About The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community
Circles USA's Chief Integrity Officer, Yvette Trujillo, and Executive Director, Kamatara Johnson, take a 10,000 foot view of poverty and break it down into bite-sized chunks, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the experience of poverty and learn how to make a real difference in your community.
Since 1998, Circles USA has been building community to end poverty through intentional friendships, personal transformation, and systemic change, led by the people closest to the challenge. Our vision for the future is that all individuals live in equitable and thriving communities where poverty no longer exists. Learn more at circlesusa.org!
What if hope isn't just an emotion we feel, but a skill grounded in science that we can understand and cultivate? In this special episode, hosts Kris and Kamatara sit down with quantitative psychologist and hope expert Dr. Evie Muilenburg Trevino to explore the fascinating intersection of hope, resilience, trauma, and neurobiology. Together, they unpack what hope actually is, why it matters in the context of poverty alleviation, and most importantly, how we can nurture it within ourselves and our communities. Whether you're working toward personal transformation or systemic change, this conversation offers insights and inspiration for building a future rooted in genuine hope.
🎙️ Episode Transcript and Show Notes: circlesusa.org/spe3
Learn more about Circles USA at circlesusa.org
19 Nov 2025
S2E8: Generative Dialogue
Join us for the final episode of Season 2 of The Big View Podcast, where we’ve been exploring the power of mindset: how it shapes our lives, our relationships with our families and communities, and the way we engage with the world.
In this closing conversation, hosts Kamatara and Kris dive into the practice of generative dialogue, discussing what it means, how to cultivate it, and why it’s essential for creating meaningful change. We unpack how the collective wisdom accessed through authentic, curiosity-driven conversations can lead to something brand new.
The episode also offers a rich reflection on the key mindsets we’ve explored this season, weaving them into a vision of how we can each contribute to thriving, connected communities grounded in awareness and possibility as we work together to end poverty.
It’s an invitation to keep the dialogue going…within ourselves and with one another.
Episode Transcript & Show Notes at: https://circlesusa.org/s2e8
22 Oct 2025
S2E7: Appreciative Inquiry
In this episode, Kamatara and Kris explore how the process of Appreciative Inquiry opens up fresh possibilities in Big View and large-scale systems change work. Sometimes called “the Other AI,” Appreciative Inquiry asks powerful questions and identifies the present strengths of a person, group, community, or society. This asset-based approach invites change from a grounded place of vision and creativity—focusing on what we want to build and expand, rather than fighting against what we don’t.
Tune in to discover how this transformative framework can shift conversations, inspire collaboration, and help us move collectively toward a more just and thriving world.
Episode Description & Show Notes: circlesusa.org/s2e7
27 Aug 2025
S2E6 | Empathic Intelligence ft. Meenadchi (Pt.2)
In Part 2 of our conversation with Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication, we continue exploring the role of empathic intelligence—this time focusing on its importance in navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict. Together, we dive into some passages from Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication to reflect on how empathy lives in our bodies, relationships, and communities. We explore how empathic intelligence helps us stay grounded in our own experience while remaining open to others, especially in high-stakes or emotionally charged situations.
We talk about what it means to listen beyond words, how to honor boundaries while staying connected, and the role of nervous system regulation in truly showing up for one another. Meenadchi shares practical tools and deep wisdom for anyone looking to lead with compassion without bypassing conflict or complexity.
This episode invites us to rethink how we relate: not just to each other, but to ourselves, to systems, and to the possibility of collective healing.
23 Jul 2025
S2E5 | Empathic Intelligence ft. Meenadchi (Pt.1)
In this two-part series, Kris & Kamatara dive deep into the transformative power of empathic intelligence with special guest Meenadchi (she/her), somatic healing practitioner and author of Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication. In Part 1, we explore what empathy and empathic intelligence truly are, including a breakdown of their two core components and the three types of empathy. We also discuss the importance of body sovereignty and boundaries in empathic practice—especially within the power dynamics that often arise in poverty alleviation work. Empathy isn’t just about being nice; it’s about cultivating emotional fluency and embodied awareness to navigate difference, power, and complexity with care.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in Episode 6, where we continue the conversation with Meenadchi and explore how empathic intelligence is essential for navigating trauma, poverty, systems change, and conflict.
25 Jun 2025
S2E4: Narrative Change
Andrew Sprock and Kayla Johnson discuss narrative change with hosts Kamatara and Kris, highlighting its transformative impact on strengthening relationships and reshaping community narratives about poverty in this interview.
28 May 2025
S2E3: Transformational Relationships
Addie Hartnett of Circles USA discusses transformational relationships with Kamatara and Kris, explaining how trust and reciprocity can revolutionize systems change and foster equitable partnerships in poverty alleviation, in this interview.
23 Apr 2025
S2E2: Values-Based Organizing
In this episode, Executive Director Kamatara Johnson and Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander kick off a three-part series on Centering People & Purpose, starting with the second mindset of Big View: Values-Based Organizing.
What happens when we lead with what we stand for, not just what we stand against? Join us as we explore how shared values can be a powerful foundation for organizing work that inspires hope, unity, and real community systems change.
We’ll break down the difference between traditional organizing and values-based organizing, share real-life examples from our own experiences and Circles communities, and dig into why centering values helps us keep people and purpose at the heart of what we do.
This isn’t just theory—it’s a practical shift that can reshape how we design campaigns, engage communities, and imagine solutions that include everyone, not just a few. Whether you’re new to organizing or a longtime changemaker, this episode will ground you in the “why” of values-based strategy.
26 Mar 2025
S2E1: Centering Those Closest to the Challenge
Join Circles USA’s Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander, and special guest Patty Herndon, Big View Chair and Circle Leader from Circles Davis County, as they explore the critical importance of centering those most impacted by the challenges of poverty. Together, they discuss how elevating lived experiences and amplifying the perspectives of strategically undervalued individuals can drive meaningful systems change, creating a more equitable and effective path of upward mobility for your community. At Circles, we understand that those closest to the challenge are closest to the solution—and everyone has a role to play in building an equitable and prosperous society.
26 Feb 2025
Special Episode: Effective Systems Change ft. Michelle Crawford
What does Systems Change really mean, and how do we create it in ways that are transformative, long-lasting, and impactful at every level of society? Systems change addresses the root structures and policies that shape our lives, affecting everyone from those directly impacted by laws to those who hold the power to make them. But how do we create meaningful change that brings together perspectives across the political spectrum for a shared goal—reducing and ultimately eradicating poverty?
In this special episode, join Chief Learning Officer Kris Alexander and Executive Director Kamatara Johnson, along with special guest Michelle Crawford of Circles Salt Lake, as they dive into the essentials of systems change. We’ll explore the meanings and nuances of systems change; discuss strategies for bringing it to life in our communities; and share insights on how to create it in ways that are transformative, long-lasting, and impactful at every level of society. Tune in to discover practical steps to help reshape the systems that impact us all!
18 Dec 2024
Special Episode: Bootstraps or Benefits?
Circles USA's Sarah Cunningham, a poverty expert, explores how a balanced approach that combines individual responsibility and social support can effectively address poverty in communities.
10 Jul 2024
Episode 6: Advancement
In the final episode of Season 1, we wrap up our journey through the five stages to prosperity with the last stage, Advancement. Here, individuals have now moved out of survival mode, built a foundation to withstand future crises, found purpose and belonging, and have reached a point of peaceful satisfaction and self-actualization. Kamatara and Yvette share how we can co-create equitable, thriving communities where poverty no longer exists, as is the vision of Circles USA.
26 Jun 2024
Episode 5: Placement
In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette dig into the fourth stage to prosperity, Placement. During this stage, individuals bring their newly gained skills and confidence into a workplace and community where they can have an impact, experiencing rich mutual reciprocity and a deep sense of belonging.
12 Jun 2024
Episode 4: Readiness
In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette explore the third stage to prosperity, Readiness, when individuals have the breathing space to make conscious choices about their futures. During this promising time, they can begin reconnecting with their dreams and tap into support networks to find new opportunities for personal and career growth.
29 May 2024
Episode 3: Stabilization
In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette delve into the second stage to prosperity, Stabilization. With imminent threats mitigated, individuals in stabilization can focus their energy on building a strong foundation for their lives. As they gather a support system and access essential services, they transition into increased self-sufficiency in all arenas, preventing a return to crisis.
15 May 2024
Episode 2: Crisis Intervention
In this episode, Kamatara and Yvette illustrate the first stage to prosperity, Crisis Intervention, emphasizing the importance of addressing immediate crises with the necessary interventions, support, and resources to help individuals move into stability. They also touch on the stigma that individuals are often battling in this phase and the valuable role that community can play in combating internalized shame.
29 Apr 2024
Episode 1: The Overview
In this season premiere, Kamatara and Yvette give a brief overview of Season 1 and the 5 Stages to Prosperity: Crisis Intervention, Stabilization, Readiness, Placement and Advancement.
Who has been a guest on The Big View: Ending Poverty in Your Community
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Andrew Sprock
Kayla Johnson
Addie Hartnett
Kamatara
Kris
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
64,523
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 23 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
0
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