In this episode of Let’s Get Changed, we are privileged to be speaking with Michael Kelly, the Vice President for Social Impact at Participant, a socially conscious production company responsible for groundbreaking films such as An Inconvenient Truth, Food Inc., the Cove, Just Mercy, Roma, and many more — boasting 86 Academy Award nominations and 21 wins. We speak with Michael about Participant’s latest hit film, Descendant, how the company is uniquely positioned to move its viewers from the ‘seats to the streets,’ and storytelling tips and strategies for anyone looking to move the needle on progressive causes using the power of creative communication. PRO TIP: President Barack Obama recently plugged Descendant on his personal Instagram account. It’s that important a flick. Enjoy the episode.
This episode of Let’s Get Changed is brought to you by:
HigherRing, specializing in ethical outsourced fractional and full-time operations including sales support, executive & virtual assistance, financial support & bookkeeping, and much more. HigherRing is a women-led B Corp, a member of 1% for the Planet, and a member of the American Sustainable Business Network. Learn more by heading over to www.higherring.com.

Let's Get Changed
E09 - Lights, camera, activate! Moving audiences from seats to streets
/
IN THE NEWS
SOURCE: The Hollywood Reporter | By Etan Vlessing
Jun. 14, 2022
The Hollywood Reporter: Banff: Participant CEO “Energized” by Film, TV Content That Inspires Social Change
Indie production veteran discussed working with Hollywood partners to create content that accelerates community impact and change.
IN MEDIA
Bigger than what we make
Telling stories rooted in the human experience to change lives in powerful ways.
MORE EPISODES
E21 – Sole-search: From flip-flop blowout to eco-friendly footwear
How Kyle Parsons, Founder and CEO of Indsole, created a Bali-based brand using upcycled tires to reduce waste while promoting conscious consumerism.
E20 – From the heart: Centering relationships, self-care, and community in pursuit of climate justice
How Brazil-based Filha Do Sol is working to empower women in the tropics as frontline climate defenders — with Dr. Flávia Maia.
E19 – Planting seeds: A frozen food company takes root and joins the fight against hunger
Strong Roots’ CEO Sam Dennigan sprouts sustainability, nourishing communities with plant-based goodness and tackling frozen food insecurity one meal at a time.
E18 – The birthing of a movement: All-inclusive and people-powered
A key spark brings diverse voices together in pursuit of justice and joy, with Diandra Esparza of Intersectional Environmentalist.
E17 – Season 1 wrap-up: A look back, a look ahead
Let’s Get Changed host Eric Cárdenas reflects on a successful first season while preparing for season 2 and inviting listeners to connect!
E16 – From seashells to spices to dollar-driven currency: How web3 technology is giving rise to a new economy
Bringing power to the people by unlocking the power of blockchain and cryptocurrency, with David Fortson, CEO of LOA Labs.
E15 – Making waves: How one company built a movement to save coral reefs from chemical sunscreens
Dive into All Good’s successful 2018 Hawaii-based Reef Friendly campaign — play-by-play — with founder and CEO Caroline Duell.
E14 – On the beat: Values-based marketing strategies with a side of jazz
Getting in the groove with Consciously CEO, Rai-mon Nemar Barnes, as he dishes on his core principles for authentic storytelling.
E13 – SHE means business: Leading the charge for gender equality in the workplace
The birth of The SHE Mark - the ultimate certification for women-forward businesses with founders Sterling Champion and Ilana Broad.
E12 – Out of this world: Setting sights on $1B in corporate philanthropy
The evolution of a global philanthropic network that puts people and planet first, with Kate Williams of 1% for the Planet
E11 – Beyond ‘money talks’: Using finance as a catalyst for progressive action
How America’s socially responsible bank does its business better, with Maura Keaney of Amalgamated Bank.
E10 – Black Girls in Media: From small GroupMe chat to global community
How a job search for one turned into a jobs resource for many, with Black Girls in Media founder Tasha McCaskiel.
E08 – Dress to impress: The values stitched into your clothes
A future of sustainably sourced fashion with Dr. Kimberly McGlonn of Grant Blvd.
E07 – Change for the batter: How a bakery is at the center of the Open Hiring Movement
Joseph Kenner talks about Greyston Bakery’s mission for social impact through open hiring.
E06 – Sweet spot: Open Chain initiative for progressive social change
Combatting child labor in the chocolate industry with Karin Campbell of Tony’s Chocolonely.
E05 – Leading with love: Two women spreading the importance DEIJ
Allyship at the forefront of making businesses better for all.
E04 – Let’s Get Changed: The why and how of a changemaker podcast
A moment of reflection and vision from the LGC team.
E03 – Standing ground: Indigenous voices and lands at the forefront of battling the climate crisis
A conversation on climate action with Amazon Watch’s Leila Salazar-López.
E02 – Taking root: Growth of the green economy for BIPOC communities
Bridging the equity and inclusion gap with Kristy Drutman.
E01 – Origin story: A company’s journey of raising the bar in social and environmental change
Let’s Get Changed with David Bronner of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps on company origins to unite the human race, corporate philanthropy, regenerative agriculture, and plastics reduction.