In this episode of the O+ Radio Hour, host Jesse Scherer talks with Engather co-founder Amanda Cassiday.
Engather emerged to revive a very old way of being that has been central to our humanity: supporting one another, freely and unconditionally—that means free from transaction-based relationships like trade, barter, and financial exchange. Launched in early 2023 in Kingston, Engather is growing into an economy (often known as “the gift economy”), a culture of care, a digital platform, and a movement that empowers individuals and communities to help each other thrive. By reweaving the social fabric of our communities by sharing skills, knowledge, resources, shared interests, and helping hands, we believe we can collectively meet more needs, build stronger connections, and feel a deeper sense of belonging.
Amanda didn’t experience the resilient power of community until living in a rural village in Burkina Faso. It was only then that she learned that positive, abundant outcomes are not possible without cultivating the conditions that allow individuals, teams, and communities to thrive. For 15 years, this approach has been a driving force in Amanda’s personal and professional life, from facilitating a woman-led microfinance group in the small village of Takaledougou that continues to operate since 2009, to leading design teams responsible for some of the most successful launches in Johnson & Johnson’s history, bringing purpose and consumer needs to the heart of strategy & innovation. In addition to her stewardship of Engather with co-founder Chris Woehrle, she is an advisor and consultant to small businesses and start-ups across industries, a maker and DIYer, and a budding student of permaculture.
In addition to their conversation you can hear songs picked by Jesse, including tunes from: @kendra_mckinley @eatthecakeband and @mutan_tforest
