Stand in the & with Heather Gates

Heather Gates
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Society & Culture

Stand in the & is a gathering designed to support curiosity, connection, & courage. This podcast is a series of conversations, with people across human-centered industries and life experiences, where we talk about showing up in the complexity of the human experience, where we get stuck, and how we find forward. Whether it’s the squeeze between empathy & accountability, structure & flexibility, hope & frustration, fear & excitement, us & them, or countless other “ands” we encounter. We’re leaning into the messiness. This podcast is a joyful & honest exploration around the nuance and possibility that exists within & among us. I hope you’ll join us!

  1. 15h ago

    AI Fear & Fascination

    In this episode, which includes a primary conversation plus a bonus update, Heather and Ashley Lawson Avis explore the complex landscape of AI, discussing its capabilities, ethical considerations, and responsible use. They delve into the rapid pace of AI development, the potential risks and benefits, and how individuals and organizations can navigate this evolving field with intentionality. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy Guest: Ashley Lawson Avis, Lead Data Scientist, UNC Chapel Hill Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research Resources Phaedra Boinodiris AL Ethics and Governance Clare Kitching “How to Explain Different Types of AI to a Non-tech Exec” infographicTechStewardship Program by Canada Getting Real with Health AI Podcast by Susannah Rose and Joyce Harris Marshall McLuhan QuoteWhy AI policy, why now – Part 1 by Joacy MathiasThat States Went First – Navigating the AI Policy Maze – Part 2 by Joacy MathiasThe Responsible Machine Learning Plan by Ashley Avis Responsible Data Science by Grant Fleming, Petter C. BruceThe Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas CarrThe AI Doc: Or How I Became an ApocaloptimistThe Center for Humane Technology Your Undivided Attention Podcast by Tristan Harris and Aza RaskinConnect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

  2. Sep 23

    Confidence & Doubt: Building Genuine Self Belief

    In this episode, Heather and Keevon Baten explore the nuanced dance between and within confidence and doubt, sharing personal stories, practical exercises, and insights on how to build unshakable self-belief. On this episode they talk about how to leverage evidence, reframe stories, and cultivate a grounded sense of enoughness to thrive in uncertainty. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy Guest: Keevon Baten, Full-time MBA Student, UCLA Anderson School of Management  Resources The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance By Dr. Nate Zinsser Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

  3. Sep 8

    The Making & Financing of Mission-Driven Business

    In this episode, Heather and Adrienne Ammerman explore the journey of building Arclet, a public health tech platform, from an early idea into a sustainable business. Adrienne opens up about the tension between mission & margin, and challenges of funding a tech start up that is operating “in the &” of public health & tech innovation. Together Heather and Adrienne share their experiences with navigating and learning more about the funding side of their passions, while reflecting on what helps support them in sustaining the work and themselves in the messy “not yet” of it all; in the space between surviving & thriving. This episode also includes a deep dive into the ways that Arclet is using AI with intention, while acknowledging the complexities in the context. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy Guest: Adrienne Ammerman, Founder & CEO, Arclet Resources Arclet - Public Health Tech Platform Elevate Program – Asheville Center for Humane Technology Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

  4. Aug 18

    Wired for Connection: The Neuroscience of Our Collective Experience

    In this episode, Heather and Dr. Ahmad Hariri explore the neuroscience of human connection – how we are wired for both connection and “othering”, what neuroplasticity is, and a consideration of the collective value of neurodiversity. They discuss how understanding this can empower and support us in fostering relationships and personal growth that align with the values & intentions we hold.  Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy Guest: Dr. Ahmad Hariri, Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University Resources Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert M. SapolskyMismatch: How Our Stone Age Brain Deceives Us Every Day by Ronald Giphart & Mark van VugtGood Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry by Randolph M. NesseSocial: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect by Matthew D. LiebermanConnect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

  5. Aug 4

    Considering Individual & Collective Responsibility in Creating Change

    In this episode, Heather Gates and Meg Koepke explore the power of individual and collective responsibility in creating systemic change, especially within healthcare and collaborative improvement. They discuss how small groups, agency, and curiosity can drive meaningful progress despite large systemic challenges and share some of their own experiences about things that we can do or seek to help us get there. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Meg Koepke, Co-Founder, Coral Health Advisors  Resources Coral Health Advisors Pop Health Podcast  Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

  6. Jul 1

    The Art of Holding Both Ambition & Contentment

    In this episode, small business founders, Heather and Erica, explore the intricate & imperfect balance between ambition and contentment, sharing personal insights, practical tools, and cultural reflections. As ambitious entrepreneurs with families, they discuss navigating the rhythms of life and work, emphasizing the importance of self-defined success, noticing little moments of contentment, trusting your intuition, and building supportive community. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Erica McArthur Allison, President & CEO, Formation PR + Brand  Resources Formation PR + Brand Chad Littlefield Group Activities  Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

  7. Jun 22

    Our Brains in the &: Fear, Reward, and Human Behavior

    On this “expert in the &” episode, Heather and Dr. Ahmad Hariri, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, unpack some complexities of the human brain and how understanding it can help us live more intentional lives. Dr. Hariri shares some brain-circuit basics, along with details on how our neural architecture influences behavior and emotional regulation. This episode also includes a few reminders and tools to help us all hold ourselves with compassion and support us in thriving individually & collectively. Send us your questions… we’re doing a Part 2! Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Dr. Ahmad Hariri, Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University Resources Michael Pollan on Psychedelics Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown Whole Brain Living by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor Looking Inside the Disordered Brain by Ahmad Hariri Dr. Dan Siegel “Brain in the Hand” model Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky's Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

  8. Jun 12

    Unlocking Human Potential: The Dance Between Control & Surrender

    On this episode, Heather Gates and Meghan O'Malley explore the nuanced dance between control, surrender, and agency. This conversation delves into how embracing paradoxes, regulating our nervous systems, and fostering connection can unlock human potential and foster authentic leadership. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host: Heather Gates, MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest: Meghan O'Malley, MS, Author, Speaker, Coach & Consultant  Resources •Meghan O’Malley Coaching •“Unstuck Yourself: Thrive Beyond Burnout & Discover Your True Purpose” by Meghan O'Malley MS, Laura Cardwell •“Unshakeable: The Power of Connection When Everything Is Crumbling” by Meghan O’Malley, TedXAsheville •The Imaginal Change Podcast •Dr. Lisa Miller - researcher, professor and published author at Columbia University who studies the brain as it relates to spiritual connection  Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Stand in the & is a gathering designed to support curiosity, connection, & courage. This podcast is a series of conversations, with people across human-centered industries and life experiences, where we talk about showing up in the complexity of the human experience, where we get stuck, and how we find forward. Whether it’s the squeeze between empathy & accountability, structure & flexibility, hope & frustration, fear & excitement, us & them, or countless other “ands” we encounter. We’re leaning into the messiness. This podcast is a joyful & honest exploration around the nuance and possibility that exists within & among us. I hope you’ll join us!

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Gates
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Stand in the & with Heather Gates
  • Show Website
    Stand in the & with Heather Gates