NYU McSilver Podcasts

“Power Play: Soft Power Unpacked” explores the subtle yet powerful ways nations, organizations, and individuals shape opinions, drive change, and wield influence—without coercion. McSilver Fellow-in-Residence Penny Abeywardena dives into the strategies that define soft power both locally and globally, from cultural diplomacy and media narratives to corporate branding and grassroots activism. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations as well as Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, is the second guest to sit down with Abeywardena and explore how soft power can be instrumental to uplifting women and girls, navigating delicate international relations, or advancing development goals that in traditional perspectives seem out of reach.

“Power Play: Soft Power Unpacked” explores the subtle yet powerful ways nations, organizations, and individuals shape opinions, drive change, and wield influence—without coercion. McSilver Fellow-in-Residence Penny Abeywardena dives into the strategies that define soft power both locally and globally, from cultural diplomacy and media narratives to corporate branding and grassroots activism. Diane von Furstenberg, fashion icon, feminist, and philanthropist, is the first guest to unpack how she has wielded soft power across a storied career.

How do we embrace two-generational health (child and caregiver) during the complete perinatal period — from pregnancy into early childhood? And how does the two-generation approach create better outcomes for families and prepare children for a lifetime of well-being? NYU McSilver partnered with the NYC Perinatal and Early Childhood Mental Health Network Training and Technical Assistance Center (TTAC) to produce a unique podcast episode drawing on the knowledge of experts working on multiple facets of perinatal health, from public health policy to pediatrics and reproductive care. TTAC leader Evelyn Blanck interviews Dr. Susan Chinitz, April Hamilton, Dr. Catherine Monk, and Dr. Cynthia Osborne in this information-rich showcase. Find additional resources and learn more about TTAC and McSilver at https://bit.ly/2-gen-pod

Polyvagal theory emphasizes the role the autonomic nervous system — especially the vagus nerve — plays in regulating health and behavior. Created and developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, the theory describes the physiological and psychological states underlying mental health challenges and everyday behavior. With his son, director and producer Seth Porges, Dr. Porges co-wrote Our Polyvagal World: How Safety and Trauma Change Us, the latest book in an expansive bibliography exploring polyvagal theory. They sat down with two of McSilver's visionary researchers, Dr. Kara Dean-Assael and Dr. Anthony Salerno, to discuss potential impacts of polyvagal theory for health practitioners, systems of care, and society in general.

Dr. Andrew F. Cleek, McSilver’s Deputy Executive Director, speaks with Dr. Kimberly E. Hoagwood, the Cathy and Stephen Graham Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, about how to make improvements to large and complex health systems.

Dr. Anthony Salerno, NYU McSilver’s Innovation and Implementation Officer, speaks with Dr. Stephanie Irby Coard of UNC–Greensboro about the important and often under-appreciated role of resilience in addressing mental health issues — especially in communities of color and among young people.

Dr. Andrew Cleek in Conversation with Commissioner Ashwin Vasan by McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research

Dr. Damali Wilson in Conversation with Dr. Erin Sadler by McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research

Dr. Anthony Salerno in Conversation with Linda Rosenberg and Helen ‘Skip’ Skipper by McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research

The Black Boys and Men: Changing the Narrative podcast series brings together thought leaders to analyze stereotypes and dispel myths concerning Black boys and men, to explore their strengths and achievements, and to discuss the many ways in which all of us can support their progress and well-being.

Mackey is an educator and artist who understands the power of images and social media on the narratives built around Black men and boys. He is the Director of the Ethics and the Arts Program at the Emory University Center for Ethics, and the Creator of Black Men Smile, a platform to celebrate the way Black men see themselves. He shares the origins of his artistic movement, exploring images of Black men, masculinity and how we can change the narrative.