Superpowers for Good: Empowering Changemakers for Social Impact via Regulated Investment Crowdfunding from the SuperCrowd‪.‬ Devin Thorpe

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
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Devin: What do you see as your superpower?
Abby: Having spent the last almost 20 years in journalism wearing different hats, I feel like [it’s] bringing like an ecosystems approach, of trying to look at a community–whether that community is a local community or a professional community–and trying to figure out what are the roles each of us can play?

In today's episode of the Superpowers for Good show, I had the pleasure of speaking with Abby Rapoport, the cofounder and publisher of Stranger's Guide. Abby's vision for the publication stems from a simple yet profound idea: to make the world feel smaller and more interconnected by focusing on the unique, yet universal aspects of different locales.
Abby shared, "We started Stranger's Guide to create a publication that was rooted in the idea of place and exploring how different places feel to those people who are living there." She continued, "What does it mean for the individual who's going to work, taking their kids to school, making dinner? We aim to dig into what all of those big global themes mean for daily life."
The essence of Stranger's Guide lies in its commitment to telling the stories of a place through the eyes of those who know it best—the local writers and photographers. Each issue is a deep dive into a single location, crafted by at least 80% of contributors from that area. This approach ensures that the narrative remains authentic and grounded in the community's lived experiences.
Stranger's Guide isn't just about the exotic or the familiar; it's about bridging the gap between them. It offers readers a multifaceted portrait of a place, mixing human rights, history, sports, and culture to enrich our understanding of the world. It's about seeing the big picture and the tiny, essential details through a lens that respects and values every culture's unique contributions and challenges.
By reading Stranger's Guide, we don't just learn about different parts of the world; we connect with them on a human level. It's a reminder that despite our differences, we share common threads—family, work, joy, struggle. This connection fosters empathy and, ultimately, a more compassionate worldview.
In essence, Abby's work with Stranger's Guide serves as a powerful reminder of journalism's role in society—not just to inform but to connect us. By focusing on the universal yet unique experiences of communities around the globe, Abby and her team invite us to celebrate our shared humanity. This, indeed, is journalism as a form of superpower, the kind that nurtures understanding and respect across borders.
AI Episode Summary
1. Devin introduces Abby Rapoport, the co-founder and publisher of the Stranger's Guide, highlighting her role in creating impactful journalism.
2. Abby explains the origin of the Stranger's Guide, which was inspired by the divisive political climate of 2016 and the desire to explore sustainable models for journalism.
3. The publication focuses on storytelling from the perspective of locals, covering a broad range of topics from human rights to food, emphasizing the importance of understanding different cultures.
4. Abby shares how the Stranger's Guide has published issues themed around various locations worldwide, aiming to provide a multifaceted portrait of each place.
5. The conversation shifts towards challenging the notions of "good" and "bad" countries, highlighting the complexity of global affairs and the value of understanding individual perspectives within countries.
6. They discuss the rise of authoritarianism globally and the role

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Navroze: Whatever you do, you do it with complete passion, jumping in with both feet. I do that with everything I believe in.

In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Navroze Mehta, Founder and CEO of Mela Artisans, about a mission very close to his heart and crucial to many: the empowerment of artisanal communities in India. Navroze shared the inspiring origins and impactful journey of Mela Artisans, a venture he co-founded with his daughter after a striking revelation about the decline of artisanal communities in India.
Navroze explained, "From the years 1980 to 2010, we had lost 30% of our artisanal base." This alarming statistic drove him and his daughter to action, leading to the creation of Mela Artisans. Their goal was clear: to empower artisans, enabling them to continue their craft and pass it on through generations. This not only preserves the rich heritage of Indian crafts like woodcarving and metalworking but also sustains these communities economically.
"The most gratifying part of this," Navroze said, "is giving about 3,500 artisans full-time work every year." His company does more than just employ these artisans; it engages with them on a deeper level, providing infrastructure and support to help them thrive in their native settings without needing to relocate to urban centers.
Mela Artisans stands out for its commitment to design excellence, which has led to their presence in high-end stores and mass-market retailers alike. Their products are a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, making heritage crafts accessible to a broader audience. "We want it not to be in a luxury bubble," he emphasized. "We want everyone to be able to afford these products."
Navroze's approach to business is not just about preserving old techniques; it's about revitalizing them, ensuring they remain relevant and appreciated in a modern context. This philosophy underpins every beautiful piece that comes from Mela Artisans, turning traditional crafts into objects of desire for the contemporary home while supporting the artisans who make them.
Join us in celebrating the artistry and entrepreneurial spirit that Navroze Mehta brings to the world of heritage crafts. His work not only beautifies homes but also enriches lives, making a tangible difference in the artisan communities of India.
AI Episode Summary
1. Devin Thorpe, the host of the Superpowers for Good show, introduces the episode and his guest, Navroze Mehta of Mela Artisans, a company supporting artisans primarily in India.
2. Navroze Mehta details the founding of Mela Artisans by his daughter, Sonali Matharu, as a response to the decline of the artisanal community in India, aiming to preserve heritage crafts and empower artisans.
3. The company’s mission is to provide sustainable employment to artisanal communities and sell their handcrafted products in high-end stores and department stores across the U.S., making luxury products affordable and accessible.
4. Navroze showcases various handcrafted items from Mela Artisans' product line, including a wooden bowl, a tray made of sustainable mango wood, jewelry boxes with bone or resin inlay, a candleholder combining multiple materials, and intricate marble and metalwork pieces.
5. The discussion includes the expansion of Mela Artisans beyond India to source from artisans in Vietnam and Bali, Indonesia, increasing the variety of handcrafted products offered.
6. Navroze explains the pricing of their products, emphasizing the go

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Cody: A lot of it comes down to just a high level of commitment to my ambitions and goals.

In today's episode of Superpowers for Good, I had the pleasure of speaking with Cody Soodeen, the visionary CEO & Founder of Kara Water Inc. Cody introduced us to a groundbreaking technology capable of extracting drinking water directly from the atmosphere—even in arid environments. His approach is not just revolutionary; it's a beacon of hope for sustainable water consumption globally.
Cody shared, "We take the air and make it into what I call locally sourced drinking water." This statement underscores the essence of Kara Water's mission—to innovate for accessibility and sustainability. The technology, according to Cody, is applicable even in desert climates, a testament to its versatility and potential to change lives.
The implications of this technology extend beyond mere convenience. As Cody explained, "It's not just about producing water; it's about reshaping how we think about water consumption." He emphasized that traditional methods, such as bottling and extensive transportation, are not only inefficient but environmentally detrimental. Cody’s solution offers a localized, eco-friendly alternative that could significantly reduce our ecological footprint.
One aspect that struck me about Cody's narrative was his background as an architect. He believes that his architectural insights have led to a consumer-friendly product design, distinguishing Kara Water from previous attempts by engineers focused solely on technical aspects. "Engineers think in squares, and architects think in circles," Cody noted, highlighting the importance of design in technology adoption.
Our discussion ventured into the broader social impacts of such technology. Cody passionately pointed out the alarming prevalence of microplastics in our environment and how technologies like his can play a crucial role in preventing these contaminants from entering our bodies from the start.
In a world increasingly aware of sustainability and health, the innovations presented by Cody through Kara Water Inc. are not just necessary; they are imperative. As we wrapped up the conversation, it was clear that he is not only a CEO but a pioneer advocating for a world where clean and sustainable water is not a luxury but a given. Today's episode wasn't just enlightening—it was a glimpse into a future where technology meets humanitarian needs head-on.
In our conversation today, Cody highlighted an exciting opportunity for listeners to engage with Kara Water beyond consumer interaction—through their regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on StartEngine. 
He expressed his enthusiasm about giving both loyal customers and new supporters a chance to own a part of the company. This initiative not only aims to extend the reach of their innovative water technology but also strengthens community involvement in their mission to make locally sourced drinking water accessible globally. 
The campaign has already seen significant interest, reflecting confidence in Kara Water's potential and its impact on the future of sustainable water consumption. Cody invites everyone to visit startengine.com/offering/karawater to learn more about the offering and consider becoming a shareholder in a company poised to revolutionize how we access drinking water.
AI Episode Summary
1. Devin Thorpe introduces Cody Soodeen, CEO and co-founder of Kara Water, on the "Superpowers for Good" show for a discussion about the company's innovative technology tha

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What is your superpower?
Eve: Probably my biggest superpower is ignoring people when they say, “No, you can't do this.” Actually, that probably gets me going. If someone says “no” to me, then I put blinders on, and I'm going to make it happen.

In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Eve Picker, the visionary Founder & CEO of Small Change. Eve shared some groundbreaking insights on how her platform is transforming real estate investment.
Eve's company is a beacon of innovation in the finance sector, leveraging crowdfunding to make real estate investment accessible to all. This model isn't just about raising funds; it's a robust approach to community building and social equity. "What I really love about this regulation," Eve explained, "is that it's the SEC's first attempt to democratize investment." Through Small Change, individuals from any background can invest in projects that reshape their own neighborhoods.
This democratic approach is crucial. Traditionally, real estate investment has been a bastion for the affluent, often inaccessible to the average person. Small Change disrupts this norm by empowering people from diverse backgrounds to have a stake in the development that affects them directly.
The impact of Eve's work extends beyond financial returns. It’s about creating inclusive communities and revitalizing areas that traditional developers might overlook. It’s also a testament to the power of innovative financial tools to create real, positive change in society.
As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Eve’s dedication to democratizing investment is more than just business; it’s a passion for social impact. With leaders like Eve at the helm, the future of real estate investment is not only promising but inclusive.
Eve will be one of the distinguished participants in SuperCrowd24, a two-day virtual conference beginning tomorrow. This event is a dynamic assembly aimed at revolutionizing the way we think about crowdfunding and investment and Eve's involvement is particularly noteworthy. 
At SuperCrowd24, she will be engaging with other CEOs in a panel discussion, exploring the complexities and challenges faced by leaders in the crowdfunding sphere. Eve's insights, drawn from her extensive experience as a founder of a crowdfunding platform that emphasizes social impact in real estate, will undoubtedly highlight her commitment to innovation and democratizing investment opportunities. 
It's an event designed to empower attendees with knowledge and networking opportunities, making the complex world of crowdfunding more accessible and actionable. This is a pivotal moment for anyone interested in the intersection of real estate, social impact, and investment. Register now with the discount code SuperCrowd to save 50 percent!
AI Episode Summary
1. Devin Thorpe introduces Eve Picker, CEO and founder of Small Change, a crowdfunding portal for real estate projects with social impact.
2. Eve discusses recent expansion at Small Change, including the addition of five new partners from another real estate crowdfunding platform.
3. The short-term effect of this expansion is increased busyness and the need to align the new partners with Small Change's processes and compliance issues.
4. Long-term implications include the ability to handle more and larger listings and to take on a broader range of projects.
5. Small Change leverages Regulation Crowdfunding, which enables developers to raise capital from the public for projects with emphasis on

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Devin: what do you see as your superpower?
Rick: Now, my superpower, because I've learned so much from these outstanding causes and from these amazing people I've met along the way… people are asking me if I might know the solution to something, so you can ask me anything. Now, I have a whole bunch of actual solutions to actual problems.

In today's episode of "Superpowers for Good," I had the pleasure of speaking with Rick DellaRatta, the visionary founder of Jazz for Peace. Rick's insights into the power of music as a universal language for fostering peace and unity struck a deep chord with me and, I believe, with our listeners as well.
Rick poetically expressed how "Jazz for Peace, coming through the trees, fills my heart like a celebration." This imagery captures the essence of what Rick has achieved through his work—using the universal appeal of jazz music to bridge divides, inspire hope, and foster a deeper connection among people, irrespective of their backgrounds.
During our conversation, Rick recounted an incredibly moving experience in Ghana, where he performed for individuals who had never been exposed to jazz music before. His reflections on their genuine, unfiltered reactions to the music underscored the universal language of jazz. "It's funny because there's a video of it... and you can hear the people reacting to the music at certain points. They would start clapping and make sounds as it affected them, and they would just emote that it was affecting them," Rick shared.
This experience in Ghana highlights the raw power of music to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, offering a glimpse into the potential of the arts to build bridges and foster understanding. Rick's commitment to using his art to "espouse, so to speak, for who you are as a person, your growth as a human being, and what it means to you to make a difference for others" is a testament to the transformative potential of integrating one's passions with a purpose greater than oneself.
Rick's journey with Jazz for Peace is a beacon of hope, showing us how the arts can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. As we continue to navigate a world rife with challenges, Rick's work serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty that can arise when creativity, humanity, and a commitment to peace converge.
AI Episode Summary
1. Rick DellaRatta is a guest on the "Superpowers for Good" show hosted by Devin Thorpe.
2. Rick is the founder of Jazz for Peace and is recognized for his musical talent and dedication to peace.
3. During the show, Rick recites a poem and performs a piece of music that convey his message of peace and empathy.
4. Jazz for Peace is a response to the tragic events of 9/11, aligning Rick's music with a mission to make a difference and support causes.
5. Rick has performed internationally, including in countries like Pakistan, Nigeria, and Ghana, to spread the message of peace through jazz.
6. Audiences worldwide, regardless of their familiarity with jazz, react positively to Rick's music, demonstrating the universal appeal of the art form.
7. Rick's work has evolved to include providing solutions to social issues and conflicts, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
8. Rick's superpower is his ability to stay positive, see adversity as an opportunity, and now share solutions to significant challenges based on his experiences.
9. To develop the ability to solve big problems, Rick advises embracing humanity's greatest qualities collectively, such as humanity, creativity, artistry, and intellect.
10. People can learn more about Jazz for Peace and connect with Rick through the generic email address info@jazzforpeace.org, and his work focuses on empowerment gran

I’m not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.
Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.
When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or invest after clicking a link here, we may earn a commission. Engage to support our work.
Devin: What do you see as your superpower?
Karen: I can really help entrepreneurs cut through their own noise to get to the sweet spot of what an investor is going to care about.

In today's episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Karen Rands, a visionary leader and founder of Kugarand Capital Holdings, LLC, whose insights into angel investing are reshaping how we view wealth creation. Karen's unique approach, blending compassion with capitalism, is not just inspiring; it's a call to action for potential investors sitting on the sidelines, uncertain of their next move in the investment world.
Karen shared a profound perspective, emphasizing that investing in entrepreneurs should not be the exclusive domain of the affluent. She passionately argued against the long-standing myth that ordinary folks aren't savvy enough for angel investing. "The laws prior to the JOBS Act contributed to this lack of awareness and even a negative connotation for investing in entrepreneurs," Karen explained, shedding light on a systemic issue that has kept many potential investors in the dark.
What struck me most was Karen's unwavering belief in the potential of the everyday individual to make informed, impactful investment choices. "The main thing that I tell [new investors] is to identify what they know... invest in the things you know and you're passionate about," she advised. This simple yet powerful guidance serves as a beacon for those intimidated by the complexities of the investment landscape.
Karen's work, from her enlightening books to her digital courses, is a testament to her dedication to democratizing investment knowledge. She's not just teaching people how to invest; she's empowering them to contribute to the businesses they believe in, fostering a community of informed, compassionate investors.
Reflecting on Karen's words, it's clear that angel investing is not just about financial returns; it's about being part of a larger narrative of growth, innovation, and social impact. As we wrapped up our conversation, I couldn't help but feel inspired by the idea that each one of us has the potential to not just witness change but to actively participate in it through thoughtful, informed investing.
As we move forward, let's carry Karen's message with us: invest with purpose, passion, and a belief in the power of the collective. Together, we can shift the paradigm of investment and open doors for a new generation of investors ready to make their mark on the world.
As the conversation transitioned to Karen's upcoming participation next week in SuperCrowd24, her excitement was palpable. "Oh well, that's an easy one to answer," she began, her enthusiasm infectious as she recounted the value of community and shared experiences in the realm of investing and entrepreneurship. Karen reminisced about her previous involvement in SuperCrowd22, where the power of connection and learning from diverse journeys left a lasting impression on her. "It was so powerful," she recalled, emphasizing how such events foster a unique space for engagement, knowledge exchange, and the building of meaningful relationships.
Karen's eagerness for SuperCrowd24 was evident as she spoke about the anticipation of being part of an event that not only brings together like-minded individuals but also aligns with her core mission of compassionate capitalism. "You can't create a community if you don't have events where people can come together and get to know each other," she noted, highlighting the importance of these gatherings in nurturing a supportive ecos