Best Columbia Ideas At Work Podcasts (2025)

1
How business leaders can renew democracy | Daniella Ballou-Aares 23:12

4d ago23:12

23:12

How much should business leaders speak out about threats to democracy? It's a question many corporations are wrestling with these days. Business and democracy leader Daniella Ballou-Aares shows why companies have both the ability and the responsibility to engage in protecting elections and the rule of law — and why their bottom lines may depend on …

1
“It is our moral imperative”: Oregon students hunger strike for Gaza 50:08

7d ago50:08

50:08

At this very moment, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who have managed to survive Israel’s scorched-earth siege and bombing are being deliberately starved to death as a result of Israel’s 11-week blockade preventing food and aid from entering Gaza. As Jem Bartholemew writes at The Guardian, “The UN’s humanitarian chief, Tom Fletcher, told the BBC [Tu…

1
The key to navigating change with confidence | Kristy Ellmer 15:48

11d ago15:48

15:48

What if the change you fear most is actually the best thing for you? Change leader Kristy Ellmer shares a powerful lesson on how even the most difficult transitions, including layoffs and company-wide transformations, can open unexpected doors. She offers tools from behavioral science to help you shift your mindset and navigate uncertainty with con…

1
Work is broken. Gen Z can help fix it | Amanda Schneider 15:02

18d ago15:02

15:02

Would you rather stay in your current job until you retire, or change jobs every year? Researcher Amanda Schneider says Gen Z's answer to this question says a lot about the evolving workplace. Sharing data-driven insights on the young workforce, she debunks common misconceptions about Gen Z employees and explains why their preferences are key to un…

1
‘Like being tortured’: Texas residents living next to bitcoin mine are getting sick and being ignored 1:03:31

22d ago1:03:31

1:03:31

While state officials and legislators have positioned Texas to be “the bitcoin mining capital of the world,” in small towns like Granbury, working-class residents living next to giant, loud, environmentally destructive data centers are the ones paying the price for Texas’s crypto boom. “None of us are sleeping,” Cheryl Shadden, a Granbury resident …

1
FBI agents raid homes of pro-Palestine students at University of Michigan 58:07

23d ago58:07

58:07

The Trump administration continues to escalate its authoritarian assault on higher education, free speech, and political dissent—and university administrators and state government officials are willingly aiding that assault. On the morning of April 23, at the direction of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, law enforcement officers, including FB…

1
Is generosity the most underrated leadership skill? | Joe Davis 10:17

25d ago10:17

10:17

Leadership isn’t about a title or position — it’s about generosity, says organizational expert Joe Davis. Drawing on his extensive experience as a people manager, he shares three essential tips for leaders to unlock the potential of their teams by listening generously, embracing vulnerability and leading with humanity — and shows how it's possible …

1
An NBA champion's advice on being a top teammate | Shane Battier 13:37

1M ago13:37

13:37

What if the secret to success isn’t being in the spotlight, but making everyone else around you shine? Former NBA player Shane Battier shares how his most impactful moments didn’t come from scoring points but rather from small, underrated actions that helped his team win — and why prioritizing "we" over "me" can create a lasting legacy, both on and…

1
A bitcoin mine in Texas is “killing us slowly,” local residents say 50:31

1M ago50:31

50:31

I would like to see Texas become the center of the universe for bitcoin and crypto,” US Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in 2021. In 2024, Republican Governor Greg Abbott said Texas “wears the crown as the bitcoin mining capital of the world.” But in small towns like Granbury, TX, about an hour southwest of Fort Worth, residents are the ones paying …

1
The 7 pillars of unlocking potential | Anirudh Krishna 15:34

1M ago15:34

15:34

Why do some countries have a seemingly endless supply of talent in certain fields? From Jamaica's sprinters to South Korea's golfers, public policy professor Anirudh Krishna explains why "talent ladders" — structured pathways to identify and nurture people's potential — are the best way to make sure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. After the…

1
‘A tremendous chilling effect’: Columbia students describe dystopian reality on campus amid Trump attacks 58:45

1M ago58:45

58:45

One year ago, Columbia University became ground zero for the student-led Gaza solidarity encampment movement that spread to campuses across the country and around the world. Now, Columbia has become ground zero for the Trump administration’s authoritarian assault on higher education, academic freedom, and the right to free speech and free assembly—…

1
Is perfectionism just procrastination in disguise? | Jon Youshaei 9:09

2M ago9:09

9:09

What separates struggling artists from successful ones? Looking to creative geniuses like Mozart, Edison and Monet, video creator Jon Youshaei explains why aiming to be prolific — despite flops and failures along the way — is the key to unlocking your creative success. After the talk, Modupe reflects on herself as a perfectionist and how inviting o…

1
‘People are hiding in their apartments’: Inside Trump’s assault on universities 1:00:10

2M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

International students are being abducted and disappeared by ICE in broad daylight. Life-saving research projects across the academy are being halted or thrown into disarray by seismic cuts to federal grants. Dozens of universities are under federal investigation for their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, their allowance of trans athletes…

1
“Kill the Cuts”: Federally funded researchers warn DOGE cuts will be fatal 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

On Tuesday, April 8, unions, unionized federal workers, and their supporters around the country mobilized for a national “Kill the Cuts” day of action to protest the Trump administration’s cuts to life-saving research, healthcare, and education programs. As organizers stated on the Kill The Cuts website, "By cutting funds to lifesaving research and…

1
3 reasons to take risks like a teenager | Adriana Galván 10:56

2M ago10:56

10:56

Is embracing your inner teenager the key to thriving in adulthood? Neuroscientist Adriana Galván shares three powerful lessons from decades of research into adolescent brain development, exploring what teens can teach us about embracing uncertainty, challenging the status quo and taking strategic risks — all tools for a bold, brave life. After the …

1
Trump escalates the war on federal unions 55:16

2M ago55:16

55:16

Last week, President Trump escalated his administration's war on the federal workforce and workers’ rights when he signed an executive order to end collective bargaining with federal labor unions across the government. The National Treasury Employees Union, which represents 150,000 government employees, has sued the Trump administration over the ex…

1
6 ways to make better connections online | Margaux Miller 14:12

2M ago14:12

14:12

Networking expert Margaux Miller offers a fresh playbook for making meaningful connections online, presenting six tips for building online relationships that emphasize quality over quantity and the importance of genuine, personalized interactions. Learn how to be more thoughtful in your approach to making new connections with practical suggestions …

1
The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the Uprising of the 20,000 56:16

2M ago56:16

56:16

As we’ve mentioned many times before on the show, movements today are a part of a legacy of extraordinary actions taken by ordinary people. Tapping into our own labor history provides us with a blueprint for action in today’s turbulent world. On March 25th, 1911, a fire began in the scrap bins under a cutter’s table on the 8th floor of the Triangle…

1
Privatize USPS? Mail carriers are fighting for a better idea 53:09

2M ago53:09

53:09

This week, we’re taking a more national focus, and checking in with the National Association of Letter Carriers, who have been embroiled in a years-long contract negotiation with the US Postal Service. In our episode today, I’m sitting down with Melissa Rakestraw, member of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 825 in Chicago, IL, to …

1
Can salad dressing transform capitalism? | Alex Amouyel 14:29

2M ago14:29

14:29

What if businesses were designed to maximize impact — not just profits? Alex Amouyel, president and CEO of Newman's Own Foundation, details the organization’s commitment to donate all of the profits from the food company it owns — and shows what the “100% for purpose” movement can teach us about doing business, philanthropy and capitalism different…

1
How to turn setbacks into success | Amy Shoenthal 18:49

2M ago18:49

18:49

Success rarely happens in a straight line, with setbacks all but guaranteed along the way. What's the best way to recover? Leadership coach Amy Shoenthal lays out the four phases of the "setback cycle" and explains how to transform difficult moments into opportunities for reinvention and progress. After, Modupe reflects on Amy's talk and the benefi…

1
Show us the ropes: How Touchstone Climbing Gym workers unionized five locations 51:03

3M ago51:03

51:03

This week, we’re staying in Southern California, where the workers of Touchstone Climbing Gym in Los Angeles have been negotiating their first contract with their employer. Touchstone Climbing, a regional climbing gym with over a dozen locations in California, experienced a wave of unionization in its Los Angeles locations early last year. The succ…

1
The art of marketing — for good | Raja Rajamannar 16:54

3M ago16:54

16:54

Can marketing transcend traditional business goals and actually be a force for good? Mastercard CMO Raja Rajamannar shares how purpose-driven initiatives — like “touch cards” for the visually impaired and debit cards that let people choose how their names appear — align profit with purpose and position businesses to create meaningful, positive chan…

1
E6 Canada Leading the Way: Innovating for a Sustainable and Resilient Housing Future 27:56

3M ago27:56

27:56

Canada Leading the Way: Innovating for a Sustainable and Resilient Housing Future Summary We look at the future of housing innovation in Canada, with a focus on how technology—especially AI and digital solutions—can help tackle the housing crisis. Experts Brey Tucker and Tony Yang break down the evolution of construction practices, the challenges p…

1
E5 Revolutionizing Construction: New Approaches to Building the Future 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

Revolutionizing Construction: New Approaches to Building the Future Summary In this episode, we explore the challenges and innovations in the construction phase of housing development. We focus on solutions like offsite construction, AI technologies and sustainable practices. We look at key industry hurdles such as labor shortages and regulatory de…

1
E4 The Future of Housing: Innovations in Pre-Construction and Fabrication 27:40

3M ago27:40

27:40

The Future of Housing: Innovations in Pre-Construction and Fabrication Summary In this episode of Blueprint for Growth, we explore how digital technology and innovation are reshaping housing development, with a focus on pre-construction and procurement. We dive into industry challenges like supply chain disruptions, the push for sustainability, and…

1
E3 Tech-Driven Design: Revolutionizing Engineering and Housing Development 26:19

3M ago26:19

26:19

Tech-Driven Design: Revolutionizing Engineering and Housing Development In this episode of Blueprint for Growth, we take a deep dive into the challenges of housing development, with a focus on design and engineering. From navigating regulations to fostering collaboration among key players, we break down the obstacles that shape this crucial phase. …

1
E2 Rethinking Housing: Changes in Planning, Feasibility and Investment 23:12

3M ago23:12

23:12

Rethinking Housing: Changes in Planning, Feasibility and Investment In this episode of Blueprint for Growth, we dive into how technology is reshaping housing development. We explore the power of generative design in architecture, showing how AI can simplify planning and improve compliance. We also take a look at addy and their innovative platform, …

1
E1 Building the Future: How Innovation and Collaboration Are Reshaping Housing 21:03

3M ago21:03

21:03

In our first episode, we dive into British Columbia’s housing crisis and the urgent need for creative solutions and collaboration. We discuss the challenges facing the housing sector, the impact of public-private partnerships and ways we can encourage innovation. The DASH initiative- that’s Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing - serves as a p…

1
Trailer: Blueprint for Growth: Innovation in Housing Season 1 2:03

3M ago2:03

2:03

British Columbia is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis. While addressing various aspects of the housing supply chain is essential, no single approach can fully solve the challenges we face in scaling housing production. So, what's the blueprint for growth? In November 2023, DIGITAL — Canada's Global Innovation Cluster for digital technolo…

1
‘It’s Elon versus everyone’: A dire warning from fired federal workers (w/ Cat Farman, Jasmine McAllister, & Will Munger) 55:47

3M ago55:47

55:47

In this urgent episode of Working People, we focus on the Trump-Musk administration’s all-out assault on federal workers and its takeover and reordering of our entire system of government. “At least 20,000 federal workers have so far been fired by the Trump administration,” Ed Pilkington and Chris Stein report in The Guardian, “most of them recent …

1
Solar energy is even cheaper than you think | Jenny Chase 11:53

3M ago11:53

11:53

How prevalent is solar power, really? According to researcher Jenny Chase, it's already displacing fossil fuels in key energy markets around the world. She explains the rise of affordable solar power and dives into how her team tracked its rapid installation in unexpected countries, offering a vision of a brighter, more sustainable future. After th…

1
Chemically exposed residents of East Palestine, OH, and Conyers, GA, have been left behind (w/ Ashley McCollom, Hannah Loyd, & Kristina Baehr) 57:02

3M ago57:02

57:02

We kick off the new season of Working People with another crucial installment of our ongoing series where we speak with the people living, working, and fighting for justice in America’s “sacrifice zones.” In this episode, cohost Maximillian Alvarez speaks with a panel of guests about the ongoing public health crises in East Palestine, OH, where a N…

1
Why don’t companies want you to repair your stuff? | Aaron Perzanowski 8:32

3M ago8:32

8:32

Today, some companies are working hard to prevent consumers from repairing products on their own. In many cases, repair can only be done by the original manufacturer, if at all. With limited repair options available, we end up buying new and throwing more items out. So, how exactly do companies prevent repair? And what can consumers do about it? Aa…

1
Why you should get good at being bad | Fixable 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

This is an episode of Fixable, another podcast from the TED Audio Collective. Sometimes the only way to win is by finding the courage to lose. This week on Fixable, Anne and Frances want you to “dare to be bad” in order to free up capacity to excel at more important things. They share insight on the power of strategic “no”s, the value of ruthless p…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Columbia Ideas At Work Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide