Making Love & Designing The Future
Making Love & Designing the Future is a Love Now Media initiative that explores the design of systems and structures, and the way products, policies, and processes intersect with people’s everyday lives to improve them. Spaces, relationships, and solutions to pressing social issues make love possible. Each episode is hosted by Jos Duncan Asé, CEO of Love Now Media and Editor In Chief for Love Now Magazine, and will explore what is working to center empathy, wellness, justice, and equity to improve communities.
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Keyssh Datts: Decolonizing Philly Through the Power of Story
07/25/2024
Keyssh Datts: Decolonizing Philly Through the Power of Story
Guest: Keyssh Datts Founder and Coordinator of DecolonizePhilly [ ] In this episode of Making Love & Designing the Future, we delve into the inspiring journey of Keyssh Datts, a passionate, 22-year-old social justice activist from Southwest Philly and the founder of DecolonizePhilly. Keyssh shares her evolution from a high school student to a prominent figure in social justice and environmental activism. She highlights the power of community storytelling and her advocacy for marginalized communities through media activism, including her pivotal role in covering the UC Townhomes fight against eviction. Tune in to hear how Keyssh's work in documenting and preserving narratives, challenges injustice and paves the way for a more equitable future. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Social justice and environmental activism Community Storytelling Personal Growth Documenting and preserving narratives that challenge injustice Social justice activism and media representation Somatic abolitionism and healing as a form of protest Creating sustainable systems for love and change Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Editing: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Cover Design & Graphics: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Support the podcast by sharing this episode with your network or posting about it on social media. If you’re enjoying the podcast so far please take the time to rate and give us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. Thanks for tuning in to Making Love & Designing the Future. See you next week. Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Jill Roberts: Building Inclusive Wealth
07/18/2024
Jill Roberts: Building Inclusive Wealth
Guest Jill Roberts ( / In Episode 9 of Making Love & Designing the Future, host Jos Duncan Asé and guest Jill Roberts, Director of Advocacy at Clarifi, explore the urgent need to disrupt existing financial systems. Jill Roberts, a passionate advocate for financial reform, brings a wealth of knowledge to the intersection of finance, social justice, and community empowerment. Together, they delve into the impacts these systems have on equity, sustainability, and the well-being of marginalized communities. Drawing from personal experiences and professional insights, Jill articulates how current financial structures perpetuate inequality and exploitation. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink capitalism's role in shaping economic disparities and advocates for transformative changes that prioritize community empowerment and inclusive wealth-building practices. Through candid reflections and practical strategies, this episode offers a compelling narrative on reshaping financial narratives to foster a more just and equitable society. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Personal anecdotes about early struggles with money and how it can shape advocacy The impact of redlining and capitalism on perpetuating social inequality and limiting economic opportunities for Black people Insights into the flaws of capitalism and its detrimental effects on communities Strategies for financial empowerment and the importance of understanding personal finances Practical advice on improving financial literacy, managing debt, and navigating the complexities of credit scores The role of community involvement in reshaping financial policies to foster inclusive wealth-building practices Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Editing: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Cover Design & Graphics: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Visit our website at to explore our latest articles, podcasts, and video content. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends, family, and colleagues who are interested in design, innovation, and social impact. Thanks for tuning in to Making Love & Designing the Future. Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Darrien Johnson: Curating Positive Impact
07/11/2024
Darrien Johnson: Curating Positive Impact
Guest Darrien Johnson [/ @thecommunitycurator ] In this episode of Making Love & Designing the Future, host Jos Duncan Asé sits down with Darrien Johnson, founder of The Community Curator. They explore Darrien's journey from growing up in Philadelphia to launching a social impact company focused on empowering grassroots organizations. Darrien discusses the philosophy behind community curation, emphasizing that solutions to community challenges already exist and need to be curated rather than created. They delve into empowering grassroots leaders while developing nonprofit models for sustainable impact while Darrien shares insights on intentional and honest practices to address systemic issues. She also covers practical advice on self-love, identity, and forming meaningful connections. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Darrien's personal journey from experiencing dissatisfaction with community challenges to founding The Community Curator. Leveraging existing resources and relationships to foster healthy and thriving communities. Non profit Capacity, Communication, and Culture. The role of nonprofits in addressing community needs and promoting sustainability. Designing love and wellness through social and cultural experiences Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Editing: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Cover Design & Graphics: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Support the podcast by sharing this episode with your network or posting about it on social media. If you’re enjoying the podcast so far please take the time to rate and give us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. Thanks for tuning in to Making Love & Designing the Future. See you next week. Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Danya Henninger: Breaking News and Building Love
06/27/2024
Danya Henninger: Breaking News and Building Love
Guest: Danya Henninger [] In this episode of "Making Love & Designing the Future," Jos Duncan Asé interviews Danya Henninger, the editorial director at local newsroom Technical.ly, focusing on tech and innovation in the Mid-Atlantic region. Danya traces her journey into journalism, initially owning a digital and visual imaging business to later being the editor at Billy Penn, a pioneering local news startup. She emphasizes her journalistic philosophy, rooted in community engagement and accessibility, advocating against paywalls to strengthen societal connections. The episode explores the evolving landscape of journalism, highlighting storytelling's pivotal role and the significance of newsletters in fostering community engagement. Additionally, Danya discusses the potential benefits and ethical considerations of AI in journalism, including task automation and SEO optimization. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Approaches to identifying what is actually a story Media literacy and accessibility in journalism Modern journalism and the role of local voices Love and leadership The role of storytelling in journalism Active ways to engage outside of news articles Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Editing: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Cover Design & Graphics: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Visit our website at to explore our latest articles, podcasts, and video content. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends, family, and colleagues who are interested in design, innovation, and social impact. Thanks for tuning in to Making Love & Designing the Future. Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Sam Katz: The Future of History
06/20/2024
Sam Katz: The Future of History
Sam Katz [ /social handles] Founder & Executive Producer at In this episode of Making Love & Designing the Future, host Jos Duncan Asé engages in a fascinating conversation with Sam Katz, a former politician turned filmmaker, about his transition from public service to the world of film. Sam reflects on his early aspirations of becoming mayor of Philadelphia and his experiences running for office multiple times. He discusses how his political and financial background paved the way for his success in filmmaking, particularly in fundraising for historical documentaries. The episode also highlights Sam's dedication to preserving Philadelphia's rich history through various digital projects and his advocacy for supporting local filmmakers. Jos and Sam emphasize the importance of making history relevant to the community, especially students, and discuss the importance of quality leadership, empathy, and the power of storytelling in creating social change. This episode is packed with inspiration and wisdom you won’t want to miss! Topics Discussed in This Episode: Sam Katz’s Political Journey The importance of preserving and celebrating local history Risk-taking in your career Empathy in leadership The importance of understanding history to prevent the rise of propaganda and misinformation in politics Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Editing: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Cover Design & Graphics: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Visit our website at to explore our latest articles, podcasts, and video content. You can also subscribe to our magazine at lovenowmagazine.com and follow us on all social platforms at lovenowmedia. Thanks for listening to Making Love & Designing the Future, where we design tomorrow, with love today. Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Shawn Mooring: Philanthropy Reimagined
06/13/2024
Shawn Mooring: Philanthropy Reimagined
Guest: Shawn Mooring [ ] In this episode of Making Love & Designing the Future, host Jos Duncan Asé talks with Shawn Mooring, Head of Programs at the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, to explore the evolving landscape of philanthropy and its critical role in building equitable change. Shawn shares his journey starting with a two-year internship at the Ford Foundation to his current position, and discusses how his identity as a Black man informs his mission to heal communities through his philanthropic work. He also discusses the Lenfest Institute's initiatives to support diverse and thriving news and information entities in Philadelphia and beyond, and the shift towards trust-based models that prioritize community needs and reduce barriers to funding. The discussion also highlights the need for philanthropy to invest in capacity building, core operating support, and social innovation to address systemic injustices and promote equity. Join us for a compelling conversation on reimagining philanthropy and discover how leaders like Shawn Mooring are driving impactful change through innovative and community-centered approaches. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The importance of centering community voices Confronting the role of white supremacy in traditional philanthropy Sustainable news ecosystems Trust-Based Philanthropy Models Tips for those new to grant applications Future Innovations in journalism and philanthropy () Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Editing: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Cover Design & Graphics: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Visit our website at to explore our latest articles, podcasts, and video content. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends, family, and colleagues who are interested in design, innovation, and social impact. Thanks for tuning in to Making Love & Designing the Future. Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Michael O'Bryan: Human-Centered Design
06/06/2024
Michael O'Bryan: Human-Centered Design
Guest: Michael O'Bryan [] In this episode, Jos Duncan Asé and Michael O'Bryan, founder of , discuss human-centered design principles and community development. They explore the integration of love and care in both personal and professional contexts, while Michael emphasizes the significance of active listening, self-love, and creating spaces where people truly feel seen and heard. The conversation delves into the harmful impacts of capitalism on marginalized communities, the importance of inclusive language, and the necessity of empowering youth and young adults to express and amplify their voices. Also discussed in this episode are the complexities of unconditional love, the power dynamics in community engagement, and the role of empathy and support systems in effective leadership. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on love. Topics Discussed in This Episode: humanature Human-centered design principles Community development Inclusive language in leadership The impact of capitalism on communities Empowering youth voices Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Graphic Design: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Support the podcast by sharing this episode with your network or posting about it on social media. If you’re enjoying the podcast so far please take the time to rate and give us a 5 star review on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. Thanks for tuning in to Making Love & Designing the Future. See you next week. Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Diane Cornman-Levy & Kelly Sheard: Disruptors for Change
05/30/2024
Diane Cornman-Levy & Kelly Sheard: Disruptors for Change
Guests: Kelly Sheard & Diane Cornman-Levy In this episode of Making Love & Designing the Future, host Jos Duncan Asé interviews Kelly Sheard, Director of the Gender Wealth Institute, and Diane Cornman-Levy, Chief Disruptor at Women's Way. They discuss their personal journeys in nonprofit work, the innovative initiatives at Women's Way to close the gender wealth gap, including the Change the Narrative Fellowship. Kelly and Diane also delve into the importance of empathy and community in leadership while sharing insights on redefining wealth, confronting white supremacy, and building inclusive economic models. The conversation also touches on the critical role of self-care in social justice work and a vision for a more equitable future. Tune in now to be inspired by how they use design to implement powerful programs that produce transformative outcomes. Listen and leave a rating and review, and join the conversation using #MakingLoveAndDesigningTheFuture Topics Discussed in This Episode: Women's Way Change the Narrative program Program design Empowering women through nonprofits Power building, education, and community for social change Unlearning and dismantling white supremacy for a more equitable future Women's Way's definition of wealth: When wealth is accumulated, we live and retire with greater dignity, freedom and peace of mind. Our communities are prosperous, resilient, and vibrant. Future generations have the freedom to dream big, and become all they truly can be and we are healthy and know that our family networks and communities are healthy, spiritually whole and contributing. Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Editing: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Cover Design & Graphics: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Sign up for our newsletter on our to receive exclusive updates, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes insights from our programming at lovenowmedia.com. If you haven’t already, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Thanks for listening to Making Love & Designing the Future, where we design tomorrow, with love today. See you next week! Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Christopher Norris: Committing Acts of Journalism
05/23/2024
Christopher Norris: Committing Acts of Journalism
Guest: Christopher Norris [/] In this episode, Christopher Norris, Chief Strategy Officer and Strategic Advisor to the CEO at StoryCorps, discusses the potential of AI in storytelling and journalism, emphasizing creativity and ethical considerations. Christopher also shares his inspiring journey from professional drummer to influential journalist, highlighting his resilience and adaptability in the field. We also explore his innovative approach of entrepreneurial street journalism, the challenges of counterculture reporting, and how AI can democratize information and create new storytelling opportunities. The episode provides insights on using AI to promote equity and build an inclusive news community by uplifting marginalized voices and fostering mutual aid. Topics Discussed in This Episode: Storytelling Artificial intelligence People Powered Journalism Misuse of AI and ethical concerns Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Love Music from [Music Credits] Graphic Design: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Resources and media referenced in this episode: Community Journalism - ( Visit our website at to explore our latest articles, podcasts, and video content. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends, family, and colleagues who are interested in design, innovation, and social impact. Thanks for tuning in to Making Love & Designing the Future. Until next time. Learn more about our work at or follow us on all social platforms.
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Will Toms: Building REC & Future Proofing the Creative Economy
05/10/2024
Will Toms: Building REC & Future Proofing the Creative Economy
Guest: Will Toms [//] In this premier episode of Making Love & Designing the Future, Jos Duncan Asé invites listeners into a rich conversation with visionary entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 member Will Toms. The Co-Founder & Chief Creative Officer of REC Philly shares his insights into building communities and empowering local artists through innovative approaches, while also delving into pressing topics such as leadership, AI, and digital redlining. The episode explores the transformative power of design by way of personal growth, legacy, and the profound intersections of love and leadership. Join Jos Duncan Asé and Will Toms on a thought-provoking journey as they navigate the complexities of creativity, design, love, and the possibilities of the future. Topics Discussed in This Episode: The importance of participatory design and involving the community Algorithmic censorship and digital redlining in the media, tech, and journalism spaces Leadership, boundaries, and difficult conversations in a growing business Production Team: Produced by Tezarah Wilkins Associate Producer: Journey Moses Mixing and Sound Design: Mike Love Music from Envato Elements Graphic Design: Jacqui Stallworth of 10.30 Designs LLC Executive Produced and Hosted by Jos Duncan Asé Special Thanks to: Visit our website at to explore our latest articles, podcasts, and video content. You can also subscribe to our magazine at and follow us on all social platforms at lovenowmedia. Thanks for listening to Making Love & Designing the Future, where we design tomorrow, with love today. See you next week.
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