Scientista

National security isn’t just about borders and threats—it’s about how we prepare, respond, and rebuild. CNN analyst and Harvard professor Juliette Kayyem joins Monica Medina and Dr. Sweta Chakraborty to talk about women in crisis leadership, why “less bad” is a winning strategy, and what every family should know about the “72 on you” rule for disaster preparedness. From political violence to paren...

What do Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Mary Robinson have in common? According to Jean Oelwang, the founding CEO of Virgin Unite, it’s not charisma or power—it’s humility. In this episode, Jean shares stories from decades spent alongside the world’s most influential changemakers, from helping Mandela and Graca Machel launch The Elders to working with Mary Robinson and Paul Polman on Planetary G...

Clean energy is winning on technology—but losing the story. Jigar Shah tells Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina why solar, wind, and EVs need the swagger (and budget) of a “Got Milk?” campaign. From plug-in hybrids to nuclear power, he explains how better narratives—and a billion-dollar confidence boost—can keep the transition moving forward. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista h...

Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, joins the Scientista Podcast to share her journey from women’s development projects in Namibia to leading thousands of employees across 80 countries. She discusses how TNC is reimagining conservation through innovative finance, science, and technology—from “nature bonds” that unlock billions for biodiversity to AI tools that monitor forests and ocean...

What does it take to manage a presidential campaign? In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Julie Chávez Rodriguez, who served as campaign manager for Vice President Kamala Harris. Julie takes us inside one of the most intense races in U.S. history—sharing how she prepared Harris for a defining debate stage moment, built a staff of thousands across battleground states, and nav...

You may know her as Billie Eilish’s mom, but Maggie Baird is also an activist, storyteller, and founder of Support + Feed, a nonprofit tackling hunger, equity, and climate change with plant-based meals. What began as a living room idea during COVID has grown into a movement spanning 11 cities—delivering nutritious meals to communities cut off from healthy food, hosting free farmers markets, and in...

Lindsay Levin, Co-Founder of TED Countdown, joins Monica Medina to reflect on how the initiative has grown into a global platform reaching millions. Levin shares how TED Countdown is flipping the climate script — spotlighting solutions, building radical collaborations, and spreading hope through powerful storytelling. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.world

“Are we still talking about gender?” Yes—because it’s not solved. Climate leader Helen Mountford sits down with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina to reveal how women are driving bold climate solutions around the world, why organizations perform better when women lead, and how philanthropy can unlock their potential. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Scientista here: www.scientista.wo...

Climate shocks are coming — faster, harder, and more often. American University’s Dana R. Fisher explains why the climate movement can’t afford to ignore local organizing, and how community power can drive national change. From disruptive protests to neighborhood resilience projects, Fisher shares a data-driven, hopeful vision for turning local action into systemic climate solutions. Thank you for...

In this episode of the Scientista Podcast , meteorologist and Climate Central’s VP for Engagement Bernadette Woods Placky explains why local weather forecasters may be the most trusted—and underutilized—climate communicators we have. We talk about her path from aspiring gymnast to award-winning meteorologist, how attribution science is changing the climate conversation, and why communication is as...

We’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes with Gina McCarthy—former EPA Administrator and the first-ever White House National Climate Advisor. From her early days in local public health to shaping national climate policy at the highest levels of government, Gina shares what it takes to lead with purpose, protect communities, and push for bold action in the face of political headwinds. S...

What if we could prevent disease before it starts? Dr. Raj Panjabi—former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security—explains how biotech, AI, and early intervention can revolutionize healthcare. But with science under attack and public health funding at risk, the stakes couldn’t be higher. He also reflects on how his mother’s career as a scientist shaped his own mission to serve. This...

After four decades at The Washington Post , Ruth Marcus made a decision few journalists ever face: she resigned after her column — critical of Jeff Bezos’s editorial policy — was blocked from publication. In this episode, Ruth opens up about the events leading to her departure, the editorial shift she saw under Bezos’s ownership, and why she believes dissenting voices are essential to democracy. S...

As we welcome new listeners to the Scientista Podcast, we’re highlighting some of our most popular conversations from the archive. In this timely episode, climate scientist and bestselling author Katharine Hayhoe shares what it really takes to talk about climate change — especially with people who might not want to hear it. She discusses why facts alone aren’t enough, how to reach people where the...

The deep sea is one of Earth’s last frontiers—and the battle over who gets to mine it is heating up. This week on the Scientista Podcast , host Monica Medina sits down with Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, to talk about her mission to regulate deep sea mining before it’s too late. From overseeing negotiations in Jamaica to fending off pressure from billion...

Bill Nye the Science Guy joins the Scientista Podcast for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about making science accessible, the role of humor in advocacy, and what it takes to keep going when the world feels upside down. Co-hosts Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina talk with Bill about everything from vaccine misinformation and climate denial to his early days in stand-up comedy and how...

Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown School of Public Health and former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about what happens when women are left out of health research and policymaking—and why fixing that gap is critical for everyone’s well-being. From pandemic lessons to the future of public health, Dr. Jha shares candid insights on science, leadership,...

Kathi Vidal has spent her career at the heart of American innovation — first as an engineer, then as Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. But as she explains in this episode, the system that fuels invention and economic growth is far from equitable. Just 12-13% of patents are granted to women, and the numbers are even lower for other underrepresented groups. In this wide-ranging conve...

Former NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about her lifelong love of the ocean, what’s threatening its future—and why she still has hope. From marine protected areas to blue carbon, she shares how the ocean can be a powerful climate solution and why science-based policy is more essential than ever. Plus, hear what it was like to attend the premiere of David...

Her Deepness: Sylvia Earle on a Lifetime Underwater and the Fight to Save the Sea In this special World Oceans Day episode of the Scientista Podcast , we dive deep with legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. From leading the first all-female aquanaut team to founding Mission Blue and advocating for marine protected areas, Earle shares stories from her lifetime of exploration and activism. She r...

What do pigeons, volcanoes, and climate change have in common? For Dr. Elizabeth Gray, they’ve all been part of her unlikely journey from bird nerd to CEO of the National Audubon Society. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast , Dr. Gray shares how birds led her to science, conservation, and climate advocacy, and why she believes birds can unite us across politics, geography, and generations. F...

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reverses his stance on COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, the stakes of vaccine misinformation have never felt higher. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast , we sit down with Dr. Nikki Romanik — former Chief of Staff & Deputy Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy — to unpack the consequences of politicized...

Conservation leader Sally Ann Ranney joins the Scientista Podcast to share the surprising story that started it all—napping inside a tree as a child—and how that deep connection to nature led her to spearhead a bold international campaign: a 10-year moratorium on Arctic development. She talks with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina about what makes the Arctic the epicenter of climate change,...

Dr. Whitney Strauss, Executive Director, AdvoCare Foundation; Philanthropist, Food Systems Expert, and Author, joins us to talk about food systems, health equity, and what it takes to drive real change. From the fight for healthier food access to battling misinformation and building trust at the community level, Whitney shares lessons from her career—and why she believes success always comes with...

Musician, activist, and climate advocate Adam Met joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about using the power of music—and the influence of artists like Taylor Swift—to mobilize fans for climate action. From street performances in Central Park to sold-out arenas and a PhD in climate policy, Adam shares his unique journey blending entertainment and advocacy. He explains why concerts are the perfect...