What do we do next?

Listening is the Revolution
  • 5.0(7개의 평가)
  • 뉴스
  • 매주 업데이트

Feeling paralyzed by the news cycle? This podcast cuts through the noise to give you practical steps for engaging in democracy, communicating across divides, and making real impact—no breaking news, just direction. whatdowedonext.substack.com

  1. 6일 전

    From Activism to Art: How Rainbow Fences Are Uniting Communities in Key West

    Welcome back to “What Do We Do Next?” on today’s episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Anne Brodsky—better known as the Fence Fairy—joining us all the way from Key West. Anne is an unwavering advocate, artist, and community builder whose activism and rainbow fences have sparked hope and resilience throughout her community and far beyond. With decades of experience—from child welfare to fighting for equality—Anne shares her personal journey, the powerful women who inspired her, and her mission to spread joy, unity, and resistance through art, one rainbow fence at a time. In our conversation, Anne and I dig into her stories of perseverance, the importance of community action, standing strong in the face of adversity, and how even a simple rainbow fence can become a beacon of hope. We also discuss practical ways each of us can get involved. If you’re searching for inspiration and a reminder that change truly begins with every one of us, you won’t want to miss this episode. Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:47 - Family influence and early activism04:17 - Making and sharing mini fences08:53 - Spreading love with repurposed paint14:18 - Standing against division and hate17:49 - One person can make impact21:11 - The importance of women and community22:58 - Neighborhood disputes over painted fences26:43 - Opposition to rainbow fences30:06 - Discussing women challenging power35:22 - Giving back to your community37:06 - Running for DNC position41:06 - Processing grief and accountability43:49 - Brainstorming community-driven collaboration49:15 - Offering campaign support services49:51 - Outro Key TakeawaysThe Power of OneService and SolidarityAdversity to ActionLegacy of MatriarchsCommunity is Our CompassAllyship in ActionKeep Passing the BatonFocus ForwardThere is Always Hope Quotes“Your voice matters, your vote matters, your spirit is important, and I value you. We are not alone—there is hope out there, and action is what replenishes us.” - Anne Brodsky “One person really can make such a huge difference in the world—all it takes is that little bit of drive to want to do that.” - Molly Ruland Anne Brodsky:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anne.brodsky.58 Produced by Heartcast Media Will you give us a 5 star review, if we deserve it of course? Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe

    50분
  2. Youth, Uprisings, and Equality: Sarvnaz Chitsaz on Transforming Iran’s Political Landscape

    6일 전

    Youth, Uprisings, and Equality: Sarvnaz Chitsaz on Transforming Iran’s Political Landscape

    In this episode of “What Do We Do Next?” I sat down with Sarvnaz Chitsaz, the chair of the Women’s Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. Sarvnaz Chitsaz shares her inspiring journey—having joined the movement as a university student and now leading the women’s resistance—offering a firsthand look into Iran’s ongoing fight for democracy and women’s rights. Our conversation dives into the evolution of the resistance, the vital role women play in leadership, and how a new generation is rising up for change both inside and outside Iran. Sarvnaz Chitsaz reflects on decades of struggle against misogyny and fundamentalism, the resilience of Iranian youth, and the universal need for purpose during uncertain times. We also unpack the challenges of combating misinformation, the power of international solidarity, and the hope we find from witnessing young women step into leadership. Join me for an episode full of candid stories, insight, and encouragement on how we can all take part in building a better world—no matter where we’re starting from. Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:10 - Iranian Women’s Struggles and Activism10:08 - “Women’s Resilience and Reflection”11:34 - Purpose Ignites Women’s Unity16:39 - “Politics and Shared Burdens”18:25 - “Media, Iran, and Truth Challenges”22:58 - “Blocked by Editorial Politics”24:30 - Iran’s Youth Sparks Protest Wave30:09 - “Women Empowering Women Globally”31:49 - Outro Key TakeawaysA Lifetime of ResistanceThe Power of PurposeWomen Leading ChangeYouth Awakening in IranFacing Hardships with CourageThe Importance of True InformationGlobal Solidarity and InspirationReal Democracy Requires Women’s Leadership Quotes“I would rather have something I believe in and fight for it than feel nothing. You have to find something that gives you purpose—and go out fighting.”- Molly Ruland “It’s very important to find that thing that gives you an energy to go on. If you believe in it, then you go for it and fight for it—because this is life. You are just fighting every moment of your life.”- Sarvnaz Chitsaz Guest:Sarvnaz Chitsaz: Chair of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Women’s Committee Produced by Heartcast Media Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe

    32분
  3. You Don’t Have to Be the Main Character to Make a Difference with Aceil Haddad

    3월 19일

    You Don’t Have to Be the Main Character to Make a Difference with Aceil Haddad

    Welcome back to What Do We Do Next? In this episode, I sit down with Aceil Haddad, whose career at the intersection of communications, public policy, and social change truly inspires me. Over the past decade, Aceil Haddad has been the driving force behind campaigns that shape public debate and help leaders communicate complex ideas with clarity and conviction—most notably through her agency, MAP PR, and her impactful work with advocacy groups like Pregnant Then Screwed. During the pandemic, Aceil Haddad brought together more than 250 volunteers to support over 120 charities at a critical time, launching campaigns like But Not Maternity that made a real difference. In our conversation, we dig into what fuels her dedication to service, why genuine political participation matters now more than ever, and the importance of women’s voices in fighting disinformation and pushing for real societal change. We talk candidly about the lessons learned from grassroots activism, the realities of power and representation, and how each of us can discover our own way to make an impact. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just wondering how you can do more, this episode is full of honest insights and practical inspiration for anyone asking: “What do we do next?” Key TakeawaysStep Into Your Power—Everyone Has a Role to PlayPolitics Isn’t Just for PoliticiansWomen’s Voices Matter—Don’t Step BackSustainable Impact Starts with Self-CareFind Your ‘North Star’ and Own Your JourneyYou Don’t Have to Be the Main Character to Make a DifferenceUse Your Voice, Even When It Feels Risky Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:10 - “Mobilizing Volunteers for Change”05:37 - Navigating Politics and Authenticity09:28 - Change Takes Time12:52 - “Understanding Issues and Power”14:32 - Politics and Business: Shared Lessons19:58 - “Impact Without Being Center Stage”21:33 - Community Service, Quiet Impact24:58 - “Women Must Be Heard”27:14 - “Staying Visible Matters Most”30:48 - Finding Your North Star35:37 - What Do We Do Next?36:08 - Outro QuotesMolly Ruland:“When you know who you are, you don’t get washed around in the stream. It’s not about being the main character—it’s about showing up for your values, speaking the truth, and supporting the people and causes that matter to you.” Aceil Haddad:“Everyone has a skill that’s valuable—no matter how small you think it is. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but through collective action and by having the courage to show up and use your voice, especially when the world would rather you stay silent.” Connect with Aceil Haddadhttp://www.matt-pr.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aceil/ Call To Action:Stand for election - Centenary ActionSupport and invest in women Produced by Heartcast Media Will you give us a 5 star review, if we deserve it of course? Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe

    37분

  4. 3월 18일

    The Impact of Representation: Latina Voices, Money, and Community Advancement with Christina Olivarez

    Welcome back to What Do We Do Next? In this episode, I’m joined by Cristina Giovanna Olivares—an award-winning visibility coach, leadership advisor, and TEDx speaker who helps high-achieving Latinas and women of color step into their power. As the founder of Social Butterfly Gal and Hustle and Socialize, Cristina shares her journey from being inspired by her trailblazing grandmother to becoming a trusted voice in Latina leadership. We talk about unapologetic visibility, the cultural and economic power of Latinas, and why women—especially women of color—must claim their voices in leadership. Cristina also shares insights on overcoming overwhelm, setting boundaries with social media, building supportive communities, and embracing authentic self-expression. It’s an honest and inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, practical insights, and a reminder that being visible, powerful, and joyful is the new standard. Key TakeawaysAncestral Roots & IdentityLatinas as Natural LeadersNervous System Regulation & OverwhelmEconomic Power of LatinasUnapologetic Visibility & BrandingRedefining Professionalism Chapters00:00 - Introduction00:10 - “Christina: Empowering Women Leaders”03:57 - Latina Leadership and Visibility Journey09:58 - Social Media Overload Solutions12:49 - Too Much to Handle Responsibly16:46 - Content, Fear, Money, and Influence19:55 - Breaking Barriers, Building Wealth22:26 - Empowering Ambitious Founders’ Growth25:37 - “Authenticity Over Conformity”28:01 - “Defying Stereotypes, Owning Success”31:37 - “Empowering Women, Supporting Change” Quotes“Be unapologetically visible at all times. Take initiative, stay committed to yourself, and never be afraid to claim your power”- Cristina Giovanna Olivares “This is not the time to be meek and mild. Be louder, bolder, and braver than ever before. Redefine what it means to show up in the world.”- Molly Ruland Connect with Christina and work with her in coachingWebsite: https://www.thesocialbutterflygal.net/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/TheSocialButterflyGalThreads: Https://www.threads.com/thesocialbutterflygalLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-jovanna-olivarez-14081226/ Produced by Heartcast Media: Will you give us a 5 star review, if we deserve it of course? Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe

    33분
  5. Activism, Courage, and Women's Rights: Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg

    3월 15일

    Activism, Courage, and Women's Rights: Prof. Dr. Anabel Ternès von Hattburg

    A lot of us are trying to stay informed without getting swallowed by the news cycle, and still figure out what to do with what we’re feeling. I’m one of them. In this episode, I speak with Anabel Ternès von Hattburg—psychologist, futurist, professor, author, and host of the radio show We are Power—to talk about what it looks like to keep showing up when the problems feel bigger than any one person. Anna’s work has taken her from building a platform for people’s lived experience to speaking out about women’s movements worldwide, with a clear focus on the courage of Iranian women fighting for freedom and democracy. What stayed with me most is her insistence that stories matter more than slogans. We talk about what we remember, what moves us, and what actually helps when I’m trying to communicate with friends and family without shutting down or turning away. We end with concrete guidance I can use—and you can use—if you want to get informed, use your voice with purpose, and take a first step that isn’t performative and isn’t alone. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:10 - “Powerful Stories, Impactful Living”04:12 - Hope Through Memories08:46 - “Advocacy Failure for Afghan Women”12:18 - “Walk, Collaborate, Write Life”13:12 - Outro Quotes:Molly Ruland:“Awakening to truth can be painful, but it’s in this discomfort that we rediscover our power—and realize we are not alone in our desire for change.” Anabel Ternès von Hattburg:“Never stop doing the things you do. Never stop talking about the things you do. Involve, inspire, and engage as many people as you can in the movement you started.” Key Takeaways:The Power of StorytellingAmplifying Women’s VoicesActive AllyshipWalking the TalkBravery as a Daily PracticeCommunity Over CompetitionHope as a Driving Force Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe

    13분
  6. Freedom, Equality, and Women's Rights In Iran and Globally with Linda Chavez

    3월 2일

    Freedom, Equality, and Women's Rights In Iran and Globally with Linda Chavez

    Some conversations don’t stay on the stage. They follow you back into daily life—into the group chat, the family dinner, the quiet moment when you decide whether to speak up or let something slide. In this episode of What Do We Do Next?, I sit down with Linda Chavez to talk about what it takes to hold a line when the pressure is real. We trace her long involvement with the Iranian opposition movement, including work connected to the PMOA and MEK, and her role at the United Nations pushing resolutions against the Iranian regime for human rights abuses and the treatment of women. But the heart of this episode is bigger than any one organization. It’s about staying rooted in constitutional democracy, equal opportunity, and basic civil rights when misinformation spreads fast and public opinion shifts. We talk about the personal cost of resistance, the way sacrifice changes people, and why community matters when the work is long. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unsure what to say, or tired of watching principles get traded for convenience, this conversation offers a framework for thinking clearly—and a reminder of the question we keep coming back to: what do we do next, when staying silent starts to feel like a choice? Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:10 - Freedom, Equality, and Women’s Rights04:11 - Support for Iranian Freedom Movement08:06 - “Consistency and Principles Over Time”12:11 - “Staying Principled Over Popularity”15:04 - “Believe in Service, Not Self”17:31 - Universal Desire for Freedom19:15 - “Free Market Opportunities Endorsed”22:37 - “Media Silos and Algorithm Impact”27:44 - Legacy, Sacrifice, and Grief28:42 - “Change, Women, and Final Thoughts”30:00 - Outro Quotes:Linda Chavez:“Serving others and being devoted to ideals isn’t just the key to a rich life—it’s how we build hope, freedom, and a future worth fighting for.” Molly Ruland:“When I feel doubt or worry about what I might lose by speaking out, I remember those who’ve sacrificed so much—and think, if they can do it, so can I.” Key Takeaways:Staying True to PrinciplesSacrifice for a Greater CauseServing Others Over Serving SelfThe Power of Community and DialogueHope for the FutureUniversal AspirationsKeep Hope Alive Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe

    30분
  7. Women’s Rights and Iran Resistance: Facts Over Noise with Donna Hughes

    2월 28일

    Women’s Rights and Iran Resistance: Facts Over Noise with Donna Hughes

    Donna Hughes has spent her career in women’s rights, and nearly three decades showing up for the Iranian resistance movement. She tells the story of hearing Maryam Rajavi speak in 1996 and realizing the ideas weren’t abstract—they were already being practiced, with women leading. That moment changed what she paid attention to, and why she kept coming back. We talk about what consistency looks like over 30 years, the role men play in the movement, and why shared participation matters. We also name what so many women are facing right now in the U.S.: fragmentation, division, and relationships where politics becomes off-limits. Donna speaks candidly about cancel culture, the cost of holding your ground, and how she tries to verify information in a landscape built to confuse people. I came into this wanting direction. I left with a clearer sense of what continuing actually requires. Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:10 - “Man’s Story of Women Executed”06:35 - Empowering Women Through Difficult Times10:13 - “Trusting Feelings and Ethics”13:11 - Battling Disinformation with Fact-Checking15:12 - Recommended Books on Resistance17:20 - Outro Quotes:Donna Hughes:“Stay true to your sense of right and wrong, keep learning, and trust the small insights—they can change everything.” Molly Ruland:“The power of one person comes from simply showing up, year after year, and contributing with heart.” Key Takeaways:The Power of a Single EncounterTransformation Through InspirationConsistency and Community MatterMen as AlliesStaying the Course in a Divided WorldOvercoming Disinformation With FactsLift Each Other Up Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com https://www.ncr-iran.org/en/news/iran-resistance/prof-donna-hughes-women-led-resistance-units-are-driving-irans-next-phase-of-defiance/ Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe

    18분
  8. Women’s Rights and Solidarity in Iran: What the World Must Do Next with Izabela Konopacka

    2월 28일

    Women’s Rights and Solidarity in Iran: What the World Must Do Next with Izabela Konopacka

    A single conversation can spark a movement—or remind us why we need one. On “What Do We Do Next?” I sat down with Izabela Konopacka, who found herself drawn from her work in Poland to a global effort for democracy and women’s rights. As the former President of the Fédération des Barreaux d’Europe and the current President of the FBE Intellectual Property Law Commission she bring years of knowledge and experience to the table. Izabela’s story is about crossing borders—literal and personal—to support women in Iran who risk everything for a basic sense of dignity. With the perspective of leading nearly a million lawyers, she explains what first pushed her to act, and why standing together matters more than ever when the odds feel stacked. As we talk, the realities of political pressure, the limits of government response, and the quiet strength that builds in community come into focus. The question isn’t just what’s happening elsewhere—it’s what responsibility we all share, and how we move from watching to doing. This episode traces the steps between empathy and action, and asks each of us to consider: What do we do next? Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:04 - “Decisive Action for Free Iran”05:11 - “United Women for Equality”07:21 - Choosing Courage Over Comfort10:23 - Gratitude and Appreciation Shared10:34 - Outro Quotes:Molly Ruland:“For me, the greatest inspiration is just seeing what these women have gone through and how inspiring they are. They didn’t have a choice. So to me, it feels like I have to make the choice to join them.” Izabela Konopacka:“Alone we can do nothing, but together we must unite, stay strong, and form a community. Only when we support each other can we clearly state our demands for equality.” Key Takeaways:Unity and Community are EssentialThe Role of Advocacy in Global ChangeCourage in the Face of CriticismThe Importance of Support NetworksInspiration from Iranian WomenA Universal Message: Stay Confident and United Produced by Heartcast Media: http://www.heartcastmedia.com Get full access to What do we do next? at whatdowedonext.substack.com/subscribe

    11분
모두 보기(27개)

예고편

5
최고 5점
7개의 평가

소개

Feeling paralyzed by the news cycle? This podcast cuts through the noise to give you practical steps for engaging in democracy, communicating across divides, and making real impact—no breaking news, just direction. whatdowedonext.substack.com

정보

  • 제작진
    Listening is the Revolution
  • 방송 연도
    2025년 - 2026년
  • 에피소드
    27
  • 등급
    무삭제판
  • 저작권
    © Molly Ruland
  • 웹사이트 보기
    What do we do next?