How do we tell stories that bring people together when everything else is pushing us apart?
Oscar and Tony-winning producer Bruce Cohen, whose credits include American Beauty, Milk, Silver Linings Playbook, and Big Fish, joins The Caring Economy to talk about storytelling as an act of public service.
In conversation with Toby Usnik, Bruce reflects on his life’s work — from mentorship under Steven Spielberg to receiving the National Medal of Arts from President Biden — and why he believes the arts are essential to democracy.
Cohen shares lessons from decades in Hollywood and on Broadway about collaboration, empathy, and the courage it takes to create something that matters. He also warns of what’s at stake as the arts face renewed political scrutiny and funding threats.
Tune in for a rare conversation on leadership, creativity, and how culture can still connect us in an increasingly divided world.
In today’s world of polarization, climate disruption, and rapid digital change, resilience is everything.
On this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Asha Varghese, President of the Caterpillar Foundation and Head of CSR at Caterpillar. Asha reflects on her journey from Kerala, India, to rural Kentucky, and how those experiences shaped her approach to corporate leadership and purpose.
She shares how Caterpillar has given over $1 billion globally, supporting disaster recovery, education, and sustainability initiatives. We also discuss the future of work, the rise of AI, and why corporations must play a role in rebuilding trust and community resilience.
Asha’s story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about grand gestures, it’s about persistence, partnership, and impact over time.
Listen in for lessons on how business can become a force for resilience in a fragile world.
How do we secure the future of food in an age of climate chaos?
In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Dr. Cary Fowler — co-recipient of the 2024 World Food Prize and the driving force behind the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. From his roots in the Civil Rights movement to his global mission to protect crop diversity, Fowler takes us on a journey that connects justice, resilience, and survival.
We discuss:
The story behind the so-called “Doomsday Vault” and why it’s humanity’s insurance policy.
How climate change, biodiversity loss, and conflict are reshaping global food security.
Why food policy is national security — and what leaders must do next.
Life lessons on persistence, purpose, and building for generations to come.
This conversation is a wake-up call and a roadmap for anyone who cares about the future of food, climate, and humanity.
What role does journalism play in holding our democracy together when truth itself is under attack?
In this episode of The Caring Economy, veteran journalist and political analyst Laura Washington brings her decades of experience to the table, reflecting on how today’s media landscape shapes trust, power, and participation in civic life. From the destabilizing rise of AI and disinformation to the shrinking of traditional newsrooms, she unpacks the fractures in our system — and how philanthropy, civic leaders, and ordinary citizens can work to repair them.
Laura’s perspective is both urgent and hopeful. She reminds us that democracy doesn’t collapse in a single moment; it frays slowly, when people stop demanding accountability and when truth is treated as optional. But through journalism, civic action, and collective care, there’s still a chance to meet this moment and strengthen the foundation of democracy for future generations.
Tune in for a conversation that cuts through the noise — and challenges us all to ask: what are we willing to do to protect truth?
🎙 The Caring Economy welcomes chess educator and lifelong player Jon Rigai to explore what the game of chess can teach us about navigating an AI-driven world.
From training tournament players to helping 900-rated beginners find their stride, Jon’s philosophy is rooted in the power of slow, intentional thinking. In an era when AI engines can calculate the “perfect” move instantly, he reminds us that the real growth comes from trusting our instincts, embracing mistakes, and learning through the messy process.
We discuss:
♟ The impact of AI on chess and why over-reliance can dull creativity
♟ Life lessons from the board—patience, foresight, and resilience
♟ Why in-person chess communities still matter in a digital-first world
♟ How “the best defense is a good offense” applies far beyond the game
Whether you’re a chess player, a tech skeptic, or someone navigating a rapidly changing world, this episode will inspire you to think strategically—and stay human—in the age of algorithms.
📍 Listen now and discover how the timeless game of chess offers a blueprint for living with intention in our fast-paced, tech-saturated era.
#Chess #AI #Leadership #TheCaringEconomy #TechEthics #PersonalGrowth
Ross Dickman knows what it means to serve—with intention, with purpose, and with impact. As a U.S. Army veteran and now CEO of Hire Heroes USA, Ross is reimagining the transition from military to civilian life and building career pathways that uplift veterans, military spouses, and people with disabilities.
In this episode of The Caring Economy, Ross opens up about the gaps in our current workforce systems, the undervaluation of military skill sets, and why inclusive hiring isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s smart business. If you're looking for an honest, deeply human conversation about equity, leadership, and economic mobility, this episode is essential listening.
💼 Learn more at hireheroesusa.org
In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with John-Michael Cortez, Head of Government and Community Affairs at GFiber (Google Fiber). With experience spanning local government, economic development, and grassroots community organizing, John-Michael shares why broadband access is no longer a luxury — it's a civil right.
From closing the digital divide to forming strategic public-private partnerships, this episode dives into how GFiber is working to make high-speed internet accessible for underserved communities across Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama. Learn why digital equity is central to education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation — and what must change to make access more inclusive and equitable.
Tune in to explore:
Why broadband is a foundational equity issue
How corporations can drive social impact through infrastructure
What meaningful community engagement looks like in practice
If you care about equity, innovation, or the future of inclusive progress — this conversation is a must-listen.
#DigitalEquity #BroadbandForAll #JohnMichaelCortez #TheCaringEconomy #GFiber #CivicLeadership #TechForGood
How do you build trust in a world where proof matters more than promises?
In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with MeiLin Wan, VP at GenuTrace, to explore how DNA technology is revolutionizing transparency in fashion, agriculture, and global supply chains. From verifying organic cotton to holding brands accountable for their sourcing claims, MeiLin shares how traceability is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.
Tune in to discover how science, sustainability, and ethics intersect—and why traceability is quickly becoming the gold standard for purpose-driven business.
What happens when a financial regulator becomes one of the most thoughtful advocates for innovation?
In this episode of The Caring Economy, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce—widely known as “Crypto Mom”—opens up about her unlikely journey from small-town Ohio to the Securities and Exchange Commission, and why she believes regulation should empower, not restrict.
Peirce shares candid insights into the SEC’s Crypto Task Force, the importance of financial literacy, and how we can bridge the gap between innovation and investor protection. Whether you’re a crypto skeptic, enthusiast, or curious bystander, this conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the future of digital finance, Web3, and trust in public institutions.
Key themes:
– The role of transparency in regulation
– Financial inclusion and digital assets
– Rethinking investor protection
– Government’s evolving role in tech innovation
– Why dissent is vital for democracy
Don’t miss this rare, honest conversation with one of the most nuanced voices in the regulatory world.
What We Lose If We Let Go: A Conversation with Walter Dabney
On this episode of The Caring Economy, we speak with Walter Dabney, former National Park Service superintendent and lifelong public lands advocate, about the urgent need to protect America's natural heritage.
With decades of experience overseeing some of the nation’s most treasured landscapes, Walter shares what’s at stake when public spaces are threatened—by underfunding, privatization, or neglect. From climate change to equitable access to nature, this conversation explores how public lands shape our democracy, our health, and our sense of belonging.
If you're passionate about parks, purpose, and public ownership, this episode will challenge and inspire you.
🎧 Tune in to discover:
What happens when parks are treated like commodities
The link between environmental justice and community well-being
How leadership and long-term vision are key to preserving public land for all
The Caring Economy showcases bold leaders who blend business with purpose—because how we care is how we thrive.
📍 Want to get involved? Visit americaspublicland.org
n this episode of The Caring Economy, host Toby Usnik sits down with Felita Harris, Executive Director and Co-Founder of RAISEFashion, to explore how she’s transforming the fashion industry into a more inclusive, equitable space for BIPOC creatives and professionals.
With over 25 years of experience at brands like Nordstrom and Donna Karan, Felita has witnessed firsthand the structural inequities in fashion. In the wake of the George Floyd protests, she helped launch RAISEFashion, a nonprofit committed to mentoring, supporting, and opening doors for Black and Brown designers and emerging talent.
Tune in as Felita shares how she’s using the power of storytelling, corporate partnerships, and mentorship to challenge the status quo and uplift a new generation of diverse fashion leaders. This conversation covers:
The origins and mission of Raise Fashion
How DEI efforts are evolving in 2025
The importance of mentorship in fashion
Why access — not just talent — determines success
Whether you’re in the industry or simply care about social impact, fashion, and equity, this is a powerful listen about turning purpose into practice.
🎧 Subscribe and listen now on your favorite podcast platform.
In this episode of The Caring Economy, Toby Usnik sits down with Maury Wolfe, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Impact for Cox Enterprises, to explore how a century-old company is doubling down on impact in a modern world. From bold climate commitments to long-term investments in workforce development, Maury breaks down Cox’s holistic approach to corporate responsibility—and what it takes to build trust, resilience, and relevance in 2025 and beyond.
We discuss:
How Cox is rethinking corporate legacy through environmental and social innovation
Why real change starts from the inside—by engaging employees and elevating voices
How Cox’s $400 million CleanTech investment strategy reflects purpose-driven business
The power of cross-sector partnerships in creating scalable impact
If you're looking for a roadmap on embedding CSR into the DNA of a company—and doing it authentically—this is the episode for you.
In this powerful episode of The Caring Economy, host Toby Usnik speaks with Dawn Pinnock, President & CEO of the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS). As the first woman and first person of color to lead CUCS, Dawn shares her bold vision for addressing homelessness through integrated care, systemic equity, and community-based leadership.
We explore:
The evolving face of homelessness in urban America
Why CUCS’s model of housing + healthcare is setting national standards
How Dawn’s decades of NYC public service inform her approach to leadership
Why compassion, infrastructure, and dignity must go hand in hand
If you care about public health, affordable housing, and the future of cities—this episode is for you.
Learn more: cucs.org
Subscribe to The Caring Economy for conversations at the intersection of purpose and leadership.
n this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with R. Adam Smith—seasoned investor, family office advisor, and legacy strategist—to explore how wealth, legacy, and leadership are being redefined for a new generation.
Adam brings decades of experience working with founders, families, and next-gen inheritors navigating the emotional and financial complexities of intergenerational wealth. From private equity to purpose-driven investment, he shares fresh insights on why the most successful family legacies aren’t built on spreadsheets—they’re built on storytelling, empathy, and trust.
We explore:
How family offices are evolving into “family galaxies”
Why emotional intelligence is becoming the most valuable asset in finance
What rising generations are asking of their wealth—and their advisors
Whether you’re advising wealth, building a legacy, or simply curious about what it means to lead with care, this conversation is a must-listen.
In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, to explore how national service is shaping the future of leadership, social impact, and civic engagement. With over 200,000 AmeriCorps members serving across 40,000+ communities, the organization is tackling some of the nation’s biggest challenges—from education and disaster relief to public health and climate action.
Michael shares his personal journey from growing up in a working-class Massachusetts town to leading one of the most influential service organizations in the U.S. We discuss the business case for volunteerism, how service can be a powerful career accelerator, and why corporate leaders should embrace community engagement as a strategic advantage.
As we move into 2025, where purpose-driven work is becoming the norm, this conversation challenges us to think about the role of service in leadership, workforce development, and social cohesion.
🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking discussion on the power of giving back.
The data is clear: when women thrive, economies flourish. But are we really putting our money where our values are? In this powerful episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Renee Wittemyer, VP of Program & Strategy at Pivotal Ventures, the Melinda French Gates-backed organization reshaping how we fund gender equity and economic opportunity.
Renee shares eye-opening insights into how strategic investments in women’s leadership, innovation, and workforce inclusion are driving real, measurable change—and why traditional philanthropy isn’t enough. We discuss:
✔️ The ROI of Gender Equity – Why funding women isn’t charity, it’s smart economics
✔️ Breaking Systemic Barriers – The biggest challenges preventing women from accessing capital, leadership roles, and opportunity
✔️ Pivotal Ventures' Bold Approach – How innovative funding models are accelerating change across industries
✔️ What’s Next? – The shifts we need to see in corporate and VC spaces to build a truly inclusive economy
If you're serious about rethinking corporate social responsibility, gender equity, and how capital can drive systemic change, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.
What if corporate success wasn’t just about profit but about creating a positive impact on the world? Bob Stiller,founder of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, built a billion-dollar brand while pioneeringcorporate social responsibility (CSR). In this episode ofThe Caring Economy, Bob shares how he turned a small Vermont coffee company into a leader insustainability, ethical sourcing, and employee empowerment.
Frominvesting in fair-trade coffee farmers to fostering apeople-first company culture, Bob’s leadership proves thatbusiness can be a force for good. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or passionate aboutsocial impact, this episode is packed withinsights on building a mission-driven company that thrives.
Key takeaways from this episode:
✔️ WhyCSR is a competitive advantage, not a cost
✔️ Howlong-term thinking builds stronger businesses
✔️ The role ofemployee engagement in driving innovation
✔️ Whysustainability and business success go hand in hand
💡 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with atrue pioneer in purpose-driven business
How do we redefine ROI in today’s world? In this episode of The Caring Economy, we sit down with Graham McMillan, President of the Visa Foundation, to explore how corporate philanthropy and sustainable investments are reshaping the business landscape. Visa Foundation is at the forefront of financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and social impact, ensuring that capital works for underserved communities worldwide.
Graham shares his expertise on blending purpose with profit, the power of partnerships, and how corporations can drive real social change. If you're interested in corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG initiatives, and how financial institutions are stepping up to address global challenges, this episode is a must-listen.
Join us on the latest episode of The Caring Economy as we sit down with Paul Solman, the celebrated PBS NewsHour correspondent and co-founder of the American Exchange Project. With a career spanning five decades, Paul has been a beacon of curiosity, understanding, and storytelling.
In this episode, Paul shares:
As we step into 2025 and launch Season 15, this conversation is a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have by building bridges and creating connections.
🎙️ Tune in now to start the year inspired!
#PaulSolman #TheCaringEconomy #AmericanExchangeProject #Connection #Empathy
Step into the inspiring world of Wendy Hilliard, a trailblazing gymnast and the first Black rhythmic gymnast to represent the U.S. on the global stage. Wendy’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to making gymnastics—and opportunity—accessible to all.
In this episode, Wendy shares her journey from Detroit to the international spotlight, her experiences overcoming systemic barriers, and the mission behind the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation. With over 25,000 children served in urban communities like Harlem and Detroit, Wendy’s foundation is empowering the next generation through the transformative power of sports.
💡 What You'll Hear:
As we step into 2025, Wendy’s story inspires us to embrace resilience, foster opportunity, and create meaningful change in our communities.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how Wendy Hilliard is turning dreams into reality, one gymnast at a time.
#TheCaringEconomy #WendyHilliard #Gymnastics #SportsForGood #Resilience #EmpoweringYouth #Podcast