At 17, Joshua Johnson made a decision that sent him to prison and threatened to define the rest of his life—just as hundreds of thousands of people leaving incarceration each year face barriers that can follow them long after their sentences end.

podcast duration- 42 min listen

Every year, thousands of families arrive at the National Institutes of Health carrying every parent's greatest fear—a child with a life-threatening illness and one last hope that groundbreaking clinical research might save their life. But this episode asks a deeper question: What else is essential for healing? The We're Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee takes you inside The Children's Inn at NIH with CEO Jennie Lucca and former patient now board member, Jamie Gentille to reveal how hope, community, and compassion help families persist in their toughest times and how their courage is creating life-saving breakthroughs for generations to come.

podcast duration- 30 min listen

What if the most important investment we can make in our future happens before a child turns five? We’re Good Podcast host, Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee visits Northern Virginia Family Services' new Ashburn Farm Early Childhood Development Center with Stephanie Berkowitz, President and CEO and Dennis DeLoach, Director of Early Childhood Programs. You’ll hear Dennis’s extraordinary story as a former Head Start student who now leads the very program that changed his life. Discover how affordable child care, early education, and family support are transforming lives, strengthening communities, and creating brighter futures for generations.

podcast duration- 29 min listen

What happens when we experience music together? Join We’re Good Podcast host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee inside the Virginia Chamber Orchestra with Executive Director John Huling and Principal Flutist Nicolette Oppelt, whose unexpected journeys reveal a shared passion for live music. From outdoor concerts to intimate performances, accessible tickets, and opportunities for young musicians, VCO brings music into the community—creating something a screen cannot: connection, belonging, joy, and the power of experiencing music together.

podcast duration- 33 min listen

Washington, D.C.’s disappearing tree canopy raises a big question: Can planting trees really change the future of our planet? Join Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee and the We’re Good Podcast on location at Langdon Park with Andrew Schichtel of Casey Trees and Tim Purinton from The Nature Conservancy to discover how trees fight climate change—and how people power the solution. From carbon capture and stormwater protection to volunteers restoring forests and children discovering urban forestry, see how one tree, one person and one neighborhood can grow into lasting change.

podcast duration- 29 min listen

What if the key to career success could start before college? In this inspiring episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee explores how Genesys Works is helping high school students gain paid professional internships, career coaching, and real-world workplace experience. Executive Director Elizabeth Lindsey shares her personal journey as a first-generation college graduate, while alumna Michelle Olivar reveals how the program transformed her confidence and future. Plus, hear how AI is reshaping tomorrow’s workforce and the practical training these young professionals receive.

podcast duration- 27 min listen

What if the future of conservation is hiding on top of a landfill? In this fascinating episode of the We’re Good Podcast,host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee learns how Sustainability Matters Executive Director Andrea McGimsey and Rappahannock County Administrator Garrey Curry are testing a bold hypothesis: can closed landfills become thriving habitats for butterflies, pollinators, and native plants while still meeting critical soil erosion and safety requirements? Discover how this innovative partnership is blending science, sustainability, and community action to create a model that could transform landfill management—and environmental stewardship—across America.

podcast duration- 26 min listen

What does a German immigrant brewer, a Victorian mansion, and the future of the American Dream have in common? In this episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee takes you inside Washington D.C.'s historic Heurich House Museum to uncover a story of immigration, innovation, entrepreneurship, and community that helped shape the city we know today. From hidden histories and revived beer recipes to a groundbreaking exhibit asking what America’s next 250 years should look like, this fascinating conversation with Executive Director Alex Fraioli and curator Philippa Pham Hughes will change the way you see one of D.C.’s most extraordinary hidden gems.

podcast duration- 25 min listen

In this episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee reunites with CEO, Nene Spivy and Community Programs Manager, Sue Fajer to get behind the scenes of the $120 million Northern Virginia Science Center. From its grassroots beginnings to the Children’s Science Center Lab, this story reveals the sometimes challenging journey to expand STEM education and hands-on learning. Discover how this new resource with large scale immersive exhibits and increased access for Title I schools will help shape innovation, workforce development, and opportunities for all across the region.

podcast duration- 32 min listen

At this year’s Community Foundation for Northern Virginia's Impact Celebration, We're Good Podcast host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee uncovers extraordinary stories hidden in plain sight. Meet donor Jackie Plein and scholarship awardee Norah McCormick, whose passion for environmental science is protecting wildlife and investing in future researchers. Hear how Dr. Luis Ortiz and the Virginia Climate Center help communities prepare for climate challenges, and how Dr. Stan Jones and Action in Community Through Service (ACTS) work to alleviate hunger, homelessness, and stop domestic violence proving that everyday heroes are transforming Northern Virginia with the help of generous funding.

podcast duration- 33 min listen

What if a second chance could change everything?

In this powerful episode of the We’re Good Podcast, sponsored by Clark Construction host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee is on-location inside Cornerstone Craftsman, where founder Roberto Gomez is transforming the lives of at-promise youth through paid trade apprenticeships. From a gripping courtroom moment that saves a teen from prison to hands-on training that leads to real careers, this story reveals how opportunity and mentors with hard earned experience, can rewrite futures. But with a growing waitlist, the question remains: how many more lives can be changed?

podcast duration- 32 min listen

In this powerful episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee speaks with AALEAD leaders Siu Cheung Rossmark and Arti Bhatt about the hidden mental health crisis facing Asian American and Pacific Islander youth. From immigrant family struggles and the “model minority myth” to mentorship, education, and suicide prevention, this emotional conversation reveals how AALEAD is transforming lives across the DMV. A must-listen story about resilience, identity, youth empowerment, and the life-changing power of community support.

podcast duration- 31 min listen

In the We’re Good Podcast’s second episode at the Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee goes deeper with Dr. Rebecca Kaltman and Liz Stark to explore how their mobile screening bus delivers life-saving care to underserved communities—improving outcomes through early detection and expanding access to clinical trials. From firefighter screening programs to personalized prevention strategies, this episode highlights innovative, equitable cancer care—and why this conversation could save your life or the life of someone you love. Knowledge is power – learn more about the free Inova Saville Cancer Screening & Health Fair Saturday, May 16, 2026.  Registration is recommended via Inova's event page.

podcast duration- 26 min listen

In this episode of the We’re Good Podcast,host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee explores the innovative work at the Inova Saville Cancer Screening and Prevention Center. Featuring Executive Director, Dr. Rebecca Kaltman and Director of Community Health, Liz Stark, the episode highlights a gem in our region, one of only four in the country: personalized cancer risk assessments, prevention strategies, and emerging early-detection blood tests. With up to 40% of cancers preventable, this center empowers proactive health decisions based on your individual factors. Don’t miss the free Inova Saville Cancer Screening & Health Fair on May 16, 2026, in Fairfax, VA.

podcast duration - 23 min listen

What if you couldn’t tell a doctor what hurts or understand a teacher’s note your child brought home? In this episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee explores how Executive Director of the English Empowerment Center, Roopal Mehta Saran and Volunteer Teacher, Kathleen McCleary are helping immigrants across Northern Virginia build confidence, connection, and opportunity through language. Through powerful stories—a wife unable to communicate in an emergency room to a trained surgeon working in construction learning English to rebuild his life—this conversation reveals how learning English opens doors and changes lives.

podcast duration - 30 min listen

What if the biggest threat to the environment is already growing in your own backyard? In this powerful outdoor episode, We’re Good Podcast host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee visits Earth Sangha to uncover how native plants, invasive species, and local conservation efforts are shaping the future of our parks, wildlife, and neighborhoods. With moving stories of mentorship, community, and purpose across generations, this episode will change how you see the land around you—and show how ordinary people can help restore it.

podcast duration - 27 min listen

In this newest episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee visits A Farm Less Ordinary in Loudoun County, Virginia—where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities find more than work; they find purpose and belonging. Born from one family’s response to their son’s autism, the farm is transforming lives through work and community. From fields and greenhouses to dreams of nationwide jam sales, this powerful story reveals what’s possible when an inclusive workplace builds confidence, sparks joy, and creates a community where everyone feels they belong.

podcast duration - 30 min listen

In this on-location episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee steps inside Horton’s Kids’ podcast studio in Washington DC– as We’re Good returns to its very first guests—and discovers just how far the story has traveled. Executive Director Erica Ahdoot and Chief of Staff Rahaman “Kil” Kilpatrick reflect on the seeds planted during that first podcast —seeds that inspired the powerful documentary Kil and the Kids. Kil shares the emotional reality behind the film, the loss, and the “third option” kids need and HK providesto help stop the cycle of violence.

You’ll also hear how this organization is responding to today’s challenges with a Financial Resilience Fund providing direct emergency cash support and the growing Community Caregiver Collective strengthening parents through connection and the Nurturing Parenting Program. It’s honest, urgent, and deeply hopeful—listen and watch what long-term commitment really sounds and looks like.

podcast duration - 29 min listen

In this powerful episode of the We’re Good Podcast, host Lee Ann Necessary Brownlee sits down with foster, adoptive, and kinship parents from Formed Families Forward for an uplifting, hope-filled conversation about love, struggle, and community. Presented with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, the episode explores isolation, resilience, and a groundbreaking new FASD resource hub. If you’ve ever cared for a child—or someone who has—this story will move you to listen, reflect, and share.

podcast duration - 30 min listen

Step inside the warm, welcoming kitchen of Together We Bake in Alexandria, Virginia in this powerful episode of the We’re Good Podcast—where handmade cookies and granola are just the beginning of something special. This uplifting episode reveals how women overcoming major obstacles in life find healing through shared stories and community. In the bakery, they work alongside others who’ve walked the same road—while earning credentials that open doors to jobs and stability. Listen and find out how.

podcast duration - 31 min listen