Eavesdrop With Meena®

We live in a culture that rewards speed, shortcuts, and the path of least resistance. But what if the most important work we can do — the work of becoming a better human being — requires us to slow down? Philosopher, athlete, and author Sabrina Little believes the ancient wisdom of virtue ethics holds urgent answers, not only in sports, but for the way we live our lives. Drawing on great thinkers...

In this episode of Eavesdrop with Meena®, Meena sits down with  Majora Carter ,  an   environmental justice pioneer, MacArthur Fellow, and author of  Reclaiming Your Community: You Don't Have to Move Out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One   — a luminous conversation on Brain Drain, the psychology of poverty, and what it takes to rebuild a neighborhood from the inside our. Majora grew up...

This is the first installment in our special podcast series in collaboration with The January Series at Calvin University . On this episode, Meena welcomes Kaitlin Curtice—Indigenous author, poet, and citizen of the Potawatomi Nation for a powerful conversation on human storytelling, cultural healing, and spirituality. Drawing from her book “Everything Is a Story,” Kaitlin explores Indigenous stor...

In this intimate and wide-ranging conversation,  Eavesdrop with Meena  welcomes filmmaker  Curtis Chin  and visual artist  Warren King  to explore art, ancestry, and the quiet power of storytelling. Curtis Chin—acclaimed documentarian and author of  Everything I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant —joins Meena to discuss his new short film for  American Masters on PBS ,  Warren King: King of Cardboard...

In this episode of  Eavesdrop with Meena , Meena sits down with historian  Dr. Derek Peterson , Ali Mazrui Chair of African Studies at the University of Michigan, to explore the paradox of Idi Amin’s Uganda. Drawing from newly uncovered archives and his book  A Popular History of Idi Amin’s Uganda , Dr. Peterson reveals how ordinary citizens—often overlooked by history—both fueled and endured one...

Award-winning filmmaker David Siev and his sister Jaclyn Siev join Meena for an intimate conversation to discuss their critically acclaimed documentary  Bad Axe , a deeply personal film chronicling their Cambodian-Mexican American family’s experience navigating the pandemic, racial tensions and the evolving American Dream. What began as home footage during COVID lockdowns became a raw and resonant...

“It Only Took A Hundred Years”  Lynne Dixon-Speller is an Eavesdrop Icon you should know. Dean Dixon-Speller is an accomplished designer, academician, and visionary founder of Edessa School of Fashion in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lynne joins Meena in this wide-ranging conversation on creative ways fashion drapes bodies and shapes culture.  Visit Edessa School of Fashion Written and Hosted by Meena Ari...

On this thought-provoking episode of  Eavesdrop with Meena , journalist Sarah Leach and radio veteran Mary Ellen Murphy—aka  The Two Js —join Meena to unpack the state of local journalism in America. From Ottawa County’s political shifts to the power and peril of social media, they candidly explore how truth, trust, and storytelling intersect in today’s chaotic media landscape. With humor, heart,...

Ben Speggen is Vice President of the Jefferson Educational Society, a non-partisan think tank based in Erie, Pennsylvania, which aims to foster civic enlightenment. Meena’s conversation with Ben highlights the importance of civics, and the challenges of defining the 'average American' in a diverse and evolving society. Ben offers deep insights into ways civic leadership informs public life...

Ben Speggen is Vice President of the Jefferson Educational Society, a non-partisan think tank based in Erie, Pennsylvania, which aims to foster civic enlightenment. Meena’s conversation with Ben highlights the importance of civics, and the challenges of defining the 'average American' in a diverse and evolving society. Ben offers deep insights into ways civic leadership informs public life...

What happens when communities lose their economic lifeline—and who steps in to help them rebuild? In this episode of  Eavesdrop with Meena , Meena sits down with John Austin, a visionary policy expert and advocate for regional renewal, whose work spans from Michigan’s factory towns to forgotten regions across Europe. John shares his personal story growing up in the Appalachian foothills and how it...

On the May 5th edition of Eavesdrop With Meena, what happens when communities lose their economic lifeline—and who steps in to help them rebuild? In this episode, Meena sits down with John Austin, a visionary policy expert and advocate for regional renewal, whose work spans from Michigan’s factory towns to forgotten regions across Europe. John shares his personal story growing up in the Appalachia...

On this episode of Eavesdrop With Meena, Joseph Malone is brand director at HOLO Footwear, an immigrant-founded brand headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. HOLO is more than a footwear company—it’s a case study in how creative entrepreneurs are reshaping legacy industries with bold ideas and cultural authenticity. In this episode, Joseph shares his personal journey from the Dominican Republic t...

On the next episode of Eavesdrop With Meena, Meena sits down with Joseph Malone, brand director at HOLO Footwear, an immigrant-founded brand headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. HOLO is more than a footwear company—it’s a case study in how creative entrepreneurs are reshaping legacy industries with bold ideas and cultural authenticity. In this episode, Joseph shares his personal journey from t...

On this episode of Eavesdrop With Meena, Scott MacGregor is a beacon of resilience and passion, sharing his profound journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and leader. In this engaging conversation, Scott explores how his early life experiences shaped his relentless work ethic and commitment to living an extraordinary life. He delves into the importance of curi...

Coming Monday on Eavesdrop With Meena, Scott MacGregor is a beacon of resilience and passion, sharing his profound journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and leader. In this engaging conversation, Scott explores how his early life experiences shaped his relentless work ethic and commitment to living an extraordinary life. He delves into the importance of curios...

On the next episode of Eavesdrop With Meena, Scott MacGregor is a beacon of resilience and passion, sharing his profound journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and leader. In this engaging conversation, Scott explores how his early life experiences shaped his relentless work ethic and commitment to living an extraordinary life. He delves into the importance of...

Welcome back to part two of my breathtaking conversation with Parker Palmer. Parker is a gifted voice who speaks in paragraphs and pages. In this episode, we discuss gratitude, community, and the essence of true leadership. The Center for Courage and Renewal continues Parker’s important work on teaching compassion, identity and integrity in the workplace. Our conversation delves deep into communit...

In Part 1 of this heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Parker Palmer, Meena and Parker discuss the importance of courage, authenticity, and dialogue in navigating today’s turbulent political and social landscape. Reflecting on his own experiences with clinical depression, Palmer emphasizes the necessity of living an undivided life and reclaiming our shared power for the common good. His in...

Tune in March 17th for part 1 of Meena's heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Parker Palmer. A revered scholar and thought leader, Parker and Meena discuss the importance of courage, authenticity, and dialogue in navigating today’s turbulent political and social landscape. Reflecting on his own experiences with clinical depression, Palmer emphasizes the necessity of living an undivided...

Meet Payam Zamani , Founder of One Planet Group , a private equity firm that owns several online technology and media businesses. Payam is CEO and Chairman of Inspirato , a luxury travel club based in Denver, Colorado.  A former Iranian refugee who launched a billion dollar IPO, Payam is a remarkable servant leader who exemplifies the American spirit.   Our enlightening conversation, ranging from...

EAVESDROP WITH MEENA IS BACK! We're so excited to announce the release of season 5, and this season is FILLED with truly inspiring guests that you won't want to miss! First up is Payam Zamani. Payam is a former Iranian refugee who launched a billion dollar IPO, and he is on a mission to reform capitalism for the greater good. In this episode, Payam shares his compelling life story, from hi...

Singer-songwriter Carrie Newcomer shares her journey through music, poetry, and spirituality. Carrie discusses the profound impact of language and music, her inspirations, and the importance of balancing creation and performance. She also performs two of her songs, "You Can Do This Hard Thing" and "Book of Questions which will resonate deeply with listeners. • The Growing Edge Podca...

Join us on July 25 for an intimate conversation with singer-songwriter, Carrie Newcomer. Carrie’s deep connection to life, music, poetry, and spirituality express her rich soulful sound and call for global unity. The Boston Globe called Newcomer "a prairie mystic.”  Eavesdrop on this gifted artist to discover shared narratives for positive world change. You won’t want to miss this riveting final e...

In this episode of 'Eavesdrop with Meena,' Meena interviews Mike Goorhouse, founder of Inspiring Impact LLC , about his lifetime commitment to philanthropy and community building. They delve into the significance of community generosity, the intertwining of philanthropy and capitalism in American society, and the critical importance of fostering social connections and inclusive communities...