Best Ticoras Podcasts (2025)

1
“AI Will Tell You to Walk Across the English Channel”: Dr. Ticora Jones on Science, Power & Public Trust 27:20

Play Pause

21d ago27:20

27:20

“AI will tell you to walk across the English Channel… it’s not intelligent. It is pattern recognition.” NRDC Chief Science Officer Dr. Ticora Jones joins the Scientista Podcast for one of our most candid conversations yet. Dr. Jones talks about what AI really is (and isn’t), the collapse of USAID under Trump’s second term, why global development wo…

1
Abby Hopper on What Comes Next After Nine Years as D.C.’s Top Solar Lobbyist 34:03

7h ago34:03

34:03

Abby Hopper spent nearly a decade leading the solar industry’s most influential advocacy organization — and now, she’s stepping into a new chapter. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty sit down with Abby to reflect on her path from big-law attorney to clean-energy leader, and the turning points that reshaped her career a…

1
Building a Place Where Women Lead the Future 30:36

9h ago30:36

30:36

Ann Drake and MarySue Barrett are creating the Women’s Leadership Center at Williams Bay, a new hub where women leading in technology, infrastructure, business, and space can come together to tackle real-world challenges. They join Sweta and Monica to talk about the power of convening women, the importance of building networks early, and why eviden…

1
After Conservation International: M. Sanjayan on Pivots, Purpose, and the Future of Conservation 33:48

5d ago33:48

33:48

In this episode, Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina sit down with Dr. M. Sanjayan—ecologist, award-winning storyteller, and former CEO of Conservation International—for a conversation about what it takes to lead in one of the toughest, most important sectors on earth. Sanjayan reflects on a childhood spent exploring the forests of Sierra Leone…

1
Best Of: Menopause in the Oval Office 30:26

14d ago30:26

30:26

This episode is part of our Best Of the Scientista Podcast series, where we revisit some of our most impactful conversations. Jennifer Klein, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia SIPA and former Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, joins the Scientista Podcast to reflect on the fight for the 28th Amendment, the global backla…

1
Emmy Award–Winning Meteorologist Amber Sullins on the Art of Science Communication 29:16

1M ago29:16

29:16

How do you explain science when people stop believing in facts? Amber Sullins, chief meteorologist at ABC15 Phoenix and a five-time Emmy Award winner, joins Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina to talk about the changing climate of communication itself. From confronting misinformation to covering record-breaking heat, Sullins shares how empathy,…

1
CNN's Juliette Kayyem on the Case for Being “Less Bad” in a World of Constant Crisis 28:05

1M ago28:05

28:05

National security isn’t just about borders and threats—it’s about how we prepare, respond, and rebuild. CNN analyst and Harvard professor Juliette Kayyem joins Monica Medina and Dr. Sweta Chakraborty to talk about women in crisis leadership, why “less bad” is a winning strategy, and what every family should know about the “72 on you” rule for disas…

1
Jean Oelwang: How Great Leaders Make Others Shine 32:57

1M ago32:57

32:57

What do Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, and Mary Robinson have in common? According to Jean Oelwang, the founding CEO of Virgin Unite, it’s not charisma or power—it’s humility. In this episode, Jean shares stories from decades spent alongside the world’s most influential changemakers, from helping Mandela and Graca Machel launch The Elders to working…

1
Jigar Shah: The Clean Energy Industry Needs Its Own “Got Milk?” Campaign 42:54

2M ago42:54

42:54

Clean energy is winning on technology—but losing the story. Jigar Shah tells Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina why solar, wind, and EVs need the swagger (and budget) of a “Got Milk?” campaign. From plug-in hybrids to nuclear power, he explains how better narratives—and a billion-dollar confidence boost—can keep the transition moving forward. Than…

1
Jennifer Morris: Leading the World’s Largest Environmental Organization 40:15

2M ago40:15

40:15

Jennifer Morris, CEO of The Nature Conservancy, joins the Scientista Podcast to share her journey from women’s development projects in Namibia to leading thousands of employees across 80 countries. She discusses how TNC is reimagining conservation through innovative finance, science, and technology—from “nature bonds” that unlock billions for biodi…

1
Get Up and Get it Done: Motivation When You'd Rather Nap 8:59

2M ago8:59

8:59

Some days, the to-do list is shouting while your energy is whispering. If you’ve ever felt the tug-of-war between ambition and exhaustion, this one’s for you. In this episode, we're discussing what to do when motivation disappears and naps sound better than next steps. Through real talk, relatable metaphors, and practical tips, you’ll discover how …

1
Is this a Move or a Mood? Brand Discernment for Creators 7:15

3M ago7:15

7:15

Every idea feels like a big move when inspiration hits, but how do you know if it's a real, spirit-led next step or just today's mood masquerading as a mission? In this episode, we're discussing the difference between divine direction and distraction. If you're constantly getting new ideas (notebooks full of 'the next big thing'), this one's for yo…

1
Leading Kamala Harris’ Presidential Campaign: Lessons from Campaign Manager Julie Chávez Rodriguez 34:18

3M ago34:18

34:18

What does it take to manage a presidential campaign? In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Julie Chávez Rodriguez, who served as campaign manager for Vice President Kamala Harris. Julie takes us inside one of the most intense races in U.S. history—sharing how she prepared Harris for a defining debate stage moment, built a staf…

1
Billie Eilish’s Mom, Maggie Baird, Is Feeding People and Fighting for the Planet 40:03

3M ago40:03

40:03

You may know her as Billie Eilish’s mom, but Maggie Baird is also an activist, storyteller, and founder of Support + Feed, a nonprofit tackling hunger, equity, and climate change with plant-based meals. What began as a living room idea during COVID has grown into a movement spanning 11 cities—delivering nutritious meals to communities cut off from …

1
Stirring In Grace - Giving Yourself Permission to Breathe As a Brand Builder 5:56

3M ago5:56

5:56

Feeling behind? Stuck in a cycle of doing, doing, doing? In this episode, we're stirring in something essential to every brand builder's journey, and that's grace. What does it really mean to give yourself permission to pause, pivot, or just... breathe. Press play and stir it up with us, because this episode is your reminder that stepping back does…

1
Cooked to a Crisp: The Truth About Brand Burnout 7:31

3M ago7:31

7:31

Do you ever feel like you’re running on empty, even when everything looks good on the outside? This episode is your permission slip to pause. I'm getting real about entrepreneurial burnout: how it creeps in, what it looks like, and how to step away from the heat before your creativity dries up. From recognizing the crispy edges to redefining hustle…

1
Lindsay Levin: How TED Countdown Uses Storytelling to Grow the Climate Movement 39:21

3M ago39:21

39:21

Lindsay Levin, Co-Founder of TED Countdown, joins Monica Medina to reflect on how the initiative has grown into a global platform reaching millions. Levin shares how TED Countdown is flipping the climate script — spotlighting solutions, building radical collaborations, and spreading hope through powerful storytelling. Thank you for listening! Learn…

1
Helen Mountford: Yes, We’re Still Talking About Gender 32:30

3M ago32:30

32:30

“Are we still talking about gender?” Yes—because it’s not solved. Climate leader Helen Mountford sits down with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina to reveal how women are driving bold climate solutions around the world, why organizations perform better when women lead, and how philanthropy can unlock their potential. Thank you for listening! L…

1
Brand Pantry Purge: Toss What's Gone Stale 7:33

4M ago7:33

7:33

Just like your kitchen pantry, your brand can get cluttered with expired offers, dusty ideas, and ingredients that no longer serve your flavor. In this episode, we're pulling everything off the shelves and checking the expiration dates to help you make room for what really nourishes your business. If your brand's feeling a little cluttered, this ep…

1
Dana R. Fisher: Ignoring Local Organizing Weakens the Climate Movement 38:46

4M ago38:46

38:46

Climate shocks are coming — faster, harder, and more often. American University’s Dana R. Fisher explains why the climate movement can’t afford to ignore local organizing, and how community power can drive national change. From disruptive protests to neighborhood resilience projects, Fisher shares a data-driven, hopeful vision for turning local act…

1
Bernadette Woods Placky: Why Weather Forecasters May Be Our Best Climate Communicators 35:59

4M ago35:59

35:59

In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, meteorologist and Climate Central’s VP for Engagement Bernadette Woods Placky explains why local weather forecasters may be the most trusted—and underutilized—climate communicators we have. We talk about her path from aspiring gymnast to award-winning meteorologist, how attribution science is changing the …

1
Best Of: Gina McCarthy on The EPA, the White House, and Public Health 29:42

4M ago29:42

29:42

We’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes with Gina McCarthy—former EPA Administrator and the first-ever White House National Climate Advisor. From her early days in local public health to shaping national climate policy at the highest levels of government, Gina shares what it takes to lead with purpose, protect communities, and push for…

1
Dr. Raj Panjabi: Why Preemptive Health Is the Future and What We Lose If We Stop Investing 42:21

4M ago42:21

42:21

What if we could prevent disease before it starts? Dr. Raj Panjabi—former White House Senior Director for Global Health Security—explains how biotech, AI, and early intervention can revolutionize healthcare. But with science under attack and public health funding at risk, the stakes couldn’t be higher. He also reflects on how his mother’s career as…

1
Ruth Marcus: Why I Left The Washington Post After Bezos Blocked My Column 26:04

5M ago26:04

26:04

After four decades at The Washington Post, Ruth Marcus made a decision few journalists ever face: she resigned after her column — critical of Jeff Bezos’s editorial policy — was blocked from publication. In this episode, Ruth opens up about the events leading to her departure, the editorial shift she saw under Bezos’s ownership, and why she believe…

1
Best Of: Katharine Hayhoe on Climate Communication That Works 21:02

5M ago21:02

21:02

As we welcome new listeners to the Scientista Podcast, we’re highlighting some of our most popular conversations from the archive. In this timely episode, climate scientist and bestselling author Katharine Hayhoe shares what it really takes to talk about climate change — especially with people who might not want to hear it. She discusses why facts …

1
Leticia Carvalho: Meet the Woman Fighting to Regulate Deep Sea Mining 41:27

5M ago41:27

41:27

The deep sea is one of Earth’s last frontiers—and the battle over who gets to mine it is heating up. This week on the Scientista Podcast, host Monica Medina sits down with Leticia Carvalho, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, to talk about her mission to regulate deep sea mining before it’s too late. From overseeing negotiation…

1
Bill Nye The Science Guy: “Defense Wins Games, Diversity Wins Wars” 45:32

5M ago45:32

45:32

Bill Nye the Science Guy joins the Scientista Podcast for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about making science accessible, the role of humor in advocacy, and what it takes to keep going when the world feels upside down. Co-hosts Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina talk with Bill about everything from vaccine misinformation and climate de…

1
You Can't Brand What You Don't Believe - A Mindset Reset with Coach K 36:31

5M ago36:31

36:31

Coach K of Upgraded Mindsetz joins me in the Brand Kitchen to talk mindset, purpose, and why you can’t build a bold brand on shaky beliefs. From healing after loss to journaling her way into clarity, this convo will stir your spirit and shift your strategy. Ready to whip up something amazing for your brand? Follow us for more inspiration: IG & Face…

1
Ashish Jha: What Happens When Women Are Left Out of Public Health 38:01

5M ago38:01

38:01

Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown School of Public Health and former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about what happens when women are left out of health research and policymaking—and why fixing that gap is critical for everyone’s well-being. From pandemic lessons to the future of public health, Dr. J…

1
Kathi Vidal: Who Gets to Invent and Why It Matters 41:09

5M ago41:09

41:09

Kathi Vidal has spent her career at the heart of American innovation — first as an engineer, then as Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. But as she explains in this episode, the system that fuels invention and economic growth is far from equitable. Just 12-13% of patents are granted to women, and the numbers are even lower for other u…

1
Jane Lubchenco: The Ocean Is Too Important to Ignore 37:05

6M ago37:05

37:05

Former NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about her lifelong love of the ocean, what’s threatening its future—and why she still has hope. From marine protected areas to blue carbon, she shares how the ocean can be a powerful climate solution and why science-based policy is more essential than ever. Plus, hear…

1
Sylvia Earle: A Lifetime Underwater and the Fight to Save the Sea 45:51

6M ago45:51

45:51

Her Deepness: Sylvia Earle on a Lifetime Underwater and the Fight to Save the Sea In this special World Oceans Day episode of the Scientista Podcast, we dive deep with legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle. From leading the first all-female aquanaut team to founding Mission Blue and advocating for marine protected areas, Earle shares stories fro…

1
From Cookbooks to Coaching - The Secret Sauce Behind Profitable Publishing with Ashley Shepard 39:28

6M ago39:28

39:28

In this episode, Ashley Shepherd serves up real talk on turning your story into strategy, using pre-sales to fund your book, and building an author brand that lasts. Tune in now! Ready to whip up something amazing for your brand? Follow us for more inspiration: IG & Facebook: @cookingupbrands, @talklikeabrand, @colormybrands. Sign up for insider ti…

1
Elizabeth Gray: Birdwatching Is for Everyone 24:54

6M ago24:54

24:54

What do pigeons, volcanoes, and climate change have in common? For Dr. Elizabeth Gray, they’ve all been part of her unlikely journey from bird nerd to CEO of the National Audubon Society. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, Dr. Gray shares how birds led her to science, conservation, and climate advocacy, and why she believes birds can unite …

1
Dr. Nikki Romanik: RFK Jr., Vaccine Misinformation, and the Consequences for Public Health 50:26

6M ago50:26

50:26

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. reverses his stance on COVID-19 vaccines for children and pregnant women, the stakes of vaccine misinformation have never felt higher. In this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Nikki Romanik — former Chief of Staff & Deputy Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy…

1
Money Mix: Build Your Brand on a Budget with Dr. Severine Bryan 41:13

7M ago41:13

41:13

Listen—if you’ve ever said, “I wanna build my brand, but I don’t have the money,” this episode is your wake-up call and your wallet’s new best friend. I’m joined by the brilliant Dr. Severine Bryan—aka Dr. Sev—an accredited financial counselor, Fortune 500 vet, and my fellow Nasdaq Milestone Circle sister. We’re breaking down brand budgeting myths,…

1
Sally Ann Ranney: How a Tree Taught Me Everything 27:09

7M ago27:09

27:09

Conservation leader Sally Ann Ranney joins the Scientista Podcast to share the surprising story that started it all—napping inside a tree as a child—and how that deep connection to nature led her to spearhead a bold international campaign: a 10-year moratorium on Arctic development. She talks with Dr. Sweta Chakraborty and Monica Medina about what …

1
Whitney W. Strauss: Why Healthy Kids Need Healthy Communities 21:29

7M ago21:29

21:29

Dr. Whitney Strauss, Executive Director, AdvoCare Foundation; Philanthropist, Food Systems Expert, and Author, joins us to talk about food systems, health equity, and what it takes to drive real change. From the fight for healthier food access to battling misinformation and building trust at the community level, Whitney shares lessons from her care…

1
Adam Met: How Taylor Swift (and you) Can Help Power the Climate Movement 35:23

7M ago35:23

35:23

Musician, activist, and climate advocate Adam Met joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about using the power of music—and the influence of artists like Taylor Swift—to mobilize fans for climate action. From street performances in Central Park to sold-out arenas and a PhD in climate policy, Adam shares his unique journey blending entertainment and a…

1
Jennifer Klein: Fighting for the 28th Amendment and a More Equal Future 30:26

7M ago30:26

30:26

Jennifer Klein, Professor of Professional Practice at Columbia SIPA and former Director of the White House Gender Policy Council, joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about fighting for the 28th Amendment, confronting the global backlash against gender equality, and why it mattered to be the first person to say “menopause” in the Oval Office. A con…

1
Charlotte Clymer: Service, Identity, and Speaking the Truth 34:06

8M ago34:06

34:06

From enlisting in the Army at 19 to becoming one of the nation’s most powerful voices for LGBTQ rights, Charlotte Clymer has never taken the easy path. In this episode, she joins the Scientista Podcast to reflect on her journey, what service taught her, and how her identity as a trans woman, a veteran, and a person of faith shapes her advocacy toda…

1
Gina McCarthy: The EPA, the White House, and the Fight for Our Future 29:42

8M ago29:42

29:42

On this episode of the Scientista Podcast, we sit down with Gina McCarthy—former EPA Administrator and the first-ever White House National Climate Advisor—for a candid, urgent conversation about what’s at stake for science, health, and the planet. From her early days in local government to leading historic climate action under President Biden, Gina…

1
Astro Teller: Why Pippi Longstocking Is My Role Model 32:32

8M ago32:32

32:32

Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots at X (Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory), joins the Scientista Podcast to talk about bold ideas, big failures, and why Pippi Longstocking is still his role model. From AI to innovation culture, Astro shares what it takes to lead with humility, audacity, and purpose—and how embracing failure might be the key to building …

1
Katharine Hayhoe — How to Talk About Climate So People Listen 21:02

8M ago21:02

21:02

Climate scientist and communicator Dr. Katharine Hayhoe joins the Scientista Podcast to break down the most powerful climate solution we have: our voice. In this episode, she shares how to make climate conversations more effective—and more human—by starting with what people already care about. From disinformation to hope, this is a must-listen for …

1
Too Good to Be True? Cooking Past the Fear of Success in Your Brand 11:12

9M ago11:12

11:12

Think you're scared of failure? What if it’s success you're really avoiding? In this episode, we’re breaking down the fear of success, how it sneaks into your brand journey, and how to push past it. I’m sharing my own story, the signs to watch for, and how to stop holding yourself back. It’s time to serve up success—hot and unapologetic. Ready to w…

1
How One Bird Changed Everything: Patricia Zurita on Her Path to Global Conservation Leadership 27:21

9M ago27:21

27:21

What does a bright-red bird have to do with global conservation? For Patricia Zurita, Chief Strategy Officer at Conservation International, it was the Andean cock-of-the-rock that first sparked her passion for protecting nature. In this episode, Patricia shares how that pivotal moment in Ecuador’s cloud forests led her to a career at the intersecti…

1
Inside the Climate Fight: Lora Snyder on Defending Progress and What’s Next 25:25

9M ago25:25

25:25

How do we protect the climate policies that shape our future? Lora Snyder, former Staff Director for the House Natural Resources Committee, joins The Scientista Podcast to break down the fight for renewable energy, coastal restoration, and conservation policy. From defending the Inflation Reduction Act to countering fossil fuel interests, she share…

1
A Life of Service: Tamara Wilds Lawson on Leadership and Impact 24:09

9M ago24:09

24:09

How does representation shape leadership? In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, Tamara Wilds Lawson, President & CEO of the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, shares how growing up around strong women in leadership shaped her path. From her family’s legacy of activism to her work advancing gender and racial equity, she discusses why visibilit…

1
Trademark Talk: All About Trademarks and Business with Ticora Davis, Esq. 47:01

9M ago47:01

47:01

Protecting your brand doesn't have to feel like you're prepping for court—it's more like perfecting a recipe! In this juicy episode of Talk Like a Brand, I brought seasoned trademark attorney Ticora Davis, founder of The Creators Law Firm, into the brand-building kitchen. We're mixing up a flavorful conversation about trademarks, business, and more…

1
Behind the Scenes of Pandemic Response: Dr. Nikki Romanik on Science, Policy, and Trust 29:58

9M ago29:58

29:58

How do you stop the next pandemic before it starts? Dr. Nikki Romanik, former Deputy Director and Chief of Staff for the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness, has spent her career answering that question. In this episode of The Scientista Podcast, she takes us behind the scenes of pandemic response, from Ebola to COVID-19, and reveals what i…