Let's Talk Social Innovation is a podcast that brings together University of Pittsburgh members and community leaders to discuss their work. The podcast believes in the power of conversations to drive change in communities. Ian Kehinde is the producer and host of the podcast.
Season 3 of Let's Talk Social Innovation highlights the incredible strength that diversity brings to social change while also emphasizing the power of academia in shaping innovative solutions.
We kick off the season with Dr. Toya Jones from the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, discussing her journey into social work and the crucial role education plays in supporting the mental well-being of disadvantaged communities.
Next, we delve into the immigrant experience with Brent Rondon from the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute, exploring homesickness and cultural resilience through a Peruvian lens. Jamie Christian, a leader in sustainable food advocacy and a founding member of the Lettuce Turnip The Beet Sustainability Collective, further illustrates this theme by discussing the intersections of food systems, sustainability, and the notion of "food apartheid."
These episodes embody the theme of Strength in Diversity, showcasing how varied backgrounds and experiences inform transformative social initiatives.
As we shift to the theme of Power in Academia, we engage with Dr. Ian Nettleship, whose humanitarian work with Ceramic Water Filter Solutions highlights how engineering can intersect with equity to create impactful innovations. Lastly, we talk with Vidya Surti, a recent graduate focused on disability rights and youth empowerment, demonstrating how academic pursuits can fuel advocacy and change.
Throughout this season, we not only explore these rich themes but also pave the way for future discussions on Creative Innovation, inviting listeners to think outside the box in their pursuits for a more equitable and sustainable world. Look forward to hearing from artist Kirsten Ervin, community leader Cecil Price, among many other incredible individuals.
Join us on this transformative journey as we uncover remarkable stories and the potential within each of us to shape a better future.
The podcast is available on Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Google Podcasts.
Episode 1 ft. Dr. Toya Jones): Social Work, Healing Overflow, and Black Mental Health
In the season 3 debut of Let's Talk Social Innovation, we interview the incredible Dr. Toya Jones of the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work. We talk through her colorful upbringing, what made her choose social work, and lastly, we touch on education for mental wellbeing of disadvantaged communities.
Episode 2 (ft. Brent Rondon): SBDC, Hispanic Heritage, and How to Fight Homesickness
In season 3, episode 2 of Let's Talk Social Innovation, we talk with Brent Rondon of the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute. We discuss his family upbringing, life in Peru, and lastly, we talk about how to fight homesickness (especially from an immigrant perspective).
Episode 3 (ft. Jamie Christian): Farming, Immigrant Culture, and Food Apartheid
In season 3, episode 3 of Let's Talk Social Innovation, we sit down with Jamie Christian, founding member of Lettuce Turnip The Beet Sustainability Collective. Throughout the episode we go through her backstory, her relationship with food and how it connects with sustainability, and the creation of "food apartheid."
Theme 2: Power of Academia
Episode 4 (ft. Dr. Ian Nettleship): Chance, Equity, and Engineering
In season 3, episode 4 of Let's Talk Social Innovation, we talk with Dr. Ian Nettleship, associate engineering professor at the University of Pittsburgh and President of Ceramic Water Filter Solutions. We'll detail his upbringing in the UK, his humanitarian work as president of Ceramic Water Filter Solutions, and discuss the intersections of chance, equity, and engineering.
Episode 5 (ft. Vidya Surti): Indo-Fiji, Disability Rights, and Youth Empowerment
In season 3, episode 5 of Let's Talk Social Innovation, we chat with Vidya Surti, recent graduate of the Frederick Honors College at the University of Pittsburgh. We'll talk about her indo-fijan culture, her focus on disability rights, and the role of Youth Empowerment in a social innovation context.
Episode 6 (ft. Sami Rizk): Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Work Life Balance
In season 3, episode 6 of Let's Talk Social Innovation, we chat with Sami Rizk, creative entrepreneur and student at the University of Pittsburgh. We'll touch on his adoption journey, his creative process with music, and we'll discuss work life balance in the second half of the episode.
Episode 7 (ft. Dr. Caitlin Spear): Literacy, Special Education, and the Power of Picture Book
In season 3, episode 7 of Let's Talk Social Innovation, we sit down with Dr. Caitlin Forbes Spear of the Office of Child Development. Dr. Spear talks about her current work with the Literacy and Learning Division under the Office of Child Development and put a spotlight on the importance of children's books.
Theme 3: Creative Innovation
Episode 8 (ft. Laura Stewart): Forget Me Not, Art Accessibility, and Perseverance
In season 3, episode 8 of Let's Talk Social Innovation, we chat with Laura Stewart, local Pittsburgh artist and director at Studio Forget Me Not. We'll touch on the power of art as a medium of expression and discuss the role that accessibility plays in changing society for the better.