Union of Concerned Scientists

Today is a big day for me. I have been lucky enough to have had many big days in my life. Standing in line with my parents as they cast their votes in the election that would bring apartheid to an end and see Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa. Standing on an escalator as it took me down to baggage claim after arriving in New York City. Not as a visitor, but as an immigrant. Standing at a podium to deliver the commencement speech when I graduated with my PhD. Standing at the White House for the first time as someone who had actually been hired to work there. (I know. Crazy!) But when I think about what has made my life SO extraordinary, I come back time and again to the people I have been incredibly fortunate to cross paths with. Which brings me to today. Because today, I am standing before you... (ok, just kidding :) Today, I am launching a new podcast called alpha (@alphaXpodcast). Over the years, I have sat across from extraordinary women shaping the future through sheer brilliance and fortitude. Women leading research, building companies, shaping policy, advising presidents, and carrying more than most people will ever see. Again and again, I have walked away from those conversations inspired, humbled, and deeply grateful. alpha is my way of sharing those conversations with you. It is a podcast about women shaping the future through science, technology, and discovery, and redefining what leadership looks like along the way. Conversations with astrophysicists and marine biologists, cancer researchers and glaciologists, quantum physicists and biotech founders. But not just the polished story. Not just the breakthrough, the award, or the job title. The choices that shaped their careers. The rooms that tested their voices and the people who challenged them. The failures, risks, reinventions, ambitions, and turning points that rarely make it into the official story, but shape everything that comes after. I could not imagine a more powerful first guest than Gretchen Goldman, PhD, President and CEO of the Union of Concerned Scientists (@UCSUSA). Our conversation explores what happens when evidence becomes inconvenient, what it takes to defend science, and how we hold onto both courage and humanity when stakes are high. I left that conversation feeling hopeful for our future, because people like Gretchen are working every day on behalf of all of us. I believe you will too. I want to thank Valentina Bojanini, @dmbalarezo, @tylercowen, and my producer, @melaniescroggs , who helped shape alpha and bring it into the world. I am deeply grateful to all of you. So today, I actually do find myself standing at another beginning. And this time, I get to bring all of you with me! Listen to the first episode and meet the women of alpha: alphapodcast.studio Apple link: lnkd.in/exvaJCBi Spotify link: lnkd.in/emgwFWA5