B Global by Design Cafe

Can Tourism be the Sustainable Development Plan for your Community? Yes. Design it well.

B Global by Design — Tue, 12 May 2026 00:48:33 GMT

The conversation delves into the concept of tourism as a connective tissue that intersects with various sectors, the distinction between sustainable and regenerative tourism, the community perspective on tourism strategy, diverse strategies in tourism development, the impact of tourism on the community and environment, and engaging in tourism development. The discussion emphasizes the role of tourism as a vehicle for community development and the importance of intentional design and stakeholder engagement in sustainable tourism.

Contact Kristopher through B Global by Design or Kristopher Wilson <wilsonkr14@gmail.com>.

Takeaways

Tourism as a Connective Tissue
Sustainable Tourism and Community Development

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Tourism as a Connective Tissue
08:09 Sustainable Tourism vs. Regenerative Tourism
16:01 Diverse Strategies in Tourism Development
23:01 Impact of Tourism on Community and Environment
35:04 Engaging in Tourism Development

Interior Design as a Method for Community Storytelling

B Global by Design — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 01:48:27 GMT

Kristin interviews Kelly B. Mangion, a commercial and residential interior designer, on the B Global by Design podcast. They discuss the impact of interior design on communities, emphasizing universal design, cultural preservation, and sustainability. Kelly shares insights on her work with tiny homes for the homeless and the importance of creating environments where people thrive. They also explore the future of design, including technology's role and the need for legislative support for interior designers in Michigan.

Assets, Assets Everywhere: How SAS Foundation is logging Sudanese assets for local development

B Global by Design — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:45:00 GMT

In this episode of the B Global by Design podcast, Kristin speaks with Abukar Omar about his innovative work in community assets development in Sudan. They discuss the SAS Foundation's approach to mapping various community assets, including human, social, cultural, natural, political, and financial capitals. Unlike a typical cooperative development model, the SAS foundation creates a trust-based system for business development, where they match those who have an asset (services, knowledge, networks, etc.) to sell with buyers. Locally, the community asset system provides a mechanism for each person in the community to contribute whatever they have available, whether it is the production of an agricultural good or childcare or an elder telling stories (cultural), and formerly use these assets as a means for trade. By recording the assets, there is a basis to illustrate value, and this value can be translated into investments, whether through bonds or other means. SAS Foundation is still in the startup phase, with a prototype program in Eastern Sudan. The relevance, however, of the idea of logging multiple types of assets at the local level as a means to leverage investment or as a means to understand what assets have been overlooked, is a model that can be applied in both emerging and developing economies.

takeaways

The SAS Foundation focuses on mapping community assets in Sudan.
Cultural assets in Sudan are underdeveloped and need better utilization.
Food distribution issues, not production, lead to famines in Sudan.
Community engagement is crucial for successful projects.
Micro-investments can empower local communities economically.
The SAS Foundation aims to create a food bank for all citizens in Sudan.
Building trust within communities is essential for collaboration.
Investment readiness programs help connect innovators with investors.
The SAS model can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges.
Understanding local needs is key to effective community development.

titles

Building Community Resilience in Sudan
Innovative Approaches to Community Assets

Sound Bites

"We try to map community assets."
"We want to launch a food bank in Sudan."
"We lack a lot of human capital."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Community Assets Development

01:20SAS: Mapping Community Assets

03:52Cultural Assets and Their Utilization

07:13Theory of Change: Programs and Services

10:37Investment Readiness and Micro-Investments

15:08Community Engagement and Local Investments

19:05Food Systems Development in Sudan

24:50Connecting Communities for Better Distribution

30:00Current Situation and Community Resilience

32:18Future Vision: Establishing a Food Bank

Music Matters! How Live Music Heals and Brings us Together

B Global by Design — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:15:54 GMT

Join Steve Voller and Olivia Hutchinson who talk to host Kristin Lobron about music. Olivia is an opera singer turned entrepreneur with her new venture the Practice Support Hub. Steve is a multi-instrument musician currently working towards becoming a Certified Music Practitioner.

We talk about how music both hits us and heals us individually, and adds to the communities we live in. We explore ideas on how music could be used in a corporate setting to increase productivity, mental health, and teamwork.

Join us!

And don't forget to subscribe. Let us know what you want to hear a podcast about at info@bglobalxdesign.org.

Chocolate: Supply Chains, Slavery, Enlightened Self Interest and Creatives

B Global by Design — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 20:00:18 GMT

In this insightful interview, Loren Stoddard discusses the complexities of supply chains in the chocolate industry, the impact of consumer awareness, and innovative solutions to combat child labor and unethical practices. Discover how education, regulation, and creative storytelling can drive positive change in global markets.

Keywords:

Supply Chain, Chocolate Industry, Child Labor, Consumer Awareness, Ethical Sourcing, Supply Chain Transparency, Sustainable Development, Global Trade, Food Industry, Social Responsibility, Stakeholder Prosperity Assurance, Enlightened Self-Interest, Supply Chain Transparency

Supply chain management in chocolate industry
Impact of consumer awareness on ethical sourcing
Solutions to child labor and unethical practices in supply chains

Action items

Hire B Global by Design to re-think your supply chain to make it more socially sustainable and productive

Ask where your chocolate comes from and demand transparency

Support brands that prioritize ethical sourcing

Advocate for regulations requiring origin labeling of products

Educate consumers about supply chain issues in everyday products

resources:

Veridicor - https://veridicor.com

Blood Diamond (Movie) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332379/

Caputo's Markets - https://caputos.com

Slavery Free Chocolate - https://slaveryfreechocolate.org

Mary's Meals - https://www.marysmeals.org

Keebler Elves (Fictional) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keebler

Blood Diamond (Documentary/Film) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0332379/

content type

Cacao Suyo - Loren's favorite chocolate - https://cacaosuyo.pe/en/

Harkin Engel - https://www.slavefreechocolate.org/policy-initiatives-usa

guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/lorenstoddard

Twitter - https://twitter.com/lorenstoddard

Website - https://veridicor.com

B Global by Design - www.bglobalxdesign.org

Livable Communities are Built by Creatives

B Global by Design — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:29:16 GMT

In this episode of the B Global by Design Cafe, Kristin speaks with Ben Stone, an expert in community arts and design, about the significant role that artists play in community development and revitalization. Ben shares his experiences in Baltimore, discussing how grassroots efforts by artists can lead to economic growth, social impact, and cultural transformation. He emphasizes the importance of federal support for creative placemaking and the need for ecosystem-level funding to sustain community arts initiatives. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by arts organizations in securing funding and the economic arguments for investing in the arts, ultimately showcasing the passion behind community arts work and the potential for positive change in neighborhoods.

takeaways

Artists are often the first to revitalize neighborhoods.
Community engagement is crucial for artists.
Grassroots efforts can lead to significant change.
Working with existing assets is more effective than top-down approaches.
Federal funding plays a vital role in supporting community arts.
Ecosystem-level funding is necessary for sustainable growth.
Arts funding can have nonpartisan support.
Investing in the arts benefits community health and well-being.
Local talent is essential for community development.
Unique cultures enhance the quality of life in communities.

titles

Revitalizing Communities Through Arts and Design
The Impact of Artists on Neighborhood Development

Sound Bites

"Artists are engaged in community development."
"Artists draw inspiration from their communities."
"Arts funding is surprisingly nonpartisan."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Community Arts and Design

01:07 The Role of Artists in Community Development

03:11 Success Stories in Placemaking

06:48 Grassroots Efforts in Community Revitalization

11:20 Understanding Placemaking and Federal Support

15:42 The Importance of Ecosystem-Level Funding

17:39 Navigating Funding Challenges in Arts and Culture

19:10 Economic Arguments for Arts Funding

21:03 The Passion Behind Community Arts Work

22:56 Consulting and Future Directions

keywords community arts, placemaking, economic growth, social impact, cultural transformation, grassroots efforts, federal funding, creative placemaking, community development, artist engagement

Creativity, Design, Economic Growth and Social Connection: Events

B Global by Design — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 00:26:13 GMT

The conversation with Erika Davis delves into the art and intricacies of event production, emphasizing the importance of creativity, design, and cultural influence. It also explores the economic impact of events, Erika's daily routine, favorite meal, transportation preferences, and her highlights of the year and aspirations for the future.

Takeaways

Event planning involves careful consideration of the client's vision, budget, and desired outcome.
The role of creativity, design, and art in event planning is crucial for creating impactful and engaging experiences.

Chapters

00:00 The Art of Event Production
08:33 Cultural Influence in Event Planning
19:24 The Economic Impact of Events
25:23 Erika's Favorite Meal and Transportation

An Introduction to B Global by Design: an alliance of creatives & designers

B Global by Design — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:38:10 GMT

In the inaugural episode of the B Global by Design podcast, host Kristin and Dr. Khutso Madubanya interview each other about their new ventures – B Global by Design (www.bglobalxdesign.org) and Khutso’s new book “No More Free Passes” and her organization Dancing with Change (https://dancewithchange.com). They discuss their backgrounds in international development and the importance of global perspectives in creative industries. They explore the need for community engagement, the shift in international development models, and the impact of Khutso's book on women's empowerment. The conversation delves into the struggles of hyper-independence and introduces the Pivot method as a framework for navigating change. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth and looking forward to future collaborations.

Takeaways

· The importance of global perspectives in understanding different cultures.

· Creatives play a crucial role in designing a better world.

· Community engagement is essential for sustainable development.

· Hyper-independence can hinder personal growth and connection.

· The Pivot method offers a framework for navigating change.

· Stories and experiences connect people across cultures.

· Advocacy for the arts can lead to systemic change.

· Building networks among creatives fosters innovation.

· Personal growth often comes from embracing vulnerability.

· The journey of self-discovery is ongoing and transformative.

#B Global by Design podcast, #international development, #creative communities, #global perspectives, #networking, #advocacy, #hyper-independence, #personal growth, #pivot method, #cultural exchange

Cookbooks, Global Food, and Social Connection with Coastal Tables and Tales

B Global by Design — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 03:33:31 GMT

In this episode of the Be Global by Design podcast, host Kristin speaks with Dawn Anderson, founder of Coastal Tales and Tables, about her culinary journey and the importance of food in building community connections. Dawn shares her experiences with diverse cuisines, the role of cookbooks in storytelling, and how her shop aims to embrace cultural diversity through food. The conversation highlights the significance of food as a means of connection and understanding in an increasingly polarized world.