Let’s Hear It

Latest Episodes:

We Kick Off Season Seven with Mister Mystery - Kirk Brown! Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

It’s a brand-new year, a new season, and… a brand-new low? Nah!! This week, Let’s Hear It flips the script as co-host Eric Brown interviews the mystery man himself, Kirk Brown. That’s right—our favorite interlocutor steps into the hot seat to reflect on his fascinating journey from humble Iowan roots to becoming a nonprofit communications force of nature.

Kirk shares how growing up amidst Iowa’s agricultural rhythms and caucus-season chaos shaped his worldview, his approach to climate work, and his knack for community-driven solutions. You’ll hear about his leap into advocacy, running a nonprofit media shop, and his work founding Recharge America—a bold initiative sparking grassroots engagement around clean energy.

Expect laughs (we’re looking at you, Kirk’s Hollywood sunburn story), insights into the evolving communications landscape, and a big picture look at why creating enduring political constituencies is the secret sauce for real change.

Plus, Eric and Kirk dive into the big themes: How do we overcome disinformation, build local trust, and organize for meaningful, sustainable progress? This episode is packed with ideas for funders, advocates, and anyone passionate about driving change—community by community.

Join us as we kick off Season 7 with humor, heart, and some Kirk Brown wisdom you didn’t know you needed. And as always, please rate and review us wherever you listen—because it really helps more people find the show!

Paper Bags and Patience: A Post-Election Pep Talk with Takema Robinson Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

Need a dose of hope and perspective after a tough election season? Join Let's Hear It co-host Eric Brown for a conversation with Takema Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Converge, a social justice communications consulting firm.

Drawing on her background in art and African American studies, Takema brings a refreshing perspective on how imagination and creativity are essential for social change. She reminds us that even in challenging times, we need "imagineers" who can envision a more inclusive future.

After two decades of working with major foundations and nonprofits across the U.S., Takema shares practical wisdom about playing the long game when it comes to social justice. She emphasizes that real change happens over generations, not election cycles. From her current home base in Jamaica (the country, not Eric’s birthplace), she explains how stepping back has given her a broader view of America's challenges and opportunities.

The conversation tackles tough questions about what's next for racial justice and democracy after recent setbacks. Takema reminds us that we all need just a little space to process, breathe, and clear our heads before putting our shoulders to the wheel for the task ahead of us.

She points to encouraging signs of progress, like the growing infrastructure for civic engagement across the South, while acknowledging there's still much to do. As she puts it, the goal should be to "make America great for the first time" - building a truly inclusive democracy that works for everyone.

For foundation and nonprofit leaders feeling overwhelmed by current events, this episode offers a bit of comfort and a constructive path forward. Takema's blend of strategic thinking and heartfelt optimism provides a welcome antidote to, well, you know.

What’s Next for Climate Justice? – A Conversation with EPA Advisor Danielle Deane-Ryan Nov 19, 2024

Show notes

We know that these post-election blues are a thing, but here’s the deal – the need for climate justice isn’t changing. This week on Let’s Hear It, we’re diving deep into the work that’s pushing environmental justice to the forefront of philanthropy, policy, and big-dollar investments.

Eric sits down with Danielle Deane-Ryan, Senior Advisor to the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and a long-time climate justice funder. Danielle shares her journey from her roots in Trinidad and Tobago to the halls of power in Washington, breaking down how billions in clean energy investments can—and must—center the communities hit hardest by environmental injustice.

The conversation explores how policies like Justice40 and collaborations between grassroots leaders and major funders are changing the game. Danielle also doesn’t hold back when it comes to the communication gaps that still need fixing—and she’s got plenty of ideas for how to make progress stick.

Meanwhile, Kirk rallies the optimism brigade, Eric holds his ground, and they both agree – without good communications, even the best policies will fall short.

If you want to hear how leaders are tackling the climate crisis with equity, resilience, and serious grit, this episode is for you.

Don’t forget to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts—it helps others find the show!

The Clean Energy Economy is Coming! – with Rachel Korberg of the Families and Workers Fund and David Etzwiler of the Siemens Foundation Nov 03, 2024

Show notes

Okay, folks, we know there’s an election happening and that you might be a bit, um, distracted. But one thing is sure, whatever happens this week, a clean energy economy is coming, and we need to do everything we can to make this transition work for everybody. So when you’re finished blowing into your paper bag, you might want to take a moment to think about the future.

In this episode of Let’s Hear It, hosts Eric sits down with Rachel Korberg , the Executive Director and co-founder of the Families and Workers Fund and David Etzwiler, the CEO of the Siemens Foundation to explore how philanthropy and business can team up to create an economy that works for everyone. Rachel and David share their insights into making the clean energy transition fair and accessible, with a focus on good jobs, workforce training, and equity.

The discussion centers on how their organizations are working together to push for an economy that includes all workers—especially women, people of color, and rural communities—in emerging fields like green energy.

Then, Kirk blows a gasket with excitement, Eric tries to talk him off the ledge, and they try to make sense of it all.

If you’re interested in how real change is happening at the intersection of philanthropy and business, this episode is a must-listen. And if you enjoy it, don’t forget to rate and review on Apple Podcasts to help others find the show!

Hey Philanthropy, You Can Fund Policy Work! No, Really! - A Conversation with Marc Solomon of Civitas Public Affairs and William Foster of the Bridgespan Group Oct 08, 2024

Show notes

Fans of Let’s Hear It (and there are oh-so many!) will acknowledge that Eric and Kirk get a little nutty about their guests sometimes. Well, this time, Marc Solomon of Civitas Public Affairs and William Foster of the Bridgespan Group drive Kirk and Eric to 11.

The topic this time is Marc’s and William’s new paper “Betting on the Tortoise: Policy Incrementalism and How Philanthropy’s Support Can Turn Small Sustained Steps into Big Impact,” co-written with Eric Chen and Zach Slobig.

The problem is that philanthropy is astonishingly timid about funding policy work (sorry, philanthropy). The thing is, Marc and William remind us about how smart philanthropy can make a huge difference in the kinds of policy wins that every wants – freedom to marry, increasing the minimum wage, and many more.

And then Kirk and Eric have what we humbly think is one of the funnier and more entertaining rants this season, so stick around for that.

Thanks for listening, and please, please, subscribe, rate, and review the show so more people can find us!

Grace Nicolette of the Center for Effective Philanthropy Unpacks the $17 Billion Bombshell - MacKenzie Scott's Philanthropy Revolution Sep 24, 2024

Show notes

In this dandy episode of Let's Hear It, Eric Brown sits down with Grace Nicolette from the Center for Effective Philanthropy to make sense of the phenomenon that is MacKenzie Scott's revolutionary approach to giving.

Grace is the Vice President for Programming and External Relations at the Center for Effective Philanthropy and the co-host with Phil Buchanan of the really terrific (and we're not just saying that!), Giving Done Right Podcast, which kicked off its fourth season on September 19.

Grace shares fascinating insights from CEP's multi-year study of Scott's "surprise philanthropy" - those headline-grabbing, unsolicited gifts that have sent shockwaves through the nonprofit world. We're talking transformative levels of funding that have left many organizations asking, "Is this for real?"

But it's not just about the numbers. Grace dives into the meaty questions this approach raises: How are nonprofits handling this sudden influx of cash? Is this the end of strategic philanthropy as we know it? And what can other funders learn from Scott's bold experiment?

As a recipient of Scott's generosity themselves, CEP offers a unique insider-outsider perspective. Grace candidly discusses how their own $10 million gift has shaped their work and thinking.

Whether you're a nonprofit leader, a funder, or simply curious about how big money can create big change, this episode delivers. It's a thoughtful exploration of a philanthropic shake-up that's rewriting the rules of giving, delivered with CEP's signature blend of data-driven insights and real-world experience.

Tune in for a conversation that's sure to challenge your assumptions and maybe, just maybe, make you rethink everything you thought you knew about effective philanthropy.

Eloy Ortiz Oakley of the College Futures Foundation on the Power of Community Colleges Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

Hey folks, we’re back after a quick summer break. Hope you missed us!

As many parents pack their kids off to college this month, it’s important to remember that almost two out of five college students in the U.S. attends a community college. These are students who are often working full time, caring for family members, or going back to school to learn new skills. Oh, and another thing, community colleges don’t brag about how “selective” they are – all are welcome.

Our guest on this episode of Let’s Hear It is Eloy Ortiz Oakley, the President and CEO of the College Futures Foundation – a California foundation helping students who are facing the greatest barriers to succeed in college and beyond. Eloy was previously the Chancellor of the California Community College system - the largest system of higher education in the United States, and third largest system of higher education in the world, serving more than 1.8 million students. He is also a former Regent of the University of California system. If anyone knows about what’s working and what’s not in higher education, it’s Eloy.

Eric and Eloy have a fascinating and wide-ranging conversation about Eloy’s own educational journey, the challenges of elitism in higher education, and role philanthropy can play in ensuring a more equitable system.

Esteban Gast, Climate Comedian - Yes, You Read That Right Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

Sometimes it's okay to take a moment away from the massive challenges and simply laugh. Thanks to Esteban Gast and the organization he works for, Generation 180, we can even laugh about climate. Well, actually, Esteban helps us better understand how we can take actions that matter, understand that we're not alone, and have a little fun along the way.

Eric and Esteban giggle, chortle, and guffaw through this episode, reminding us all that there are SO many ways to communicate and not all of them involve PowerPoint and statistics.

ComNet24 is Coming! - With Sean Gibbons, Carrie Clyne, and Tristan Mohabir Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

We are so excited about ComNet24 in Kansas City!

When Sean Gibbons joined the Communications Network as its new leader a decade ago, he was tasked with leading an organization with 400 members and a staff of, um, himself and a ham sandwich. Today, the Network boasts over 4,000 members and a team of eight, reflecting Sean's infectious enthusiasm and vision for bringing communications professionals together.

And together we’ll be – in Kansas City from October 16-18.

Sean joins Chief of Staff Tristan Mohabir and VP of Community Carrie Clyne to talk with Eric about why ComNet 24 in Kansas City this October is a can't-miss event. They remind us how crucial in-person connections are in our increasingly digital world, and while they're at it, they showcase the innovative ways the Network is fostering community year-round through local groups, online Circles, and a bustling Slack workspace.

And stick around for a special opportunity to win dinner with Eric at a storied Kansas City steakhouse! Not kidding!

Suzanne Ehlers of USA for UNHCR Gives Us Hope on World Refugee Day Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

As we approach World Refugee Day, it’s so good to know that there are people like Suzanne Ehlers who are making an extraordinary difference and people’s lives and providing real hope for the future.

Suzanne is the Executive Director and CEO of USA for UNHCR, a nonprofit organization that supports the United Nations Refugee Agency. It helps raise awareness and makes funds available to aid refugees around the world, providing them with the resources and support they need to rebuild their lives after being forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or disaster.

Previously, Suzanne was CEO of Malala Fund, and before that she was President and CEO of Population Action International. She speaks with Eric about how she parlayed her temp job at the Wallace Global Fund to a career that led to her being named CEO of an organization that aims to raise a billion dollars over the next ten years.

Suzanne speaks with Eric about how she uses storytelling to inspire empathy for the millions of refugees in some 40 crisis hotspots around the globe who desperately need our help.

Oh, and she also happens to be fun, funny, and fabulous.

We hope you enjoy this really delightful conversation as much as we did.

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