Purposeful Empathy with Anita Nowak

Purposeful Empathy is a Youtube channel dedicated to conversations with people spreading more empathy in the world.Join Anita Nowak, empathy expert, author, award-winning educator, international speaker and certified coach, to learn how like-spirited people around the world are turning up the volume on empathy through purposeful action.Drawing from neuroscience, spirituality, leadership studies, positive psychology and the frontlines of social action, Purposeful Empathy explores the intersection of personal development

Purposeful Empathy with Anita Nowak is a education podcast hosted by Anita Nowak, with 272 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Anita Nowak hosts Purposeful Empathy with Anita Nowak, a education show with 272 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #5

  Will AI Make the Workplace More or Less Human? Ft. Dr. Towanna Burrous w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

  Aug 13, 202656 minS22

  AI is impacting every part of our lives—and we need to start paying more attention. Listen to this insightful conversation with Dr. Towanna Burrous, author of Where AI Meets Empathy , whose work as a leadership coach explores the human side of performance and innovation. We discuss: Why empathy is becoming a form of leadership intelligence in the age of AI Why organizations need to invest in human infrastructure as much as technological infrastructure How leaders can create cultures of trust, psychological safety, and belonging Why AI cannot replace human wisdom, discernment, or cultural awareness If you care about the future of work, culture, employee well-being, and how we can harness technology without losing our humanity—you don’t want to miss this conversation. 00:00 Preview 01:00 Episode introduction 03:33 About Dr. Towanna Burrous 05:08 Towanna’s backstory 07:34 Towanna’s book, Where AI Meets Empathy: Coaching the Human Side of Innovation 12:37 Why empathy is needed for “leadership intelligence” in the age of AI 16:02 What does it mean for employees to feel seen, heard, and understood? 20:07 Why organizations need to invest in “human infrastructure” 24:34 What happens when companies cut coaching and professional development? 29:36 Towanna’s biggest concerns about AI at scale 32:53 How leaders can build a human-centered workplace in the age of AI 37:36 Why trust and psychological safety are essential for effective leadership 41:03 What is the impact of leadership vulnerability? 44:03 How reflection helps leaders make better decisions 46:39 Flourishing at work requires finding the balance between technology and humanity 51:31 Dr. Towanna Burrous’s Purposeful Empathy story Episode #5 of Empathy in the Age of AI part II, a special 25-part series: https://tinyurl.com/exyw2nua CONNECT WITH TOWANNA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/towannaburrous/ ✩ Website https://coachinginnovation.co ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/towannaburrous/ CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social SHOW NOTES ✩ Where Empathy Meets AI: Coaching the Human Side of Innovation https://www.amazon.com/Where-AI-Meets-Empathy-Innovation-ebook/dp/B0GX34XVR4 Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

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  Episode #4

  Why Communityship “Trumps Leadership” in the Era of AI Ft. Dr. Henry Mintzberg w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

  Aug 6, 202651 minS22

  AI is impacting every part of our lives—and we need to start paying more attention. Listen to this thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Henry Mintzberg, one of the world's most influential management thinkers, whose work sits at the intersection of strategy, leadership, organizations, and community-building. We discuss: How technology has steadily weakened communities over the past century Why "communityship" matters more than leadership—especially in the age of AI Why the “plural sector” (not governments or corporations) is needed to rebalance society How collective empathy can help restore balance to society If you want to know why one of the world’s most influential management thinkers believes our society is out of balance —and what we can do about it—you don't want to miss this conversation. 00:00 Preview 00:50 Episode introduction 02:47 About Dr. Henry Mintzberg 05:56 Henry’s backstory 11:55 Why every major technology has weakened relationships and communities 13:43 What is “emergent strategy,” and how is it impacted by AI? 17:54 Will AI replace human creativity or unleash it? 22:11 Why AI efficiency will never supercede human judgment 26:20 Henry’s book, Rebalancing Society: Radical Renewal Beyond Left, Right, and Center 32:21 What is "communityship," and why does it matter now more than ever? 35:21 Why the “plural sector” is the glue that holds society together 42:30 What should humanity protect as AI transforms society?46:41 Dr. Henry Mintzberg's Purposeful Empathy story Episode #4 of Empathy in the Age of AI part II, a special 25-part series: https://tinyurl.com/exyw2nua CONNECT WITH HENRY ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrymintzberg/ ✩ Website https://mintzberg.org ✩ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@Mintzberg141 CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social HENRY’S WORK ✩ Rebalancing Society: Radical Renewal Beyond Left, Right, and Center https://www.amazon.com/Rebalancing-Society-Radical-Renewal-Beyond/dp/1626563179 ✩ Understanding Organizations...Finally! https://tinyurl.com/uha2zetn ✩ Bust Those Management Myths: What We Get Wrong about Planning, Leading, Measuring, and More https://www.amazon.com/Bust-Those-Management-Myths-Measuring/dp/B0G1YR41C2 SHOW NOTES ✩ Rebalancing Society https://rebalancingsociety.org/ ✩ Back to Balance: TED Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1qeC68i8aA ✩ Skating with Mintzberg: Rebalancing Society https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe8oxmcdq6w&list=PLtiGzu7sz7w1j5oPldWhMPoiSUw23d4IE ✩ Henry Mintzberg on Managing, Communityship, and Serendipity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7My9mZUUVs ✩ International Masters Program for Managers http://impm.org/ Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

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  Episode #3

  Will Global Democracy Survive the Age of AI? Ft. Dr. Darin Johnson w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

  Jul 30, 202652 minS22

  AI is impacting every part of our lives—and we need to start paying more attention. Watch this timely conversation with Dr. Darin Johnson, Professor of Law at Howard University, former attorney at the Pentagon, U.S. State Department, and White House, and author of Digital Coup , whose work sits at the intersection of AI, democracy, national security, and constitutional law. We discuss: How social media has become one of the greatest threats to democracy The "digital coup economy" and how AI is accelerating political manipulation What citizens can do to fight back and become more discerning in the face of these threats Why empathy is essential for protecting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law If you care about democracy, free elections, misinformation, and the future of human rights—you don't want to miss this conversation. 00:00 Preview 00:49 Episode introduction 02:46 About Dr. Darin Johnson 05:42 Darin’s backstory11:31 Why Darin is still optimistic about America's ongoing democratic crisis13:35 Darin’s book, Digital Coup: The Conspiracy to Thwart Global Democracy 17:31 Why Darin remains optimistic about the democratic crisis in the U.S.21:22 How free speech is being weaponized to undermine democracy26:28 How social media went from empowering citizens to undermining their agency31:45 The global election super cycle and AI-powered disinformation34:41 The rise of the "digital coup economy"37:34 Big Tech, AI, and the future of democratic governance43:18 Why empathy is essential to democracy and human rights47:03 Dr. Darin Johnson's Purposeful Empathy story Episode #3 of Empathy in the Age of AI part II, a special 25-part series: https://tinyurl.com/exyw2nua CONNECT WITH DARIN ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/darin-johnson-5305ab/ ✩ Website http://www.darin-johnson.com CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social SHOW NOTES ✩ Digital Coup: The Conspiracy to Thwart Global Democracy https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Coup-Conspiracy-Thwart-Democracy/dp/B0FCCD2W16 ✩ The Empathic Civilization: The Race to Global Consciousness in a World in Crisis https://www.amazon.com/Empathic-Civilization-Global-Consciousness-Crisis/dp/1585427659 Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

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  Episode #2

  How AI is Profiting from Our Attention and Reshaping Childhood Ft. Ava Smithing w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

  Jul 24, 20261h 6mS22

  AI is impacting every part of our lives—and we need to start paying more attention. Watch this urgent and deeply personal conversation with youth advocate Ava Smithing, host of the podcast Left to Their Own Devices , whose work sits at the intersection of social media, online safety, youth mental health and digital well-being. We discuss: What parents, educators and policy-makers need to understand about AI chatbots, social media, and online safety How social media platforms profit by exploiting young people’s insecurities, attention, and personal data How AI companions may weaken children’s resilience, relationships, and connection with their parents Why the attention economy threatens not only our mental health—but our privacy, agency, and empathy If you care about protecting children’s mental health, cognitive agency and relationships in an online world increasingly shaped by AI—you don’t want to miss this conversation. 00:00 Preview 00:52 Episode introduction 02:49 About Ava Smithing06:02 Ava’s backstory 07:09 How social media algorithms pushed Ava into a near-fatal eating disorder at age 12 13:41 How young people can resist social media pressure and reclaim their identities 17:28 Why a social media break/detox can improve happiness and well-being 22:54 What is the “Attention Economy” — and why is it harmful?27:19 Why AI chatbots may be dangerous for children's development 31:48 What happens when children trust AI more than their parents? 34:17 What lawmakers misunderstand about protecting children online 38:50 Ava’s reflection on testifying to Congress 44:40 Why big tech’s power is becoming a threat to democracy 48:25 The Attention Sphere: Ava’s non-profit organization, committed to designing tech that strengthens real-world community 50:42 Why banning children from social media may not solve the problem 54:17 Why data privacy and antitrust laws are essential for online safety 57:07 How growing up online is affecting Gen Z’s capacity for empathy 01:01:54 Ava Smithing’s Purposeful Empathy story Episode #2 of Empathy in the Age of AI part II, a special 25-part series: https://tinyurl.com/exyw2nua CONNECT WITH AVA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ava-smithing-8485931b4/ ✩ Website https://theattentionstudio.com ✩ Podcast https://www.mediatechdemocracy.com/podcasts-left-to-their-own-devices CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social SHOW NOTES ✩ Ava’s Testimonial before the U.S. Congress: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJewHYRUKjE ✩ Ava’s Testimonial before the U.S. Congress https://www.congress.gov/118/meeting/house/117146/witnesses/HHRG-118-IF17-Wstate-SmithingA-20240417.pdf ✩ Op-Ed: Social media nearly ruined my life. This is how I saved myself — and how we save kids today https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/social-media-nearly-ruined-my-life-this-is-how-i-saved-myself-and-how-we/article_f97fd1ea-53f3-420c-b276-9bcd7fc153ad.html Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

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  Episode #1

  Erobotics, Space Sexology and the Future of Intimacy Ft. Dr. Simon Dubé w/Anita Nowak - Purposeful Empathy

  Jul 16, 20261h 16mS22

  AI is impacting every part of our lives—and we need to start paying more attention. Listen to this fascinating conversation with Dr. Simon Dubé, Research Fellow at the Kinsey Institute and one of the world's leading researchers studying erobotics, space sexology, and human-machine intimacy. We discuss: Why "Erobotics" may become one of the most important fields in the age of AI How space exploration is forcing us to rethink intimacy, reproduction, and human flourishing How AI companions and partners may reshape human intimacy and relationships What empathy, agency, and human connection will look like as we co-evolve with AI If you're curious about how AI will transform intimacy, sexuality, relationships and mental health—you don't want to miss this conversation. 00:00 Preview 00:47 Episode introduction 02:43 About Dr. Simon Dubé 05:54 Simon’s backstory 12:56 Why intimacy and sexuality are central to human flourishing 21:15 How studying sex in space could improve life on Earth 24:16 What is "Erobotics" and why does it matter? 31:26 How AI can improve sex education, therapy, and sexual health 41:07 Are AI companions replacing relationships or simply filling unmet needs? 47:29 Can AI help us become more empathic? 53:16 Will AI influence who we love and how we connect? 56:22 How AI and pornography are changing human sexuality 01:02:46 Why evidence-based sex education matters—especially for young people 01:11:34 Dr. Simon Dubé's Purposeful Empathy story Episode #1 of Empathy in the Age of AI part II, a special 25-part series: https://tinyurl.com/exyw2nua CONNECT WITH SIMON ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-dube-phd/ ✩ Kinsey Institute https://kinseyinstitute.org/about/staff/dube-simon.html ✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sci_dub/ CONNECT WITH ANITA ✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com ✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA ✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/ ✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram ✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast ✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.social SHOW NOTES ✩ Sex in Space? Michael Kosta Learns How to Join the Thousand-Mile-High Club | The Daily Show https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA6Pu6ZUrqI ✩ Sex Robots & Personality: It Is More about Sex than Robots https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0747563222002254 Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

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