The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community

SPE3: The Science of Hope ft. Dr. Evie Trevino

What if hope isn't just an emotion we feel, but a skill grounded in science that we can understand and cultivate? In this special episode, hosts Kris and Kamatara sit down with quantitative psychologist and hope expert Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino to explore the fascinating intersection of hope, resilience, trauma, and neurobiology. Together, they unpack what hope actually is, why it matters in the context of poverty alleviation, and most importantly, how we can nurture it within ourselves and our communities. Whether you're working toward personal transformation or systemic change, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for building a future rooted in genuine hope. 🎙️ Episode Transcript and Show Notes: circlesusa.org/spe3 Learn more about Circles USA at circlesusa.org

S2E8: Generative Dialogue

Join us for the final episode of Season 2 of The Big View Podcast, where we’ve been exploring the power of mindset: how it shapes our lives, our relationships with our families and communities, and the way we engage with the world. In this closing conversation, hosts Kamatara and Kris dive into the practice of generative dialogue, discussing what it means, how to cultivate it, and why it’s essential for creating meaningful change. We unpack how the collective wisdom accessed through authentic, curiosity-driven conversations can lead to something brand new. The episode also offers a rich reflection on the key mindsets we’ve explored this season, weaving them into a vision of how we can each contribute to thriving, connected communities grounded in awareness and possibility as we work together to end poverty. It’s an invitation to keep the dialogue going…within ourselves and with one another. Episode Transcript & Show Notes at: https://circlesusa.org/s2e8

S2E7: Appreciative Inquiry

In this episode, Kamatara and Kris explore how the process of Appreciative Inquiry opens up fresh possibilities in Big View and large-scale systems change work. Sometimes called “the Other AI,” Appreciative Inquiry asks powerful questions and identifies the present strengths of a person, group, community, or society. This asset-based approach invites change from a grounded place of vision and creativity—focusing on what we want to build and expand, rather than fighting against what we don’t. Tune in to discover how this transformative framework can shift conversations, inspire collaboration, and help us move collectively toward a more just and thriving world. Episode Description & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/s2e7

S2E6: Empathic Intelligence ft. Meenadchi (Pt.2)

In Part 2 of our conversation with Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication, we continue exploring the role of empathic intelligence—this time focusing on its importance in navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict. Together, we dive into some passages from Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication to reflect on how empathy lives in our bodies, relationships, and communities. We explore how empathic intelligence helps us stay grounded in our own experience while remaining open to others, especially in high-stakes or emotionally charged situations. We talk about what it means to listen beyond words, how to honor boundaries while staying connected, and the role of nervous system regulation in truly showing up for one another. Meenadchi shares practical tools and deep wisdom for anyone looking to lead with compassion without bypassing conflict or complexity. This episode invites us to rethink how we relate: not just to each other, but to ourselves, to systems, and to the possibility of collective healing. Episode Transcript & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/s2e6

S2E5: Empathic Intelligence ft. Meenadchi (Pt.1)

In this two-part series, Kris & Kamatara dive deep into the transformative power of empathic intelligence with special guest Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication. In Part 1, we explore what empathy and empathic intelligence truly are, including a breakdown of their two core components and the three types of empathy. We also discuss the importance of body sovereignty and boundaries in empathic practice—especially within the power dynamics that often arise in poverty alleviation work. Empathy isn’t just about being nice; it’s about cultivating emotional fluency and embodied awareness to navigate difference, power, and complexity with care. Stay tuned for Part 2 in Episode 6, where we continue the conversation with Meenadchi and explore how empathic intelligence is essential for navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict. Episode Transcript & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/s2e5