What does an international event host, on-camera presenter, or corporate moderator do? THE8 are Chris Brow, Emily Whigham, Jennifer Sarah Boone, Martin Kloss, Matt Beadle, Tania Higgins, and Yasmine Blair. We are a diverse group of friends and professional event moderators with over 100 years of combined experience on international stages. Join us, as we explore what makes a great event, how to engage your audience, what can go wrong, how to overcome those mishaps, and more insider tips. If ...
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People Place Story is a podcast for anyone who wants to master the art of storytelling and communicate with impact. Hosted by Martin Kloss, a professional story coach and speaker trainer with nearly 30 years of experience on global stages, this podcast breaks down the powerful techniques behind effective communication. Here’s the twist: while the insights come from Martin’s book People Place Story—currently available only in German—the conversations you’ll hear are entirely generated by AI. ...
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The Vital Voices Podcast highlights women leaders and change-makers from around the world. Hosted by Vital Voices President and CEO, Alyse Nelson, the Vital Voices Podcast provides a space for extraordinary women to be heard. To learn more about Vital Voices, visit www.VitalVoices.org. Follow us on Twitter (@VitalVoices), Instagram (@VitalVoices) and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/VitalVoices)! You can also donate to Vital Voices by texting VITAL to 41444.
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A Conversation with Victoria Zitrin & Alyse Nelson | Global Wellness Day
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20:23In celebration of Global Wellness Day, our CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Victoria Zitrin — artist, entrepreneur, advocate, and Co-Chair of the Vital Voices Bay Area Council. Victoria is the founder of Ventura Vie, a public charity rooted in wellness, creativity, and empowerment. From mentorships to live events and the V Boutique in San Francisco,…
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In this episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the intricate world of event hosting and moderation. Join Yasmin, Emily, and Marty as they discuss the importance of briefings in ensuring a successful event, with insights into what makes a good briefing, the preferred methods of communication, and the challenges of dealing with insufficient …
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A Conversation with Breeze Liu & Alyse Nelson | Fighting Back Against Deepfake Pornography
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22:26After discovering deepfake pornography featuring her image online, Breeze Liu faced a harrowing journey that exposed the deep failures of our legal and tech systems. But instead of staying silent, she took action. In this powerful episode, Breeze joins Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson to share how she turned trauma into purpose—founding Alecto AI to h…
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A Conversation with Wanjira Mathai & Alyse Nelson | World Environment Day 2025
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32:21In honor of World Environment Day, Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Wanjira Mathai — renowned Kenyan environmentalist and Managing Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute. Daughter of the late Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Wanjira carries forward a legacy of people-powered climate ac…
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Vital Voices Live: A conversation with Nazanin Boniadi
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43:02In this powerful episode of the Vital Voices Podcast, actor and activist Nazanin Boniadi joins Alyse Nelson, President & CEO of Vital Voices, for a candid conversation on courage, advocacy, and the fight for human rights in Iran and beyond. Nazanin shares her journey from Hollywood to human rights activism, the personal cost of raising her voice, a…
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The difference between an internal and external moderator
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19:22In this episode of Backstage with THE8, we dive into the intriguing world of event moderation, exploring the roles and responsibilities of professional moderators versus internal company moderators. Our host, Matt, is joined by Yasmine and Tania, to discuss the common dilemma faced by event organizers: whether to hire a professional moderator or op…
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A Conversation with Mary Robinson & Alyse Nelson | International Biodiversity Day 2025
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30:17In honor of International Day for Biological Diversity, this episode features a powerful conversation between Vital Voices President & CEO Alyse Nelson and Mary Robinson — Ireland’s first female President, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and lifelong advocate for climate justice, gender equality, and ethical leadership. Mary reflects …
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Glorified Announcer or Event Contributor? What moderators add to an event.
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20:05In this episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the world of international event hosting, on-camera presenting, and corporate moderating. Join Emily, Jenny, and Marty as they discuss the role of event moderators, exploring whether they are merely glorified announcers or essential contributors to the success of an event. We share personal an…
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Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Karlie Kloss and Osi Imeokparia
49:38
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49:38In this special episode of the Vital Voices Live Podcast, supermodel, entrepreneur and philanthropist Karlie Kloss joins Kode With Klossy CEO Osi Imeokparia to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kode With Klossy—a decade of empowering young women and gender-expansive youth in tech. Together, they reflect on the early days of the initiative, how ment…
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Mastering Video Calls: Insights from 'People Play Story'
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10:18In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the nuances of effective communication in the digital age, drawing insights from his book, "People Play Story." The discussion centers around the challenges and strategies of video conferencing, emphasizing the importance of maximizing the two senses available—sight and sound. Klos…
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Creating Great Events: What knowledge does a moderator need to have?
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23:26"Backstage with THE8" is back! Spring is finally here and so is our freshly rebooted podcast. In this episode of "Backstage with THE8," we delve into the world of corporate event moderation with Tania, Emily, and Marty. We discuss the essential skills and traits needed to excel in this field, the importance of staying calm and curious, sharing pers…
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In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the art of minimalist presentations, inspired by his book, "People Play Story." Kloss emphasizes the power of a bare stage, suggesting that stripping away visual clutter allows the message to truly resonate with the audience. He discusses the concept of "information bias," where mo…
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Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Dina Powell McCormick with Guest Host Betsy Fischer Martin
49:07
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49:07In this episode of Vital Voices Live, Dina Powell McCormick — former Deputy National Security Advisor and Vice Chair at BDT & MSD Partners — joins us to talk about her new book, Who Believed in You?, co-authored with Senator David McCormick. Drawing from her personal journey and insights from leaders like Satya Nadella, Tory Burch, and Condoleezza …
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Dressing for Impact: How Your Outfit Tells a Story
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7:29In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the often overlooked world of visual communication and its impact on storytelling. Drawing from his book, Kloss explores how clothing choices can speak volumes before we even utter a word. He shares personal anecdotes and insights into how colors, patterns, and styles can influence…
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Mastering the Mic: Secrets to Sound Success
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11:24In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the often-overlooked world of microphones and their crucial role in effective storytelling and presentations. Drawing from his book, Martin explores the different types of microphones—handheld, lavalier, headset, and gooseneck—and discusses their unique characteristics and ideal us…
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Illuminating Stories: The Power of Light in Communication
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10:00In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the fascinating world of lighting and its profound impact on communication and storytelling. Host Martin Kloss, a professional story coach and speaker trainer, explores how different lighting settings can evoke various emotions and set the mood in different environments. From the cozy warmth of ca…
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Vital Voices Live: A Conversation with Sara Blakely with Guest Host Norah O'Donnell
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49:51Welcome to the Vital Voices Live Podcast, a podcast dedicated to celebrating the game-changers, the rule-breakers, and the fearless women shaping our world! In front of a live studio audience in the Vital Voices Headquarters in Washington DC, this episode is guest hosted by Norah O'Donnell in conversation with Sara Blakely, an entrepreneur, innovat…
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The Art of On-Camera Presence: Techniques for Effective Storytelling
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18:18In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the nuances of on-camera communication, drawing insights from his book, "People Play Story." The episode explores why speaking to a camera can feel awkward and offers practical advice for overcoming this discomfort. Kloss highlights the importance of understanding the camera's lack…
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A Conversation with Nika Kovač & Alyse Nelson | International Women’s Day 2025
20:03
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20:03A conversation in honor of International Women's Day between Vital Voices CEO and co-Founder Alyse Nelson and Nika Kovač, the founding director of the 8th of March Research Institute, a movement-building organization that uses storytelling and advocacy to confront gender and economic inequalities across Slovenia.…
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Owning Your Space: The Impact of Place on Communication
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15:05In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the intriguing concept of how physical space influences communication. Drawing from his book, "People Play Story," Martin explores the often-overlooked impact of our surroundings on the delivery and reception of our messages. He discusses the importance of direct communication and …
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Ditch the Note Cards: Discover the Loci Method for Engaging Presentations
7:51
7:51
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7:51Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we explore the art of storytelling and impactful communication. I'm your host, Martin Kloss, a story coach and speaker trainer. Today, we're diving into a fascinating technique from my book, 'People, Place, Story,' called the Loci method. This method helps presenters move away from traditional …
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Unlocking Authenticity: Why Being Interested Makes You Interesting
9:17
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9:17In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the intriguing concept of being "interested" versus "interesting," as explored by communication expert Martin Kloss in his book, People Play Story. We discuss the common trap of trying too hard to be interesting, which can often come across as self-centered and counterproductive. Instead, Kloss su…
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Conquering Stage Fright: Transforming Nerves into Excitement
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13:16In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the common yet daunting experience of stage fright. Martin Kloss, a professional story coach and speaker trainer, shares insights from his book, "People Play Story," to help listeners understand and conquer the nerves that come with public speaking. We explore the biological roots of stage fright,…
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The Power of 'Good Enough': Letting Go of Perfectionism
11:06
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11:06Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. I'm Martin Kloss, your host, a professional story coach, and speaker trainer. Today, we explore the intriguing concept of perfectionism and its impact on communication, inspired by a chapter from my book, People Play Story. Alth…
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Embracing the Dialogue Mindset: Transforming Monologues into Conversations
11:22
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11:22In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication with insights drawn from Martin Kloss's book, "People Play Story." Although the book is currently available only in German, the podcast aims to reach a broader audience by exploring its key themes. We discuss the concept of a "dialogue mindset," …
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Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. I'm your host, Martin Kloss, a professional story coach and speaker trainer. Today, we explore the fascinating world of communication styles, drawing insights from my book, People Play Story, which is currently available in Germ…
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Quick-Wittedness: A Skill You Can Develop and Master
14:50
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14:50In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the art of quick-witted communication. We explore the concept of quick-wittedness, not as a tool for verbal domination, but as a strategic way to navigate conversations with elegance. We kick off with a classic Winston Churchill story, illustrating the power of witty comebacks and strategic commun…
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Mastering the 3 V's of Communication: Visual, Vocal, Verbal - Part 3: Unlocking Rhetoric
11:27
11:27
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11:27Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we explore the intricacies of communication, breaking down what might seem intuitive into practical skills. In this episode, we discuss the concept of the "three V's" of communication: visual, vocal, and verbal. Visual co…
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Mastering the 3 V's of Communication: Visual, Vocal, Verbal - Part 2: From Filler Words to Power Stance
9:29
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9:29Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we explore the fascinating concept of the 'hidden language' of communication, inspired by my book, People Play Story. This episode is generated with the help of AI, based on a chapter from my book. Have you ever felt like…
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Mastering the 3 V's of Communication: Visual, Vocal, Verbal - Part 1: Body Language
11:13
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11:13Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we explore the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we delve into the nuances of effective communication, focusing on the 3 V's: visual, vocal, and verbal cues. These elements are crucial in ensuring your message resonates with your audience. We discuss the importance of alig…
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Navigating Status Dynamics: A Guide to Effective Communication
11:39
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11:39Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we explore the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we're delving into the intriguing concept of status in communication. Whether you're giving a presentation or interacting in everyday scenarios, status plays a crucial role in shaping our interactions. We explore the invisib…
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The Art of Authentic Communication: Aligning Values, Roles, and Attitudes
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9:50In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the art of authentic communication. Host Martin Kloss, a professional story coach and speaker trainer, explores how impactful communication begins long before stepping onto a stage. It's about aligning your core self with how you're perceived, focusing on who you are rather than just what you say.…
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Crafting Impactful Presentations: How to master your slides
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10:55Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we explore the world of presentations, a crucial element in the modern workplace, often dominated by PowerPoint. Drawing insights from my book, 'People Play Story,' we discuss how to make your message resonate with your a…
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Pitch Like a Pro: Emotional Connections and Visual Impact
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9:53Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we explore the intricacies of crafting a compelling presentation, especially when pitching an idea. Drawing insights from my book, 'People Play Story,' we discuss the importance of making every second count, akin to the p…
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Unlocking the Power of Persuasion: Need vs. Want
11:31
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11:31Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. Today, we explore the intriguing dynamics of persuasion, focusing on the concepts of 'need' versus 'want.' This episode is inspired by a chapter from my book, People Play Story, currently available in German. We begin by examini…
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The Secret to Effective Communication: Benefits Over Features
8:49
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8:49Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and impactful communication. I'm Martin Kloss, your host, a professional story coach, and speaker trainer. Today, we explore a transformative concept from my book, People Play Story, focusing on the crucial distinction between features and benefits in commu…
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From Winning to Belonging: The Power of Storytelling
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7:49In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the art of storytelling and effective communication, inspired by Martin Kloss' book, "People Play Story." As a professional story coach and speaker trainer, Martin explores the power of narratives in motivating and inspiring others, particularly in a business context. We begin by challenging the t…
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Engage Your Audience: The Storytelling Approach to Introductions
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7:35In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the art of introductions and how they can be transformed into powerful storytelling opportunities. Host Martin Kloss, a seasoned story coach and speaker trainer, shares insights from his book, "People Play Story." The discussion centers around the common pitfalls of traditional introductions, wher…
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In this episode of People Play Story, host Martin Kloss delves into the art of storytelling and how to communicate with impact. Drawing from his book, "People Play Story," we introduce listeners to his innovative 3x3 matrix, a tool designed to help anyone craft compelling narratives, whether for a novel, a presentation, or a simple conversation. Th…
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Transforming Presentations with Storytelling: The People, Place, Trouble Method
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8:03In this episode of People Play Story, we delve into the art of storytelling and its profound impact on communication. We explore how storytelling can transform mundane presentations into engaging narratives. We discuss the brain's natural craving for stories over mere data, emphasizing the importance of narrative in making information memorable. To…
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Unlocking the Secrets of Storytelling: From Aristotle to Apple
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12:31Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the art of storytelling and its profound impact on communication. Today, we explore the hidden structures that make stories resonate. We begin by unraveling the age-old structure of storytelling, tracing back to Aristotle's three-act structure: exposition, complication, and resolu…
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The Hero's Journey: A Deep Dive into Storytelling
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11:47Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the fascinating world of storytelling. Today, we explore the building blocks of storytelling, representing universal human experiences. We also discuss Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey, a 17-stage narrative structure that has influenced countless stories, including the iconic Star…
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The Power of Story: Why Narratives Stick More Than Facts
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12:05Welcome to another episode of People Play Story, where we delve into the fascinating world of storytelling and its profound impact on communication. Today, we explore why stories resonate with us more than mere facts and how brands leverage storytelling to influence consumer behavior. We begin by examining our earliest story memories, like "The Ver…
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The History of Storytelling: From Ancient Tales to Digital Narratives
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10:08Welcome to my new podcast, "People Play Story," where we delve into the art of storytelling and its profound impact on communication. In this first episode, we explore the captivating power of stories and why they resonate with us more deeply than mere facts. We begin by reflecting on the first stories we heard as children and how these narratives …
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Nurturing Our Planet While Ending Poverty with ZEINORIN ANGKANG
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11:17Zeinorin Angkang is a 2022 VV Visionaries Fellowship alumna and founder of Hill Wild, an organization working with the Tangkhul Naga People in Northeast India to create a sustainable food supply and eradicate poverty. In this work, she also champions the voices of Indigenous Peoples and their farming knowledge that dates back thousands of years. Sh…
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Leadership Spotlight: The Urgent Life with Bozoma Saint John
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35:42In this special Festival episode of the Vital Voices podcast, you’ll hear an inspiring panel conversation on how women leaders can take control of dealing with personal trauma, navigating mental health, and finding fulfillment no matter what life throws their way. Founding Partner at West Front Strategies and Vital Voices Board Member ASHLEY DAVIS …
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The Rising Tide of Disinformation and Digital Dictatorship
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31:32ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this special Festival series episode on the rising tide of disinformation and digital dictatorship, you’ll hear from four thought leaders who offered a cross-cultural analysis on the issue of disinformation with expert commentary from the Honorable NEEMA LUGANGIRA of Tanzania, PAULINA IBARRA of Chile, OMUKA HUB NEYSARA of Ind…
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Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate ABOUT THIS EPISODE: As we approach t…
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The Art of Disruption: The Power of the Arts to Spark Social Change
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28:23Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate About This Episode: In this special …
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Invest in Women. Improve the World. If you were moved by any part of this episode, then please consider making a donation to Vital Voices to help continue our work of investing in, connecting with and amplifying the work of women leaders who are solving the world's greatest challenges. www.vitalvoices.org/donate About This Episode: “The work we do …
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