Conversations with Chanda

Chanda Smith Baker
  • 4.7 (46)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Conversations with Chanda

Chanda Smith Baker is the host of the award-winning Conversations with Chanda podcast. A nationally respected CEO, philanthropist, community leader and entrepreneur, Chanda continues tackling the gritty issues that communities wrestle with — race, leadership, philanthropy social justice and more — but dives even deeper into the profoundly personal stories that drive her guests to use their voice, leadership and resources to make a difference in their communities. From national luminaries like Eric Holder, Dr. Yaba Blay, Valerie Jarret and Ibram X. Kendi to local Twin Cities entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and business and community leaders making an impact, the Conversations with Chanda podcast explores, digs deeper and celebrates what’s relevant in our communities NOW. Download today!

  1. The Gladys Method: How Black Women Leaders Navigate and Dismantle Institutional Barriers

    MAR 18

    The Gladys Method: How Black Women Leaders Navigate and Dismantle Institutional Barriers

    Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, President of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, joins Chanda Smith Baker to expose philanthropy's hidden power dynamics. In a raw, unfiltered conversation, she reveals how Black women leaders strategically navigate and dismantle institutional racism, offering a masterclass in resilience, strategic resistance, and transformative leadership that challenges the very foundations of charitable giving. Inspired by the legendary Gladys Washington—who embodied unapologetic leadership, mentorship, and radical love—this episode is a blueprint for systemic transformation, told by a leader who has fought and won battles most never see. Learn: * How to turn institutional barriers into strategic opportunities * The art of influencing power structures from within * Authentic allyship beyond performative gestures * Why incremental change requires patience and persistent vision

    1h 24m
  2. 2-Generation Impact with the Jeremiah Program

    MAR 12

    2-Generation Impact with the Jeremiah Program

    Join Chanda Smith Baker and the Jeremiah Program's CEO Chastity Lord, Board Chair Meredith Moore, and alumna Lavasha Smith as they discuss JP's two-generation approach to disrupting poverty. This conversation explores how JP's holistic support empowers single mothers and their children, combining personal experiences with different perspectives. Jeremiah Program: https://jeremiahprogram.org/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

    58 min
  3. How a Prison Guard Discovered His Humanity with Nelson Mandela

    FEB 28

    How a Prison Guard Discovered His Humanity with Nelson Mandela

    Chanda sat down with Christo Brand, a former prison guard on Robben Island, who shares his remarkable story of friendship with Nelson Mandela. Discover how an unlikely bond formed between a jailer and the iconic leader, and the profound lessons of respect, humanity, and forgiveness that transformed them both. https://christobrand.co.za/ To purchase "Doing Life with Mandela" book: https://a.co/d/bK7jCAh www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

    59 min
  4. A Radical Vision for a Nation That Works for All w/ Ashleigh Gardere, President of PolicyLink

    FEB 19

    A Radical Vision for a Nation That Works for All w/ Ashleigh Gardere, President of PolicyLink

    In this episode of Centering Conversations, an exclusive segment with Voice Vision Value, Ashleigh Gardere, the President of PolicyLink, shares a bold vision to redesign the nation from the ground up. Challenging the status quo, Gardere argues that current systems were never designed for collective flourishing - it's time to redefine the values and legal frameworks that will deliver a just and equitable future for all. Read PolicyLink's Vision: https://www.policylink.org/vision www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

    1h 3m
  5. (2023) Breaking Perfection: A Conversation with L'Oreal Thompson Payton

    FEB 13

    (2023) Breaking Perfection: A Conversation with L'Oreal Thompson Payton

    We are highlighting an episode on Centering Conversations aired in 2023 with the award-winning journalist and author L'Oreal Thompson Payton. Her debut book, Stop Waiting for Perfect, was published in August 2023. Dive into overcoming perfectionism, identity struggles, and the importance of representation. From burnout lessons to reclaiming dreams, this episode is a powerful exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and self-care. https://www.lorealthompsonpayton.com/ To purchase book: https://a.co/d/9gn9gIA www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

    55 min
  6. (2020) The Hip-Hop Mindset: Creativity, Flow, and Conscious Thought

    JAN 31

    (2020) The Hip-Hop Mindset: Creativity, Flow, and Conscious Thought

    Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Professor of Science Education and Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood and the Rest of Y’all Too," "STEM, STEAM, Make Dream," and much more. Chanda and Chris discussed the major challenges in our education system. Emdin boldly declares the education system is flawed and rooted in oppression. But he offers a radical alternative that embraces hip-hop culture's creativity, rhythm, and critical thinking. https://chrisemdin.com/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda

    55 min
  7. Unlock your Superpower w/ Detria Austin Everson

    JAN 15

    Unlock your Superpower w/ Detria Austin Everson

    Detria Austin Everson, CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, shares her inspiring journey in philanthropy and social justice. Discover how service can be your superpower as Everson reveals the keys to unity, resilience, and hope in leadership. Learn how celebrating small victories can lead to big changes and why black women's voices are crucial in the fight for equity. https://detriaaustineverson.com/ https://voicevisionvalue.org/listen www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

    56 min
  8. (2021) Leaning Into Business Diversity: A Conversation with John W. Rogers

    JAN 3

    (2021) Leaning Into Business Diversity: A Conversation with John W. Rogers

    John W. Rogers, Jr. is the Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, the global value-based asset management firm he founded in 1983 and first African American-owned asset management firm in American history. Chanda sat down with John to talk about moving away from supplier diversity and into business diversity, along with the importance of creating multigenerational wealth for Black and Brown communities. https://www.arielinvestments.com/ www.conversationswithchanda.com IG @chandasbaker & @conversationswithchanda Twitter/X: @chandasbaker

    43 min
See All (163)

    4.7
    out of 5
    46 Ratings

    About

    Chanda Smith Baker is the host of the award-winning Conversations with Chanda podcast. A nationally respected CEO, philanthropist, community leader and entrepreneur, Chanda continues tackling the gritty issues that communities wrestle with — race, leadership, philanthropy social justice and more — but dives even deeper into the profoundly personal stories that drive her guests to use their voice, leadership and resources to make a difference in their communities. From national luminaries like Eric Holder, Dr. Yaba Blay, Valerie Jarret and Ibram X. Kendi to local Twin Cities entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and business and community leaders making an impact, the Conversations with Chanda podcast explores, digs deeper and celebrates what’s relevant in our communities NOW. Download today!

    Information

    • Creator
      Chanda Smith Baker
    • Years Active
      2019 - 2025
    • Episodes
      163
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © All rights reserved
    • Show Website
      Conversations with Chanda

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