Sara Keen Explains Why Alignment Starts with Seeing People Clearly

May 5, 2026

·

Extraordinary People

Stephen Jackson Harmonizes Faith, Science, and Community

For many people, devotion to both science and faith is impossible. That’s not the case for my Amherst College classmate, Stephen Jackson. Stephen earned a PhD in cellular and molecular biology and immunology; these days, he consults pharmaceutical companies, medical schools, and nursing homes. He also is an ordained minister… Listen ⇢
Zenzi Gadson Crafts Elegant Spaces Through Collaboration

In this episode, I talk to Zenzi Gadson. She’s the co-founder of Maurice Gadson, an interior design firm based in Venice, CA. Interior design has become the subject of dining room conversations in my home ever since my eldest child entered the field, so it was such a treat to… Listen ⇢
Rob Bernstein Tackles the Titans, From Wrestling Rings to AI Things

Rob Bernstein, like many in the Amherst College Class of 1994, graduated just as the internet became a consumer-facing proposition. But unlike yours truly, Rob hitched his career to the internet. As a result, over the last 30 years he has managed to stay ahead of the curve, navigating a… Listen ⇢
Allen Hurlbert Wants You To Contribute To Citizen Science

In this episode, I catch up with one of the smartest guys I knew at Amherst College, Professor Allen Hurlbert. Many of Allen’s college classmates will remember him for his fondness for birds. While that interest has flowered into a successful and prolific teaching career, birds provide just one input… Listen ⇢
President Michael Elliott On Coming Back To Amherst And Building A Strong Community

When Michael Elliott attended Amherst College, he never imagined he’d one day become its president. But now that he has the job, he brings a perspective that the office hasn’t seen since the last time an Amherst graduate held that office (in 1983). Like animals that can detect light in… Listen ⇢
Neda Sharghi’s Brother Was Taken By Iran. Here’s How She Fought Successfully To Bring Him Home.

In 2018, Emad Sharghi, an American citizen, was wrongfully detained and given a 10 year prison term by Iran while he was visiting family. His crime? Simply being American. It took more than five hard years to win his release. Neda Sharghi, Emad’s sister and my Amherst College classmate, has… Listen ⇢
Ming Nagel Transforms Darkness Into Healing Music

This episode’s guest has come face to face with some of the darkest parts of the human condition. That’s a result of her social work on behalf of those suffering from mental illness. In addition to providing relief and advocacy to some of the United Kingdom’s most vulnerable, she has… Listen ⇢
Matt Collins Gets A Taste Of His Own Medicine

I interrupt my regularly scheduled programming to fulfill Amrita Sethi’s request that I take a turn in the hot seat and sit for an interview on my own podcast. This episode is all about your humble host. In describing this episode’s guest, I’m tempted to borrow a version of Mad… Listen ⇢
Caroline Russell Smith Serves Up A Midlife Upgrade

Caroline Russell Smith is a sex therapist, and in this episode, she reassuringly shares the things that people can do to have the best sex of their lives. She offers so much more than just paths to a healthier, more fulfilling sex life, though. I see Caroline as a healer… Listen ⇢