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PODCAST

BETTER with Mark Brand

Mark Brand is your host for BETTER; a podcast about hope & resilience and leaving the planet a better place than we found it. It’s a home for conversations with incredible people who are change makers, disrupters, and experts in their fields. Brand is a social-impact entrepreneur, chef, and systems designer who is committed to ending hunger. By sharing tools for hope & resilience, Brand believes we can empower ourselves and each other to be BETTER.

society & culture mental health

All Episodes

9:25

Prequel: Hope Blooms and Keonte Beals

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2026/01/09

In this episode ofBetter, hostMark Brand casts ahead to his interview with Hope Blooms Manager of Social Business and Innovation, Koladeand artist, author, and community leaderKeonte Beals for a powerful conversation about self‑love, healing, and the transformative impact of community. This episode explores how safe spaces, mentorship, and representation can turn barriers into bridges and dreams into real careers. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: Hope Blooms & Uniacke Square Self‑Love

en-US

40:56

Michael Shaikh: Food, Conflict & Culture

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/12/12

Your host, Mark Brand, sits down with revolutionary journalist and author Michael Sheik, whose work shines a light on conflict, human rights, and the power of food in preserving culture and building resilience. From facing life-threatening situations in Afghanistan to uncovering stories of genocide and survival, Michael’s journey is an inspiring testament to the role food plays in connecting us to our roots, telling untold stories, and fostering hope even in the most challenging times. In a

en-US

18:45

Prequal: Michael Shaikh

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/11/28

In this reflective episode, host Mark Brand and producer Madison dive deep and reflect on their powerful conversation with investigative journalist, writer, and advocate Michael Shaikh. Together, Mark and Madison discuss the ongoing refugee crisis, exploring how displacement threatens language, customs, and generational identity. Drawing from Michael’s frontline experiences, they highlight stories of preserving cultural heritage amidst adversity, and the courage it takes to hold powerful

en-US

32:06

1-800-Happy Birthday: Honouring Lives through...

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/11/14

Your host, Mark Brand sits down with Benjamin McBride (BJ) and Michelle Monterrosa, advocates behind the 1-800 Happy Birthday project: whose work is transforming how we remember, honour, and heal in the face of tragedy. From personal heartbreak to sparking national conversations, our guests’ journeys are a testament to the power of community, storytelling, and resilience. In a world that often overlooks the deep human toll of violence, this conversation is a reminder that true change begins

en-US

14:27

Prequal: 1-800 Happy Birthday

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/10/31

In this special discussion, host Mark Brand and producer Madi, reflect on their conversation with 1 800 Happy Birthday's founder and special guest. Mark and Madi discuss how personal and collective trauma can fuel meaningful advocacy and systemic change. They reflect on powerful examples of activism, emphasizing the importance of community support, mentorship, and empowering younger generations. This conversation highlights real-life stories of moving from grief to action, focusing on prevention,

en-US

43:17

Ken Shea: Banking on Community

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/10/17

We sit down with a leader whose work is transforming how we think about wealth, community, and the true meaning of success: Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union. From humble beginnings to guiding one of the region’s most community-focused financial institutions, our guest’s journey is a testament to the power of building significance, not just success. In a world that often celebrates individual achievement, this conversation is a reminder that the greatest impact comes

en-US

19:11

Prequal: Ken Shea

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/10/03

Before we sit down with Ken Shea, President and CEO of East Coast Credit Union, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this conversation matters. In this special prequel episode, host Mark Brand and producer Madi share what drew them to the story of credit unions, and why community banking is more than just financial transactions — it’s a roadmap to resilience, empowerment, and real local impact. This episode sets the table. This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit

en-US

38:46

Sean Sherman: The Sioux Chef

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/09/19

We sit down with Chef Sean Sherman, also known as The Sioux Chef whose work is transforming how we think about food, land, identity, and justice. Raised on Pine Ridge Reservation, Sean realized early in his culinary career that he could name a hundred European recipes, but barely any from his own Lakota heritage. That realization sparked a movement. We discuss: Why food is a language that connects, heals, and resists How Indigenous knowledge holds answers to climate, health, and equity crises

en-US

15:50

Prequel: Sean Sherman

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/09/05

Before we sit down with Chef Sean Sherman the visionary known as The Sioux Chef, we’re taking a moment to reflect on why this conversation matters. In this special prequel episode, Mark Brand and producer Madi share what drew them to Sean’s story, and why Indigenous food systems are more than just recipes — they’re a roadmap to justice, resilience, and reconnection. This episode sets the table. This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union. At East Coast Credit

en-US

34:07

Nadya Hutugalang: Using Fame To Drive Change

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/08/22

Nadya Hutagalung is today’s guest, a media icon turned global changemaker. Once a beloved MTV Asia VJ, Nadya has since become a UN-recognized environmental activist, leading a powerful campaign that helped reduce the ivory trade across Asia. Her work directly influenced a change in Thai legislation around ivory sales, and her journey is as personal as it is political, navigating threats, health battles, and depression to stay committed to her mission. Nadya’s story is one of

en-US

13:09

Prequel: Nadya Hutugalang

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/08/08

Buckle up for an electrifying episode of Better that will transform how you see celebrity activism forever! In this special prequel episode, Mark Brand and producer Madi share the extraordinary story of Nadya Hutugalang - a former MTV Asia superstar who traded Hollywood glamour for global impact. Imagine going from hosting a top modeling competition to standing toe-to-toe with UN officials and confronting dangerous ivory trade cartels. This isn't just another celebrity story; this is a masterclass

en-US

40:21

Bun B: Be A Good Man

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/07/25

Today’s guest needs no introduction, but he’s getting one anyway. Bun B is a southern icon, one half of the legendary rap duo UGK, and a cultural force who’s redefined what it means to use fame for good. From the booth to the boardroom to the burger joint, Bun’s legacy is layered with music, mentorship, and movement building. He’s taught at Rice University, stood on the frontlines of natural disasters, and created Trill Burgers, crowned Best Burger in America by Good

en-US

17:14

Prequel: Bun B

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/07/11

Before we sit down with Bun B, rap legend, educator, entrepreneur, and community builder, host Mark and producer Madi talk about why this episode hits different. This isn’t just a story about hip-hop. It’s about healing, hustling, and using every platform, from music to meat patties, to make a difference. In this behind-the-scenes conversation, we dive into what makes Bun’s legacy so powerful. This episode sets the rhythm. This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit

en-US

1:19

Season 3 Trailer

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2025/06/27

BETTER is back for season three with Mark Brand. Enjoy this quick tease of what you can expect from these new interviews with important change makers.

en-US

29:51

Andrew Knapp: Grief and Man's Best Friend

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2023/09/11

Andrew Knapp is today's guest; a dog-lover, photographer, illustrator, and a New York Times best-selling author! His dog Momo created an internet sensation by playing hide-and-seek all over the world. Andrew’s books about Momo include Let’s Find Momo!, Let’s Find Momo Outdoors! and more. His latest release was published just last week titled Let's Find Yaya and Boo at Home!: A Hide-and-Seek Adventure.Find out more about Andrew Knapp, sign up for his newsletter & learn about his new book Find

en-US

44:30

Heather Plett: Holding Space

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2023/07/31

This week, Mark's guest is Heather Plett, an international speaker, facilitator, writer, and life-long learner. She's the author of the book The Art of Holding Space: A Practice of Love, Liberation, and Leadership and the soon-to-be-released book, Where Tenderness Lives: On Healing, Liberation, and Holding Space for Oneself. She is also the co-founder of the Centre for Holding Space. Mark and Heather talk about their respective journeys through grief and the tools that we can all use to hold space

en-US

52:43

Ziya Tong: The Reality Bubble

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2023/07/17

This week's guest is award-winning broadcaster Ziya Tong. She is best known as the anchor of Daily Planet, Discovery Channel’s flagship science program. Her book The Reality Bubble won the Lane Anderson Prize for best science writing in Canada and was shortlisted for the RBC Taylor Prize. The book has been translated into multiple languages, and has earned praise from luminaries including Naomi Klein and David Suzuki who calls Tong’s book, “required reading for all who care about what we are doing

en-US

34:00

Dr. Michael Airhart - Taste For The Homeless

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2023/07/03

This week's guest is a legend, especially in the projects on the south side of Chicago, where every unhoused human he looks in the face feels acceptance, love and dignity. He is the CEO and Founder of Taste For Thee Homeless. In this episode, you'll hear him talk about discovering his purpose, making people of influence like Chance the Rapper support his cause, and what he's planning next. Follow along with Mike on his Instagram for more @TasteForTheHomeless.

en-US

42:59

James Anderson: Ending Incarceration with Love

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2023/06/19

Host Mark Brand has a conversation with entrepreneur, social innovator, and activist, James Anderson. *DISCLAIMER* This episode will touch on suicide; please find some resources below if you are struggling. After overcoming a childhood riddled with great challenges, James’ story is one filled with hope and redemption. James graduated from UCLA with double honors while simultaneously helping to create one of the world’s leading criminal justice reform organizations—The Anti-Recidivism Coalition. In

en-US

44:31

Anthony Demby - A Humble Riot

BETTER with Mark Brand ·

2023/06/05

Anthony Demby has worn many entertainment-industry hats for more than two decades. From managing the careers of artists such as Childish Gambino and John Legend to advising global brands, his journey has been diverse and expansive. In 2010, Demby combined his recording label, artist management knowledge, and cultural curiosity to found Humbleriot, a New York-based intentional idea shop that utilizes music, culture, and social impact to create dynamic experiences and tell compelling stories

en-US

54 results

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