Seattle University's Presidential Speaker Series

Award-winning journalist and author Monica Guzmán joins the Presidential Speaker Series for a masterclass in the art of bridging divides. Drawing from her celebrated book I Never Thought of It That Way , her work with Braver Angels , and her own experience as the “liberal daughter of conservative parents,” Monica explores how curiosity, courage, and deep listening can bring people back from the ed...

Father Sam Sawyer, SJ, president and editor in chief of America Magazine, joins Seattle University’s Presidential Speaker Series to talk about the future of Catholic media and the art of conversation across disagreement. We cover how America evolved from a weekly print magazine to a digital multi-platform newsroom, why Catholics often mirror national swing-voter trends, what really fuels polarizat...

Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver sits down with Columbia Law School’s Jamal Greene for a riveting discussion on the fragile state of American democracy, the role of executive power, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of universities in an age of political pressure. From Greene’s insider perspective at the Office of Legal Counsel to his insights on constitutional erosion, free...

Is Social Media Raising or Ruining the Next Generation? 🤳🧠 In this eye-opening episode, Professor Jean Twenge dives into how social media is shaping Gen Z—and not always for the better. From rising anxiety and delayed independence to the shifting sands of social connection, we unpack the real-world effects of growing up online. We’ll explore: How technology is rewiring teen behavior and mental h...

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of civil discourse, conservatism, and ideological diversity in academia, particularly in the context of recent political shifts and the influence of state control over university curricula. The discussion with Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver and Keith Whittington, a Professor of Law at Yale Law School , highlights the challenges unive...

In this episode, Seattle University President Eduardo Peñalver speaks with Steven Teles, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Economy and Society at Johns Hopkins University. They delve into the challenges of maintaining ideological diversity in higher education, focusing on Seattle University. The conversation addresses the pressures on campus discourse, changes in facult...