Say More with Tulaine Montgomery

Voter turnouts in American elections are typically low. But that’s not because Americans don’t care. My guest today, Debra Cleaver, explains that people will vote if we make it easier for them. As the founder and CEO of Vote America, Debra helps us remain optimistic in the fight to save our democracy. Resources mentioned in this episode: VoteAmerica.com for more information. Follow Tulaine Mo...

Jimmie Briggs, Principal at the Skoll Foundation, is the embodiment of someone who has followed his calling while wearing multiple hats. As a journalist, activist and philanthropist, Jimmie tells us how he is giving a mic to those who are often denied one. Follow Tulaine Montgomery on: Instagram Linkedin X Subscribe to “Say More with Tulaine Montgomery” wherever you get your podcasts.  Produc...

Over the past year, there has been a 33% rise in attempts to ban books, especially those featuring characters of color or addressing LGBTQI+ themes. As the Executive Director of the Campaign For Our Shared Future, Heather Harding tells us how teachers and schools are being threatened by extremist ideologies, as well as what we can do to fight back. Resources mentioned in this episode: Beloved - To...

Being a leader isn’t easy. Spiderman’s Uncle Ben said it best, “with great power comes great responsibility.” So you have to be ready to mess up. Carmen Rojas, CEO of the Marguerite Casey Foundation, talks to me about the value of owning up to our mistakes and being accountable.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations...

I’m sorry to break it to you - but doing well in school doesn’t automatically create opportunities for students to succeed. The real question is, how do we ensure our students get the opportunities they deserve? Today, Dr. Tequilla Brownie, CEO of The New Teacher Project, answers this question for us.  Resources mentioned in this episode: ‘The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We...

How can we best serve under-resourced people in America? Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps , says real service means working WITH our communities and not FOR them. In this episode, Michael also shares how connecting across economic class and generations can help the nation progress.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Giovanni’s Room - James Baldwin The Fire Next Time - James Baldwin Subs...

Nearly 75% of Americans think the media is increasing political polarization in this country. But our guest today, Farai Chideya, believes that journalism can actually bring us closer. Farai is the CEO and host of the Our Body Politic podcast and senior writer at FiveThirtyEight .  In this conversation, she explains how data-driven journalism and engaging with people of different opinions hel...

The American Dream –the idea that anyone can succeed regardless of their background– often feels just like that, a dream .  Today I speak with John Friedman, an economist and Co-Director of Opportunity Insights . John explains the barriers to opportunity that under-resourced communities face, and why removing these can improve the American economy. He also tells us why social mobility is hard...

For three years, I managed to avoid getting Covid. I was pretty proud of that fact …almost boastful… until now.  The virus finally caught up with me! I kind of feel like I lost the championship belt.  We’re taking a brief break this week while I continue to recover. However, don't go too far, because we'll be back with another episode next week. In the meantime, if you haven't already, p...

My conversation with Cheryl Dorsey, the President of Echoing Green , was recorded on the third anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. It was a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on how far America has come to fulfilling its promises of racial equity. Cheryl speaks about the barriers to entry people of color face and how these very leaders are overcoming the odds and paving the way towards a bett...

America is increasingly becoming multiracial. But our institutions haven’t caught up to this reality. In our first Say More episode, Karla and I talk about this irony.  Karla Monterroso is CEO of Brava Leaders, a nonprofit that coaches organizations to support underrepresented leaders. Today, she speaks about the challenges in our multiracial reality, especially what people of color face in c...

In a moment when our society seems more divided than ever, join us as we explore what it means to adapt and evolve—together. Hosted by Tulaine Montgomery, entrepreneur, activist, musician, and CEO of the venture philanthropy firm New Profit, Say More brings together influential leaders from different races, generations, and sectors for radically candid, action-oriented, and joyful conversations ar...