In this first episode of the Reimagining Philanthropy podcast, host Senator Ratna Omidvar asks guests Kris Archie and Edgar Villanueva a big question that looms over the philanthropic sector: “If accumulated wealth comes from years of oppression, exploitation, and colonization, then is philanthropy simply an expression of atonement at best or a cover-up at worst?”

The panellists explore what reparative change in the sector should look like. Archie offers an expansive view of philanthropy, grounded in stewardship and ethical redistribution, and asks individuals working in settler philanthropy to examine how they are complicit in white supremacy. Villanueva asks listeners to “begin with a place of truth around the origins of wealth and how wealth has been accumulated.” Both guests offer tangible steps for how organizations can take part in real wealth redistribution, shift power directly back to communities, and move “reconciliation rhetoric” forward into these actions of reciprocity.

Episode 1 with Senator Ratna Omidvar, Kris Archie, Edgar Villanueva

Author and researcher Beth Breeze shares why philanthropy matters and challenges some of the main critiques of philanthropy. Breeze asserts that we hear more about the smaller problems than the greater good that philanthropy contributes to society.

Episode 2 with Senator Omidvar and Beth Breeze

Today’s episode of Reimagining Philanthropy features Liban Abokor, co-founder of Foundation for Black Communities. Host Ratna Omidvar begins the conversation by asking, “Should we think of philanthropy as public money or private money?” Abokor responds that it needs to be seen as public wealth. This first question sets the tone for a conversation about how moving the philanthropy sector forward so it can address inequity, injustice, and racism means creating mechanisms to hold it accountable to the communities it poses to serve. 

Abokor emphasizes that to solve its problems, the sector must find ways to include the voices of those who have been left out. Greater representation with a “duty of care” approach, he says, can help to address some of the issues raised in the Unfunded report. He also suggests equity benchmarks and policy changes. And to see these changes actually happen, we must be impatient. No more incrementalism, he says: “We need to demand transformation at scale.”

Episode 3 with Senator Ratna Omidvar And Liban Abokor

In this episode of Reimagining Philanthropy, Ratna Omidvar talks to Justin Wiebe and Lucy Bernholz about ways forward for the philanthropy sector, as it undergoes what Omidvar calls “a bit of an existential challenge.” 
The guests confront Western, Eurocentric ideas of philanthropy, especially when they come from a transactional perspective of taking and giving. Bernholz explains that colonization has limited our imaginations on what philanthropy can and should be. The ideal world would have no need for philanthropy because people would be able to do what they need to without it, Bernholz says. Until then, different models such as “transformative philanthropy,” for example, would put funds directly in the hands of communities, without, as Wiebe says, “making people jump through these hoops all the time.” The underlying message? To move forward, the sector needs to learn from worldviews outside of the dominant one and imagine different models of giving.

Episode 4 with Ratna Omidvar, Lucy Bernholz and Justin Wiebe

What happens when we are intentional about being a good host? What are the possibilities for philanthropy – and for ourselves – when we are hosted in a way that is grounded in Indigenous-led ways of giving and sharing?

As we start to gather again, and in newly adapted ways, this podcast shares lessons from one special gathering. Host Holly McLellan talks with guests Joleen Mitton, Justin Wiebe, and Josh Paterson about their experiences and reflections from The Circle’s 2023 All My Relations gathering. Key themes of presence, Indigenous leadership, accessibility, inclusion, closed spaces, liberation, relationships, connection to land, gratitude, and honesty highlight how a conference that is far from typical intentionally centres principles of reciprocity, accountability, curiosity, and abundance. In this way, power dynamics are reframed between Indigenous-led organizations and settler-led foundations to pave the way for transformation and collective change.

The All My Relations conference was held at the breathtaking Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Treaty Six territory, in May 2023. All are welcome and encouraged to attend The Circle’s gatherings and events, including the upcoming Fall Feast, October 31 to November 2.

This episode is a proud production of The Circle, published in partnership with The Philanthropist Journal. It was created in the spirit of reciprocity by a small group of people as a huge thanks to The Circle for hosting us at All My Relations 2023. Special thanks to Joleen Mitton, Justin Wiebe, Josh Paterson, Holly McLellan, Carly Goodman, and Noor El-Husseini.

Podcast Music: Lori Cullen, “Go Climb,” from Blood Wonder, 2022

Not Your Typical Conference: Insights about Hosting from The Circle’s All My Relations Gathering

Through an AI-generated intro and a real conversation, host Amina Mohamed highlights the potential and pitfalls of artificial intelligence, emphasizing its role in enhancing efficiency and tackling global challenges. She delves into the Ontario Nonprofit Network’s report on AI, discussing algorithmic bias and the need for ethical AI use.

The episode features an interview with Rob Hunt, a PhD candidate at Concordia University researching AI in workplace management. Hunt discusses the concept of “bossware,” the implications of AI-driven employee monitoring, and the psychological effects of such technologies. The conversation underscores the importance of understanding and shaping AI’s role in the non-profit sector to ensure it supports rather than undermines human workers.

Episode 1: Is AI truly life-changing?

In the second episode of the Working Title podcast, host Amina Mohamed interviews Peter Lewis, Canada Research Chair in Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence at Ontario Tech University. The discussion explores how AI is transforming non-profit organizations, and the importance of data privacy.

Peter Lewis talks about his work with small organizations and non-profits, emphasizing partnerships with groups like the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Pamoja Institute to tackle issues such as food insecurity and accessibility in AI transparency tools. He addresses non-profits’ mixed feelings about AI, its potential benefits, and the critical need to manage AI-induced biases. Lewis advocates for a balanced approach – integrating AI while preserving the mission-driven essence of non-profits and ensuring that meaningful work remains for employees.

Episode 2: Creating solutions with community using AI

"Good vibes don't pay the bills."

In this episode, host Amina Mohamed references popular TikTok personality Nicole Daniels, known for her character "Nonprofit Nicole," and other social media content creators who all highlight the uncomfortable truths of non-profit workplaces. She also examines the systemic issues revealed by the closure of Pollen, a media arts non-profit, and the resignation of its executive director, Ruby Oluoch.

This is the third podcast episode from Amina Mohamed, one of five writing/podcast fellows working with The Philanthropist Journal. The fellowship is focused on the future of work and working and was made possible through funding and support from the Workforce Funder Collaborative.

Episode 3: Cycling through jobs in the non-profit sector

"My community is happy with the work that I do. Maybe that's enough, maybe I shouldn't be asking for more money, you know?"

When Abdifatah Hussein was 20 years-old, he took a job as custodian in a non-profit to investigate what it would take to start his own organization. The co-founder of Hidaayah House shares his perspective on making a living while working in a non-profit, his fascinating career journey, and how he feels about the organization he helped create.

This is the fourth and final podcast episode from Amina Mohamed, one of five writing/podcast fellows working with The Philanthropist Journal. The fellowship is focused on the future of work and working and was made possible through funding and support from the Workforce Funder Collaborative.

Episode 4: How do we afford to work in community? An interview with  Abdifatah Hussein

Heading into what promises to be a complex year, we asked contributor Angela Long, who is also a poet, to write a poem to share with our readers as a way of putting a bow on our 2024 publishing. We love how she worked in voices from the interviews she’s done for us over the last few years.

Off the record

Raine Liliefeldt reads “Building collective care and collective power: Lessons learned from anti-violence workers” by Krys Maki. Find the written version here: https://thephilanthropist.ca/2025/05/building-collective-care-and-collective-power-lessons-learned-from-anti-violence-workers/

Building collective care and collective power: Lessons learned from anti-violence workers

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