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.
Michelle Sobel & Harry Gottlieb: Strengthening Democracy Through Joyful Collaboration
In this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, Kristine Michie talks with Michelle Sobel and Harry Gottlieb—co-founders of Unify America—about reducing polarization, rebuilding civic trust, and helping people collaborate across differences with curiosity and play.
Shantel Suárez Ávila and Claire Groebner: Creating Impact Without Sacrificing Joy
In this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, Kristine Michie talks with Shantel Suárez Ávila and Claire Groebner about centering lived experience, embracing play, and leading an abundance-minded approach to equity while building resilience, trust, and community impact.
Samra Haider: Reimagining Justice through Play, Purpose, and Proximity
In this episode, Host Kristine Michie talks with Samra Haider, CEO of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, about reimagining philanthropy and using play, imagination, and local leadership to close New Jersey’s vast racial wealth gap.
Bob Dalton: Building Real Connection In A Digital World
In this episode, Bob Dalton joins The PlayFull Podcast to share how LOCL uses technology to spark real-world connection, proving that mission-driven entrepreneurship and people-centered design can turn digital spaces into thriving local communities.
Don Howard: California Dreaming of Jobs, Justice, and a Future where Everyone Thrives
In this episode, Don Howard joins Kristine Michie to discuss how empathy, equity, and innovation in philanthropy can shape a more inclusive future of work in an AI-driven world.
Lorna Olivia McCormack: Sparking Sustainability Through Heritage, Heart, and Running for Office
In this episode of The PlayFull Podcast, host Kristine Michie talks with Lorna Olivia McCormack, founder of Wool in School and a former Irish presidential candidate. Together, they explore how creativity, sustainability, and empathy can transform leadership and learning.
[Rewind] Play is Intrinsic & Essential | Dr. Stuart Brown, National Institute for Play
Join us as Dr. Stuart Brown, often hailed as the father of play, delves into the profound significance of play across human history and its pivotal role in shaping our world, with insights spanning from Aristotle to modern research and practical applications for today's changemakers.
[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.
Andrea Longton:When Lattes Become Legacy: Empowering Everyday Investors to Drive Social Justice
Kristine Michie and Andrea Longton explore how aligning financial decisions with social and climate justice can drive impactful change, empowering individuals to use their wealth—no matter the amount—to build a better world.
Amy Javaid: Unpacking Furniture Poverty – Why a Roof Overhead is Just the Start
In this week's episode of The PlayFull Podcast, we explore Amy Javaid's inspirational journey as CEO of A Wider Circle, where she leads a national movement to alleviate furniture poverty with innovative initiatives like hiding rubber ducks throughout their warehouse, infusing play, compassion, and dignity into the process to not only delight clients and staff but also to make a game out of filling empty homes with "donations with dignity".
Carmela Castellano: Lessons in Changemaking from Folklórico Dancing
Embrace the joy of every stage of your journey, finding playfulness and meaning in retirement and beyond, as Carmela Castellano shares insights from her 30-year career and the lessons of Folklórico dancing on The PlayFull Podcast.
Sam Lewis: Lessons in Leadership from Cell to C-Suite
Join us as we delve into the transformative power of play in the fight against mass incarceration with Sam Lewis, CEO of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, highlighting the integral role of playfulness in reshaping policies and fostering resilience within diverse teams.
Serbio Uzcategui: Finding Beauty Everywhere
Experience the beauty and creativity of flowers with Serbio as he shares how he uses them to spark change in his community and beyond, in this captivating episode recorded on-site at Piropo Flowers in New York City, on The PlayFull Podcast.
Kathleen Enright: Playbook for Building Trust in Philanthropy
Discover Kathleen Enright's exceptional journey of serving those who serve, as she shares insights on trust-based philanthropy and the role of play in making impactful change possible, in this enlightening episode of The PlayFull Podcast.
Jess Feingold, Sandhya Nakhasi, and Jennifer Njuguna: Taking Up The Call to Help Change the World
Join Kristine, Jess, Jen, and Sandhya as they explore the power of a Co-CEO model, the importance of play in leadership, and the role of nonprofit intermediaries in shaping a more equitable economy.
Sarah Haacke Byrd: What Makes Women Such Good Givers
Join Kristine and Sarah in an inspiring conversation delving into the power of play in philanthropy, the crucial role of women in addressing global challenges, and how Women Moving Millions fosters a joyful, inclusive space for impactful change.
Marla Bilonick: Building Community Wealth One Story & Storefront at a Time
Tune in as Kristine and Marla delve into the transformative power of play, the importance of building generational wealth, and supporting BIPOC small business owners in the community asset building journey.
Nick Tedesco: Fun & Games with Family Philanthropy
From dreaming to reality: Nick Tedesco's journey from nonprofit executive to orchestrating the game-changing Giving Pledge.
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.