Roots & Causes

Roots & Causes

A podcast for curious people who want to reach beyond the headlines to explore the full story behind the social issues we hear about every day.

Social issues do not exist in isolation – they develop through layers of history, policy, and economic influence. We explore these contexts by going directly to the nonprofit organizations working in them every day.

Hosted by an international relations professor and nonprofit founder, the podcast approaches every conversation with curiosity rather than assumptions.

Join Us
Several individuals are engaged in a community cleanup, collecting trash from a gutter. They are dressed casually and are focused on picking up plastic bottles and litter. The setting is outdoors, with bags to collect the trash.

The Angle

Roots & Causes is an invitation to lean in, listen closely, and understand the world a little more deeply.

Historical Context:
We trace issues back through time to understand how decisions made by those with power shape present realities.

Lived Experience:
We center nonprofits and the communities they serve, bridging headlines and humanity.

Better Questions
We slow down to ask how systems evolve and why root causes are more surprising than expected.

Our Story

Roots & Causes grows community connections, nurturing change from the ground up with heart and hands.

A group of four people wearing white T-shirts with #NODAPL printed on the back walk on a sandy area. There are tents and a car in the background, possibly indicating a campsite or protest site. The sky is overcast, and the setting has a modest, makeshift appearance.

Community Gardens

Several people are engaged in gardening work under a bamboo structure, planting and arranging plants with precision. The setting is outdoors, surrounded by trees and natural elements.

Tree Planting

Bringing neighborhoods together to plant native trees that restore local ecosystems and shade our streets.

A lush garden setting featuring tall green plants supported by woven wooden structures. The plants are vibrant and healthy, surrounded by rich, dark soil. In the background, a variety of foliage is visible along with a wooden fence. Some people are visible, suggesting a community or shared garden space.

Youth Workshops

Hands-on sessions where kids learn about soil, seeds, and sustainable growing practices in a fun setting.

A vibrant community garden is surrounded by a tall wooden fence. Numerous raised wooden garden beds contain lush green plants, while freshly tilled earth is visible in some plots. Several rocks are placed decoratively along the garden's pathway. In the background, there are trees and a few houses, providing a suburban feel to the scene.

Soil Restoration

Reviving damaged land through natural composting and planting cover crops to enrich the earth beneath.

Several individuals wearing patterned scarves are gathered outdoors, holding a sign with bold text advocating for a cause. Trees and a building are visible in the background, suggesting a public demonstration or protest.

Harvest Festivals

Celebrating the fruits of our labor with local food, music, and stories shared among neighbors and friends.

Interested in Being a Guest?


We’re always looking to connect with nonprofit leaders, community organizers, and local churches who are working on the ground to address today’s most pressing issues. If your organization has a story to share about the causes you’re addressing, we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s Connect

Get in Touch

Here

A close-up of two buttons pinned to a multicolored, textured fabric. The upper button is wooden with a design of a rose and the words 'TRY NONVIOLENCE' and 'REHUMANIZEINTL.ORG'. The lower button is black with '2,363 2363.ORG' in white text.