Best Benjamin Munoz Podcasts (2024)

1
Fay Twersky on Rethinking Institutional Distrust 28:58

1h ago28:58

28:58

We tackle the challenging question of how evidence can drive change for people and communities in a climate of widespread institutional distrust. We explore the root causes of this erosion of trust and its impact on decision-making processes. Join us as we uncover innovative strategies that can bridge the gap between evidence and action, rebuild tr…

1
Justin Milner on the Power of Objective Evidence 25:08

1h ago25:08

25:08

We explore how evidence shapes policy, philanthropy, and learning agendas to help drive social change. We also unpack the challenges changemaking institutions can face when incorporating evidence and evaluation into their processes. And we offer insights into how governments and other institutions can foster more trust with the people and communiti…

151
Doug Elmendorf on Evidence in Policymaking and Higher Education 24:54

5d ago24:54

24:54

We explore the use of data and evidence in policy making and higher education. We will hear from Doug Elmendorf, dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, about teaching the next generation. How are educators teaching students about the role of data and evidence in discourse and persuasion? We will also dive into policy areas where Doug sees the most roo…

1
LaTosha Brown on the Impact of Evidence in Social Movements 39:17

1M ago39:17

39:17

We examine the unique challenges and opportunities of using evidence to drive change within the context of a social movement, particularly in an era of heightened partisanship and media influence. We explore how evidence can serve as a powerful tool to galvanize social movements, but also the potential pitfalls when facts are obscured by ideologica…

1
Heather Hahn on Decoding America's Safety Net 24:00

1M ago24:00

24:00

We are joined by Heather Hahn, associate Vice President for the Urban Institute Center on Labor, Human Services and Population, to discuss the complexities and challenges of safety net programs in the U.S. Heather helps us probe into the history of these programs and the influence of traditional American values on their design. We look at the barri…

1
Michael McAfee on Equity in a Multiracial Democracy 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

We’re joined by Michael McAfee, President and CEO of PolicyLink, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it means to lead and carry out work that is in service to all people. We discuss the tension between individual worldviews and what evidence shows, especially when pursuing social change that is enduring, scalable, and genuinely centers people m…

1
Luke Shaefer on the Legacy of Persistent Poverty in America 28:46

2M ago28:46

28:46

We explore the resurgence of interest in rural communities. We delve into the current state of rural research, uncovering the gaps compared to urban research. We dive into the legacies of the deepest poverty in America and the mechanisms through which it persists. We’ll hear from Luke Shaefer, co-author of a new book, The Injustice of Place: Uncove…

1
Cecilia Muñoz on How Evidence Catalyzes Workplace Equity 27:28

3M ago27:28

27:28

We are joined by author and immigration advocate Cecilia Muñoz who served for eight years on President Obama's senior team, including five years leading the White House Domestic Policy Council as an assistant to President Obama. Cecilia opens up about how her experience as a Midwestern Latina shaped her identity, and how she pivoted from working as…

1
Stephen Benjamin on Using Local Solutions to Drive National Impact 26:01

3M ago26:01

26:01

We explore the potential of applying locally sourced solutions to address national problems. We examine how research organizations can harness evidence from grassroots initiatives, community-led projects, and local expertise to inform national policies and drive meaningful change. Join us in our conversation with Stephen Benjamin, who served as May…

1
Welcome to Evidence in Action 20:36

4M ago20:36

20:36

In the series premiere of the Evidence in Action, Kim and Sarah explore the multifaceted role of evidence, revealing how it can inform and refine policies for better social, economic, and environmental outcomes. We delve into the pivotal uses of evidence in various contexts. We unravel how evidence can be harnessed to detect problems, identify effe…

1
Trailer: Evidence in Action 2:33

4M ago2:33

2:33

Welcome to Evidence in Action, a new podcast from the Urban Institute. In this season, co-hosts Sarah Rosen Wartell, President of the Urban Institute and Kimberlyn Leary, Executive Vice President of the Urban Institute, are going to explore the role of evidence and how it can help us to shape policy and achieve better social, economic, and environm…

1
How to Build Vaccine Confidence 24:11

2y ago24:11

24:11

Vaccines work -- but they only work if people get them. How can communities make sure that as many of their residents get vaccinated as possible? Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researcher Leandra Lacy; Luis Garcia, director of technology and analytics at El Buen Samaritano; and Treshika Melvin, advocacy, training, and power building …

1
How Community Development Can Promote Equity 26:18

2y ago26:18

26:18

Equitable community engagement and development can seed systems change that supports long-term health and well-being within communities. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researcher Laudy Aron; Maggie Super Church, vice president for healthy and resilient communities at the Conservation Law Foundation; Vedette Gavin, senior research con…

1
How the Safety Net Can Better Serve Young People 23:25

2y ago23:25

23:25

All young people need support and a runway to independence to develop into thriving adults. For those without this support, that’s where public safety net programs come in⁠—but the safety net has substantial gaps and barriers that make access challenging for young people. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban researcher Heather Hahn, young people who…

1
Policy Lessons from Abroad to Inform Pandemic Recovery 26:44

2+ y ago26:44

26:44

As the nation aims to recover from the pandemic, policymakers have the opportunity to implement policies that build toward a more inclusive, equitable society. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researcher Kimberly Burrowes; Jon Kher Kaw, senior urban development specialist at the World Bank; Ernesto Falcon, senior legislative counsel at…

1
How Apprenticeships Can Help Diversify the Tech Workforce 22:57

2+ y ago22:57

22:57

Registered tech apprenticeship programs create vital pathways for diverse candidates to enter the tech industry, supplying companies with needed talent while advancing the crucial industry goals to cultivate an inclusive tech workforce. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban Institute researchers Diana Elliott and Fernando Hernandez-Lepe; apprentices …

1
The Books, Podcasts, and TV Shows That Are Getting Us through the Pandemic 18:15

3y ago18:15

18:15

It’s been 17 months since the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed our lives. It has been difficult, but we have found some outlets helped us reflect on, and even escape, our current reality. On this episode with guest host Jacinth Jones, you’ll hear from Urban staff about the books, miniseries and podcasts that have been getting them through sin…

1
How Do Effective School Principals Drive Impact in Education? 19:53

3y ago19:53

19:53

A lot of the conversation around improving education outcomes centers the effectiveness of teachers, but how important are principals in shaping students’ direction and success? Host Justin Milner talks with Constance Lindsay of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Urban Institute, Michele Shannon of the Leadership Academy, and K…

1
Lifting Millions of Kids Out of Poverty 20:27

3y ago20:27

20:27

The recently passed American Rescue Plan Act could reduce poverty among families with children by half. How will this work, and why is it a big deal? Host Justin Milner talks with tax policy expert Elaine Maag and Gaynell Brady and M.A. Sheehan from the Lower 9th Ward Homeownership Association in New Orleans about the expansion of the child tax cre…

1
Public Leadership in the Time of COVID 23:30

3y ago23:30

23:30

The country has now spent a year dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and the pandemic has brought an array of unprecedented challenges for public leaders. Host Justin Milner speaks with Philadelphia Councilmember Kendra Brooks, King County, Washington Executive Dow Constantine, and Pueblo, Colorado Mayor Nick Gradisar on how they worked to support…

1
Teaching Kids How to Give 21:31

3+ y ago21:31

21:31

Nearly a year into the pandemic, the definition of ‘giving’ has been expanding and the idea of philanthropy at multiple levels is more salient than ever. As we think about developing a culture of giving, it is important to start at the beginning and look at how we learn about charitable giving as kids. Host Justin Milner speaks with Shena Ashley, t…

1
How to Make Research More Inclusive 19:07

3+ y ago19:07

19:07

Research organizations are increasingly thinking about how to make their research more inclusive. Community-based participatory research is an approach engages people who would normally be research subjects as full partners in a research project, from beginning to end. In this episode, we will hear about a truly inclusive project called Promoting A…

1
Native Communities and COVID-19 23:00

3+ y ago23:00

23:00

How are American Indian tribes and Native communities faring during the COVID-19 pandemic? Host Justin Milner speaks with Lukaya Williams of the White Mountain Apache Housing Authority, Joe Cushman and Justine Capra of the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s planning and economic development department, and Nancy Pindus, senior fellow at the Urban Institute. …

1
How Technology Can Improve Government 21:45

3+ y ago21:45

21:45

Technological advancements continue to redefine how the world operates. How can government take advantage of technological innovations to improve their services and help American citizens? Host Justin Milner speaks with Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, and Urban Institute data scientist Alena Stern about how government can put real people …

1
Why Representation Matters in Research 19:41

3+ y ago19:41

19:41

What happens when researchers come from the communities they study? Host Justin Milner speaks with two Latina researchers at different points in their career—one at the pinnacle, and one who is just starting her journey. Both have similar upbringings that influence their motivations and work to this day. Together, their stories show why representat…

1
How the Federal Government Can Support Opportunity For All 26:44

3+ y ago26:44

26:44

What role can the federal government play to ensure that all families live in neighborhoods that support their well-being and their children’s ability to thrive? Host Justin Milner discusses ideas around zoning and the Housing Choice Voucher Program with Urban researchers Solomon Greene and Martha Galvez, NYU’s Ingrid Gould Ellen, and Sarah Oppenhe…

1
What Does COVID-19 Mean for the Future of Latino Entrepreneurship? 22:16

3+ y ago22:16

22:16

Over the past decade, the number of Latino entrepreneurs increased 34 percent—compared with just 1 percent for all business owners in the US, but the pandemic may affect that growth. How might COVID-19 affect Latino entrepreneurship, and what can we do to help ensure an equitable recovery? Host Justin Milner discusses trends with Marlene Orozco, le…

1
Better Supporting Working Families with Kids in the Time of COVID 21:52

3+ y ago21:52

21:52

The dramatic shift to online learning has many families struggling to balance work and virtual learning, especially parents who aren’t able to work from home. Host Justin Milner speaks with Urban Institute researchers, Megan Gallagher and Gina Adams, and Melissa Hicks, director of the Albina-Rockwood Promise Neighborhood about how remote learning h…

1
Why Charitable Giving and Philanthropy Matters Today 25:06

3+ y ago25:06

25:06

Charitable giving and philanthropy is as important today as ever. In the midst of an ongoing pandemic and in a moment of national reckoning with racial injustice, Americans from all backgrounds are giving in important and different ways. Host Justin Milner speaks with Urban Institute researcher Benjamin Soskis, Emily Boardman Ndulue, researcher and…

1
Why Closing the Digital Divide Matters 22:53

4y ago22:53

22:53

Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, but technological innovations don’t always benefit everyone equally. And COVID-19 has revealed that this digital divide is even greater than we thought. Host Justin Milner speaks with Urban Institute researcher Alena Stern, chief information officer of Atlanta Gary Brantely, and Miguel Ga…

1
What We’re Reading (and Watching) to Help Reflect on Race, Power and Privilege 23:37

4y ago23:37

23:37

This week’s New York Times list of best-selling books shows a country reading all about race and racism. On this episode, Urban offers its own reading (and watching) list. You'll hear from Urban staff about the books, movies and documentaries they are reflecting on to contextualize anti-racism, structural racism, police brutality and privilege in t…

1
How Can We Alleviate Food Insecurity During the Pandemic? 22:26

4y ago22:26

22:26

The pictures speak to the growing challenge of food insecurity in America: miles-long lines of people in cars waiting to receive emergency rations of food supplies. In the latest in a series of episodes on the pandemic, host Justin Milner speaks with Urban senior fellow Elaine Waxman and Jodi Tyson of Three Square Food Bank in Nevada about the rapi…

1
How Can We Address Historic Unemployment Rates? 24:57

4y ago24:57

24:57

Since March 21, more than 30 million people have sought unemployment benefits—nearly one of every five workers. And the April jobs report coming out tomorrow will likely tell an even more distressing story of how the response to the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting unemployment rates, job losses, and earnings. So what should we do? Host Justin Milner…

1
Empowering the Next Generation through Higher Education 23:05

4y ago23:05

23:05

In the latest episode of Critical Value, Host Justin Milner speaks with former Urban Institute Board Member Freeman Hrabowski about how to make education more accessible, affordable, and effective for students of all backgrounds. Recognized by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in 2012, Hrabowski has served as the president of …

1
How Can We Minimize Coronavirus Risks in Prisons and in Jails? 22:23

4y ago22:23

22:23

Jails and prisons are ripe for rapid transmission of the coronavirus, putting residents, corrections staff, and the broader community at risk. In the latest in a series of podcast episodes on the pandemic, host Justin Milner talks to Brie Williams, physician and professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, Johnny Perez, dir…

1
How Will the Coronavirus Spending Bill Provide Support During the Pandemic? 19:16

4y ago19:16

19:16

The $2 trillion economic relief package passed last week is larger than any other plan of its kind in modern history. Who does it help and how? In the latest in a series of podcasts on the pandemic, host Justin Milner talks to the Tax Policy Center’s Mark Mazur, and Urban’s Jack Smalligan and Wayne Vroman about what’s in the law and how it provides…

1
How Can We Alleviate Economic Insecurity During The Pandemic? 18:47

4y ago18:47

18:47

The coronavirus is already having widespread, dramatic effects on our economy – particularly those who are the most financially vulnerable. In the second in a series of podcasts on the pandemic, host Justin Milner speaks with Urban’s Donald Marron and the Tax Policy Howard Gleckman about the economic impact of the pandemic and the most powerful eco…

1
How can we address housing insecurity during the pandemic? 19:39

4y ago19:39

19:39

The coronavirus poses a particular threat to people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. In the first of a series of podcasts on how the pandemic will affect vulnerable populations, host Justin Milner speaks with Mary Cunningham, vice president of the Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center and researcher Samantha Batko abou…

1
Can the Research Process Be Hacked? 18:07

4y ago18:07

18:07

Research can take months—even years—to complete before publishing a final product. Is it possible to accelerate the research process? Recently, Urban researchers looked to hack the process by completing a research project in just one day. Host Justin Milner speaks with Christina Stacy and Brett Theodos to discuss their findings and the advantages a…

1
Sin Taxes Are Sweeping the States! 18:24

4+ y ago18:24

18:24

Alcohol, gambling, cigarettes, and much more—states are implementing “sin taxes” on a range of activities and behaviors these days. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center researchers Richard Auxier and Lucy Dadayan about how states are experimenting with sin taxes and key things policymakers should keep in mind when impleme…

1
How America Spends through the Tax Code 17:29

4+ y ago17:29

17:29

At $1.4 trillion per year, tax expenditures are an enormously important way our government spends money. But these provisions in the tax code, like the home mortgage interest deduction and the earned income tax credit, often receive less scrutiny than direct spending for programs like Medicare or Social Security. Speaking to host Justin Milner, Ins…

1
Top of Mind: Exciting New Research Ideas for 2020 19:23

4+ y ago19:23

19:23

We're starting off the year with a new segment called "Top of Mind" exploring compelling research topics that will be a big deal in 2020. Host Justin Milner speaks with Urban's Vice president, Marge Turner, researchers Carlos Martín and Solomon Greene, and chief data scientist Graham MacDonald to get a sense of what top of mind for their work in th…

1
Creating A Culture of Giving (Redux) 20:10

4+ y ago20:10

20:10

Year-end giving is a big deal to nonprofits around the country—but the landscape of charitable giving is changing, as technology and social media in particular are making giving easier than ever. In a rerun of a 2018 episode, host Justin Milner sits down with Shena Ashley and Brice McKeever of Urban's Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy to talk a…

1
Elevate the Debate: How to Drive Fact-Based Policy Conversations 19:54

4+ y ago19:54

19:54

In a crowded and chaotic media environment, it can be hard for facts and data to break through and inform the important policy conversations that affect people’s everyday lives. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban’s chief communications officer Bridget Lowell, senior researcher and dataviz expert Jon Schwabish, and strategic communications director…

1
#42 Youth Apprenticeship: Connecting High School Students to Work-Based Learning 20:56

4+ y ago20:56

20:56

Youth apprenticeships can expand career options, strengthen the nation’s workforce and promote economic mobility. Host Justin Milner discusses youth apprenticeship programs with Urban researchers Robert Lerman and Diana Elliott; Darla Burton, Wisconsin’s State Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator; and Kevin Yonker, winner of West Central Georgi…

1
How Foundations are Looking to Increase Impact 22:35

4+ y ago22:35

22:35

Institutional philanthropy is in a remarkable era of expansion and experimentation. Foundations are looking to increase their impact in innovative ways and also contending with the implications of their increasing influence. Host Justin Milner speaks with Arnold Ventures President Kelli Rhee, Hudson Webber Foundation President Melanca Clark, Center…

1
How Workforce Systems Improve Access to Skills and Jobs 25:25

4+ y ago25:25

25:25

Even in a strong economy, not everyone has access to jobs that pay well. And sometimes there are disconnects between the skills employers need and the training people receive. One way cities are tackling this challenge is through their local workforce system: a network of services, organizations, and programs that work to support job seekers, curre…

1
Measuring the Latinx ‘Tsunami’ and its Impact on the US 24:18

4+ y ago24:18

24:18

The United States is home to over 50 million of Hispanic/Latinx origin. Host Justin Milner talks with Urban’s Chief Methodologist Rob Santos and Matt Barreto, a political scientist from UCLA and co-founder of the polling and research firm Latino Decisions, about Latinx identity and how to accurately collect data to reflect their presence, particula…

1
Ripple Effects of our Shifting Immigration Policies 23:28

4+ y ago23:28

23:28

A new policy could have huge effects on who gets the chance to walk down the path to US citizenship – and who doesn’t. Host Justin Milner discusses how just the possibility of the ‘public charge rule’ is changing the daily lives of immigrant communities with Mary’s Center President and CEO Maria Gomez and Urban researchers Hamutal Bernstein and Dul…

1
Artificial Intelligence + Government 19:25

4+ y ago19:25

19:25

Artificial intelligence is becoming more and more prevalent in our daily lives – from facial recognition and public security to resume reviews and hiring. To kick off Season 2 of Critical Value, host Justin Milner has a live conversation Dr. Vivienne Ming, a neuroscientist and co-founder of Socos Labs, about the opportunities and challenges that AI…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Benjamin Munoz Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide