The Difference

The Difference continues with Paul Cloutier, who shares his extraordinary journey reimagining rural America through the transformation of Humboldt, Kansas. After moving from Oakland to this small town of 1,800 people, Paul and his team at A Bolder Humboldt have spent eight years revitalizing the community through innovative placemaking, strategic action, and grassroots entrepreneurship. Paul reveals how meaningful change happens in rural communities—from converting empty buildings into thriving businesses like breweries, boutique hotels, and music venues, to addressing deeper systemic challenges of housing, workforce development, and community infrastructure. The conversation explores the power of gathering places to reconnect diverse communities, the advantages of rural entrepreneurship as a new frontier for creatives, and the potential for small towns to lead in climate resilience and manufacturing innovation. A fascinating look at how intentional design can transform not just physical spaces but the social fabric of a community.

What is The Difference?

The Difference brings you into conversation with extraordinary thinkers and builders shaping what's next. Join Kei founders Kevin Farnham and Paul Cloutier as they explore how meaningful change happens - from emerging technologies to nature's intelligence, from human creativity to thriving communities. Each episode uncovers the thinking, insights, and paths forward that could help us all make a bigger difference.