Evidence In Action

Evidence In Action


Latest Episodes

Wizdom Powell on Improving Mental Health Care
June 26, 2024

In this conversation, we explore the distinction between “fixing” people’s mental health and building systems and institutions that don’t cause harm in the first place. We are joined by Wizdom Powell, a psychologist, tenured professor, and nationally reco

Michael Elliott on the Approach to Inclusive Institutional Change
June 12, 2024

Kim hosts a conversation that delves into the dynamic relationship between evidence-driven change and the pursuit of social and racial equity when institutions prioritize these goals. We are joined by Michael Elliott, the current President of Amherst Coll

Fay Twersky on Rethinking Institutional Distrust
May 29, 2024

We tackle the challenging question of how evidence can drive change for people and communities in a climate of widespread institutional distrust. We explore the root causes of this erosion of trust and its impact on decision-making processes. Join us as w

Justin Milner on the Power of Objective Evidence
May 15, 2024

We explore how evidence shapes policy, philanthropy, and learning agendas to help drive social change. We also unpack the challenges changemaking institutions can face when incorporating evidence and evaluation into their processes. And we offer insights

Doug Elmendorf on Evidence in Policymaking and Higher Education
May 01, 2024

We explore the use of data and evidence in policy making and higher education. We will hear from Doug Elmendorf, dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, about teaching the next generation. How are educators teaching students about the role of data and evidenc

LaTosha Brown on the Impact of Evidence in Social Movements
April 17, 2024

We examine the unique challenges and opportunities of using evidence to drive change within the context of a social movement, particularly in an era of heightened partisanship and media influence. We explore how evidence can serve as a powerful tool to ga

Heather Hahn on Decoding America's Safety Net
April 03, 2024

We are joined by Heather Hahn, associate Vice President for the Urban Institute Center on Labor, Human Services and Population, to discuss the complexities and challenges of safety net programs in the U.S. Heather helps us probe into the history of these

Michael McAfee on Equity in a Multiracial Democracy
March 20, 2024

Were joined by Michael McAfee, President and CEO of PolicyLink, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it means to lead and carry out work that is in service to all people. We discuss the tension between individual worldviews and what evidence shows, es

Luke Shaefer on the Legacy of Persistent Poverty in America
March 06, 2024

We explore the resurgence of interest in rural communities. We delve into the current state of rural research, uncovering the gaps compared to urban research. We dive into the legacies of the deepest poverty in America and the mechanisms through which it

Cecilia Muñoz on How Evidence Catalyzes Workplace Equity
February 21, 2024

We are joined by author and immigration advocate Cecilia Muoz who served for eight years on President Obama's senior team, including five years leading the White House Domestic Policy Council as an assistant to President Obama. Cecilia opens up about how