When First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to the graduating class of Oberlin College and Conservatory in 2015, she encouraged students to embrace Oberlin’s history and run to the “noise”— those challenging, contentious situations that threaten to divide us. As the first college in America to officially embrace the admission of black students, and the first co-ed school to grant bachelor’s degrees to women, Oberlin has been Running to the Noise almost since our inception. And that’s just what we’ll do in each episode of our podcast, hosted by College President Carmen Twillie Ambar.President Ambar will talk with all manner of interesting and influential people on and off our campus who are tackling some of the world’s toughest problems, working to spark positive change for everyone.

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What does it take to step outside your comfort zone, embrace uncertainty, and find the courage to do what&#39;s difficult?In this special bonus episode of Running to the Noise, Oberlin College and Conservatory President Carmen Twillie Ambar revisits powerful moments from conversations with bestselling author Rumaan Alam, award-winning journalist Soledad O&#39;Brien, public health expert Dr. Timothy Uyeki, professor La Tanya Hall, and Oberlin alumna Georgia Heers.Through stories of creative risk-taking, entrepreneurship, finding your voice, and confronting global health emergencies, these guests explore what it means to challenge expectations, overcome fear, and take meaningful action when the stakes are high.Together, their reflections reveal that courage isn&#39;t always about grand gestures. Sometimes it&#39;s about trying something new, speaking up when it matters, or simply answering the call when someone has to do the hard thing.

The Courage to Do the Hard Thing

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What do great storytellers, journalists, artists, philanthropists, and changemakers have in common?In Part 2 of this special student-led Running to the Noise season finale, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar rejoins student producers Travis O’Daniel and Eloise Rich as they share more of their conversations with Season 3 guests and reflect on what they learned from two seasons behind the microphone.The episode opens with Travis and Eloise looking back on the guests who stayed with them most. Their reflections lead into a conversation with Joe Richman, founder of Radio Diaries, about listening, interviewing strangers, journalism in a fractured information environment, and the power of personal stories to reveal larger truths. Richman also discusses the pressure facing independent journalism and why curiosity, openness, and intentional conversation matter more than ever. Richman challenges a lesson many people learn as children: don’t talk to strangers. Instead, he encourages aspiring journalists to seek people out, ask questions, and treat interviewing as a creative practice that can lead to deeper human connection and unexpected understanding. The conversation then turns back to Oberlin and the relationships that shape the student experience. Travis and Eloise reflect on faculty mentorship, alumni networks, the future of journalism, and the kinds of guests they hope Running to the Noise explores next. They also identify a recurring quality among so many Oberlin graduates: the “multi-hyphenate” instinct to move across disciplines, interests, and careers rather than being defined by a single path. That idea comes alive in a conversation with Tamara Jade, EJ Marcus, and <a href="https://bostonartsacademy.org/foundation/spotlight/seyquan-mack/" rel="nofollow">Seyquan Mack</a>, who share favorite Oberlin memories, creative influences, and the experiences that helped shape their lives after college. Their stories illustrate the freedom Oberlin students have to experiment, create, lead, and pursue seemingly unrelated interests at the same time. The episode also returns to Cecilia Conrad, founding CEO of Lever for Change, for advice about entering philanthropy and nonprofit work. Conrad talks about the value of communication, storytelling, technology, and interdisciplinary skills, while offering practical guidance for young people trying to make an impact without knowing exactly where their careers will lead. Finally, Travis, Eloise, and President Ambar reflect on the thread that connects the entire season: the willingness to move toward difficult questions, complicated problems, and meaningful work. For Travis, the common denominator among the show’s guests is simple: they are people who identify something that matters and go directly toward it. In other words, they run to the noise. What We Cover in This Episode<ul><li>Joe Richman on journalism, storytelling, and why people should talk to strangers</li><li>How personal stories can reveal larger truths in divided times</li><li>The challenges facing independent journalism and public media</li><li>What Travis and Eloise learned from interviewing Season 3 guests</li><li>Faculty mentorship and the relationships that make the Oberlin experience distinctive</li><li>The “multi-hyphenate” quality shared by many Oberlin students and alumni</li><li>Tamara Jade, EJ Marcus, and Seyquan Mack on creativity and favorite Oberlin memories</li><li>How Oberlin students create ambitious projects and communities while still in college</li><li>Cecilia Conrad’s advice for graduates interested in philanthropy and nonprofit work</li><li>Why storytelling and communication are increasingly valuable professional skills</li><li>How Oberlin teaches students to analyze complexity and combine disciplines</li><li>The question at the heart of the podcast: How do you run to the noise?</li></ul> Episode Links<a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/node/492400" rel="nofollow">Episode 19: Finding Her Voice: the Power of Artistic Mentorship with Georgia Heers and La Tanya Hall</a><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-22" rel="nofollow">Episode 22—The Empathy Machine: Joe Richman ’87 on Radio Diaries, Audio Storytelling, and Emotional Truth</a><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-25" rel="nofollow">Episode 25—Cutting Through The Noise: Tamara Jade ’12, EJ Marcus ’19, and Seyquan Mack ’21 on Creativity, Community, and Building a Career That Lasts</a><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-28" rel="nofollow">Episode 28—Billion-Dollar Giving: Cecilia Conrad on Changing How Philanthropy Funds Big Ideas</a>

Student Takeover, Part 2 | Talking to Strangers, Loving Judi Dench, and the Comfort of the Worst Case Scenario

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What happens when the students behind the questions finally get to take over the conversation?In this special, two-part episode of Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar turns over the microphone to student producers Travis O’Daniel and Eloise Rich. The newly minted Oberlin alumni return to share conversations of their own with some of Season 3’s most memorable guests including AI pioneer Tom Dietterich, Mamdani ally and civil rights attorney Ali Najmi, and Lawfare co-founder Benjamin Wittes. The episode begins with Travis and Eloise looking back on their Oberlin experience and the transition into life after graduation. They discuss job hunting, networking, journalism, storytelling, and the challenge of becoming a “mini expert” quickly enough to ask meaningful questions across subjects ranging from artificial intelligence to law and politics. Then they take the lead.AI pioneer Tom Dietterich joins them for a candid conversation about privacy, deepfakes, artificial intelligence in hiring, and why human-to-human skills may become even more valuable as AI takes over routine work. Dietterich also offers a sobering look at how generative AI is already affecting the job application process. Civil rights attorney and Mamdani ally Ali Najmi talks with the students about youth civic engagement, the role young voters can play in shaping communities, and, on a lighter note, the music behind his own career and his recommendations for young Obies making their way to New York City. And Lawfare co-founder Benjamin Wittes reflects on the Supreme Court, civic responsibility beyond voting, and the many different ways people can contribute to public life. The conversation eventually takes an unexpected turn toward his famous dog shirts and his self-described “Eras Tour” (Eradicating Russian Ambassadorial Sleep), projecting pro-Ukrainian imagery onto Russian embassies across Europe. Along the way, Travis, Eloise, and President Ambar also reflect on what podcasting taught them about journalism and storytelling, including one lesson that became central to their work together: sometimes the best story is not the one you planned to find.What We Cover in This Episode<ul><li>Travis O’Daniel and Eloise Rich’s transition from Oberlin students to alumni</li><li>What two seasons of producing Running to the Noise taught them about journalism and storytelling</li><li>Why strong interviews begin with research, curiosity, and better follow-up questions</li><li>Tom Dietterich on AI privacy, deepfakes, hiring algorithms, and the future of human-centered work</li><li>How young graduates can navigate an increasingly automated job market</li><li>Ali Najmi on youth civic engagement and the power of young voters</li><li>The Oberlin network and the role relationships can play after graduation</li><li>Benjamin Wittes on civic participation beyond the ballot box</li><li>Why podcasts can create a different kind of connection than traditional print journalism</li><li>The unexpected stories, questions, and moments that made Season 3 memorable</li></ul> This is Part 1 of the student-led Season 3 wrap-up. Part 2 continues with more questions and conversations from Travis and Eloise before Running to the Noise returns for Season 4.

Student Takeover, Part 1 | Deepfakes, Trolling Russian Embassies, and the Power of the Youth Vote

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What does it take to build a creative career when there’s no clear roadmap?In this special live episode of Running to the Noise, President Carmen Twillie Ambar welcomes singer, actor, comedian, and Oberlin alumna Tamara Jade ’12 back to campus for a candid conversation about ambition, resilience, and life as a working artist.Recorded before a live audience of Oberlin students just weeks before Commencement, the discussion becomes an extended mentoring session as Jade shares lessons on networking, social media, auditions, financial survival, creative risk-taking, and staying true to yourself in an industry that often asks artists to fit a mold.From teaching special education and sleeping on air mattresses to performing with Lizzo, appearing on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, competing on The Voice, and debuting a one-woman show at Lincoln Center, Jade offers an honest look at the realities behind a creative career—and answers students’ questions about navigating the entertainment industry and creating opportunities rather than waiting for permission.Topics include:• Life after Oberlin and building a creative career• Lessons from The Voice and working with John Legend• Social media, visibility, and audience building• Taking strategic risks and betting on yourself• Mentorship, networking, and community• Navigating the entertainment industry as a Black woman• Why creativity is a daily practice• Live audience questions from Oberlin studentsRecorded live at Oberlin College and Conservatory. Links:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_5NWyJvHy8" rel="nofollow">See this conversation on You Tube</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZebYFgHE9o" rel="nofollow">Tamara Jade Interview for The Voice Season 19</a><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP1BRXBbmVE" rel="nofollow">Tamara Jade - &#39;Cuz I Love You&#39; | The Voice 2020 | Blind Audition</a><a href="https://www.tamarajademusic.com/" rel="nofollow">Tamara Jade Music</a>

From Oberlin to The Voice: Tamara Jade on Creativity, Risk, and Building a Career on Your Own Terms

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People closest to the world’s biggest problems often have the best solutions. They just don’t always have access to the dollars needed to bring them to life. That belief is at the center of Cecilia Conrad’s work to rethink how philanthropists find and fund big ideas.In this episode of Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar speaks with Conrad, founding CEO of Lever for Change, the nonprofit that has helped direct more than $2.5 billion toward high-impact organizations around the world.Before entering philanthropy, Conrad spent years in academia as an economist and professor focused on equity, access, and opportunity. A Stanford-trained economist and former managing director at the MacArthur Foundation, she now helps donors identify and support innovative organizations whose ideas might otherwise go overlooked.Ambar and Conrad discuss how traditional philanthropy often relies on invitation-only networks that can miss promising ideas and organizations. The conversation centers on how efforts like Lever for Change and MacArthur’s 100&amp;Change are opening those doors wider, helping philanthropists discover solutions they might never have otherwise encountered.The episode also explores Oberlin’s tradition of bold, unconventional thinking, including its distinction as the nation’s leading liberal arts college producer of MacArthur “genius grant” fellows. From there, the discussion turns to the evolving role of philanthropy, the responsibilities that come with concentrated wealth, and how major donors decide which ideas and organizations to support.Finally, the conversation closes with Cecilia’s thoughtful advice for Oberlin graduates and anyone stepping into the workforce who is interested in nonprofit work, philanthropy, and finding a meaningful way to leave their mark on their career and community.<h3>What We Cover in This Episode</h3><ul><li>Cecilia Conrad’s path from academia to philanthropy</li><li>How Lever for Change has helped move more than $2.5 billion to organizations around the world</li><li>Why traditional philanthropy can overlook innovative organizations and ideas</li><li>The origins of MacArthur’s 100&amp;Change competition and open-call philanthropy</li><li>How billionaires and major donors think about risk, trust, and impact</li><li>What Conrad learned from leading the MacArthur Fellows Program</li><li>Why creativity and innovation often emerge from interdisciplinary thinking</li><li>The importance of mentorship, friendship, and “diffusers” in sustaining leadership</li><li>Oberlin’s culture of creativity, innovation, and public purpose</li><li>What it means to “run to the noise” in philanthropy and leadership</li></ul><h3>Episode Links</h3><ul><li><a href="https://leverforchange.org/about-us/" rel="nofollow">Learn more about Lever for Change</a></li><li><a href="https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/fellows/" rel="nofollow">Learn more about MacArthur Fellows</a></li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news/historian-jennifer-l-morgan-86-wins-macarthur-fellowship" rel="nofollow">Meet Oberlin’s 15th “Genius” </a></li><li><a href="https://www.macfound.org/programs/awards/100change/" rel="nofollow">Learn more about 100&amp;Change</a></li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news/cecilia-conrad-deliver-commencement-address-class-2026" rel="nofollow">Read more about Cecilia Conrad</a></li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/commencement" rel="nofollow">Learn more about Oberlin College Commencement 2026</a></li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast" rel="nofollow">Subscribe to Running to the Noise</a></li><li>Follow Oberlin College on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oberlincollege/" rel="nofollow">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/oberlincollege" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>, and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/oberlin-college/posts/?feedView=all" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn</a></li></ul>

Billion-Dollar Giving: Cecilia Conrad on Changing How Philanthropy Funds Big Ideas

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In this special spring episode of Running to the Noise, President Carmen Twillie Ambar reflects on what makes Oberlin College and Conservatory a place where students don’t just imagine change—they step up and make it happen. From student-led initiatives to alumni shaping fields as diverse as the arts, artificial intelligence, public policy, and journalism, this episode brings together stories rooted in the Oberlin experience—time on an extraordinary campus where a top-tier college of arts and sciences and a world-class conservatory are seamlessly intertwined, and where a long tradition of educating leading scholars and musicians continues to evolve.Through excerpts from conversations with artists and innovators drawn from the past three seasons, we hear how Oberlin shaped their paths—from Broadway stages and opera houses to breakthroughs in machine learning, efforts to address climate and conservation challenges, bestselling novels, and national policy debates. These are not just careers—they are contributions that influence how we understand the world and how we live in it.At the heart of each story is a shared mindset: a willingness to take risks, embrace complexity, and, as Michelle Obama once said of Oberlin students, “run to the noise.” <h3> Featured Guests </h3><ul><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-19" rel="nofollow">LaTanya Hall</a> – Associate Professor of Jazz Voice, Oberlin Conservatory</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-19" rel="nofollow">Georgia Heers</a> (Class of 2021) – Broadway performer (Good Night, and Good Luck)</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-23" rel="nofollow">Thomas Dietterich</a> (Class of 1977) – AI pioneer and professor emeritus, Oregon State University</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-17" rel="nofollow">Rumaan Alam</a> (Class of 1999) – Bestselling author (Leave the World Behind, Entitlement)</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-25" rel="nofollow">Tamara Jade</a> (Class of 2012) – Singer, actor, and performer (The Voice, HBO, Lincoln Center)</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-24" rel="nofollow">Benjamin Wittes Part 1</a>;<a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-24-2" rel="nofollow"> Part 2</a> (Class of 1991) – Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution; Editor-in-Chief of Lawfare</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-14" rel="nofollow">Limmie Pulliam</a> – Operatic tenor and Oberlin Conservatory alumnus</li></ul><h3> </h3><h3>Episode Highlights</h3><ul><li>Mentorship that transforms lives: LaTanya Hall and Georgia Heers discuss the power of trust, discipline, and artistic growth in the conservatory model.</li><li>AI, ethics, and the liberal arts: Tom Dietterich explains how Oberlin shaped his approach to machine learning and complex global challenges.</li><li>Writing without fear: Rumaan Alam reflects on how Oberlin fostered creative risk-taking and intellectual courage.</li><li>Artistry without limits: Tamara Jade shares how Oberlin empowered her to embrace multiple creative identities—and disrupt expectations.</li><li>Finding your path: Benjamin Wittes on pivoting from fiction to journalism—and why close reading, critical thinking, and civic engagement matter now more than ever.</li><li>Resilience and return: Limmie Pulliam’s journey back to the stage shows why it’s never too late to pursue your dreams..</li></ul><h3> </h3><h3>What You’ll Take Away</h3><ul><li>Why Oberlin students “err on the side of doing”</li><li>How mentorship, community, and curiosity shape lifelong success</li><li>The importance of embracing complexity—and rejecting easy answers</li><li>What it really means to “run to the noise” in your own life</li></ul>﻿Listen now and discover how Oberlin students and alumni are changing the world—for good!

The Power of an Oberlin Education

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A decade ago, Ali Najmi ’06 ran for city council in Queens and lost. But that loss forged a partnership and a political foundation that would eventually help propel Zohran Mamdani to the mayor’s office in New York City. Today, Ali sits at the center of power in the nation’s largest city as Mayor Mamdani’s election lawyer, trusted advisor, and chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. From organizing immigrant communities to reshaping New York’s criminal and family courts, Ali’s story is about representation, persistence, and what it takes to move from insurgent campaigns to the hard work of governing.In this episode of Running to the Noise, President Carmen Ambar speaks with Ali about identity, authenticity in politics, and the courage to dream big. They explore what it means to build coalitions across communities, to lose and learn, and to carry big ambitions into real institutional power.Ali reflects on belief as a political force. Belief in yourself. Belief in your community. Belief that what sounds unrealistic today can become institutional reality tomorrow. From a hookah bar conversation about running for mayor to reshaping the city’s judiciary, his journey is a reminder that dreaming big is only the beginning. The work that follows is what turns vision into change.What We Cover in This Episode:● Growing up in Queens as the son of immigrants and becoming the first in his family to graduate from college and law school● Leadership at Oberlin, including organizing for a permanent Muslim prayer space on campus● What he learned from running for city council and losing● The origins of his partnership with Mayor Zohran Mamdani● Lessons from insurgent campaigns and multiracial coalitions● How authenticity and affordability became winning political messages ● The transition from campaigning to governing● The work of the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary and why criminal and family court judges shape daily life in New York City● What it means to run to the noise in public serviceEpisode Links<a href="https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/01/mayor-mamdani-appoints-ali-najmi-as-chair-of-mayor-s-advisory-co" rel="nofollow">Mayor Mamdani Appoints Ali Najmi as Chair of Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary</a><a href="https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/01/mayor-zohran-mamdani-appoints-christine-clarke-to-lead-the-new-y" rel="nofollow">Mayor Zohran Mamdani Appoints Christine Clarke to Lead the New York City Commission on Human Rights</a><a href="https://www.cityandstateny.com/magazine/?oref=csny-nav" rel="nofollow">Who’s who in Zohran Mamdani’s administration?: Meet the folks who are running New York City</a><a href="https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office" rel="nofollow">Office of the Mayor of New York City</a><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast" rel="nofollow">Running to the Noise podcast archive</a><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/" rel="nofollow">Oberlin College and Conservatory</a>

From Big Dreams to City Hall: Ali Najmi ’06 on Electing Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Reshaping New York’s Courts

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What does it take to get your talent noticed today? How do you sell your skills without selling out? In this wide-ranging and practical conversation on Running to the Noise, Oberlin President Carmen Twillie Ambar brings together three young multihyphenate alums navigating today’s volatile creative economy: Tamara Jade ’12 (The Voice, HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show), EJ Marcus ’19 (comic and staff writer on HBO’s I Love LA), and Seyquan Mack ’21 (model, vocalist, and teaching artist).They talk candidly about what it takes to build momentum in saturated industries where talent alone is no longer enough. From opera stages and writers’ rooms to TikTok feeds and global ad campaigns, each guest traces how discipline, adaptability, and self-belief shaped their paths, and why visibility now plays a role alongside craft.But this episode goes deeper than career advice. It’s also a conversation about survival, agency, and belonging. The guests reflect on money, burnout, rejection, and the pressure to attract online followers, while making a powerful case for community over hyper-individualism. They explore what it means to pivot without losing your center, to use social platforms without being consumed by them, and to create work that still feels honest in a metrics-driven world.At its heart, this is a conversation about running toward uncertainty instead of away from it, about turning discomfort into momentum, and noise into opportunity. What We Cover in this Episode<ul><li>Why multihyphenate careers are becoming the norm in creative industries</li><li>How opera training builds transferable discipline for other art forms</li><li>The role of social media and visibility in getting hired, and how to stay authentic</li><li>What “pivoting” really looks like when industries shift or work dries up</li><li>Why community matters more than resilience alone</li><li>How to think about money, stability, and creative freedom at the same time</li><li>What it means to “run to the noise” as an artist in an uncertain world</li></ul> Episode Links<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tamarajademusic" rel="nofollow">Tamara Jade</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sey.mack" rel="nofollow">Seyquan Mack</a><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ejhavingfun" rel="nofollow">EJ Marcus</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reels/DTOFvX9EsUA/" rel="nofollow">Tamara Jade on The Voice (NBC)</a><a href="https://www.nbc.com/the-voice/video/coaches-blake-kelly-john-and-gwen-take-a-look-at-the-top-9-artists-the-voice-lives-2020/4276646" rel="nofollow">Season 19 Top 9</a><a href="https://www.broadwayblack.com/tamara-jade-press-play-lincoln-center-theatre-jeanine-tesori-blue/" rel="nofollow">Tamara Jade on Freedom, Faith, and the Power of Using Every Part of Her Voice</a> <a href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/i-love-la/cd7ce855-0cfa-414e-8762-ed65ae036e04" rel="nofollow">I Love LA (HBO)</a><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33383969/?ref_=nm_knf_epp_sm_1" rel="nofollow">EJ’s episode on Hacks</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJs_pVPxbh8/" rel="nofollow">TV debut as Nico, the nervous PA on “Hacks”</a>/ <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@ejhavingfun/video/7504922711118859550" rel="nofollow">Real-time reaction </a> <a href="https://www.statemgmt.com/new-york/new-york-lifestyle/men/2974904/seyquan-mack" rel="nofollow">Seyquan Mack: State</a><a href="https://www.10mgmt.com/portfolios/seyquan-mack" rel="nofollow">10 Management </a><a href="https://oberlinreview.org/16021/arts/tony-winning-aids-epidemic-epic-remains-relevant/" rel="nofollow">Tony-Winning AIDS Epidemic Epic Remains Relevant</a>

Cutting Through The Noise: Tamara Jade, EJ Marcus, and Seyquan Mack on Creativity, Community, and Building a Career That Lasts

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In the second half of their urgent conversation on Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar and Benjamin Wittes ’91 turn from the Supreme Court to the Justice Department. They dig into what happens when the power to prosecute is steered toward political ends. Together, they confront the implications of government lawyers misleading judges, career public servants being purged or sidelined, and federal prosecutions increasingly targeting political opponents with little regard for long-standing norms.Wittes, a senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and co-founder and editor-in-chief of Lawfare, explains why the politicization of the Justice Department represents a distinct and dangerous inflection point for American democracy. Drawing on decades of reporting, relationships, and institutional knowledge, he illuminates why cases involving figures such as James Comey and Letitia James may be some of the clearest examples of vindictive prosecution in modern U.S. history.But this conversation is not just about institutions in distress. It is also about responsibility, imagination, and courage. Speaking directly to Oberlin students and young listeners, Wittes traces his own evolution from cautious, nonpartisan think-tank scholar to outspoken pro-democracy activist — projecting Ukrainian flags onto embassies, planting symbolic sunflowers, and rediscovering the defiant spirit he once had as an Oberlin student. His message is clear: civic virtue is not theoretical.This is a conversation about law, but also about hope, agency, and what it means to run toward the noise when democratic commitments are tested. What We Cover in this Episode<ul><li>Why the politicization of the Justice Department poses a unique threat to democratic norms</li><li>How misleading federal courts and purging career professionals erode institutional capacity and public trust</li><li>What “vindictive prosecution” looks like in practice, and why the cases against James Comey and Letitia James are so troubling</li><li>How shifts inside the FBI and DOJ could shape the rule of law for decades</li><li>Why bipartisan commitments to prosecutorial restraint once held — and what it means that they no longer do</li><li>Benjamin Wittes’s journey from nonpartisan analyst to visible pro-democracy activist</li><li>A concrete call to Oberlin students and young citizens to stay engaged, resist intimidation, and act creatively in defense of democratic values</li></ul> Episode LinksLawfare<a href="https://www.lawfaremedia.org" rel="nofollow">https://www.lawfaremedia.org</a>Brookings Institution – Governance Studies<a href="https://www.brookings.edu/topic/governance-studies" rel="nofollow">https://www.brookings.edu/topic/governance-studies</a>Ralph Waldo Emerson<a href="https://archive.vcu.edu/english/engweb/transcendentalism/authors/emerson/essays/politics.html" rel="nofollow">“Politics”</a>CNN<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/09/politics/james-comey-dan-richman-justice-department-prosecuting" rel="nofollow">Justice Department confirms in court filing it may prosecute Comey again</a>NYT<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&d=DwMFaQ&e=&m=HX0cJQygQGf3jNXzpMsla3r7a169lS14TnS17TfzoWQV-A2dRUuFztVTHYoWMbLT&r=VN9xOCKl6xjt2MRZdWJdT-y7aTER-AC4g_S2GZimnyU&s=OYVggnZ1g6GPXN1yxd3iSRJWuJD93TYFNxMT3ecnfoQ&u=https-3A__www.nytimes.com_2025_12_11_us_politics_grand-2Djury-2Dletitia-2Djames.html-3Fcampaign-5Fid-3D60-26emc-3Dedit-5Fna-5F20251211-26instance-5Fid-3D167826-26nl-3Dbreaking-2Dnews-26regi-5Fid-3D208833436-26segment-5Fid-3D212134-26user-5Fid-3D36561bc04513695ca7eb4a51793113c8" rel="nofollow">A Grand Jury Again Declines to Re-Indict Letitia James</a>

Democracy on Trial, Part Two: Benjamin Wittes ’91 on the Justice Department, Authoritarian Drift, and How Citizens Push Back

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American democracy is being tested in ways few could have imagined even a decade ago. The Supreme Court’s emergency docket, presidential power, the durability of the Justice Department, and the independence of our legal institutions are all under intense strain. To understand how we got here and what may come next, there are few voices more clear eyed than Benjamin Wittes, Oberlin Class of 1991.A senior fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution and co-founder and editor-in-chief of Lawfare, Wittes has spent his career at the intersection of law, national security, and public policy. His analysis has shaped our understanding of some of the most consequential legal questions of our time, from presidential immunity to the future of the federal courts.In this first of a two part conversation on Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar sits down with Wittes for a wide-ranging discussion about the Supreme Court’s seismic shifts, the behavior of the conservative majority, and the growing gap between emergency rulings and long-term judicial reasoning. Drawing on decades of work covering legal institutions, Wittes reflects on his path from Oberlin English major to one of the most influential court watchers in the country, revealing why the ability to read a text deeply may be the most important skill any legal analyst can have.Together, they explore the Court’s evolving relationship with presidential power, the risks posed by the current emergency docket, and the cultural and political forces reshaping public trust in the rule of law.This is not just a conversation about cases. It is a conversation about institutions, civic virtue, and the hard questions that determine whether democracy bends or breaks. <h3>What We Cover in This Episode</h3><h3> </h3><ul><li>How an Oberlin English major became one of America’s most respected interpreters of the Supreme Court</li><li>Why the current Supreme Court’s 6 to 3 conservative majority behaves so unpredictably</li><li>The widening gap between emergency docket decisions and long-term judicial reasoning</li><li>How presidential power, administrative law, and the Court’s internal divisions are now colliding</li><li>The challenge of maintaining public faith in legal institutions during political polarization</li><li>Why the future of democracy may depend less on new laws and more on civic culture</li></ul><h3>Episode Links</h3><h3> </h3><a href="https://www.lawfaremedia.org" rel="nofollow">Lawfare</a>: The national security and legal analysis publication co-founded by Benjamin Wittes.<a href="https://www.brookings.edu" rel="nofollow">Brookings Institution</a>: Governance Studies research where Benjamin Wittes serves as a senior fellow.<a href="https://www.oyez.org" rel="nofollow">Oyez Supreme Court Database</a>: Case summaries and audio recordings for Supreme Court decisions referenced in discussions of precedent and judicial reasoning.<a href="https://www.justice.gov" rel="nofollow">United States Department of Justice</a>: Context for institutional independence and the role of DOJ leadership.Wittes Wisdom: <ul><li>On Presidential Immunity: <a href="https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/a-decision-of-surpassing-recklessness-in-dangerous-times" rel="nofollow">A Decision of Surpassing Recklessness in Dangerous Times</a></li><li>On Brett Kavanaugh: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiqlBuqwpTQ" rel="nofollow">&#39;I Wouldn&#39;t Confirm&#39; Brett Kavanaugh, Says Law Scholar | Morning Joe | MSNBC</a></li></ul>

Democracy on Trial: Benjamin Wittes ’91 on the Courts, Presidential Power, and the Future of American Justice (Part 1)

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Artificial intelligence has evolved from an abstract concept into one of the most transformative forces of our time. When Tom Dietterich graduated from Oberlin in 1977 with a degree in mathematics, AI was still largely theoretical. Over the decades that followed, his pioneering research helped turn theory into reality. A distinguished computer scientist and one of the early architects of machine learning, Dietterich’s work laid the groundwork for the algorithms that now drive everything from voice assistants and climate models to medical diagnostics and drug development. Tom’s work has made him a sought-after authority. He advises the U.S. government on AI technologies and has earned some of the field’s top honors, including the Award for Research Excellence from the International Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence — a career achievement shared by just 25 scientists since 1985.In this episode of <a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast" rel="nofollow">Running to the Noise</a>, Oberlin College President <a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/carmen-twillie-ambar" rel="nofollow">Carmen Twillie Ambar</a> sits down with <a href="https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/people/thomas-g-dietterich" rel="nofollow">Tom Dietterich</a>, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Oregon State University, to explore both the promise and the pitfalls of artificial intelligence. Together, they trace the evolution of AI from its beginnings to its current influence across nearly every industry, and discuss how a liberal arts education uniquely prepares us to ask not just what can AI do, but what should we do with it?From the environmental impact of large-scale computing to the creative and ethical questions facing artists and educators, Dietterich offers a nuanced, hopeful, and deeply human vision for how we can shape the future of intelligent machines.This isn’t just a conversation about technology; it is a reflection on curiosity, ethics, and what it means to stay human in an age of algorithms.What We Cover in This Episode<ul><li>The origins of machine learning and how early innovators taught computers to “learn.”</li><li>The environmental and ethical implications of AI and how efficiency and innovation can coexist.</li><li>Why AI’s biggest challenge is not what it can do, but what humans choose to do with it.</li><li>How a liberal arts foundation fosters critical thinking, ethics, and responsible innovation.</li><li>The promise of “computational sustainability” and AI’s role in addressing global challenges.</li><li> </li></ul>Episode Links<ul><li><a href="https://home.dartmouth.edu/about/artificial-intelligence-ai-coined-dartmouth" rel="nofollow">The Dartmouth Workshop (1956): The Founding of Artificial Intelligence </a></li><li><a href="http://incompleteideas.net/book/the-book-2nd.html" rel="nofollow">Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction by Sutton &amp; Barto </a></li><li><a href="https://us.aibo.com/" rel="nofollow">Sony AIBO Robot Dog</a></li><li><a href="https://ebird.org/home" rel="nofollow">eBird – Cornell Lab of Ornithology </a></li><li><a href="https://tahmo.org/" rel="nofollow">TAHMO: The Trans-African Hydro-Meteorological Observatory</a></li></ul>

Artificial Intelligence: Tom Dietterich on the Promise and Pitfalls of Machines that Learn

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Since 1996, Radio Diaries has been giving people tape recorders and working with them to report on their own lives and histories. That experiment, created by Joe Richman, became a groundbreaking audio documentary project that has redefined journalism as storytelling rooted in empathy. Richman’s work has aired on NPR, This American Life, and the BBC, winning multiple Peabody Awards while proving that every voice carries emotional truth.In this episode of Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar sits down with Richman, an Oberlin history alum, lifelong WOBC devotee, and proud Oberlin parent, to explore why audio remains our most powerful empathy machine. From personal diaries of everyday people to the story of Willie McGee and the traveling electric chair, Richman shares lessons from decades of listening deeply, curating stories with care, and teaching journalism as a set of life skills.This conversation is about more than journalism, it is a guide for living with curiosity, courage, and compassion. As Richman reminds us, “a microphone is a passport to places and people we might not otherwise meet.” What We Cover in This Episode<ul><li>The origins of Radio Diaries and why handing over the microphone changed journalism.</li><li>Why Richman calls radio “an empathy machine” and how sound carries emotional truth.</li><li>Lessons for Oberlin students in his course “Journalism Skills as Life Skills.”</li><li>Clarissa Shields’ journey from a Flint basement gym to Olympic gold and how her diary captured history in real time.</li><li>The Willie McGee story and what it teaches us about justice, memory, and truth-telling across generations.</li><li>Why talking to strangers and listening without agenda may be the most radical acts of our time.</li><li>How Richman is returning to the diary form to document today’s contested truths.</li></ul> Episode Links<ul><li><a href="https://www.radiodiaries.org/" rel="nofollow">Radio Diaries</a></li><li><a href="https://storycorps.org/stories/ghetto-life-101/" rel="nofollow">Ghetto Life 101</a></li><li><a href="https://www.thisamericanlife.org/" rel="nofollow">This American Life</a></li><li><a href="https://www.zinnedproject.org/materials/working/" rel="nofollow">Studs Terkel&#39;s Working</a></li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/" rel="nofollow">NPR’s All Things Considered</a></li><li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Inside-Rachel-Morrison/dp/B0DTTLX5T5" rel="nofollow">Clarissa Shields: The Fire Inside (documentary)</a></li><li><a href="https://wobc-fm.org/" rel="nofollow">Oberlin College WOBC Radio</a></li><li><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/npr-training/2025/05/29/g-s1-67361/how-joe-richman-makes-radio-diaries" rel="nofollow">How Joe Richman makes &#39;Radio Diaries&#39;</a></li></ul>

The Empathy Machine: Joe Richman on Radio Diaries, Audio Storytelling, and Emotional Truth

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Before she became a Guggenheim Fellow and a leading voice on pandemics, migration, and the environment, Sonia Shah ’90 was a student at Oberlin. Thirty-five years later, she returned to campus to deliver a powerful commencement address, reminding us of our interconnectedness with the natural world around us.In this episode of Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar revisits her conversation with Shah, exploring how her reporting confronts long-held assumptions about science, health, and humanity’s place in the world. From the history of malaria cures and the hidden biases of animal testing to the overlooked intelligence of dolphins, trees, and microbes, Shah pushes us to see our entanglement with other species in ways that could reshape medicine, policy, and our politics.As season two comes to a close, this timely episode reminds us why Oberlin voices like Shah’s are needed now more than ever, voices unafraid to challenge orthodoxy, translate complexity, and speak truth to power.What We Cover in this EpisodeA Return to Oberlin: Shah reflects on her journey back to campus 35 years after graduating, and why Oberlin remains central to her voice as a truth-teller.Pandemics in Context: From malaria to COVID-19, Shah reframes outbreaks as products of human behavior, inequality, and environmental exploitation, not just “foreign germs.”The Myth of Human Exceptionalism: Why her forthcoming book Special: The Rise and Fall of a Beastly Idea challenges the widely held belief that humans are superior to other species.Language Beyond Humans: The surprising ways dolphins, birds, and other species communicate, and what that means for how we measure intelligence.Animal Testing Under Scrutiny: How hidden biases in lab studies, from who handles mice to how they’re housed, expose flaws in drug development and biomedical research.Microbes as Kin: Why thinking of microbes and animals as “invaders” blinds us to their role as long-term partners in evolution and survival.Running to the Noise: How Shah steps outside her comfort zone, from canvassing swing states to challenging scientific orthodoxy, in order to confront polarization and defend democracy.

Not Above Nature: Sonia Shah on What Other Species Teach Us

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Before he became a comedic force on The Office or the creator of a podcast about near-miss nuclear disasters, Ed Helms ’96 was a music major at Oberlin, exploring bluegrass, improv, and performance on a campus that embraced his curiosity. What began as an artistic experiment turned into a career shaped by collaboration, humility, and the desire to tell stories that matter.In this episode of Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar sits down with Helms to talk about his path from Oberlin to Hollywood, the power of diverse writers’ rooms, and why he believes humor still has the power to spark civic change. From acapella auditions to activism against dark money in politics, this is a story about paying attention, using your platform, and staying hopeful in uncertain times.What We Cover in This EpisodeFinding His Voice: How Oberlin’s creative community helped Helms discover his passion for comedy and performance, and why he still credits the college for shaping his artistic worldview.Behind Rutherford Falls: The origin of the hit series, the unexpected lessons Helms learned about representation, and the role that Native American writers played in making the story more authentic and nuanced.Comedy with a Conscience: Why Helms supports the nonpartisan organization RepresentUs, how he uses satire to fight corruption, and what fairness really means in a divided political climate.Mentorship and North Stars: The comedians who inspired Helms growing up, the quiet encouragement that kept him going, and how he now extends faith to the next generation of storytellers.The Origins of SNAFU: What led Helms to create a history podcast about global mistakes, and why learning from past disasters may be the key to preventing future ones.Humor as a Tool for Change: Why kindness, empathy, and small acts of participation still matter, and how Oberlin students and listeners alike can start where they are and make a difference.Hard Truths and Honest Optimism: Helms opens up about climate anxiety, the limits of human attention, and why his children motivate him to keep working for a better world.Episode LinksSNAFU Podcast<a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-snafu-with-ed-helms-102539700/" rel="nofollow">https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-snafu-with-ed-helms-102539700/</a>Rutherford Falls on Peacock<a href="https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/rutherford-falls" rel="nofollow">https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/rutherford-falls</a>RepresentUs<a href="https://represent.us/" rel="nofollow">https://represent.us/</a>Ed Helms on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/edhelms" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/edhelms</a>Oberlin College and Conservatory<a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/" rel="nofollow">https://www.oberlin.edu/</a>

Seriously Funny: Ed Helms on Rutherford Falls, SNAFU, and Facing Hard Truths with Humor

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Before she captivated Broadway audiences in Good Night, and Good Luck, Georgia Heers ’21 was a jazz voice major at Oberlin Conservatory—among the first students mentored by Associate Professor La Tanya Hall, a working artist and visionary educator. What began as voice lessons soon became something deeper: a mentorship grounded in trust, truth, and the transformative power of music.In this episode of Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar sits down with Heers and Hall to explore how meaningful mentorship shapes artistic careers. From gospel choir performances and improvised studio sessions to standing ovations on Broadway, this is a story about risk, resilience, and redefining success on your own terms.What We Cover in This EpisodeA Conservatory Connection: How Hall helped build Oberlin’s jazz voice program from the ground up—and why it became the perfect space for Heers to find her artistic voice.Finding Ella: The journey from Oberlin to Heers&#39; breakout Broadway role as Ella in Good Night, and Good Luck—and how she embodied the spirit of jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan onstage.Mentorship in Practice: Why Hall believes teaching jazz is more than technical training—it&#39;s about fostering courage, care, and creative risk-taking.Safe to Fail: How their relationship built a foundation of trust, allowing Heers to embrace uncertainty, make bold artistic choices, and push through self-doubt.Broadway Debut: Behind the scenes of Heers’ experience working with George Clooney, shaping the mood of the show with her voice, and interpreting iconic jazz songs for a new era.Hard Truths and Second Chances: The pivotal moment when Hall challenged Heers to keep going—and how that moment led to Juilliard and ultimately New York City.Art as Activism: Why telling the story of Edward R. Murrow’s stand against McCarthyism matters now more than ever—and how art can illuminate truth in dark times.Georgia Heers and La Tanya Hall remind us that mentorship isn’t just about instruction—it’s about seeing the full potential in someone before they see it themselves. This conversation is a testament to the power of artistic relationships to shape lives, launch careers, and keep artists anchored in purpose—even when the path ahead is uncertain.Episode Links<ul><li><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/theater/good-night-and-good-luck-review.html" rel="nofollow">Review: Clooney, Fair and Balanced, in ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’</a></li><li><a href="https://goodnightgoodluckbroadway.com/" rel="nofollow">Good Night, and Good Luck—Broadway </a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/georgiaheers" rel="nofollow">Georgia Heers IG </a></li><li><a href="https://www.latanyahall.com/" rel="nofollow">La Tanya Hall’s Upcoming Album: Pretty Eyes (Releasing August 22)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.chambermusicamerica.org/" rel="nofollow">Chamber Music America</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cecilemclorinsalvant.com/" rel="nofollow">Cecile McLorin Salvant</a></li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/conservatory" rel="nofollow">Oberlin Conservatory of Music</a></li></ul>

Finding Her Voice: the Power of Artistic Mentorship with Georgia Heers and La Tanya Hall

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Before she became one of America’s most recognizable journalists, Soledad O’Brien was a young woman growing up on Long Island—the daughter of immigrants who faced housing discrimination and defied the odds. That early experience shaped a lifelong commitment to telling stories from the margins.In this episode of Running to the Noise, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar sits down with O’Brien—award-winning journalist, producer, author, philanthropist, and Oberlin parent—for a candid conversation about race, representation, and the high-stakes work of covering uncomfortable truths. From navigating newsroom politics to launching her own production company and foundation, O’Brien shares how she’s built a career amplifying stories others overlook—and what keeps her hopeful in a polarized world.What We Cover in This EpisodeThe Oberlin Connection: Why O’Brien is proud to be an Oberlin parent, and how her own children’s college journeys mirror deeper themes of identity and belonging.Outsider’s Integrity: How being “both in and outside” mainstream culture sharpened her journalistic perspective.The Myth of Objectivity: Why centering marginalized voices is not activism—it’s just good reporting.Latino in America, Black in America: The behind-the-scenes story of how O’Brien pushed back against early editorial decisions—and reshaped CNN’s approach to identity-based reporting.Newsroom Blind Spots: What happens when no one in the room understands the communities being covered.Building Her Own Platform: Why O’Brien left traditional networks to found her own company—and the power and responsibility that comes with it.Her Foundation’s Mission: The personal roots of the PowHERful Foundation, which helps underserved young women get to and through college.The Case for DEI: How inclusion isn&#39;t just the right thing—it&#39;s smart business.Soledad O’Brien has spent her career asking tough questions, telling hard stories, and creating space for voices too often ignored. This is a conversation about courage, clarity—and why sometimes, the most powerful way to run toward the noise is to simply stay in the fight.Episode Links<ul><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/" rel="nofollow">Oberlin College &amp; Conservatory</a></li><li><a href="https://soledadproductions.com/" rel="nofollow">Soledad O&#39;Brien Productions</a></li><li><a href="https://www.matteroffact.tv/" rel="nofollow">Matter of Fact with Soledad O&#39;Brien</a></li><li><a href="https://www.powherful.org/" rel="nofollow">The PowHERful Foundation</a></li><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_in_America" rel="nofollow">CNN&#39;s Black in America Series</a></li><li><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1492757" rel="nofollow">CNN&#39;s Latino in America Series</a></li><li><a href="https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/the-perfect-neighbor-documentary-release-date-news" rel="nofollow">The Perfect Neighbor Documentary</a></li></ul>

Telling Stories That Matter with Soledad O'Brien

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Long before his novel Leave the World Behind became a blockbuster, Obama-produced Netflix thriller, Rumaan Alam &#39;99 was a creative writing major at Oberlin College, learning the craft of storytelling in rigorous workshops. His time at Oberlin shaped his approach to fiction—one that explores race, power, and the unseen forces shaping our lives.In this episode, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar speaks with the acclaimed author about his path from student journalist to National Book Award finalist, how wealth and privilege shape identity, and why he believes writing is an act of discipline, not inspiration. From navigating the rarefied world of magazine publishing to questioning our collective obsession with money and influence, Alam reflects on the themes that drive his work—and what’s next.What We Cover in This Episode<ul><li>The Oberlin Influence: How a dinner with an Oberlin alum led to Alam’s first job in publishing—and how those connections shaped his career.</li><li>From Magazines to Novels: Why he left a promising career in journalism to pursue fiction full-time.</li><li>Predicting the Future: How Leave the World Behind eerily captured societal dread before the pandemic.</li><li>The Allure of Wealth: Entitlement and the moral compromises we make in the orbit of billionaires.</li><li>The Writing Process: Why Alam writes five pages a day—by hand.</li><li>Adaptation and Control: How he felt about Leave the World Behind becoming a Netflix film produced by Barack and Michelle Obama.</li><li>What’s Next: Why his next novel takes on a topic most contemporary writers shy away from—faith.</li></ul> Rumaan Alam’s writing holds a mirror to society’s anxieties, desires, and contradictions. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation with one of today’s most prescient literary voices. Episode Links<a href="https://www.oberlin.edu" rel="nofollow">Oberlin College &amp; Conservatory</a>Learn more about Oberlin College, where Rumaan Alam honed his storytelling craft as a creative writing major in a rigorous workshop environment.<a href="https://www.harpercollins.com/products/leave-the-world-behind-rumaan-alam?variant=39254096838690" rel="nofollow">Leave the World Behind</a>Explore Alam’s bestselling novel, which was adapted into a Netflix film produced by Barack and Michelle Obama.<a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81314956" rel="nofollow">Netflix Adaptation of Leave the World Behind</a>Watch the eerie, apocalyptic thriller starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke.<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747464/entitlement-by-rumaan-alam/" rel="nofollow">Entitlement</a>Dive into Alam’s latest novel, which explores wealth, privilege, and moral compromise in the orbit of a billionaire.<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061184/" rel="nofollow">Mike Nichols’ Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?</a>A major influence on Leave the World Behind, this classic film captures psychological tension in a single setting.<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119167/" rel="nofollow">Michael Haneke’s Funny Games</a>A deeply unsettling film that inspired Leave the World Behind’s sense of unexplained dread.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Faustus-German-Composer-Translated/dp/0679733791" rel="nofollow">Thomas Mann’s Dr. Faustus</a>Discover the novel that Alam is currently reading, which explores art, ambition, and the supernatural.

Long before his novel Leave the World Behind became a bestselling, Obama-produced Netflix thriller, Rahman Alam was a creative writing major at Oberlin College, learning the craft of storytelling in rigorous workshops. His time at Oberlin shaped his approach to fiction—one that explores ambition, power, and the unseen forces shaping our lives.

In this episode, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar speaks with the acclaimed author about his path from student journalist to National Book Award finalist, how wealth and privilege shape identity, and why he believes writing is an act of discipline, not inspiration. From navigating the rarefied world of magazine publishing to questioning our collective obsession with money and influence, Alam reflects on the themes that drive his work—and what’s next.

What We Cover in This Episode

The Oberlin Influence: How a dinner with an Oberlin alum led to Alam’s first job in publishing—and how those connections shaped his career.

From Magazines to Novels: Why he left a promising career in journalism to pursue fiction full-time.

Predicting the Future: How Leave the World Behind eerily captured societal dread before the pandemic.

The Allure of Wealth: Entitlement and the moral compromises we make in the orbit of billionaires.

The Writing Process: Why Alam writes five pages a day—by hand.

Adaptation and Control: How he felt about Leave the World 
Behind becoming a Netflix film produced by Barack and Michelle Obama.

What’s Next: Why his latest novel takes on a topic most contemporary writers shy away from—faith.

Rahman Alam’s writing holds a mirror to society’s anxieties, desires, and contradictions. Don’t miss this thoughtful conversation with one of today’s most prescient literary voices.

Meeting the World As It Is with Rumaan Alam

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Julie Taymor made history as the first woman to win the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical with The Lion King. But long before Broadway, her journey began at Oberlin College, where she created her own major in mythology and folklore. From there, she traveled the world, immersing herself in the theatrical traditions of Indonesia, Japan, and beyond—experiences that would go on to shape her groundbreaking approach to storytelling.In this episode, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar speaks with the visionary director about her fearless approach to art, the lessons she learned from world theater, and why she continues to push boundaries in both film and stage. From her early inspirations to her latest projects, Taymor shares insights on creative collaboration, cultural storytelling, and what it really means to take risks as an artist.What We Cover in This Episode<ul><li>The Oberlin Influence: How Taymor’s self-designed major in mythology and folklore set the foundation for her career in visual storytelling.</li><li>World Theater as Inspiration: How living in Indonesia for four years and studying global theater traditions shaped her artistic vision.</li><li>Bringing The Lion King to Life: The challenge of adapting an animated film into a groundbreaking stage production—and how she fought for authentic representation.</li><li>Taking Risks in Storytelling: Why Taymor never repeats herself and how she chooses projects that challenge both herself and the audience.</li><li>Shakespeare and the Power of Language: How Taymor’s work in Titus, The Tempest, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream explores the visual power of Shakespeare’s poetry.</li><li>Who Gets to Tell Stories? Taymor’s perspective on the debate around cultural appropriation, authenticity, and why storytelling should be universal.</li><li>Breaking the Broadway Mold: Why she believes Broadway is creatively stagnant and what it will take to push musical theater into new territory.</li><li>The Grand Delusion: A sneak peek into Taymor’s latest musical project, a boundary-breaking production that blends modern New York, mythology, and surrealism.</li></ul> *Photo © ANNIE LEIBOVITZ Episode Links <a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast" rel="nofollow">Oberlin College &amp; Conservatory</a>Learn more about Oberlin College, where Julie Taymor developed her unique approach to storytelling by designing her own major in mythology and folklore.<a href="https://www.lionking.com" rel="nofollow">Julie Taymor’s The Lion King</a>Explore the official Broadway production of The Lion King, which has captivated audiences worldwide with its groundbreaking visual storytelling<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Performance-Theory-Routledge-Classics-Schechner/dp/0415314550" rel="nofollow">Richard Schechner’s Performance Theory</a>A foundational text in performance studies, this book explores many of the theatrical concepts that influenced Taymor’s approach to storytelling.<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120679" rel="nofollow">Frida (2002) – A Film by Julie Taymor</a>Watch Frida, Taymor’s Academy Award-winning film about the life and art of Frida Kahlo, featuring a visually stunning and theatrical approach to biography.<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120866" rel="nofollow">Julie Taymor’s Titus (1999)</a>Discover Taymor’s cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, starring Anthony Hopkins, showcasing her signature blend of theatricality and film.

The Tony Award-winning director on her artistic birth in Indonesia, wishing for a Barbie musical by Billie Eilish, and how her hunger for a challenge brought The Lion King to life.

All the World's a Stage with Julie Taymor

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As we celebrate the holidays and embark on Season 2, we’re pausing to reflect on some of the most memorable conversations from Season 1 of Running to the Noise. This special “Best Of” episode revisits moments with trailblazing guests whose diverse expertise is driving meaningful change across industries, communities, and cultures.From journalism and politics to music, literature, history and filmmaking, these highlights showcase the depth of knowledge, creativity, and leadership of Oberlin alumni. What We Cover in This Episode<ul><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/episode-5" rel="nofollow">Peter Baker ’88</a>: The New York Times Chief White House Correspondent shares insights gained from covering five presidents and what we can expect from a second Trump presidency.</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/episode-7" rel="nofollow">Stephanie Rawlings-Blake ’92</a>: The former Baltimore mayor discusses grappling with gender bias in politics and the leadership lessons she’s learned during moments of crisis, including protests following the death of Freddie Gray in police custody.</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-9" rel="nofollow">Rhiannon Giddens ’00</a>: The Grammy-winning artist reflects on discovering banjo, its cultural history, and her journey from Oberlin Conservatory to international acclaim.</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/episode-3" rel="nofollow">James McBride ’79</a>: The best-selling author of The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store shares his writing process, the importance of joy in creativity, and why following happiness is the best career advice.</li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/episode-1" rel="nofollow">Ed Helms ’96</a>: The actor and comedian breaks down history’s greatest blunders in his podcast Snafu, exploring how the lessons of the past can prepare us for the future. </li><li><a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/episode-6" rel="nofollow">Shane Boris ’04</a>: The Oscar-winning documentary producer of Navalny recounts the serendipitous moment that launched his career and the importance of authenticity in human connection.</li></ul> Episode LinksThe DividerExplore Peter Baker and Susan Glasser’s in-depth analysis of the first Trump presidency and its implications.<a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/646871/the-divider-by-peter-baker-and-susan-glasser/" rel="nofollow">The Divider by Peter Baker, Susan Glasser: 9780593082966 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books</a>Rhiannon Giddens and the BanjoLearn about Giddens’s efforts to preserve the banjo’s cultural roots and redefine its legacy.<a href="https://www.rhiannongiddens.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.rhiannongiddens.com</a>James McBride: The Heaven and Earth Grocery StoreDiscover McBride’s latest novel, set to become a Steven Spielberg production.<a href="https://www.jamesmcbride.com/" rel="nofollow">https://www.jamesmcbride.com</a>Snafu by Ed HelmsDelve into the history podcast that uncovers the world’s most astonishing blunders.<a href="https://snafumedia.com/" rel="nofollow">SNAFU Media</a>Shane Boris: The Art of DocumentaryLearn more about Shane Boris’s Academy Award-winning work and his approach to storytelling.<a href="https://www.cottagem.com/" rel="nofollow">Cottage M</a>

Game-Changing Expertise: Season 1’s Most Powerful Moments

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Limmie Pulliam made his debut at Carnegie Hall and the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 47, an improbable achievement for a man who left the opera world in his early 20s, disheartened by an industry that prioritized image over talent, Pulliam spent years working as a debt collector and security guard—rarely singing at all.In this episode, Oberlin College President Carmen Twillie Ambar speaks with the dramatic tenor about his inspiring return to music, including the serendipitous moment in 2007 that reignited his career. From his transformative years at the Oberlin Conservatory with legendary vocal pedagogue Richard Miller to his triumphant performance at Carnegie Hall with the Oberlin Orchestra, Pulliam’s story is one of resilience, faith, and reclaiming a voice that was meant to be heard. What We Cover in This EpisodeThe Early Years: How Pulliam’s gospel roots and middle school choir teacher uncovered his gift for singing.Oberlin Conservatory and Richard Miller: The role Oberlin played in shaping Pulliam’s artistry and the impact of Miller’s mentorship.Overcoming Industry Bias: The challenges Pulliam faced as a young tenor and how rejection nearly silenced his voice.A Career Reignited: The surprising 2007 moment that brought Pulliam back to music after years away from the stage.From Carnegie Hall to Omar: Pulliam’s powerful performances, including his recent collaboration on the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera Omar by Oberlin alumna Rhiannon Giddens.Lessons in Resilience: Why Pulliam believes setbacks are opportunities to grow and how he inspires audiences with every performance. Episode LinksThe Story of Oberlin ConservatoryLearn more about the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, its renowned alumni, and its role in shaping the careers of artists like Limmie Pulliam.<a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/conservatory" rel="nofollow">https://www.oberlin.edu/conservatory</a> Richard Miller: The Structure of SingingDiscover the book that introduced Limmie to Oberlin. Richard Miller’s The Structure of Singing is a must-read for vocalists seeking to refine their technique and artistry.<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Singing-System-Vocal-Technique/dp/0534255353" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Structure-Singing-System-Vocal-Technique/dp/0534255353</a> Pulitzer Prize-Winning Opera: OmarExplore the groundbreaking opera Omar by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels, where Limmie Pulliam takes on a starring role in Oberlin’s upcoming production.<a href="https://omaropera.com/" rel="nofollow">https://omaropera.com/</a> He Quit Singing Because of Body Shaming. Now He’s Making a Comeback.Learn more about Pulliam’s remarkable return to the stage <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/23/arts/music/limmie-pulliam-opera-body-shaming.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/23/arts/music/limmie-pulliam-opera-body-shaming.html</a> Opera singer Tenor Limmie Pulliam reflects on his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 47Read about how tenor Limmie Pulliam overcame rejection and a decade-long hiatus to make his triumphant Carnegie Hall debut<a href="https://www.npr.org/2023/01/21/1150548950/opera-singer-tenor-limmie-pulliam-reflects-on-his-carnegie-hall-debut-at-the-age" rel="nofollow">https://www.npr.org/2023/01/21/1150548950/opera-singer-tenor-limmie-pulliam-reflects-on-his-carnegie-hall-debut-at-the-age</a> Running to the Noise, Episode 9: More than Music with Rhiannon GiddensHear about Omar’s creation from Pulliam’s friend and classmate Rhiannon Giddens<a href="https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-9" rel="nofollow">https://www.oberlin.edu/news-and-events/running-to-the-noise-podcast/running-noise-episode-9</a>

Second Acts and Arias with Limmie Pulliam

When First Lady Michelle Obama spoke to the graduating class of Oberlin College and Conservatory in 2015, she encouraged students to embrace Oberlin’s history and run to the “noise”— those challenging, contentious situations that threaten to divide us. 

As the first college in America to officially embrace the admission of black students, and the first co-ed school to grant bachelor’s degrees to women, Oberlin has been Running to the Noise almost since our inception. And that’s just what we’ll do in each episode of our podcast, hosted by College President Carmen Twillie Ambar.

President Ambar will talk with all manner of interesting and influential people on and off our campus who are tackling some of the world’s toughest problems, working to spark positive change for everyone.