Be the change. Podcast

Change comes when you find your wildcats. Thomas Grimwood is the host of Performing Passions and Super Summers, which are both podcasts produced by Be the change. Media Network. In addition to his podcasting, Thomas is a fundraiser for the National Autistic Society. To get connected with Thomas, find him on Instagram. Listen to Performing Passions wherever you're listening to this episode: https://performingpassions.podbean.com/ Listen to Super Summers on all podcasting platforms, as well: https://super-summers.podbean.com/ Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! If you have guest suggestions or would like to join me on Be the change. Podcast, please email me at [email protected]. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes through challenge. In (another) solo episode, I reflect on the last six years of Be the change. Podcast and shares a vision for its next six. After spending the past year immersed in a community of changemakers, social impact leaders, and purpose-driven storytellers, I took some time to ask myself some difficult questions: What is the purpose of Be the change. Podcast? What about Be the change. Media Network? What happens when we surround ourselves only with people who share our values? Am I truly practicing the openness, curiosity, and dialogue that I encourage in others? Using Tommy Robinson's appearance at The Oxford Union as a catalyst, I explore the dangers of echo chambers, the growing polarization of public discourse, and why meaningful change often requires engaging with ideas that challenge us. To be clear, this episode is not about defending controversial viewpoints. It is about defending the importance of conversation, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. As Be the change. Podcast enters its seventh year, I announce a new direction for the podcast: creating space for thoughtful, respectful conversations with people whose perspectives differ from my own. Rather than debates, clickbait, or "gotcha" moments, this new era will focus on listening, learning, and understanding across disagreement. If you've ever changed your mind, held an unpopular opinion, or wondered how we can bridge divides in an increasingly polarized world, this episode is an invitation to you. Come join me on this podcast... I want to hear from you! Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! If you have guest suggestions or would like to join me on Be the change. Podcast, please email me at [email protected]. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

The first episode of Be the change. Podcast was released on June 2, 2020, and this episode marks six years since that first episode. I've spent six years asking my guests: "Lots of young people want to make change but might not know where to get started. What is your advice for those people who might be listening?" So, I devoted this anniversary episode to answering that question myself. Thank you so much to my family, friends, guests, and listeners because, without all of you, there is no way Be the change. Podcast would still be around six years later. Keep being the change you wish to see in the world! Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

This episode features Anita Okunde, Michael-Akolade Ayodeji, Zander Moricz, and Kahlil Greene. On 14 May 2026, Zander Moricz, founder and executive director of SEE Alliance, and Kahlil Greene, also known as the Gen Z Historian, debated at The Oxford Union, where I recorded a live interview with them. The debate was sponsored by VoxPop, which is an app that teaches young people about politics, as well as encouraging them to get involved in politics. I also interviewed Anita Okunde and Michael-Akolade Ayodeji, who are the co-founders of the app to learn more about their work. To learn more about VoxPop, visit: https://www.voxpopco.org/ To get connected with Anita Okunde, find her on Instagram and on LinkedIn. To get connected with Michael-Akolade Ayodeji, find him on Instagram and on LinkedIn. To get connected with Zander Moricz, find him on Instagram and on LinkedIn. To get connected with Kahlil Greene, find him on Instagram and on LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you incorporate your creativity. Dyar Hussain is YouthTheGap's Director of Education and Knowledge Exchange, as well as the host of Legacies Lost & Found. Legacies Lost & Found launched on Be the change. Media Network on March 24, 2026, so you can listen now via wherever you get your podcasts. To get connected with Dyar, find him on Instagram and LinkedIn. To learn more about YouthTheGap, you can listen to Episode 270 of Be the change. Podcast featuring Kaia-Allen Bevan or visit: https://youththegap.uk. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you vote... again! Cosima Wiltshire is an advocate who is building bridges between youth, tech, and politics to create a digital world for and by young people. She joined me on the podcast ahead of the 2026 UK elections on May 7th, 2026 to reflect on her advocacy journey, share some advice for other changemakers, and most importantly, talk about why it's important to vote! To get connected with Cosima, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. To learn more about Shout Out UK, visit: https://www.shoutoutuk.org. To learn more about FlippGen, visit: https://www.flippgen.com/. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you avoid putting yourself into a box. Olivia Krawczyk is the founder of OneKind Creative, which is an award-winning design studio committed to bridging the gap between graphic design and social impact. To get connected with Olivia, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. To learn more about OneKind Creative, visit: https://www.onekindcreative.co.uk. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you see things on the brighter side. Nika Stastny is a biomedical researcher pursuing a PhD in global health, as well as the host of Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side. Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side launched on Be the change. Media Network on April 21, 2026, so you can listen now via wherever you get your podcasts. To get connected with Nika, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. For more updates on Global Health Talks: On the Brighter Side, follow the podcast on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when we vote. Dany Shibu and Dani Onyewuenyi are spokespeople for Migrant Democracy Project, which is an organization that believes in the power of democracy and wants migrants across the UK to be able to leverage their vote for a just immigration system. The deadline to register is 11:59pm on 20 April 2026, in order to vote in local government elections across the UK, Scottish Parliament elections, Senedd Cymru elections, and mayoral elections in England on 7 May 2026. To learn more and get involved with Migrant Democracy Project's work, you can visit their website or connect with them on LinkedIn or on Instagram. To get connected with Dany Shibu, find him on Instagram and on LinkedIn. To get connected with Dani Onyewuenyi, find her on Instagram and on LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when we take up space. This special episode takes you inside Anthropy 2026, a gathering of leaders and organizations working toward a more united future for the United Kingdom. Recorded live from the Rainforest Biome at the Eden Project in Cornwall, this episode features clips from conversations with Anthropy's Emerging Leaders, who are all between the ages of 18 and 30. The format may be a little different from the typical Be the change. Podcast episode, but these conversations from Anthropy are powerful, personal, and joyful. Plus, how many podcast episodes have you listened to that were recorded in a rainforest? That right there is enough of a reason to listen! To learn more about Anthropy and the Emerging Leaders Program, visit their website: https://anthropy.uk/ Below is the list of guests in the order they appeared in this episode. By clicking their names, you'll be directed to their LinkedIn accounts to learn more about their work and connect with them: Lauren Bennett Sami Gichki Saeed Atcha Tamarantha (Tammie) Esslemont Anita Okunde Jake Causley Lanré Adeleye Savannah Hanson Conor Warren Andrew Speight Paddy Crump Charlotte Evans Delnaz Kazemi Ines Hart Emma Redfern Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when we celebrate what makes us unique. Today is World Autism Awareness Day, and this special episode features a conversation with the following members of Be the change. Media Network: Thomas Grimwood: Host of Performing Passions Tom Spare: Host of Spare a Thought Podcast and co-host of The Political Dispatch Throughout this episode, we discuss our thoughts on this year's World Autism Awareness Day theme (Autism and Humanity – Every Life Has Value), how we can better support people with autism in our lives, and advice for young people who might want to get started with campaigning and making change. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes through creativity and community. Rameen Bajwa and Mahnoor Rehan are part of the team developing Daak Chithi, which is a global youth organization that is bringing back the age-old, golden tradition of letter writing and adding a modern twist. To get connected with Rameen and Mahnoor, find them on Instagram at @meenanator and @smearedwithcrimson. To learn more about Daak Chithi, visit: https://daakchithi.org. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when we all play a part. Lilah McKim is an activist, and this episode focuses on her climate activism. To get connected with Lilah, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you pass the mic. Today is International Women's Day, and this special episode features a conversation with the following members of Be the change. Media Network: Zarin Khan: Host of This Stays Between Us Keyari Page: Host of Shadow and Light Nika Stastny who is developing a podcast on Be the change. Media Network Natasha Pavey: Host of The Imperfect Activist Thomas Grimwood: Host of Performing Passions Tom Spare: Host of Spare a Thought Podcast and co-host of The Political Dispatch Eden Byrne: Host of Sports for All Throughout this episode, we discuss our experiences as women in male-dominated fields, our advice for young women, our advice for men about how to be more supportive of women in their lives, and more. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you dare to deserve. This special episode of Be the change. Podcast features interviews from AMPLIFY 2026, which is the University of Bath's student-led International Women's Month Summit. To learn more about AMPLIFY, find them on Instagram. To get connected with Lauren, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. To get connected with Kita, find her on LinkedIn. To get connected with Kirsten, find her on LinkedIn. To get connected with Antonia, find her on LinkedIn. To get connected with Tammy, find her on LinkedIn. To get connected with Ruqia, find her on LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you try new things and take risks. Jack Walters is the CEO and co-founder of HapWare, which is a company providing people with disabilities more information in social interactions using AI and haptic technology through wearables. To get connected with Jack, find him on Instagram and LinkedIn. To learn more about HapWare, visit: https://hapware.com/. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes through collaboration and community. Arissa Roy is the founder and CEO of Project Power Global, which is a non-profit committed to spreading awareness about lack of access to education and to addressing the problem by directly supporting communities in need. To get connected with Arissa, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. To learn more about Project Power Global, visit: https://www.projectpowerglobal.org/. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you believe in your sense of what’s right and what’s wrong. Le'Shaé Woodstock is a registered midwife and an activist dedicated to reducing maternal health inequalities and advocating for workers’ rights. To get connected with Le'Shaé, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you understand that your voice counts. Lucy Grimshaw is a Case Manager at the Fathers & Families Support Center in St. Louis, Missouri. She is also a Fulbright alumni, who earned her MRes in Criminology from the University of Manchester. To get connected with Lucy, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. To read Lucy's Prism article, visit: https://prismreports.org Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you’re proactive. Cici Manwa is a public speaker and one of the youngest elected councillors in the United Kingdom. To get connected with Cici, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes through community. As 2025 comes to a close, I'm taking a moment to pause, reflect, and look ahead to 2026. In this special New Year’s Eve episode, I'm stepping away from my usual interviews with changemakers to record a solo episode reflecting on a year shaped by political uncertainty, personal and professional growth, and an enduring commitment to hope. In this episode, I reflect on why “hope” was my guiding word for 2025 and how that belief shaped a year of small, intentional actions and meaningful change. Looking ahead to 2026, I explore my new guiding word, “community", as well as my vision for Be the change. Media Network. This episode is a reminder that, while the work of creating change can feel heavy sometimes, none of us are meant to do it alone. Click here to listen to "Evergreen Strong: Lessons from Tragedy, Healing Together, and Building a Better Future" with my dad, Chad Mott. Click here to listen to "Lessons in Democracy" on The Political Dispatch with my co-hosts Tom Spare and Sidd Kurapati, featuring my dad, Chad Mott. If you're interested in joining Be the change. Media Network, please fill out this form to express interest: https://forms.gle/z62trdo5nzd2e6uq6 Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you’re open to sharing your story. Puneet Singh Singhal is working at the intersections of disability, the climate crisis, inhumane urbanization, and mental health. To get connected with Puneet, find him on Instagram and LinkedIn. Learn more about Green Disability here: https://linktr.ee/GreenDisability. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you’re ready to listen and learn. Molly Taylor and Nathaniel King joined me to talk about their experiences as estranged students, following Estranged Students Solidarity Week 2025. Content warning: This episode features personal experiences of domestic abuse. Listener discretion is advised. To get connected with Molly, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you love your work. Simon Klinga is the CEO of LASAR. LASAR is based in the Czech Republic and was founded by a team of high school students to develop advanced laser systems for orbit cleanups and satellite recovery. To get connected with Simon, find him on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected]. Opinions shared by the guests and hosts of this show are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Be the change. Media Network.

Change comes when you’re willing to listen. Millicent Wenlock is an advocate for social justice, sustainability, and inclusivity. Millicent is also an estranged and care-experienced young person, so she joined me for Estranged Students Solidarity Week to discuss her experiences and her advocacy. To get connected with Millicent, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes from being on the right side of history. Beata Jonite is a policy expert on gender-based violence and human trafficking, who is based in Latvia. Beata has been heavily involved in organizing protests, following a recent vote by Latvian Members of Parliament to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention. Despite Latvian Members of Parliament voting 56 to 32 to leave the treaty, Latvia did not withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, which is aimed at protecting women from violence, including domestic abuse. This episode was recorded on November 12th, 2025. To get connected with Beata, find her on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you cause a little bit of mischief. Kaz ChuFoon is a youth voice activist and a Member of UK Youth Parliament for Essex, as well as being involved with FlippGen, Bite Back, the Epping Forest Youth Council, the Jack Petchey Foundation, and other organizations. To get connected with Kaz and to watch their speech, find them on Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you recognize that your dream was placed in your heart for a reason. Kaia Allen-Bevan is a racial justice advocate, public speaker, the founder and director of YouthTheGap, and a director at Edge of Difference. To get connected with Kaia, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. To learn more about YouthTheGap, visit: https://youththegap.uk Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you take a chance. Lewis Swire is an award-winning social entrepreneur and the founder of Reel It In, which is a youth-led campaign committed to raising awareness about social media addiction and fighting for ethical tech legislation. To get connected with Lewis, find him on LinkedIn and Instagram. To learn more about Reel It In, visit: https://www.reelitin.uk/ Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you take action and take action fast. Ricky Yao is a content creator, who is passionate about turning ambitious Gen Z individuals into confident and resilient leaders. To get connected with Ricky, find him on LinkedIn and Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you put yourself out there. Paddy Crump is a mental health campaigner, as well as the host of Now We're Really Talking on Be the change. Media Network. Now We're Really Talking launched on Be the change. Media Network on October 6, 2025, so you can listen now via our website. To get connected with Paddy, find him on LinkedIn and Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you embrace your uniqueness. Giuliano Sarubbi is a youth leader from Paraguay, who is currently making change in Taiwan. To get connected with Giuliano, find him on his personal Instagram or his organization's Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you say "yes" before you’re ready. Jodie Bailey-Ho is a climate justice campaigner, who is based in the UK. To get connected with Jodie, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

On September 10th, a shooting took place at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado. Two students were injured, and countless other students, teachers, and community members were left shaken by an event that has become tragically familiar across the United States. In this episode of Be the change. Podcast, I sit down with my dad, Chad Mott, who has taught at Evergreen High School for 21 years. Together, we reflect on what happened that day, the history and causes of school shootings and political violence in America, and explore the changes we need to keep schools safe and protect future generations. This conversation is about more than the events in Evergreen on September 10th, 2025; it’s about a national crisis. With more than 100 incidents of gunfire on school grounds already in 2025, we explore how we got here, what families, schools, and communities can do to protect young people, and what policies and cultural shifts are urgently needed to prevent further tragedies. Above all, this episode is about community, empathy, and the power of education to make change. Resources to Learn, Support, and Take Action: Resilience 1220: Offering one-on-one counseling, community drop-in listening circles and public presentations. Colorado Healing Fund: Donate to support the victims and the needs of the Evergreen community. Everytown for Gun Safety: America’s largest gun violence prevention organization, advocating for stronger laws and community-based solutions. Sandy Hook Promise: Trains students and adults to recognize warning signs and intervene to prevent gun violence before it happens. Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence: Works to enact and enforce gun laws and promotes awareness to end gun violence. March For Our Lives: A youth-led movement pushing for legislative action and cultural change to reduce gun violence. Giffords: Fighting to end gun violence through policy, education, and community engagement. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you turn your feelings of loneliness into a community. Eduarda Zoghbi is a climate and energy specialist, as well as the founder of MPower Brasil. To get connected with Eduarda, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. For more information about MPower Brasil, visit their website: https://www.mpowerbr.com/. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you're married to the problem, not the solution. Ashleigh Streeter-Jones is an activist, founder, speaker, writer, and advisor, who is working to close gender inequality gaps locally, nationally and internationally. To get connected with Ashleigh, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you hold onto that voice that says “you can do it.” Zarin Khan is the host of This Stays Between Us, which she describes as “more than just a podcast. A mic for the girls at the back.” This Stays Between Us launched on Be the change. Media Network on August 15, 2025, and you can listen now via our website. You can also find This Stays Between Us on Instagram to follow along with the podcast. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you take advantage of opportunities. Amanda Amaeshi is an award-winning activist, campaigner, and writer, specializing in gender equality, anti-racism, and youth voice and political participation. To get connected with Amanda, find her on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you balance your “one for you, one for me” ratio. Ging Chen Sow is a production designer and art director, and we discussed his role as the production designer for the short film, Obligatory. Set during the oppressive military rule in Greece in the early 1970s, Obligatory follows a young prison guard, who is tasked with executing his former college professor. You can watch Obligatory now on Youtube and follow the film on Instagram for more information. To get connected with Ging, find him on Instagram and LinkedIn. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when we’re brave. Paddy Crump is a mental health campaigner from the United Kingdom who is working with a variety of organizations, including YoungMinds and The Hero Project, to make change. To get connected with Paddy, find him on LinkedIn and Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when we do it ourselves. Sandra Martyna Rowińska is the host of Formula Amateur, which is your podcasting destination to learn everything you need to know about Formula 1 racing from another amateur. Formula Amateur launched on Be the change. Media Network on January 25, 2025, so you can listen now via our website. To get connected with Sandra, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when we ask the question: is it really historic or are we just repeating? Keyari Page is the host of Shadow and Light, which offers a historic podcast experience taking listeners on a poetic journey, time-traveling to reclaim forgotten narratives. Shadow and Light launched on Be the change. Media Network on July 4, 2025, so you can listen now via our website. To get connected with Keyari, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also find Shadow and Light on Instagram to follow along with the podcast. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you make use of the resources that you have. Muminah Koleoso is the host of Sister Station, which is a podcast that amplifies the voices, stories, and lived experiences of Black and Muslim women, and women of colour. Sister Station launched on Be the change. Media Network on June 22, 2025, so you can listen now via our website. To get connected with Muminah, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also find Sister Station on Instagram to follow along with the podcast. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you see what you can do. Saskia Coomber is the host of The B Side, a podcast which takes an honest look at the UK music industry. The B Side launched on Be the change. Media Network on June 17, 2025, so you can listen now via our website. To get connected with Saskia, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also find The B Side on Instagram to follow along with the podcast. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you write something down, and you share the vision with others. Lubelihle Audrey Mazithulela is the founding president of Girl Up Bulawayo, a mental health advocate, and the host of the Beyond #10 October podcast. Beyond #10 October launched on Be the change. Media Network on May 28, 2025, so check out the podcast and listen now via our website. To get connected with Lubelihle, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also find Beyond #10 October on Instagram to follow along with the podcast. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you pass the mic. The first episode of Be the change. Podcast was released on June 2, 2020, and this episode marks five years since that first episode. Thank you to everyone who has listened to, supported, and/or been a guest on Be the change. Podcast over the last five years. This podcast wouldn't be possible without you! Also, thank you to Troy, Skylar, Eden, Saskia, and Tom for joining me for this episode! Click on their names to check out their podcasts on the Be the change. Media Network website. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow my personal accounts on Instagram and LinkedIn. Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you positively impact one person’s life. Skylar Jackenthal is a co-founder of Live Like Sam and the host of the Good Grief: Life After Loss podcast. Good Grief launched on Be the change. Media Network on May 15, 2025, so check out the podcast and listen now via our website. To get connected with Skylar, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also find Good Grief on Instagram to follow along with the podcast. For more information about Live Like Sam, visit: https://livelikesam.org/. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you’re a troublemaker (in a positive way). Lucy Brodure is a Youth Development Coordinator at UK Youth and a children's rights advocate, who is passionate about youth empowerment and sports for social change. Lucy is also a host of The Imperfect Activist, which launched on Be the change. Media Network on May 9th, 2025. To get connected with Lucy, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also find The Imperfect Activist on Instagram to follow along with the podcast. You can listen to The Imperfect Activist on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts, as well as on Be the change. Media Network's website. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you go for it and when you say it. Skye Morgan and Tricia Walker are the co-hosts of Youth Voice, which is a series launching on The Forgotten Generation Podcast on Be the change. Media Network on May 8th, 2025. To get connected with Skye, find them on Instagram. To get connected with Tricia, find her on Instagram. From May 8th, 2025, you can listen to the Youth Voice series on The Forgotten Generation Podcast: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/our-podcasts/the-forgotten-generation/. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].

Change comes when you find what’s close to your heart. Natasha Pavey is a theater maker, creative producer, climate justice activist, and a host of The Imperfect Activist, which is a podcast launching on Be the change. Media Network on May 9th, 2025. To get connected with Natasha, find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also find The Imperfect Activist on Instagram to follow along with the podcast. Please leave a rating, share a comment, and subscribe! Follow Be the change. Media Network on Instagram: @bethechangemedianetwork. Follow Be the change. Podcast on Instagram: @bethechangepodcast. If you have any questions, please email Lily Mott at [email protected].