Best Scott Allender Podcasts (2025)

1
These scientists were fired by DOGE. What are they doing now? 27:39

24m ago27:39

27:39

Tens of thousands of researchers are out of work amid President Trump's ongoing purge of the federal workforce. One of those workers is Peggy Hall, a biologist who worked at the National Institutes of Health. Hall joins us with freelance reporter Virginia Gewin, who recently wrote about fired workers for Nature. And, a study from the Rochester Inst…

1
Trump administration to 'aggressively' revoke visas from Chinese students 30:59

18h ago30:59

30:59

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement Wednesday that the State Department "will work with the Department of Homeland Security to aggressively revoke visas for Chinese students, including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party or studying in critical fields." NPR's Emily Feng joins us to explain what it means. Then, Presi…

1
Why proposed Medicaid cuts could decimate rural hospitals 18:20

2d ago18:20

18:20

Rural hospital CEO Kevin Stansbury talks about what the Medicaid cuts being debated by lawmakers could mean to his 25-bed county-owned hospital in Hugo, Colorado. Then, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday that the CDC would no longer recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children or healthy pregnant women. OBGYN Dr. Lin…

1
NPR and three Colorado public radio stations sue Trump administration 23:43

3d ago23:43

23:43

NPR and three Colorado public radio stations filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging President Trump's executive order to bar federal funding from going to NPR and PBS. NPR's David Folkenflik explains more. And, the Trump administration on Tuesday ordered federal agencies to unwind all federal funding to Harvard University. Trump claims the university …

1
What if your wardrobe worked as hard as you do? Style that keeps up with your ambition 36:15

4d ago36:15

36:15

What if your wardrobe could support you as powerfully as you support everyone else? For many high-achieving women, getting dressed each day isn't just about choosing clothes - it's about navigating identity, confidence, and leadership. From the school run to boardroom meetings to parents' evening, your wardrobe needs to carry you through every role…

1
Meet the new teacher of the year 28:33

4d ago28:33

28:33

This year's National Teacher of the Year is wrapping up classes with her students and getting ready to embark on a yearlong tour to inspire fellow teachers around the country. Ashlie Crosson, an English teacher from Pennsylvania, joins us. Then, if you are feeling stressed about speaking in front of others, you can transform that pressure by playin…

1
The state of civil rights in the United States 31:26

7d ago31:26

31:26

The year 1963 was a watershed moment for civil rights, with Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Medgar Evers leading the movement. But rollbacks of civil rights and racial justice ideals abound in 2025. Author Peniel Joseph unpacks the progress made in 1963 and the political climate in the U.S. now that is undoing some of that progress. And, the …

1
Jewish advocacy group says 'unchecked antisemitism' led to D.C. killings 20:21

8d ago20:21

20:21

On Wednesday, two Israeli Embassy staff members were shot and killed following an event at a Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Police say the suspect shouted "free Palestine" after being detained. We hear from Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, the organization that hosted the event that the victims were leaving when they were killed…

1
‘Certainty: How Great Bosses Change Minds’ with Mike Mears 58:46

9d ago58:46

58:46

In this compelling episode of The Evolving Leader, we sit down with Mike Mears, former CIA leadership head and author of "Certainty: How Great Bosses Can Change Minds and Drive Innovation." Mike shares powerful insights from his extraordinary career – from his days as a combat platoon leader and nuclear missile commander to his transformative work …

1
Why these caregivers say Medicaid is vital to families 23:56

9d ago23:56

23:56

This week, families of infants and toddlers rally in Washington, D.C., in favor of protecting Medicaid as the program faces potential cuts by President Trump and House Republicans. Two caregivers share their experiences: Jaid Greene, a mother from Colorado, and Felicia Harvelle, a grandmother from Virginia. And, Medicaid expert Adrianna McIntyre of…

1
Israel allows limited aid into Gaza. Is it enough to help the humanitarian crisis? 24:16

10d ago24:16

24:16

Israel says it will start allowing some aid to flow back into Gaza after a nearly three-month blockade. UNRWA's Juliette Touma joins us. Then, researchers have come up with a device to take the guesswork out of a common breastfeeding challenge: figuring out how much your baby is actually drinking in real time. Dr. Jennifer Wicks tells us more. And,…

1
Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis: What to know about treatment 20:54

11d ago20:54

20:54

Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. We learn more about the disease and its treatments from Dr. William Dahut. Then, the FBI warned last week about what they call "an ongoing malicious text and voice messaging campaign" that uses artificial intelligence to impersonate U.S. government officials. Axios' Ina Fried joins…

1
How a program for migrant children is being used to carry out immigration arrests 31:19

15d ago31:19

31:19

New reporting from ProPublica finds the Trump administration is subtly changing the mission of a government agency tasked with helping migrants and protecting kids who cross the border alone. We hear from investigative reporter Lomi Kriel. Then, Author Anthony Horowitz is out with a new book that takes jabs at mystery novels, while still being a gr…

1
What the Supreme Court said about birthright citizenship 21:12

15d ago21:12

21:12

The Supreme Court has been hearing arguments about President Trump's executive order trying to end birthright citizenship, which has been paused by numerous federal courts. Law professor and former U.S. attorney Kim Wehle joins us. Then, Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin, explains why he thinks House leaders should cut more from the spe…

1
The trade war is on pause, but the supply chain is still shaky 21:35

16d ago21:35

21:35

The U.S. and China have agreed to a 90-day pause on steep tariffs, though products from China will still be taxed at 30%. Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, shares what he's seeing as businesses navigate an uncertain trade climate. And, President Trump is in Qatar, the second stop on his trip in the Middle East. But Democra…

1
The 5 Hidden Forces Shaping Your Life And How to Take Back Control 18:25

17d ago18:25

18:25

Have you ever felt like you’re running on autopilot - pushing yourself too hard, saying yes when you mean no, or rushing through life without a moment to breathe? You’re not alone. Hidden beneath the surface are five powerful psychological forces shaping your thoughts, actions, and stress levels - often without you even realising. In this episode, …

1
What to know about the first days of the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial 21:15

17d ago21:15

21:15

The trial of Sean Combs, the media mogul known as Diddy, is underway. Claudia Rosenbaum, a freelance writer for Vulture who is covering the proceedings, joins us. Then, dozens of white South Africans landed outside of Washington on Monday after the Trump administration granted them refugee status. Journalist Kate Bartlett tells us why President Tru…

1
U.S. and China call a trade truce, for now 20:43

18d ago20:43

20:43

The U.S. and China have agreed to a ceasefire in a trade war that has rippled across the global economy, with both nations slashing tariffs for the next 90 days as trade negotiations continue. Cornell University's Eswar Prasad explains more. And, President Trump will soon visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Jon Gambrell, Gulf an…

1
AI tools want to be your friend or personal assistant 28:21

21d ago28:21

28:21

An update to Meta's AI chatbot gives users a more social experience, but it'll be a long time before chatbots are able to solve the nation's loneliness crisis. Axios' Ina Fried explains more. And, for as little as $50, you can have a personal assistant. The catch? It's powered by artificial intelligence and records everything you say. The Wall Stre…

1
Habemus papam Americanum 28:32

22d ago28:32

28:32

After the white smoke emerged above the Sistine Chapel on Thursday afternoon, Chicago native Robert Prevost was introduced as the new pope. Prevost is the first pope from North America. National Catholic Reporter executive editor James Grimaldi joins us. Then, President Trump has come to an agreement with the United Kingdom, marking the first trade…

1
Cardinals gather to pick next pope 23:11

23d ago23:11

23:11

We go to St. Peter's Square as Roman Catholic cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel to select the next pope. David Gibson of Fordham University is there, along with NPR's Daniel Burke and Claire Giangravè of Religion News Service. And, India launched what it called retaliatory missiles at Pakistan early Wednesday morning. Pakistan is considering i…

1
‘Ego Flip’ with James Woodcock 51:18

23d ago51:18

51:18

It's no secret that the world is changing rapidly (perhaps faster than many of us appreciate) and this demands a new kind of leadership. But is your ego holding back your ability to evolve and lead effectively? In this episode, co-hosts Jean Gomes and Scott Allender are in conversation with business philosopher, consultant and author of ‘Ego Flip: …

1
What chaos at Newark Airport says about air safety 20:23

24d ago20:23

20:23

Aviation safety consultant Jeff Guzzetti talks about concerns for flight safety nationwide following an incident last week at Newark Airport, where air traffic controllers briefly lost all contact with airplanes trying to take off and land there. Then, a new immunotherapy drug could help some cancer patients avoid surgery. Oncologist Dr. Andrea Cer…

1
How a decline in shipping from China will ripple through the economy 20:32

25d ago20:32

20:32

As consumers brace for fewer options and higher prices on store shelves, Northwest Seaport Alliance co-chair and Port of Tacoma president John McCarthy explains the ripple effect that an expected decline in shipping will have on the U.S. economy. And, Israel has a new plan to "capture Gaza" and take control of the distribution of humanitarian food …

1
BONUS: Working in AI with Damian Lowe 41:30

28d ago41:30

41:30

In this bonus episode of The Evolving Leader, host Jean Gomes speaks with Damian Lowe, a senior software engineer at Symphony AI. They discuss how many of us have moved beyond the initial reactions to services like ChatGPT towards a current phase focused on experimenting, learning, and building. Damian shares that for programmers, AI tools like lar…

1
Isabel Allende on her new book — and 2 more titles for your summer reading list 32:48

29d ago32:48

32:48

Author Isabel Allende talks about her new book, "My Name is Emilia Del Valle," a historical romance set in the late 1800s about a young female journalist who goes to Chile to cover a brewing civil war. Then, author Zara Chowdhary tells her deeply personal story of growing up in India during a period of anti-Muslim violence in "The Lucky Ones." The …

1
What is the real cost of cheap goods from China? 23:22

29d ago23:22

23:22

As President Trump's tariffs take effect, many American consumers will have to wean themselves off cheap goods made in China. Former President Joe Biden's economic adviser Jared Bernstein joins us for more. And, as climate change makes heavy rainfall in London more frequent, Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports on the city's "super sewer" system, des…

1
100 days of Trump: Economy, government cuts and why supporters are sticking with him 28:10

1M ago28:10

28:10

Wednesday marks Trump's 100th day in office. NPR's Scott Horsley looks at the economy after 100 days of the second Trump administration. Then, government programs that serve kids are among the many being slashed by the Trump administration. ProPublica's Eli Hager tells us how those cuts will affect the nation's most vulnerable children. And, we che…

1
Is the Trump administration deporting U.S. citizen children? 25:32

1M ago25:32

25:32

Several American citizen children have been sent out of the U.S. in recent days, alongside a parent who was deported, including a four-year-old with late-stage cancer. Doris Meissner of the Migration Policy Institute shares more about what's happening. And, Trump border czar Tom Homan visited Rochester, New York Tuesday, after President Trump signe…

1
Uncovering the Patterns That Shape Your Emotional Intelligence with Scott Allender 57:48

1M ago57:48

57:48

Emotional intelligence is often hailed as the secret to thriving in leadership, relationships, and life, but truly mastering it requires more than just surface-level understanding. In this powerful episode, I’m joined by the brilliant Scott Allender, emotional intelligence coach, Enneagram expert, and author of The Enneagram of Emotional Intelligen…

1
Marco Rubio's State Department cuts take aim at human rights programs 22:38

1M ago22:38

22:38

Secretary of State Marco Rubio released a plan to reorganize the State Department that would eliminate human-rights-focused bureaus and reduce U.S. staff. Jessica Stern, former U.S. special envoy for the human rights of LGBTQ+ persons, joins us. Then, concern is growing that extremism and white supremacism in the military may now be going unchecked…

1
Reverse Course: Creating clean water, from extreme recycling to solar desalination 34:19

1M ago34:19

34:19

Chicago is set to break ground on a pipeline that will bring water from the Great Lakes to some suburbs whose groundwater is running dry. Joliet, Illinois, is one of those suburbs. Here & Now's Chris Bentley reports on the question of who is allowed to use Lake Michigan's water. And, as cities across the West brace for a drier future, they're inves…

1
What Russia's deadly attack on Kyiv means for peace talks 24:58

1M ago24:58

24:58

President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia's latest attack on Ukraine. NPR Ukraine correspondent Joanna Kakissis shares the latest from Kyiv. And, Trump announced that he would have a private dinner with the top 220 holders of his meme coin. The Wall Street Journal's Josh Dawsey explains more. Then, musician Anoushka Sha…

1
The Next Breakthrough in Self Awareness with Caroline Williams 1:17:34

1M ago1:17:34

1:17:34

This week on The Evolving Leader is a double celebration – after more than 4 years and 190 episodes, we are thrilled to release our first in-person episode where co-hosts Jean Gomes and Scott Allender (usually sat thousands of miles apart) were together with guest, the renowned science writer Caroline Williams. Long term listeners will remember tha…

1
Sen. Bernie Sanders on 'fighting oligarchy' and rebuilding the Democratic Party 26:24

1M ago26:24

26:24

Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders talks about his Fighting Oligarchy Tour and explains where the political battle lines are right now on hot-button cultural issues, health care and more. And, the Food and Drug Administration is responsible for ensuring a safe food supply. But cuts to the FDA have called into question the agency's ability to m…

1
International Monetary Fund downgrades economic growth, blaming Trump's tariffs 22:45

1M ago22:45

22:45

The International Monetary Fund warns global economic growth is projected to slow due to uncertainty over Trump's trade war. The news comes as the Dow heads for its worst April since the Great Depression. Roben Farzad, host of the podcast "Full Disclosure," breaks down what's happening economically. And, Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia details his tr…

1
'Determined to the very end': Francis' legacy as a progressive, Jesuit pope 26:01

1M ago26:01

26:01

We reflect on Pope Francis and his legacy with John Allen, longtime Vatican reporter and Crux editor. And, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants over the weekend. Georgetown University law professor Stephen Vladeck explains more about the ruling. Then, as Colorado River water le…

1
How to navigate economic turmoil, from tariffs to expensive groceries 24:20

1M ago24:20

24:20

President Trump has floated the idea of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who warned this week of "higher inflation and slower growth." MSNBC's Ali Velshi parses Powell's concerns about the economy and Trump's reaction. Then, board games are booming in part because manufacturing them in China has made them affordable. But the administrati…

1
Federal judge threatens Trump administration with contempt charges 24:11

1M ago24:11

24:11

Judge James Boasberg says he has probable cause to find the Trump administration in criminal contempt of court for violating orders to pause deportation flights to El Salvador. Former federal prosecutor and law professor Barbara McQuade explains what happens next. And, Pope Francis has moved architect Antoni Gaudí one step closer to sainthood. Pope…

1
Kilmar Abrego Garcia: What's next in the deportation case? 23:39

1M ago23:39

23:39

A federal judge is ordering the Trump administration to show what it is doing to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. after immigration officials mistakenly sent him to a notorious prison in El Salvador. We get the latest on his case from longtime federal prosecutor Mary McCord. Then, we get the latest on the antitrust case that put Meta CEO…

1
What Trump's showdown with Harvard means for research 20:56

1M ago20:56

20:56

President Trump is threatening Harvard's tax status, one day after he froze more than $2 billion in grants to the school after it refused to comply with a list of demands, including cutting diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Harvard psychology professor and co-chair of Harvard's Council on Academic Freedom Steven Pinker explains the impact. …

1
When Success Feels Empty: The Hidden Burnout No One Talks About 23:35

2M ago23:35

23:35

You’ve heard of burnout - but have you heard of misalignment burnout? In this powerful and personal episode, I’m lifting the lid on a hidden form of burnout that affects so many high-achieving working mums. It’s not about doing too much - it’s about doing things that don’t align with who you truly are. I share my own story of burnout that started l…

1
What we know about the gang at the center of Trump's deportations 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Over the weekend, the Trump administration says it sent another 10 alleged gang members to El Salvador, including some from the Tren de Aragua gang. NBC's David Noriega talks about where the gang comes from and why President Trump is targeting people he suspects are members. Then, NPR Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep and NPR international corresp…

1
The deadline to get a Real ID is approaching. Here's what you need to know 22:37

2M ago22:37

22:37

The deadline to get a Real ID is May 7. After that, U.S. residents will need a Real ID, a passport or other approved identification to travel domestically and enter federal buildings. Georgia Commissioner of Driver Services Spencer Moore joins us. And, author and chef Eric Adjepong talks about his newest cookbook, "Ghana to the World." Then, Grammy…

1
China and the U.S. face off in escalating a trade war 20:56

2M ago20:56

20:56

President Trump has mostly paused his global trade war, though one country still faces steep tariffs: China. China analyst Bill Bishop joins us to explain how this trade dispute could play out. Then, we speak with Liz Picarazzi, founder and CEO of Citibin, which makes welded aluminum rat-proof trash cans, about manufacturing in Vietnam and China an…

1
‘Normalising Human Leadership’ with Nicky Lowe 53:53

2M ago53:53

53:53

In this episode of The Evolving Leader podcast, co-hosts Jean Gomes and Scott Allender talk to Nicky Lowe. Nicky started her career working for a Silicon Valley tech company during the lead up to Y2K, where the financial rewards were great but for many their own wellbeing was secondary. After having her first child Nicky experienced burnout on her …

1
IRS plans to share immigrant tax data with Homeland Security. What will that mean? 24:30

2M ago24:30

24:30

The Treasury Department has agreed to share tax data from immigrants living in the United States without legal status with the Department of Homeland Security. Former Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Danny Werfel explains the implications. And, layoffs at the Food and Drug Administration are expected to reduce the workforce by 20%. Susan Mayne…

1
Why the Supreme Court is allowing controversial deportations to continue 20:53

2M ago20:53

20:53

A divided Supreme Court is allowing the Trump administration to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans that it claims are members of a gang. Law professor Amanda Frost joins us to explain the decision. Then, Nintendo canceled U.S. preorders for the Switch 2 days after President Trump announced sweeping global tariffs. We discuss headwinds …

1
Why one toy manufacturer says tariffs will be 'fatal blow' to small business 24:11

2M ago24:11

24:11

David Mauro, creator of the Talking Jesus Dolls, is an American who stands behind President Trump's 'America First' ideology. But he worries about the impacts Trump's tariffs will have on his business. And, President Trump last week removed the head of the National Security Agency and Cyber Command. Gen. Michael Hayden, former director of the NSA j…

1
How AI, crypto and social media are making online scams more sophisticated 28:52

2M ago28:52

28:52

The Economist podcast "Scam Inc." tells the story of the global online scam industry, which is growing larger and more sophisticated. Host Sue-Lin Wong tells us about speaking with victims and perpetrators of online scams. Then, the vast global industry designed to perfect cyber scams takes in some $500 billion a year. Alona Katz, chief of the Broo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Scott Allender Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen