Conversations @ The Salt Line

Vassar College
  • 5.0 (6)
  • EDUCATION

Welcome to the Conversations @ The Salt Line, a Vassar College podcast. Hosted by Wesley Dixon, this podcast will explore subjects that stimulate, reflect on the world's grand challenges, and find common ground while embracing diverging perspectives because we understand that pursuing honest dialogue and debate nurtures an intellectual curiosity that leads to understanding and connection.

  1. 4D AGO

    A Conversation with Eddie Gamarra and Damon Ross

    In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Eddie Gamarra '94 and Damon Ross '94, who were the keynote speakers for the 2026 Sophomore Career Connections. Dixon engages Gamarra and Ross in a conversation about their careers as entertainment executives and producers of animated films, specifically highlighting projects such as The Bad Guys and Stargirl. Dixon also delves into a conversation about friendship as creative technology, exploring how Gamarra and Ross's deep personal friendship animated their creative pursuits.

    1h 28m

  2. JAN 14

    A Conversation with Jonathan Karl

    In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon sits down with Vassar alum Jonathan Karl '90, chief Washington correspondent for ABC News, co-anchor of This Week with George Stephanopoulos, and author. Dixon and Karl discuss "Retribution," Karl's latest book chronicling the 2024 Presidential campaign, which he calls the most consequential election of his lifetime, and the access he gained to an extraordinary cast of current political figures while reporting on a moment that could reshape American democracy. Karl also reflects on his time at Vassar and the values that shaped his career in political journalism, before diving into the challenges of covering politics in an era defined by polarization, misinformation, and mounting pressure on the press.

    59 min

  3. 12/18/2025

    A Conversation with Elisa Strauss

    In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Elisa Strauss '98, founder, CEO, and owner of Confetti Cakes. Wes and Elisa delve into her unconventional career path, tracing her journey from a liberal arts education in art history and studio art at Vassar to gaining professional experience in fashion at Ralph Lauren. Their conversation explores the complex relationship between artistic passion and the practical realities of running a business, examining how she defined her work as "practical art." Elisa also shares her five crucial lessons for entrepreneurs, emphasizing themes like finding a mentor, lowering overhead costs, and harnessing adaptability. Recorded on May 8, 2025

    1h 11m

  4. 11/17/2025

    A Conversation with Tom Pyun

    In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Vassar alum, author and nonprofit consultant Tom Pyun '99. Wes and Tom dive into his debut novel, "Something Close to Nothing," exploring the conflicts faced by two gay men of color navigating parenthood via surrogacy, career ambition, and American individualism. Their conversation touches on Tom's journey through professional burnout, the healing power of creativity, and the deep influence of his Vassar liberal arts education on the book's nuanced themes of race, class, and gender.

    46 min

  5. 10/17/2025

    A Conversation with Leslie Jackson Chihuly

    In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Leslie Jackson Chihuly '83—arts leader, philanthropist, and CEO of Chihuly Studios. Wes and Leslie explore how art can serve as both expression and healing, reflecting on the ways creativity, structure, and care sustain her work and life. Their conversation touches on the power of vulnerability, the importance of mental health advocacy, and the enduring relationship between art, leadership, and personal transformation.

    39 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    A Conversation with Sarah Koenig

    In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with journalist and creator of the Serial podcast, Sarah Koenig. Wes and Sarah reflect on the impact of Serial on the media landscape, the responsibilities of storytelling, and how transparency and trust shape the relationship between journalists and their audiences.

    1h 23m

  7. 07/08/2025

    A Conversation with Laura Trevelyan

    In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan, who recently learned that her ancestors were absentee slave owners in Grenada. Wes and Laura engage in a conversation about her family's complicated history and what reparatory justice might look like in Grenada or other places with a history of enslavement.    Recorded on 2/20/25

    1h 14m

  8. 06/18/2025

    A Conversation with Kleaver Cruz

    In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Vassar alum Kleaver Cruz '11 about their book, "The Black Joy Project." Wes and Kleaver engage in a dynamic conversation about the concept of joy and other emotions (or states of being) that paradoxically exist alongside joy.

    1h 15m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Conversations @ The Salt Line, a Vassar College podcast. Hosted by Wesley Dixon, this podcast will explore subjects that stimulate, reflect on the world's grand challenges, and find common ground while embracing diverging perspectives because we understand that pursuing honest dialogue and debate nurtures an intellectual curiosity that leads to understanding and connection.

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