In this solo episode of The Space In Between Podcast, host Leigh Morgan introduces a theme we’ll return to again and again this year: staying high agency in unsettled times. With clear-eyed realism about polarization, distrust, and today's often trying times, Leigh offers a grounded reframe: agency isn’t optimism or control—it’s the felt sense that your actions matter, even when circumstances are messy. She shares a powerful metaphor (how stars often flare brightest before collapse), a personal story about resilience and identity after a life-altering knee injury, and advice on how to stay steady without becoming hardened. You’ll walk away with accessible practices—know your boiling points, take three deep breaths, stay in relationship, refuse dehumanization, and hold people accountable without hating—so we can maintain integrity, strengthen connection, and bridge divides when the world needs this most. 

Support the show

In this special 2025 EOY solo episode of The Space In Between, host Leigh Morgan reflects on the lessons of 2025—both her personal insights as well as key lessons from 55 podcast episodes this year.  She explores the “quiet shift” that's happening across workplaces, families, and communities: everyday people choosing nuance, integrity, and aliveness over disconnection and certainty. She explores why high agency is the expressed form of aliveness—less about controlling outcomes and more about choosing how we meet the moment—then offers three grounded lessons for 2026: clarity matters more than certainty, courage doesn’t need theatrics, and connection is a practice. She shares personal stories and specific practices that have helped her navigate an incredibly fulfilling - and sometimes unpredictable - year. 

The practices she describes are mainstays for staying grounded and choiceful even amidst a polarized world: know your boiling points, seek other seekers, and tell stories. Join us for another great show, and please leave a review and share if you feel moved!

Support the show

Most weeks on The Space In Between, host Leigh Morgan talks with leaders, innovators, and bridge builders out in the world. This week, she invites you into something closer: a candid conversation with her sister, Melinda Morgan Thomas, about the complicated alchemy of sibling relationships—and their slow burn journey from rivalry to real closeness.

Along the way, the Morgan sisters explore how family dynamics shape our assumptions, how trust is rebuilt through “micro-moments,” and why their story has important – and transferable - lessons for anyone trying to create healthier dynamics at home, at work, and in community. This episode is touching, tender, and inspiring!

Support the show

In a time of rising distrust and deep polarization, what does it mean to be an engaged citizen—and how is Gen Z shaping that answer? Host Leigh Morgan sits down with Cynthia Lietz, Dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University, to explore how today’s students are navigating trauma, digital overload, and democratic uncertainty while still showing up with conviction, compassion, and a call to serve. 

Dean Lietz urges older generations not to simply hand Gen Z a broken system and say “good luck,” but to model emotionally grounded, courageous leadership and build institutions worthy of their trust. This episode will give you a renewed sense of hope—and responsibility—for standing with young people to reduce harm, expand opportunity, and strengthen our democracy.

Support the show

In this episode of The Space In Between, Leigh hosts behavioral science expert Shirin Oreizy—founder and former CEO of Next Step and noted coach to leaders — who shares practical tools for holding firm to our values and bridging divides. We explore behavioral science insights including why fear of loss can loom larger than potential gain, how smart framing of issues can unlock connection, and why building something together first can lower defenses and open honest dialogue. We also explore “above vs. below the line” leadership, and the slow, steady work of cultivating trust over time. Leigh and Shirin share personal examples from their lives and go deep in exploring how to feel empowered during polarized times. Listen for practices you can use today with your team, your family, and your community. 

Support the show

In this episode, I reflect on a few powerful moments I’ve experienced as host of The Space In Between. I explore a core theme from Season I: how self-awareness is essential for both taking principled stands on the issues we care about and finding ways to bridge divides. A key concept is understanding our personal 'boiling points'—those moments when we’re so emotionally charged that our ability to engage empathetically with others is limited. Knowing our boiling points gives us agency to make choices about when, and how to dialogue with people who have different views.  Join me as I unpack this important topic!

Support the show

In this episode, Leigh sits down with distinguished litigator Rebecca Woods to demystify how the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the Constitution—and why those choices shape our daily lives. From textualism and originalism to the modernist “living constitution,” Rebecca explains the frameworks behind landmark rulings, what stare decisis really means, and how cases like Bostock and Dobbs reveal the Court’s internal debates. Importantly, she shares a simple practice for our polarized moment: we bridge divides by listening with an open heart—not to agree, but to understand. If you want less heat and more clarity about what the Court does and how to stay grounded in your values, this conversation is a clear, calm guide.

Support the show

In a world that often feels increasingly fractured, it’s easy to believe the divisions we see and feel are real and fixed. But what if they aren’t? What if polarization—the sense that “we” and “they” are hopelessly far apart—is actually an illusion? In this episode of The Space In Between, I explore this evocative idea through the work of Dr. Todd Rose and my own experience, revealing that while polarization feels real, it’s largely a collective distortion.  It turns out that beneath the noise, Americans share remarkably similar values: to be good people, to do meaningful work, to nurture family and friendships, to have financial security, and to contribute to our communities. 

Join me as I explore this topic and share three simple practices to shatter the illusion of polarization for good. This podcast will leave you feeling hopeful and, empowered to create meaningful change at a tender time for our society. 

Support the show

This episode of The Space In Between centers on cancer—a topic that touches nearly everyone and, crucially, reminds us of our shared humanity. When a loved one receives a diagnosis, compassion cuts through ideology: neighbors cook meals, coworkers donate PTO, communities fundraise. Fighting cancer becomes a common cause that unites us in hope. Host Leigh Morgan is joined by Dr. Nancy Davidson—renowned breast cancer oncologist, translational researcher, and executive vice president/chief academic officer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center—to offer a clear-eyed, optimistic update on where oncology stands and where it’s headed. And along the way, they share tips for how bridging divides across cancer benefits us all.

Support the show

In this episode, host Leigh Morgan sat down with award-winning journalist and author Laura Pappano to discuss the seismic changes reshaping K-12 education since the new administration took office. This topic is often emotive, as we've seen in PTA and school board meetings across the country.  Leigh and Laura dive into why this is the case, and explore the expansion of school vouchers, the restructuring of federal education policy, and the consequences of an increasing focus of education as a marketplace rather than a public good that centers student achievement. Learning how to talk constructively about these profound changes is essential for bridging the divides that keep communities apart, especially when the future of public schooling affects every neighborhood and family across the political spectrum.

Support the show