The SALA Series Podcast

Homelessness:  A Public Health Crisis  Recent data shows that every night, in communities large and small across the United States, over 750,000 people experienced homelessness.  Behind every number is a life interrupted, families displaced, people struggling not just to survive, but to reclaim stability, dignity, and hope.  To better understand issues ranging from hands-on outreach to leadership...

Currently, Senior Advisor to the  Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Initiative on Health and Homelessness , Jeff Olivet, has worked in homelessness, behavioral health, and public health for more than three decades. On this episode, Olivet sits with Imani Perry, National Book Award–winning author of South to America and Professor of African American Studies and Gender Studies at Harvard Uni...

As a former candidate for U.S. Senate (Ohio) and founder of the non-profit Columbus Stand Up, our friend and SALA member Morgan Harper knows a thing or two about politics, nonprofits and building an inclusive democracy.  During this session, Harper welcomes Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., Professor of Practice and Director of the M.S. program in Nonprofit Management at Columbia University and a frequent MSN...

Host and faculty member at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Mori Taheripour brings together two extraordinary leaders in mental health:  Dr. Matt Biel, Director of the Thrive Center at Georgetown University, where he is Professor of Psychiatry and Pediatrics and holds the Marriott Endowed Chair in Child, Adolescent and Family Health, and Dr. Harold Koplewicz, one of the nation...

With five years at the helm of the New Orleans Pelicans and a twelve-year playing career in the league, Willie Green talks about how his leadership style has evolved and the prioritized elements of his approach - notably a combination of empathy, faith, and service.  He shares how he handles challenges out of his control, what it means when talent doesn’t fit, and why leadership starts with listen...

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Trymaine Lee joins the SALA Series for a powerful conversation about truth-telling, justice, and the enduring weight of history.  From the front lines of Hurricane Katrina to the streets of Ferguson, Trymaine has dedicated his career to spotlighting the voices and stories often ignored by the mainstream — with a deep focus on race, inequality, and Black...

When it comes to understanding terrorism, intelligence, and the ever-evolving global security landscape, few voices carry more authority than Peter Bergen. As CNN’s national security analyst, author of multiple definitive books on Osama bin Laden and jihadist networks, and a seasoned journalist who produced the first television interview with bin Laden himself, Bergen brings unrivaled insight to t...

Emmy Award-winning journalists Juju Chang and Byron Pitts join the SALA Series to discuss the vital role of storytelling in American life.  As co-hosts of ABC News' Nightline, Juju Chang, a 30-year veteran of broadcast journalism and Byron Pitts, former chief national correspondent for CBS Evening News, reflect on the power of journalism to foster empathy, elevate underrepresented voices, and hold...

Marcia Chatelain, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, historian and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, is one of the nation's foremost experts on the intersections of race, capitalism, and social change. From her work on the civil rights movement to her exploration of corporate influence in Black communities, she uncovers the forces that shape economic and social power in America. In this e...

Frank Bruni, a longtime New York Times journalist, bestselling author, and Duke University professor, has spent decades analyzing the forces shaping American politics, media, and culture. From his work as a White House correspondent to his role as an op-ed columnist, he has explored the narratives that define our times. In this episode, he discusses his latest book, The Age of Grievance, examining...

As the former Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Times, acclaimed author and journalist Kevin Merida looks back on a forty-year career as a master storyteller. From covering politics today and yesterday, to tackling hard, thorny issues, Merida discusses the evolving role of the media and its impact. Whether offering unique insights into Kamala Harris’ rise within the broader context of leadership...

Hear from Isaac Saul, the award-winning founder of Tangle; a media company that reaches hundreds of thousands of engaged subscribers from across the political spectrum.  In addition to understanding the positions from the left and right, Saul and his colleagues help us understand (and challenge) where (and how) media coverage leads us, while also deftly providing their own balanced views on some o...

Co-hosts Monica McNutt and Dalen Cuff carve out time for a pre-holiday catch-up ranging from the day-to-day (hoops and travel) to bigger-picture musings (consumerism, intentionality and self-awareness) - and what it takes to juggle all of it as both evolve their on-air careers (including Monica being featured as part of a cartoon for the motion-enabled, animated NBA Christmas Day broadcast).  With...

Colleagues at ESPN, our SALA Series co-hosts Dalen Cuff and Monica McNutt, are first and foremost good friends.  Former college hoopers, Dalen (Columbia University) says Monica (Georgetown), both have a shared love for highlighting - and understanding - what drives purpose-driven leaders and the 'why' behind the impact they're making.  With a shared sense of humor, Dalen says he appreciates Monica...

Join us for a special episode featuring Juju Chang, Emmy Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of ABC News’ Nightline, Julian Zelizer, renowned historian, author and CNN political analyst, Eddie Glaude Jr., distinguished scholar, author and political analyst and Anne-Marie Slaughter, former Director of Policy Planning for the U.S. State Department and CEO of New America. This special episode days...

As CEO and National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Jonathan Greenblatt, fights against hate and antisemitism while promoting justice and inclusion.  Greenblatt’s work focuses on creating a more equitable society while bridging divides and promoting resilience in these polarized times.  With a deep commitment to civil rights and a clear vision for social change, Greenblatt offers  in...

Morgan Harper, a congressional candidate and progressive policy advocate, and Anne-Marie Slaughter, former Director of Policy Planning for the U.S. State Department and current CEO of New America, are both widely recognized for their leadership in addressing systemic challenges. Morgan Harper's work focuses on economic and racial justice, while Dr. Slaughter is one of the foremost experts on globa...

The former dean of Duke University Divinity School and current President of Belmont University, Dr. Greg Jones is well known for his ability to re-shape cultures and navigate complex challenges.  As an academic, Jones is one of the foremost thinkers around the power of forgiveness and ways to build (and heal) community.  Dr. Jones leads with a uniquely optimistic and 'can do' mindset driving evolu...

With a selfless commitment to others and a modesty starkly at odds with her extraordinary career, Lieutenant General Nadja West, the first African American Army Surgeon General and the highest-ranking woman to graduate from West Point, shares remarkable insights into leadership, resilience and teamwork.  In these divisive and polarizing times, Dr. West and her almost forty year career represents t...

Join us for a remarkable conversation with NFL legend Larry Fitzgerald as he shares stories and insights from his extraordinary seventeen-year playing career, along with what has driven both his business success and extraordinary commitment to community and philanthropy. 

Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education, hosts Marshall Hatch Jr. and Sr., esteemed pastors and community leaders, in a compelling conversation around building community, driving social impact and investing in young people from marginalized communities.  Pastor Marshall Hatch Sr., leader of New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, has long been a force in faith-based initiatives on Chi...

Jonathan Koppell, the ninth president of Montclair State University, shares his vision for one of New Jersey’s leading public research institutions and insights into the challenges (and opportunities) for higher education more generally, including student protests, the impact of AI technology and inclusiveness in admissions.  Drawing from his experience at Arizona State University, where he led on...

An extraordinary discussion with Larry Miller, Chairman of the Jordan Brand, around the power of second chances.  Having been in jail decades ago and now serving as a leading executive at the Jordan Brand (NIKE, Inc.), Miller serves as a remarkable example of second chances.  Among other things, Miller shares his rationale for writing “Jump:  My Secret Journey from the Streets to the Boardroom” an...

As professor of government and law at Georgetown University and founder of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice, Marc Howard has dedicated his life to addressing the deep flaws in America’s criminal justice system.  From exposing misaligned incentives to advocating for meaningful second chance programs, Marc provides a powerful perspective on what systemic change needs to look like.  Leading...

Rich Gotham, long-time president of the Boston Celtics, pairs with Allison Feaster, Vice President of Team Operations and Organizational Growth and one of the highest ranking women executives in the league, to share insights into the culture and operations of one of the world's most recognizable sports brands. From building a world championship team to the organization's commitment to social impac...