The Space In Between Podcast

Most weeks on The Space In Between, host Leigh Morgan talks with leaders, innovators, and bridge builders out in the world. This week, she invites you into something closer: a candid conversation with her sister, Melinda Morgan Thomas, about the complicated alchemy of sibling relationships—and their slow burn journey from rivalry to real closeness.

Along the way, the Morgan sisters explore how family dynamics shape our assumptions, how trust is rebuilt through “micro-moments,” and why their story has important – and transferable - lessons for anyone trying to create healthier dynamics at home, at work, and in c...

In a time of rising distrust and deep polarization, what does it mean to be an engaged citizen—and how is Gen Z shaping that answer? Host Leigh Morgan sits down with Cynthia Lietz, Dean of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions at Arizona State University, to explore how today’s students are navigating trauma, digital overload, and democratic uncertainty while still showing up with conviction, compassion, and a call to serve. 

Dean Lietz urges older generations not to simply hand Gen Z a broken system and say “good luck,” but to model emotionally grounded...

In this episode of The Space In Between, Leigh hosts behavioral science expert Shirin Oreizy—founder and former CEO of Next Step and noted coach to leaders — who shares practical tools for holding firm to our values and bridging divides. We explore behavioral science insights including why fear of loss can loom larger than potential gain, how smart framing of issues can unlock connection, and why building something together first can lower defenses and open honest dialogue. We also explore “above vs. below the line” leadership, and the slow, steady work of cultivating trust over time. Le...

In this episode, I reflect on a few powerful moments I’ve experienced as host of The Space In Between. I explore a core theme from Season I: how self-awareness is essential for both taking principled stands on the issues we care about and finding ways to bridge divides. A key concept is understanding our personal 'boiling points'—those moments when we’re so emotionally charged that our ability to engage empathetically with others is limited. Knowing our boiling points gives us agency to make choices about when, and how to dialogue with people who have different views.  Join me as I...

In this episode, Leigh sits down with distinguished litigator Rebecca Woods to demystify how the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the Constitution—and why those choices shape our daily lives. From textualism and originalism to the modernist “living constitution,” Rebecca explains the frameworks behind landmark rulings, what stare decisis really means, and how cases like Bostock and Dobbs reveal the Court’s internal debates. Importantly, she shares a simple practice for our polarized moment: we bridge divides by listening with an open heart—not to agree, but to understand. If you want less...

In a world that often feels increasingly fractured, it’s easy to believe the divisions we see and feel are real and fixed. But what if they aren’t? What if polarization—the sense that “we” and “they” are hopelessly far apart—is actually an illusion? In this episode of The Space In Between, I explore this evocative idea through the work of Dr. Todd Rose and my own experience, revealing that while polarization feels real, it’s largely a collective distortion.  It turns out that beneath the noise, Americans share remarkably similar values: to be good people, to do meaningful work...

This episode of The Space In Between centers on cancer—a topic that touches nearly everyone and, crucially, reminds us of our shared humanity. When a loved one receives a diagnosis, compassion cuts through ideology: neighbors cook meals, coworkers donate PTO, communities fundraise. Fighting cancer becomes a common cause that unites us in hope. Host Leigh Morgan is joined by Dr. Nancy Davidson—renowned breast cancer oncologist, translational researcher, and executive vice president/chief academic officer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center—to offer a clear-eyed, optimistic update on where oncology stands and where it’s headed. And along the way, the...

In this episode, host Leigh Morgan sat down with award-winning journalist and author Laura Pappano to discuss the seismic changes reshaping K-12 education since the new administration took office. This topic is often emotive, as we've seen in PTA and school board meetings across the country.  Leigh and Laura dive into why this is the case, and explore the expansion of school vouchers, the restructuring of federal education policy, and the consequences of an increasing focus of education as a marketplace rather than a public good that centers student achievement. Learning how to talk constructively about these profound changes i...

With our one-year anniversary, we are dropping one of the most popular episodes from last year! The Space in Between as a podcast and framework for daily living is about having the courage to stand in the tension between opposing views, where real growth, connection and innovation happen. In a world that often pressures us to pick a side, this podcast explores what it means to stay present, curious, and open in the face of complexity. It’s a psychic, emotional and mental space that invites deep listening, humility, and the willingness to hold multiple truths at once. While it...

Today’s episode tackles the sweeping shifts in U.S. immigration policy—tightened legal immigration, mass deportation efforts, and the rollback of existing due process protections for legal residents and undocumented workers—while modeling how to debate fiercely held views without dehumanizing one another. Joining me is Maggie Mitchell Salem, a returning guest and one of the country’s leading immigration experts. Maggie is known for her candid, nonpartisan approach and she brings clear-eyed insight on what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how we can have sensible immigration policy. Leigh and Maggie explore how we can bridge divid...

In this episode, we explore one of the most complex and emotionally charged dimensions of modern health and well-being: health insurance.. Premiums rise, benefits are confusing to understand, and many of us have stories of great frustration with the system. At the same time, those who have insurance know—often from personal experience—the critical role that it plays in our daily lives. Debates about health insurance can also be deeply polarizing, yet this is precisely why we need to make time to listen, learn and look for creative ways to improve the system. My guest, Jamie Williams, brings deep...

Let’s be honest: an epidemic of lying is infecting public discourse. From political stages to policy debates, from newsfeeds to dinner tables, dishonesty has become disturbingly normalized. Many of us feel caught between exhaustion—burying our heads in the sand under the sheer volume of misinformation—and frustration as we scramble to correct falsehoods that seem endless. But here’s the hopeful truth: this is not inevitable. In this episode of The Space In Between, host Leigh Morgan offers four simple practices to help us turn the tide, strengthen our communities, bridge divides, and nurture a culture of compelli...

How can sport bring us together across divides? Few voices in basketball carry as much weight, wisdom, and insight as Debbie Antonelli—who offers powerful lessons on leadership, service, and connection. As a trailblazing sportscaster, she has called games across NCAA women’s and men’s basketball, the WNBA, and even the NBA—breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible for women in broadcasting. Beyond her career behind the microphone, Debbie embodies leadership and service: championing the growth of women’s sports, raising millions for Special Olympics, and modeling what it looks like to lead with both grit and generosity...

Indigenous-led conservation isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s one of the most effective strategies we have to protect biodiversity and live in reciprocity with our planet. In this episode of The Space In Between, I speak with Valérie Courtois, director of Canada’s Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) and one of TIME magazine’s 100 most influential climate leaders in 2023. We explore how Indigenous guardianship, land “relationship” planning, and bold cross-sector alliances are reshaping conservation at scale—and how these approaches help us bridge divides and create life-affirming solutions for the future.

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We live in a time when it’s easier than ever to get swept up in outrage, division, and a sense of superiority. But here’s the truth: self-righteousness narrows and isolates, while true righteousness holds potential for grounding and connection - even across dimensions of difference. On this episode of The Space In Between, I explore the crucial difference between these two ways of being, why it matters so much right now, and how four simple practices that can help us stay in a mindset and heart-space where we can hold our convictions firmly while resisting the temptation to d...

If you want a clear, human view of America’s healthcare crossroads, this episode is for you. Swedish Health Services board chair Diankha Linear joins The Space In Between to unpack why the U.S. spends the most on care yet lags on health and well-being, what “value-based care” really means, and how this model can improve outcomes. We also explore how leaders can stay anchored in mission, navigate headwinds in a fast-shifting healthcare ecosystem, and deal with the impact of Medicaid budget cuts—which will ultimately raise costs for everyone. Diankha offers her take on how faith ha...

The media landscape and industry is shifting beneath our feet—and with it, our sense of trust, truth, and community. In this fun and informative episode of The Space In Between, I sit down with veteran journalist, publisher and noted media executive Emily Parkhurst to explore how news is evolving, why it matters for democracy and daily life, and how a women’s lens changes the stories we tell and the voices we hear. Together, we unpack the decline of local journalism, the transformation of the media industry, the rise of social media and AI, and the urge...

When the world feels divided and uncertain, great leadership matters most. In this episode of The Space In Between, tech CEO and leadership wisdom-keeper Everett Harper joins me for a candid, deeply human conversation about leading with integrity in challenging times. Everett reflects on his journey as a trailblazer in sports, college, as an African American tech CEO, and on his track record of innovation in his remote-first company, Truss. He shares insights from his book Move to the Edge, Declare It Center, along with practical tools like the “pre-mortem” that help leaders navigate complexity, build trust, and...

In a time of dazzling technological breakthroughs and deepening divides, how do we ensure artificial intelligence (AI) serves society in ways that elevate humanity? What can be done to ensure the right people are leading in AI-based companies and that leaders are well prepared to navigate technological, moral and ethical dilemmas now and in the future?  In this episode of The Space In Between, I sat down with the brilliant and well-respected technologist Liat Ben-Zur to explore this question with both candor and nuance. With more than 25 years of leadership experience at companies like Microsoft, Philips, and Q...

Most of us are wired to celebrate beginnings — a new job, a fresh relationship, the launch of a project. But what about endings? In this week’s episode of The Space In Between, I reflect on a rarely discussed yet vital topic: how to honor and 'do' endings well. Drawing from personal stories, social psychology research, and years of leadership experience, I explore why marking endings with intention helps us grow, find clarity, and step into what’s next with greater agency. Endings are not just about loss — they are also about transition, meaning, and the possibility of renewal. Learning...

In this episode of The Space In Between, I sat down with Dawn Trudeau—trailblazing civic leader, early Microsoft executive, and one of the majority owners of the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. We explored why women’s sports are having a cultural moment, how the Storm has built a franchise rooted in values and community, and what it takes to lead with conviction while bridging divides. From growing up in conservative Iowa to shaping tech and sports history, Dawn offers deeply personal lessons on believing in yourself, finding courage when the road ahead is unclear, and how she and her pa...

In this episode of The Space In Between, Leigh invites us to explore a subtle but powerful force shaping our personal and public lives: the language we use —especially when it slips into “all-or-nothing” thinking. From our workplaces and friendships to dinner table debates and political discourse, extreme language can harden our hearts, box us into limiting, binary choices, and disconnect us from seeing each other as fully human. The good news: with a little awareness and practice, we can shift our habits, soften our speech, and become leaders who inspire clarity, connection, and change. Leigh shares her reflections on how...

Back by popular demand! This engaging podcast explores our mental health from a public health perspective, and how, in a post-COVID world, we can avoid reaching polarizing ‘boiling points’ and reduce the experience of isolation and fragmentation across communities.  Host Leigh Morgan explores this topic in-depth with a an internationally recognized global leader and expert, Dr. Dani Fallin, who is Dean of the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Dr. Fallon defines what a population approach to mental health is, and how it helps us understand the how polarization starts and is amplified across society. She also share...

In this interesting and timely episode of The Space In Between podcast, I sit down with the Honorable Suzi LeVine, former Ambassador to Switzerland, to explore the changing role of the United States on the global stage, the intersection of public and private leadership, and the nuanced art of bridging divides during times of disruption. With decades of experience across government, diplomacy, and the tech sector, Suzi brings insight, clarity, and grounded optimism to a moment that demands all three. She also drops some keen insights about the role of ambassadors and how she navigated tricky labor relations and...

On this week’s episode of The Space In Between, Leigh sat down with Aimée Christensen — a longtime and noted climate leader, bridge-builder, and someone whose roots run deep in both global halls of power and the soils of Idaho, her beloved home state. With active retrenchment by the current administration in the fight against global warming in full swing, this episode is key for anyone wanting the 'real story' on what is, and is not happening, on climate change. My conversation with Aimée is rich with wisdom, clarity, and the kind of insight that comes only from d...

In this episode of The Space In Between, Leigh explores the concept of grievance—a mix of resentment and unmet expectations that, when left unresolved, erodes trust and connection. Drawing on sobering data from the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, she highlights how widespread grievance is fueling distrust, polarization, and fragmentation across society. Through personal stories and leadership lessons, Leigh offers three powerful practices to help shift this culture: pause before reacting, practice daily gratitude, and seek out other seekers. Listeners are reminded that even in divided times, small, intentional acts of compassion and civility can rebuild trust and pl...

The U.S. higher education sector is undergoing profound transformation — and not always by choice. At the intersection of political ideology, funding cuts, and rapidly shifting technologies, colleges and universities find themselves caught in a storm of scrutiny, resentment, and reinvention. From heated debates over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) to questions about the value of degrees and the impact of AI, higher ed is at a crossroads like never before.

In this timely episode, I sat down with the remarkable Ann Kirschner — entrepreneur, academic leader, innovator, and storyteller — to explore what’s really happening across t...

The Space in Between isn’t about finding the middle — it’s about having the courage to stand in the tension between opposing views, where real growth and innovation happen. In a world that often pressures us to pick a side, this podcast explores what it means to stay present, curious, and open in the face of complexity. It’s a space that invites deep listening, humility, and the willingness to hold multiple truths at once. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s also where creativity thrives and where more humane, effective leadership is born. The goal is to create spa...

In this episode, host Leigh Morgan welcomes Matt McIlwain—managing director at Madrona Venture Group, respected civic leader in Seattle, and fellow board member at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center—for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation. Together, they explore questions at the intersection of tax policy, constructive dialogue, and the responsibilities we carry as citizens navigating a polarized time. While their views on policy may differ they both have a shared commitment to curiosity, listening, and mutual respect provided a model for how to talk through even the most emotive and controversial topics. One of those topics, tax poli...

On today’s episode, I explore what it means to seek out fellow seekers in a time of deep division. Seekers are people who are curious, open-minded, and committed to learning—by instinct and by choice. If you’re listening to this podcast, chances are you’re a seeker too. I share a personal story about an unexpected and meaningful connection with my March 19th podcast guest, Lemon Price. Lemon is a fellow seeker who happens to hold very different political views than I do. She is an avid Trump supporter, and is thoughtful about why. Her story, and our dial...

AI technologies promise to revolutionize societies, economies, and interpersonal connections by affecting how organizations and individuals interact. In this episode, host Leigh Morgan leads a compelling conversation with noted AI & tech investor Heather Redman on these critical topics. Heather gives an insightful overview of the current state of AI and its implications for business, society, and the risks and opportunities that are on the radar. The discussion also touches on interesting use-cases for AI that are seriously mind blowing.  Leigh and Heather also explore moral and ethical considerations of general AI and how – despite many risks to the contrary – AI to...

In an age where artificial intelligence is significantly transforming industries and our daily lives, the role of leadership in organizations is undergoing rapid transformation. In this episode of The Space In Between Podcast, host Leigh Morgan welcomes Christie Smith, a noted thought leader in leadership and organizational performance, to discuss the need for a new paradigm in leadership. Christie's new book, *Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership*, challenges the conventions of twentieth-century leadership and presents a framework for a future where AI tools and technology touches all parts of our...