Say More with Tulaine Montgomery

Let’s Say a Little Bit More is a three-part mini series where Tulaine Montgomery dives deep into recurring themes discussed with previous Say More guests. Nowadays we see an increasing number of Black women stepping into formal leadership roles. We hear a lot about the challenges Black women leaders face, but we don't talk enough about the ways they still thrive despite them. In this episode, Tula...

Let’s Say a Little Bit More is a three-part mini series where Tulaine Montgomery dives deep into recurring themes discussed with previous Say More guests. According to United State census estimates, by the year 2042, our nation will have a majority people of color population, representing various ethnicities. This demographic shift prompts an essential question: How do we come together when it oft...

Let’s Say a Little Bit More is a three-part mini series where I will deep dive into recurring themes discussed with previous Say More guests. In our first episode, we explore how we can undertake challenging work as changemakers while also savoring the beauty of relationships, laughter, and joy. Episodes mentioned in this episode: The Art of Organizing with Marshall Ganz Nurturing Our Minds, Shapi...

While we’re on a season break, we wanted to share an episode from a podcast we think you’ll love. It’s called System Catalysts, and it’s about the incredible people who are fixing the broken systems that run the world. I actually had the pleasure of narrating their first season, so you might already be familiar with it. If you like what you hear, follow this link to subscribe and check out the res...

We use the word ‘impact’ a lot and yet, sometimes we lose sight of what it actually means. In our season finale, Sadé Muhammad reminds us that impact isn’t only about measurable change. It’s also about building an emotional connection with our community. Resources mentioned in this episode: TIME’s The Closer’s List TIME’s Impact House Sadé’s email for future Impact House/Closers inquiries: sade@ti...

Lisa Yancey is done trying to convince people to build an equitable world. She says it’s time to be self-reliant and collaborate with those who are ready to embark on this mission together. Resources mentioned in this episode: Sanjay Purohit’s Say More Episode ‘Self Reliance’  - Essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson The Dash Website Yancey Consulting Website Follow Tulaine Montgomery on: Instagram Lin...

Stories bring us together. Whether that is an inside joke between close friends or a communal mythology passed down through generations - stories can unite us. My guest today, Ken Himmelman, says that America can come together when we share our stories and the values that the nation is founded upon.  Resources mentioned in this episode: The Water Bearer - Novel by Ken Himmelman Follow Tulaine...

Leadership comes down to being able to build real human connections, right? But how do you do that? My guest today, Carlos Moreno, believes that we are better leaders when we dare to be vulnerable and authentic. And he’s got the experience to prove it! As an educator with this leadership style, he’s bridged generational gaps and connected with his students in a deep way. So listen up if you want t...

Can spirituality help us come together and evolve as a nation? My guest today, Krista Tippett believes it absolutely can! By connecting with our underlying purpose, we can envision the kind of world we want to inhabit. Only then can we build it together.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Krista Tippett’s Project and Podcast, On Being Eula Biss’ Episode on the On Being podcast Eula Biss’ N...

In his 1997 hit track, ‘Kick the Door,’ legendary hip hop artist, Biggie Smalls raps, “Stay low and keep firing,” speaking about the violent reality he grew up in. But my guest today, Dr. Chris Emdin has taken this as his mantra for life. For him, it is about staying low amidst the hurdles of life and keep shooting to make a difference in the world. Dr. Emdin is a professor at Columbia University’...

Organizing people seems easier in the digital age, right? Just send out a blast email or create a Facebook group. My guest today, Marshall Ganz, believes to achieve real social change, we need to do much more than that. For him, the art of organizing involves sharing our unique stories and connecting at a unifying, human level. Resources mentioned in this episode: When Movements Anchor Parties - B...

We’d be lying to ourselves if we acted like our country’s history wasn’t filled with societal pains and traumas. Eric Liu, the CEO of Citizen University, says that when we grieve together, we open the opportunity to heal and move forward as a nation. By renewing faith in ourselves, we can carry on the legacy of our ancestors. Resources mentioned in this episode: Citizen University website Follow T...

If a thousand mice don’t make an elephant, why do we believe replicating solutions can solve a problem at scale? My guest today, Sanjay Purohit, CEO and Chief Curator of the Centre For Exponential Change, believes that we must tailor our methods for each community. But that doesn’t mean scale is not possible. Today, he reveals how a change in our thinking can unlock large societal change.  Re...

Can we show up for our communities if we can’t show up for ourselves?  Rachel Cargle, best-selling author and the founder of The Loveland Foundation, doesn’t think so. Today, she explains how we can self-study to learn to be our true selves and give back to our community. Resources mentioned in this episode: A Renaissance of Our Own: A Memoir and Manifesto of Reimagining, book by Rachel Cargl...

Are we naturally caring or divisive as human-beings?  Dr. Richard Davidson, the founder of Center for Healthy Minds, explains we are hard-wired to build connections. He also teaches us how to cultivate well-being through four easy steps. Resources mentioned in this episode: Healthy Minds Program Meditation App  Follow Tulaine Montgomery on: Instagram Linkedin X Subscribe to “Say More wit...

Too often we allow society to tell us what success means. In this episode, we challenge that definition. MESHELLE, the Indie Mom of Comedy, shares her inspiring story of embracing her individuality in the world of stand-up comedy. Resources mentioned in this episode: Whoopi Goldberg: Direct from Broadway on Hulu Follow Tulaine Montgomery on: Instagram Linkedin X Subscribe to “Say More with Tulaine...

If you joined us in Season 1, you know that what you’re listening to is more than just a podcast—it's a sanctuary. A space where we can fill our cups and take care of one another while fighting the good fight. In our new season, we're sitting down with individuals who are shaping the world in profound ways. If you believe in a better world and want to infuse joy in the pursuit of that vision, you'...

Policymaking isn't enough to create real change. Impact begins with a shift in culture. Negin Farsad, a comedian and filmmaker, talks to me about the importance of comedy in creating a foundation for social change. She also explains how comedy has helped her build bridges across identities. Resources mentioned in this episode: Gutsy on Apple TV Fake the Nation podcast with Negin Farsad 3rd Street...

if you complete a bachelor’s degree, you’re more likely to live longer. Yet, 60% of Americans don’t have one. And skepticism about its value is growing. My guest today, Steve Colón, talks about why college is worth it and how students can make the most out of their college experience. Resources mentioned in this episode: BottomLine.org for more information Follow Tulaine Montgomery on: Instagram L...

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...