ShiftMakers: Recent Episodes
The Shift Network
Journalist, author, and activist Marianne Schnall has been in conversation with some of the most iconic influencers in our culture today. The ShiftMakers Podcast from The Shift Network will bring us on an epic journey that highlights the exclusive insights of various celebrities, luminaries, and movement makers as they share wisdom on how to be an authentic changemaker today. Ultimately, we uncover what it will take to make a positive difference in the world.
Join host Marianne Schnall for a moving conversation with activist, author, and 39th President of the U.S. Jimmy Carter who shares eye-opening insights and calls to action on what he feels is “the most serious and unaddressed challenge of our time”: the discrimination and abuse of women and girls worldwide. The podcast originally aired in 2020.
In part two of this conversation with Elizabeth Lesser, bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of the Omega Institute, she discusses with host Marianne Schnall the connection she sees in our inner world and outer world (1:30), the greatest lesson she has learned through her years at Omega Institute (4:37), her thoughts on the evolution of humanity’s consciousness (7:34), the powerful life metaphor she finds in childbirth (12:42), her advice on embracing change instead of resisting it and the paradigm shift she hopes to see in the world (22:14). Additional Resources: Elizabeth Lesser Omega Institute
In part one of this two-part conversation with Elizabeth Lesser, bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of the Omega Institute, she shares with host Marianne Schnall how she uses historical reflection to gain perspective on the current challenges we face (4:52) and the origins of her popular book Broken Open about growing through hard times (11:56). She then elaborates on her recent book, Cassandra Speaks: When Women Are the Storytellers, the Human Story Changes (14:06), about how our history, belief systems and world could be transformed if we honor women’s voices, stories and perspectives. She also offers listeners one of her favorite personal meditations for standing strong without creating harm (30:40).
*This episode contains explicit language
Additional Resources: Elizabeth Lesser Omega Institute
Madeleine Albright was internationally admired for her confidence, intellect, and sharp wit. She had an inexhaustible ability to connect on the deepest human levels. To celebrate the life and legacy of this history-maker who recently passed away from cancer, host Marianne Schnall reflects on and shares her 2010 interview with Secretary Albright. In this never-before-aired audio, Albright talks about her relatable approach to diplomacy (6:23), her advice to women (11:17), the source of her energy (15:03) and much more.
Additional Resources: Conversation with Madeleine Albright by Marianne Schnall
In honor of Women's History Month and Gloria Steinem's 88th birthday this week, host Marianne Schnall shares a collection of essential, timeless wisdom from her mentor and friend the activist, author, and feminist icon Gloria Steinem. This episode features recordings from interviews with Gloria in 2006, 2012, and 2016 on topics ranging from the present state and future of feminism (2:40), the prospect of a female president (11:45), and the power of community (15:14). Additional guests include Luvvie Ajayi Jones, Sylvia Earle, Anita Hill, Justin Baldoni, and Elizabeth Lesser who share what Gloria's iconic phrase "We Are Linked, Not Ranked" means to them (18:11). More at Shift Now, The Shift Network hub. Additional Resources:
Gloria Steinem online
We Are Linked Not Ranked website for bracelets that were created by Gloria Steinem to benefit the work of Feminist.com, a thriving online community and hub of feminist voices. The bracelets were designed in partnership with Yoko Ono and the Maiden Nation Imagine Project.
In this bonus episode, Marianne Schnall shares her professional journey of shifting from interviewing celebrities about their fame to instead offering them a space to speak about creating change for the greater good. Beginning with the Women's March in 1992, Marianne has since interviewed over 100 celebrities and thought leaders about activism and their vision for a better world which has led her to publish four books and dozens of articles released worldwide.
In this special episode of ShiftMakers, host Marianne Schnall shares the inspiration and advice of thought leaders she has interviewed over the years who reflect on how they find their deepest fulfillment through their activist work, why it’s so important, and how we can all take action to create a better world. Hear wisdom and insights from a variety of celebrities/activists, including Jane Goodall, Natalie Portman, Anita Hill, Gloria Steinem, Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Amy Poehler, Sylvia Earle and Abigail Disney.
Justin Baldoni is an actor, director, author, podcast host and founder of the Man Enough Movement, which aims to undefine traditional roles and traits of masculinity to allow men to realize their potential as humans and their capacity for connection. In this honest and thought-provoking conversation with host Marianne Schnall, he discusses his passion for projects that serve as agents of social change and equity, and he delves into topics including the power of media (11:46), his profound experience interviewing his own father (15:27), the medicinal benefits of crying for children (23:54), finding balance in order to achieve growth (28:43) and self-activism through personal healing (36:18).
Related Links: Man Enough Podcast Justin's Ted Talk Wayfarer Studios
Photo credit of Justin Baldoni on episode cover art: John Russo
Luvvie Ajayi Jones, an internationally recognized author, public speaker, and now podcaster, brings her signature wit and candor to all she does. In this upbeat and lively conversation with host Marianne Schnall, Luvvie discusses the themes in her book Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual, recently released in paperback with a new chapter, the “Truth-telling Guide,” as well as her life habit of courage, how it’s ok to “be too much,” the importance of speaking up, why we need to give ourselves permission to fail, the ways she practices self-care and much more.
For more info visit Luvvie online.
Related Resources:
Luvvie's 2018 Ted Talk
Photo credit of Luvvie Ajayi Jones on episode cover art: Kesha Lambert
In this special New Years' episode of ShiftMakers, host Marianne Schnall shares wisdom from her archival interviews about the power of inner work to change the world. Interview segments featured include Oprah Winfrey discussing the daily practice of gratitude, Elizabeth Lesser on the impact of discipline, Deepak Chopra's thoughts on creative solutions, Goldie Hawn on quieting the mind, Melissa Etheridge sharing how she embraced stillness while recovering from chemotherapy, and Maria Shriver dives into expanded definitions of health and well-being.
Dr. Sylvia Earle is an internationally renowned marine biologist, aquanaut, conservationist, and author who has led over 100 underwater expeditions. In this rich conversation with host Marianne Schnall, Sylvia discusses her new book National Geographic Ocean: A Global Odyssey about the power and significance of our planet's ocean from its fundamental importance in shaping our climate to how it supports a multitude of species, including humans. She shares what "hope spots" are and why they're vital (10:20), how respect for nature can help us find enduring alignment with our planet (24:46), and how the unprecedented access to knowledge that next generations have collectively empowers us towards better solutions (38:52).
Sylvia Earle photo copyright: Mission Blue.
In part two of this candid conversation, activist and artist V (formerly Eve Ensler) discusses with host Marianne Schnall the paradigm shifts she most hopes to see in the world, healing, the importance of community, what she has learned living in nature, the modalities she embraces to keep herself centered in these concerning times, the mandala of humanity, and much more.
To purchase tickets for Wild visit the American Repertory Theater and discover more about V Day at the movement's website. Photo credit of V on episode cover art: Paula Allen
Activist and artist V (formerly Eve Ensler), opens her new play WILD: A Musical Becoming this week. In part one of this two-part conversation with host Marianne Schnall, V discusses her passionate concern for the future of the planet and her faith in young people as her inspiration for the piece developed in collaboration with Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, Golden Globe-nominated songwriter Justin Tranter, songwriter Caroline Pennell, and acclaimed director Diane Paulus. V also discusses her nearly 25-year campaign to end violence against women, girls, and the planet with the organization V-Day and illuminates how we heal within the community and our own bodies.
To purchase tickets for Wild visit the American Repertory Theater and discover more about V Day at the movement's website. Photo Credit of V on episode cover art: Paula Allen.
Amy Poehler has numerous titles and accolades next to her name as an award-winning actress, producer, and author. In this electric and humorous interview with Marianne Schnall, Amy speaks about the release of her book Yes, Please which went on to be a New York Times Best Seller. Amy also speaks of her online series and now website 'Amy's Smart Girls' and her passion for feminism.
In Part 2 of this candid insightful conversation, Anita Hill and host Marianne Schnall pivot to Hill’s personal journey from speaking out thirty years ago to today. She shares her insights and advice for those who feel compelled to stand up for the greater good, the power she finds in struggle, and the healing she harnesses from her community, her family ancestry, and how she stays hopeful and centered.
October marks the thirty-year anniversary of Anita Hill's landmark testimony in the Clarence Thomas hearings. As a life-long advocate, Hill addresses the unfinished work of ending gender-based violence in her new book Believing. In this illuminating conversation with ShiftMaker's host Marianne Schnall, Anita Hill addresses the collective impact gender violence and sexual harassment have on our society as a whole, and she charts a path to a better future.
Dolly Parton is internationally known for expressing herself through music. In this interview with Marianne Schnall, the iconic entertainer and business powerhouse offers insight from her heart. She discusses knowing yourself and staying true to that knowledge, the power of positivity, her devotion to literacy, and how she feeds her passions. Dolly also shares the inspirations behind hit songs including "Coat of Many Colors" and "9 to 5".
coatofmanycolors #dollyparton #9to5 #imaginationlibrary
Media trailblazer, bestselling author, and CEO of Thrive Global, Arianna Huffington is committed to changing the way we work and live in order to reduce stress and improve well-being. She sits with Marianne Schnall to discuss micro steps toward thriving, how to keep returning to your center of peace and wisdom, and what it means to nurture your mental health.
In this special episode of ShiftMakers, we look at the necessity to face our fears while we pursue greatness. Our host, Marianne Schnall, dives into some of her deepest interviews with Stacey Abrams, Jane Fonda, Amy Poehler, Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Anita Hill, Maya Angelou and more to see how these leaders called upon their courage to tackle the unknown during uncertain times.
Marianne Schnall interviews world-renowned ethologist, environmentalist and trailblazer Dr. Jane Goodall as she reflects on 60 years of groundbreaking research, as well as her ongoing work, and shares her wisdom and insights on the pandemic, the planet, women’s progress, her legacy, and much more.
Renowned social justice advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw shares her insights on systemic racism and turning this moment of reckoning into transformative change, how to apply intersectional principles to the issues we currently face, the importance of supporting Black female leadership, building an equitable world and more.
“Our economy is built on the back of women’s caregiving,” says Melinda Gates as she discusses how the pandemic has hastened the urgency of creating more equitable caregiving systems, what she sees as the solutions we need to implement, and how addressing this issue of caregiving is connected to her overarching goal of achieving gender equality in the US and around the world.
Join us for a moving conversation with activist, author, and 39th President of the U.S. Jimmy Carter who shares eye-opening insights and calls to action on what he feels is “the most serious and unaddressed challenge of our time”: the discrimination and abuse of women and girls worldwide.
There are few iconic leaders in our modern culture that compare to Oprah Winfrey. In this episode of ShiftMakers, we highlight elements of a conversation between Oprah and our host Marianne Schnall that reveal the practices and principles that make up a powerful and sustaining leader. Join us for insights and disciplines that could benefit us all and usher in change for a brighter tomorrow.
Join our host Marianne Schnall as she talks with feminist icon Gloria Steinem. In this candid and often surprising conversation, Steinem shares her thoughts and wisdom on a variety of topics that are more timely now than ever, and encourages listeners to keep pushing for progress because as she points out, change is not “automatic”— it requires us all to take action. Gloria has deeply impacted the life of our host and we are so honored to bring this conversation to you with a truly legendary woman.
Legendary poet, writer, and performer Dr. Maya Angelou passed away in 2014, yet her timeless wisdom, life philosophies, and messages of love, peace, courage, empowerment, and tolerance continue to inspire us as we present this powerful conversation with Dr. Angelou and author/journalist Marianne Schnall.
Both Jane Fonda and our host Marianne Schnall have a ceaseless passion for gender equality in our culture, our politics, and in the media. Join us in this inspiring discussion with the iconic Jane Fonda as she shares her wisdom and life lessons on gender equity, activism, empathy, self-care, and why you should never, ever give up.
Shortly before the 2018 midterm election in which we witnessed historic wins for women and diversity in politics, author and journalist Marianne Schnall had the opportunity to sit down with twice-elected Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Join us for a powerful, in-depth discussion where Pelosi shares her personal insights about her experiences as the first female Speaker, why she feels it’s so essential to have more women leaders in politics and society, and her advice on creating change.