Common Room Conversations

Common Room Convos

Common Room Conversations is the unofficial podcast of the Schwarzman Scholars Program intended to explore the lives and journeys of Schwarzman Scholars Alumni. We speak with alumni to hear their authentic accounts of vulnerability, success, and failure in their pursuit to be people of consequence - however they choose to define it.

  1. Episode 26: Esder Chong

    12/18/2022

    Episode 26: Esder Chong

    Esder Chong from the fifth cohort kicks off our Season 2 finale by sharing about her upbringing as the child of Korean missionaries, being a middle child, and how she's juggling the priorities in her life (7:08). Next, Esder shares her experience with activism and how it relates to and influences her identity as a dreamer - including how she's built community among people (e.g., undocumented, DACA, TPS students) trying to find home (14:48). Afterward, she reflects on her faith and how it relates to her experience at Schwarzman (26:48). Finally, Esder and Willie discuss Schwarzman Scholar values, World Cup championship predictions, practicing self-care, the story of her name and some reflections (37:35). Musical Recommendation: My Shot by Lin-Manuel Miranda Orgs/programs mentioned: TheDream.US Rutgers University

    57 min

  2. 11/20/2022

    Episode 24: Miranda Gottlieb

    Miranda Gottlieb from the second cohort comes to the Common Zoom to chat with Willie. After they reminisce on common room furniture, Miranda's transition from country bumpkin to geopolitical watcher (3:25), Miranda discusses her professional journey from public health vis-a-vis the opioid epidemic to trade policy/healthcare in China and taking on an executive role at a COVID-19 testing startup (13:04).  Next, Miranda shares her experience navigating job transitions, negotiations, building a sustainable life (28:07) as well as her family upbringing and meeting her partner, Phil (36:48). Finally, Miranda and Wilie reflect on one of the transformative conversations they had while they were both in Schwarzman College (44:51).  Musical Recommendation: Whose Line - Scene to Rap: Summer Camp from Whose Line is it anyway? Orgs/programs mentioned: Curative Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JLABS)

    53 min

  3. 11/06/2022

    Episode 23: Noah Elbot

    Noah Elbot from the first cohort comes to the Common Zoom to catch up with Willie as they begin to discuss Noah's fantasy league strategy and his surrogate MBA experience as a significant other (6:30), the importance of kindness (13:44), and how the Yi Jing helped him choose college (25:04). Finally, Noah reflects on her his experience working in Mongolia and bootstrapping an alternative education program for college students during the COVID-19 pandemic (34:48). Musical Recommendation: Afro-Harping by Dorothy Ashby Orgs/programs mentioned: University of Michigan Ross School of Business  Dalberg Global Development Advisors A Place Beyond

    49 min
  4. Episode 22: Juliana Batista

    10/10/2022

    Episode 22: Juliana Batista

    Juliana Batista from the first cohort pops by the Common Zoom to catch up with Willie as they recount her experiences at Cornell University and how she has changed as a function of the Schwarzman Scholars community (14:25). Afterward, Juliana opens up about being laid off during the Great Tech Layoff and finding her next role in sustainability (30:57). Finally, Juliana shares her foray into kite surfing and her favorite people (41:24).  Musical Recommendation: The Motion by Tre Breezy Orgs/programs mentioned:  The China Project Ta for Ta: Women, Success, China

    56 min
  5. Episode 21: Mohamed Ramy

    09/25/2022

    Episode 21: Mohamed Ramy

    Mohamed Ramy kicks off our return to the Common Room by sharing his passion for cooking and experiences cooking for others before sharing why adaptability is so important for him (10:40), forgoing medical school in Egypt, deciding to attend college in the U.S., and embarking on a global journey as a Watson fellow (27:39). Finally, Ramy shares some unexpected lessons and closing reflections (55:33).  Musical recommendation Rebelión - Joe Arroyo Orgs/programs mentioned:  Über den Tellerrand (Outside the Box) Watson Foundation Watson Fellowship

    1h 3m

  6. 06/19/2022

    Episode 20: Torre Lavelle

    Torre Lavelle pops into the Common Zoom and discusses how, as a native Georgian, she's developed sharp elbows as a New Yorker, why she describes herself as someone who chooses the bigger life, and how that relates to her experience as a member of the inaugural Schwarzman Scholars cohort (2:06). Next, Torre reflects on what led her to focus on climate/ecology, how that led to her current role at the Columbia Climate School, and current developments/challenges for the Climate School (11:35). Afterward, Torre discusses the role of universities and academic institutions in addressing climate change, what sucesss looks like for the Climate School, the importance of optimism, and what gives her hope in advancing solutions for climate change (26:00). Finally, Torre shares stories from her travels abroad, her love of music, and how everyone can tie climate into their everyday life (39:00). Musical recommendation Harry's House - Harry Styles Orgs mentioned: Columbia Climate School Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

    50 min

  7. 06/05/2022

    Episode 19: Michael McPhail

    As we continue our Graduating Scholars series, we are joined by Michael McPhail in the Common Zoom as he reflects on both his Schwarzman experience and his upbringing in Perth, which led him to study Urban Planning and eventually run for local office (1:27). Next, Michael shares more details about how his experience in public service influences his perspective and some of the challenges he experienced as deputy mayor of East Fremantle (12:02). Afterward, Michael gives his perspective on the evolving relationship between Australia and China and how his time in China has affected his perspective (25:30). Finally, Michael shares his Schwarzman highlights and his post-Schwarzman plans to work in the Executive Office of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (38:29). Song recommendation 我的新衣 - Vava (ft. Nina Wang & Ty)

    48 min

  8. 05/22/2022

    Episode 18: Selena Guo

    Selena Guo zooms into the Common Room and uses the analogy of "the butterfly stirring up a tornado" to describe her international upbringing and the "accidents" that have given her insight into where she wants to be and what she wants to do with her life by balancing her interest in media and theater (5:01). Afterward, Selena reflects on how she integrated her interest in media to expand her understanding of global relations, what led her to write a book (Turning 15 in Africa) about her time in Kenya, and how her experiences in Kenya related to a global audience (18:41).  Finally, Selena shares additional takeaways from her experience writing a book, how she's handled audience reactions to her book, and how she's preparing for the next phase of her life post-Schwarzman (33:19). Song recommendation Riptide - Vance Joy

    45 min
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About

Common Room Conversations is the unofficial podcast of the Schwarzman Scholars Program intended to explore the lives and journeys of Schwarzman Scholars Alumni. We speak with alumni to hear their authentic accounts of vulnerability, success, and failure in their pursuit to be people of consequence - however they choose to define it.

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  • Creator
    Common Room Convos
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Common Room Convos
  • Show Website
    Common Room Conversations