<![CDATA[When People Lead]]>69030980-20ec-5885-b1e5-95cffcf615d2Thu, 17 Sep 2026 21:50:12 +0000Captivate.fmJeffrey Rolahttps://artwork.captivate.fm/3a900188-5fbc-4363-82e3-fbac6def1c80/Podcast-Thum-2000.jpgWhen People LeadJeffrey RolaJeffrey RolaWhen People Lead (taken from the Gandhi quote, "When the people lead, the leaders follow.") is a simple premise in three parts. First we celebrate people who strive to make the world a little bit better each day. We host conversations with leaders in science, culture, justice and environment. Most are not well known, working on obscure projects in remote communities. But some can be found right in your neighborhood. Next, we use the podcast medium itself. From our micro-studio on the south coast of Oregon we can speak to the world -- and the world can speak to us. We will use our mics and cameras to connect what anthropologist Margaret Meade called, "those small groups of committed citizens," that change the world. Third, we end each episode with the call to action, "Find the leader within." We hope to build a network of leaders sharing ideas, perspectives and insights, all in service to the common good. right now this seems like a tall order. We believe that there is no problem too great to overcome When People Lead. https://whenpeoplelead.com/falseepisodicnopodcastSlow Money Alternatives for Raising CapitalSlow Money Alternatives for Raising CapitalOrganizations that serve communities are often in a continuous search for money. Small businesses also need periodic infusions of cash to weather a storm or seize an opportunity for growth that don't qualify for funding from traditional lending institutions.

Fortunately, alternatives exist. Crowd funding, credit cards, a second mortgage. But when those alternatives aren't available, another option is gaining traction: Local communities lending to each other -- Slow Money.

Woody Tasch founded the Slow Money Movement more than 17 years ago. Over the years, Slow Money has attracted thousands of participants around the United States lending millions of dollars to keep communities thriving. Lyle Estill of the Fair Game Beverage Company and a Slow Money advocate, joins Woody in a conversation about communities coming together to help each other. This is a follow up to a previous episode on When People Lead covering Entrepreneurial Purpose and continues the theme of Doing Well by Doing Good.

]]>Organizations that serve communities are often in a continuous search for money. Small businesses also need periodic infusions of cash to weather a storm or seize an opportunity for growth that don't qualify for funding from traditional lending institutions.

Fortunately, alternatives exist. Crowd funding, credit cards, a second mortgage. But when those alternatives aren't available, another option is gaining traction: Local communities lending to each other -- Slow Money.

Woody Tasch founded the Slow Money Movement more than 17 years ago. Over the years, Slow Money has attracted thousands of participants around the United States lending millions of dollars to keep communities thriving. Lyle Estill of the Fair Game Beverage Company and a Slow Money advocate, joins Woody in a conversation about communities coming together to help each other. This is a follow up to a previous episode on When People Lead covering Entrepreneurial Purpose and continues the theme of Doing Well by Doing Good.

]]>fec1743d-e447-45d3-b8e6-81fea013d1f2Thu, 17 Sep 2026 14:15:00 -070002:40falsefull1881Entrepreneurial Purpose: Doing Well by Doing GoodEntrepreneurial Purpose: Doing Well by Doing GoodThe passion to start and succeed in business is tempered by challenges to find financing, maintain a market presence, train and keep workers, and sustain profitability amidst an ever-changing business landscape. But that energy and passion to build a business can be nurtured when the business has a purpose, to benefit the greater good. B-corps, non-profits, and co-ops are three business models paying attention to more than the bottom line. Today's leaders share a common purpose to do well by doing good. Brennan Morrow is the founder of Brightwrx, a holiday lights service and distribution company based in Madras, Oregon. Lyle Estill is the ringmaster of The Plant and the Fair Game beverage company in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Both have gone through several cycles of business success and failure. Always with passion and purpose.7

]]>The passion to start and succeed in business is tempered by challenges to find financing, maintain a market presence, train and keep workers, and sustain profitability amidst an ever-changing business landscape. But that energy and passion to build a business can be nurtured when the business has a purpose, to benefit the greater good. B-corps, non-profits, and co-ops are three business models paying attention to more than the bottom line. Today's leaders share a common purpose to do well by doing good. Brennan Morrow is the founder of Brightwrx, a holiday lights service and distribution company based in Madras, Oregon. Lyle Estill is the ringmaster of The Plant and the Fair Game beverage company in Pittsboro, North Carolina. Both have gone through several cycles of business success and failure. Always with passion and purpose.7

]]>ba213c06-b2be-40c9-ad02-535da4945060Fri, 04 Sep 2026 09:55:00 -070037:43falsefull1771Coastal Restoration with Sea Otters and KelpCoastal Restoration with Sea Otters and KelpNear shore ecosystems on the Oregon Coast faced devastating events recently that have upset the natural balance and turned Oregon's once vibrant coastal waters into empty barrens with sea floors covered only by a carpet of spiny purple urchins. Two organizations are working to develop a more diverse and thriving environment to Oregon's near shore waters. Jeff Griffin of the Oregon Kelp Alliance leads the effort to re-establish a flourishing bull kelp system. Jane Bacchieri is the executive director of the Elakha Alliance, an organization dedicated to the return of a native species that hasn't appeared on the Oregon coast for 100 years -- Sea Otters

]]>Near shore ecosystems on the Oregon Coast faced devastating events recently that have upset the natural balance and turned Oregon's once vibrant coastal waters into empty barrens with sea floors covered only by a carpet of spiny purple urchins. Two organizations are working to develop a more diverse and thriving environment to Oregon's near shore waters. Jeff Griffin of the Oregon Kelp Alliance leads the effort to re-establish a flourishing bull kelp system. Jane Bacchieri is the executive director of the Elakha Alliance, an organization dedicated to the return of a native species that hasn't appeared on the Oregon coast for 100 years -- Sea Otters

]]>11da72fe-6584-4683-abc7-2d00cfdf9391Wed, 02 Sep 2026 14:50:00 -070034:55falsefull1881News We Can't LoseNews We Can't LosePodcasting today is the journalistic version of spitting into a hurricane. It goes into a maelstrom of all kinds of information, everywhere, all at once, with no indication of impact, much less local impact. So what else can fill the void left by traditional media consolidation?

When People Lead takes a look at podcasting from the point of view of former journalists who have felt the loss of local news and trust. Can AI solve the problem or is it part of the problem?

Elise Michaels and Barney Lerten are two journalists from Central Oregon. They are part of a contingent of thousands of reporters who no longer cover beats, no longer provide local perspective on national stories and no longer hold governments accountable. Those reporters provided the news our communities, economy, and way of life cannot afford to lose.

This episode is a prime motivator of When People Lead as we explore the question, "Why do a podcast?" and "Why do this podcast?" Existential questions like this rarely get a clear answer of course. But we try to have some fun in the process. We hope you enjoy it too.

]]>Podcasting today is the journalistic version of spitting into a hurricane. It goes into a maelstrom of all kinds of information, everywhere, all at once, with no indication of impact, much less local impact. So what else can fill the void left by traditional media consolidation?

When People Lead takes a look at podcasting from the point of view of former journalists who have felt the loss of local news and trust. Can AI solve the problem or is it part of the problem?

Elise Michaels and Barney Lerten are two journalists from Central Oregon. They are part of a contingent of thousands of reporters who no longer cover beats, no longer provide local perspective on national stories and no longer hold governments accountable. Those reporters provided the news our communities, economy, and way of life cannot afford to lose.

This episode is a prime motivator of When People Lead as we explore the question, "Why do a podcast?" and "Why do this podcast?" Existential questions like this rarely get a clear answer of course. But we try to have some fun in the process. We hope you enjoy it too.

]]>7461ddc5-a19d-42ff-a39f-bb1f5043bb08Sat, 22 Aug 2026 15:15:00 -070028:24falsefull1551Hydrogen: Elementary to the Energy TransitionHydrogen: Elementary to the Energy TransitionWhat do the stars, the ocean, every living thing and your gas tank have in common? Hydrogen. The first element on the periodic table is in nearly everything. It is clean, abundant, and powerful enough to fuel the next rocket to the moon, as well as all the other rockets. If Hydrogen manifests all these qualities, why aren't we using it to solve our energy and fuel needs?

Our leaders today are developing ways to do just that. David Edlund of Element 1 is applying hydrogen to power everything from EVs to Supertankers. Shannon Souza of Sol Coast Consulting is pioneering new ways to incorporate hydrogen into our clean energy future.

]]>What do the stars, the ocean, every living thing and your gas tank have in common? Hydrogen. The first element on the periodic table is in nearly everything. It is clean, abundant, and powerful enough to fuel the next rocket to the moon, as well as all the other rockets. If Hydrogen manifests all these qualities, why aren't we using it to solve our energy and fuel needs?

Our leaders today are developing ways to do just that. David Edlund of Element 1 is applying hydrogen to power everything from EVs to Supertankers. Shannon Souza of Sol Coast Consulting is pioneering new ways to incorporate hydrogen into our clean energy future.

]]>dc80ca86-b749-4c17-883d-65b6e2345b70Thu, 13 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -070037:11falsefull1441Climate Science: A Welcome and a WarningClimate Science: A Welcome and a WarningWhether you believe that Climate Change is caused by human activity, natural cycles or God's will, the information provided by our leaders today brings value to all of us for living safer, healthier, and happier lives. Ralph Keeling and Art Miller of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UC San Diego work every day to measure and interpret the messages that the earth is sending through changes in our weather, oceans, and environment.

The information they and thousands of other climate scientists provide helps us grow better more plentiful food, build better places to live and work and find pathways to avoid, minimize and rapidly respond to catastrophic weather events as a result of climate change.

The messages these scientists glean from the earth are most welcome when the information is used to improve our lives. An even greater value is provided when the message can help us avoid destruction. But only if we heed its warning.

]]>Whether you believe that Climate Change is caused by human activity, natural cycles or God's will, the information provided by our leaders today brings value to all of us for living safer, healthier, and happier lives. Ralph Keeling and Art Miller of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UC San Diego work every day to measure and interpret the messages that the earth is sending through changes in our weather, oceans, and environment.

The information they and thousands of other climate scientists provide helps us grow better more plentiful food, build better places to live and work and find pathways to avoid, minimize and rapidly respond to catastrophic weather events as a result of climate change.

The messages these scientists glean from the earth are most welcome when the information is used to improve our lives. An even greater value is provided when the message can help us avoid destruction. But only if we heed its warning.

]]>e9551ea2-97ac-4cd3-bf24-dd880261e49dThu, 06 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -070035:52falsefull1331Peace Corps and USAID Making America Great.Peace Corps and USAID Making America Great.What is the value of the war that doesn't start? The allies that don't become adversaries? American exceptionalism is often measured by economic power and military might developed through a democratic system of government that promotes individual freedom. But for many people around the world. American greatness is measured by our ability and generosity in helping others.

Tom Rogers and Renee Alexander left the security and comforts of home to serve our country by delivering economic assistance and disaster aid to people around the world. In many ways they solve problems far away so they don't become problems here at home. Quiet leaders practicing Soft Power.

]]>What is the value of the war that doesn't start? The allies that don't become adversaries? American exceptionalism is often measured by economic power and military might developed through a democratic system of government that promotes individual freedom. But for many people around the world. American greatness is measured by our ability and generosity in helping others.

Tom Rogers and Renee Alexander left the security and comforts of home to serve our country by delivering economic assistance and disaster aid to people around the world. In many ways they solve problems far away so they don't become problems here at home. Quiet leaders practicing Soft Power.

]]>d8166520-075f-41e9-b445-a07f1d10e696Thu, 30 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -070035:46falsefull1221People Feeding the Need EP 01People Feeding the Need EP 01When People Lead opens with the basics. Without food, there is no life. We are fortunate to live in the richest country on earth, yet nearly one in every four children in this country is not getting enough of the right kinds of food for healthy living and growth.

Today we celebrate two leaders who deliver food to anyone in need. One from a rural are and one from a major metropolitan area. Carley Auten of Neighbor Impact and Meredith Knopp of the St. Louis Metro Food Bank share their successes and challenges as part of a national network of food banks and pantries that feed the need every day.

It's easy to assume that the hunger doesn't exist and the basic need for food in the United States is unnecessary. Many assume that people getting free food don't really deserve it. These myths allow us to ignore the growing problem of food insecurity in America. These leaders shatter those myths by working every day to bring the abundance of US agriculture to feed our neighbors in need.

]]>When People Lead opens with the basics. Without food, there is no life. We are fortunate to live in the richest country on earth, yet nearly one in every four children in this country is not getting enough of the right kinds of food for healthy living and growth.

Today we celebrate two leaders who deliver food to anyone in need. One from a rural are and one from a major metropolitan area. Carley Auten of Neighbor Impact and Meredith Knopp of the St. Louis Metro Food Bank share their successes and challenges as part of a national network of food banks and pantries that feed the need every day.

It's easy to assume that the hunger doesn't exist and the basic need for food in the United States is unnecessary. Many assume that people getting free food don't really deserve it. These myths allow us to ignore the growing problem of food insecurity in America. These leaders shatter those myths by working every day to bring the abundance of US agriculture to feed our neighbors in need.

]]>0eaccf36-20d1-4b02-86dc-ea8af97a1196Fri, 24 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -070046:43falsefull1111