Introducing LEFTTURN Podcast
Connecting with changemakers
Hosted by publisher and author Gabrielle David, LEFTTURN Podcast stands out for its in-depth exploration of individuals who have made unconventional and inspiring career changes, referred to as “left turns,” highlighting the changemakers essential in today’s sociopolitical climate. LEFTTURN Podcast is a program initiative that is produced by 2Leaf Press, Inc., a nonprofit multimedia company. LEFTTURN Podcast will debut in 2026 with Season 1, which will include 15 episodes, each highlighting one of 15 outstanding changemakers.
David conceived the idea for LEFTTURN Podcast following the 2016 elections, envisioning it as both an audio and video series. While the 2016 presidential election did not immediately make changemakers more vital, it heightened the visibility, urgency, and importance of their work for many Americans. David also recognized that the election results intensified existing social, political, and cultural divides, motivating people to become more actively involved in advocacy beyond conventional political avenues. This understanding served as the foundation for the LEFTTURN Podcast.
We intended to launch it in 2017, but encountered expensive technical challenges that exceeded our capacity to produce the podcast. By 2020, although some technical advancements had been made, it wasn’t until the COVID pandemic that ZOOM—a cloud-based platform offering various communication and collaboration tools—enabled a cost-effective transformation of video podcasting.
Since then, video podcasts and interview shows have become widespread, but our goal was to create something distinctive. Rather than concentrating on social and political commentary, we aimed to highlight the individuals making a positive impact in our everyday lives and communities—the changemakers. These changemakers come from all walks of life and are the ones we need to support and look up to. Some might describe this as a grassroots or “bottom-up” approach, relying on ordinary community members as the basis for change. However, this method hasn’t always been successful. What these changemakers are doing is working on a smaller scale, more effectively and efficiently, focusing on specific issues while connecting with other like-minded individuals to build support and drive change.
POTENTIAL GUESTS, TOP ROW LEFT: Lyah Beth LeFlore, the Shirley Bradley LeFlore Foundation; Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE); Bryan Stevenson, Esq., Equal Justice Initiative (EJI); Carolyn L. Baker, Ed.D, nonprofit consultant.
SECOND ROW LEFT: Ron Finley, The Ron Finley Project; Dorcas Cheng-Tozun, teacher author, and consultant; James Zogby, Zogby Research Services; Sarah Dee, Esq. (Muskokee), professor, author, Chief Justice of the Prairie Island Indian Community Court of Appeals. LEARN MORE
As a multidisciplinary artist, David draws on her own experiences to foster genuine discussions about embracing careers focused on making a positive impact. Instead of being a typical interview program, LEFTTURN Podcast features open and honest conversations with innovators who follow unique and sometimes surprising routes to bring about positive societal change. These changemakers work through the arts, sciences, law, education, or civil rights, tackling various social challenges such as race, the environment, culture, or other specific issues that demand creativity and proactive efforts. Some of these prospective guests reevaluated their goals and abilities, shifting from traditional careers to more fulfilling paths. On the other hand, some individuals decided to use their expertise beyond the business sector, preferring positions in universities, research institutes, nonprofit groups, or community organizations.
During each interview, David poses open-ended questions that invite guests to share their experiences and perspectives, emphasizing the journey of change rather than just the results, as it includes taking initiative and working to create an impact, providing a blueprint to listeners that encourages them to do the same.
From the outset, it was essential to highlight changemakers from diverse cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds who actively and thoughtfully address social and environmental issues, confront stereotypes, and encourage inclusivity and empathy in their communities or globally. These individuals frequently utilize cultural forms such as art, media, and storytelling to build empathy and promote positive social change, serving as catalysts for cultural transformation. Although highly regarded in their areas of expertise, many remain unknown to the broader national audience. David aims to change that with LEFTTURN Podcast.
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