Dr. Ally Zlatar is an award-winning artist, activist, and academic working at the intersection of art, mental health, and social justice.

Drawing from her own lived experience with an eating disorder, she founded The Starving Artist, an international initiative using creative expression to amplify marginalised voices and drive systemic reform.

She also established the Starving Artist Scholarship Fund, providing financial support to help individuals access inpatient mental health treatment.

In this episode, Ally shares her journey from personal struggles to launching a global movement recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30. We discuss how she uses art to heal, build inclusive communities, and drive meaningful social change.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of art to create impact.

Highlights: 02:49 The Role of Art in Mental Health 05:34 Personal Journey and The Starving Artist 08:16 Art as a Medium for Social Change 11:10 Building Community Through Art 14:06 Challenges in the Art World 16:45 Supporting Emerging Artists 19:43 Mental Health and Accessibility 22:10 Reflections on Growth and Resilience 24:57 Future Projects and Advice for Aspiring Change Makers 30:37 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights

Find out more about Ally and The Starving Artist here: https://starvingartist.cargo.site/

Robyn Natsuko Shinozaki is the founder of Green Neighbors, a social enterprise reimagining how cities grow food, foster connection, and promote sustainable living. Drawing on her multicultural upbringing in Japan and Singapore, Robyn blends urban farming with community engagement to transform underused city spaces into thriving green ecosystems.

In this episode, Robyn shares her journey from growing up between two cultures to launching Green Neighbors in Tokyo - a grassroots movement that brings people together through foodscaping, sustainability workshops, and local agriculture.

We dive into the challenges of introducing new environmental ideas in Japan, the power of community collaboration, and how urban farming can shift not only landscapes but also mindsets.

Robyn also reflects on the lessons she’s learned as a social entrepreneur, her vision for scaling Green Neighbors, and how food can be a powerful tool for connection and climate action.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about green cities, social impact, and the future of food in urban life.

Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to Robyn's Journey

05:10 Roots and Early Influences

09:09 Inspiration from Singapore's Urban Farming

15:27 Starting Green Neighbors

21:05 Challenges in the Japanese Market

27:55 Community Engagement and Workshops

33:25 Impact on Local Communities

39:00 Future Vision for Green Neighbors

43:14 Lessons Learned and Advice

54:02 Conclusion and Contact Information

Follow Robyn and her team at Green Neighbors here: https://www.greennbs.com

Follow the Green Neighbors Instagram accounts here: https://www.instagram.com/greenneighbors.co/

Emre Caglar is the founder of Youth for a Future, a nonprofit organization working to empower children living in orphanages across Japan through education, mentorship, and self-discovery.

In this episode, Emre shares his journey from launching a student club focused on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs) to building a growing youth-led movement for social impact.

We delve into the challenges of working in the nonprofit sector, the emotional weight of leadership, and the deep importance of sustainability and collaboration when creating lasting change. Emre also reflects on how a pivotal experience at the One Young World summit shaped his vision and helped him build a community around youth empowerment.

From quiet moments of connection in Japan’s orphanages to big-picture dreams for the future of education, Emre brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to social entrepreneurship.

Join us for an inspiring conversation about purpose, resilience, and the transformative power of giving young people the tools to shape their own futures.

Highlights: 00:00 Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future

10:06 The Journey of Youth for Future

20:05 Impacting Lives: Stories from the Orphanages

30:10 Challenges and Growth in Nonprofit Leadership

Follow Emre and his team at Youth for Future here: https://www.yfforg.com/ Follow Emre’s LinkedIn and Instagram accounts here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emrecaglar2005/

https://www.instagram.com/emre._caglar/