The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community

Join us for the final episode of Season 2 of The Big View Podcast, where we’ve been exploring the power of mindset: how it shapes our lives, our relationships with our families and communities, and the way we engage with the world. In this closing conversation, hosts Kamatara and Kris dive into the practice of generative dialogue, discussing what it means, how to cultivate it, and why it’s essential for creating meaningful change. We unpack how the collective wisdom accessed through authentic, curiosity-driven conversations can lead to something brand new. The episode also offers a rich reflection on the key mindsets we’ve explored this season, weaving them into a vision of how we can each contribute to thriving, connected communities grounded in awareness and possibility as we work together to end poverty. It’s an invitation to keep the dialogue going…within ourselves and with one another. Episode Transcript & Show Notes at: https://circlesusa.org/s2e8

In Part 2 of our conversation with Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication, we continue exploring the role of empathic intelligence—this time focusing on its importance in navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict. Together, we dive into some passages from Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication to reflect on how empathy lives in our bodies, relationships, and communities. We explore how empathic intelligence helps us stay grounded in our own experience while remaining open to others, especially in high-stakes or emotionally charged situations. We talk about what it means to listen beyond words, how to honor boundaries while staying connected, and the role of nervous system regulation in truly showing up for one another. Meenadchi shares practical tools and deep wisdom for anyone looking to lead with compassion without bypassing conflict or complexity. This episode invites us to rethink how we relate: not just to each other, but to ourselves, to systems, and to the possibility of collective healing. Episode Transcript & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/s2e6

This episode is the final installment in our 3-part series on Centering People and Purpose. Special guests Andrew Sprock and Kayla Johnson (of Circles Grant County in Marion, Indiana) join Kamatara and Kris for a conversation about the vital role of Narrative Change in Big View work. Faced with critical issues after only a few years, Circles Grant County recognized that doing “business as usual” wasn’t going to move them forward. They found themselves in a moment of crisis: funding had dropped significantly, some Circle Leaders were experiencing discouraging challenges, and the Matched Circles weren’t gaining the traction they had hoped for. In response, they launched a storytelling team and began hosting monthly story nights. This intentional shift has propelled their chapter's success—strengthening relationships, boosting fundraising efforts, and reshaping the larger community narrative about poverty. Tune in for this powerful discussion on the transformative impact of creating space and support for people to share their stories. Episode Transcript & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/s2e4

In this episode, Executive Director Kamatara Johnson and Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander kick off a three-part series on Centering People & Purpose, starting with the second mindset of Big View: Values-Based Organizing. What happens when we lead with what we stand for, not just what we stand against? Join us as we explore how shared values can be a powerful foundation for organizing work that inspires hope, unity, and real community systems change. We’ll break down the difference between traditional organizing and values-based organizing, share real-life examples from our own experiences and Circles communities, and dig into why centering values helps us keep people and purpose at the heart of what we do. This isn’t just theory—it’s a practical shift that can reshape how we design campaigns, engage communities, and imagine solutions that include everyone, not just a few. Whether you’re new to organizing or a longtime changemaker, this episode will ground you in the “why” of values-based strategy. Episode Transcript & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/s2e2

What does Systems Change really mean, and how do we create it in ways that are transformative, long-lasting, and impactful at every level of society? Systems change addresses the root structures and policies that shape our lives, affecting everyone from those directly impacted by laws to those who hold the power to make them. But how do we create meaningful change that brings together perspectives across the political spectrum for a shared goal—reducing and ultimately eradicating poverty? In this special episode, join Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander and Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, along with special guest Michelle Crawford of Circles Salt Lake, as they dive into the essentials of systems change. We’ll explore the meanings and nuances of systems change; discuss strategies for bringing it to life in our communities; and share insights on how to create it in ways that are transformative, long-lasting, and impactful at every level of society. Tune in to discover practical steps to help reshape the systems that impact us all! Episode Transcript & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/spe2

In the final episode of Season 1, we wrap up our journey through the five stages to prosperity with the last stage, Advancement. Here, individuals have now moved out of survival mode, built a foundation to withstand future crises, found purpose and belonging, and have reached a point of peaceful satisfaction and self-actualization. Kamatara and Yvette share how we can co-create equitable, thriving communities where poverty no longer exists, as is the vision of Circles USA. Episode Transcript: circlesusa.org/s1e6

In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette explore the third stage to prosperity, Readiness, when individuals have the breathing space to make conscious choices about their futures. During this promising time, they can begin reconnecting with their dreams and tap into support networks to find new opportunities for personal and career growth. Episode Transcript: circlesusa.org/s1e4

In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette illustrate the first stage to prosperity, Crisis Intervention, emphasizing the importance of addressing immediate crises with the necessary interventions, support, and resources to help individuals move into stability. They also touch on the stigma that individuals are often battling in this phase and the valuable role that community can play in combating internalized shame. Episode Transcript: circlesusa.org/s1e2