Running to the Noise

Oberlin College & Conservatory

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.

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

    OCT 1

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

    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 The origins of Radio Diaries and why handing over the microphone changed journalism.Why Richman calls radio “an empathy machine” and how sound carries emotional truth.Lessons for Oberlin students in his course “Journalism Skills as Life Skills.”Clarissa Shields’ journey from a Flint basement gym to Olympic gold and how her diary captured history in real time.The Willie McGee story and what it teaches us about justice, memory, and truth-telling across generations.Why talking to strangers and listening without agenda may be the most radical acts of our time.How Richman is returning to the diary form to document today’s contested truths. Episode Links Radio DiariesGhetto Life 101This American LifeStuds Terkel's WorkingNPR’s All Things ConsideredClarissa Shields: The Fire Inside (documentary)Oberlin College WOBC RadioHow Joe Richman makes 'Radio Diaries'

    48 min
  2. Not Above Nature: Sonia Shah on What Other Species Teach Us

    AUG 28

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

    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 Episode A 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.

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

    JUL 10

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

    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 Episode Finding 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 Links SNAFU Podcast https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-snafu-with-ed-helms-102539700/ Rutherford Falls on Peacock https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/rutherford-falls RepresentUs https://represent.us/ Ed Helms on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/edhelms Oberlin College and Conservatory https://www.oberlin.edu/

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

    APR 30

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

    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 Episode A 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' 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'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 Review: Clooney, Fair and Balanced, in ‘Good Night, and Good Luck’Good Night, and Good Luck—Broadway Georgia Heers IG La Tanya Hall’s Upcoming Album: Pretty Eyes (Releasing August 22)Chamber Music AmericaCecile McLorin SalvantOberlin Conservatory of Music

    44 min
  5. Telling Stories That Matter with Soledad O'Brien

    MAR 27

    Telling Stories That Matter with Soledad O'Brien

    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 Episode The 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't just the right thing—it'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 Oberlin College & ConservatorySoledad O'Brien ProductionsMatter of Fact with Soledad O'BrienThe PowHERful FoundationCNN's Black in America SeriesCNN's Latino in America SeriesThe Perfect Neighbor Documentary

    45 min
  6. Meeting the World As It Is with Rumaan Alam

    FEB 27

    Meeting the World As It Is with Rumaan Alam

    Long before his novel Leave the World Behind became a blockbuster, Obama-produced Netflix thriller, Rumaan Alam '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 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 next novel takes on a topic most contemporary writers shy away from—faith. 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 Oberlin College & Conservatory Learn more about Oberlin College, where Rumaan Alam honed his storytelling craft as a creative writing major in a rigorous workshop environment. Leave the World Behind Explore Alam’s bestselling novel, which was adapted into a Netflix film produced by Barack and Michelle Obama. Netflix Adaptation of Leave the World Behind Watch the eerie, apocalyptic thriller starring Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, and Ethan Hawke. Entitlement Dive into Alam’s latest novel, which explores wealth, privilege, and moral compromise in the orbit of a billionaire. Mike Nichols’ Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? A major influence on Leave the World Behind, this classic film captures psychological tension in a single setting. Michael Haneke’s Funny Games A deeply unsettling film that inspired Leave the World Behind’s sense of unexplained dread. Thomas Mann’s Dr. Faustus Discover the novel that Alam is currently reading, which explores art, ambition, and the supernatural.

    41 min
  7. All the World's a Stage with Julie Taymor

    JAN 30

    All the World's a Stage with Julie Taymor

    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 The Oberlin Influence: How Taymor’s self-designed major in mythology and folklore set the foundation for her career in visual storytelling.World Theater as Inspiration: How living in Indonesia for four years and studying global theater traditions shaped her artistic vision.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.Taking Risks in Storytelling: Why Taymor never repeats herself and how she chooses projects that challenge both herself and the audience.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.Who Gets to Tell Stories? Taymor’s perspective on the debate around cultural appropriation, authenticity, and why storytelling should be universal.Breaking the Broadway Mold: Why she believes Broadway is creatively stagnant and what it will take to push musical theater into new territory.The Grand Delusion: A sneak peek into Taymor’s latest musical project, a boundary-breaking production that blends modern New York, mythology, and surrealism. *Photo © ANNIE LEIBOVITZ Episode Links Oberlin College & Conservatory Learn more about Oberlin College, where Julie Taymor developed her unique approach to storytelling by designing her own major in mythology and folklore. Julie Taymor’s The Lion King Explore the official Broadway production of The Lion King, which has captivated audiences worldwide with its groundbreaking visual storytelling Richard Schechner’s Performance Theory A foundational text in performance studies, this book explores many of the theatrical concepts that influenced Taymor’s approach to storytelling. Frida (2002) – A Film by Julie Taymor 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. Julie Taymor’s Titus (1999) Discover Taymor’s cinematic adaptation of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus, starring Anthony Hopkins, showcasing her signature blend of theatricality and film.

    39 min
  8. Game-Changing Expertise: Season 1’s Most Powerful Moments

    12/26/2024

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

    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 Peter Baker ’88: 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.Stephanie Rawlings-Blake ’92: 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.Rhiannon Giddens ’00: The Grammy-winning artist reflects on discovering banjo, its cultural history, and her journey from Oberlin Conservatory to international acclaim.James McBride ’79: 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.Ed Helms ’96: 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. Shane Boris ’04: The Oscar-winning documentary producer of Navalny recounts the serendipitous moment that launched his career and the importance of authenticity in human connection. Episode Links The Divider Explore Peter Baker and Susan Glasser’s in-depth analysis of the first Trump presidency and its implications. The Divider by Peter Baker, Susan Glasser: 9780593082966 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books Rhiannon Giddens and the Banjo Learn about Giddens’s efforts to preserve the banjo’s cultural roots and redefine its legacy. https://www.rhiannongiddens.com James McBride: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store Discover McBride’s latest novel, set to become a Steven Spielberg production. https://www.jamesmcbride.com Snafu by Ed Helms Delve into the history podcast that uncovers the world’s most astonishing blunders. SNAFU Media Shane Boris: The Art of Documentary Learn more about Shane Boris’s Academy Award-winning work and his approach to storytelling. Cottage M

    36 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Oberlin College & Conservatory
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Running to the Noise

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