Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward is joined by Dan Campbell, the frontman of the powerhouse punk band The Wonder Years. Dan has spent decades in the punk and hardcore scenes, and he's always felt this deep, unshakeable need to use his microphone for good, even when it can bring him pushback. He touches on a challenging question that is a common theme explored throughout this series: when you are handed a massive public platform, how do you balance the vulnerability of standing up for human rights with the real-world friction it creates?

We talk about the messages he brings to the stage and how a quick message from the stage can spark massive conversations at family dinner tables. We also dive into how The Wonder Years have long ensured to make their shows safe, inclusive spaces for everyone – whether that means pushing venues for gender-neutral bathrooms or looking out for fans in the crowd.

The ultimate standout moment? When we talk about how our nonprofit - This Must Be The Place - provided free narcan for The Wonder Years to pass out on their entire tour this year, resulting in over 4,000 of their fans across the country equipping themselves with this life-saving medication. Dan talks about his relentless commitment to harm reduction and destigmatizing overdose prevention tools just like Narcan.

“People say to me: 'It used to be don't do drugs. What is it now?' If you do drugs, we'll save your life. Yeah, it f***ing is.”

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Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward sits down with Azniv Korkejian, who creates beautiful music under the stage name Bedouine. Azniv is a deeply thoughtful artist whose global upbringing and lived experiences completely shape her intuitive, grounded approach to advocacy and human rights. We look at the question: how does growing up across different corners of the map shape the way you look at community and advocacy?

In this episode, Azniv starts by opening up about her roots in Syria, and ends in Kentucky where she lived for many years as an adult, sharing how her personal history makes speaking out feel entirely natural. We discuss overcoming imposter syndrome when navigating complex global issues, as well as the creative ways artists can share their platforms with local organizers. My favourite takeaway? Her advice to 'think small' and focus on local care when the world feels too heavy to fix all at once.

Once you’re done listening, please consider checking out and supporting the vital grassroots work of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) @dsausa -- the organization Azniv highlights for their boots-on-the-ground efforts organizing benefit concerts and building powerful local community engagement!

“I actually really like disagreeing with people. Where the friction is, is where the spark is."

Dive into exclusive behind-the-scenes insights by following our Substack: ⁠⁠https://itsgivingpod.substack.com⁠

If you loved this chat, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support our mission. Don't miss next Wednesday's episode, where I'll introduce another incredible artist leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!

Today on It’s Giving, host Ingela Travers-Hayward talks with the incredible August Ponthier. On top of releasing their fantastic debut album Everywhere Isn't Texas this year, August is a deeply thoughtful non-binary artist using their voice to champion trans advocacy and bodily autonomy.

In this episode, August takes us back to their roots in Texas, breaking down how old-school country music was actually working-class protest music -- and how they’re reclaiming that Southern space for the LGBTQ+ community. We talk about their personal journey coming out, why trans rights and reproductive rights are essentially the exact same fight, and what it really looks like to protect your community when the local politics get heavy.

Once you’re done listening, check out and support the incredible organization August works with: the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), a vital BIPOC trans-led policy group doing the literal boots-on-the-ground work to advocate, educate, and protect trans individuals at the Texas Capitol!

"The fight for reproductive rights and the fight for trans rights are essentially the same fight. It's about bodily autonomy."

Dive into exclusive behind-the-scenes insights by following our Substack: ⁠⁠https://itsgivingpod.substack.com⁠

If you loved this chat, please leave a rating, drop a review, and subscribe to support our mission. Don't miss next Wednesday's release, where I'll introduce another incredible artist leveraging their platform for meaningful advocacy!