In this episode, we sit down with Michael Farber, co-founder and CEO of Breakout, a platform creating immersive, place-based experiences that connect people, communities, and purpose. From fostering long-lasting connections across 45+ cities to supporting grassroots leaders with grants and resources, Michael shares his insights on building authentic communities, the power of curiosity, and the importance of in-person connection in a digital world. We explore the philosophy behind Breakout, lessons in leadership, and how to define “enough” in a world obsessed with comparison and social media noise. A must-listen for anyone interested in community-building, impact-driven entrepreneurship, and living a purpose-led life. You’ll learn:
Why most community initiatives fail to live up to their stated values
The difference between authentic community building and performative networking
How to create containers for meaningful connections across diverse backgrounds
The surprising similarities between challenges facing different American cities
How grassroots organization creates lasting change in communities
Practical advice for starting a community-focused organization
Michael Farber is the co-founder and CEO of Breakout, which creates immersive, place-based experiences that connect people, communities, and purpose. Since 2014, Breakout has engaged more than 2,000 leaders across 45+ cities, investing over $3M into local ecosystems, partnering with leading foundations, and producing award-winning short films. In 2017, he co-founded the Breakout Foundation, which has provided over $415K in grants to 120+ community leaders and advised on millions more in philanthropic investments.
You can follow him at @michaelxfarber and @breakout
You can follow this podcast @toomuchwithdlh and Denise @deniselovehewett
Email hello@deniselovehewett.com for any suggestions or submit questions for advice.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.