The Negative Space Podcast

The Anthem Awards
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Non-Profit

In a moment where collective progress faces unprecedented obstacles, The Negative Space from The Anthem Awards colors in the unseen challenges and triumphs shaping the future of the impact industry. Hosted by Anthem General Manager Patricia McLoughlin, series digs into the motivations, grit and innovations fueling top leaders’ advocacy in 2025.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. The Power of a Blank Page

    Jun 1

    The Power of a Blank Page

    The Power of a Blank Page with The Strangers ProjectWhat happens when we put down our phones and share our stories with strangers? In the Season 2 premiere of The Negative Space, host Patricia McLoughlin sits down with Brandon Doman, founder of The Strangers Project, and designer and community strategist Exa Kutler to explore the power of human connection in an increasingly disconnected world. What began as a notebook and a simple invitation to write has grown into a traveling community engagement project featuring more than 100,000 anonymous handwritten stories. By creating spaces where people can share their experiences without judgment, prompts, or digital distractions, The Strangers Project offers a rare opportunity for reflection, vulnerability, and belonging. Together, Patricia, Brandon, and Exa discuss the role of anonymity in building trust, the surprising themes that emerge across thousands of stories, and what it means to create meaningful community during a loneliness epidemic. They also explore the challenges of sustaining mission-driven creative work, lessons from bringing the project to Webby Awards Creator Weekend, and the future of preserving these powerful stories for new audiences. In a culture that often rewards speed and performance, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the most impactful thing we can offer is a blank page—and the space to be seen. In this episode:How The Strangers Project grew from a spontaneous idea into a global community initiativeWhy anonymity can foster honesty, empathy, and connectionWhat 100,000+ stories reveal about our shared human experiencesThe role of in-person engagement in an increasingly digital worldThe challenges and opportunities of sustaining long-term social impact workWhat's next for The Strangers Project Learn more about The Strangers Project at strangersproject.com and on Instagram @strangersproj If you're in New York City, you can visit The Strangers Project at the World Trade Center Oculus (Thursday–Sunday, 2:00–6:30 PM) Learn more about the Anthem Awards and The Negative Space at anthemawards.com and on Instagram @anthemawards. Set the new standard for good and enter your impact work into the Anthem Awards before July 31st! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  2. Resisting Denial in Climate Action

    03/21/2025

    Resisting Denial in Climate Action

    Rising sea levels, eroding coastlines and worsening storms threaten communities worldwide, while anti-climate agendas stall critical action. The Surfrider Foundation has spent decades at the intersection of grassroots activism and policy change, fighting to protect our oceans and encourage systemic action. In the face of growing anti-climate action, we’re joined with Surfrider CEO, Chad Nelsen, as we dive into the biggest environmental battles ahead, the power of community-led action and what it will take to hold brands and policymakers accountable. Guest: Dr. Chad Nelsen is the CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, leading the world’s largest grassroots network dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of oceans globally by blending coastal recreation with conservation.  Keep up with their work @surfrider on all major platforms and @surfrider.org on Bluesky. Find out more about how they’re creating change and get involved at surfrider.org/! Entries for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards will open on Tuesday, April 8. Follow us @theanthemawards on Instagram and LinkedIn to discover our new categories and how to enter your work.  Credits: Hosted by Patricia McLoughlin  Written and Produced by Mahlet Sugebo  Editorial Lead by Jordana Jarrett  Edited by Kate Mishkin  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min
  3. Moms on the Frontlines of Gun Reform

    03/21/2025

    Moms on the Frontlines of Gun Reform

    In a country reeling from mass shootings—with only thoughts and prayers offered—Moms Demand Action is on the frontlines of the fight for gun safety. With a powerful network of over 400 chapters nationwide, they’re challenging the very systems that perpetuate gun violence at the root. We spoke with Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Executive Director of Moms Demand Action, to spotlight their work in tackling America’s gun crisis, the push for school safety and the fight to protect hard-won progress, despite the shift in the new administration's stance.  Guest: Angela Ferrell-Zabala serves as the first-ever Executive Director of Moms Demand Action where she leads the largest grassroots network in the gun violence prevention space. Keep up with Angela @FerrellZabala on Instagram, Threads and X and @ferrellzabala.bsky.social. Find out more about how Moms Demand Action is creating change and get involved at momsdemandaction.org. Entries for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards will open on Tuesday, April 8. Follow us @theanthemawards on Instagram and LinkedIn to discover our new categories and how to enter your work. Credits: Hosted by Patricia McLoughlin  Written and Produced by Mahlet Sugebo  Editorial Lead by Jordana Jarrett  Edited by Kate Mishkin  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  4. A Love Letter to Public Libraries

    03/21/2025

    A Love Letter to Public Libraries

    From banned books to restricted speech in schools, censorship is surging—with stories that live outside the mainstream being cast to the margins. With Project 2025 and the new administration pushing for deep-rooted information control, the danger isn’t just in banned books—it’s in the ideas they hold. Nick Higgins of Brooklyn Public Library broke down how this legacy institution is fighting back, protecting free access to knowledge, and defending the fundamental right to think critically. Guest: Nick Higgins is the Chief Librarian at Brooklyn Public Library in charge of public service across Brooklyn and leads the development of transformative library services across the borough. Resources:  Books Unbanned Program Borrowed and Banned Podcast Keep up with Brooklyn Public Library @bklynlibrary on Instagram and LinkedIn. Find out more about how they’re creating change and get involved at bklynlibrary.org/! Entries for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards will open on Tuesday, April 8. Follow us @theanthemawards on Instagram and LinkedIn to discover our new categories and how to enter your work.  Credits: Hosted by Patricia McLoughlin  Written and Produced by Mahlet Sugebo  Editorial Lead by Jordana Jarrett  Edited by Kate Mishkin  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  5. Is Your Social Media Safe?

    03/21/2025

    Is Your Social Media Safe?

    The Internet’s tides are changing—social media is not what it used to be back in 2008. As the digital world shifts, social media platforms are now more than just virtual spaces, but battlegrounds for privacy and autonomy. Tracy Chou, founder of Block Party, is on a mission to take the power back from corporate algorithms and give it to users. We spoke with Chou to lay bare the chaotic evolution of online safety, the role AI plays in reshaping the digital world and how we can build a more responsible, human-first internet. Guest: Tracy Chou is an entrepreneur and software engineer well-known for her work advocating for diversity and inclusion in tech, who founded the startup Block Party to safeguard online privacy. Keep up with Tracy @triketora on all major platforms and @exhaustedfemalefounder on Instagram and Threads. Find out more about how Block Party is creating change and get involved at blockpartyapp.com! Entries for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards will open on Tuesday, April 8. Follow us @theanthemawards on Instagram and LinkedIn to discover our new categories and how to enter your work. Credits: Hosted by Patricia McLoughlin  Written and Produced by Mahlet Sugebo  Editorial Lead by Jordana Jarrett  Edited by Kate Mishkin  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  6. Food as a Tool of Resilience

    03/21/2025

    Food as a Tool of Resilience

    When the earth quakes or sociopolitical issues arise, World Central Kitchen is on the frontlines—often even before journalists. Powered by a global supply chain of advocates and (yes) chefs, it’s been a pioneering force in humanitarian aid since 2010. From serving up life-saving meals in crisis zones to navigating aid in regions like Gaza, we sat down with Linda Roth, CCO of WCK, to explore the complexities of delivering vital relief where it’s needed most. Guest: Linda Roth is an Emmy-award-winning broadcast journalist turned purpose-driven communications expert who leads campaigns with tremendous geopolitical impact.  Keep up with World Central Kitchen @WCKitchen on Instagram, X, Youtube and TikTok and @wck.org on Bluesky. Find out more about how they’re creating change and get involved at wck.org! Entries for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards will open on Tuesday, April 8. Follow us @theanthemawards on Instagram and LinkedIn to discover our new categories and how to enter your work.  Resources:  The World Central Kitchen CookbookChefs for Gaza Credits: Hosted by Patricia McLoughlin  Written and Produced by Mahlet Sugebo  Editorial Lead by Jordana Jarrett  Edited by Kate Mishkin  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    32 min
  7. Reproductive Rights Won’t End with Roe

    03/21/2025

    Reproductive Rights Won’t End with Roe

    In a post-Roe reality, the fight for reproductive freedom hasn’t stopped—it just got a new look. With abortion access under attack, digital censorship silencing providers, and legal gray zones complicating care, the abortion pill has become a frontline tool for autonomy. Francine Coeytaux, one of the original founders of Plan C, joins us to unpack the realities of self-managed care and hidden barriers threatening the future of reproductive healthcare.   Guest: Francine Coeytaux is a woman’s health advocate and public health specialist who Co-Founded Plan C, a nationwide campaign to normalize the modern option of at-home abortion using pills.   Resources:  Plan CPlan C Documentary Keep up with Plan C @plancpills on Instagram. Find out more about how they’re creating change and get involved at plancpills.org! Entries for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards will open on Tuesday, April 8. Follow us @theanthemawards on Instagram and LinkedIn to discover our new categories and how to enter your work.  Credits: Hosted by Patricia McLoughlin  Written and Produced by Mahlet Sugebo  Editorial Lead by Jordana Jarrett  Edited by Kate Mishkin  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  8. The Fight For Queer Futures

    03/21/2025

    The Fight For Queer Futures

    Nearly a decade after the landmark case legalizing gay marriage—the rights of LGBTQIA+ communities nationwide are under attack. With government-led erasure and rising anti-Queer legislation on the rise, Jim Obergefell joins us to reflect on his historic Supreme Court case, unpack the right-wing backlash and pull lessons from his playbook for resistance.  Guest: Jim Obergefell is the named plaintiff from the landmark marriage equality case Obergefell v. Hodges and an advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and civil rights.  Resources:  Equality Vines Just Married Project Find out more about how Equality Vines is creating change and get involved at equalityvines.com. Entries for the 5th Annual Anthem Awards will open on Tuesday, April 8. Follow us @theanthemawards on Instagram and LinkedIn to discover our new categories and how to enter your work. Credits: Hosted by Patricia McLoughlin  Written and Produced by Mahlet Sugebo  Editorial Lead by Jordana Jarrett  Edited by Kate Mishkin  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min
  • 8 Episodes

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

In a moment where collective progress faces unprecedented obstacles, The Negative Space from The Anthem Awards colors in the unseen challenges and triumphs shaping the future of the impact industry. Hosted by Anthem General Manager Patricia McLoughlin, series digs into the motivations, grit and innovations fueling top leaders’ advocacy in 2025.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    The Anthem Awards
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Anthem Awards
  • Show Website
    The Negative Space Podcast