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Next Right Thing Podcast – Guest Recommendations Oct 31, 2025
To assemble this recommendation list, we reviewed 10 recent human-interest stories and organizational updates across philanthropy, public service, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and global health. Each story was analyzed for a clear decision moment, narrative arc, and fit with The Next Right Thing’s mission of offering clarity amid chaos.
Common themes include courageous choices under uncertainty, practical compassion at scale, and the power of individual agency to spark systems-level change. We also prioritized diverse voices—across sectors, backgrounds, and geographies—to surface relatable, hopeful conversations for listeners navigating career transitions, leadership decisions, and purpose questions.
Each recommended guest offers a concrete “next right thing” moment—bold, specific, and transferable—that can help our audience find calm, courage, and clarity in their own next decisions.
Jesse Eisenberg (Actor; Living Kidney Donor)
Story Overview
Facing the profound need for organ donors and public misconceptions about risk, Eisenberg chose to proceed with an altruistic, non-directed kidney donation scheduled for mid-December. His next right thing was to turn a personal habit of blood donation into a life-altering act for a stranger. The impact: a life saved and a high-visibility invitation for others to consider living donation as a practical, “no-brainer” act of compassion.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: courage under uncertainty, clarity about risk vs. need, everyday calling expressed through service.
- Audience appeal: resonates with people in discernment, faith-inspired service, and health/ethics conversations.
- Underrepresented angle: demystifies living organ donation with humility and humor.
- Evaluation: ✅ Clear decision moment; ✅ Inspirational without preaching; ✅ Recent and timely; ⚠️ Celebrity scheduling/access may be challenging.
- Potential connection: None to FieldNotes/Tekton identified in-source.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- When did the possibility of donating a kidney move from “maybe” to your “next right thing”?
- What clarity practices helped you assess risk, fear, and impact in this decision?
- If a listener is curious about living donation but nervous, what small step would you suggest first?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: Link unavailable in source data
- Organization/Company: Independent artist/actor
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Extensive on-camera experience; candid interview style noted
Priority Rating
Medium (strong story; access may be limited)
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Billie Eilish (Artist; Philanthropy Advocate) — Innovator Awards Pledge
Story Overview
Confronting widening wealth inequality, Billie publicly challenged ultra-wealthy peers to act and committed $11.5–12M from tour proceeds to climate and food equity causes. Her next right thing was to pair a bold public plea with personal giving. The impact: mainstreaming generosity as a norm for influence-holders and directing significant funds toward climate justice and food security.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: purpose, integrity, using platform for good, courage in public discourse.
- Audience: nonprofit leaders, young adults discerning vocation, values-driven founders.
- Unique angle: frank, Gen Z framing of money, impact, and moral imagination.
- Evaluation: ✅ Decision clarity; ✅ Ongoing work; ✅ Inspirational; ⚠️ High-profile booking complexity; ⚠️ Story could be media-polished.
- Potential connection: None to FieldNotes/Tekton identified in-source.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- What internal conversation moved you from private concern to a public, specific gift?
- How do you define “enough” when deciding what to keep vs. give?
- What would you say to young listeners who want impact but feel small?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: Link unavailable in source data
- Organizations/Causes: Climate justice, food equity grantees (various)
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Seasoned live performer; frequent high-profile interviews
Priority Rating
Medium (topical and inspiring; access likely difficult)
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Darren Walker (President, Ford Foundation; Author)
Story Overview
Amid polarization and inequality, Walker urged audiences to resist despair and commit to active, hopeful citizenship. His next right thing is calling leaders and everyday people back to courage, inclusion, and practical action. The impact: decades of philanthropy leadership, a new book, and a compelling public case that “hope is the oxygen of democracy.”
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: clarity, purpose, moral courage, the long view of social change.
- Audience: nonprofit leaders, faith-informed civic actors, students and educators.
- Unique angle: personal transformation (rural poverty to national leadership) with pragmatic optimism.
- Evaluation: ✅ Clear transformation; ✅ Decision-making insights; ✅ Ongoing work; ✅ Recent book.
- Potential connection: None explicit to FieldNotes/Tekton in-source; strong faith-adjacent civic themes.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- In seasons of civic chaos, how do you practically recover hope?
- What discernment questions guide Ford’s “next right thing” in a polarized era?
- Which small civic acts matter most when big systems feel stuck?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: Harvard Gazette
- Organization: Ford Foundation
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: National Humanities Medal honoree; frequent keynotes; author tour timing favorable
Priority Rating
High (message, accessibility via book outreach, strong fit)
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Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos (Founder & CEO, Tsakos Energy Navigation; Philanthropist)
Story Overview
Seeing gaps in maritime education and workforce development, Dr. Tsakos helped establish a foundation, a nautical high school, and Greece’s first non-state, non-profit merchant marine academy. His next right thing was channeling industry experience into accessible education. The impact: 500+ students funded globally and a strengthened, values-based pipeline for maritime careers.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: vocation, legacy, stewardship, education as long-game impact.
- Audience: entrepreneurs, diaspora leaders, educators, people discerning purpose in later career.
- Unique angle: maritime education and Greek diaspora philanthropy; faith community adjacency (honored by Orthodox Cathedral organization).
- Evaluation: ✅ Ongoing, measurable work; ✅ Underserved angle; ⚠️ Story may feel formal—pre-interview helpful.
- Potential connection: Faith-based event venue offers a light adjacency to Tekton/faith circles.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- What moment crystallized education as your next right thing in philanthropy?
- How do you balance scale with formation—skills and character—in maritime training?
- What would you say to founders considering a legacy project?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: Link unavailable in source data
- Organization: Tsakos Energy Navigation; Maria Tsakos Public Benefit Foundation
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Honored at high-profile gala; seasoned industry speaker
Priority Rating
Medium (distinctive angle; moderate accessibility)
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Billie Eilish (Artist; Philanthropy Advocate) — Public Call to Billionaires
Story Overview
On stage at the WSJ Innovator Awards, Billie directly asked billionaires why they remain billionaires and urged them to give. Her next right thing was using an acceptance speech to challenge norms and model generosity. The impact: viral conversation, spotlight on ethical wealth, and immediate funds pledged.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: clarity, courage, public accountability, integrity.
- Audience: emerging leaders, creators, values-driven donors.
- Unique angle: pop culture platform reframing giving as everyday ethics.
- Evaluation: ✅ Bold decision; ✅ Cultural resonance; ⚠️ Duplication with above story thread; ⚠️ Access complexity.
- Potential connection: None to FieldNotes/Tekton identified in-source.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- How do you prepare to say uncomfortable truths in rooms full of power?
- Where did your giving philosophy come from, and how is it evolving?
- What’s one simple way a listener can practice “enoughness” this week?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: HuffPost
- Organizations/Causes: Food equity, climate justice (various)
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Highly media-experienced; strong stage presence
Priority Rating
Medium-Low (powerful message; likely low accessibility; duplicative storyline)
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Jimmy Chen (Cofounder & CEO, Propel)
Story Overview
With SNAP payments at risk during a government shutdown, Chen led Propel to launch a $10M emergency fund providing $50 cash transfers to affected households via its app in partnership with GiveDirectly. The next right thing was to move quickly at tech scale when systems stalled. The impact: rapid relief for the lowest-income families across 5M SNAP households, plus public-private coordination.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: practical compassion, speed under uncertainty, systems clarity.
- Audience: social entrepreneurs, policy-adjacent leaders, people navigating crisis.
- Unique angle: tech-for-good operator story rooted in lived experience of poverty.
- Evaluation: ✅ Decision clarity; ✅ Ongoing impact; ✅ Timely; ✅ Relatable; ⚠️ May require pre-interview on policy sensitivities.
- Potential connection: None to FieldNotes/Tekton identified in-source.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- What decision criteria told you to act now, not wait, during the shutdown?
- How do you maintain clarity and guardrails when serving at national scale?
- What’s the smallest, next right thing a listener can do to help families facing food insecurity?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: Forbes
- Organization: Propel (Brooklyn-based fintech)
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Regular media coverage; mission-forward communicator
Priority Rating
High (urgent, actionable, highly aligned)
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Colleen Batchelder (Author; Career and Leadership Coach)
Story Overview
Responding to workplace anxiety around reviews, Batchelder offered a four-move framework—visibility, values alignment, resilience, and team-first leadership. Her next right thing was distilling research into simple steps people can implement now. The impact: accessible clarity tools for professionals in transition or under evaluation pressure.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: clarity under pressure, calling at work, courage to grow through failure.
- Audience: managers, career changers, emerging leaders.
- Unique angle: practical psychology meets purpose-driven leadership.
- Evaluation: ✅ Actionable process; ✅ Encouraging tone; ⚠️ Less human-interest “event,” more framework-led.
- Potential connection: None to FieldNotes/Tekton identified in-source.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- What small, next right move most changes a performance review outcome?
- How do you discern between fear-based caution and wise restraint?
- What’s a story of failure that clarified your purpose as a coach?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: Forbes
- Organization: Independent author/coach
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Frequent contributor; likely media-comfortable
Priority Rating
Medium (high listener utility; slightly less narrative drama)
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MacKenzie Scott (Yield Giving) via Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP)
Story Overview
Amid disaster program cutbacks and heightened climate events, Scott donated $60M to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to bolster long-term, equity-centered recovery. The next right thing was unrestricted support that trusts local capacity. The impact: deeper community-led rebuilding and a model of solidarity philanthropy.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: clarity about power and trust, purpose-driven giving, humility.
- Audience: donors, nonprofit execs, policy-aware listeners.
- Unique angle: unrestricted philanthropy and systems change during public-sector shifts.
- Evaluation: ✅ Ongoing giving; ✅ Underserved perspective on unrestricted funds; ⚠️ Very difficult to book; ⚠️ May require proxy guest (e.g., CDP leadership).
- Potential connection: None to FieldNotes/Tekton identified in-source.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- How does “trust-based” giving clarify where money can do the most good quickly?
- What convinced you that unrestricted support is often the next right thing?
- If booked via CDP: What are you seeing on the ground that most needs flexible funding?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: InfoMoney (Português)
- Organization: Yield Giving; Center for Disaster Philanthropy
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Scott rarely does media; consider CDP CEO Patricia McIlreavy as strong alternate
Priority Rating
Medium (exceptional substance; accessibility likely via CDP proxy)
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Katherina Rosqueta (Founding Executive Director, Center for High Impact Philanthropy, UPenn)
Story Overview
Confronting policy gridlock and polarization, Rosqueta advocates for funding social movements and broader tools (advocacy, narrative, impact investing) to create sustainable change. Her next right thing is equipping donors to “punch above their weight.” The impact: a practical framework that clarifies tradeoffs and accelerates effective giving.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: clarity in complexity, decision frameworks, purpose-led philanthropy.
- Audience: donors, foundations, faith-driven givers, social impact pros.
- Unique angle: evidence-based giving in an era of division; de-politicizing impact.
- Evaluation: ✅ Articulates decision-making; ✅ Ongoing work (Academy); ✅ Underserved perspective for general audiences.
- Potential connection: University/think tank content fits FieldNotes-style thought leadership.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- How can a small donor find clarity on where their gift does the most good?
- When is funding advocacy the next right thing—and when is it not?
- What’s one mindset shift that most improves philanthropic decisions?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: Center for High Impact Philanthropy
- Organization: University of Pennsylvania, CHIP
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Seasoned educator and spokesperson; media-comfortable
Priority Rating
High (highly aligned with clarity mission; accessible thought leader)
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Inteleos Africa (Pamela Ruiz, Chief Business Development Officer; Steven Opondo, Director of Partnerships & Growth)
Story Overview
To reduce maternal-fetal mortality, Inteleos opened a Nairobi office to expand OPOCUS training and certification aligned with Kenya’s national guidelines. The next right thing was investing locally in standards and workforce capacity. The impact: improved quality of care, increased economic opportunity for midwives and nurses, and a scalable model for other nations.
Why This Guest Fits NRT
- Alignment: clarity through standards, mission-driven global health, practical formation.
- Audience: global health listeners, mission-minded professionals, healthcare leaders.
- Unique angle: certifications as a justice tool—raising care quality and livelihoods.
- Evaluation: ✅ Clear problem/solution; ✅ Ongoing implementation; ✅ Underserved perspective; ✅ Timely regional events.
- Potential connection: Values-aligned with FieldNotes-style missional formation; no Tekton tie in-source.
Potential Signature Questions to Ask
- What local insight made opening in Nairobi the next right thing—now?
- How does certification bring clarity and confidence to frontline clinicians?
- What’s a story of one mother or clinic that keeps your team going?
Guest Contact & Logistics
- Source Article: Link unavailable in source data
- Organization: Inteleos – inteleos.org
- Social Media: Not listed in source
- Speaking/Media: Global nonprofit leadership; conference participation noted
Priority Rating
High (impactful, relatable, accessible)
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“Next Steps”
Top 3 Recommendations (Ranked)
- Jimmy Chen (Propel) — Timely crisis story with clear decision criteria, massive audience relevance, and concrete takeaways for listeners. High accessibility.
- Katherina Rosqueta (CHIP) — Offers decision-making clarity for donors and leaders in polarized times; highly aligned with NRT’s mission; accessible expert.
- Inteleos Africa (Pamela Ruiz or Steven Opondo) — Compelling global health formation story; practical and hope-filled with strong narrative of local partnership.
Suggested Outreach Sequence
- Week 1: Jimmy Chen (Propel) — Outreach via media relations listed on Forbes piece or Propel press; emphasize timely shutdown relevance.
- Week 1–2: Katherina Rosqueta (CHIP) — Contact via UPenn CHIP site for media/speaking; position as clarity-in-philanthropy episode.
- Week 2: Inteleos Africa (Ruiz/Opondo) — Use website contact; tie to AVPA/KMA event timing for relevance.
- Week 3: Darren Walker — Coordinate via Ford Foundation communications; reference new book window.
- Week 4: Dr. Nikolas P. Tsakos — Outreach via foundation press; tie to maritime education milestones.
- Parallel/Opportunistic: Jesse Eisenberg (align with surgery timeline), Billie Eilish (low probability; attempt via label/management), MacKenzie Scott via CDP proxy (CDP CEO), Colleen Batchelder (quick win if scheduling gaps).
Seasonal/Timely Opportunities
- Government shutdown (SNAP) — Urgent (November) for Propel episode.
- Darren Walker book (“The Idea of America”) — Fresh release momentum.
- Inteleos — KMA OPOCUS event (late Oct) + AVPA conference (early Nov).
- Jesse Eisenberg — Mid-December kidney donation timing for reflective Advent/holiday episode on generosity.
- Billie Eilish — Tour proceeds pledge still newsy; align with year-end giving.
