Braver New Worlds

Nathan Cody Young

Braver New Worlds is a podcast for people navigating change, questioning inherited narratives, and trying to lead with intention and humanity even when the path forward is unclear. It’s about the stories we need to share–about ourselves, our work, and our vision–for the future want to create. Each episode is a thoughtful human conversation with someone actively trying to change something, whether that’s through their work, their being, or their relationship with community. We discuss personal stories, public responsibility, and how identity, values, and lived experience shape the way we see and show up in the world.

  1. 3d ago

    Entrepreneurship, Access, and What Money Really Buys with Alex Waters

    EPISODE SUMMARY What actually separates entrepreneurs who make it from those who don't? It isn't always talent or work ethic. It's something else completely. In this conversation, Nathan sits down with Alex Waters, Executive Director of The Program Labs, to unpack what it really looks like to build a business without a safety net, and why the entrepreneurs he works with aren't failing when a plan takes longer than expected, but they still need to figure out how to manage themselves in the meantime. The conversation moves from the deeply personal to the systemic: why financial literacy still isn't taught in schools, why AI has closed the information gap but not the execution gap, and why so many founders quietly believe they only get one shot. Alex offers concrete tools along the way, including his approach to prioritization ("deciding what you're not going to do") and a reframe on quitting that treats it as data, not failure. In the back half, the conversation turns toward philanthropy and venture capital. Venture capital tolerates enormous failure rates in pursuit of a single unicorn — while philanthropic funding is expected to succeed every time, with almost no appetite for productive risk. It's a pointed challenge to rethink what our culture treats as "cool" to fund — and why programs nonprofits build need to deliver value back to the organizations themselves, not just to beneficiaries. ABOUT ALEX WATERS Alex Waters is an ecosystem builder who creates spaces where people can experiment and bring their ideas to life. As Executive Director of The Program Labs, he helps organizations build entrepreneurship programs that create economic opportunity. Currently, he's partnered with the San Diego College of Continuing Education to build and operate a community Business Resource Center in Barrio Logan. Over the last decade, Alex has built community programs, coached executives, led lean innovation sprints for global companies, and designed accelerator programs — most notably the Jacobs Center Business Accelerator, a HUD-funded initiative that graduated more than 120 businesses and supported millions of dollars in investment and job creation in the San Diego region. Beyond program development, Alex serves on the boards of the SDSU Research Foundation and the San Diego Neighborhood House Association, and sits on the Impact Investment & Audit Committee for the Alliance Healthcare Foundation. LINKS Website: theprogramlabs.orgLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/watersalexEmail: alex@theprogramlabs.orgFree Program Consultation: form.jotform.com/Plabs/free-consultation

  2. Jul 7

    Storytelling as the Opposite of the News with Philippe Lazaro

    What if the goal of a story wasn't to convince someone, but to hand them their own voice back?  Philippe Lazaro has spent nearly two decades helping international nonprofits and climate organizations tell stories from the Congo Basin to Bangladesh — and along the way, he's developed a clear-eyed philosophy about what ethical storytelling actually requires.  In this conversation, Philippe and Nathan dig into why he thinks of his work as "the opposite of the news," how the charity and NGO world has historically gotten storytelling wrong, and what it looks like to get it right: local creative teams, informed and enthusiastic consent, and a hard commitment to letting people narrate their own experience instead of having it narrated for them. From there, the conversation opens into the craft itself — the "Hollywood treatment," the three layers every story operates on, and a detour into how different cultures structure narrative differently, from Japan's Kishōtenketsu to cyclical storytelling traditions that don't follow a Western arc at all.  Philippe also makes a case for a healthier relationship between storytelling and data, arguing the two are too often treated as rivals when they're actually complementary tools for understanding impact. ABOUT PHILIPPE LAZARO Philippe Lazaro is a strategic communications leader with over a decade of experience helping international nonprofits grow through ethical, solutions-focused storytelling. He's worked with leading climate and international development organizations, telling stories from Ethiopia to Haiti to Bangladesh. He's an avid traveler, illustrator, and improviser, as well as a dad to three. Whether telling stories through video, writing, or visual media, his goal is always to help audiences feel more connected to the world. He’s also recently launched his own agency, Banana Leaf Storytelling. LINKS Banana Leaf Storytelling: https://bananaleafstorytelling.com/Philippe's website: https://www.philippelazaro.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippe-lazaro-b2872169/Instagram: @philippelazaroThreads: @philippelazaroYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@philippelazaroSubstack: https://philippelazaro.substack.com/

  3. Jun 30

    AI Beyond the Hype: Ethics, Work, and What Makes Us Human with Dr. Karen Boyd

    In this episode, Nathan sits down with AI researcher and economist Dr. Karen Boyd for a conversation that explore the AI related questions many of us are wrestling with. How is AI reshaping work, creativity, trust, and human connection? And why navigating these questions requires more nuance than either the enthusiasts or the skeptics often provide. Karen explains why many of the biggest concerns surrounding AI—from environmental impact and privacy to bias and job displacement—deserve careful attention without resorting to fear or false certainty. Along the way, the conversation expands into much bigger questions: What parts of our work actually give us meaning? Does effort have value beyond efficiency? How do we preserve authenticity in a world where machines can increasingly imitate human creativity? And if AI can do more of our work, what kinds of work should we value in the future? Whether you're excited about AI, deeply skeptical of it, or simply trying to figure out where you stand, this conversation offers a grounded, practical, and deeply human perspective on one of the defining technological shifts of our time. ABOUT DR. KAREN BOYDDr. Karen Boyd helps mission-driven organizations navigate AI with confidence. She is an economist at the Policy and Innovation Center in San Diego and co-founder of Our AI Futures Lab, where she has trained more than 300 nonprofit, government, and social-impact leaders on the thoughtful adoption of artificial intelligence. Her research focuses on AI ethics, machine learning documentation, and the future of work. Karen earned her PhD from the University of Maryland, where she studied how machine learning engineers identify and respond to ethical issues in training data, and she also holds an MBA from the Rady School of Management at UC San Diego. Karen serves on the San Diego Foundation's AI Council and is the author of Amplify Good Work: Effective, Ethical AI for Mission-Driven Work. Her work has been featured in leading academic conferences and publications, cited in hundreds of scholarly articles, and recognized by organizations across the nonprofit and technology sectors. She also hosts the upcoming Labor in the Loop podcast, exploring the future of work in the age of AI. LINKSKaren Boyd Website: https://drkarenboyd.comNewsletter: https://drkarenboyd.com/newsletterBlog: https://drkarenboyd.com/blogLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkarenboyd/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenboydauthor/ Resources Mentioned Amplify Good Work: Effective, Ethical AI for Mission-Driven WorkFree Sustainability & AI Chapter: https://drkarenboyd.com/freechapterMission First Starter Kit: https://drkarenboyd.com/missionfirstComing Soon: Labor in the Loop Podcast: https://www.laborintheloop.com/

  4. Jun 23

    Masculinity, Relationships, and the Courage to Grow with Dave Lishansky

    What does it really mean to become a man in a world that offers plenty of expectations but a lot of contradictory direction. In this episode, Nathan sits down with men's relationship coach Dave Lishansky for a wide-ranging conversation about masculinity, relationships, emotional growth, and the work of becoming more fully human. Together they explore why so many men are taught grit, responsibility, and self-sacrifice, yet rarely given the tools to understand themselves, express vulnerability, or build meaningful emotional support systems. Drawing from his own relationship journey and years of coaching men, Dave shares how intimate relationships often become mirrors that reveal the parts of ourselves that are unfinished, wounded, or longing for growth. The conversation explores the difference between reacting and responding, the role of anger and people-pleasing in men's lives, and why many of the patterns that create conflict in relationships begin long before we ever meet our partners. Nathan and Dave also dive into larger cultural questions: the disappearance of meaningful rites of passage, the ways modern work and capitalism have replaced traditional forms of initiation, and how many men unconsciously sacrifice themselves to expectations they never consciously chose. Throughout the discussion, they return to a central theme: growth is not about reaching a finish line, but about continually waking up to ourselves, our relationships, and the opportunities life gives us to become more present. Whether you're navigating a relationship, questioning old definitions of masculinity, or simply curious about what it means to live with greater intention, this conversation offers a thoughtful and deeply human exploration of courage, connection, and personal transformation. ABOUT DAVE LISHANSKYDave Lishansky is a men's and relationship coach and the host of the Reclaiming the Gentle Man podcast. He helps men find their inner steadiness in the moments relationships test them most—when everything inside wants to shut down, withdraw, or fight back—and discover what becomes possible when they remain open and present instead. Drawing from both personal experience and years of coaching, Dave helps men develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and deeper connections in their relationships. He and his wife spent more than a decade building their relationship before getting married in November 2025, an experience that continues to inform his work and perspective on growth, intimacy, and partnership. LINKSConnect with Dave Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave_lishansky/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dave_lishansky Dave's Podcast Reclaiming the Gentle Man: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reclaiming-the-gentle-man/id1813031348 Free Relationship Assessment Discover what may be causing your relationship conflicts to escalate "out of nowhere": https://your-reconnection-code.lovable.app

  5. Jun 16

    Science, Skepticism, and Public Trust with Lola Akapo

    In this episode of Braver New Worlds, Nathan sits down with Lola Akapo, founder of Benchtop to Boardroom, a biotech communications consultancy specializing in mRNA therapeutics and biologics. Drawing on nearly a decade of vaccine and drug development work, Lola argues that the biotech companies shaping the future of medicine can’t simply rely on building breakthrough technologies. They also need to be proactive towards building trust. Lola shares the concept of a "trust infrastructure" which includes the partnerships, educational efforts, and coalition-building that all serves to help investors, regulators, advocacy groups, and the public understand why scientific work matters long before a therapy reaches the market. The conversation also dives into the tension between healthy skepticism and public trust, the challenge of communicating complex science to non-scientists, and whether society needs more "translators" who can bridge the gap between researchers and the wider world.  Along the way, Nathan and Lola discuss scientific literacy, risk, regulation, storytelling, and how societies decide what—and whom—to trust. ABOUT LOLA AKAPOLola Akapo has spent nearly a decade inside mRNA vaccine and biologics programs, where she saw firsthand how brilliant science and fragmented narratives can prevent early-stage teams from communicating their impact effectively. She is the founder of Benchtop to Boardroom, a consulting practice focused on helping biotech organizations build the internal scientific literacy infrastructure needed to communicate clearly with boards, regulators, manufacturers, investors, advocacy groups, and eventually the public. Her work helps early-stage teams align around a shared understanding of their mission, impact, and scientific story. LINKSLola Akapo (LinkedIn) https://www.linkedin.com/in/damilola-akapo/ Benchtop to Boardroom Website https://benchtoptoboardroom.com/ Benchtop to Boardroom Substack https://benchtoptoboardroom.substack.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/benchtoptoboardroom/ Learn more about Lola's consulting work, speaking engagements, and scientific communication resources through the links above.

  6. Jun 9

    Religion, Power, and the Stories That Shape Who We Are with Kaia Badger

    What happens when the worldview that shaped your identity, relationships, and understanding of reality no longer makes sense? In this episode of Brave New Worlds, Nathan sits down with Kaia Badger—former ministry leader, biblical studies scholar, and content creator under the handle of Reconstructing Kaia—for a conversation about faith, doubt, identity, power, and the challenge of rebuilding a meaningful life after deconstruction. Drawing from her experience growing up in evangelical Christianity, earning a degree in biblical studies, working in ministry, and later transitioning as a trans feminine non-binary person, Kaia shares the personal journey that led her to question not only her faith, but the systems and structures that shaped it.  The conversation explores the social and historical forces that influence religious belief, the emotional cost of leaving tightly knit communities, and the difficulty of separating the positive aspects of religion from the power structures that often accompany them. ABOUT KAIA BADGERKaia Badger is a content creator, biblical studies scholar, and former ministry leader exploring the intersections of religion, power, gender, and identity. After spending more than a decade in ministry and earning a degree in biblical studies, Kaia began a personal journey of questioning, deconstruction, and reconstruction that ultimately reshaped both her worldview and her sense of self. Today, she creates content through Reconstructing Kaia, where she examines religious narratives, institutional power, and the ways belief systems influence culture, relationships, and identity. Her work is driven by a desire to create a world where religion is no longer weaponized to reinforce harmful hierarchies—particularly around gender and sexuality—while helping people approach their beliefs with curiosity, humility, and compassion. LINKSFollow Kaia Badger: Instagram: @reconstructingkaia TikTok: @reconstructingkaia YouTube: @reconstructingkaia Threads: @reconstructingkaia Bluesky: @reconstructingkaia If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who enjoys thoughtful conversations about belief, identity, culture, and creating a braver new world.

  7. Jun 2

    Engaging Universities Towards Solving Real Community Challenges, with Professor Jessica Barlow

    EPISODE SUMMARYWhat if universities weren't just places where knowledge is created, but places where knowledge is actively put to work in service of local communities? In this episode of Brave New Worlds, we sit down with Professor Jessica Barlow, Professor of Sustainability at San Diego State University and Executive Director of the Center for Regional Sustainability. Together, they explore how universities can play a more meaningful role in addressing real-world challenges while preparing students for life beyond the classroom. Jessica shares the story behind The Sage Project, an internationally recognized model that connects university courses with community priorities. Through partnerships with cities, nonprofits, and local organizations, students work on real projects ranging from environmental justice and urban planning to branding, accessibility, and community development. Along the way, they gain hands-on experience navigating the messy realities of public problem-solving, collaboration, and civic engagement. The conversation also explores larger questions about the future of higher education. Why are universities often disconnected from the communities around them? How can researchers better communicate their work beyond academic journals? What happens when scholars move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries to focus on society's most pressing challenges?  Jessica reflects on her own journey from linguistics to sustainability and environmental justice, and shares why she believes community-engaged scholarship should become the norm rather than the exception. ABOUT JESSICA BARLOWJessica Barlow is Professor of Sustainability at San Diego State University and Executive Director of the Center for Regional Sustainability. Trained as a linguist and phonologist, her work bridges language, community, and environmental justice. She is co-founder of The Sage Project, an internationally recognized program connecting universities with communities to address real-world challenges through collaborative, place-based research. Her interdisciplinary work spans climate resilience, community-engaged scholarship, and the role of language in shaping how we understand and respond to global crises. Barlow's career reflects a commitment to linking knowledge with action to build more equitable and sustainable futures. Outside of work, she plays viola, violin, and occasionally guitar in local musical ensembles—and is an enthusiastic bird lover. LINKSCenter for Regional Sustainability (San Diego State University) https://crs.sdsu.edu Jessica Barlow on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-a-barlow/ Learn More About The Sage Project https://sage.sdsu.edu If you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone interested in education, community building, sustainability, or creating meaningful change where they live.

  8. May 26

    From Climate Policy to Inner Healing: Rebuilding Care, Identity, and the World with Alexandra Peek

    In this episode, Nathan sits down with Alexandra Peek, a former climate tech professional turned community-based healer, to explore what it means to truly create change.  After years working in law, sustainability, and environmental advocacy, Alexandra found herself questioning the impact of her work despite outward success. That realization sparked a personal transformation that shifted her focus from systems and policy to healing, identity, and the human body. The conversation explore the connection between trauma, subconscious patterns, and the systems we build. Alexandra shares how her work now integrates herbalism, energy healing, and death care, alongside efforts to build collaborative, holistic models of care that bring together Western medicine, Eastern practices, and community-based support. From local food sovereignty in El Paso to reimagining healthcare systems, Alexandra offers a grounded yet visionary perspective on what meaningful change looks like.  It’s a call to examine what in our own lives may need to “die” in order to create something more aligned, authentic, and sustainable—for ourselves and the world around us. ABOUT Alexandra PeekAlexandra Peek (she/her) is a community-based energy worker, death doula, and herbalist based in El Paso, Texas. She is the founder of Peek Counsel, a sustainability consultancy, and Azul Metzli, a healing practice. Her work centers on community healing through the merging of ancestral healing practices with modern neuroscience. Formerly an energy decarbonization and sustainability professional, Alexandra now focuses on the inner, physical world of energy within the human body and the sustainability of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—in order to shift the health of the planet. LinksInstagram (Azul Metzli): @azulmetzliWebsite: azulmetzli.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-peek-is-unique/Substack: https://substack.com/@peekcounselLiberarte: https://liberarteinc.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571364324052#

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Braver New Worlds is a podcast for people navigating change, questioning inherited narratives, and trying to lead with intention and humanity even when the path forward is unclear. It’s about the stories we need to share–about ourselves, our work, and our vision–for the future want to create. Each episode is a thoughtful human conversation with someone actively trying to change something, whether that’s through their work, their being, or their relationship with community. We discuss personal stories, public responsibility, and how identity, values, and lived experience shape the way we see and show up in the world.

Information

  • Creator
    Nathan Cody Young
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nathan Cody Young
  • Show Website
    Braver New Worlds

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