What are the real economics behind recycling and reuse—and why, despite decades of progress, are we recycling less of our growing waste?

In this insightful conversation with TerraCycle Founder and CEO Tom Szaky, we unpack the market forces, policy levers, and behavioral dynamics that shape the global waste system. Szaky explains why recycling often fails to scale, how value—not technology—determines what gets recycled, and why the world still produces more waste per person each year.

We dive into:

• The harsh truth about recycling economics: why most recyclers only process what’s profitable.

• The “Great Fiberization” trend and the myths around compostable and “eco” packaging.

• Why technology isn’t a silver bullet—and why true change must confront value and cost.

• France’s groundbreaking reuse model: a case study in regulation that works, with retailers like Carrefour leading the way.

• How policy drives innovation: the interplay between free markets, extended producer responsibility, and consumer behavior.

• A hopeful yet pragmatic look ahead to 2030, and what it will take for circular systems to thrive globally.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, shares an inspiring look into how one of America’s leading statewide community foundations is redefining philanthropy, partnership and social impact in Arizona and beyond.

In this powerful conversation, Anna María discusses how the Arizona Community Foundation brings together individuals, corporations and nonprofits to drive meaningful change in education, affordable housing and environmental innovation. She explains how philanthropy can start as early as childhood and how anyone, from Girl Scouts to global CEOs, can play a role in building stronger, more equitable communities.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• The unique statewide model of the Arizona Community Foundation and its $1.6B in managed assets.

• Why community foundations serve as neutral conveners that unite government, business and civil society.

• Arizona’s role as a living laboratory for environmental innovation.

• How bold, risk-taking philanthropy can unlock catalytic solutions to complex social challenges.

Anna María also reflects on her own remarkable journey and why she believes the future of philanthropy lies in creativity, collaboration and community-driven leadership.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Corporate giving is more than philanthropy — it’s a strategic tool for impact. In this thought-provoking conversation, we explore how companies can deploy their balance sheets, human capital, and core business capabilities to achieve meaningful social outcomes.

Our guest, Gwen Lim, Head of the Southeast Asia office and Partner at The Bridgespan Group, unpacks insights from her newly released report “High-Impact Approaches to Corporate Giving” (published September 2025). She shares what distinguishes corporate giving from other forms of philanthropy, the key trade-offs between impact and risk, and how firms can align purpose with performance.

Discover how leading corporates are:

• Navigating reputational and political risks while maximizing social good

• Leveraging business assets like data, platforms, and expertise for public benefit

• Structuring high-impact strategies through corporate foundations and internal initiatives

• Balancing short-term financial results with long-term social outcomes

• Engaging employees, investors, and customers in purpose-driven impact

Gwen also shares fascinating case studies — from Bloomberg’s data-led volunteering to DHL’s disaster logistics — illustrating how capability-led giving can transform communities.

This episode is a must-listen for corporate leaders, CSR professionals, philanthropists, and anyone curious about how business can become a force for good in an age of uncertainty.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

What does it take to transform a neighborhood long defined by poverty into a community of opportunity, dignity, and hope?

In this episode, Logan Herring, CEO of The WRK Group, shares how three organizations—the Warehouse, Reach Riverside, and Kingswood Community Center—are leading a $600 million revitalization effort in Wilmington, Delaware’s Riverside neighborhood.

Logan discusses how teens help design and run a state-of-the-art community center, why holistic redevelopment is central to breaking intergenerational poverty, and how community members themselves are shaping the vision for their future. He also reflects on personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey and explains why his ultimate goal is to work himself out of a job by building a community that thrives without external support.

You’ll hear about:

• How The WRK Group blends housing, education, health, and economic vitality into one comprehensive model.

• The story behind the Warehouse teen center, run for teens, by teens.

• The challenges and breakthroughs of creating lasting, systemic change.

• Why restoring hope is as important as bricks and mortar.

• Generational impact stories—from tragedy to triumph—that reveal what’s at stake.

This conversation is an inspiring look at what’s possible when vision, collaboration, and community ownership come together.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Philanthropy faces a “Sputnik moment” in science funding. Ari Simon, President of Tambourine Philanthropies, shares why the U.S. research system is under existential threat — and how foundations can step up now.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why labs, postdocs, and decades of data are at risk from sudden funding cuts

• Four immediate philanthropic responses to keep research alive

• How tools like recoverable grants, guarantees, and IP-based financing can bridge gaps

• Why supporting early-career scientists and researcher well-being is urgent

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Professor Jack Shonkoff, Founding Director of Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child and Director of Connecting Science + Community, joins for a powerful conversation about the future of early childhood development (ECD).

He reflects on decades of progress in making science actionable for policymakers, service providers and advocates; and shares why the next frontier must focus on the environments where families live.

From poverty and housing to access to nutritious food, clean water and social capital, Shonkoff explains why community context is the missing piece in ensuring children everywhere can thrive.

Key topics explored in this episode:

• Why ECD is a moral imperative and a foundation for a healthy, sustainable society

• How science — from neuroscience to immunology — is reshaping our understanding of child development

• Why one-size-fits-all programs fail, and how solutions must adapt to local contexts

• The misaligned incentives in philanthropy, evaluation and policymaking that slow progress

• How Connecting Science + Community is bridging research and grassroots action, with early examples of U.S. cities tackling housing, jobs and equity for children

• Why being “constructively dissatisfied” is essential for the field to keep advancing

Professor Shonkoff emphasizes that while the early childhood field has already transformed millions of lives worldwide, the work is far from finished. Real impact will come from smarter strategies, stronger communities and a commitment to caring not only for our children but for all children.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

David Reiling, CEO of Sunrise Banks, shares his entrepreneurial journey of building a mission-driven financial institution where doing good and doing well go hand in hand.

From serving immigrant communities in Minnesota to shaping global conversations on financial inclusion and financial literacy, David explains how values-based banking empowers individuals, supports local economies and drives innovation.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.

Jonathan Simmons, CEO of New Philanthropy Capital (NPC), joins to share a refreshing perspective on philanthropy—why it should be fun, how to grow the giving market, and what it takes to make charitable impact both strategic and joyful.

We explore:

• The origins of NPC and how it helps philanthropists make smarter decisions

• Why giving should be viewed not only as serious and rigorous but also enjoyable

• How to encourage individuals and organizations—whether wealthy or everyday donors—to engage in philanthropy

• The role of giving circles and pooled funds in driving collective impact

• Cultural and psychological barriers that hold people back from giving, and how to overcome them

• The need for stronger collaboration between charities, social enterprises and impact investors

• What government and policy can do to make philanthropy easier and more effective

From misconceptions around “bad charities” to the addictive joy of seeing your money do good, this episode is packed with insights, practical ideas and optimism. Whether you’re a seasoned philanthropist, someone just starting to give or simply curious about how generosity shapes society, you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.

Visit our Knowledge Hub at Lidji.org for information on 300 case studies and interviews with remarkable leaders in philanthropy, sustainability and social entrepreneurship.