Tech Matters

Jim Fruchterman

In a landscape where the tech industry's reputation often precedes it, veteran social entrepreneur and Tech for Good pioneer Jim Fruchterman, along with many extraordinary change-makers, have been rewriting the narrative by using their tech skills to build a better world and drive positive social change. Through in-depth interviews unveiling the workings of some of the most transformative social impact organizations, you'll discover how individuals have harnessed the power of technology to confront the world's most pressing challenges. Prepare for a wealth of insights about how to enter the Tech for Good field, best ideation practices, effective exit strategies, ethical use of data, funding wisdom, and more. Whether you're part of a nonprofit, the tech sphere, government sector, or at the helm of social change, our podcast is your compass to ensure that, when designing software, you're putting people first. -- Hosted by Jim Fruchterman. Production: Gabriele Sha. Sound Engineering: Phil Kadet.

  1. More Than a Message: Debbie Rogers of Reach Digital Health

    2월 4일

    More Than a Message: Debbie Rogers of Reach Digital Health

    In this episode, Jim Fruchterman speaks with Debbie Rogers, CEO of Reach Digital Health. Debbie details the evolution of Reach Digital Health (formerly the Praekelt Foundation), which was founded on the insight that mobile phone penetration in Africa was leapfrogging the rest of the world. This created a unique opportunity to address systemic health challenges like HIV and maternal mortality. One of their first projects reduced "loss to follow-up" at HIV clinics from 30% to just 6% using simple SMS reminders and "please call me" technology.    This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how to transition from "pilot-itis" to national-scale technology that treats users with dignity and provides them with a voice.    Full transcript:  https://techmatters.org/messaging-debbie-rogers-reach-digital-health   DEBBIE ROGERS [Co-Founder & President]   Debbie Rogers's career is anchored in a special blend of technical and creative expertise, beginning with an Honours degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master's in Digital Arts from the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. Now, Debbie is a globally recognized leader serving as a member of the World Health Organization's Digital Health Technical Advisory Group and as Board Chair for the African Developers Academy.     RATE, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE    If you like what you hear, leave us a 5 star rating on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts.    STAY IN TOUCH    Write us a note at podcast@techmatters.org or follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-matters/

    51분
  2. Design as a Lifeline, Jonathan McKay on Supporting LGBTQI+ Youth with SameSame

    1월 21일

    Design as a Lifeline, Jonathan McKay on Supporting LGBTQI+ Youth with SameSame

    In this episode of Tech Matters, we sit down with Jonathan McKay, the founder of SameSame, a social enterprise dedicated to providing mental health support and access to services for LGBTQI+ youth. During the conversation, we explore Jonathan's journey from graphic design and for-profit marketing to the social sector with SameSame, using anonymity to create safe, accessible pathways for young LGBTQI+ people. Listeners will learn about the unique challenges in the mental health nonprofit world and why technology—when used ethically—is a lifeline for those who'd otherwise live with no support at all.   Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/design-lifeline-jono-mckay-supporting-lgbtqi-youth-samesame   JONATHAN MCKAY [Co-Founder & President]   Jonathan is a designer and social entrepreneur dedicated to the intersection of technology, media, and social justice. At SameSame, he leads strategy and product design to create digital lifelines for marginalized communities, building on a career that includes serving as Chief Creative and Programmes Officer at Girl Effect. With a professional background that spans high-level corporate branding to large-scale humanitarian initiatives with UNICEF and the Ford Foundation, Jonathan has successfully launched digital platforms reaching over 50 million people in 40 countries.   RATE, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE   If you like what you hear, leave us a 5 star rating on your favorite platform.   STAY IN TOUCH   Write us a note at podcast@techmatters.org or follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-matters/

    50분
  3. Helplines Reimagined, with Dee Luo and Nick Hurlburt of Aselo [added commentary]

    2025. 12. 17.

    Helplines Reimagined, with Dee Luo and Nick Hurlburt of Aselo [added commentary]

    In this special episode, we revisit the origin story of Aselo, the open-source contact center platform transforming how child helplines operate around the world. Jim talks with Aselo's leaders, Dee Luo and Nick Hurlburt, about modernizing helplines by integrating calls, texts, and social media to meet young people where they are. From global partnerships to the careful use of AI, this conversation offers a clear-eyed look at what it takes to build trustworthy, privacy-first technology for children in crisis.   Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/helplines-reimagined-dee-luo-nick-hurlburt-aselo/   DEE LUO [Director of Product & Business Operations]   Dee has worked in Product Management building SaaS business software at Yext, a New York-based technology company, and has worked on pro bono projects for international social enterprises. She's been a fellow of the MovingWorlds Institute and joined Tech Matters in 2020 to lead product management for Aselo.   NICK HURLBURT [Executive Director]   Nick began his career developing early AI software at Amazon, and later managed software teams at Sift. He spent six years in conflict relief in Burma and South Sudan, capturing human rights, migration, and multi-sector program data. He joined Tech Matters in 2019 and now leads the technology development for the Aselo helpline project.   RATE, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE   If you like what you hear, leave us a 5 star rating on your favorite platform.   STAY IN TOUCH   Write us a note at podcast@techmatters.org or follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-matters/

    33분
  4. From Idea to Fruition: Accelerating Nonprofits, with Shannon Farley and Kevin Barenblat of Fast Forward

    2025. 11. 05.

    From Idea to Fruition: Accelerating Nonprofits, with Shannon Farley and Kevin Barenblat of Fast Forward

    What do you do when you have a great social impact idea but no experience with making it a reality? With all its risks, is Artificial Intelligence something that replaces human ingenuity or can it really be used to bring your idea to fruition? Delve into how Fast Forward takes a page from the iconic Y Combinator playbook to shake up the nonprofit scene. Entrepreneurial spirit meets social impact—discover the innovative accelerator model that's bridging startup culture with philanthropic goals.   Full transcript: https://techmatters.org/fastforward-accelerating-tech-nonprofits   KEVIN BARENBLAT (Co-Founder & President)   Kevin is an engineer turned social innovator. He has helped over 100 founders use technology to tackle global challenges. He also writes the AI for Humanity newsletter and contributes to the Stanford Social Innovation Review.   SHANNON FARLEY (Co-Founder & Executive Director)   Before co-founding the accelerator, Shannon launched Spark, a network for women's organizations, and helped start the W. Haywood Burns Institute for racial equity in juvenile justice. Shannon brings sharp focus, creativity, and a passion for human-centered innovation.     RATE, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE   If you like what you hear, give us a like, rating or review on any platform!    STAY IN TOUCH   Write us a note at podcast@techmatters.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

    39분

소개

In a landscape where the tech industry's reputation often precedes it, veteran social entrepreneur and Tech for Good pioneer Jim Fruchterman, along with many extraordinary change-makers, have been rewriting the narrative by using their tech skills to build a better world and drive positive social change. Through in-depth interviews unveiling the workings of some of the most transformative social impact organizations, you'll discover how individuals have harnessed the power of technology to confront the world's most pressing challenges. Prepare for a wealth of insights about how to enter the Tech for Good field, best ideation practices, effective exit strategies, ethical use of data, funding wisdom, and more. Whether you're part of a nonprofit, the tech sphere, government sector, or at the helm of social change, our podcast is your compass to ensure that, when designing software, you're putting people first. -- Hosted by Jim Fruchterman. Production: Gabriele Sha. Sound Engineering: Phil Kadet.