How do we ensure that in the process of organizing folks of diverse backgrounds, we aren’t letting our egos get in the way?

My guest today, Shannon Watts, reminds us that in order to lead, we have to listen and learn from each other. 

Shannon is the founder of  Moms Demand Action, a movement fighting gun violence, and author of ‘Fired Up: How to Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive At Any Age.’

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Shannon’s book, ‘Fired Up: How to Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive At Any Age.”

Moms Demand Action website

‘We’re All George Floyd Now’ Article

Jimmie Briggs Say More episode

Today we are bringing you a special re-release of one of our most beloved conversations with Krista Tippett. Krista is the host of the legendary podcast On Being.

Krista’s insights on finding our purpose continue to resonate in these unpredictable times.

During Let's Say A Little Bit More episodes, Tulaine Montgomery will dive deep into recurring themes discussed with previous Say More guests.

In recent conversations, we've been learning about the ways we can nurture our optimism during these unpredictable times. In today's episode, we explore what it means to make hope a discipline in our daily lives.

When our guest today traveled across the country speaking to diverse people, she learned that curiosity is our key to progress. 

Ellen McGirt is the  editor-in-chief of Design Observer, a media platform about design and culture.

Today, Ellen tells us how being truly curious about our differences can help us come together as a nation.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Design Observer 

Angela Glover Blackwell’s Say More Episode

Ellen McGirt’s podcast, The Design of Business

What Now with Trevor Noah  podcast episode with Dr. Ruha Benjamin

How can we access wealth? Well first, we need to understand what it means.

My guest is Andre Perry, author of “Black Power Scorecard: Measuring the Racial Gap and What We Can Do to Close It” and Director of the Center for Community Uplift at the Brookings Institution. Today, Andre tells us what it really means to be wealthy. And spoiler alert–it has a lot to do with owning your power.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Black Power Scorecard: Measuring the Racial Gap and What We Can Do to Close It

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, ”we are our ancestors' wildest dreams.” But how do we become great ancestors for future generations?

My guest today, Rev. Lennox Yearwood, tells us it all starts when we come from a place of love, not bitterness. He is the President of the Hip Hop Caucus, an organization helping marginalized communities fight against social injustices.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Hip Hop Caucus Website

We call our Say More community - a sanctuary for hope and joy. But hope is certainly not a process of sitting around and wishful thinking.

Our guest today, Angela Glover Blackwell, reminds us that hope is a discipline. Angela is the founder and former CEO of PolicyLink, an organization working to build an equitable economy.

She reminds us that when we educate ourselves on the best ways to make an impact - we are striving for hope.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

‘How The Irish Became White’ Book

PolicyLink Website

Heather McGhee Say More Episode

Why should we fight for economic prosperity for all? Samantha Tweedy, CEO of the Black Economic Alliance, dissects this question for us.

Today, she shares how wealth creation provides freedom and long term empowerment for Black communities and society as a whole.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Say More Episode with Heather McGhee

Did you know we live in the most age-diverse era in America?

Our guest today, Marc Freedman, believes this is to be an incredible opportunity to learn from one another. Marc is the co-CEO and founder of Co-Generate, an organization helping old and young people come together to make an impact.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Marc Freedman’s University of Chicago Study

Kristen Hawke’s Grandmother Study

After the 2024 election America is still grappling with its decision. Pulitzer Prize winning journalist from the New York Times, Farah Stockman offers an analysis of the situation.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

American Made: What Happens to People When Work Disappears - Farah Stockman’s book.

In today’s world of unlimited news and media, checking your sources has never been more important. In this episode we speak with Heather McGhee, author of “The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together”.

Learn how honest storytelling combats the false narratives that divide us.

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Sometimes when it is difficult to lead, we need someone to guide us. Archie L. Jones Jr. is a professor, author, and host of the "Training Camp for Leaders" podcast!  In this episode we talk about the complexities of leadership and the different ways we can impact each other.

Keep an eye out for the other side of this conversation to be featured on Archie's podcast.

To listen to Training Camp for Leaders with Archie L. Jones Jr, visit here.

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In an increasingly divided world, how do we come together and show up for one another? In our first-ever live episode, I sat down with Lisette Nieves at the Edloc National Convening to explore that question. 

Lisette, the President of the Fund for the City of New York, has been a key player in supporting nonprofits and local groups, helping to make the city more equitable. Today, she reminds us why it’s so important to build solidarity, even across our differences.

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How can you bring together thought leaders in a non-transactional way? Christal Jackson shares her approach.

As the founder of Head and Heart Philanthropy, an agency that provides economic opportunities for communities of color, she explains how to connect with thought leaders by coming from a place of service.

Tune in to learn how to create a safe, collaborative space where everyone’s voice is valued and heard.

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What does it mean to embrace all your passions, even when they don’t seem to align? Sherrell Dorsey shows how embracing multiple interests can be empowering. 

As the founder of The Plug, the first daily newsletter for Black tech startups, Sherrell has made her mark on the tech world. Beyond her tech expertise, Sherrell is also a dancer, writer, and content creator.

In this episode, Tulaine and Sherrell discuss embracing multiple identities, the future of technology, and how to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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Self-care is not just healthy eating or meditation, it’s also about feeling fabulous, says today’s guest CeCe Olisa.

CeCe is the founder of the beauty brand Cocoa By CeCe and theCURVYCon, a New York Fashion Week convention that celebrated body positivity and the beauty of plus-size women.

In today’s conversation, CeCe shares how we can show up confidently for both ourselves and our communities.

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Nowadays we see an increasing number of Black women stepping into formal leadership roles. We hear a lot about the challenges Black women leaders face, but we don't talk enough about the ways they still thrive despite them.

In this episode, I speak about the diverse experiences of Black women in leadership, including my own.

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Episodes mentioned in this episode:

Is Educational Opportunity a Myth? with Dr. Tequilla Brownie

How to Reimagine Yourself with Rachel Cargle

What We’re Missing When We Talk About Impact with Sadé Muhammad

Bryant University Study

According to United State census estimates, by the year 2042, our nation will have a majority people of color population, representing various ethnicities. This demographic shift prompts an essential question: How do we come together when it often feels like society is structured to keep us apart?

Today, we explore what it means to build coalitions across identities.

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Episodes mentioned in this episode:

The Neuroscience of Empathy with Dr. Richard Davidson

How to Love People We Disagree With with Farai Chideya

What Connecting Across Generations Can Teach Us with Michael D. Smith

Let’s Say a Little Bit More is a three-part mini series where I will deep dive into recurring themes discussed with previous Say More guests.

In our first episode, we explore how we can undertake challenging work as changemakers while also savoring the beauty of relationships, laughter, and joy.

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Episodes mentioned in this episode:

The Art of Organizing with Marshall Ganz

Nurturing Our Minds, Shaping Our Reality with Krista Tippett

What it Takes to Keep a Democracy Going with Debra Cleaver

Embracing Our Multitudes with Jimmie Briggs

What’s Up with Higher Education in America? with Steven Colón

We use the word ‘impact’ a lot and yet, sometimes we lose sight of what it actually means.

In our season finale, Sadé Muhammad reminds us that impact isn’t only about measurable change. It’s also about building an emotional connection with our community.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

TIME’s The Closer’s List

TIME’s Impact House

Sadé’s email for future Impact House/Closers inquiries: sade@time.com

Lisa Yancey is done trying to convince people to build an equitable world. She says it’s time to be self-reliant and collaborate with those who are ready to embark on this mission together.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Sanjay Purohit’s Say More Episode

‘Self Reliance’ - Essay by Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Dash Website

Yancey Consulting Website

Stories bring us together. Whether that is an inside joke between close friends or a communal mythology passed down through generations - stories can unite us.

My guest today, Ken Himmelman, says that America can come together when we share our stories and the values that the nation is founded upon.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

The Water Bearer - Novel by Ken Himmelman

Leadership comes down to being able to build real human connections, right? But how do you do that?

My guest today, Carlos Moreno, believes that we are better leaders when we dare to be vulnerable and authentic. And he’s got the experience to prove it! As an educator with this leadership style, he’s bridged generational gaps and connected with his students in a deep way. So listen up if you want to find your leadership soul!

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Finding Your Leadership Soul - Book written by Carlos Moreno

More info on The Well, New Profit Event

Big Picture Learning Website

Can spirituality help us come together and evolve as a nation?

My guest today, Krista Tippett believes it absolutely can!

By connecting with our underlying purpose, we can envision the kind of world we want to inhabit. Only then can we build it together.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Krista Tippett’s Project and Podcast, On Being

Eula Biss’ Episode on the On Being podcast

Eula Biss’ New York Times Essay, ‘White Debt’

Marshall Ganz Episode on Say More

In his 1997 hit track, ‘Kick the Door,’ legendary hip hop artist, Biggie Smalls raps, “Stay low and keep firing,” speaking about the violent reality he grew up in.

But my guest today, Dr. Chris Emdin has taken this as his mantra for life. For him, it is about staying low amidst the hurdles of life and keep shooting to make a difference in the world. Dr. Emdin is a professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College and the creator of HipHopEd. Today, he tells us what hip hop culture has to offer to the American classroom.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Stem, Steam Make Dream…, Book by Dr. Chris Emdin

For White Folks Who Teach In the Hood, Book by Dr. Chris Emdin

Organizing people seems easier in the digital age, right? Just send out a blast email or create a Facebook group.

My guest today, Marshall Ganz, believes to achieve real social change, we need to do much more than that.

For him, the art of organizing involves sharing our unique stories and connecting at a unifying, human level.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

When Movements Anchor Parties - Book by Daniel Schlozman

We’d be lying to ourselves if we acted like our country’s history wasn’t filled with societal pains and traumas.

Eric Liu, the CEO of Citizen University, says that when we grieve together, we open the opportunity to heal and move forward as a nation. By renewing faith in ourselves, we can carry on the legacy of our ancestors.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Citizen University website

If a thousand mice don’t make an elephant, why do we believe replicating solutions can solve a problem at scale?

My guest today, Sanjay Purohit, CEO and Chief Curator of the Centre For Exponential Change, believes that we must tailor our methods for each community. But that doesn’t mean scale is not possible. Today, he reveals how a change in our thinking can unlock large societal change.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Centre for Exponential Change Website

Societal Thinking Website

ShikshaLokam Website

Can we show up for our communities if we can’t show up for ourselves?

Rachel Cargle, best-selling author and the founder of The Loveland Foundation, doesn’t think so. Today, she explains how we can self-study to learn to be our true selves and give back to our community.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Own: A Memoir and Manifesto of Reimagining, book by Rachel Cargle

How I Learned From What I Learned - August Wilson’s play

Elizabeth's Bookshop and Writing Centre - Bookstore Link

Link to The Loveland Foundation

Are we naturally caring or divisive as human-beings?

Dr. Richard Davidson, the founder of Center for Healthy Minds, explains we are hard-wired to build connections. He also teaches us how to cultivate well-being through four easy steps.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Healthy Minds Program Meditation App

Too often we allow society to tell us what success means. In this episode, we challenge that definition. MESHELLE, the Indie Mom of Comedy, shares her inspiring story of embracing her individuality in the world of stand-up comedy.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Whoopi Goldberg: Direct from Broadway on Hulu

Policymaking isn't enough to create real change. Impact begins with a shift in culture.

Negin Farsad, a comedian and filmmaker, talks to me about the importance of comedy in creating a foundation for social change. She also explains how comedy has helped her build bridges across identities.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Gutsy on Apple TV

Fake the Nation podcast with Negin Farsad

3rd Street Blackout on Apple TV

If you complete a bachelor’s degree, you’re more likely to live longer. Yet, 60% of Americans don’t have one. And skepticism about its value is growing. My guest today, Steve Colón, talks about why college is worth it and how students can make the most out of their college experience.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

BottomLine.org for more information

Voter turnouts in American elections are typically low. But that’s not because Americans don’t care. My guest today, Debra Cleaver, explains that people will vote if we make it easier for them. As the founder and CEO of Vote America, Debra helps us remain optimistic in the fight to save our democracy.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

VoteAmerica.com for more information.

Jimmie Briggs, Principal at the Skoll Foundation, is the embodiment of someone who has followed his calling while wearing multiple hats. As a journalist, activist and philanthropist, Jimmie tells us how he is giving a mic to those who are often denied one.

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Over the past year, there has been a 33% rise in attempts to ban books, especially those featuring characters of color or addressing LGBTQI+ themes.

As the Executive Director of the Campaign For Our Shared Future, Heather Harding tells us how teachers and schools are being threatened by extremist ideologies, as well as what we can do to fight back.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

Campaign for Our Shared Future (Website)

Being a leader isn’t easy. Spiderman’s Uncle Ben said it best, “with great power comes great responsibility.” So you have to be ready to mess up.

Carmen Rojas, CEO of the Marguerite Casey Foundation, talks to me about the value of owning up to our mistakes and being accountable.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Freedom Is a Constant Struggle by Angela Davis

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

To Be Young, Gifted and Black by Lorraine Hansberry

The Source of Self-Regard by Toni Morrison

Angela Davis: An Autobiography by Angela Davis

Description goes hereI’m sorry to break it to you - but doing well in school doesn’t automatically create opportunities for students to succeed. The real question is, how do we ensure our students get the opportunities they deserve?

Today, Dr. Tequilla Brownie, CEO of The New Teacher Project, answers this question for us.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

‘The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together.’ by Heather McGhee

The Opportunity Myth Report by The New Teacher Project (TNTP)

Description gHow can we best serve under-resourced people in America? Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, says real service means working WITH our communities and not FOR them.

In this episode, Michael also shares how connecting across economic class and generations can help the nation progress.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

Nearly 75% of Americans think the media is increasing political polarization in this country. But our guest today, Farai Chideya, believes that journalism can actually bring us closer.

Farai is the CEO and host of the Our Body Politic podcast and senior writer at FiveThirtyEight. In this conversation, she explains how data-driven journalism and engaging with people of different opinions help her to lead with love.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Our Body Politic Episode with Adam Berinsky

The American Dream –the idea that anyone can succeed regardless of their background– often feels just like that, a dream.

Today I speak with John Friedman, an economist and Co-Director of Opportunity Insights. John explains the barriers to opportunity that under-resourced communities face, and why removing these can improve the American economy. He also tells us why social mobility is harder to achieve today.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Imprisonment Rates of Black Americans (Pew Charitable Trusts)

Diversifying Society’s Leaders? The Determinants and Causal Effects of Admission to Highly Selective Private Colleges (Raj Chetty, David J. Deming, John N. Friedman)

My conversation with Cheryl Dorsey, the President of Echoing Green, was recorded on the third anniversary of George Floyd’s murder. It was a perfect opportunity for us to reflect on how far America has come to fulfilling its promises of racial equity.

Cheryl speaks about the barriers to entry people of color face and how these very leaders are overcoming the odds and paving the way towards a better America.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Freedom Dreams: The Black Radical Imagination by Robin Kelley

Eyes on the Prize by Henry Hampton.

Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

America is increasingly becoming multiracial. But our institutions haven’t caught up to this reality. In our first Say More episode, Karla and I talk about this irony.

Karla Monterroso is CEO of Brava Leaders, a nonprofit that coaches organizations to support underrepresented leaders. Today, she speaks about the challenges in our multiracial reality, especially what people of color face in climbing up the ladders of power.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:

Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations by Thomas L. Friedman

Imagining spaces where our communities can thrive and finding the power to build them with real estate developer and urban revitalization strategist Majora Carter.

Having conversations about a country in crisis, holding space for complexity and finding reasons for hope with Farai Chideya, creator and host of Our Body Politic.

Creating a vision for collective liberation, self-determination, abundance and prosperity for Indigenous communities with NDN Collective’s Nick Tilsen.

Discussing the power of connection and building relationships across difference with serial connector and social impact leader Susan McPherson.

Unpacking what it takes to build inclusive workplaces full of trust, empathy and belonging with Daisy Auger-Dominguez, Chief People Officer at VICE Media Group.

Exploring “systemic humanism” and the practice of accountability with Lisa Yancey, entrepreneurial strategist and president of Yancey Consulting.

Talking about love, learning and un-learning with two experts in trauma-informed practice: educator Sarah Montgomery and mental health advocate Shauna Lee.

Going deep on emotional justice, reconciliation, repair and reinvention with Esther Armah, Founder of the Armah Institute of Emotional Justice.

Interrogating wealth and economic justice with Charisse Conanan Johnson CFA, a small business advocate and Managing Partner of Next Street.

Getting real about collective trauma and what it means to be the architects of our own healing and joy with health coach and wellness guide Pilin Anice.

Imagining a world free from white supremacy with Dr. Tema Okun, racial justice facilitator and co-leader of the Teaching for Equity Fellows Program at Duke University.

Talking about Black love and Black womanhood with Dr. Diane Stewart, Professor of Religion and African American studies at Emory University.

Understanding the economics of liberation and Afrofuturism with Darrick Hamilton, Director of the Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy at The New School.

Architecting Black liberation and looking at the research on economics and self worth with Dr. Andre Perry, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute.

Talking about growing up Black, family and the real work of equity with activist Michelle Molitor, Founder and Executive Director of The Equity Lab.

Examining the radical nature of genius, success, vulnerability, inspiration and self love with artist and actress Karen Pittman.

Probing the relationship between liberation, education and sisterhood with Alexandra Bernadette, founder of visionary education platform Beyond 12.

Getting into the flow of healing and liberation with Leslie and Jeff Jones, founders of the transformational body-mind practice Afro Flow Yoga.