The Idealist.org Podcasts

In this two part episode we hear from two people who are connecting people, issues and organizations through the act of walking.   More than just a leisurely stroll, they are raising awareness and money for important issues by walking an astonishing one thousand miles.

The idea to walk 1,000 miles came to Iain Purdie after listening to the early 1990's hit, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)," by the Scottish band The Proclaimers. But what started out as an arduous romantic gesture turned into something more.

In this episode we talk to Iain as he treks through Europe to raise money for the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, a Vietnam-based nonprofit that works with street children in Hanoi.  Proving community knows no borders, the former web programmer talks about the adventures and connections he's made while promoting a nonprofit on the other side of the world.

I Would Walk 1000 Miles

Blue Dragon Children's Foundation

In the first Idealist Careers Podcast, our own Amy Potthast talks with Chris Asch, co-founder of the U.S. Public Service Academy. Recently featured in Time Magazine, Chris Asch discusses the mission of the USPSA-- the first national civilian university in the United States-- to develop and educate future leaders in public service.

Many young people in the US don't currently consider public service a viable career option. Chris and Amy begin by discussing the challenges that lead to this perspective, then discuss the similarities between this university and military academies. They also touch upon issues of funding, maintaining a diverse student body and the challenges of working with politicians.

More Information on the U.S. Public Service Academy

Fellowships in Public Service

One-Year Service Opportunities

A Time to Serve article in TIME