Why We Matter

About Why We Matter

City Year Studios presents Why We Matter, a weekly podcast that brings together young leaders, public education and policy experts, thought partners, and change-makers. Why We Matter seeks to share insights and discuss the limitless power of our youth, the importance of strong mentorship and developmental relationships, and more.These conversations will stir suggestions and offer solutions for helping our youth learn, grow, and thrive, in school and beyond. Tune in to our Spotlight Series, where you will hear from the young adults who have served as student success coaches across the country with City Year or with partner organizations. Join hosts Jonathan Raymond and Emily Sullivan each week for new episodes, recorded live at City Year Headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts.

Publisher

City Year

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

21 Mar 2024

Latest episode

12 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

78 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Aug 2025

   Ep. 56 - Illeasha White, Impact Manager, City Year Columbus, OH

   "Lead with knowing who you are." Our conversation today with City Year Columbus, OH Impact Manager, Illeasha White, starts with knowing who you are and staying authentic. Join us as we learn about the value of building community with your team and understanding the community you serve. Illeasha shares the power of being intentional about asking questions to help people grow and find their own answers.

2. 

   5 Aug 2025

   SPOTLIGHT: Rondale Smith, Student Success Coach and Service Leader in Columbus, OH

   Join us for a conversation with Rondale Smith and learn about his journey to City Year and how his service time as inspired and prepared him to continue serving others.

3. 

   29 Jul 2025

   Ep. 55 - Joel Rose, CEO Newclassrooms

   Joel Rose joins us to talk the importance of meeting students and schools where they are in the education journey, and how now is the time to transform the learning experience for children and educators.

Who has been a guest on Why We Matter

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jade Butler
• Clarissa Orduno
• Chet Hewitt
• Alex Saadé
• Mike De Roek

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

85

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Why We Matter

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.