The Space In Between Podcast

Today’s episode dives into the dynamic world of data and innovation and leadership lessons in bridging divides across sectors. Our guest, Ann Mei Chang, brings shares insights from her interesting career which spans Google, the U.S. State Department, US Agency for International Development (USAID), and her current role as CEO of Candid. We discuss workplace cultures, the challenges of leading change, and the importance of understanding motivations and incentives that shape organizational performance. We also explore how leaders can best bridge divides across dimensions of difference.  

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Today’s podcast explores our mental health from a public health perspective, and how, in a post-COVID world, we can avoid reaching polarizing ‘boiling points’ and reduce the experience of isolation and fragmentation across communities.  Host Leigh Morgan explores this topic in-depth with a an internationally recognized global leader and expert, Dr. Dani Fallin, who is Dean of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Dr. Fallon defines what a population approach to mental health is, and how it helps us understand the how polarization starts and is amplified across society. She also shares specific strategies to build stronger, sustainable connections across dimensions of difference. 

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In the increasingly polarized discourse on immigration, it is essential to create spaces where nuanced and insightful conversations can thrive. In this episode, we delve into the complex realities of immigration in the U.S. with Maggie Mitchell Salem, the Executive Director of IRIS and a leading expert in the field. We explore the misconceptions, realities, challenges, opportunities, and the evolving landscape of immigration, while offering a hopeful perspective on how to navigate difficult conversations around this topic.

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This podcast features Mary S. Moore, a global leader in the culinary and housewares sector. Moore and host Leigh Morgan explore food's role as an expression of cultural heritage and a conduit for creating connections across diverse communities. Through personal stories and insights, Moore illustrates how shared culinary experiences can build understanding in our often-divided world. The conversation also addresses critical challenges in our food system, including declining food quality, limited access to healthy options, and the health impacts of increased processed food consumption. Moore concludes with practical guidance for bringing people together through food, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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In this episode of the Space In Between podcast, host Leigh Morgan speaks with retired Major Hartleigh Caine about her experience in the Army and what it means to take an oath to support the Constitution in a world that can often feel divisive and lacking unity. Major Caine, an Apache attack helicopter pilot and decorated combat veteran, shares her remarkable journey from West Point to Iraq and Afghanistan, along with the many lessons she has learned about bringing men and women from diverse backgrounds together in highly stressful and often dangerous circumstances. She also discusses navigating her role as one of the very few female commanders and pilots in two wartime settings and shares rationale for her belief that the military’s oath and mission-based orientation will continue to transcend the political divides that too often dominate today’s culture.

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In this episode of the Space In Between Podcast, host Leigh Morgan discusses the evolving landscape of media with award-winning journalist and podcast producer, Arjun Singh. They explore the reasons for the dramatic decline in trust with traditional media, the rise of ideologically inspired media platforms, and how media eco-chambers fuel the proliferation of division. Singh emphasizes the concept of fairness over objectivity in journalism, and the challenges traditional media face in adapting to the digital era. 

They also address issues like low news literacy among the public and the importance of consuming news from multiple sources to get a balanced perspective. Singh shares his personal approach to journalism centered on overtly sharing his biases, and engaging with subjects of his reporting from a place of  empathy and respect. He also explains the distinction between empathy and sympathy and how to hold firm to one's values while also finding connection with people who hold different views. 

Lastly, Singh finds hope in the public's curiosity and desire to learn, which suggests that people are still invested in understanding the world around them.

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In this episode of The Space in Between Podcast, host Leigh Morgan explores perceptions and misconceptions about crime with her guest, Durham County, NC District Attorney Satana Deberry.  They discuss innovative, local strategies to improve public safety, support victims, hold offenders accountable, uplift communities and reduce systemic inequities. Along the way, DA Deberry gets right to the hard  in her signature plain spoken, authentic and direct manner.

Deberry shares her insights on the role of a district attorney, the truth about crime rates and importance of addressing what drives most crimes: substance abuse and mental health issues. They also examine reforms to the bail system and the reintegration of individuals with suspended driver’s licenses to prevent the perpetuation of crime cycles. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the need for comprehensive, community-driven approaches to public safety and the role of empathy and listening in achieving these goals.

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Hyper-polarization has permeated many public schools, creating divisions and diverting focus from providing quality education, supporting students, and ensuring that teachers have the resources they need to do their best work. In this discussion, we speak with award-winning journalist and author Laura Pappano, who sheds light on ideological battles taking place in rural, politically conservative districts and shares inspiring stories of principled 'school moms' who are working to save public education from extremism. We also examine how rural communities foster unity even in times of deep, local division, offering examples that can inspire communities everywhere.

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UPDATE In this episode of the "Space in Between" podcast, host Leigh Morgan interviews innovation strategist and futurist Zenia Tata on tackling global challenges like climate change through innovative strategies that change hearts and minds.  Zenia introduces us to the concept of the "long future," encouraging us to think beyond immediate solutions and consider the implications of our actions on future generations. Resilience, she explains, is the key to navigating the challenges that lie ahead. 

By focusing on creating climate solutions grounded in diverse perspectives, science, and collaborating across dimensions of difference, Zenia emphasizes the importance of both thinking and acting like an ancestor and, practicality, in driving meaningful progress.

The conversation explores what a futurist is and how collaborating with diverse communities and a grounded, visionary mindset fosters creative solutions to climate change. The discussion emphasizes our responsibility to future generations and technological advancements that build resilience to a rapidly changing planet.

Tata shares insights from her work at XPRIZE, highlighting efforts to help map the Amazon region and the significance of methane reduction and capture. The episode underscores the importance of collaboration, personal networks, and using the STEEP framework (Social, Technological, Ecological, Economic, Political) for impactful problem-solving. Listeners are provided with tools to foster deep connections in ways that foster innovation and sustained impact over time.  

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This episode of  'The Space in Between Podcast' features an in-depth discussion with  Dr. Joan Fallon, delving into her incredible journey from a healthcare professional caring for kids with autism, to a biotech CEO and now author of the critically acclaimed book "Goodbye Status Quo: Reimagining the Landscape of Innovation". The conversation explores how principles of innovation, empathy, and the concept of 'space in between' itself - can be applied to societal issues including the evolving, post-COVID workplace norms, understanding the rural-urban divide, and overcoming resistance to change during a hyper partisan election season.  The podcast is fascinating, fun, and offers practical tools to think differently about the status quo. 

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