AshokaTECH Podcast

Host Alex Budak interviews Leo Laporte, the founder of the TWiT Network, syndicated radio host of "The Tech Guy," and published author on a diverse array of technology topics. The two discuss how technology is democratizing storytelling worldwide, the transition from people being passive media consumers to active media creators and both the promise as well as the peril that digital technology holds for society in the coming years.

Visit the podcast's page in iTunes to subscribe, or listen to and download the episode directly on the official AshokaTECH Podcast page

First of all, a huge thank you to all of our listeners for helping us reach our 10th episode!  We've now hit double digits, and there's no looking back now.  Thanks to all of you for your questions, feedback and for engaging with the podcast.  As always if you have comments, questions or suggestions for someone you'd like to see interviewed, be sure to get in touch!

On this week’s episode of the AshokaTECH Podcast, host Alex Budak interviews the founder of Samasource, Leila Janah.

Samasource enables marginalized people, from refugees in Kenya to women in rural Pakistan, to receive life-changing work opportunities via the Internet. The core of this concept is microwork -- little bits of labor that can be performed anytime and anywhere -- which provides dignified work opportunities and a chance to learn tech-skills.  In parallel, Samasource enables socially responsible companies, small businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs in the US to contribute to economic development by buying services from their workforce at fair prices. 

On this week’s episode of the AshokaTECH Podcast, host Alex Budak interviews the co-founder and CEO of Kiva.org Matt Flannery.

On this week's episode of the AshokaTECH Podcast, host Alex Budak interviews Ben Rattray, the founder of Change.org.

Founded in 2005, Change.org seeks to be the central platform informing and empowering movements for social change around the most important issues of our time.  From homelessness to genocide, health care to human trafficking, global warming, and more, Change.org leverages technology and social media to connect people with one another and organizations to advance their common causes.  

Alex gets Ben's take on how technology is changing the game for non-profits, strategies for striking a balance between being a competitive organization while not being motivated solely by profits, and what his experience suggests to counter critiques of so-called online "slacktivism."

As always, be sure to follow Alex on Twitter, @TheBudak, for updates on the podcast and your chance to have your own questions answered in future interviews.

"It's critical to identify the best, most high-impact and sustainable ideas…throughout the world." -- Julia Novy-Hildesley, Executive Director, Lemelson Foundation

In advance of the Tech 4 Society event convening in Hyderabad, India later this week, AshokaTECH Podcast host Alex Budak interviews Julia Novy-Hildesley, Executive Director of The Lemelson Foundation.  As a sponsor of the Tech 4 Society event -- which brings together leading social entrepreneurs, showcasing tech solutions and innovations revolutionizing social change throughout the world -- The Lemelson Foundation continues its tradition of supporting innovation and invention throughout the world.

In addition to the Tech 4 Society event, Alex asks Julia about her recent research on the "innovation engine" model for growth, her thoughts on where social-tech is headed in the next decade, and how we can ensure that a diverse group of future inventors are creating the next great innovations for the world.

As always, be sure to follow Alex on Twitter, @TheBudak, for updates on the podcast and your chance to have your own questions answered in future interviews.

Photo copyright, Newsweek, 2008

On this week's episode of the AshokaTECH Podcast, host Alex Budak interviews social entrepreneur Howard Weinstein, who is giving the gift of hearing to thousands in the developing world.  Batteries for hearing aids cost about $1US per week, which can be incredibly cost-prohibitive.  Weinstein developed an innovative way of recharging the hearing aids through solar power, reducing cost dramatically and allowing thousands to use hearing aids when they otherwise would not be able to do so. 

But the social change doesn't stop there.  Weinstein has created a sustainable business model in which hard-of-hearing kids from Botswana and Brazil train others in how to use and tune the devices -- creating jobs and long-lasting impact in communities around the world. 

Alex and Howard discuss the motivation behind social enterprise, tips for engaging a community, and how to take an idea and make it replicable across Geographies.

As always, be sure to follow Alex on Twitter, @TheBudak, for updates on the podcast and your chance to have your own questions answered in future interviews.

Happy New Year from AshokaTECH!  To celebrate 2010, we're wasting no time in bringing you the newest episode!

On this week's episode of the AshokaTECH Podcast host Alex Budak interviews Ashoka-Lemelson Fellow Mathias Craig and his brother Guillaume, the cofounders of Blue Energy.  Blue Energy implements a reliable clean energy model for poor Nicaraguan communities and puts development in the hands of residents by emphasizing the local manufacture and maintenance of wind and solar energy systems.  In Nicaragua, nearly half of its 5 million citizens do not have electricity, which stunts economic and social development -- especially in rural communities.  Blue Energy presents a sustainable solution to bringing electricity to these and other rural areas.  Alex talks to the Craigs about the work they are doing, as well as the challenges faced in implementing new technologies in rural communities. 

As always, be sure to follow Alex on Twitter, @TheBudak, for updates on the podcast and your chance to have your own questions answered in future interviews.

Listen and subscribe to the AshokaTECH Podcast on iTunes

After just two episodes, we're thrilled to say that the AshokaTECH Podcast has been selected by The School for Social Entrepreneurs blog as a "Top 10 Podcast for Social Entrepreneurs!"  Thanks so much -- we're honored to be included among other great shows.

This week's episode of the AshokaTECH Podcast features an interview with Ghanaian social entrepreneur Bright Simons who leverages mobile technology and SMS messages to help improve health and safety in West Africa. Bright sits down with host Alex Budak, as they discuss his work at the intersection of public health and technology, as well as the promise that mobile telephones hold for African development. 

As always, be sure to follow Alex on Twitter, @TheBudak, for updates on the podcast and your chance to have your own questions answered in future interviews.

Listen and subscribe to the AshokaTECH Podcast on iTunes

Or visit the AshokaTECH Audioroom to listen to this and all AshokaTECH Podcasts.

In this week's episode of the AshokaTECH Podcast, host Alex Budak interviews Ashoka Fellow David Green.  Green's work focuses on health care delivery to the developing world, enabling developing countries to produce, distribute, and service high-quality, affordable health care products. Having already directed the successful production and distribution of two products–intraocular lenses and surgical sutures, David is now launching an effort to manufacture and distribute top-of-the-line, cost effective, cosmetically acceptable, and locally maintainable hearing aids.  Alex asks him about his ongoing project, as well as what Green has termed "compassionate capitalism."

Be sure to follow Alex on Twitter, @TheBudak, for updates on the podcast and your chance to have your own questions answered in future interviews.

Listen and subscribe to the AshokaTECH Podcast on iTunes

Or visit the AshokaTECH Audioroom to listen to this and all AshokaTECH Podcasts.