The INNOVAT3 Podcast — from Silicon Valley

INNOVAT3
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

What does it take to restore broken communities? Hosted by Ted Hahs, The INNOVAT3 Podcast explores ground-level solutions to prison recidivism, human trafficking, homelessness, and unequal access to justice. We bring together lived-experience experts—from trafficking survivors to formerly incarcerated leaders—alongside innovative CEOs, civic pioneers, and non-profit changemakers, and turn collaboration into action. Together, let's build a future where all communities can flourish.

  1. Aug 27

    #48: A Whisper That Ended Five Years of Meth Addiction | Travis Gann

    Jesus, Recovery, and Restoring Family After Addiction Ted Hahs sits down with Travis Gann for a raw testimony of addiction, sobriety, reentry, and family restoration. Travis shares how five years ago a moment in his truck outside his sister’s house became a turning point that led him to throw away meth, reconnect with family, and begin rebuilding his life. We discuss how faith, prayer, church community, the Bravehearted Brothers, and practical support helped Travis regain housing, reunite with his children, and start a small handyman business. This is a story about how recovery is rarely just about quitting drugs - it is about support, structure, forgiveness, and real community. Key topics In this episode, Travis Gann shares his path from being a functioning meth addict and incarcerated man to five years sober.He describes the exact moment he believes God intervened - when the taste of meth made him want to throw up and he heard, “You do not need this anymore.”Travis explains how that moment led to immediate change in his family relationships, especially with his father and sister, who opened their home to him.We discuss the long CPS and court process that required NA and AA classes, parenting classes, domestic violence classes, and proof of stable housing before he could regain custody of his children.Travis talks about losing his plumbing job because of his addiction, then later rebuilding work life through handyman jobs and eventually his own small business.He shares how a Christian friend called him daily, prayed with him, and stayed with him through the hardest parts of the case.Ted and Travis discuss how the Bravehearted Brothers became a real source of community, accountability, and friendship once Travis finally gave the men’s group a chance.Travis recounts how help with his driver’s license and vehicle needs came through prayer, church connections, and people willing to step in practically.He tells the story of moving to Idaho with his children after a longtime friend invited them out, leading to a new house, lower rent, and a safer environment.Travis closes by emphasizing that prayer, Christian community, and Jesus were the constant forces that carried him through sobriety, custody restoration, and family healing. Timestamps (00:00) Introduction to Travis and his five-year sobriety story (00:22) Travis names his addiction, incarceration history, and life as a functioning addict (00:59) Working as a plumber while high every day (01:22) The New Year’s Eve moment outside his sister’s house (01:51) The taste of meth changes and Travis hears the voice saying he does not need it anymore (03:03) Throwing the drugs away and being invited inside by his dad (04:13) CPS case begins and Travis is told he may never get his kids back (05:10) NA, AA, parenting classes, and the restrictions that reshaped his life (07:02) Losing access to drugs, people, and the old party life (08:09) Family as the first visible miracle in his recovery (10:16) Prayer for his children and the fight for stable housing (11:17) A former drug connection unexpectedly helps him find an apartment (13:46) Judge grants overnight visits and then full weekend custody (15:48) Beginning to attend church and meeting the Bravehearted Brothers (19:16) The third group meeting when Travis finally opens up (20:58) Learning to ask for help with practical needs like his driver’s license (22:27) The vehicle gift from his sponsor and the difficult news from Oregon (23:56) Building a handyman business and needing a truck for work (25:33) A friend’s invitation to Idaho and the Yellowstone trip with his kids (26:02) Moving into a house in Idaho with lower rent and more stability (27:54) What stayed constant through everything (32:02) His children ask to be baptized and he takes that seriously (35:01) Why Travis is sharing his story: to give hope to people who feel stuck (36:06) Travis prays for those still struggling with addiction and homelessness

    #48: A Whisper That Ended Five Years of Meth Addiction | Travis Gann

  2. 11/18/2025

    #47: Trafficked at 15| Elizabeth Quiroz on Healing Trauma, Addiction, and Finding Faith in Prison

    TRIGGER WARNING: VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED This episode contains discussions of severe generational trauma, sexual abuse, addiction, incarceration, and human trafficking. Please watch in a safe environment and prioritise your well-being. In this profound and powerful episode of the Innovat3 Podcast, we sit down with the truly indestructible hero, Elizabeth Quiroz. Elizabeth is an author, advocate, and founder of Redemption House, and she embodies the intersection of lived experience and social impact. Elizabeth details her journey from a childhood marked by trauma, poverty, and abuse , to a harrowing 11-year period on the streets after being groomed into human trafficking at the age of 15. DONATE to Elizabeth’s nonprofit Redemption House: https://redemptionhouseofthebayarea.org/donate Key Themes: Trauma, Resilience & Redemption Hear the raw, honest truth about how she was forced to run away from an abusive home , became vulnerable to predators who offered false love and protection , and was initiated into drug use to cope with the pain. Elizabeth shares the critical moments that led to her transformation and healing: The Power of Non-Judgmental Mentorship: How a simple pastor in a jail cell was the first person to show her the true face of God, helping her stop constant fighting rooted in fear. The Crucial Realization: The moment in a treatment facility when a counselor shattered the shame by telling her: "You're a survivor of human trafficking, not a child prostitute". This gave her the power to embrace her story. Turning Wounds into Purpose: Why her tattoos—once marks of ownership—are now her "battle wounds", fueling her mission to help others. She explores this theme in her powerful book, "Purifying the Flame". Global Impact and Advocacy Now a highly motivational speaker and advocate , Elizabeth is committed to global advocacy, pursuing her doctorate and traveling internationally to study forgiveness and reconciliation, including a recent trip to Rwanda to learn from the genocide recovery process. Don't forget to grab Elizabeth's book: Purifying the Flame on Amazon! Show Notes: 00:01:08 Introduction: From elegant leader to indestructible survivor, the power of Lived Experience. 00:01:43 Trigger Warning: Why it's important to know the full backstory of trauma. 00:02:40 Overcoming human trafficking, incarceration, addiction, and PTSD with God's help. 00:03:12 Generational trauma, poverty, and seeking love/protection in the wrong places. 00:04:14 Sexual abuse starting at age four and the cycle of physical/verbal abuse. 00:04:33 The trauma of the foster care system and running away at 15. 00:06:44 Growing up with a "punishing God": Rules, sin, and the fear of hell. 00:08:37 Father's alcoholism and ex-gang background made her highly vulnerable to predators. 00:09:47 A school therapist was the only one who saw her self-harm marks. 00:13:11 The grooming process: meeting her trafficker and the romantic manipulation. 00:14:39 Introduction to drugs (marijuana, ecstasy) and the eventual use of Meth to numb out trauma. 00:17:16 Her father permitted the relationship with the 27-year-old man. 00:18:12 Trafficking begins: Taught to be a drug mule and labeled as "his property". 00:18:52 Tattoos covered as "battle wounds"—using her story for purpose. 00:21:26 The second trafficker (from the same prison gang) forced her into selling sex. 00:22:43 Her boyfriend got out and told her: "Show me how much you love me". 00:23:11 The danger of the streets and why runaway children need more awareness and protocols. 00:25:50 The moment of realization in treatment: "You're a survivor of human trafficking". 00:30:41 Finding God through "Brother Marty," a non-judgmental pastor in county jail. 00:33:15 forming Redemption House. 00:35:24 Studying forgiveness and reconciliation during a trip to Rwanda. 00:36:07 Currently pursuing her Doctorate. 00:38:18 Final words of hope: There is a second chance for every survivor

    #47: Trafficked at 15| Elizabeth Quiroz on Healing Trauma, Addiction, and Finding Faith in Prison

  3. 11/11/2025

    #46: She Built a Half-Million-Dollar Healthcare Service from Scratch | Kathy Chao Rothberg

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kathy Chao Rothberg, CEO of a major social innovation organization, to celebrate a staggering milestone and discuss the most critical crisis facing the nonprofit sector today. Kathy's organization is celebrating its 45th anniversary and a lifetime impact of lifting over 500,000 people in Northern California (including Long Beach and LA County) through education, career services, and community development. We dive deep into what it truly means to create life-changing outcomes—from securing a high school diploma or college education to buying a home and starting a business. However, the conversation pivots to the immense challenges facing social innovators in California. Kathy reveals how delays and reductions in government contracts (like the cancellation of the refugee program, which cost her organisation $1.8 million and 16 layoffs) are forcing mission-critical work to rely on borrowing money. Learn how Kathy is pivoting to survive and thrive: Pivoting to Healthcare: Investing over $500,000 to move into licensed healthcare services, including mental health and substance abuse therapy. The Power of Earned Revenue: Leveraging commercial and residential real estate development. The Future: Grooming the next generation of leaders and appealing directly to the private sector for support. This episode is a masterclass in resilient, high-impact leadership and how to sustain a mission through economic and political crises. Show Notes: 00:00:47 Celebrating 45 years and an amazing journey. 00:01:07 The scale of impact: Lifting over 500,000 people with life-changing outcomes (diplomas, careers, homeownership, business start-ups). 00:02:47 Facing the worst crisis in the organisation's history, despite thriving during past recessions (like '08 and '12). 00:03:39The California cost challenge: Housing is 10x to 16x the median income. 00:05:20 The need for blue-collar jobs: electricians, plumbers, and maritime careers. 00:06:35 Success story: Graduating a diverse class from the working waterfront apprenticeship program. 00:07:54 The current crisis: 65 contracts are delayed due to government negotiations, having to borrow money to advance the mission. 00:08:18 The impact of the refugee program cancellation: a $1.8 million loss and 16 employee layoffs 00:10:26 The strategic pivot into healthcare: A half-million dollar investment. 00:11:08 The payment delay hurdle: Not getting paid for 9 months after delivering medical service 00:12:15 New services: Contracting licensed medical personnel for care planning, mental health, and substance abuse therapy. 00:13:42 Sustaining the mission through earned revenue: Real estate development and acquisition. 00:15:15 The call for private sector support due to tax code changes. 00:16:51 The multi-generational focus: Grooming the next generation of leadership to ensure sustainability. 00:17:12 Event Invitation: Celebrating 45 years in San Pablo and Oakland (October 24th & 30th).

    #46: She Built a Half-Million-Dollar Healthcare Service from Scratch | Kathy Chao Rothberg

  4. 11/04/2025

    #45: "80% of NFL Players Face This": The Truth About Life After the Game | Corwin Anthony - Part 2

    In the highly anticipated Part 2 of our conversation, we dive deeper with Corwin as he discusses the surprising reality of life after the NFL and his current role as a social entrepreneur leveraging one of the biggest stages in sports for massive impact. Corwin opens up about his brief 14-month professional football career and the immediate challenges that followed, sharing the shocking statistics of divorce, bankruptcy, and unemployment that many players face just two years after leaving the game. He details his transition into domestic missionary work with Athletes in Action —a journey of immense faith that led to a personal financial low point, scrounging for nickels for a cheeseburger , and ultimately experiencing a miracle of provision. Now, as the Director of the NFL-Sanctioned Super Bowl Breakfast , Corwin explains how this prestigious, 38-year-old event is used to share the gospel with a global audience. He reveals his innovation: the Horizon Sponsorship initiative, which brings over 100 kids from underserved communities to the event for a transformative experience with NFL mentors and vital STEM activations. Corwin's story is a powerful testament to finding a bigger purpose beyond athletic success and using influence to change the trajectory of young lives. Show Notes & Timestamps: 00:00:00 Intro and the end of the 14-month NFL career 00:01:24 The extreme rush to sign with the Jets: "Your plane leaves at ten. Don't be late."  00:04:04 The heartbreaking reality: The average NFL career length and post-career struggles 00:05:08 Transitioning to ministry and the challenges of raising support as a missionary  00:07:37 Corwin's lowest point: Scrounging for nickels for a junior cheeseburger at Wendy's 00:10:24 Corwin's in-game highlights and playing in the Hall of Fame game  00:13:24 The Super Bowl Breakfast: An NFL-sanctioned event for over 38 years 00:16:01 High-profile speakers, including Condoleezza Rice, a part-owner of the Denver Broncos  00:17:27 The significance of the Bart Starr Award (Character, Leadership, Integrity)  00:21:07 The innovative "Horizon Sponsorship" and the vision for youth outreach  00:27:17 The Michael Vick/Tony Dungy story that inspired the focus on youth  00:30:14The big dream: Changing the trajectory of a whole community by leveraging major platforms00:38:52 Corwin’s ultimate goal: To be faithful to God's calling  #Leadership #NFLAlumni #NonprofitLeadership #FaithInAction #SuperBowl #CareerTransition #socialimpact

    #45: "80% of NFL Players Face This": The Truth About Life After the Game | Corwin Anthony - Part 2

  5. 10/29/2025

    #44: From NFL to Innovator: Empowering Next-Gen for Human Flourishing (Part 1) | Corwin Anthony

    Host: Ted Hahs | Guest: Corwin Anthony In this deeply inspiring Part 1 episode, host Ted Hahs sits down with visionary leader Corwin Anthony to explore a powerful paradigm shift that's redefining the very essence of innovation. This isn't just about technology or business strategy; it's a vital conversation on how we can actively empower the next generation to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. Corwin Anthony shares a profound philosophy that challenges us to move beyond purely profit-driven endeavours, urging us to cultivate a future where every individual can truly flourish. He paints a vivid picture of a world where today's wealth is strategically leveraged to unleash tomorrow's leaders, creating solutions rooted in shared purpose and human potential. If you're a leader, founder, or simply someone passionate about building a better world, this first part of our conversation with Corwin Anthony will inspire you to rethink what's possible when innovation is truly driven by the heart of humanity. 🎙️ Show Notes / Topics Discussed (Part 1): 00:00 | Introduction to Corwin Anthony: A Visionary for Next-Gen Solutions 01:30 | The Core Philosophy: Creating a Future Where Every Individual Can Flourish 03:45 | Why "Purpose-Driven Endeavors" Must Lead the Way Over Pure Profit 07:10 | The Imperative to Equip and Empower the Next Generation of Innovators 10:20 | Leveraging Today's Wealth to Catalyze Tomorrow's Leadership 14:05 | The Vision: Unlocking the Full Potential of Humanity Through Strategic Empowerment 18:50 | The Role of Innovation in Fostering a Human-Centric Future #InnovatePodcast #CorwinAnthony #HumanFlourishing #NextGenLeaders #PurposeDrivenInnovation #SocialImpact #FutureOfWork #Leadership #InnovationStrategy

    #44: From NFL to Innovator: Empowering Next-Gen for Human Flourishing (Part 1) | Corwin Anthony

  6. 10/21/2025

    #43: AI, Abundance, and the $4 Trillion Paradox: A 16-Year-Old's Vision for Equality | Malakye Utile

    Is Silicon Valley's innovation creating a society of unprecedented wealth alongside massive social problems? Ted Hahs sits down with 16-year-old Malakye, a native of the Bay Area, to discuss this stark Innovation Paradox and the future of human flourishing.Ted and Malakye dive deep into the contradiction of California, which boasts a $4 Trillion economy(fourth largest globally) but also suffers from the highest rates of poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity (double the national average in the Bay Area).Show Notes / Timestamps00:01:00 | Silicon Valley: The "New Rome" of Innovation00:02:17 | The $4 Trillion Economy Paradox (Wealth vs. Poverty)00:03:54 | The Homeless Museum: Vision for a Solved Problem00:07:31 | Learning from History: Holocaust and Shantytowns 00:10:16 | The Importance of Language: "Incarcerated Brothers" 00:15:01 | Malakye's Lived Experience and Silicon Valley Heritage 00:21:30 | The Challenge of Judgment and Online Negativity 00:25:59 | AI, Blockchain, and the Coming Era of Abundance 00:35:48 | Biggest Challenge for Gen Z (The Negativity Cycle) 00:44:50 | Testosterone as an Amplifier (Good vs. Bad Context) 00:48:44 | Restorative Justice: The San Quentin Basketball Transformation 00:54:35 | Malakye’s 20-Year Vision: AI Leading to True Equality 01:03:32 | Overcoming the Victim Mindset (Trauma Survivors as Leaders) 01:05:00 | Survivors are Better at Cyber SecurityThis conversation is a must-listen for leaders, founders, and anyone interested in leveraging innovation to create a future of human flourishing for all.🔔 Subscribe for more powerful conversations with leaders and experts driving social impact!#InnovatePodcast #TedHahs #Malakye #SiliconValley #SocialImpact #AI #Equality #Entrepreneurship #RestorativeJustice #GenZ #TechForGood

    #43: AI, Abundance, and the $4 Trillion Paradox: A 16-Year-Old's Vision for Equality | Malakye Utile

  7. 10/15/2025

    #42: You Can’t Unsee This Corner of San Francisco | Kent McCormick’s Transformation on the Streets

    In this moving episode of the INNOVAT3 Podcast, host Ted Hahs sits down with Kent McCormick — Neighbourhood Director with YWAM San Francisco (Tenderloin) and founder of Melon SF, a recovery-discipleship ministry.From a wild teenage “hellraiser” to a leader serving one of America’s most challenging neighbourhoods, Kent shares how a single encounter with God at 16 set him on a path to the Tenderloin, a place he calls “maybe the most beautiful neighbourhood in San Francisco” because of the light that shines through its darkness.He opens up about:Why the Tenderloin’s biggest crisis isn’t resources — it’s isolation.The 90-year-old blind neighbor whose only human contact was a meal delivery.How Melon SF builds “unburnable bridges”: relationships before recovery, community before programs.The Ellis Room (with YWAM): a simple community space sparking life transformation.What an indigenous, inside-out movement looks like when neighbors serve alongside neighbors.Why the church needs the Tenderloin as much as the Tenderloin needs the church.TL Smoke Co.: premium BBQ that funds recovery homes and serves free meals on Fridays.What’s next: prayer, partners, and launching their first recovery home.This episode isn’t just about outreach — it’s a vision for friendship dismantling isolation, and how practical love, patient presence, and spiritual hope can rebuild lives and neighborhoods.Show Notes:Host: Ted HahsGuest: Kent — Neighborhood Director, YWAM San Francisco (Tenderloin); Founder, Melon SFLocation: San Francisco, CA (Tenderloin)→ Follow @INNOVAT3io on all platforms→ Watch & listen on Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.Subscribe, share, and leave a review. Your support helps amplify stories of hope and the people building a better future.#socialimpact #UrbanMinistry #Homelessness #Recovery #Community #SanFrancisco #Leadership #FaithAndWork

    #42: You Can’t Unsee This Corner of San Francisco | Kent McCormick’s Transformation on the Streets

  8. 10/07/2025

    #41: Responsibility, Redemption & Reentry | Joseph DeRuosi on Transforming Lives After Prison

    In this powerful episode of the INNOVAT3 Podcast, host Ted Hahs sits down with Joe DeRousi, who shares his journey of responsibility, redemption and reentry after incarceration. Joe opens up about the choices that led to his time in prison, the moment that changed everything, and the process of taking full responsibility for his past. Through honesty, accountability, and faith, he found purpose beyond his mistakes and a vision to help others rebuild their lives. From the realities of prison life to the lessons learned through mentorship and community, this conversation explores what real transformation looks like and why second chances matter for everyone. He shares about: The confrontation that led to incarceration. The cost of unhealed trauma and poor choices. Learning accountability and finding faith inside prison. What reentry and redemption really mean. Why true justice requires compassion and community. Show Notes: Host: Ted Hahs Guest: Joseph DeRuosi Location: California Topics: Crime, trauma, and personal responsibility Life lessons from incarceration Restorative justice and reentry Healing through faith and community Building a new future after prison → Follow @INNOVAT3Podcast on all platforms → Watch & listen on Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts Subscribe, share, and leave a review — your support helps amplify voices building the future. 00:00 Intro 01:11 How It All Started 04:09 Building Programs & Industry Partnerships 07:58 The Construction Challenge & Winning Big 17:31 Faith, Family & Transformation Stories 28:16 Reforming the System 48:36 Innovation & Future Careers 54:04 Collaboration & Vision for the Future . #innovat3podcast #joederousi #secondchances #restorativejustice #reentry #justice #responsibility #redemption #faith #healing #transformation

    #41: Responsibility, Redemption & Reentry | Joseph DeRuosi on Transforming Lives After Prison
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About

What does it take to restore broken communities? Hosted by Ted Hahs, The INNOVAT3 Podcast explores ground-level solutions to prison recidivism, human trafficking, homelessness, and unequal access to justice. We bring together lived-experience experts—from trafficking survivors to formerly incarcerated leaders—alongside innovative CEOs, civic pioneers, and non-profit changemakers, and turn collaboration into action. Together, let's build a future where all communities can flourish.

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