YaleUniversity

Anna Basman, peace negotiator from the Philippines and a 2026 Yale Peace Fellow, joins the podcast.

María Ramírez, Colombian peace advisor and a 2026 Yale Peace Fellow, joins the podcast.

A conversation with Bradley Strauchen-Scherer, a curator in the Department of Musical Instruments at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Join in for a moving, empowering, and life-giving conversation with Sho Baraka—husband, father, artist, speaker, and sensory inclusivity advocate. In this episode, Sho shares his powerful personal journey as the father of two sons on the autism spectrum. He honestly reflects on the emotions, challenges, and joys his family has experienced on this journey. We talk through the insecurities and shame that can arise as a parent, the challenge of knowing your child could be triggered at any moment, and the difficulty of managing others' expectations and mixed reactions. Refreshingly, we also highlight the necessity of community, the importance of learning from others and fighting against the tendency to walk in isolation. Sho also shares the ways he has embraced new normals and put increased attention on his kids’ strengths. You’ll also hear about the unexpected blessings and community Sho has found, while leaning into advocacy to create sensory-inclusive spaces. An inspiring conversation with essential perspectives that all of us need to hear on what it means to be neuro-inclusive and why it matters for all of us. The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

Today, we delve into an honest and practical conversation about the place of psychology in society and in our daily lives. I’m joined by Dr. Simon Rego and Dr. Sandy Pimentel, two leading and influential clinical psychologists. We jump right in, first considering whether our culture’s increased focus on mental health is a passing fad or an emerging trend that’s here to stay. It doesn’t take long before we venture into the murky waters of mental health content on social media, wrestling with the best way to navigate through the helpful content and misinformation that circulates daily. We also talk about the unexpected impacts of our guests’ social media involvement. Things get practical, as we share advice on how to manage life’s frustrations while holding on to gratitude and hope. We even get personal, sharing about successes and failures and the growth that can only come when you stretch yourself and learn from mistakes along the way. Humorously, we consider society’s mixed feelings about psychologists - either embracing them or running away from them. Finally, we talk about ways psychologists and other mental health professionals can authentically and effectively engage with the community.

In today’s episode, we delve into the world of leading a high-level biomedical research program and mentoring students who will make the key scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow. I’m joined by Dr. Faye Rogers, a pioneering researcher studying cell repair and genomic instability, with the goal of developing novel therapies for breast and ovarian cancers. In our conversation, Dr. Rogers recounts her early years, growing up on a small island and never having met a scientist. Somehow, she still gravitated towards science, performing “experiments” as a kid, and eventually developing a passion both for research and mentorship. She talks candidly about the pressures that come with navigating graduate school and the inevitable but sometimes unexpected shifts and changes that happen along the journey. Dr. Rogers shares honestly about her own experience and discusses the importance of giving students the tools to be resilient scientists. She also describes her innovative programs introducing high school and college students to cancer research. Perhaps most poignantly, she reflects on the necessity for leaders like her to be good listeners, to incorporate other points of view, to admit when they make mistakes, and to have the flexibility to incorporate different perspectives when tackling complex problems.

Austin Carty is a writer and pastor of Boulevard Baptist Church in Anderson, South Carolina. Before becoming a pastor, he taught high school English, and while teaching Tolstoy, heard the first call to ministry. As a minister, he continues to immerse himself in stories and words that speak to the human condition and inform how he preaches the Gospel. Austin is the author of High Points and Lows: Life, Faith, and Figuring It All Out and The Pastor’s Bookshelf: Why Reading Matters for Ministry, which received the 2023 Christianity Today Award of Merit and was named Book of the Year by Preaching magazine. In this episode of the Leader’s Way, Brandon talks with Austin about his journey to the pulpit and his new book, Some of the Words Are Theirs: The Art of Writing and Living a Sermon, which explores the ways that careful attention to the craft of writing a sermon—like careful attention to living a meaningful life—leads to greater self-awareness and humility. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Austin Carty Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

A conversation between Alyce Mahon and Mark Polizzotti

Today’s episode emerged from a “chance” encounter that led to an authentic connection and eventually a podcast conversation. From his poignant investigative journalism at MTV, to his dynamic storytelling and cultural commentary across multiple media platforms, and his red-carpet interviews with chart-topping artists at the Grammys, Dometi Pongo’s lasting impact on the industry is clear. Today, we hear his story. In this thought-provoking dialogue, Dometi reflects on the many lessons learned in his life and career. He shares honestly about his winding career journey and the impact of those who reached out and grabbed him when he was at his lowest. He also talks about his present-day experiences as a media personality and the opportunities and challenges along the way. We consider the tension of looking for clicks and views, ongoing contentions around objectivity in the media, and the necessity of staying true to your calling. This is a refreshing episode touching on the power of authentic community and the importance of calling society to something greater. Listen in. You’re sure to be inspired.

Jamil Mahuad, former President of Ecuador, joins for a fascinating conversation on leadership, instinct, and imagination. He opens up about the choice to go into politics, and his experiences negotiating a peace accord and navigating an economic “perfect storm.”

The Rev'd Elizabeth Riley is a priest and author with a vibrant digital presence on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where she shares everything from the Good News of the Gospel to “rage prayers." Her book, Rage Prayers, is about turning your pent-up frustrations, daily annoyances, and righteous anger into a raw and transformative dialogue with a higher power who's ready to listen. As a Fellow with the Episcopal Church Foundation, Elizabeth is especially interested in exploring ministry through digital evangelism and how digital engagement can lead to more incarnational experiences of God. Welcome to The Leader’s Way, a podcast for people who are not ready to give up on the world. We’re glad you’re here! Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Elizabeth Riley Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Yale Divinity School alum and hospice chaplain Reverend Aaron Klink discusses how spiritual care complements modern medicine, a near-death experience that transformed his understanding of mortality, and the enduring question of God’s presence in suffering. https://divinity.yale.edu/news/2025-05-06-where-is-god-in-suffering-spiritual-care-mortality-and-meaning-with-hospice

Seane Corn is an internationally-acclaimed yoga teacher, author, and public speaker who has been at the forefront of yoga, activism, and community service for 30+ years. Known for her social activism and impassioned teaching style, Seane is raw, honest, articulate, and spiritually inspired in her self-expression. Welcome to Within, a contemplative segment of The Leader’s Way Podcast that explores the convergence of mental health, art, and spirituality through authentic conversations across traditions about personal and collective transformation. Speaking with Leader’s Way host Brandon Nappi, Seane Corn talks about the importance of integrating one's personal faith and spirituality with the work of justice in the world. For Seane, yoga inspires and informs her activism on to global issues, including social justice, sex trafficking, HIV/AIDS awareness, and animal rights. Her first book Revolution of the Soul was published in Fall 2019. Her online program, Align With Source, has a global reach of thousands and has been a touchstone of community support. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Seane Corn Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

This is another essential conversation that will transform lives. Carvens Lissaint and Dr. Maliek Blade join for a revealing discussion about manhood, connection, vulnerability and life-giving friendship. We ask the question, do we as men really know how to connect? Do we know how to effectively express, process and manage our emotions? In this episode, we reflect on what it means to be in deep relationship, and why so many of us avoid it as men. We delve into the tension that many men experience between “what you do” and “who you are.” You’ll hear honest personal stories, as we lean into the mixed bag that comes with success, accolades and notoriety. We don’t shy away from talking about the pain of isolation, why it’s so easy to slip into, and how to effectively move into the joy that comes from being in authentic community. If you’re a man or you care about the men in your life, this episode is for you! The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

For their fourth annual Bulldog Days Live episode, Hannah and Mark ask four recently admitted students visiting campus to reflect on the factors and forces that affected their college application journey – including things they chose to do and things that were completely out of their control. Admissions officer Brynne dazzles the audience with her encyclopedic knowledge of what her admitted students shared in their applications. Hannah and Mark share many more insights from admitted students who considered how they were successful in their college application process.

Laurie Santos is host of The Happiness Lab podcast and professor at Yale, where she teaches Psychology and the Good Life, Yale’s most popular course in over 300 years, with almost one out of four students enrolled. Laurie is an expert on the science of happiness and the ways in which our minds lie to us about what makes us happy. In this episode of The Leader’s Way, host Brandon Nappi talks with Laurie about how science can help us move toward happiness by offering evidence-based data about behaviors and practices that lead to human flourishing. A lot of these things we already know in our bodies and in our lives: It’s not what you believe, it’s what you do. Connection, relationships, engaging in service, leaning into contemplation and reflection and harnessing our behaviors and emotions can boost happiness. Tune in to learn more! Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Laurie Santos Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

A conversation with art historian and curator Edward J. Sullivan about a transformative era when Latino artists claimed their place in the art world

Visiting ISM Fellow Katie Anania discusses her work as an art historian with ISM student Remi Recchia. Dr. Anania covers her latest monograph in progress, Devour Everything: Feminist Art After Agriculture, explores expressions of feminism in art-making spaces, and highlights her upcoming April 10 ISM conference, "Plant Lives: Sacred Interdependencies in the Arts of the Americas."

Bonnie Piesse is an Australian singer-songwriter, actress, soul alignment coach and host of the podcast "Your Quantum Life." She helps conscious leaders and visionaries remember who they really are and step into their true power and light. Bonnie is also an actress, best known for her role as ‘Star Wars’ Episode II - ‘Attack of the Clones’, Episode III - ‘Revenge of the Sith’ and ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi.’ Part of her story is chronicled in the HBO docu-series "The Vow,” which chronicles the spiritual breakthrough that gave Bonnie the clarity and courage to leave, and ultimately bring down, the notorious NXIVM cult. In this conversation with Leader’s Way host Brandon Nappi, Bonnie speaks to the incredible power of listening to your inner knowing, your intuition, even when it means taking a risk, even when it's inconvenient. “Following your intuition is not for the faint of heart,” says Bonnie, but when you are tuning into the call on your soul and taking steps to cultivate it, the world opens itself up to you. Brandon and Bonnie explore the spiritual risks and practices that can help us honor our inner knowing. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Bonnie Piesse Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

I can’t overstate the importance of today’s episode. This conversation will literally change lives. Today, we shine the spotlight brightly on maternal mental health. Far too many moms have said, “I wasn’t familiar with postpartum mood or anxiety disorders, until I experienced them.” Family members and friends have said, “I had no idea what they were going through.” It doesn’t need to stay that way! If you’ve lived through perinatal mental health challenges, or you know someone who has, you know just how important this conversation is. In this empowering discussion, I’m joined by author and national advocate Teresa M. Twomey, social worker and parent educator Jennifer Vendetti, and social worker and perinatal mental health clinician Dr. Natasha Welz. Come and learn critical information that each of us should be familiar with. If there are women in your life who are expecting, who’ve recently had children, or who hope to have children, this episode is for you. And this is certainly relevant if you’re an expectant mom yourself. You’ll hear moving stories and reflections of lives impacted by transformative programs, and by the power of authentic and intentional relationships. My guests share practical tips to help each of us recognize the signs of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We address myths and misconceptions, and the importance of normalizing the fact that postpartum mental health challenges can and do occur. We also talk through the ways moms can navigate and thrive with effective support, care, and intervention. This is a truly life-giving conversation. Listen in and share it with others! You’ll be glad you did. Additional Resources Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net CT Chapter of Postpartum Support International www.psictchapter.com New Mom Health https://newmomhealth.com/ UConn Health Parenting https://health.uconn.edu/parenting-program/ ACCESS Mental Health for Moms https://www.accessmhct.com/moms/ Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance www.mmhla.org What is Postpartum Psychosis? Bushnell Park TedX Talk by Teresa M. Twomey https://youtu.be/W7gyRpTkSP0?si=KjSZ4JDvF2_7SpY5 Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health https://policycentermmh.org/ CT Office of Early Childhood Home Visiting System https://www.ctoec.org/home-visiting/ CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas/programs-and-services/women/womens-and-childrens-programs Hope after Loss https://www.hopeafterloss.org/ The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

Carey Wallace believes inspiration is an essential and often underexplored part of the creative life. In her new book The Discipline of Inspiration: The Mysterious Encounter with God at the Heart of Creativity, Carey meditates on the ways artists have experienced and negotiated with that "creative spark" across genres and throughout history, identifying it as something beyond them. In this conversation with Leader’s Way host, Brandon Nappi, Carey suggests that while inspiration is a gift of the spirit, it can be cultivated and harnessed, as a spiritual discipline. Welcome back to Within, a contemplative segment of The Leader’s Way Podcast that explores the convergence of mental health, art, and spirituality through authentic conversations across traditions about personal and collective transformation. Carey Wallace is the author of The Discipline of Inspiration (Eerdmans), The Blind Contessa’s New Machine (Penguin), Stories of the Saints (Workman), Psalms of Wonder (Flyaway), and The Ghost In The Glass House (Clarion). She is a popular speaker on the creative life, and works to help people from all walks of life find inspiration and build strong creative habits. She grew up in small towns in Michigan, and lives and works outside Chicago. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Carey Wallace Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Professor of American Religious History Tisa Wenger discusses how the early US government used Christianity to justify indigenous land theft, the limits of religious freedom in America, and the importance of Yale’s new certificate in Native American and Indigenous studies. A transcript of this episode can be found here: https://divinity.yale.edu/news/2026-04-06-religion-power-and-indigenous-lands-a-quadcast-interview-with-tisa-wenger

What do we do in seasons of destabilization and doubt, uncertainty or rupture, when we find ourselves in the proverbial spiritual "wilderness?" Sarah Bessey tells us that the site of disruption is often “an altar to encounter God, an invitation from the Spirit” to encounter God’s love anew. Welcome back to Within, a contemplative segment of The Leader’s Way Podcast that explores the convergence of mental health, art, and spirituality through authentic conversations across traditions about personal and collective transformation. In this episode, Brandon Nappi talks with Sarah Bessey, author of the best-selling and critically acclaimed books Jesus Feminist; Out of Sorts: Making Peace with an Evolving Faith; Miracles and Other Reasonable Things; and most recently, Field Notes for the Wilderness: Practices for an Evolving Faith. Sarah and Brandon explore the themes of Sarah’s latest book, diving into the principles, prayers, and practices that help us navigate times of spiritual wilderness, especially for an emerging generation of Christians looking to reconnect to their faith, find inner healing, and build spiritual community. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Sarah Bessey Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

In this episode, Dr. Payam Yousefi discusses with Sindy Yang (MAR '26) his background as a musical performer and scholar. In particular, he shares how his personal experiences as a musician were deeply embedded in social and political movements in Iran, which served as the impetus for his graduate research. Diving into classical Persian and Sufi poetry, Yousefi shows how music in Iran bears moral, political, and even theological dimensions critical to its understanding. Yousefi also discusses the duality of being a performer-scholar, showing how musical practice and scholarly study are symbiotic with each other.

This week, we hear from Dr. Jeannette Ickovics, a transformative leader with a track record of local, national and global impact, as we consider what makes a successful leader. She generously describes how she’s built multiple pioneering programs from the ground up, and shares her effective practices focusing on infrastructure, sustainability, leadership development, and growth. We also hear about her strategic partnerships across private, public, philanthropic, community and academic sectors and the ways those efforts are tackling our present-day global health challenges. The conversation becomes personal as Dr. Ickovics recounts her journey, not as one who set out to be a leader, but as one who saw the needs in front of her and started addressing them one step at a time. We return to community as she talks candidly about the mentorship that guided her sometimes zig-zagging career journey. We also reflect on the transformative impact of working alongside others in authentic relationships. Join in for this inspiring conversation with a remarkable trailblazer who leads with authenticity, rigor and purpose. The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

By his own admission, Father Laurence Freeman came into the monastic life "kicking and screaming.” In this lively episode, host Brandon Nappi asks Fr. Freeman to share the story of his journey into the monastery, about his relationship with the incredible meditation teacher, John Main, and the profound ways meditation shapes our experience of the world. Father Freeman is a monk of the Benedictine Congregation of Monte Oliveto Maggiore. He is the director and spiritual guide of the World Community for Christian Meditation. John Main was his teacher and Fr. Laurence assisted him in establishing the foundations of the Community. Fr. Laurence is the author of a number of books on Christian Meditation including Light Within: The Inner Path of Meditation and Jesus: The Teacher Within. He travels extensively giving presentations and leading Christian Meditation Retreats. Before entering monastic life, Fr. Laurence worked with the United Nations in New York, in Banking and Journalism. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Laurence Freeman Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

A conversation with author and curator Sarah Anne McNear

How can the science of spirituality help us discover our true purpose in life? Welcome back to Within, a contemplative segment of The Leader’s Way Podcast that explores the convergence of mental health, art, and spirituality through authentic conversations across traditions about personal and collective transformation. In this episode, Brandon Nappi talks with psychiatrist and spiritual coach Dr. Anna Yusim about the science of spirituality as a path to wholeness and healing. Weaving together teachings from Kabbalah, Buddhism, and shamanistic traditions, Dr. Yusim has developed a program that marries empirical science and spirituality to help us find more meaning, more joy, and more fulfillment in life. Dr. Yusim is an internationally-recognized, award-winning Stanford- and Yale-educated Psychiatrist & Executive Coach with a Private Practice in New York City, Connecticut, California and Florida. She is the best-selling author of Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life. With clients including Forbes 500 CEOs, Olympic athletes, A-list actors and actresses, and the Chairs of academic departments at top universities, Dr. Anna Yusim helps influential people achieve greater impact, purpose, and joy in their life and work. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Anna Yusim Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transform...

In the midst of ongoing global military conflicts, Ellsworth “Tony” Williams and General Jack Hammond join for a timely conversation about their military journeys and their life-giving efforts addressing the invisible wounds of military service. They share openly about their expected and unexpected paths into the military and into advocacy work. In this revealing discussion, we walk through the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life, and we acknowledge the ways these difficulties can unknowingly persist for years. We also address the danger of ignoring the invisible impacts of military service, whether traumatic brain injury, PTSD, or other emotional and mental health challenges. We also highlight the often neglected impact of military service on veterans’ families and their communities. In this episode, you’ll learn about important resources and the ways veterans can access innovative programs, effective tools, and supportive communities to bring about healing and thriving. This inspiring and empowering conversation centers on the critical work of reaching one life at a time. Whether you’re a veteran, you know a veteran, or you’re a member of society interacting with veterans as so many of us do, this episode is for you. Learn more about Veterans Counseling Veterans at www.vetscounselingvets.org Learn more about Home Base at www.homebase.org The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

Welcome back to the new season of The Leader’s Way, a podcast for people who aren’t ready to give up on the world. In this episode, host Brandon Nappi talks with Volker Leppin about all things mysticism, for Meister Eckhart to Francis of Assisi to Martin Luther to so much more. Dr. Leppin is a German Protestant theologian and the Horace Tracy Pitkin Professor of Historical Theology at Yale Divinity School. A historian of medieval and Reformation studies, his research focuses on scholasticism and mysticism in the late Middle Ages. He is a prolific author of 19 monographs and 11 critical editions of text, the editor or co-editor of 49 books, and the author of more than 300 scholarly articles or chapters. He is well-known for arguing that the Reformation should be understood not as a rupture, but as a transformation, one encompassing both continuity and change. His most recent book, Ruhen in Gott, Eine Geschichte der Christlichen Mystik (C. H. Beck München, 2021), emphasizes the importance of mysticism within Christianity while exploring also its interreligious potentials. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Volker Leppin Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

Mathias Wikström, Swedish sustainability business leader and a 2025 Yale World Fellow, joins the ILC’s Yale Leads podcast.

In this live-recorded episode of The Leader’s Way Podcast, Brandon interviews Sophfronia Scott, a novelist, essayist, and leading contemplative thinker, whose book The Seeker and the Monk: Everyday Conversations with Thomas Merton won the 2021 Thomas Merton “Louie” Award from the International Thomas Merton Society. In this conversation, Brandon and Sophfronia explore the powerful ways a contemplative life can infuse a life of activism, a life rooted in justice. This episode was recorded at the Berkeley Center at Yale Divinity School in front of a live audience that includes seminarians, Yale faculty, and special guests. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Sophfronia Scott Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transform...

This episode is a true gem. Join in for a refreshing and life-giving conversation inspired by the Off-Broadway production, The Reservoir. I welcome playwright Jake Brasch and cast member Caroline Aaron for a thought-provoking discussion about art, science, mental health, relationships, and healing. Come hear the journey that brought Jake, Caroline, and so many others together for this poignant production that navigates through addiction recovery, dementia, and the ups and downs of family relationships across generations. You’ll get an inside look into this riveting story that tackles the reality of life’s challenges with a surprising mixture of deep reflection, humor and levity. In our conversation, we also delve into the process of creating a piece of art for live theater. We talk about the stages of writing in isolation, collaborating, and sometimes disagreeing with the cast members and designers, all to eventually create something beautiful together. Our guests generously share the lessons they’ve learned and the lessons they’re still learning. We also take a step back to consider the gift of cultivating time and our need to fight against cancel culture. We talk openly about the importance of not forgetting the older members of our society, who too often become invisible. Roles even reverse at times, as our guests ask Dr. Addy his thoughts on memory, community, and truth-seeking, from a neuroscience perspective. A truly moving conversation. Find out more about the production or get tickets at https://atlantictheater.org/production/the-reservoir/

Welcome back to Within, a contemplative segment of The Leader’s Way Podcast that explores the convergence of mental health, art, and spirituality through authentic conversations across traditions about personal and collective transformation. In this episode, Brandon Nappi talks with Shabnam Mogharabi, an award-winning entertainment executive and entrepreneur who is also trained in positive psychology. Shabnam is the oldest daughter of immigrant parents from Iran and grew up wanting to tell stories that uplift, connect and shine a light on our capacity for joy. With actor Rainn Wilson, Shabnam co-founded the inspiring, mission-driven studio SoulPancake. Brandon asks Shabnam about her spiritual journey, her work as a storyteller and journalist, and the new workbook she and recently co-authored with Rainn Wilson, Soul Boom Workbook: Spiritual Tools for Living. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Shabnam Mogharabi Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transform...

Hannah and Mark discuss the exciting work of the admissions office’s “I-Team” with colleague and director of international admissions, John. The officers review the process of applying to Yale as an international student and share how officers evaluate applications from every corner of the globe with a holistic understanding of students’ diverse contexts. Hannah and John share their favorite experiences from traveling internationally and provide advice for students interested in studying in the United States.

Hannah and Mark respond to the latest questions sent in by podcast listeners. Admissions officer Amelia joins to discuss summer programs, high school course rigor, Yale’s new fly-in program, and planning for the college admissions process early in high school.

Tune in this week for a rare opportunity to step into the world of a mental health institution leader. You’ll hear powerful reflections from Dr. Charles Dike, previous medical director of a maximum-security psychiatric hospital and current CEO of a state mental health center. He’ll bring you into his day-to-day experience as a forensic psychiatrist, and the realities of leading in a challenging, rewarding and at times intense environment. Dr. Dike readily acknowledges the importance of collaboration when working through turbulence and when trying to make a positive impact in people’s lives. With clarity and conviction, he describes the necessity of holding on to every single person’s humanity, even while acknowledging harms done by and experienced by some of those he serves. We’ll also hear about Dr. Dike’s principles for motivating others and promoting team growth, and his priority of building a culture of care amongst patients, families, staff, and community. You’ll hear about his out-of-the-box approaches, and the ways he leads as a coach. Join in to hear from this truly transformative leader, who leads with passion, humility, and strength alongside a remarkable openness to guidance and correction. The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

A conversation with Philip Brookman and Deborah Willis

Join in for this deeply honest, revealing and empowering conversation as I welcome two pioneering women who graciously share their stories and bring you into their world. In this episode, we highlight the topic of severe mental illness to raise awareness and bring greater understanding. My guests also share critical resources and information for everyone, especially those with loved ones, friends or others you know living with severe mental illness. We lean into the tensions that arise between supporting others and sustaining your own health, mental health and wellness. We also consider some alarming statistics, especially when it comes to medication, caregiving, and illness. Even so, it’s no surprise that the power of community shows up throughout our discussion. Get ready to be inspired and equipped, as our guests share words of wisdom from their experience, knowledge, and emerging friendship. Get caregiver resources at www.coreyempowers.com Learn more about the National Alliance on Mental Illness at www.nami.org #Selfcare #Neuroplasticity #Faith #Healing #MentalIllness #Christianity #SevereMentalIllness #Psychosis The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

Michelle Arevalo-Carpenter, an Ecuadorian impact investor and 2025 Yale World Fellow, joins the ILC’s Yale Leads podcast.

Trinh Nguyen, Vietnam country director of TRAFFIC International and a 2025 Yale World Fellow, joins the ILC’s Yale Leads podcast.

We talk to Alison Fisher and Craig Lee, co-curators of the exhibition Bruce Goff: Material Worlds

This first Addy Hour episode of 2026 is a must-watch/must-listen. We delve into the truths about cannabis and opioid use in teens and adults, and we honestly consider the many reasons people use. We address stigma head-on and the ways it shows up for those navigating substance misuse, other mental health challenges, chronic illness or other health concerns. Our guests also highlight the necessity of meeting people where they are. We talk about the importance of embracing and welcoming folks back into the community, especially after times of treatment or rehab. We also push the boundaries to highlight the essential ways institutions and universities can learn from our communities, for the good of all. In this episode, you’ll also hear powerful stories about our guests’ journeys and their transformative work. You’ll hear about programs providing addiction services within the church. And you’ll hear about strategically establishing clinics in neutral zones between gang territories to facilitate accessibility across gang affiliations. This free-flowing and in-depth conversation will leave you inspired, encouraged, and empowered. The Addy Hour is recorded at the Yale Teaching Studios, with engineering support from Ryan McEvoy, edited by Orlando Suazo, and hosted by Dr. Nii Addy. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating and follow our podcast page, to help us grow this podcast and our community.

Mikhail Zygar, a Russian journalist, historian and 2025 Yale Fellow, joins the ILC’s Yale Leads podcast.

Tamar Chugoshvili, democracy advocate, former Georgian parliamentarian and a 2025 Yale World Fellow, joins the ILC’s Yale Leads podcast.

Mohammed Rezwan, founder of Bangladesh’s pioneering floating school movement and a 2025 Yale World Fellow, joins the ILC’s Yale Leads podcast.

The Reverend Dr. John F. Ross is the Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, where he shepherds global engagement with the Saint John’s Bible—the first handwritten illuminated Bible in over 500 years. In this episode of The Leader’s Way, Brandon Nappi asks John to tell the story of how this artistic and beautiful Bible came to be, from the early inspirations of renowned calligrapher Donald Jackson to the Bible's commissioning by a Benedictine monastery and its subsequent travels across the world. Explore more of the history and images from The Saint John’s Bible project here: https://saintjohnsbible.org/ Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: John Ross Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

In this lively conversation, Brandon, Misty, and Whitney talk with The Most Rev'd Sean Rowe, presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church. In this role, he serves as the church’s chief pastor and CEO. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local ministry and mission. This episode offers a wide-ranging conversation, touching upon everything from the role of seminary in spiritual formation, to leadership in a church that is still becoming, to our willingness to engage with God’s imagination. Hosts: Brandon Nappi, Whitney Kimball Coe, Misty Krasawski Guest: Sean Rowe Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders

A conversation with Maureen Meister about her new book

In this tender and powerful episode, Leader’s Way host Brandon Nappi interviews Nelba Márquez-Greene, a devoted advocate for survivors of gun violence and someone who has been named one of the “Ten Women Changing the World,” according to People Magazine’s October 2019 issue. A Community Scholar at the Yale School of Public Health, Nelba also hosts the “Shared Humanity” podcast and video series, which focuses on the humans behind the headlines of gun violence in a moment in history where all too often we focus on everything but our shared humanity. Márquez-Greene seeks ways to partner with community organizations, clergy, and those looking to strengthen their response to the trauma of gun violence and injustice in our communities. Nelba would like to dedicate this episode to all clergy who have ever prayed for her and her family and all people who are in winter seasons of their souls. Host: Brandon Nappi Guest: Nelba Márquez-Greene Instagram: @theleadersway.podcast berkeleydivinity.yale.edu/podcast You can support our work at https://tinyurl.com/support-transforming-leaders