CaseyCast - the monthly podcast of The Annie E. Casey Foundation

This episode of CaseyCast is adapted from a live conversation at the 2026 Adolescent Brain Development Summit hosted by the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent. Foundation President and CEO Lisa Lawson joined Adriana Galván for a fireside chat about how to better support young people as they navigate the path to adulthood.

On the lat­est episode of CaseyCast, the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Pres­i­dent and CEO Lisa Law­son talks with Michelle Jacobs, asso­ciate vice pres­i­dent of col­lege and career ready at Unit­ed Way of Greater Atlanta, about how Career Ready ATL is reimagining pathways to work for young people. Career Ready ATL is a youth apprenticeship program designed to support young people ages 16 to 24 who are furthest from opportunity — including those involved in foster care, the juvenile justice system or disconnected from school and work. Through partnerships with employers, schools and community organizations, the initiative combines paid, on-the-job learning with education and wraparound supports to help young people build sustainable careers.

Nicole “Nikki” Clifton, president of social impact at UPS and president of the UPS Foundation, joins the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Lisa Lawson to discuss how companies can support young people through jobs, mentoring and community partnerships — from delivering vaccines to fighting trafficking to creating career pathways.

Adolescence is a time of both vulnerability and possibility. UCLA professor Adriana Galván — a leading researcher on the adolescent brain — joins Casey Foundation President & CEO Lisa Lawson to discuss how brain science can guide education, justice, and social systems to better support young people on their path to adulthood.

Lisa Lawson, president and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, introduces her new book Thrive: How the Science of the Adolescent Brain Helps Us Imagine a Better Future for All Children. In this special short episode, Lisa shares why adolescence is not just a challenge to navigate but an opportunity to help young people ages 14 to 24 flourish — and previews upcoming CaseyCast conversations inspired by the book.

What if Medicaid could do more than cover doctor visits? What if it could change lives? In this episode of CaseyCast, public health expert Alex Briscoe joins host Lisa Lawson to explore how rethinking Medicaid can unlock better mental health care, build a more diverse workforce and empower young people. Alex shares the story of EMS Corps, a program he helped launch that trains young adults — many with experience in foster care or juvenile justice — to become emergency medical technicians. With mentorship, stipends and real career options, EMS Corps is proving that workforce development can be a healing intervention. Hear how this model is scaling nationally — and what it takes to turn policy into purpose.

Artis Stevens, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, joins the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Lisa Lawson to discuss how mentorship transforms lives. From breaking cycles of poverty to promoting equity and inclusion, Stevens highlights BBBSA’s innovative programs and vision for the future. Tune in to hear how mentorship creates opportunity and empowers youth to thrive. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/mentorship-as-a-pathway-to-opportunity-a-conversation-with-artis-stevens

In this episode of CaseyCast, Lisa Hamilton speaks with Lawrence F. Katz, Harvard economist and co-founder of J-PAL North America, about the transformative role of research and evidence in addressing poverty and inequality. They discuss sectoral employment training, the power of randomized control trials to shape effective social policies and groundbreaking programs like Moving to Opportunity. Katz shares insights on building pathways to economic mobility, the importance of neighborhood effects and how partnerships between researchers, communities and policymakers can drive meaningful change. Tune in to explore how data and collaboration are creating a brighter future for kids and families. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/lawrence-katz-on-how-research-and-evidence-drive-social-change

Join Lisa Hamilton, president and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, as she interviews Ellen Roche, a leading voice in early childhood education. Discover why relationships are crucial for creating ideal learning environments where all children thrive. Explore the intersection of research and practice, and learn how we can build a brighter future by investing in our youngest learners.

In this episode, Lisa Hamilton chats with United Way of Northern New Jersey’s Stephanie Hoopes about building a better measure of financial hardship for workers and families. Stream it now. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/stephanie-hoopes-on-building-a-better-barometer-for-financial-hardship.

In this episode of CaseyCast: Casey's Lisa Hamilton chats with Nicole Lynn Lewis, who leads Generation Hope, a nonprofit devoted to helping young parents go to — and graduate from — college.

Casey's Lisa Hamilton chats with Naomi Wadler who, at age 11, captivated millions at a 2018 March For Our Lives event in Washington, D.C. Now 15, Naomi continues to connect with audiences and advocate against gun violence. In this episode, Wadler about her rapid rise as a youth advocate, how parents — and politicians — can support young leaders, and what kids should keep in mind as they speak up and seek out meaningful change. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/naomi-wadler-on-raising-youth-voices-and-youth-advocates

In this episode of CaseyCast, Lisa Hamilton chats with Karol Mason, president of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York and one of the nation’s leading voices in criminal justice reform.

The latest CaseyCast episode features David Brooks — a journalist and social sciences scholar who is leading an inspiring charge to build stronger communities and social trust.

In this episode of CaseyCast, Casey Foundation President & CEO Lisa Hamilton talks with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer about America’s cities, their greatest challenges, their role in driving change and their capacity to help kids and families flourish. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/greg-fischer-on-the-role-of-american-cities-in-building-a-better-future.

In this episode of CaseyCast, Lisa Hamilton chats with Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, about America’s broken housing market, how we got here and the vital role that housing plays in creating successful families and communities.

Suzanne McCormick is the U.S. president of United Way Worldwide — a role that includes supporting and shaping the work of 1,100 local chapters across the country. Listen as CaseyCast host and Casey Foundation President and CEO Lisa Hamilton chats with McCormick about how the United Way has evolved its programs and priorities to better support communities and families during the pandemic. To learn more, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/united-ways-suzanne-mccormick-on-serving-communities-during-the-pandemic/.

Sarah Hemminger is the CEO of Thread, a Baltimore-based nonprofit devoted to building intentional and meaningful support networks for young people who are facing significant challenges. Listen as CaseyCast host and Casey Foundation President and CEO Lisa Hamilton chats with Hemminger about her organization and its innovative 10-year commitment to helping young people succeed. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/sarah-hemminger-on-how-to-create-a-stronger-community-for-young-people/.

In this episode, Lisa Hamilton welcomes two guests — Ana Marie Argilagos and Sam Zamarripa — who are leaders in the world of Latino philanthropy. Argilagos is the president and CEO of Hispanics in Philanthropy (HIP). Zamarripa, a former Georgia state senator, now runs a biotechnology firm and Spanish-language digital media company and serves on the Board of Trustees for both HIP and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. During the interview, Argilagos and Zamarripa talk about the future of Latino philanthropy how the unique characteristics of Latino donors and communities play out in the philanthropic sector. To learn more about the episode and find show notes, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/the-changing-world-of-latino-philanthropy-with-ana-marie-argilagos-and-sam/.

In this episode of CaseyCast, Casey Foundation President & CEO Lisa Hamilton talks with Thaddeus Ferber, executive vice president at The Forum for Youth Investment. Their conversation explores the benefits of adolescence, the shortage of leaders focused on helping young people thrive, and the importance of adults elevating youth voices and then getting out of their way. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/thaddeus-ferber-on-helping-young-people-grow-lead-and-thrive/.

In this episode of CaseyCast, the Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton chats with economist Arthur Brooks about what kids, families and communities need to flourish. Their conversation covers — among other topics — the benefits of engaging marginalized populations, the need to rethink the proverbial pursuit of happiness, and the merits of detoxing from national politics.

In this episode of CaseyCast, Annie E. Casey Foundation President and CEO Lisa Hamilton speaks to Council on Foundations President and CEO Kathleen Enright. Their conversation focuses on the philanthropy sector — including the power of the lived experience, how foundations are veering outside their longstanding lanes and where the field still has room to grow. To learn more about this episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/kathleen-enright-on-philanthropys-role-importance-and-impact/.

In this episode of CaseyCast, Annie E. Casey Foundation President and CEO Lisa Hamilton interviews Independent Sector President and CEO Dan Cardinali. Their conversation explores the nonprofit sector and how it is driving change for the public good. To learn more, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/dan-cardinali-on-big-bets-supporting-democracy-and-driving-impact-podcast/.

In this episode of CaseyCast, Annie E. Casey Foundation President and CEO Lisa Hamilton interviews impact investor Ben Hecht, who has served as the president and CEO of Living Cities since 2007. The conversation focuses on America’s urban landscape and explores opportunities to reduce poverty, drive innovation and promote equity and inclusion in cities across the nation. To learn more about this episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/ben-hecht-on-equity-innovation-and-opportunity-in-american-cities/.

In this episode of CaseyCast, Annie E. Casey Foundation President and CEO Lisa Hamilton interviews William Thorne Jr., a member of the Pomo and Coast Miwok Indian tribes and a retired juvenile justice judge with 34 years of experience in tribal and state courts. Their conversation explores how past federal policies have harmed American Indian children, the biggest challenges facing tribal communities today, and what these communities are doing to help their own families heal.

In this episode of CaseyCast, Lisa Hamilton, the Annie E. Casey Foundation's president and CEO, interviews Dr. David Nichols, who is a pediatrician and president and CEO of the American Board of Pediatrics. Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the rise in mental health issues among kids, the importance of the 2020 census and the pivotal role that parents play in child well-being. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/dr-david-nichols-talks-child-health-gains-and-challenges/.

Casey's Lisa Hamilton talks with Cheryl Washington, president and CEO of East Baltimore Development Inc., a nonprofit charged with overseeing the transformation of a once-disinvested neighborhood in Baltimore. Their conversation explores how the community has evolved so far, how residents shaped the project in unexpected ways and what other cities should know about tackling large-scale urban renewal work. Learn more at https://www.aecf.org/blog/cheryl-washington-on-rebuilding-east-baltimore-and-its-future-podcast/

In this episode of CaseyCast, host Lisa Hamilton interviews criminal justice and youth development expert David Muhammad, who serves as the executive director of the nonprofit National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform. Their conversation explores the failures of juvenile probation, the value of age-appropriate interventions and the importance of putting youth and their families at the center of this work.

The world of work is constantly changing, and gig jobs are on the rise. It’s an evolution that Sarah Currid, managing director of Samaschool, knows well. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton recently spoke with Currid about this work and innovative ways to help low-income workers leverage gig jobs to build a brighter, stronger future for their families. Learn more about this CaseyCast episode at https://www.aecf.org/blog/the-future-of-workforce-development-samaschool-is-thinking-gig/.

A new episode of CaseyCast takes listeners to Adams County, Colorado — one of the fastest growing counties in the state in both population and employment. It’s a community where families face many challenges, including higher rates of child poverty, single motherhood and teen births. It’s also home to an innovative effort that is helping local women, ages 18 to 24, train and work as certified digital interviewers. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/training-young-women-to-become-researchers-and-study-their-own-communitys/.

After 25 years at the Annie E. Casey Foundation and nine years at its helm, President and CEO Patrick McCarthy is retiring at the end of 2018. In this episode, his successor — Lisa Hamilton — interviews McCarthy about how the Foundation has changed during his career, what he’s learned along the way, and why he has a lot of hope for the nation’s younger generations. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/departing-casey-president-and-ceo-talks-change-challenges-and-lessons/.

The Casey Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton interviews two leaders whose organizations are leveraging technology in the human services space. The guests — Casebook PBC President and CEO Tristan Louis and Think of Us Founder and CEO Sixto Cancel — introduce their company’s innovations and discuss how these tools can improve outcomes for kids, families and the greater child welfare system. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/fixing-americas-child-welfare-system-theres-an-app-and-software-for-that/.

In a new podcast episode, the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton talks with the National Skills Coalition’s Brooke DeRenzis and Rob Garcia about building and sustaining a skilled labor force build and why this work is so important for America’s children, families and future. At the time of this interview, Garcia worked with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in Atlanta, Georgia. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/theres-more-skilled-work-than-workers-and-thats-a-problem/.

The Casey Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton talks with William "Bill" Emmons, lead economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, about household income and wealth and the roles that race, age and education play in shaping family savings, debts and assets. Emmons also explains how changes in the economy — coupled with rising education costs and a shift away from pension plans — have made it harder for young adults and families to build wealth in America today. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/economist-bill-emmons-its-a-lot-tougher-to-be-young-these-days/.

In this interview, the University of Chicago's Derek Douglas and the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton discuss the potential of anchor institutions — large and place-based organizations such as hospitals and universities. Listeners will learn how anchor institutions across the country are collaborating in innovative ways to help strengthen families and communities. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/derek-douglas-on-how-the-university-of-chicago-supports-local-kids-and-fami/.

Carla Javits is the president and CEO of REDF, a philanthropy that invests in employment-focused social enterprises. Casey’s Lisa Hamilton recently spoke with Javits about common employment barriers, the role of social enterprises in workforce development and how her organization plans to expand its range and impact. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/carla-javits-is-focused-on-jobs-millions-of-them/.

Casey’s Lisa Hamilton recently spoke to the Human Rights Campaign’s Ellen Kahn about why LGBTQ youth are disproportionately overrepresented in foster care, what challenges these youth face, how agencies and families can offer better support — and more. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/hrcs-ellen-kahn-talks-better-services-for-lgbtq-youth-in-care/.

In this episode of CaseyCast, the Population Reference Bureau's Linda Jacobsen talks with the Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton about current demographic survey approaches, challenges and results. Their conversation covers — among other topics — a review of glaring statistical gaps, a call to disaggregate data and a look ahead at the 2020 census. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/straight-to-the-source-a-kids-count-demographer-talks-all-things-data/.

As the founder and executive director of StriveTogether, Jeff Edmondson built a network of communities committed to using collective impact to support the academic success of every child. In this episode of CaseyCast, the Foundation’s Lisa Hamilton asks Edmondson — now the managing director of Ballmer Group — about his time at StriveTogether. They discuss the lessons that Edmondson learned during his 12 years at the nonprofit’s helm, including the art of falling forward and the benefits of starting small. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/jeff-edmondson-on-getting-communities-to-work-together-to-get-results/.

Casey’s Lisa Hamilton talks with Rafael López, the former commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, about America’s child welfare system. Their conversation explores the system today, how it works and where it falls short. López also shares ideas — such as leveraging technology and embracing human centered design — aimed at transforming the system to better serve children and families in crisis. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/rafael-lopez-envisions-a-better-national-foster-care-system/.

David Bornstein is a veteran journalist and published author. He is also a co-founder of the nonprofit Solutions Journalism Network. In this episode of CaseyCast, Lisa Hamilton talks with David about how reporting that focuses on responses to social problems can help kids and families. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/the-rise-and-role-of-solutions-journalism-in-addressing-social-problems/.

Lisa Hamilton, Vice President of External Affairs at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, interviews Samanthya Amann and Brittany Hunter on the transition from foster care to adulthood. Amann and Hunter are young fellows with the Foundation's Jim Casey Youth Opportunities Initiative. These young women work as advocates and they advise Casey in its efforts to improve the lives of youths transitioning from foster care into adulthood. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/foster-care-alums-weigh-in-building-a-better-exit-plan/.

Lisa Hamilton, Vice President of External Affairs at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, interviews Liz Ryan, on the subject of Closing Youth Prisons. Liz Ryan is the President and CEO of Youth First, a national advocacy campaign to end the incarceration of youth by closing youth prisons and investing in community-based alternatives. Youth First is a Casey grantee. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/the-case-for-rebuilding-americas-juvenile-justice-system/.

Lisa Hamilton, Vice President of External Affairs at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, interviews Representative Stacey Abrams, on the subject of State Lawmakers and Kids and Family Issues. Stacey Abrams is the House Minority Leader for the Georgia General Assembly and State Representative for the 89th House District, which includes East Atlanta and surrounding communities. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/georgia-lawmaker-stacey-abrams-tells-how-state-policymaking-can-help-families-and-kids-succeed/.

Lisa Hamilton, Vice President of External Affairs at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, interviews Dr. Gary Slutkin, on the subject of Reducing Gun Violence. Dr Gary Slutkin is the founder of Cure Violence, a professor of epidemiology and international health at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a senior advisor to the World Health Organization. To learn more about this CaseyCast episode, visit https://www.aecf.org/blog/meet-the-disease-control-expert-who-is-curing-an-epidemic-of-gun-violence/.

Lisa Hamilton, Vice President of External Affairs at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, interviews Ron Haskins, on the subject of Poverty & Opportunity. Ron Haskins is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution. A former White House and Congressional advisor on welfare issues, Ron co-directs the Brookings Center on Children and Families, and is also a consultant with the Casey Foundation. He's an expert on pre-school, foster care, and poverty, and he was instrumental in the 1996 overhaul of national welfare policy. Learn more about this episode of CaseyCast at https://www.aecf.org/blog/moving-kids-out-of-poverty-is-possible-caseys-new-podcast-explores-how/.

Lisa Hamilton, Vice President of External Affairs at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, interviews Shirley Roberts, on the subject of Engaging Families in Child Welfare. Shirley is the Director for the, Division of Family Services, Delaware Department of Services for Children, Youth & their Families. Learn more about this episode at https://www.aecf.org/blog/caseycast-podcast-highlights-delawares-child-welfare-system-successes/.

Lisa Hamilton, Vice President of External Affairs at the Annie E. Casey Foundation interviews Tanya Krupat, Program Director at The Osborne Association on The Impact of Parental Incarceration with Tanya Krupat. Learn more about this episode at https://www.aecf.org/blog/caseycast-podcast-tackles-a-silent-issue-parental-incarceration/.

Lisa Hamilton, Vice President of External Affairs at The Annie E. Casey Foundation, interviews Manuel Pastor, on the subject of "Race, Equity and a Changing Child Population." Manuel is a leading researcher, champion of racial and economic equity, and a noted professor of sociology in American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. Learn more about this episode at https://www.aecf.org/blog/go-ahead-hit-play-caseys-new-podcast-tackles-race-immigration-and-inequality/.