Best Renee Watt Podcasts (2025)

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#143 Generosity, Community, and the Changing Agile Landscape with Jose Casal 33:27

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14d ago33:27

33:27

“Generosity as a strategy — I’ve never seen it not pay back eventually.” In this lively conversation, Jim and Sander welcome Jose Casal — agile coach, trainer, and long-time conference organizer — to reflect on the people, purpose, and future of agile gatherings. As part of the Scan Agile 2025 organizing team, Jose shares why he continues to invest…

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#141 Embracing Agility Beyond Tech: Insights with Michal Epstein 52:07

30d ago52:07

52:07

“Agile is not just for software — it’s for solving problems anywhere there’s complexity:" At Scan Agile 2025, Jim and Sander dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Michal Epstein about the transformative power of agility beyond traditional tech environments. Discover how agile principles can be applied in diverse fields like biotech and co…

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#140 Poker, Projects, and Probability: Lessons from the Poker Table with Stacy Oliver 59:20

1M ago59:20

59:20

“In both poker and business, humans are the biggest variable—and the biggest opportunity." In this episode of Mastering Agility, Jim welcomes long-time friend and seasoned agile coach Stacy Oliver for a fascinating conversation that blends the worlds of poker, game theory, and agility. Drawing from decades of experience at the card table and in the…

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#139 The Leader in All of Us: Changing Narratives, Changing Organizations with Laura Heikkurinen 28:02

1M ago28:02

28:02

“I dream of a world where we don’t have managers — just autonomous, inspired teams.” In this insightful episode of Mastering Agility, hosts Sander and Jim sit down with Laura Heikkurinen, Lead Transformation Coach at OP Financial Group, live at the Scan Agile 2025 conference. Together, they dive into the nuances of modern leadership, the tension be…

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#138 More Watts, Less Waste: Efficiency Lessons from Triathlon and Scrum with Dana Mykytiuk 32:57

2M ago32:57

32:57

“You can build software with Excel. You can finish an Ironman on a cheap bike. But will it be enjoyable? That’s another question.” In this inspiring and energetic episode, Sander and Jim sit down with Dana—Scrum Master, team lead, and passionate triathlete—just ahead of her session at the Online Scrum Master Summit. Together, they unpack: Dana’s jo…

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394. Shannon Watts with Brooke Baldwin: Fired Up 44:58

2M ago44:58

44:58

As founder of Moms Demand Action — the nation’s largest grassroots movement against gun violence — author Shannon Watts has helped thousands of women find their voice and take action. In her new book, Fired Up, Watts outlines a practical and inspiring framework for reigniting purpose, confidence, and ambition. With real-life stories from women acro…

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#137 Strategic Storytelling: Shaping Agile Culture Through Narrative with Osita Ifezue 39:09

2M ago39:09

39:09

"Origin stories create die-hard fans. Once your story and your product are inseparable, you win." In this powerful episode of Mastering Agility, Jim and Sander sit down with storytelling strategist Osita Ifezue to explore how strategic storytelling can reshape the way agile teams operate, connect with customers, and innovate beyond the status quo. …

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393. Megan Greenwell with Jay Willis: Bad Company: Private Equity and the Death of the American Dream 1:06:24

2M ago1:06:24

1:06:24

Did you know that private equity firms have a hand in many U.S. industries, including hospitals, daycare centers, supermarket chains, local newspapers, and prison service providers? They also manage highways, municipal water systems, fire departments, emergency medical services, and a growing swath of real estate. In her new book, Bad Company, jour…

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392. Anna Malaika Tubbs with Florangela Davila: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us 1:04:25

2M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

One guiding principle for resisting the patriarchy in the United States is to demand equal rights for men and women. Yet, author and multidisciplinary expert Dr. Anna Malaika Tubbs argues that fighting patriarchal culture is more complicated than that. Tubbs believes that this fabricated hierarchy became so deeply ingrained over time that it now go…

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#136 Hope Is Not a Strategy: Leading Culture Change That Works with Anna Lavrova 44:13

3M ago44:13

44:13

n this reflective and insightful episode, Jim is joined by organizational coach Anna Lavrova to unpack her talk at the Scrum Master Summit and dive into the real mechanics of organizational culture. They discuss why people often feel "off" in their roles—not because of the work, but because of the culture—and how leaders can make sense of multicult…

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#135 Mastering the Mind: Mental Fitness, Meaning, and the Inner Game with René de Leijer 46:04

3M ago46:04

46:04

“Mental fitness is like going to the gym—but for your mind.” In this insightful episode, Jim welcomes René de Leijer—Agile Coach, Scrum Master, and co-creator of The Inner Game—to explore what it truly means to help people, teams, and organizations grow. René shares his philosophy on being “strategically lazy,” the importance of psychological safet…

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#134 From Gut to Great: Smarter Group Decisions in Agile with Tobi Mende 40:33

3M ago40:33

40:33

In this thought-provoking episode, Jim sits down with Tobias -Tobi- Mende, engineering leadership consultant and speaker at the upcoming Online Scrum Master Summit from June 17-19 to explore the real challenges of decision-making in agile teams. Drawing from 15+ years of experience, Tobi shares how poor visibility, lack of strategy, and fear of fai…

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391. Building a Bikeable Seattle: A Bike Everywhere Day Bash! 1:14:41

4M ago1:14:41

1:14:41

Is Seattle on the cusp of a biking Renaissance? From Beacon Hill to SODO to the Waterfront and Downtown, the next few years will bring major improvements to Seattle’s growing network of connected and separated bike lanes and bike paths. That’s good news for people who want a safer, healthier, more equitable and climate-friendly city. Join Cascade B…

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#133 Kumbaya Won't Save You - Facing Resistance, Building Growth, and Leading Without the Fluff with Martijn Versteeg 1:13:34

4M ago1:13:34

1:13:34

"The people stuff is hard. It always is" Get ready for a powerful conversation on Mastering Agility where hosts Jim and Sander sit down with Martijn Versteeg — tech entrepreneur, leadership facilitator, and former rowing coach. We dive deep into the real challenges of leadership, change resistance, and personal growth. From building peer groups for…

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390. Alec Karakatsanis with Erin Papworth: Copaganda—How Police and the Media Manipulate Our News 1:27:06

4M ago1:27:06

1:27:06

What if everything you thought you knew about crime and punishment was shaped by those who profit from it? Join us for a discussion with civil rights attorney and author Alec Karakatsanis as he examines “copaganda”—the deliberate manipulation of public perception by police, prosecutors, and the media. Despite historically low crime rates, the Unite…

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#131 Drawn to Agility: Creating Clarity with Every Line with Olina Glindevi and Ben Walder 52:54

4M ago52:54

52:54

"If you're going to write about Agile, you better work Agile." In this special live episode, hosts Jim and Sander chat with Olina Glindevi and Ben Walder, the creative duo behind The Visual Agile Coach Playbook, at the ScanAgile 25 conference in Helsinki. They share the origin story of their book, their collaboration journey, and the power of visua…

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389. Shamichael Hallman: Meet Me at the Library — A Place to Foster Social Connection and Promote Democracy 1:24:53

5M ago1:24:53

1:24:53

America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. How do we create spaces for people to come together — to open our minds, understand our …

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#130 Slides, Science, and Shaping the Future: Building Brave Cultures from Playgrounds to Boardrooms 56:53

5M ago56:53

56:53

"Let people twist, turn, and break your product a little — that's where the magic happens." In this special ScanAgile 25 edition, hosts Jim and Sander sit down with Linda Liukas — renowned author, educator, and playground designer — for a rich conversation about creativity, risk, resilience, and the future of learning and public spaces. Linda share…

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388. Derek Thompson with Clayton Aldern: Abundance 1:20:29

5M ago1:20:29

1:20:29

From bestselling authors and journalists Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson, Abundance is a call to renew a politics of plenty, face the failures of liberal governance, and abandon the chosen scarcities that have deformed American life. To trace the history of the twenty-first century so far is to trace a history of unaffordability and shortage. After y…

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387. Queering Talks: Out in Front—Radical Leadership in Queer Liberation 1:28:52

5M ago1:28:52

1:28:52

In Part Two of our Queering Talks series with Dr. Jen Self, we will center the voices of those who have always led the way in liberation movements, claiming the spotlight for those who have consistently been “out in front” of struggles for justice, love, and equity, demonstrating that the margins have always been the source of radical change. Queer…

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#129 Building Resilience and Embracing Change: The Path to Agile Success with Tricia Broderick 56:55

5M ago56:55

56:55

"Resilience isn’t about avoiding change; it’s about learning to thrive within it." Join us for a special live episode of the Mastering Agility Podcast, recorded at the ScanAgile Conference 2025! Our guest, Tricia Broderick, is a leadership expert, coach, and passionate advocate for building high-performing and resilient teams. In this insightful co…

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386. Elie Mystal with Jay Willis - How Overturning Laws Could Help America 1:15:21

5M ago1:15:21

1:15:21

Is there a current law on the books that you disagree with? How about ten? In Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America, New York Times bestselling author and legal analyst Elie Mystal argues not only that ten pieces of legislation are making life worse for millions of Americans but that they should be repealed completely. On topics rangin…

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#128 Starry Nights and Soulless Office: Jim and Sander on Van Gogh, Corporate Dementors, and the Art of Mastery 58:43

5M ago58:43

58:43

"I don’t like the phrase 'meet people where they are.' If you only do that, it’s too easy for everyone to settle. Instead, I try to meet them a half-step ahead—and take them on a field trip to what’s possible." In this episode, Jim and Sander talk about the pursuit of mastery, how to inspire growth, and why being too comfortable can kill progress. …

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#127 Rowing in the Same Direction: Strategic Agility with Co-Founder and CEO of Dragonboat Becky Flint 54:50

6M ago54:50

54:50

"We don't do the thinking for you—we surface signals out of the noise." In this episode of Mastering Agility, Sander and Jim sit down with Becky Flint, CEO and Co-Founder of Dragon Boat, to discuss the importance of strategic agility and value-driven product management. Becky shares her journey from working at PayPal to founding Dragon Boat, a prod…

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385. Lessons from Ending Apartheid: How to Resolve Deep Conflict 1:16:37

6M ago1:16:37

1:16:37

Around the world and throughout history, bitter political adversaries have put aside their differences and worked together to create peace. In a conversation moderated by Jillian Youngblood, Executive Director of Civic Genius, hear two extraordinary leaders tell how they helped transform South Africa into a multiracial democracy, and what their exp…

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#126 Agile: Alive and Evolving with Arie van Bennekum 37:00

6M ago37:00

37:00

"When people say Agile is dead, most of them have never seen it really working." In this insightful episode, Sander sits down with Arie van Bennekum, one of the co-authors of the Agile Manifesto, to discuss the current state of Agile, common misconceptions, and the evolving nature of agile practices in modern organizations. Arie shares his thoughts…

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384. Yoni Appelbaum: Priced out of the American Dream 1:22:38

6M ago1:22:38

1:22:38

Seattle home prices are notoriously sky-high, making this city a difficult place to afford and move to. How did Seattle and other U.S. cities become that way? Or, as historian and journalist Yoni Appelbaum puts it, how did the U.S. cease to be the land of opportunity? Pulling from his book, Stuck, Appelbaum explores how housing affects the very fab…

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#125 From Pivotitis to Product Perfection: Fighting Product Diseases with Radhika Dutt 1:00:59

6M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Radhika Dutt, the mind behind Radical Product Thinking. Radhika challenges the conventional wisdom of product development, explaining why big, vague visions, shallow strategies, and blind iteration often lead teams astray. She introduces us to the Radical Product Thinking framework, which helps teams av…

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383. Ron Wyden with Liz Berry: It Takes Chutzpah 51:28

7M ago51:28

51:28

“If you want to make change, you’ve got to make noise.” A call to action in the political sense conveys boldness and focus. It’s about drawing attention and speaking loudly about one’s convictions, with a sense of urgency and persistence. To longtime outspoken advocate and US Senator Ron Wyden, that’s what you’d call chutzpah – and his upcoming boo…

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#124 Survival, Strength, and Saving Lives: Arjan Erkel on 607 Days in Captivity and Rescuing Girls from Exploitation 1:24:29

7M ago1:24:29

1:24:29

In this gripping episode, Sander and Jim sit down with Arjan Erkel, who shares his harrowing experience of being kidnapped and held hostage for 607 days in Dagestan. Arjan walks us through the terrifying moment of his abduction, the psychological battles he faced in captivity, and the resilience that helped him survive. He also discusses his remark…

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382. Chris Hayes with Luke Burbank: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource 1:12:24

7M ago1:12:24

1:12:24

You’ve probably been there: doomscrolling or otherwise distracted by devices. Many of us have lost focus before as our addictive phones consume our time or interfere with social situations. People bump into one another on the street, look down at their phones at restaurants, or check their mobile devices while spending time with the kids as continu…

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#123 Curiosity and Crust: What Sourdough Teaches About Agile with Tammy Gretz 59:42

7M ago59:42

59:42

In this episode, Jim sits down with Tammy Gretz, an Agile and Design Thinking coach based in Central Ohio. They dive deep into the nuances of coaching, the value of curiosity and partnership, and how these concepts relate to agile methodologies and design thinking. They also touch on topics like personal growth, learning through experimentation, an…

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381. Queering Talks: In Between 1:29:26

8M ago1:29:26

1:29:26

Step into the in-between. This segment dives into the rich, transformative power of liminal spaces—those borders and boundaries where identities and experiences defy tidy categories. Our speakers will share deeply personal stories of hybridity, multiplicity, and fluidity, offering insights from lives lived beyond the binary. These talks challenge c…

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#122 Anchors, Bold Moves, and Flies on Urinals: The Subtle Power of Behavioral Science with Phill Agnew 55:22

8M ago55:22

55:22

💡 Description: In this thought-provoking episode of Mastering Agility, Jim and Marge sit down with Phil Agnew, host of the UK’s #1 marketing podcast, Nudge. Together, they explore the fascinating world of behavioral science, revealing how subtle nudges shape our decisions, from marketing campaigns to everyday life. Discover the psychology behind wh…

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380. Jesse Hagopian with Dr. Ayva Thomas and Wayne Au: Teach Truth — Unbanning Books in Public Schools 1:34:41

8M ago1:34:41

1:34:41

Did you know that the Seattle Public Library offers any U.S. resident, ages 13-26, a free “Books Unbanned Card,” which allows you to check out any e-books or e-audiobooks from the Library’s digital collection, no matter where you live? This is just one example of how people are resisting new restrictions on information and education across the coun…

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379. Juan Williams with Enrique Cerna: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement 1:30:33

8M ago1:30:33

1:30:33

After the U.S. elected Barack Obama its first Black president in 2008, some assumed that this signaled a post-racial America. However, subsequent and serious incidents suggested this was not the case, inciting what some came to know as a second civil rights movement. Political correspondent, journalist, and historian Juan Williams explores this phe…

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#121 Wise bees, optimized Learning and acceptable Discomfort: Mastering Agility Hosts and Ryan Brook Reflect on 2024 1:08:01

8M ago1:08:01

1:08:01

In this reflective and inspiring year-end episode of Mastering Agility, hosts Sander Dur and Jim Sammons are joined by "Solving For Value" co-author and "evil twin" Ryan Brook, along with editor extraordinaire Marge Scheuerer, for a conversation about leadership, agility, and the ever-elusive definition of success. From personal growth in 2024 to t…

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#120 From Critique to Connection: The Path to Growth and Connection through feedback with James De Mulder 1:13:41

8M ago1:13:41

1:13:41

Description: In this episode, Sander and Jim dive deep into the art and science of feedback. Joined by James De Mulder, they explore the nuances of giving and receiving feedback, its role in personal and team growth, and the challenges that come with it. Learn how principles from Nonviolent Communication (NVC) can transform feedback into a powerful…

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How to go from Overthinking into Action 16:31

8M ago16:31

16:31

Give us feedback,suggestion or make a request The episode tackles the pervasive issue of inaction and offers practical strategies to overcome it. Listeners discover the root causes of inaction, including fear, perfectionism, and overwhelming goals, and learn three hacks to take action and achieve their dreams—starting small, focusing on progress, a…

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#119 Solving for Value with Ryan Brook and Sander Dur 1:01:46

8M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

In this conversation, Jim talks to Sander, and Ryan about their book 'Solving for Value', exploring its motivations, tone, and the importance of authenticity and empathy in consultancy. They delve into the complexities of work relationships, the significance of critical thinking, and the shared struggles many face in their professional lives. The d…

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Unlocking Courage: How to Overcome Fear to Achieve Your Dreams 14:49

9M ago14:49

14:49

Give us feedback,suggestion or make a request Fear can be a heavy barrier to achieving your goals, and most people may not even realize it's what’s holding them back. By naming fears, taking small steps, and reframing failure as opportunity, you can unlock your potential and move forward. • Identifying fear as the core reason for hesitation • Ackno…

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New Year, New You : How to build better habits and achieve lasting change in 2025 26:18

9M ago26:18

26:18

Give us feedback,suggestion or make a request This episode explores the reasons behind the high failure rate of New Year resolutions and provides actionable advice for making sustainable changes. By focusing on clarity, identity alignment, and small, consistent steps, listeners can transform their approach to personal growth. • Exploration of commo…

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Before You Move Out of America, Consider Moving Toward Love w Sonya Renee Taylor 36:20

9M ago36:20

36:20

On this season finale of “America, Who Hurt You?” Sarah Jones sits down with New York Times bestselling author and activist, Sonya Renee Taylor to discuss why radical self love IS the moment. Yes, even in the face of oppressive systems and the current American Bro-ligarchy. Sonya reminds us that, in order to build the world we want to live in, we m…

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The Only Way Out is Through (Community) w. Sophia Bush 42:16

10M ago42:16

42:16

In case the holiday season and heading into (project 🫠) 2025 is feeling like an emotional mixed bag, this week Sarah Jones sits down with actress, producer, and activist, Sophia Bush for her take on how to show up for change and healing both individually and collectively. After coming through a year of personal upheaval to find freedom on the other…

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You Can’t Ban What’s Always Been Here: Islam in America w. Kashif Shaikh 38:09

10M ago38:09

38:09

Even with the most urgent issues facing the US as we head into (Project) 2025, our foreign policy on the Middle East and Islam are right at the top. And if you think it only affects people overseas, just ask Muslim Americans how the consequences play out stateside in their everyday lives. This week, host Sarah Jones talks to Kashif Shaikh, presiden…

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#118 Agile Alchemy: Turning Refinement into Gold 30:27

10M ago30:27

30:27

"Refinement is about gathering enough information to get started, not pre-cooking the entire task." In this episode of Mastering Agility, Jim and Sander explore the concept of Refinement in agile teams, discussing its purpose in creating shared understanding, adding details, and aligning on goals. Refinement isn’t about perfect planning but ensurin…

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It’s (Thanks)Giving Trauma w. Paul Scheer 44:07

10M ago44:07

44:07

If you need a pre-Thanksgiving pep talk, this is the episode for you. This week host Sarah Jones talks to Paul Scheer about his New York Times best seller Joyful Recollections of Trauma and how to both love your family AND still hold space for yourself. Whether you can’t swallow how your cousin voted or you’re stuffing (😬) down unacknowledged child…

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#117 - Beyond Frameworks: Ambition, AI, and Agility - Part 2 41:11

10M ago41:11

41:11

In this podcast episode, Jim and Sander discuss the final stages of Sander and Ryan Brooks's upcoming book, Solving for Value: A Journey of Ambition and Stupidity. Sander shares his excitement around the book's December 1st release and the launch event. The book, originally focused on Scrum, evolved to address broader challenges around creating val…

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Your Post-Election Rage Might Be Your New Bestie w. Dr. Jennifer Mullan 42:00

10M ago42:00

42:00

Politics got you rethinking your mental health? You’re not alone! In the aftermath of the election, some are considering therapy for the first time, while others may be wondering if their current therapeutic practices are really addressing the grief they’re experiencing. This week, Sarah Jones talks to psychologist and best-selling author of Decolo…

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378. Mariana Chilton with Agueda Pacheco Flores: Rethinking What We Know About Hunger in America 1:23:57

11M ago1:23:57

1:23:57

In America today, reports show that food insecurity is a pressing issue for over 35 million people. With rising grocery prices, inflation, and the lasting impacts of the pandemic—understanding the complexities of hunger has never been more imperative. Mariana Chilton explores this issue in the book, The Painful Truth about Hunger in America: Why We…