The PlayFull Podcast
Whether you’re ladling soup at a local shelter or attending a UN Peace Conference, those who devote their lives to the service of others are often exhausted and in need of a little break.
Welcome to the PlayFull Podcast, where host Kristine Michie and her guests bring fun to the serious work of changing the world.
Aaron Dorfman and Senowa Mize-Fox: Protecting Civil Society by Funding Front-line Orgs
Kristine Michie discusses with Aaron Dorfman and Senowa Mize-Fox of NCRP the systemic funding gaps in philanthropy and offers a bold, accountable vision for more equitable giving.
Chris Lawrence: Creating Financial Justice in a Mobile World
In this episode, Kristine talks with Chris Lawrence, Chief Program Officer at the Interledger Foundation, about how inclusive design, open protocols, and creative tech can reimagine financial access as a human right for the 1.4 billion unbanked.
Erin Axelrod: Equalizing Access to the Tools and Levers that Grow the Economy
In this episode, Kristine Michie sits down with Erin Axelrod from LIFT Economy to discuss how regenerative business models, like worker-owned cooperatives and B-Corps, can transform economic systems to be more sustainable, equitable, and aligned with ecological health.
Laurin Leonard: Why Second Chance is our Best Chance
In this episode, Kristine Michie talks with Laurin Leonard, CEO of R3 Score, about transforming hiring practices by replacing outdated background checks with a fairer, more inclusive approach.
Bill Burke: Former Weather Channel CEO Chooses to See Blue Skies
Kristine Michie welcomes media veteran Bill Burke as he shares how practiced optimism can transform individuals, workplaces, and society through storytelling and leadership.
Delivering Money and Meaning for Marginalized Founders with Kat Gabrielle
Kristine Michie interviews entrepreneur and activist Kat Gabrielle on overcoming racial violence, embracing radical visibility, and founding The Well Work to support marginalized entrepreneurs in securing funding while centering joy and play.
Building Tech for the Just Transition – An AI Platform for the Social Sector
Join host Kristine Michie in a PlayFull discussion on how AI can be a progressive ally, featuring guests Aram Fischer and Mikka Kei MacDonald as they explore dismantling power imbalances and making tech more inclusive.
Ushering Philanthropy into the Just Transition: Play, Power, and a 100-Year Vision with Justice Funders Network
Host Kristine Michie interviews Dino Foxx, Lora Smith, and Fernando Abarca on reimagining philanthropy through trust-based funding, creativity, and equity for social change.
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Blair Glencorse: Turning Ethical Leaders into Celebrities in a Global Fight for Good Governance
Join host Kristine Michie as she welcomes Blair Glencorse, co-founder of Accountability Lab, to discuss how play, storytelling, and unexpected partnerships can drive social change.
Nancy Levine Stearns: Debunking DEI Backlash: What Companies Are Really Doing
Nonprofit and philanthropic leaders face challenges navigating corporate responsibility and DEI backlash, but in this episode, Kristine Michie and ESG expert Nancy Levine Stearns explore how companies are doubling down on diversity commitments despite mounting pressure.
LOVE WINS: PlayFull Alumni Leading with Joy
In this heartfelt Valentine's Day episode, host Kristine Michie reunites with past guests to explore how love, as a deliberate choice, fuels resilience, shapes leadership, and drives meaningful change in philanthropy, activism, and social impact.
Julia Roig: Play, Power, and Paradigm Shifts: The Art of Weaving a Just Future
In this episode of The Playfull Podcast, Kristine Michie talks with Julia Roig, Chief Network Weaver at The Horizons Project, about the power of weaving relationships to create social change.
PlayFull Alumni Network – Ongoing Series: The Day After the Day After
Kristine Michie brings together a dynamic group of changemakers to discuss the evolving landscape of power, community, and joy as resistance, offering inspiration and practical wisdom for those protecting democracy, equity, and justice.
[Leadership Rewind] Dale Anglin: Now More than Ever – Why Local News Needs Philanthropic Support
Join Kristine as she chats with Dale Anglin about the critical role of local news, the impact of job losses in journalism on communities and democracy, and how philanthropy can step in to support this essential public good.
[Leadership Rewind] Joseph Scantlebury: The Unbelievable ROI of a More Abundant World View
Join Kristine as she welcomes Joseph Scantlebury, CEO of Living Cities, for a thought-provoking conversation on how narrative change, joy, and investment in diverse communities shape a thriving future for all in America's cities.
[Leadership Rewind] Jean Oelwang: Proclaiming Something Unacceptable is a Great Place to Start
Embark on a journey with Jean Oelwang, CEO of Virgin Unite, as she reveals the transformative power of joy, play, and purpose in tackling the world's challenges alongside luminaries like Richard Branson and global icons.
[Leadership Rewind] Latanya Mapp: Now more than ever, the Play & Pivots that Make Philanthropy Better
Discover how Latanya Mapp's blend of playfulness and purpose propels her as CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, as she shares anecdotes of music, clarinet passion, and Play-Doh, demonstrating that play is a cornerstone of her impactful leadership journey.
[Leadership Rewind] David Risher: Lyft’s CEO is Driving Change – and Always Has
Join Kristine and David in a lively conversation exploring the intersection of playfulness and leadership at Lyft, the surprising impact of ridesharing statistics, and the importance of doing the right thing for the world.
A Year of Lessons from Leaders, Activists, and Ice Cream Makers
Join Kristine Michie and Doug Sandler in celebrating The PlayFull Podcast's impactful year, reflecting on transformative conversations about joy and play as tools for leadership, social change, and well-being.
More PlayFull Than Ever, Ep.2: Recess for Grownups: Spark Play for the Adults in Your Life (and Your Organization) & Change Everything
Join Kristine and Elizabeth Cushing, CEO of Playworks, as they explore how play fosters joy, resilience, and connection, transforming schools, workplaces, and communities with meaningful, scalable impacts.
How We Help
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BALANCE & JOY
Meaningful meetings and retreats for transformative team experiences.
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BOARD DEVELOPMENT & DELIGHT
Form joyful covenants with your board.
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BETTER TOGETHER
Giving Circles that center transparency, humility, and humanity.
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PLAYFULL LIVE
Delight your audience and VIP guests with one-of-a-kind conference experiences.