Stories shape how we see one another, and whether we believe change is possible.
In this episode, we travel to the Foster Museum in Palo Alto to speak with Film Producer, CEO of 1Community, and Founder of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Scott Budnick; VP of Impact at 1Community, Rachel Cooke; and Tony Award-winning Performer/Writer/Director/Producer and Founder at Foment Productions, Sarah Jones. Together, they explore how storytelling across film, community organizing, and comedy can shift perception and create space for empathy.
The conversation examines the role of narrative in criminal justice reform, the importance of hope and opportunity for transformation, and how humor can open minds in ways traditional advocacy often cannot.
Jump straight into:
00:00 Introduction.
02:50 Why imagination can be one of the most powerful forms of liberation.
06:21 Why laughter opens the mind and creates space for empathy.
09:29 Reflection on how hope can transform people and reveal who they were always meant to be.
16:38 The powerful film moment that led Scott Budnick to leave Hollywood and focus on justice reform.
18:50 How stories can help us recognize the full humanity of others and resist defining people by their worst mistakes.
24:01 A reflection on the importance of belonging and representation in shaping identity.
37:54 Rachel Cooke argues that it’s time to create a new storytelling playbook for cultural change.
38:19 Why leaning into community-driven storytelling may be key to building a more just future.
Resources
Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) - A nonprofit founded by Scott Budnick that supports formerly incarcerated individuals through advocacy, reentry programs, and leadership development.
Foment Productions - Sarah Jones’s production company focused on storytelling that explores pluralism, culture, and social impact.
One Community (1C) - An impact entertainment company that connects film and television storytelling with real-world community engagement and social change.
Stanford film study – Researchers Jennifer Eberhardt PhD and Jamil Zaki PhD study racial bias and empathy. Scott Budnick references their Stanford study that examines how storytelling and films like “Just Mercy” can shift public attitudes.
Films Mentioned in the Conversation:
"12 Years a Slave" - The Oscar-winning historical drama about Solomon Northup’s life in slavery
"Just Mercy" - A film about confronting wrongful convictions and injustice in the US legal system
"Sell/Buy/Date" - A film written, directed, and performed by Sarah Jones based on her stage show, using multiple characters to explore themes of identity, gender, and sex work through storytelling and humor
"The Hangover" - The hit, produced by Scott Budnick before he shifted to justice reform work, that became one of the most successful R-rated comedies ever
"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" - A groundbreaking film blending live action and animation, that Rachel Cooke talks about
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