Season Wrap-Up with Melinda French Gates

To close out Season 1 of Make Me Care About, we talk with the co-chair of The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Melinda French Gates.Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgLearn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The next time you reach for the salt, read the label. More often than not, it is iodized salt you’re consuming. Turns out, salt fortified with iodine may actually make you smarter and has changed the world in ways you might have never guessed. This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Venkatesh Mannar, professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto in Canada and former president of the global Micronutrient Initiative. Jen and Venkatesh discuss iodized salt as an example of low cost, large scale food fortification. This can help deliver essential nutrients to large populations in the world where poor nutrition is a leading risk factor for preventable malnutrition, ensuing cognitive deficiencies, and deaths. Micronutrients, including minerals like iodine, iron, zinc, and vitamins like vitamin A and C, are needed for essential body functions relating to both physical and mental growth and development to help build strong immunity and healthy lives.Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about  Iodized Salt:Nutrition Strategy: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-growth-and-opportunity/nutritionDoubling down on food fortification to fortify the future: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/food-fortification-to-fortify-the-futureFor more on the work of our guest,  Venkatesh Mannar: https://cgen.utoronto.ca/about-cgen/people/m-g-venkatesh-mannar/Learn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You may have never thought about the water you flush down your toilet or wash down your shower drain. Turns out, signs of disease can be detected in our wastewater systems from these very sources. Monitoring and analyzing wastewater helps public health experts inform and keep the public healthy. Listen in to learn more about the science of wastewater surveillance.This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Supriya Kumar, Program Officer in Global Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Supriya shares how wastewater surveillance can allow countries and communities to understand what pathogens (which cause diseases) are transmitting in the community by analyzing their wastewater (sewage). This provides a more realistic, cost-effective, and equitable picture of where diseases are spreading because it includes information from all populations - including those that don’t have access to healthcare. This also allows for countries to take early action to slow the spread of pathogens. In this way, disease surveillance systems will help to prevent the next pandemic by enabling countries to effectively collect, analyze, and share data with their citizens as well as other countries to make informed national and individual health decisions (e.g. staying home, making more tests available, etc).Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about wastewater surveillance:Enteric and Diarrheal Diseases Strategy: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-health/enteric-and-diarrheal-diseasesFor more on the work of our guest, Supriya Kumar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/supriyakumar1/Learn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you know what the deadliest animal is on the planet? From movies and TV shows, you might be thinking sharks, but that's wrong (sharks kill about five people a year). The answer is…mosquitoes. They are the deadliest animals on the planet by a long shot, and their biggest threat: malaria. Many of us have taken malaria pills before traveling without thinking twice about malaria itself. But how does malaria actually impact us? Malaria has devastated the sustainability of communities and the global economy. And in the words of this episode’s guest, Dr. Fredros Okumu, “It’s better to be alive than to be dead”.This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Fredros Okumu, parasitologist and Director of Science at the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, Africa. Jen and Fredros discuss how malaria is a disease for which we know the cause, the treatment, and how to effectively prevent it. Still, over half of the world population is currently at risk of malaria, and it kills 600,000 people annually, most of which are young children across the African continent. Like COVID, malaria affects us all through its impact on global economic growth, health, and travel. With investment and early interventions, including mosquito control and adequate diagnostics and treatments, we can reduce the disease burden and increase global health equity and dignity.Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about malaria:Malaria Strategy: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/food-fortification-to-fortify-the-futureWhat will it take to outsmart malaria?: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-health/malariaWhy the Interceptor G2 net could be a game changer for malaria eradication: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/ig2-nets-malaria-eradication-financed-by-the-global-fundFor more on the work of our guest, Fredros Okumu: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fredros_OkumuLearn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These days, there’s an app for everything, including your financial information. But what if you didn’t have access to receive and manage your own money? How would this limit how you live, thrive, or even survive? For many people - especially women - digital tools help unlock their power and agency over their own lives, and are the catalysts for change for growing economies.  This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Deon Woods, a Senior Program Officer focusing on Financial Services for the Poor at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Deon shares how access to digital money (like venmo or paypal) and control over financial accounts are the most important predictors of a woman’s economic empowerment. This allows for professional opportunity and economic participation which means they can enhance the prosperity of their families, their communities, and the entire country and global economy. By increasing the financial autonomy, decision-making power, and personal freedom of women, we improve gender equality and our overall societies and economies as well. This equips us to better handle big challenges including global health challenges like COVID.Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about digital money:Womens Economic Empowerment Global Framework: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/equal-is-greater/Financial Services for the Poor: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-growth-and-opportunity/financial-services-for-the-poorGlobal Findex 2021: How digital wages empower Bangladeshi women: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/2021-findex-report-financial-inclusion-benefits-bangladeshi-womenStatement from Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman: Why we need digital infrastructure: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/media-center/press-releases/2022/12/digital-public-infrastructureFor more on the work of our guest, Deon Woods: https://dial.global/profile/deonwoodsbell/Learn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

K-12 education is the foundation of a student’s academic career. But one grade sticks out above the rest: ninth grade. Success in ninth grade is the single most powerful metric for predicting students’ educational and career success. Learn why ninth grade matters so much and what to do if a student falls off track during their freshman year.This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Krystal Payne, Co-executive director at the network for college success. Jen and Krystal discuss ninth grade, and how it is the most powerful predictor of high school success, college success, and career success in the United States. This is why investing in quality K12 education and especially early intervention is so important. Krystal talks about having dedicated ninth grade teacher teams, student data, and strong social and emotional supports to know students’ stories and meet them where they are.Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about the importance of ninth grade:NSI Ideas Article: https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/news-and-insights/articles/what-we-are-seeing-in-the-networks-for-school-improvement-workWhy Is Ninth Grade a Critical Time for Students? A Researcher Explains: https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/news-and-insights/articles/why-is-ninth-grade-a-critical-time-for-students-a-researcher-explainsThe GRAD Partnership: https://www.gradpartnership.org/The On-Track Indicator as a Predictor of High School Graduation: https://consortium.uchicago.edu/publications/track-indicator-predictor-high-school-graduationFor more on the work of our guest, Krystal Payne: https://ncs.uchicago.edu/directory/krystal-payneLearn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know that most of the world is consuming food that's more than 10,000 years old? Well, at least descended from the same plant…Quinoa, farro, millet, sorghum, teff, fonio, and even things like rice and corn are all considered ancient grains. These grains may hold the answer to providing food security in a world affected by climate change as they are easy to grow, hearty, and drought resistant. Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about ancient grains:Agriculture Development : https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-growth-and-opportunity/agricultural-developmentThe world food system is under threat. It doesn’t have to be that way: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/war-in-ukraine-and-global-food-crisisAdapting to climate change: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/climate-change-agriculture-africaThe Future of Food: Chef Pierre Thiam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei35DSYxcRoMark Suzman: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/mark-suzman-climate-adaptionRodger Voorhies: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/rodger-voorhies-climate-adaptationEnock Chikava: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/ideas/articles/global-food-shortage-update-ukraine-war?utm_source=to&utm_medium=em&utm_campaign=wc&utm_term=lgcFor more on the work of our guest,  Chef Pierre Thiam: https://www.pierrethiam.com/Learn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With rising tuition and the changing nature of work, is college worth it? According to the president of Northern Arizona University, the answer is yes, and he’s on a mission to make the case for the value of postsecondary education for not just students, but also society. In this episode, we hear what the return on investment is in getting a postsecondary education, particularly for students moving out of poverty.This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Jose Luis Cruz Rivera, president of Northern Arizona University, member of the Postsecondary Value Commission in the United States. Jen and Jose Luis discuss how college is the best vehicle to allow a person to be a lifelong learner and have better economic and non-economic returns. This is particularly true for low-income students moving out of poverty who can better understand and experience opportunity and upward mobility as well as grow their earnings to sustain themselves and their families. College has also shown to increase levels of civic engagement, better health, critical thinking and literacy, showing that four-year degrees provide the highest return on investment. It’s important to meet students where they are, working with K12 schools and considering contexts like financial pressures, housing insecurity, food insecurity, mental health issues to create favorable conditions for learning. This is part of an effort to make postsecondary more accessible and navigable for all.Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about college:Postsecondary Success Strategy: https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/what-we-do/postsecondary-successPostsecondary Value Commission: Is College Worth It?: https://postsecondaryvalue.org/NAU 2025 – Elevating Excellence: https://nau.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/197/0613_742018_OOP-Elevating-Excellence-Brochure-FY22_9x9_ADA-FINAL.pdfIHEP Case Study: Student Success is in the DNA of NAU: https://www.ihep.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/IHEP_VDC_CaseStudy_NAU_rd3_print-1-1.pdfFor more on the work of our guest, Jose Luis Cruz Rivera: https://nau.edu/president/jose-luis-cruz-rivera-biography/Learn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Having friends from diverse economic backgrounds is beneficial for all of us, but it is especially important for kids from low-income communities. Learn why, as well as how and where to make friends with people who are different from you.This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Abigail Hiller, Research Translation Manager, Opportunity Insights in the United States. Jen and Abigail discuss how having friends from diverse economic backgrounds is beneficial for all of us but is especially important for children from low-income communities. This is because these social networks can help children excel despite challenges like poverty, wealth inequality, and racial segregation. It is important to overcome our friendship biases, which wire us to socialize only with those who share similar backgrounds, and foster cross class connections to increase professional opportunity, mobility, and income for marginalized communities and create a fairer, more interconnected society and economy.Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about My Kid’s Friends Circle:Opportunity Insights: https://opportunityinsights.org/Social Atlas: https://socialcapital.org/For more on the work of our guest,  Abigail Hiller: https://bfi.uchicago.edu/scholar/abby-hiller/Learn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Garbanzo BeansMost of us eat garbanzo beans in our hummus or salads. What you might not know is that these little round legumes are actually one of the world’s best ingredients to improving gut health and tackling malnutrition. From our mental health to our immune system, garbanzo beans could be key to living a healthy life.This episode features Jen Hatmaker, an American author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter, in conversation with Vanessa Ridaura, a Senior Program Officer for Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Jen and Vanessa discuss how garbanzo beans and other functional foods show how we can use foods to improve gut and microbiome health as well as tackle malnutrition. This also aids our immune system and our mental health. To increase global health, we need to focus on producing foods locally as there are challenges with accessibility, implementation, and compliance when sourcing food from other continents.Make Me Care About is produced by Magnificent Noise in partnership with The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.To learn more about our show: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/podcast/make-me-care-aboutFor more on The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s work: https://www.gatesfoundation.orgTo learn more about  Garbanzo Beans and gut health:Nutrition Strategy : https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/global-growth-and-opportunity/nutritionMNCH D&T: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/our-work/programs/gender-equality/maternal-newborn-and-child-health-discovery-and-toolsFor more on the work of our guest, Vanessa Ridaura: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=M4O5lw8AAAAJ&hl=enLearn more about our host, Jen Hatmaker: https://jenhatmaker.comOur production staff includes Sabrina Farhi, Hiwote Getaneh, Julia Natt, and our sound designer Kristin Mueller. Our Executive Producer is Eric Nuzum and the host is Jen Hatmaker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.