending human trafficking and modern-day slavery, as she shares her inspiring story and global ambitions on today's episode, alongside discussions on empowering children and combating this global issue, with hints of lavender fields, Friday hooky, and vegan cheesecake.
Practical Play for Changemakers | Kristine Michie
In this episode, discover "Sugar & Salt," a playful twist on traditional SWOT analysis, alongside the engaging activity "How I Came to Care," offering practical tools to foster camaraderie and inspiration among changemakers.
Playing Horseshoes with Your Mother (Earth) | Alden Stoner, CEO at Nature Sacred
Join us as Alden Stoner, CEO of Nature Sacred, shares her journey from a grade-schooler advocating for recycling to leading communities worldwide in creating green spaces, prioritizing play, and transforming ordinary places into sacred havens
The Pace of Change | Kristine Michie
In this episode, join me as I navigate the personal journey of confronting health crises and redefining wellness amidst the relentless pace of life, exploring the profound impact of stress, adrenaline, and the importance of making room for play.
How We Help
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BALANCE & JOY
Meaningful meetings and retreats for transformative team experiences.
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BOARD DEVELOPMENT & DELIGHT
Form joyful covenants with your board.
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BETTER TOGETHER
Giving Circles that center transparency, humility, and humanity.
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PLAYFULL LIVE
Delight your audience and VIP guests with one-of-a-kind conference experiences.