Episode Details

How do you describe a Laurie Meadoff? Start off with a big heart, add a piercing intellect, an insatiable curiosity, and a gargantuan exploding fireworks extravaganza of an imagination. Then add that she's a can't-sit-still, serial do-gooder problem solver who translates the word "NO" in any language, as the starting gun for the next story in the million chapter book she's been living, entitled There's no Such Thing as an Impossible Dream!

In this episode of 'Change the Story, Change the World,' host Bill Cleveland introduces Laurie Meadoff, a transformative entrepreneurial force in community arts, youth development, and social change. Laurie reflects on her life's work, including founding the internationally recognized CityKids Foundation, producing Emmy-nominated series, and engaging in art-based change initiatives across the globe. The conversation explores her unique approach to social justice, cultural democracy, and health equity through creative endeavors. Meadoff shares stories of impactful moments, like connecting youth worldwide and encouraging new generations to channel their creativity for activism, ultimately underlining the importance of listening, community empowerment, and sustained social impact.

00:00 Meet Laurie Meadoff: A Force of Nature

03:59 Laurie's Journey and Impact

06:16 Community Empowerment and Creativity

08:42 The Power of Listening and Adaptability

09:55 Art and Social Justice

11:00 Personal Reflections and Global Impact

18:25 Lean on Me: A Musical Interlude

22:05 Chat the Planet: Bridging Global Youth

28:53 Keith Haring's Legacy and City Kids

30:11 Artivism in Chicago

31:44 Take Back the Mic Africa

35:16 The Role of Artists in Society

39:06 Innovations in Health and Artivism

41:02 The Power of Observation and Witness

42:15 What You Going to Do About Hate?

48:52 Reflections and Future Aspirations

51:41 Closing Remarks and Resources

BIO

Laurie Meadoff is a leader, an innovator, and a change maker. Through artistic and expert use of her wide array of talents, Laurie has been able to make monumental strides toward a more tolerant and compassionate world through her media and community engagement strategies. Internationally acclaimed for her more than forty-five years of work and accomplishments, Laurie Inc. & Team's current clients list include:

Take Back The Media /Amp.it, a digital media platform that helps content owners know ‘Who's Watching and Why’. Creator of double Emmy nominated "Take Back the Mic: Africa”. We are now building a state of the art film and television studio in Africa.

Geoversity, Nature’s University in Panama, focusing on biocultural and indigenous leadership and environmental action.

The UN Global Mental Health Task Force, alongside The CityKids Foundation, Deepak Chopra’s Chopra Foundation and Social Architects. We are committed to a world where mental health is universally recognized as a fundamental human right.

Bodimetrics - the newest technology, addressing healthcare inequities by offering continuous blood oxygen and pressure with FDA-cleared medical devices.

Rozana Health Diplomacy, an international organization promoting access to quality healthcare in Palestine and Israel, through joint initiatives between communities in conflict. 

Laurie is committed to moving disruptive groundbreaking companies forward while networking with her social impact investors.  

Laurie has always had her pulse on youth culture. Laurie launched Authentik Inc. with partners Tony Krantz, Derrick Ashong and Siobhan Kavanagh. Authentik Inc is an innovation firm based out of NY and LA. Authentik Inc helps top brands stay culturally and socially relevant for the next generation. The team of world-class produ