Contagious Culture
Contagious Culture
Kyle S. King
#208 | The Power of Shrimp to Change Lives W/ Maxie Gluckman, Ph.D.
27 minutes Posted Jul 9, 2026 at 9:30 am.
— Introduction01:00 — Maxie’s walkout song and educational journey02:30 — Growing up as a first-generation American03:30 — Teaching and learning from immigrant families04:50 — The work of Friends of Fundesur05:45 — Why shrimp farming has become more difficult07:00 — How supply-chain changes affect children and families07:30 — Why this work became Maxie’s calling08:45 — Leadership through action09:15 — A small act of kindness after a fundraiser11:00 — Stories from migrant families13:15 — Identity beyond professional titles14:30 — Running toward motherhood and greater equity16:30 — How listeners can support the mission17:30 — Maxie’s slingshot moments18:30 — Identity, allyship, and community work19:30 — Reconnecting a mother and daughter21:30 — Advice for sustaining meaningful work22:30 — Where to connect with Friends of Fundesur
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Show notes
In this episode of the Contagious Culture Podcast, Kyle S. King sits down with Maxie Gluckman, executive director of Friends of Fundesur, to explore leadership, global service, education, migration, and the power of listening.
Maxie shares how her journey as a teacher, researcher, and global citizen led her to support communities in southern Honduras through a foundation connected to the shrimp industry.
They discuss how environmental and economic changes affect families, why storytelling must center dignity instead of trauma, and how leadership often begins with one small act of courage and kindness.
The message is simple: you do not have to change the entire world at once. You can listen, take action, and create meaningful change one person at a time.
Episode History 
Key Takeaways
Listening to communities should come before designing solutions for them.
Leadership is choosing to act when doing nothing would be easier.
Small moments of kindness can hold as much meaning as large-scale initiatives.
Stories should highlight resilience, learning, and dignity, not only trauma.
Access and privilege create a responsibility to build bridges for others.
Community work requires humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to question your role.
Caring for yourself is necessary if you want to continue caring for others.
Relationships and introductions can be just as valuable as financial donations.
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