In this special gala edition of Why Why Why, we take you inside the SozialMarie 2025 Award Ceremony — a celebration of courage, community, and transformative social innovation in Central Europe. Join Bea, Jose, and a lineup of inspiring guests, including Martina Kolesárová, Anna Misovicz, Dominik Bagola, Wanda Moser-Heindl, and Elisabeth Hammer, as they share fresh insights, personal reflections, and lessons learned from this year's winning projects. Whether you're thinking of applying for the 2026 awards or simply looking to be inspired, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the people and ideas reshaping our future — one bold step at a time. Learn more about the 2025 award ceremony and winners [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/blog/5709].

In this episode of the SozialMarie podcast, co-hosted by Živa Lopatič, SozialMarie's Country Coordinator for Slovenia, and Jose, we hear from Nika Kovač, director of the 8th of March Institute. Nika shares the inspiring story behind My Voice, My Choice, a trans-European campaign that collected over 1.2 million signatures to protect reproductive rights across the EU. Sparked by the rollback of abortion rights in the U.S., the campaign used the European Citizens' Initiative to propose legal protections at the EU level—mobilizing citizens across borders and creating what may be the largest reproductive rights movement in European history. Nika talks about the challenges of organizing such a campaign, the importance of community and grassroots action, and the innovative tools they used to overcome obstacles. She also reflects on earlier victories in Slovenia, including changing rape laws, leading referendums to defend public resources, and pushing for systemic social change. Despite facing personal threats and public attacks, Nika remains committed to her mission, grounded in hope, solidarity, and the belief that democracy belongs to everyone. This episode is a powerful exploration of what it means to lead with courage, purpose, and community. Some links: * Nika's profile at the Obama Foundation [https://www.obama.org/programs/leaders/europe/2020/nika-kova%C4%8D/]. * Nika on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nika-kovač-849243347/]. * Inštitut 8. marec [https://www.8marec.si].

In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the SozialMarie jury process with Ana Jeinić, an architectural theorist and curator. Ana shares what it's like to evaluate innovative social projects, what applicants should focus on to stand out, and how the jury experience isn't just about selecting winners—it's also a journey of learning and growth for the jury members themselves. If you've ever wondered what makes a SozialMarie project truly shine, this episode is for you! Ana Jeinić is an architectural thinker and curator who explores how space, cities, and design shape our world. With a background in architecture and philosophy, she has worked as a professor, researcher, and curator, leading projects that challenge how we imagine the future of architecture and urban planning. She has written extensively on topics like infrastructure, environmental philosophy, and speculative design. From organizing international projects to experimenting with utopian city concepts, Ana is deeply engaged in rethinking the role of architecture in our lives. Since 2023, she has been leading an artistic research project at Graz University of Technology. Get to know the Expert Jury: Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sozialmarie-prize-for-social-innovation_sozialmarie-socialinnovation-activity-7297341814762606592-A19J?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAKEcIBIT-q5TqLLCPoTsrBZL5ENf__YCo].

In this episode, I speak with Vit Kettner from Revenium, a social business in Czechia dedicated to fostering social inclusion, diversity, and sustainability. Vit shares the journey behind his innovative garden biogas plant—a project that transforms organic waste into energy, inspired by the need to repurpose coffee roastery byproducts. We discuss the challenges he faced, the adaptability required to make the idea work, and the broader potential of small-scale biogas solutions. Vit's story is a testament to the power of resourcefulness, persistence, and a clear vision—key ingredients for any impactful social innovation. Jose Antonio Morales Special thanks to Bea Babačová for her contribution to this episode. Some links: * Revenium [https://revenium.cz/projekty/]. * Vit Kettner [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vít-kettner-32b51010/]. * SozialMarie project profile [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/9424].

What happens when a baby is born into challenging circumstances? How can we ensure that every child, no matter where they start, has a fair chance to thrive? In this episode, we introduce you to Grow Together, an inspiring initiative from Vienna, Austria, founded by Dr. Katharina Kruppa [https://www.ashoka.org/en-us/fellow/katharina-kruppa], winner of the SozialMarie Award in 2015. Grow Together [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/4345] is transforming the lives of families and children by addressing the critical first steps in child development, even in the face of adversity. Join us as we explore how Grow Together turned initial challenges into lasting impact and the vital role of Social Impact Measurement in their journey. Listen in to discover how dedicated initiatives can create pathways for every child to reach their fullest potential. This episode marks a special shift, as we're introducing a shorter format and welcoming fresh voices to the podcast! Joining us this time is Beáta Babačová [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/Contact], our vibrant and energetic country coordinator from Slovakia.  We'd love to hear what you think about this updated format—your feedback means a lot to us!

Welcome to Episode 7 of Why Why Why? Today, we're excited to introduce you to three remarkable women representing two inspiring initiatives. We have Rosa Bergmann and Caroline Loudon from HobbyLobby Vienna [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/8675], Austria, and Rita Kishonthy-Kardos from EMMA Közhasznú Egyesület in Hungary [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/8995]. HobbyLobby is committed to giving children equal access to after-school education and activities. Their journey is truly uplifting, showing how a simple idea can grow into a self-sustaining, scalable project. Meanwhile, the EMMA Association runs the Community Roma Doula Service in Hungary, offering vital support to mothers during childbirth. This initiative empowers women and turns the team into role models within their communities, sparking a ripple effect of positive change and development. I hope you enjoy this episode! Jose A. Morales SozialMarie. [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en]

Welcome to Why Why Why? Episode 6 In this episode, I focus on learning from three of the winners of the SozialMarie Award 2024: 1. Housing First Austria [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/9520]. 2. Doctors Tracker [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/9280]. 3. The Incubator for Future Investigative Reporters [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/9558]. I'd like to share something that I talked with them about before pressing the record button. You will notice that we will interchangeably use the concepts of Social Entrepreneurship, Social Impact, and Social Innovation. Although technically different, we discussed all those concepts as a "drive that inspires and empowers individuals to face change and growth to achieve social value." This conversation is relevant because many of us confuse the idea of entrepreneurship and startups, making it hard for people working for organizations to identify as entrepreneurial or socially innovative.  I believe anyone who works hard to solve social issues, whether as an individual or part of a collective, is entrepreneurial, innovative, and impactful. Do you agree?  Enjoy the episode, and feel free to reach out!

Welcome to the 5th edition of the Why Why Why? podcast by SocialMarie. SozialMarie celebrated twenty years this year, and we celebrated in Vienna with the nominees for the 2024 award ceremony. In this episode, I speak with Isabel Albrecht, a board member of Unruhe Privatstiftung (the organization that funds SozialMarie). Isabel shares her perspectives on social innovation and the achievements of SozialMarie, which is celebrating its twentieth birthday. I also talked with two SozialMarie patrons, Barbara van Melle, and Dominik Bagola. Barbara has been a close member of the SozialMarie family for many years. She was a patron for Austria in the year 2023 and currently runs Kruste&Krume. Dominik is a musician, social innovator, expert advertising creative, and 2024 SozialMarie patron of Slovenia. Curious about his music? Search for Balladero. I also talked with Ladislav Kossar, founder of BUDDY. This conversation touched my heart and woke up the need to keep my eyes open to the needs we usually ignore. BUDDY supports children and young people who cannot grow up in their own families. You can't miss it! Links: * Barbara van Melle: https://krusteundkrume.at/ueber-uns/ * Dominik Bagola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bagoladominik/ * Ladislav Kossar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladislav-kossar-7874a329/  Do you want to check all the social innovators that participated in the 2024 competition? Follow this link to download the entire brochure: https://sozialmarie.org/assets/media/sozialmarie_boschure_2024.pdf 

In this episode of the Why Why Why Podcast, you will meet two Social Innovators: Professor Nikola Kezić from Croatia and Hana Košan from Slovenia. Both interviews explore the deep motivations and tactics experienced and successful innovators use to achieve a positive impact on society. Before finishing, our Podcast host fulfills his promise to discuss what he has learned so far about fear and entrepreneurship. We hope you'll find Jose's reflections useful. Learn more about Prof. Kezić visiting: https://www.sozialmarie.org/index.php/en/projects/8911 Visit one of Hana's initiatives: https://www.sozialmarie.org/sl/projects/1583

In this episode of our Why Why Why podcast, you will meet two Social Innovators: Nina and Lukas. Both are winners of the SozialMarie Awards in 2023 and operate from Austria. Ready to learn from the winners? After the interviews, Andreja Rosandić and Gabi Göbl, experts in social entrepreneurship and SozialMarie evaluators from Croatia and Hungary, respectively, will share their opinions and reflections about Lukas and Nina's stories. Mrs. Nina Baumgartner, LeLi-Tageszentrum (https://sozialmarie.org/en/projects/9005). Mr. Lukas Burnar, Medienhaus andererseits GmbH (https://sozialmarie.org/en/projects/9027). Andreja Rosandić in Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreja-rosandi%C4%87-6495a45/]. Gabi Göbl in Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabi-g%C5%91bl-b3ba6b25/].

In this enlightening episode, we explore the vibrant intersection of social innovation and business modeling through the lens of Anna Misovicz, Project Manager at SozialMarie, now on parental leave, and Professor Markus Peschl, an expert in many fields, including the innovation process. Veronika Janýrová leads the interview with Professor Markus Peschl. Relevant links: * Professor Markus Peschl: https://innovation.univie.ac.at  [https://innovation.univie.ac.at/] * Veronika Janýrová: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronika-janyrova/  * TRIC Project: https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/tric?

Today, we talked with two social innovators, Bettina and Albert. Although their stories differ, both are enthusiastic about improving this world through entrepreneurship. If you are looking for inspiration to add to your ideas or need encouragement to start as a social innovator, this episode is a good start! Bettina has a Roma background, and her work springs from her experiences as a teenager who grew up recognizing the effects of ethnic differences on herself and others.  Albert follows a family tradition of helping others as professionals through medicine or education. In his case, he was more attracted to business entrepreneurship. He started and succeeded. Listen to two great stories about inclusion, personal development, business sustainability, the value of community, and the importance of taking action. Curious about the ventures and innovators? Check them out: 1. Uccu Budapest Romani Walking Tours | SozialMarie [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/7783] 2. Munch | SozialMarie [https://www.sozialmarie.org/en/projects/8360]