How to Change the World

Catherine Alonzo
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Welcome to our podcast, How to Change the World, where we dive deep into the world of changemaking leadership! Whether you're leading an organization, a political campaign, or a community cause, this podcast is your go-to resource for creating impactful change. We’ll bring you engaging stories and actionable tips from our team and inspiring guests who are making waves in their communities. Tune in for clear takeaways and practical advice to elevate your impact through powerful storytelling. Stories change the world - let’s help you tell yours.

  1. MAR 19

    Ep. 174 - 4 Pillars of Effective Crisis Communications

    “The right story at the right time can change everything.” In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo dives into one of the most essential topics for changemakers right now: storytelling in a crisis. With the Trump administration’s attacks on marginalized and historically underrepresented communities, Catherine explains why storytelling is more important than ever in times like this. She also shares the common mistakes to avoid, and how you can craft stories that not only capture attention but drive action. Your stories shape how people understand the time we’re in right now - and most importantly, what they do next. Tune in for clear, actionable tips on how to make sure those stories create real change. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

    19 min

  2. MAR 5

    Ep. 173 - Fighting for Abortion Access with Mini Timmaraju

    “Remember that we are the majority - and we’ve got to start acting like it.” In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo welcomes Mini Timmaraju, abortion access advocate and President of Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice America), to talk about how Mini is fighting back and moving reproductive rights forward in a time of great opposition. Mini shares with Catherine the personal story that solidified her commitment to abortion advocacy, as well as what success looks like for the abortion advocacy movement now. Listen to hear more about Mini’s strategic and storytelling approach to advocacy and building progress amidst opposition, including the importance of sharing stories about both the struggles and the triumphs. Tune in on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

    46 min
  3. Ep. 172 - Changemakers Fighting Fire with Luis Avila

    FEB 19

    Ep. 172 - Changemakers Fighting Fire with Luis Avila

    “What if we were the seeds after a forest fire?” In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo welcomes back Luis Ávila, President and founder of Iconico - a company all about creating lasting, systemic change. Luis shares some of the biggest lessons he’s learned about fostering progress in the midst of devastation, particularly during the chaos and challenges of the Trump administration. They discuss how changemakers can avoid getting overwhelmed by instead focusing on small, important steps that lead to meaningful change. In other words: planting seeds. Oftentimes, we feel like we need to think bigger in order to be impactful - when in reality, focusing on what we can do in the here and now, with the people we’re currently surrounded by, is what makes the greatest difference.  Tune in to hear tips for how to focus our efforts where we can be most impactful, and to be reminded that the greatest story we can tell right now is one of hope. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

    35 min
  4. Ep. 171 - Storytelling in the Trump Era

    FEB 5

    Ep. 171 - Storytelling in the Trump Era

    In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo dives into the transformative power of storytelling for changemakers facing the challenges of 2025. With a new presidential administration and a heightened sense of uncertainty, effective communication is more vital than ever. Catherine shares practical strategies to help you inspire, educate, and lead with impact. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are by telling stories that reflect their current reality while equipping them with the knowledge they need to engage. At the same time, she highlights the power of inspiring hope by painting a vivid picture of the future you’re working toward—showing how a better world is possible and motivating others to take action. Catherine also explores the value of simplifying your message and explaining your work in clear, accessible terms that resonate with new audiences. Finally, she underscores the impact of sharing individual stories, reminding us that even in overwhelming times, personal narratives bring clarity, hope, and a deep connection to why our work matters. Packed with inspiration and actionable insights, this episode will help you harness the power of storytelling to create meaningful change. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

    17 min
  5. Ep. 170 - Creating a World Where Anyone CAN with Veronica Aguilar

    JAN 22

    Ep. 170 - Creating a World Where Anyone CAN with Veronica Aguilar

    In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Veronica Aguilar, an inspiring Arizona native, first-generation college student, and the founder of Young & Empowered Women. Veronica also serves as the Vice President of Recruitment for Teach For America, where she has dedicated over a decade to advocating for educational equity. Catherine and Veronica discuss the power of storytelling in inspiring change, the importance of prioritizing self-care in leadership, and how to create a world where anyone—regardless of their background—can achieve their dreams. Veronica shares insights from her journey, from her time as a TFA corps member to her current leadership roles, and how her commitment to developing young female leaders is reshaping her community. Tune in to hear how Veronica’s work is empowering the next generation of leaders, one story and one dream at a time. Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch on Spotify or YouTube now!

    45 min
  6. Ep. 169 - Changing the World in 2025: 5 Bold Predictions

    JAN 8 · BONUS

    Ep. 169 - Changing the World in 2025: 5 Bold Predictions

    What will drive social change in 2025? In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo explores key trends poised to shape the next year. From co-creating intergenerational, community-led efforts tailored to local needs, to embracing the role of AI and technology in advancing social change, Catherine highlights the tools and strategies we’ll need to tackle the challenges ahead. She dives into the power of shifting the narrative to tell stories of hope and empowerment instead of fear and hate, understanding the unique influence of Gen Z and youth movements, and focusing on priorities amidst a sea of urgent issues. Whether you’re a seasoned changemaker or just starting your journey, this episode of How to Change the World will inspire you to make 2025 a year of progress, collaboration, and positivity. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube or Spotify now!

    17 min
  7. 2024: A Year in Changemaking Podcast Guests

    12/30/2024 · BONUS

    2024: A Year in Changemaking Podcast Guests

    2024 has been an incredible year for How to Change the World! Hosted by Catherine Alonzo, each episode brought powerful stories and insights from remarkable changemakers working to create a better world. From bold leadership and advocacy to reimagining systems and inspiring action, Catherine’s incredible conversations with our change-making guests reminded us what’s possible when we work together.  Revisit your favorite moments or catch up on episodes you missed wherever you listen to podcasts or watch on YouTube now! Thank you for listening and watching, and we'll be back with more incredible stories of change in 2025!

    3 min
  8. Ep. 168 - 2024: A Year in Changemaking Books with Maggie Bauer & Eric DeMarco

    12/18/2024

    Ep. 168 - 2024: A Year in Changemaking Books with Maggie Bauer & Eric DeMarco

    In this episode of How to Change the World, host Catherine Alonzo sits down with Maggie Bauer and Eric DeMarco, members of the How to Change the World book club, to reflect on the thought-provoking reads of 2024. Together, they delve into themes of unexpected consequences, exploring how small choices can ripple into significant impacts. They discuss the complexities of repairing broken relationships, and how to approach these challenges with intention and humility. The conversation also dives into the critical topic of consuming less, examining what it means to live more sustainably in a world driven by excess. Tune in for insights, reflections, and inspiration to carry into the new year. Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now! Check out the How to Change the World book club’s 2024 reading list below:  Consumed by Aja Barber  Where the Line is Drawn by Raja Shehadeh  Same as Ever by Morgan Housel  How Infrastructure Works by Deb Chachra  On Repentance and Repair by Danya Ruttenberg  Strangers to Ourselves by Rachel Aviv  The Debt Trap by Josh Mitchell  The Originalism Trap by Madiba Dennie  Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer  On Censorship by James LaRue  A Renaissance of Our Own by Rachel Cargle  The Right Call by Sally Jenkins

    51 min
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    4.9
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    64 Ratings

    About

    Welcome to our podcast, How to Change the World, where we dive deep into the world of changemaking leadership! Whether you're leading an organization, a political campaign, or a community cause, this podcast is your go-to resource for creating impactful change. We’ll bring you engaging stories and actionable tips from our team and inspiring guests who are making waves in their communities. Tune in for clear takeaways and practical advice to elevate your impact through powerful storytelling. Stories change the world - let’s help you tell yours.

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