In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, welcomes Columbus, Ohio Mayor Andrew Ginther for a powerful conversation about transforming cities through environmental leadership and community partnerships.

Mayor Ginther, fresh off his term as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, shares Columbus’s ambitious journey toward becoming a national leader in circular innovation. Hear how the city is tackling waste, building a robust recycling infrastructure—including North America’s largest public-private recycling center—and engaging both businesses and neighborhoods in meaningful climate action. From innovative food scrap drop-off programs to creative reuse convenience centers, Mayor Ginther reveals how Columbus is proving that prosperous economies and sustainable communities go hand-in-hand.

We’ll dive into the building blocks of an effective climate action plan, the value of regional thinking, and why mayors are perfectly positioned to drive real change—regardless of politics. Plus, discover the outsized impact ordinary residents (and even third graders!) can have in making America cleaner, greener, and more beautiful in time for our country’s 250th birthday.

Tune in for practical inspiration, stories of hope, and ideas you can take back to your own community. For more details and ways to get involved, visit kab.org. Join us in our mission to keep America beautiful and do beautiful things—together.

Show Notes:

00:00 Mayors Driving Community Transformation

06:14 Building Sustainability Through Public-Private Collaboration

07:54 Empowering Youth for Sustainable Change

12:38 "Recycling Boosts Ohio Jobs and Economy"

14:07 Regional Recycling Strategy Insights

18:48 "Local Action for Community Impact"

Show Links:

Greatest American Cleanup: www.kab.org/greatest

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, sits down with Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Natalie Evans, Executive Director of OKC Beautiful, to spotlight the crucial role local leaders play in creating cleaner, greener, and more vibrant communities.

Mayor Holt shares his personal journey and Oklahoma City’s renaissance—a transformation fueled by forward-thinking city policies, community partnerships, and ambitious public investments like the city’s signature MAPS initiatives. He discusses how dedicated funding for beautification and permanent staff positions is shaping the aesthetic and ecological future of OKC. Natalie Evans adds a hands-on perspective, detailing OKC Beautiful’s empowering initiatives—from massive tree plantings responding to recent natural disasters, to the innovative Tackle the Trails campaign where residents come together to clean every mile of the city’s public trail system in just one day.

Together, they explore how nonprofit and public sector collaboration is building momentum for the Greatest American Cleanup, a nationwide movement ahead of America’s 250th birthday. Tune in to hear how Oklahoma City’s story can inspire your own community to take action, and discover practical ideas for engaging citizens in beautification and sustainability projects.

Find out how you can get involved, access resources, and join the movement at kab.org/greatest. Listen to the full episode to be inspired by real-world solutions and join us on the journey to do beautiful things together!

Show Notes:

00:00 Mayors Join Cleanup Initiative

06:06 "Transforming Public Art Leadership"

08:39 Oklahoma City's Revival with MAPS

10:07 Oklahoma City's Maps Initiative

14:43 Oklahoma City Tree Planting Initiative

19:17 Trail Cleanup and Awareness Day

22:11 "Competitive Beautiful Cities Initiative"

24:28 Plant Red, White, Blue for 2026

26:19 Leveraging Milestones for City Beautification

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, sits down with Mayor Bianca Motley Broom of College Park, Georgia—a dynamic community at the gateway of Atlanta—to discuss how local leadership and grassroots action can spark extraordinary change.

Mayor Motley Broom, the very first mayor to sign the Greatest American Cleanup™️ declaration, shares her passion for transforming College Park through community cleanups, the revitalization of green spaces like the Flint River Nature Preserve and Camp Truitt Botanical Garden, and inspiring civic pride among residents. She discusses the challenges and opportunities facing her growing city, and how small acts—like picking up litter or planting flowers—become catalysts for deeper connections and lasting improvements.

Jenny and Mayor Motley Broom explore how beautification projects go beyond the surface, building hope, unity, and community resilience—especially as cities across the nation prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with ambitious goals to clean and enhance thousands of neighborhoods.

Tune in to hear how local champions are making a difference, discover inspiring stories of community transformation, and learn how you can join the Greatest American Cleanup movement in your own backyard.

Show Notes:

00:00 "Greatest American Cleanup Initiative"

03:28 College Park: Atlanta's Airport Hub

07:57 Reviving Local Civic Engagement

12:04 Camp Truitt Botanical Garden Initiative

13:12 Hannah Palmer's Flint River Vision

17:25 Celebrating Unity in Our Nation

19:48 See You Next Time!

In this podcast episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, spotlights the extraordinary impact of local leadership and civic pride in creating cleaner, more vibrant communities. We travel to Paterson, New Jersey—a city leading by example—where Mayor Andre Sayegh shares how Paterson is transforming its approach to litter, waste management, and neighborhood revitalization.

Mayor Sayegh joins the conversation to discuss innovative initiatives like weekly neighborhood cleanups, a clean commercial corridor program, and the community’s fight against illegal dumping. Learn how Paterson’s commitment to the Keep America Beautiful Greatest American Cleanup campaign is not just a government effort but a collective movement uniting residents across one of New Jersey’s most diverse cities.

Listen in as we uncover the powerful ripple effects of investing in parks, public spaces, and historic restoration, from reducing crime and fires to fostering a sense of shared pride and safety. Mayor Sayegh and Jenny reflect on how even modest improvements can inspire entire communities to take action—proving that when we come together, we can truly do beautiful things.

Tune in to hear more inspiring stories, practical solutions, and discover how you can be a part of the Greatest American Cleanup by July 4, 2026, in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Join us as we work together to keep our communities clean, welcoming, and full of possibilities.

Quotes:

“People may view keeping their community clean as a spectator sport — but it’s not. Everybody has to be in the game.”

“Our approach is about the three E's — education, engagement, and enforcement. We want people who live in Paterson to understand the importance of keeping their community clean.”

— Mayor Andre Sayegh, Paterson, New Jersey

Show Notes:

00:00 "Empowering Communities: A Litter-Free Movement"

06:11 Addressing Nationwide Tire Dumping Issues

09:35 Urban Green Spaces and Community Renewal

11:50 Addressing Urban Heat with Innovations

14:12 New Jersey's Pivotal Revolutionary Role

Show Links:

• Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, highlights the incredible opportunity ahead as the United States approaches its 250th birthday in 2026. Jenny is joined by Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, who shares her inspiring journey from one of the nation’s youngest female mayors to leading Pennsylvania’s efforts in celebrating this historic milestone.

Together, they discuss Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in America’s story, the statewide volunteer projects transforming communities, and how the state is contributing to Keep America Beautiful’s ambitious goal of picking up 25 billion pieces of litter and beautifying 25,000 communities through a partnership with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.

Cassandra highlights how public service and intergenerational engagement—from parents to children—are driving these efforts. Programs like Pennsylvania Day, community art initiatives, and the Direct Effect Innovation Challenge are connecting people of all ages to the power and purpose of beautification.

Tune in for uplifting stories, practical ways to get involved, and a behind-the-scenes look at how states are preparing for the country’s 250th anniversary—plus, discover why music, volunteerism, and local pride are at the heart of this nationwide movement.

To learn more or get involved with the Greatest American Cleanup and other America 250 initiatives, visit kab.org or america250pa.org. Don’t miss this opportunity to help build a cleaner, greener, more beautiful future—listen to the full episode today!

Show Notes:

00:00 Celebrating America250: Cleanup & Legacy

03:15 Legacy of Political Inspiration

06:44 "Engaging Youth in Community History"

10:09 Pennsylvania Day Volunteer Initiative

15:25 Nationwide Innovation and Local Initiatives

16:52 Retaining Pennsylvania Talent Challenge

20:30 Public-Private Partnerships: Funding Solutions

23:36 "Optimistic Vision for a Greener Future"

In this special Mother’s Day episode of the Do Beautiful Things podcast, host Jenny Lawson—President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful—celebrates the legacy and lasting impact of strong women: mothers, grandmothers, and the generations they inspire.

Jenny is joined by Lucinda Robb—writer, educator, and granddaughter of President Lyndon B. Johnson and First Lady Lady Bird Johnson—for a heartfelt conversation about family, service, and civic beauty. Lucinda shares moving stories of her family’s commitment to “paying God’s rent” through acts of service, her grandmother’s visionary environmental work, and how beauty and nature can be powerful tools for building healthier, more connected communities.

Together, they explore the inspiration behind Keep America Beautiful’s Greatest American Cleanup, the practical roots of Lady Bird Johnson’s beautification movement, and how engaging children in community action can plant the seeds for a brighter future. From playful recycling games to neighborhood cleanups, this episode offers simple, meaningful ways for everyone to get involved—no matter where they live.

Tune in to discover how honoring those who came before us can inspire a life of service, joy, and lasting impact.

Quotes:

“She (Lady Bird Johnson) talked very often… that she was paying the rent for the space she took up on the planet. You know, she was paying God’s rent. And she really believed that. And I think it motivated her and it also gave her a lot of joy.”

- Lucinda Robb, Granddaughter of Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson

Show Notes:

• 00:00 Legacy of Strong Women
• 05:23 Rebuilding Social Capital Together
• 08:18 Grandmother's Selfless Community Service
• 10:45 Depth Beyond Perception
• 15:00 GW Parkway's Beautiful Transformation
• 17:21 Trees Combat Violence
• 20:34 "Teaching Kids Philanthropy"
• 25:39 "Promoting Public Good: A Family Tradition"
• 28:11 "Celebrating Communities and Mother's Day"

Show Links:

• Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/
• Reducing Heart Disease with Trees: https://kab.org/reducing-heart-disease-with-trees-louisville-tree-planting-project-shows-positive-results/
• Green Heart Louisville: https://greenheartlouisville.com/
• The Greening Effect - Reducing Gun Violence and Creating Safer Neighborhoods: how-green-spaces-reduce-crime-and-enhance-community-unity
• Gun Violence Reduction Study Analysis: https://www.kibi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KIB-GreenSpace-Gun-Violence-Reduction-Study.pdf
• Join or Die (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81746809

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful®, welcomes renowned ecologist, author, and co-founder of Homegrown National Park, Dr. Doug Tallamy, for an inspiring conversation on the vital role native plants play in restoring our nation’s ecosystems.

As planting season blooms across the country, Dr. Tallamy shares his expert advice on how homeowners, renters, and even apartment dwellers can help protect pollinators, support wildlife, and build resilient landscapes—right in their own backyards or on their balconies. He reveals the incredible impact of simple choices—from planting oak trees and milkweed to reducing lawn space and managing light pollution—on the health of birds, insects, and the entire environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode offers practical, accessible tips that empower everyone to make a difference—no matter where you live. Discover how you can be part of the solution to biodiversity loss, and why planting native is one of the most beautiful things you can do for your community and the planet.

Tune in to the full episode to learn more, find out how to choose the right plants for your area, and get inspired to join the Greatest American Cleanup™ initiative and pledge to plant native this spring.

Links:

• Keep America Beautiful: kab.org
• Greatest American Cleanup: kab.org/greatest
• Homegrown National Park: homegrownnationalpark.org

Show Notes:

• 00:00 Plant Native, Beautify America
• 06:26 Insect Specialization on Native Plants
• 07:29 Plants: Beyond Decoration, Essential Roles
• 12:23 Urban Gardening and Education
• 15:42 Reducing Light Pollution for Insects
• 17:16 Empowering Individual Environmental Actions
• 20:37 Embrace Native Planting for Change

In this episode of “Do Beautiful Things,” host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, shines a spotlight on the extraordinary impact of local action and environmental stewardship along Florida’s vibrant reef-lined coast.

Joining Jenny is Anna Bennett, founder of Reel it in for the Reefs, an annual underwater cleanup initiative inspired by her compassion for sea turtles like Bella, a hawksbill rescued from a life-threatening fishing line entanglement. Anna shares how a single act of care ignited South Florida’s largest reef cleanup in history, rallying divers, charter boats, and volunteers to remove hundreds of pounds of fishing line, plastic, and marine debris from vital habitats.

Together, Jenny and Anna discuss the preventable dangers marine life face, the power of community-driven change, and how every individual—whether a fisher, diver, or coastal resident—can make a meaningful difference for our oceans and wildlife. As part of the Greatest American Cleanup, Reel it in for the Reefs exemplifies what can happen when people come together to protect the places and creatures they love.

Tune in to this inspiring episode to hear Anna’s journey from local diver to community leader, discover tips for responsible fishing and underwater stewardship, and find out how you can support reef cleanups in your area.

Episode Links:

• Keep America Beautiful: https://kab.org/
• Greatest American Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/
• Reel it in for the Reefs: https://reelitinforthereefs.org/
• National Save the Sea Turtle Foundation: https://savetheseaturtle.org/

Show Notes:

• 00:00 Reel it in for Reefs
• 04:24 Turtles Endangered by Fishing Line
• 07:46 Underwater Reef Cleanup Initiative
• 12:57 Protecting Reefs and Sea Turtles
• 14:00 Responsible Fishing: Reel in Your Line
• 17:14 "Americans Unite for a Greener Future"