Disruptors for Good Podcast
Disruptors for Good explores the businesses, founders, and models reshaping how commerce and capital create change. Each week, Grant Trahant, founder of Causeartist, goes deep with social entrepreneurs, mission-driven brands, and innovators building companies that prove doing good and doing business are not mutually exclusive.

Photo credit: David Gaines, modified by Causeartist
How Business and Consumerism Can Create Meaningful Impact with David Gaines
David Gaines shares how La Terza Coffee is building a better business through direct trade, ethical sourcing, and more intentional consumer choices.
Aug 4, 2026

Photo credit: Harbor Fund modified by Causeartist
Meet Harbor Fund: Bringing Philanthropic Capital Into Hollywood
Harbor Fund is rethinking how socially meaningful films get financed. In this episode of Disruptors for Good, founder Lindsay Hadley shares how the nonprofit invests philanthropic capital into impact driven films, reinvests potential returns, and uses powerful storytelling to influence culture, behavior, and systems.
Jul 16, 2026

Photo credit: Nest modified by Causeartist
How Nest Is Building the Business Infrastructure the Global Artisan Economy Never Had
Nest founder Rebecca Van Bergen has spent 20 years building what microfinance alone never could: holistic business support for artisan entrepreneurs. From refugee accelerators to placing African-made goods at Target, here is how the model works and what comes next.
May 28, 2026

Photo credit: Givebutter, modified by Causeartist
How Givebutter Grew From a College Dorm to $9B in Donations
Givebutter CEO Max Friedman on 10 years of nonprofit fundraising tech: bootstrapping, COVID pivots, the We Are For Good acquisition, and what comes next.
Mar 17, 2026

Photo credit: AidKit: modified by Causeartist
How AidKit Is Modernizing Aid Distribution With Technical Infrastructure
AidKit builds the infrastructure that helps governments and nonprofits get money into the hands of people who need it, faster and with less fraud. CEO Brittany talks through the business model, the AI fraud challenge, and what the next five years look like.
Feb 18, 2026

A Conversation With Kate Williams, CEO of One Percent for the Planet
Kate Williams, CEO of One Percent for the Planet, shares how the organization turns business revenue into verified environmental impact, why progress matters more than perfection, and how companies can make climate action practical and nonpartisan.
Jan 13, 2026

From Advocacy to Innovation: Jerry Golden, Chief Policy Officer at Lyft
Lyft Chief Policy Officer Jerry Golden breaks down the policy battles shaping rideshare, what autonomous vehicles really mean for drivers, and how Lyft’s Round Up and Donate program has raised $42M for nonprofits through simple, everyday giving.
Jan 6, 2026

Meet the Impact Exchange Turning Trading Fees Into Nonprofit Funding
In Episode 235 of Disruptors for GOOD, WYDE founders Martin Simms and Aaron Rafferty explain how their impact exchange turns trading activity into ongoing nonprofit funding, starting with hunger, on chain transparency, and community governance.
Dec 17, 2025

Inside Mural Pay’s Mission to Redefine Global Payments and Financial Inclusion
Mural Pay is redefining global payments through stablecoins, enabling instant, low-cost, and transparent money movement for businesses and creators worldwide. Its platform bridges traditional finance and blockchain to make payments faster, fairer, and more inclusive.
Oct 21, 2025

Inside Fast Forward’s AI for Humanity Report and the New Era of Nonprofit Innovation
Fast Forward’s AI for Humanity Report explores how nonprofits are using artificial intelligence to drive impact. Co-founder Kevin Barenblat shares how the accelerator is helping AI-powered organizations scale solutions for global challenges.
Oct 13, 2025

Meet Trusty: The AI Powered Letter of Wishes for Passing Down What Matters
From photo based asset capture to plain language will summaries and video messages for heirs, Trusty removes uncertainty and preserves stories, all while keeping the consumer app free and bringing advisors into the loop.
Sep 10, 2025

How Hope Hydration Is Rebuilding the Water Fountain for the 21st Century
Jorge Richardson, co-founder of Hope Hydration, joins the show to talk about the startup’s mission to bring free, filtered water to every street corner on Earth. Jorge breaks down the journey, tech, and business model behind Hope.
Aug 5, 2025

The Cleobella Story: Creating Jobs, Style, and Sustainability
In episode 230 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Angela O’Brien, founder and creative director of Cleobella, an ethical fashion brand rooted in global inspiration, artisan partnership, and sustainability.
Jun 2, 2025

Disrupting Water Infrastructure: How Aquaria is Pulling Clean Water from the Air
Aquaria is a climate-tech company using Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) to produce clean water—anytime, anywhere—by condensing and purifying moisture from the air.
May 14, 2025

Building Markets: The Acumen Journey to Poverty Alleviation
In episode 228 of the Disruptors for GOOD Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder & CEO of Acumen, about her journey and impacting over 650 million lives through social entrepreneurship.
May 6, 2025

WeNatal Is Transforming Prenatal Wellness for Women and Men
In episode 227, we’re diving into a powerful conversation about reproductive health and a movement that’s transformi
Apr 7, 2025

Tuva Health: Transforming Healthcare Data with Open-Source Innovation
By leveraging Tuva’s open-source data model and data pipelines, users can efficiently transform claims and clinical data directly within their own data warehouses.
Feb 26, 2025

Meet Parcel Health: Redefining Pharma Packaging for Sustainability
In this episode I speak with Melinda Lee and Mallory Barrett, Founders of Parcel Health, on creating pharmaceutical packaging solutions that protect people and preserve the planet.
Feb 18, 2025

Scaling Solutions in Crisis: Inside the Airbel Impact Lab
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jeannie Annan, the Senior Vice President and Chief Research and Innovation Officer at the International Rescue Committee.
Jan 24, 2025

Lime's Journey to Sustainable Urban Mobility
Dec 3, 2024

Disrupting Healthcare Education: Osso VR's Impact on Surgical Training
By providing immersive, hands-on experiences, Osso VR is setting new standards in medical education, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to deliver optimal patient care.
Nov 20, 2024

Where do .ORG Domain Names Come From with Jon Nevett
Explore insights from Jon Nevett, CEO of Public Interest Registry, on the .org domain registry, internet governance, and the .org Impact Awards.
Oct 28, 2024

Adaptive Commons: A Vision for Public Good in Real Estate
In episode 220 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Derwin Sisnett, Founder and CEO of Adaptive Commons, on addressing the urgent need for affordable housing for essential workers.
Sep 23, 2024

How Intrepid Travel is Leading the Future of Sustainable Tourism
In episode 219 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with James Thornton, CEO of Intrepid Travel, on the company's mission to create positive change through the joy of travel.
Sep 13, 2024

Another Tomorrow: Building a Sustainable Luxury Brand
In episode 218 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vanessa Barboni Hallik, Founder and CEO of Another Tomorrow, on her journey from finance to fashion and the mission behind the sustainable luxury brand.
Sep 5, 2024

Transforming Public Systems for Outcomes: The Mission of Third Sector
In episode 217 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Caroline Whistler, CEO and Co-Founder of Third Sector, on the organization's mission to transform government funding for social impact.
Aug 21, 2024

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Impact of Indego Africa
In episode 216 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Suwha Hong, CEO of Indego Africa, on empowering female artisans and transforming them into self-sufficient entrepreneurs.
Aug 19, 2024

Beyond Hydration: Liquid I.V.’s Mission to Combat Global Water Insecurity
Aug 5, 2024

How Powered by People is Redefining Global Sourcing With Tech-Driven Marketplace for Artisans
In episode 214 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Hedvig Alexander, Co-Founder of Powered by People, on bridging the gap between artisans and global buyers through modern technology and tools.
Jul 24, 2024

Meet Onx Homes, the Startup Building Sustainable Houses in 30 Days
In episode 213 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Ash Bhardwaj, President and CEO, of Onx Homes, disrupting the homebuilding industry in a sustainable way.
Jul 16, 2024

Meet the Commons App: Empowering and Rewarding Consumers for Sustainable Choices
Jul 1, 2024

Building the Modern Breast Pump: Babyation's Innovative Approach
In episode 211 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I have the pleasure of speaking with Samantha Rudolph, the visionary Co-founder of Babyation.
Jun 25, 2024

Empowering Communities: The Story Behind The Washing Machine Project
In episode 210 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Navjot Sawhney, Founder of The Washing Machine Project, on creating the world's first flat-packable, manual washing machine that empowers women and girls to reclaim lost hours, pursue education, and generate income.
Jun 18, 2024

Solving Global Housing: The Balance of Philanthropy and Market-Based Solutions at New Story Homes
In episode 209 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Brett Hagler, CEO and Co-founder, of New Story Homes, on using philanthropy and market-based solutions to solve the global housing crisis.
Jun 10, 2024

“I Don’t Need Water, I Need a Job”: The Deux Mains Story of Entrepreneurial Resilience
In episode 208 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Julie Colombino-Billingham, founder of Deux Mains, on transforming lives in Haiti through business and employment.
May 20, 2024

How Kinara Capital Utilizes Innovation to Serve Small Business Entrepreneurs
In episode 207 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Hardika Shah, Founder and CEO of Kinara Capital, on transforming lives and local economies, by providing access to capital for small business entrepreneurs.
May 1, 2024

An Inside Look at Global Citizen’s Mission with Co-Founder Michael Sheldrick
In episode 206 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Michael Sheldrick, Co-Founder of Global Citizen, on dedicating his life to driving systemic policy changes to combat extreme poverty worldwide.
Apr 4, 2024

Eco Wave Power: Harnessing Ocean Waves to Create Renewable Energy
In episode 205 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Inna Braverman, the founder of Eco Wave Power, about her journey in the renewable energy industry and the potential of wave power.
Mar 13, 2024

Lemonade Insurance: Transforming Unused Premiums into Global Impact
In episode 204 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Nina Rauch, Sr. Social Impact Lead at Lemonade, on leading social impact initiatives from startup to IPO.
Mar 6, 2024

Meet HALEVAI: Electrifying the Future of Boating
In episode 203 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Frank Heidinger, Founder of HALEVAI, on the environmental benefits of electric boating and the future goals of the company.
Feb 27, 2024

The Republic Journey: Democratizing Private Asset Investing
In episode 201 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Kendrick Nguyen, co-founder of Republic, on building the financial infrastructure to create equal access to assets for everyone.
Feb 12, 2024

Meet Cambium, the Startup Set to Disrupt the Lumber Industry with Carbon-Smart Solutions
In episode 200 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Ben Christensen, co-founder of Cambium, on transforming trees into sustainable materials and the inefficiencies in the lumber industry.
Jan 31, 2024

Antonio Nuño , Co-founder of Someone Somewhere on Alleviating Poverty Through Business
In episode 197 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Antonio Nuño, Co-founder and CEO of Someone Somewhere, on his journey starting the brand and the impact it has had on alleviating poverty through business and commerce. The conversation covers topics such as the transition from B2C to B
Jan 7, 2024

Meet Sitti, the Social Enterprise Soap Brand Created From a Palestinian Refugee Camp
In episode 35 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Noora Sharrab, the Co-founder and CEO of Sitti on creating a social impact soap brand inside of a Palestinian Refugee Camp.
Dec 24, 2023

Meet Reel Paper, the Disruptive Startup Creating Tree-Free Toilet Paper
Reel Paper is a company that is on a mission to change the paper industry. They are committed to creating sustainable paper products that are better for the planet and still deliver the premium quality and convenience you expect.
Aug 17, 2023

How Groundswell is Disrupting Corporate Philanthropy
In episode 192 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Jake Wood, Founder and CEO of Groundswell, on disrupting corporate philanthropy and workplace giving through Donor Advised Funds.
Jun 20, 2023

Climate Neutral is Empowering Brands to Offset Their Carbon Emissions
In episode 34 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Austin Whitman, the CEO of Climate Neutral about combating climate change by putting a price on carbon emissions.
May 11, 2023

Harmless Harvest CEO Ben Mand on Regenerative Farming, Ethical Supply Chains, and Future of Plastic Bottles
In episode 181 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, we speak with Ben Mand, CEO of Harmless Harvest, on regenerative farming, ethical supply chains, and the future of plastic bottles.
May 1, 2023

The Chris Long Foundation’s Waterboys Initiative and Well Aware Unite to Expand Access to Clean Water in East Africa
In episode 177 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Chris Long and Sarah Evans, on their new partnership to provide more sustainable clean water sources to communities in East Africa.
Apr 13, 2023

Ettitude’s Innovative CleanBamboo Fabric is the Future of Eco-Friendly Bedding
In episode 174 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Phoebe Yu and Kat Dey, Co-founders of ettitude, on leading the way in creating sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics for the world to sleep on.
Apr 3, 2023

Novi Raises $40M to Connect Brands, Manufacturers, and Suppliers to Help Launch Sustainable Products Faster
In this episode of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast I speak with Kimberly Shenk, Co-founder and CEO of Novi, on connecting brands, manufacturers, and suppliers to help launch sustainable products.
Mar 9, 2023

Meet Humanitix, the Non-Profit Changing the Ticketing World
By using their technology and services, events both big and small can run a modern event, all while, in parallel, raise money for educational causes.
Mar 6, 2023

Meet Aptera, the Solar Electric Vehicle on a Mission to Revolutionize Transportation
In Episode 166 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Steve Fambro, Co-CEO of Aptera Motors, on creating the most efficient solar electric vehicle(SEV) on the planet.
Feb 28, 2023

Meet Lokai, the Inspirational Bracelets Brand Donating Millions to Causes Around the World
In Episode 164 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, we speak with Steven Izen, founder of Lokai, on building a $100M brand that gives back to causes around the world.
Feb 16, 2023

Meet Glo, the Stablecoin on a Mission to End Extreme Poverty
In Episode 160 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, we speak with Co-founders of Glo, on using blockchain to end extreme poverty through a fully backed stablecoin.
Dec 27, 2022

Veer is on a Mission to Bring a Clean Future to the $1T Shipping Industry
In Episode 157 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, Causeartist contributor, Rafael Aldon, speaks with Danielle Doggett, Founder and CEO of Veer, on the clean future of the $1T shipping industry.
Nov 22, 2022

Meet INSEACT, the Startup Using the Black Soldier Fly to Address the World’s Growing Protein Demand
In Episode 156 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, Causeartist contributor, Rafael Aldon, speaks with Michael Badeski, Co-founder of INSEACT, on the black soldier fly and the mission to provide sustainable and healthy food sources for the world through innovative technologies.
Nov 15, 2022

Walden Mutual Bank Raises $24M From Community Investors to Create a Sustainable Food Focused Digital Bank
Walden Mutual Bank, a sustainable food focused digital bank, raised $24 million in Special Deposit Shares; and received FDIC and State of NH approval for the first new mutual bank charter in 50 years.
Oct 7, 2022

SoLo Funds is Building an Innovative FinTech Company for Underserved Communities
In episode 121 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast I speak with Rodney Williams, Co-founder of SoLo Funds, on building a non-predatory FinTech startup for underserved communities in America.
Dec 24, 2021

Q&A With The Founder of Outland Denim on Creating Sustainable Jobs for Survivors of Sex Trafficking
Outland Denim is a social enterprise creating premium denim products that help tackle the world’s human trafficking crisis. Every 30 seconds, someone is sold in the human traffic industry.
Nov 6, 2020

Career Karma Is One Of The Most Impactful Startups In America
In episode 63 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Ruben Harris, Founder and CEO of Career Karma, on using Software Development Bootcamps to re-skill America and make high paying tech jobs accessible to all individuals and communities.
Jul 22, 2020

Meet the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship Accelerating Business in the Caribbean Islands
In episode 52 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Lauri-Ann Ainsworth, CEO of the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship on inspiring tech entrepreneurs in the Caribbean Islands.
Apr 29, 2020

Andy Rieger, Co-founder of J. Rieger & Co Distillery Talks Navigating the Pandemic and Turning Their HQ Into a Full-Time Hand Sanitizer Production Facility
In episode 50 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Andy Rieger, the Co-founder and President of J.Rieger Co Distillery on navigating the pandemic and turning their 50,000 sqf HQ into a full-time hand sanitizer production facility.
Apr 16, 2020

A Place at the Table May Revolutionize the Restaurant Industry in America
In this episode of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Maggie Kane, founder of A Place at the Table on how Pay What You Can Cafes can revolutionize the restaurant industry in America.
Apr 13, 2020

Gifts for Good is Ready to Disrupt the $100 Million Corporate Gifting Market
In episode 48 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Laura Hertz, Co-founder and CEO of Gifts for Good on using socially conscious products to disrupt the $100 million market of corporate gifting.
Apr 7, 2020

Q&A With the Founder of Obakki on Impacting Three Million Lives Around the World
In episode 43 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Treana Peake, founder of Obakki on impacting over three million lives around the world.
Feb 27, 2020

Back on My Feet is Using the Power of Running to Combat Homelessness in America
In episode 39 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Katy Sherratt, CEO of Back on My Feet, on using the power of walking and running to combat chronic homelessness in America.
Jan 29, 2020

The NOVICA Impact Marketplace has Deployed Nearly $100 Million to Artisans Around the World
In episode 38 of the Disruptors for GOOD podcast, I speak with Roberto Milk, the Co-founder and CEO of NOVICA, on creating the world’s largest social impact marketplace.
Jan 22, 2020

Diff Charitable Eyewear Co-Founder Talks Social Entrepreneurship and Impacting 1 Million Lives
In episode 36 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Chad Dime, Co-founder of Diff Charitable Eyewear on building a brand that has impacted a million lives around the world.
Jan 8, 2020

Anchal is an Innovative Nonprofit Brand Creating Sustainable Jobs and Empowering Women Through Fashion
In Episode 28 of the Disruptors for Good podcast, I speak with Colleen and Maggie Clines, the Co-founder and Creative Director of Anchal.
Oct 9, 2019

Society for Science is Helping the Next Generation of Scientists Impact the World
In Episode 21 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Maya Ajmera, the CEO of Society for Science & the Public.
Aug 21, 2019

Kind Traveler Using Hotels and Technology to Bring Sustainable Travel Mainstream
In Episode 20 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Jessica Blotter, the Co-founder and CEO of Kind Traveler on creating a sustainable travel hotel booking platform that allows travelers to give back with every stay.
Aug 14, 2019

America on Tech is Bringing Technology Careers to Low Income Students Across the Nation
In Episode 17 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Jessica Santana, the Co-founder and CEO of America On Tech on why she is using her journey in technology to bring low income students the skills needed to change their future. Listen to more Causeartist podcasts here. Jessica is a graduat
Jul 24, 2019

Meet FreeWill, the Social Enterprise Aiming to Channel $1 Trillion Towards Charity Over the Next Decade
In Episode 14 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Jenny Xia Spradling, the Co-founder and Co-CEO of FreeWill, an online will creation platform aiming to channel $1 Trillion towards charity over the next 10 years!
Jul 3, 2019

The Co-Founder of Wize Monkey on Creating a New Global Industry Around the Coffee Leaf Tea
In Episode 9 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Max Rivest, the Co-founder and CEO of Wize Monkey.
May 29, 2019

The Founder of Aunt Flow Talks Quitting College and Raising $1.5 Million for her Organic Tampon Company
In Episode 6 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Claire Coder, Founder of Aunt Flow, about quitting college at 19 to start an organic tampon company and fighting for women’s menstrual issues.
May 11, 2019

Podcast with the Founder of STOKED on Using Action Sports to Inspire the Next Generation
In Episode 5 of the Disruptors for Good podcast I speak with Steve Larosiliere, co-founder of Stoked, an adventure sport nonprofit using action sports to reach teens in some of the most vulnerable areas
May 8, 2019

Interview with Bas Van Abel, Founder of Fairphone
Fairphone is a social enterprise that is committed to developing a fairer smartphone. The company was founded with the aim of creating a more sustainable and ethical supply chain for the electronics industry.
Apr 26, 2019