Make Me Care About Podcast: Solving The World's Problems One Step At A Time

 Don't forget about Bill Gates on Jeffrey Epstein's island of underage sex. Don't forget about his philandering on Melinda, his then-wife. But remember that the Gates's have amassed billions of dollars to make the world a better place.

In March, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a new podcast series called, Make Me Care About, hosted by award–winning podcast host and New York Times best-selling author Jen Hatmaker. The13 episodes of the first season are available, and I've listened to every one of them.

Based in Seattle, Washington, the Gates Foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman, under the direction of Co-chairs Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates and the board of trustees.

The podcast will feature Hatmaker in conversation with guests from around the world who are solving some of the world’s biggest problems. Listeners will hear stories of health care workers, advocates, scientists, and educators whom the foundation supports through its thousands of grantees, as well as employees, all of whom are working to end disease, poverty, and inequality.

“By investigating innovative but often overlooked solutions to global challenges, Make Me Care About is an invitation for listeners to be inspired by amazing people and their work on world-changing projects,” said Susan Byrnes, chief communications officer at the Gates Foundation. “Through conversations with our partners and experts, Jen shares some of the remarkable stories that motivate our work to create a world where every person—no matter where they’re born—is able to live a healthy life and reach their full potential.”  

Each episode dives into a different challenge.  Topics range from maternal mortality to the importance of iodized salt, the pivotal developmental stage of ninth grade to the impact of malaria on communities around the globe, from poop and outdated toilets to garbanzo beans’ role in tackling malnutrition.

One of my favorite episodes was the one on wastewater. In the episode, host Hatmaker speaks to Supriya Kumar, who is the Program Officer in Global Health in the Gates Foundation. Kumar explains that by testing the sewage in a particular location, health officials can determine what pathogens are in the area and a particular hazard. For example, the polio virus was identified in New York City last year due to surveilling wastewater. Kumar points out that closed-loop settings, like university dorms, were useful during the pandemic, in determining possible pathogen exposure among students. 

Jen Hatmaker wears a lot of hats in her life. See what I did there? She's an Author, Podcaster, Speaker, Advocate, Educator, and Mother. She is also creator / host of the For The Love podcast, with an ear worthy episode being an interview with standup comedian Nate Bargatze.

As a host, she's first class, asking detailed questions and exuding an enthusiasm for the topics -- sometimes arcane -- that is infectious.

“I love to share inspiring stories, so I’m excited to be partnering with the Gates Foundation on the Make Me Care About podcast,” said Hatmaker. “Every episode is a real opportunity to connect with some of the most remarkable people the foundation works with. Together, we’ll investigate the deeply important and impactful topics that often get little attention and explore the stories behind some of the most innovative solutions helping us all to live, grow, and thrive.”

“These days, it can be hard to feel hopeful when you check in with your newsfeed,” said Chloe Louvouezo, senior content producer at the Gates Foundation. “This podcast aims to change that. It dives into fascinating developments that don't often show up in the news. It gives people a way to relate to issues that may feel far away and to consider their role in helping others, both in their community and around the world.”

To learn more about Make Me Care About, visit the website.