Sounds Good with Branden Harvey

Sounds Good Season Finale // If you've been looking for a sign to change your life, this is it. As you've probably figured out by now, life isn't a linear line. It's full of ups and downs, uncertainty, and confusion; however, what guides us through is intentionality. That's what illustrator and author Adam J. Kurtz's fourth book, You Are Here (For Now): A Guide to Finding Your Way, tackles. In it are essays and illustrations aimed to help readers with personal transformation — instead of simply living life getting through it day by day, Kurtz wants you to actually enjoy where you are and who you are. As a best-selling designer, artist, and public speaker (whose work has been featured in the New Yorker, NYLON, and more), Adam has dedicated his whole life to finding the humor, truth, and optimism in being alive. He channels the lessons he's learned through his art and wants you to know that it's all going to be okay. His art and stationary brand has been sold all over the world and he's amassed a big social media following through his work in mental health. In this episode, Adam J. Kurtz talks to us about what purpose really means to him and how we’re never as alone as we feel. Guest: Adam J. Kurtz, author of You Are Here (For Now): A Guide to Finding Your Way Order You Are Here (For Now) on Bookshop or Amazon and follow Adam J. Kurtz on Instagram and Twitter Sponsor: For purpose-driven brands and organizations looking for an agency specializing in collaborative problem solving and expert craftsmanship — learn more about Moon March moonmarch.com. Sponsor: Listen to the podcast Breaking Glass at breakingglasspodcast.com/good. → Listen to more Sounds Good at https://goodgoodgood.co/podcast → Get more good news at the all-new https://goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at https://goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a subscriber and get the Goodnewspaper at https://goodgoodgood.co/subscribe

Develop for Good pairs students with nonprofits to use tech to make a difference. The founder of the organization, Mary Zhu, is no stranger to the experiences of underserved communities. She’s the daughter of two Chinese immigrants and her cultural background was a huge driving force in helping see disparities in marginalized communities… and how to bridge those gaps. In high school, Mary even founded her first nonprofit organization — which aimed to sponsor children in underserved communities by selling cakes to the community. After spending four years at Stanford University, Mary noticed that technology and innovation weren’t intersecting with nonprofit spaces — so she decided to change this on her own. Now, she’s the co-founder and executive director of Develop for Good, a nonprofit program that “pairs, trains and supports student volunteers as they develop technical product solutions for nonprofits.” Students who are pros at technology are able to gain hands-on experience doing innovative and world-changing work for nonprofits. And nonprofits are able to take their work to the next level through technology. In this episode, Mary talks about how her childhood experiences impacted the work she does now, the value of social work, and the unique nature of her nonprofit — one that affords young people the chance to work in the tech industry without the financial burden Mary is so familiar with. Guest: Mary Zhu, co-founder and executive director of Develop for Good Visit Develop for Good’s website, developforgood.org Sponsor: For purpose-driven brands and organizations looking for an agency specializing in collaborative problem solving and expert craftsmanship — learn more about Moon March moonmarch.com. Sponsor: Listen to the podcast Breaking Glass at breakingglasspodcast.com/good. → Get more Good Good Good at the all-new https://goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at https://goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a subscriber and get the Goodnewspaper at https://goodgoodgood.co/subscribe

After trading jazz for a Harvard education, this doctor chose to support refugees by not only working in a refugee camp in Turkey, but by developing an app that supports refugees’ unique healthcare needs. One of the major challenges of being a refugee is the lack of access to real healthcare, particularly for refugee women. But through the power of empathy and tech, there are now more avenues for refugees seeking proper care for their basic needs. This week, we are joined by Aral Sürmeli, a Harvard educated refugee healthcare provider. Sürmeli has worked to offer solutions through public advocacy and digital solutions for refugees seeking shelter, pregnancy care, and much more. After starting his Masters in Public Health at Harvard University in the fall of 2018, Aral launched the HERA app — a mobile app connecting refugee mothers and children with preventative healthcare. Before discovering his passion for refugee work, Aral spent his high school years in Turkey working for nonprofits and providing care for vulnerable communities. After losing his father to pancreatic cancer, however, Aral decided to study medicine and developed a focus in public health. In this episode, he shares how he became interested in refugee health after a visit to Turkish refugee camps — and how he’s exploring and working to solve the unique complications for refugees accessing healthcare through tech. Guest: Aral Sürmeli, humanitarian and founder of HERA Visit HERA’s website, project-hera.com. Sponsor: For purpose-driven brands and organizations looking for an agency specializing in collaborative problem solving and expert craftsmanship — learn more about Moon March moonmarch.com. Sponsor: Listen to the podcast Breaking Glass at breakingglasspodcast.com/good. → Get more Good Good Good at the all-new https://goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at https://goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a subscriber and get the Goodnewspaper at https://goodgoodgood.co/subscribe

After getting out of prison, Jason Wang committed to helping ex-felons get jobs, end generational poverty, and re-enter society. The United States’ incarceration system has made it nearly impossible for ex-felons to have a second chance at life. From the minute they’re incarcerated to the minute they’re released, the U.S. justice system imposes the strictest and harshest of penalties. There is little support for felons once they return to life after imprisonment, and readjusting to society without support is extremely hard. Ex-felons are held to impossible standards during probation and expected to comply with an average of 18-20 requirements every single day — and 68 percent of felons end up being rearrested within three years of being released. But there are people working to improve living conditions for ex-felons once they re-enter society. Free World is an organization working to end generational poverty and the chance of offenders reoffending, and is run by CEO Jason Wang, who is himself an ex-felon who was convicted as a minor. After leaving prison, he found it hard to readjust to civilian life — and now his non-profit works to get ex-felons into well-paying jobs to live life on their own terms. Guest: Jason Wang, CEO of FreeWorld Follow Jason on Twitter (@jasonwaang) and visit the Free World website (joinfreeworld.com) to support their work. Sponsor: Moon March: For purpose-driven brands and organizations looking for an agency specializing in collaborative problem solving and expert craftsmanship — visit moonmarch.com. Sponsor: Listen to the podcast Breaking Glass at breakingglasspodcast.com/good. → Get more Good Good Good at the all-new https://goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at https://goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a subscriber and get the Goodnewspaper at https://goodgoodgood.co/subscribe

Contacting an elected representative is an effective way to make change, but it might not always be clear how to make your voice heard. Our show guest today is Jason Putorti, one of the founders of Resistbot — a free and easy to use messaging service that connects constituents directly with their elected officials. In the four years that Resistbot has been around, they’ve helped millions of people advocate for causes they care about — all in less than two minutes. In short, Resistbot makes democracy quick and easy. Four years ago, Jason saw a problem in how complicated it can be to get your voice heard by our politicians. In this episode with Jason, we talk about his solution, how Resistbot redirects online chatter about important issues into action, and how numbers in a group really does make a difference in advocating for a cause. He also answers if politicians really care about what their constituents have to say. Guest: Jason Putorti, co-founder of Resistbot Text RESIST to 50409 to contact your elected officials — and make a small donation to keep Resistbot’s services going. Sponsor: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/GOOD Sponsor: Listen to the podcast Breaking Glass at breakingglasspodcast.com/good. → Get more Good Good Good at the all-new goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a subscriber and get the Goodnewspaper at goodgoodgood.co/membership

Growing — whether in our personal or professional lives — requires change. But change can be terrifying, no matter what stage in your life you’re at. Fortunately, there are people who can help us deal with change — and show us how it can transform our lives and the communities around us. Josh Chambers has done it all. Prior to being an entrepreneur and the founder of the Moon March agency, he was an aid worker, an advertising executive, and a professional athlete. Now, with his agency, he helps people navigate change — and he helps businesses do good by helping them to their fullest potential. Whether he’s helping brands show what they do best through thoughtfully executed campaigns or helping business owners grow into their brand identity, Josh sets an example of how to make change work in our favor. No matter how scary, change can be an opportunity for growth and thanks to his decades of experience, Josh is able to share exactly how that mindset has benefited him and others. This is a bonus episode! Guest: Josh Chambers, CEO of Moon March If you’re looking for an agency that builds and designs brands and campaigns for good, check out MoonMarch.com. If you want to learn more about navigating change and coaching, visit JoshChambers.com. And if you feel like you’re ready to make a change and sign up for coaching, you can email Josh at josh@joshchambers.com. → Get more Good Good Good at the all-new Good Good Good website: goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a Member and get the Goodnewspaper at goodgoodgood.co/membership

Maggie Smith is an award-winning poet who shot to prominence in 2016 with her viral poem, Good Bones. Widely celebrated in the poetry community for her lyricism and her poetic style, Maggie’s poems have appeared in publications such as The New York Times and The Paris Review. Her bestseller, Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change (2020), was a breakout collection of personal essays and affirmations which launched her to new heights. Returning with Goldenrod — a collection of poems that explore themes such as parenthood, love, memory, and solitude — Maggie reminds us all of the magic of the present moment, the virtues of staying grounded, and the importance of human connection. In this episode, Maggie talks about being a recovering pessimist, raising her kids in times of injustice, and how poems — like people — evolve. Guest: Poet Maggie Smith Pick up Goldenrod from your local bookstore and follow Maggie on Twitter and Instagram. Sponsor: With Libro.fm, get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 with the code GOOD Sponsor: Get 20% off wine from DrinkBev.com with code GOOD20 → Get more Good Good Good at goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a Member and get the Goodnewspaper at goodgoodgood.co/membership

Pulitzer Prize winner Professor Annette Gordon-Reed has been celebrating Juneteenth her entire life. But in light of the global spotlight on the Black Lives Matter movement from last year’s protests against police brutality, more and more people are aware of what Juneteenth represents for America. As well as a celebration of Black joy and liberty, Juneteenth is an opportunity to reflect on the history of emancipation—and how we can continue to fight for civil rights the other days of the year too. In this episode, Professor Gordon Reed — a notable American historian and Harvard professor — shares why she wrote On Juneteenth, her personal relationship to the federal holiday, and why this year’s Juneteenth felt different than years before. Guest: Professor Annette Gordon-Reed Order On Juneteenth from your local bookstore → Read Good Good Good's guide on how to celebrate Juneteenth Join The Neighborhood by becoming a Good Good Good Member today Sponsor: With Libro.fm, get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 with the code GOOD Sponsor: Get 20% off wine from DrinkBev.com with code GOOD20 → Get more Good Good Good at goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a Member and get the Goodnewspaper at goodgoodgood.co/membership

The nonprofit New Story is solving global homelessness with innovative and holistic solutions. By providing financing and creating innovative home designs and processes, New Story has built 26 communities in four countries, all while partnering with local builders using local resources. The organization prides itself on experimenting with new housing solutions — they even built the world’s first 3D printed community in Mexico. Since 2015, New Story has funded more than 2,300 homes for more than 11,000 people. In this episode, Branden speaks with New Story’s CEO, Brett Hagler, about the organization’s experience with startup accelerator Y Combinator, how New Story is coming up with scalable, more efficient solutions for ending homelessness, and how New Story’s latest project is helping improve financing access for families in Latin America. He also shares why we can be hopeful about the future of housing access. Guest: Brett Hagler, CEO of New Story Learn more and view their houses on New Story’s website or make a donation. (P.S. They’re hiring!) Sponsor: With Libro.fm, get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 with the code GOOD Sponsor: Get 20% off canned wine from DrinkBev.com with code GOOD20 → Get more Good Good Good at goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a Member and get the Goodnewspaper at goodgoodgood.co/membership

Terence Lester (Love Beyond Walls) is making a difference for people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and economic inequality. He founded Love Beyond Walls, an Atlanta-based organization that serves people experiencing homelessness. He returns to the podcast for the second time to discuss the power of change-making in the context of community and collaboration. He shares tips for reducing burnout and how to break down barriers that prevent us from taking action. Guest: Terence Lester, founder of Love Beyond Walls and author of “When We Stand: The Power of Seeking Justice Together” Buy Terence’s book on Amazon or Bookshop, donate to Love Beyond Walls, and follow @imterencelester and @lovebeyondwalls on Instagram. Sponsor: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/GOOD Sponsor: With Libro.fm, get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 with the code GOOD → Get more Good Good Good at goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a Member and get the Goodnewspaper at goodgoodgood.co/membership

Moms Demand Action began the day after the Sandy Hook shooting, which claimed the lives of 28 people, including 20 children. Shannon Watts, a mother of five, knew she needed to do something — so she moved into action to end gun violence. She started Moms Demand Action, a non-partisan grassroots movement of moms who fight for stronger gun laws in America and encourage responsible gun ownership. Moms Demand Action has a volunteer chapter in every state plus Washington, D.C. Their work includes advocating for universal background checks, disarming domestic abusers, and responsible gun storage. Volunteers at their Gun Sense Action Network spend one hour per week driving phone calls into lawmaker’s offices or recruiting new supporters into the movement. Activist Crystal Turner also shares the story of how her life has changed since losing two of her children to gun violence in 2015. Crystal turned her pain into purpose and is now a dedicated activist working with Moms Demand Action to push for common sense gun reform. She also founded Mothers in Healing, a nonprofit that provides grief counseling for mothers who have lost a child. Guests: Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, and Crystal Turner, activist, Moms Demand Action advocate, and founder of Mothers in Healing Text the word READY to 64433 to get involved with gun reform work where you live, visit Moms Demand Action’s national or state-specific Facebook pages, follow @momsdemand on Twitter and Instagram, and buy Shannon’s book, “Fight Like a Mother” Background reading: Every day, 100 people in America are shot and killed in the United States The U.S. gun homicide rate is 25 times higher than that of other high-income countries 90 percent of Americans support common sense gun laws, such as universal background checks

John Moe (“Depresh Mode,” “The Hilarious World of Depression”) is bringing humor to mental health. The writer and radio personality’s work often centers on his mental health journey, and his writing has appeared in numerous humor anthologies as well as The New York Times Magazine, McSweeney's, The Seattle Times, and many more publications. For two decades, he hosted nationally distributed public radio programs. Following decades of living with undiagnosed depression, John is now using his platform to break down the stigma of mental illness. In his new podcast “Depresh Mode,” he interviews comedians, musicians, authors, and actors about living with depression, anxiety, and other common disorders. Through their honest, relatable conversations, listeners can learn more about their options for facing mental illness and feel less alone. In this episode, John shares the power of sharing your story, how humor can make things less scary, and how we can all follow his example in breaking down mental health stigma by talking about it. Guest: John Moe, writer and radio personality Listen to John’s podcast, “Depresh Mode,” buy his book, “The Hilarious World of Depression,” and follow @johnmoe on Twitter Sponsor: With Libro.fm, get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 with the code GOOD Sponsor: Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/GOOD → Get more Good Good Good at goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a Member and get the Goodnewspaper at goodgoodgood.co/membership ALJQ0N7w0N34m19nDEug

Gene Stone (author of “Forks Over Knives”) has spent the last decade writing about plant-based diets and their relationship to health, animal protection, and the environment. The former Peace Corps volunteer and journalist (Esquire, GQ, and Vogue) is a New York Times bestselling author who has written popular books including “Forks Over Knives,” “How Not to Die,” “The Secrets of People Who Never Get Sick,” “The Engine 2 Diet,” and “Eat for the Planet.” This episode, Gene shares his journey to adopting a vegan diet and simple action steps for transitioning to a plant-based diet to impact your health, animals, and the environment. Guest: Gene Stone, journalist and New York Times bestselling author Buy Gene’s new book, “72 Reasons to Be Vegan: Why Plant-Based. Why Now.” and check out his other books Background reading: Veganism is the “single biggest way” to reduce our environmental impact Sponsor: With Libro.fm, get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 with the code GOOD Sponsor: Save 20% on Riff cold brew and sparkling energy drinks at LetsRiff.com with the code GOODGOODGOOD → Get more Good Good Good at goodgoodgood.co → Join 30,000 weekly Goodnewsletter readers at goodgoodgood.co/goodnewsletter → Become a Member and get the Goodnewspaper at goodgoodgood.co/membership