The SALA Series Podcast

As a New York Times best-selling author, CNN Political Analyst, and Professor of History and Public Affairs at Princeton University, Julian Zelizer provides remarkable historical context around the fragile nature of our democracy, political polarization and the impact of modern media.  Beyond offering remarkable insights into how we find ourselves in this current state, Zelizer adeptly foreshadows...

One of the nation's most prominent scholars, Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., offers nuanced insights into the complexity of the American experience and experiment. Drawing upon his vast writings, he shares profound observations into the experiences of Black communities, the difficulties of race in the United States and the challenges we face as a democracy. A highly accomplished and respected scholar of...

A remarkable discussion with Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie, the Founding Spiritual Leader of Lab/Shul NYC. Uncover the profound impact of Rabbi Amichai's transformative efforts, offering a renewed outlook on the challenges of faith amid conflict. Delve into his extraordinary approach to merging diverse spiritual forms and fostering community cohesion. Gain exclusive insights into navigating the complex...

With an unprecedented 36-year winning streak, Billy Walters is known as the greatest (and most controversial) sports better of all time. But beyond his revolutionary approach to sports betting, Walters shares insights from an extraordinary lived journey, including being born into rural poverty in Kentucky, overcoming addictions and outmaneuvering organized crime, to extraordinary philanthropic com...

Monica, Dalen and Peter Farnsworth get together for their annual check in - looking back on the creation of SALA, the past year's highlights and plans for future impact

Described as the 'No-Stats All-Star', Shane Battier always made the teams he played for much better - and his opponents much worse. Post playing days, he continues to inspire, mentor, dream big and take brave steps toward ensuring a brighter future. An inspiring and insightful conversation with a purpose-driven leader.

Best selling author, acclaimed public speaker and distinguished professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Bettina Love provides an impassioned vision around the future of education and its role as the underpinning of a more just society. The renowned author of the New York Times bestseller "Punished for Dreaming: How School Reform Harms Black Children and How We Heal," Dr. Love offer...

Shawn Spruce, host of 'Native America Calling,' the nation's only daily interactive audio program featuring Native & Indigenous voices, explains ways culturally-relevant storytelling builds community and drives positive impact on the lives of Native Americans.

Join Presidents Dr. Larry Robinson of FAMU and Darrell K. Williams of Hampton University, as they share their insights into higher education and the unique place of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). As leaders of public (FAMU) and private (Hampton) institutions, each has set new standards for innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement.

With lived experiences through the American justice system, Jarrett and Joi Adams have first-hand experience with wrongful convictions, aiding the transition for the formerly incarcerated and advocating for under-served populations. Their personal journey raises important questions around fairness, equality and justice - illuminating one of the great crises facing America today.

From an electrifying NBA and college playing career to his transition into coaching, Vanderbilt Men's Basketball Coach Jerry Stackhouse shares stories of his unique journey, including the ever-changing nature of the game, areas of opportunity and impact, and his motivations moving forward.

With extensive experience in the for-profit sector along with senior-level posts in academia, renown author, educator and speaker Jason Wingard, President of Temple University, addresses the critical state of higher education: declining enrollments, questions about job and career readiness, cost and affordability and curriculum relevance within a rapidly evolving economy.

As chief White House correspondent for the New York Times, Peter Baker leads coverage of President Biden, the fifth president he has covered. Having spent four years as the bureau chief in Moscow and also Jerusalem, Baker is the author of seven books, most recently “The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021". Winner of all major awards related to White House reporting, Baker is also a polit...

As president of Arizona State University, Michael Crow has led groundbreaking transformation towards innovation, inclusivity and socioeconomic diversity. Hear his unique perspective on education and how ASU has consistently been recognized as the most innovative institution of higher education in America.

Hear from Anne-Marie Slaughter, CEO of New America, a think and action tank that strives to help us realize our highest ideals as a nation -- seizing on the benefits and opportunities created via technology and social change while honestly confronting the inherent challenges.

Compelling discussion with Peter Farnsworth regarding the creation and development of the SALA Series - the why behind its formation, its unique role and positioning and what the future holds.

Juju Chang, multiple Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of ABC News' "Nightline" joins her husband Neal Shapiro, CEO of WNET and former President of NBC News, for a fascinating discussion regarding the fragile nature of our Democracy and the on-going responsibility of the news media.

Groundbreaking physician-scientist, disease hunter, speaker, and national bestselling author shares extraordinary learnings from a remarkable life journey: from college quarterback to receiving his last rites while in medical school and nearly dying four more times battling Castleman disease. As he saved his own life, he spearheaded an innovative approach to research through the Castleman Disease...

Lead ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas and Auburn Men's College Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl discuss their trip this past summer to Israel with the Auburn basketball team to Israel; the extraordinary personal growth, understanding and unifying power of the game.

Mitch Landrieu is a Senior Advisor to the President to the United States and the Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator. He joins Dalen and Monica to discuss leadership - where it comes from, what's required and how we best move forward together.

Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, joins Dalen and Monica to talk about the repeal of Roe v. Wade and the on-going fight for abortion rights. With the midterm elections looming, Johnson speaks to the importance of health equity and urgency of the fight for women's rights.

SALA Series Podcast returns for Season 2, coming soon!

Tara August has the enviable role of partnering with the loquacious, outspoken - and outsized - personality of Charles Barkley on “Inside the NBA” on Turner Sports. With an initial two-year deal with TNT signed in 2000, Barkley has entertained hundreds of millions of sports fans since. August not only keeps things on track, but she and Barkley have a decades-long friendship and business partnershi...

Best-selling author and Chairman of The HOW Institute for Society, Dov Seidman pairs with Gregg Berhalter, head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team. Berhalter’s intentional build of team culture can be seen through the lens of Seidman’s best-selling book: How: Why How We Do Anything Means Everything. Explains Seidman: “Self-governing cultures both inspire alignment and eject elem...

Recently voted as president of the NBA Players Association, purchasing a 300+ acre vineyard and releasing the McCollum Heritage 91 wine label, CJ McCollum epitomizes the next-generation of professional athlete: an entrepreneur, investor, new father and shooting guard extraordinaire.