Season 4: A Playful Approach in Serious Times

Is there space for playfulness in the most serious of moments? Liz Vogel is a leader in the preservation of American democracy - and in intentional gathering. It’s easy to challenge whether play has a space with the stakes are high and the content serious, but Liz embodies a playful spirit even when confronting the toughest of issues. We discuss democracy, end-of-life, vintage clothes, and more.

Resources mentioned:

• Priya Parker - The Art of Gathering
• Day Schildkret - Ritual and Morning Altars
• Eboo Patel at American University, We Need to Build: Field Notes for Diverse Democracy
• Friends honor artist’s last wishes with water ballet in a Seattle kiddie pool “Some prefer funerals, some prefer having their ashes scattered, but local artist Briar Bates chose a different way to commemorate her death — instructing her friends to perform a water ballet in the wading pool at Volunteer Park.”

GUEST Bio:

Liz Vogel currently serves as Co-Executive Director at New Pluralists, where she guides funders to collaborate and invest together to strengthen belonging, trust and cooperation across differences in the U.S. This builds on over two decades of experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Liz is deeply rooted in relationships and community, as seen and felt in her personal and professional gatherings, and exudes a life-long curiosity which has led her to the creation of vintage clothing parties, becoming a death doula, and being a modern elder in training.