Cover of Better Good with Scott M. Curran

Better Good with Scott M. Curran

Better Good with Scott M. Curran

By: Scott M. Curran
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Discover how the best do good—and how you can too. Scott M. Curran sits down with the innovators reimagining how the world does good—bringing you conversations you won’t hear anywhere else: candid stories, proven strategies, and actionable insights listeners can use in their lives, careers, and missions. Dive inside the playbook of the world’s top social impact leaders—so anyone can learn to do more good, better. Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Dina Benadon: The Untold Story of Walt Disney's Birthplace

    Dina Benadon: The Untold Story of Walt Disney's Birthplace
    28 Oct 2026
    What if the story of Walt Disney didn't begin with Mickey Mouse, Disneyland, or Hollywood—but inside a small house on Chicago's West Side? Before Walt Disney became one of the most influential creative visionaries in history, he was a child growing up in a home designed by his mother, Flora Disney, and built by his father, Elias Disney. More than a century later, that same house is being restored and transformed into a place dedicated to inspiring imagination, creativity, and innovation in future generations. Dina Benadon is the Co-Founder of Walt Disney Birthplace and CEO of Super 78, an award-winning creative studio developing immersive attractions and entertainment experiences for theme parks around the world. On this episode of BETTER GOOD, Scott M. Curran sits down with Dina to explore the remarkable story behind the restoration of Walt Disney's childhood home, the family influences that helped shape his imagination, and how preserving an important piece of Disney history can inspire future generations. Dina shares how she and her team discovered the historic home in Chicago's Hermosa neighborhood, purchased the property, and began the challenging process of restoring it to its original appearance. Along the way, they uncovered fascinating details about Walt's earliest years, including the creative influence of his mother, the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, and the environment that helped nurture his imagination. They discuss how Walt Disney Birthplace has evolved beyond historic preservation into a nonprofit organization focused on childhood creativity, education, innovation, and community engagement. Dina also takes listeners behind the scenes of Super 78, where her team creates immersive entertainment experiences and groundbreaking theme park attractions. From interactive animated characters to flying theater experiences, she explains how technology, storytelling, and imagination can come together to transport audiences into entirely new worlds. Scott and Dina explore the enduring influence of Walt Disney, the origins of Disneyland, the creative philosophy behind Disney Imagineering, and why Walt's willingness to take risks, embrace failure, and pursue seemingly impossible ideas remains relevant today. They also revisit memorable moments from Walt Disney Birthplace, including community celebrations, events with Disney legend Dick Van Dyke, collaborations with D23, and efforts to introduce children to the power of imagination through creative educational experiences. Beyond Disney history, Dina shares the personal experiences that shaped her belief in helping others, including her grandmother's extraordinary acts of compassion while surviving World War II. Together, Scott and Dina examine a bigger question: How can we preserve the imagination and curiosity of childhood—and use those qualities to create a better future? This is a conversation about Walt Disney, Disney history, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, historic preservation, childhood education, philanthropy, and the power of believing that extraordinary things are possible. Guest: Dina Benadon, Co-Founder of Walt Disney Birthplace & CEO of Super 78 Host: Scott M. Curran Better Good is a podcast series where you'll meet the visionaries and doers tackling the toughest challenges of our time. With moving stories and practical takeaways, Scott M. Curran brings listeners into the art and science of doing good through conversations with the social-impact leaders reshaping how we change the world. Whether you lead a global workforce, run a fast-growing nonprofit, or are simply driven to make a difference, Better Good offers the ideas, inspiration, and tools to leave the world better than you found it. The world's biggest problems won't wait. Neither should you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 min
  • Alex Amouyel: How Newman's Own Turns 100% of Profits Into Purpose

    Alex Amouyel: How Newman's Own Turns 100% of Profits Into Purpose
    14 Oct 2026
    What if businesses could do more than generate profits—and actually build doing good into the way they operate? Alex Amouyel is the President and CEO of Newman's Own Foundation, the philanthropic organization continuing the legacy of legendary actor and philanthropist Paul Newman. Built on the belief that business can be a powerful force for good, Newman's Own directs 100% of its profits and royalties to charitable purposes. Since 1982, more than $600 million has been contributed to organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities. On this episode of BETTER GOOD, Scott M. Curran sits down with Alex to explore how businesses can create meaningful, lasting social impact, what separates authentic corporate responsibility from greenwashing, and why the way a company is structured can determine whether its mission survives for generations. Alex explains the unique business model behind Newman's Own, where a foundation owns the food company and its profits support charitable grants benefiting children facing adversity. She discusses how this structure helps preserve Paul Newman's philanthropic vision and why building purpose into a company's ownership and governance can create lasting change. Alex and Scott also examine other purpose-driven businesses, including Patagonia and Rolex, and how foundations, trusts, and alternative ownership models can help organizations maintain their missions beyond the lifetimes of their founders. They explore the challenges of greenwashing and purpose washing, how consumers can distinguish meaningful social impact from marketing, and why transparency, fair wages, responsible supply chains, and measurable results matter when evaluating a company's commitment to doing good. The conversation also examines the Purpose Pledge, a framework encouraging businesses to go beyond minimum standards and incorporate responsible practices into their operations, leadership, and long-term strategies. Alex and Scott discuss why companies must still create products people love, remain competitive, and build financially sustainable businesses while pursuing a greater purpose. They also explore a bigger question: What if the future of business isn't simply about how much money companies make, but how they use their success to benefit the world? This is a conversation about entrepreneurship, philanthropy, corporate responsibility, leadership, ethical business practices, sustainability, social impact, and building organizations designed to make a lasting difference. Guest: Alex Amouyel, President & CEO of Newman's Own Foundation Host: Scott M. Curran Better Good is a podcast series where you'll meet the visionaries and doers tackling the toughest challenges of our time. With moving stories and practical takeaways, Scott M. Curran brings listeners into the art and science of doing good through conversations with the social-impact leaders reshaping how we change the world. Whether you lead a global workforce, run a fast-growing nonprofit, or are simply driven to make a difference, Better Good offers the ideas, inspiration, and tools to leave the world better than you found it. The world's biggest problems won't wait. Neither should you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 min
  • Amanda Litman on Building the Next Generation of Political Leaders

    Amanda Litman on Building the Next Generation of Political Leaders
    30 Sep 2026
    What happens when a new generation decides it’s time to stop waiting for change—and starts running for office themselves? Amanda Litman is the co-founder and president of Run for Something, an organization that recruits and supports young progressive candidates running for state and local office. Since launching in 2017, Run for Something has helped elect more than 1,650 leaders across nearly all 50 states, building one of the largest pipelines of young political candidates in the country. On this episode of BETTER GOOD, Scott M. Curran sits down with Amanda to explore what it takes to build the next generation of political leadership—and why some of the most consequential opportunities for change can begin at the local level. Amanda shares the story behind Run for Something, what she has learned from recruiting and supporting thousands of first-time candidates, and why school boards, city councils, state legislatures, and other down-ballot offices can play such an important role in shaping communities and the future of American politics. Before launching Run for Something, Amanda served as National Email Director for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, where she oversaw a digital fundraising operation that raised $330 million from more than 3 million donors. She is also the author of When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership, a book exploring how Millennials and Gen Z can approach leadership as they increasingly move into positions of responsibility. Her earlier book, Run for Something: A Real-Talk Guide to Fixing the System Yourself, explored the practical realities of running for state and local office. Amanda and Scott discuss generational change, leadership, political organizing, civic engagement, the challenges facing first-time candidates, and what Amanda has learned from building an organization designed to develop political leaders from the ground up. They also explore a bigger question: What happens when the next generation finally gets the opportunity to lead? This is a conversation about leadership, public service, civic engagement, local government, generational change, and the people preparing to shape what comes next. Guest: Amanda Litman, Co-Founder & President of Run for Something Host: Scott M. Curran Better Good is a podcast series where you'll meet the visionaries and doers tackling the toughest challenges of our time. With moving stories and practical takeaways, Scott M. Curran brings listeners into the art and science of doing good through conversations with the social-impact leaders reshaping how we change the world. Whether you lead a global workforce, run a fast-growing nonprofit, or are simply driven to make a difference, Better Good offers the ideas, inspiration, and tools to leave the world better than you found it. The world's biggest problems won't wait. Neither should you. #Podcast #AmandaLitman #Leadership #CivicEngagement #LocalGovernment #PublicService #GenZ #Millennials #SocialImpact #BetterGood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
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