Best MIT Alumni Podcasts (2025)

1
Free Speech Soars at GMU Law School 24:12

8d ago24:12

24:12

Dubbed “Washington’s School for Civil Discourse,” George Mason University’s (GMU) Antonin Scalia Law School exposes students to all legal and political viewpoints and leads them in civil, respectful debate. In this episode of Higher Ed Now, ACTA’s Bryan Paul interviews JoAnn Koob, assistant professor of law and director of the Antonin Scalia Law Sc…

1
An Emotionally Intelligent tribute to Mothers in honor of Mother's Day - 4 callers heartwarming stories 52:22

21d ago52:22

52:22

Today's show addresses the need to show our love to our Moms. As one caller put it, his Dad told him, in war when soldiers are hurt and dying, when they cry out, it is for their Mom. Even though relationships are easily strained, and we aren't always getting along with our family members, there are times when we just need to reach past the tough st…

1
Reinvigorating Civil Discourse at M.I.T. 28:31

21d ago28:31

28:31

MIT Concourse is a program for first-year students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that “brings science into conversation with the humanities.” It also hosts the Civil Discourse Project, which seeks to “reinvigorate the open exchange of ideas at MIT.” In this episode of Higher Ed Now, ACTA’s Bryan Paul interviews Senior Lecturer Linda …

1
Inside the Master of Engineering Technical Management Capstone with Denise Sherrod 7:54

22d ago7:54

7:54

In this episode, we speak to Denise Sherrod, Chief of Automation at Occidental Petroleum. Denise shares the story behind her Capstone Project, which she completed during her time in the Master of Engineering Technical Management program. Tune in to hear how she approached the project, what made it successful, and how it continues to influence her l…

1
Civil Discourse Surges at UNC-Greensboro 37:31

28d ago37:31

37:31

ACTA’s Program Coordinator for the College Debates and Discourse Alliance, Kayla Johnston, returns to her alma mater, the University of North Carolina (UNC)–Greensboro, for a conversation with two student leaders: Lauren Fletcher and Matt Kircher. Thanks to the generous support of the Barnes Family Foundation, the College Debates and Discourse Alli…

1
John Hillen: American Civics and Student Leadership 46:35

1M ago46:35

46:35

ACTA President Michael Poliakoff welcomes The Honorable John Hillen, distinguished resident fellow at the Center for Politics in Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy and an executive-in-residence of the Political Science Department. Dr. Hillen is a combat veteran and Bronze Star recipient, a former assistant U.S. secretary of state, a …

1
Harvard Business School Alumni Panel discuss the growing importance of Emotional Intelligence 54:24

1M ago54:24

54:24

I organized a panel of experts to discuss the growing importance of emotional intelligence. In this episode I feature Cary Cherniss who has partnered with Dan Goleman to create and run the Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organizations (CREIO). Carey has also authored articles and books on emotional intelligence. Other speakers …

1
Zagros Madjd-Sadjadi: Expanding Civil Discourse at Winston-Salem State University 48:49

1M ago48:49

48:49

This episode features Zagros Madjd-Sadjadi, professor of economics at Winston-Salem State University. Dr. Madjd-Sadjadi has more than 30 years of teaching and economic consulting experience and was formerly the chief economist of the city and county of San Francisco. His work has been cited in the Congressional Record and led to the repeal of the G…

1
Creating Psychological Safety from the Inside Out: A Neuroscience Perspective with Dr. Noushin Bayat 25:44

2M ago25:44

25:44

In today’s episode, we are featuring Dr. Noush Bayat. Dr. Bayat works with clients for Executive Leadership Coaching and Consulting, including being one of the Personal Leadership Coaches for Texas A&M’s METM program. In this episode, Dr. Bayat discusses the neuroscience and importance of creating psychological safety in a workplace environment. Te…

1
Jane Calvert: The Imperative to Study America's Founding 27:25

3M ago27:25

27:25

In this episode, ACTA Vice President of Policy Bradley Jackson talks with Jane Calvert, director of the John Dickinson Writings Project and a member of ACTA’s National Commission on American History and Civic Education. They contend that the study of history is less about rote memorization and more like being a detective excavating an unsolved myst…

1
The Origins of Emotional Intelligence and the Emotion Roadmap with Yale President Emeritus Peter Salovey and his Colleagues and Chuck Wolfe 54:57

3M ago54:57

54:57

Two pioneering psychologists, Yale President Peter Salovey Emeritus and University of New Hampshire Psychology Professor Jack Mayer, discovered and published an article about emotional intelligence in 1990. Chuck Wolfe worked closely with them and created the Emotion Roadmap to help people improve their emotional intelligence abilities. Listen to t…

1
Emotion Roadmap Benefits Diverse Business Owners 30:49

3M ago30:49

30:49

No matter the business, emotions matter. Learn how owners of businesses in trucking, warehousing, engineering, coaching, and neurodiverse solutions are benefiting by using the Emotion Roadmap.By Chuck Wolfe, WPKN

1
Executive Leadership Series: Tobin Williams 43:44

3M ago43:44

43:44

In today's episode, we feature Tobin Williams, former Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Stellantis. This exclusive audio was recorded during Texas A&M's Master of Engineering Technical Management's (METM) Executive Leadership Speaker Series, where Tobin spoke to METM students, faculty, and guests. He reflects on his leadership journey tha…

1
Juniata College: Embracing Debate from the Campus to Classroom 1:08:44

3M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

In this episode, Sadie Webb, ACTA's Associate Director of the College Debates and Discourse (CD&D) Alliance, discusses the Alliance’s extensive work with faculty and student leaders at Juniata College. Dean of Students Matthew Damschroder, Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Derek James, and four students share how participating in classroom an…

1
Mike's Ex, who left, wants to reconnect with adult children, while Gary and his codependent plutonic friend considers intimacy 54:50

3M ago54:50

54:50

Mike is a good dad and also friendly with his ex-wife who years before left the family due to mental health issues. His Ex wishes to reconnect with their adult children and Mike is uncertain about if and how he should be involved. After our call, he is feeling pleased and quite clear about his choices and their potential impact. Gary and his pluton…

1
Nick and TJ deal with past childhood trauma and get help with partner relationships 54:19

3M ago54:19

54:19

Two callers, Nick and TJ, seem very pleased with the help they get using the Emotion Roadmap to guide their behaviors with their existing partners. Both are in potential breakup situations that are being influenced by their childhood challenges. Guidance is provided that while similar, is somewhat unique to their respective situations.…

1
Jon Hardister: Theory and Practice of Excellent University Governance 24:30

4M ago24:30

24:30

ACTA’s chief of staff and SVP, Armand Alacbay, sits down with Jon Hardister, who once chaired North Carolina's House Education Committee, and now serves as a trustee at Western Carolina University. Hear his insider insights on the key role trustees play in university governance, student success, and protecting free speech on campus.…

1
EQ in Action at MIT's Lincoln Lab: A Deep Dive with EQ Coach John Hughes 26:15

4M ago26:15

26:15

In today's episode, we sit down with John Hughes, President & EQ-I Executive Coach at EI Assessments. John has extensive experience in EQ assessments and coaching for leadership and executive development across various industries. Recently, John worked with 112 Lincoln Lab Group Leaders, Assistant Group Leaders, and professional staff, conducting p…

1
Centaur Labs is conquering AI for medical labeling - CEO Erik Duhaime 50:53

4M ago50:53

50:53

We sit down with Centaur Labs founder and CEO Erik Duhaime. Duhaime — and his company —are alums of our delta V accelerator program. Centaur Labs was born out of research at the MIT Center for Collective Intelligence, which explores how people and computers can be organized so that – collectively – they act more intelligently than any person, group…

1
Ohio Senator Jerry Cirino: Fortifying Open Discourse in the Buckeye State 33:56

4M ago33:56

33:56

ACTA president Michael Poliakoff speaks to Ohio Senator Jerry Cirino, vice chair of the Senate's Higher Education Committee, on his promise to enact legislation to enhance the quality of higher education in the Buckeye State. Senator Cirino aims to safeguard open discourse and intellectual diversity for both students and faculty, mandate institutio…

1
Mitch Daniels: The Heart of the Academic Enterprise 29:32

4M ago29:32

29:32

Focusing on the role of higher education in preparing young Americans for citizenship, ACTA's president Michael Poliakoff speaks with Mitch Daniels, former Governor of Indiana, who also served as president of Purdue University from 2013 to 2022.

1
Emotion Roadmap 1/8/25 Jay wants help with life balance. Wonderful conversation about life and purpose. 53:14

4M ago53:14

53:14

Much discussion about careers. When someone becomes somewhat bored or drained with what they are doing, they often look to do something else. At times, this makes great sense. Other times, we simply need to look at all the puzzle pieces that make up our lives and reconfigure the puzzle so we will feel purposeful and balanced, without necessarily ch…

1
Joshua Dunn: Intellectual Diversity and Informed Patriotism 36:01

5M ago36:01

36:01

ACTA's president Michael Poliakoff speaks with the distinguished scholar and education leader, Joshua Dunn, who took on leadership of the recently established Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in June, 2023. Professor Dunn was previously the executive director of the Center for the Study of Government and the Ind…

1
Emotion Roadmap Jan 1 New Beginnings, Emotions Involved with Change, and Career Guidance 54:02

5M ago54:02

54:02

January 1 and all that the New Year brings, challenges, optimism and a teacher who wonders about changing careers. Guidance is for anyone considering the emotions involved in change.By Chuck Wolfe, WPKN

1
METM Alumni Spotlight: Martin Atchison 21:49

5M ago21:49

21:49

In today's episode, we are spotlighting an alumnus of Texas A&M University's Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM), a degree that prepares engineering and technology professionals to become the leaders of the future. We dive into Martin’s experience in the METM program and explore how the skills he gained—like prioritizing self-care, fo…

1
Aaron Sibarium - On the Record 1:06:39

5M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

ACTA's Paul and Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom, Steve McGuire, interviews Aaron Sibarium, a journalist who writes for the Washington Free Beacon. Sibarium graduated in 2018 from Yale University, where he was the opinion editor of The Yale Daily News. Much of his reporting for the Free Beacon focuses on issues in higher education, and he has au…

1
Peter Skerry: Embracing Uncomfortable Campus Conversations 43:54

6M ago43:54

43:54

Higher Ed Now producer Doug Sprei interviews Peter Skerry, professor of political science at Boston College, who has served as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He has been featured in a variety of scholarly and national media publications, and is the author of Counting on the Cen…

1
The Emotion Roadmap Origins 1:00:00

6M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

The radio call in show "The Emotion Roadmap: Take the Wheel and Control How You Feel" is now entering its 16th year. Origins of the show and the show's voluntary host and emotional intelligence expert Chuck Wolfe talks about how the show began, and how the Emotion Roadmap helps people manage their own emotions and their relationships with others. T…

1
The Power of EQ in Leadership: A Conversation with Ryan Holt 15:19

6M ago15:19

15:19

In this episode, Ryan Holt, Manufacturing Engineering & Facilities Manager at Dover Precision Components, dives into the powerful role empathy plays in building positive professional relationships. Ryan shares how fostering empathy can strengthen workplace culture, drive team engagement, and help leaders advance their agendas effectively. As a facu…

1
Tire Tutor CEO Jason Abrahams laces up his start-up skates 53:55

6M ago53:55

53:55

Tire Tutor is the “only true all-in-one solution in the automotive industry,” and it was born right here at MIT’s Trust Center. In this episode, we sit down with CEO Jason Abrahams, an alumni of our delta V accelerator program, to chat about building a start-up from the ground up. TireTutor’s products include a modern POS with integrated tire order…

1
Neurobionics - Medtech success out of delta V 35:20

6M ago35:20

35:20

A Med-Tech Success from delta V! Neurobionics is a delta V alumni company founded by MJ Antonini, Phd. and Nicky Driscoll, Phd. In this episode, Chris and the co-founders chat about their tiny, implantable, neuromodulation technology, the roadmap of an entrepreneur, and the Trust Center’s delta V program. https://neurobionics.io/about/our-team/…

1
Alumni Free Speech Advocacy at MIT: Wayne Stargardt and Peter Bonilla 43:32

7M ago43:32

43:32

For the past several years, ACTA has collaborated with the Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA) to defend free expression, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity on college and university campuses. With hundreds of alumni advocates across 27 institutions, AFSA represents a national movement empowering alumni to exert positive, meaningful influence…

1
Unlocking Leadership Potential: A Conversation with Kip Gary, CEO of the Brock Group 24:03

7M ago24:03

24:03

In today's episode, Ahmed Mahmoud, retired CIO of Global Manufacturing and GPSC at General Motors, sits down to interview Kip Gary. With his career leading him to becoming the current CEO of the Brock Group, Kip discusses his experienced insight on how leaders can rise to their full potential. Kip shares practical advice, personal stories, and key …

1
Core Texts in a Hispanic Context: a Special Spanish Episode of Higher Ed Now 59:37

8M ago59:37

59:37

In this episode of Higher Ed Now, the second of two conversations devoted to core texts, ACTA’s Academic Affairs Fellow Veronica Bryant speaks in Spanish with Clemente Cox, classics and philosophy scholar and the Academic Director of the Center of General Studies at the Universidad de los Andes. Their conversation includes the differences between A…

1
Breaking Barriers: Dr. Elsa Murano on Leadership and Legacy 21:38

8M ago21:38

21:38

In today's episode, METM's founding director, Dr. Ben Zoghi, sits down with Dr. Elsa Murano, the Director of the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture & Development. Dr. Murano shares her incredible leadership journey. From being appointed the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety in the U.S. Department of Agriculture to b…

1
From Engineer to Leader: A Conversation with Matthew Edghill of Lockheed Martin 18:22

9M ago18:22

18:22

In today's episode, Matthew Edghill, the Director of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Enterprise, explores the journey from being an individual engineering team contributor to stepping into leadership roles. Matt shares his personal experience of climbing the ranks at Lockheed Martin, offering valuable insights for those navigating similar transitions. …

1
Core Texts and Enduring Questions for Today’s Students 58:28

9M ago58:28

58:28

ACTA’s Academic Affairs Fellow Veronica Bryant is joined by two distinguished educators and advocates for core texts in liberal education: Dr. Charlotte Thomas, Executive Director of the Association for Core Texts and Courses, or ACTC, and Dr. José María Torralba, board member of ACTC. Dr. Thomas is a Professor of Philosophy at Mercer University, w…

1
Confessions of a Black Conservative: Glenn Loury 21:45

9M ago21:45

21:45

Those who listen to "The Glenn Show" will know that Professor Glenn Loury has published an extraordinary autobiography. Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative breathes the spirit of candor, intellectual openness, and personal humility that has characterized his life and work. Professor Loury is a Paulson Fellow at the Manhattan Instit…

1
Jonathan Turley: We Must Live Up to the Promise of Free Speech 55:23

10M ago55:23

55:23

Renowned legal scholar, professor, columnist, and commentator Jonathan Turley joins ACTA's Dr. Steven McGuire on Higher Ed Now to discuss why free speech has always been America’s most revolutionary and indispensable right; how academia spawned the latest, and perhaps most dangerous, campaign against free speech; and why an enriching college experi…

1
METM Alumni Spotlight: Carlos Perez 20:35

10M ago20:35

20:35

In today's episode, we are spotlighting an alumni of Texas A&M University's Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM), a degree that prepares engineering and technology professionals to become the leaders of the future. Carlos Perez is a Navy combat veteran and currently works as an Offshore Maintenance Supervisor for Shell. Today, he speak…

1
The Groundwork of Campus Civil Discourse: Mark Dalhouse and Ari Miller: 45:46

11M ago45:46

45:46

ACTA’s College Debates and Discourse (CD&D) Alliance has launched more than 300 Braver Angels debates and workshops, engaging 11,000 students at colleges and universities across the nation. CD&D employs a highly collaborative approach that engages students and faculty to lead civil debates on controversial topics. In this episode of Higher Ed Now, …

1
Success Along a Nonlinear Path with Dr. Melissa Flagg 28:42

11M ago28:42

28:42

Considering switching careers? Dr. Melissa Flagg is familiar with that choice. Beginning her career as a pharmacist, she's also worked in security at the State Dept., in philanthropy at the MacArthur Foundation, as well as many other career fields and places. Not only has Dr. Flagg found success on her nonlinear career path, but she has used the di…

1
William B. Allen: Montesquieu, Madison, and the Mission of a Liberal Arts Education 42:35

11M ago42:35

42:35

ACTA's president, Michael B. Poliakoff, and vice president of policy, Bradley Jackson, engage scholar, author and Professor Emeritus of Michigan State University, William B. Allen in candid conversation about his lifelong love of books and learning, the Founders, the philosophical thought leaders whose seminal works cut a path for the emergence of …

1
Landlords need tenants, refugees need housing - Rehome CEO Joe Landis and CTO Zach Moring 26:41

12M ago26:41

26:41

Rehome CEO Joe Landis and CTO Zach Moring join Trust the Process to discuss their start-up: Rehome. The pair participated in last year’s Delta V accelerator program, and they are still going strong one year later. Check out there own podcast here: http://shows.acast.com/the-rehome-podcastBy MIT's Trust Center

1
Jeffrey Rosen: The Classics' Critical Role in Education 39:06

12M ago39:06

39:06

ACTA President Michael Poliakoff interviews Jeffrey Rosen, president and CEO of the National Constitution Center and professor of law at George Washington University Law School. In this vibrant conversation, they explore Dr. Rosen’s new book, The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined Am…

1
METM Alumni Spotlight: Kat Pressler 24:20

12M ago24:20

24:20

In today's episode, we are spotlighting an alumna of Texas A&M University's Master of Engineering Technical Management (METM), a degree that prepares engineering and technology professionals to become the leaders of the future. Today, Kat Pressler speaks about her leadership journey, her experience earning her METM degree, and how she has brought t…

1
Teaching Students to Find Their Voice in Civil Discourse 43:14

1y ago43:14

43:14

On today’s episode, Higher Ed Now producer Doug Sprei interviews Jennifer Keohane, associate professor in the Klein Family School of Communications Design at the University of Baltimore, and Justin Eckstein, associate professor of communication at Pacific Lutheran University. Both of these remarkable professors advise and support the College Debate…

1
Coaching Effectively: How to Have Difficult Conversations with Sunshine Webster 28:24

1y ago28:24

28:24

As a manager, the responsibility of having difficult conversations is necessary, yet a skill most of us struggle to properly develop. In this episode, we speak with Sunshine Webster, the Senior Manager of Talent Development at Q2, about how to coach effectively through these interactions. Listen as Sunshine gives practical strategies to transform d…

1
Mónica Guzmán: "People Hear Better When They're Heard" 23:47

1y ago23:47

23:47

Immediately after she delivered an electrifying keynote speech at Pacific Lutheran University's Wang Symposium on March 7, 2024, ACTA's Doug Sprei interviewed Monica Guzman, the best-selling author of I Never Thought of It That Way: How to Have Fearlessly Curious Conversations in Dangerously Divided Times. Ms. Guzman's influential work in the civil…

1
MIT Start Ups have raised $1 billion following these frameworks - Paul Cheek & Bill Aulet 32:17

1y ago32:17

32:17

Trust Center executive director Paul Cheek and managing director Bill Aulet discuss the robust frameworks laid out in their new books, Start Up Tactics and Disciplined Entrepreneurship (expanded edition), which have become essential reading for entrepreneurs aiming to navigate the complex startup ecosystem. These frameworks are not just theoretical…

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