In this episode of The Space In Between, Leigh hosts behavioral science expert Shirin Oreizy—founder and former CEO of Next Step and noted coach to leaders — who shares practical tools for holding firm to our values and bridging divides. We explore behavioral science insights including why fear of loss can loom larger than potential gain, how smart framing of issues can unlock connection, and why building something together first can lower defenses and open honest dialogue. We also explore “above vs. below the line” leadership, and the slow, steady work of cultivating trust over time. Leigh and Shirin share personal examples from their lives and go deep in exploring how to feel empowered during polarized times. Listen for practices you can use today with your team, your family, and your community.

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In this episode, I reflect on a few powerful moments I’ve experienced as host of The Space In Between. I explore a core theme from Season I: how self-awareness is essential for both taking principled stands on the issues we care about and finding ways to bridge divides. A key concept is understanding our personal 'boiling points'—those moments when we’re so emotionally charged that our ability to engage empathetically with others is limited. Knowing our boiling points gives us agency to make choices about when, and how to dialogue with people who have different views. Join me as I unpack this important topic!

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In this episode, Leigh sits down with distinguished litigator Rebecca Woods to demystify how the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the Constitution—and why those choices shape our daily lives. From textualism and originalism to the modernist “living constitution,” Rebecca explains the frameworks behind landmark rulings, what stare decisis really means, and how cases like Bostock and Dobbs reveal the Court’s internal debates. Importantly, she shares a simple practice for our polarized moment: we bridge divides by listening with an open heart—not to agree, but to understand. If you want less heat and more clarity about what the Court does and how to stay grounded in your values, this conversation is a clear, calm guide.

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In a world that often feels increasingly fractured, it’s easy to believe the divisions we see and feel are real and fixed. But what if they aren’t? What if polarization—the sense that “we” and “they” are hopelessly far apart—is actually an illusion? In this episode of The Space In Between, I explore this evocative idea through the work of Dr. Todd Rose and my own experience, revealing that while polarization feels real, it’s largely a collective distortion. It turns out that beneath the noise, Americans share remarkably similar values: to be good people, to do meaningful work, to nurture family and friendships, to have financial security, and to contribute to our communities.

Join me as I explore this topic and share three simple practices to shatter the illusion of polarization for good. This podcast will leave you feeling hopeful and, empowered to create meaningful change at a tender time for our society.

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This episode of The Space In Between centers on cancer—a topic that touches nearly everyone and, crucially, reminds us of our shared humanity. When a loved one receives a diagnosis, compassion cuts through ideology: neighbors cook meals, coworkers donate PTO, communities fundraise. Fighting cancer becomes a common cause that unites us in hope. Host Leigh Morgan is joined by Dr. Nancy Davidson—renowned breast cancer oncologist, translational researcher, and executive vice president/chief academic officer at Fred Hutch Cancer Center—to offer a clear-eyed, optimistic update on where oncology stands and where it’s headed. And along the way, they share tips for how bridging divides across cancer benefits us all.

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In this episode, host Leigh Morgan sat down with award-winning journalist and author Laura Pappano to discuss the seismic changes reshaping K-12 education since the new administration took office. This topic is often emotive, as we've seen in PTA and school board meetings across the country. Leigh and Laura dive into why this is the case, and explore the expansion of school vouchers, the restructuring of federal education policy, and the consequences of an increasing focus of education as a marketplace rather than a public good that centers student achievement. Learning how to talk constructively about these profound changes is essential for bridging the divides that keep communities apart, especially when the future of public schooling affects every neighborhood and family across the political spectrum.

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With our one-year anniversary, we are dropping one of the most popular episodes from last year! The Space in Between as a podcast and framework for daily living is about having the courage to stand in the tension between opposing views, where real growth, connection and innovation happen. In a world that often pressures us to pick a side, this podcast explores what it means to stay present, curious, and open in the face of complexity. It’s a psychic, emotional and mental space that invites deep listening, humility, and the willingness to hold multiple truths at once. While it can be uncomfortable, it’s also where creativity thrives and where more humane, effective leadership is born. The goal is to create spaces — in life, work, and society — where nuance is welcomed and transformative ideas can take root.

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Today’s episode tackles the sweeping shifts in U.S. immigration policy—tightened legal immigration, mass deportation efforts, and the rollback of existing due process protections for legal residents and undocumented workers—while modeling how to debate fiercely held views without dehumanizing one another. Joining me is Maggie Mitchell Salem, a returning guest and one of the country’s leading immigration experts. Maggie is known for her candid, nonpartisan approach and she brings clear-eyed insight on what’s changed, what hasn’t, and how we can have sensible immigration policy. Leigh and Maggie explore how we can bridge divides by creating spaces for good-faith dialogue, separate fact from spin, name trade-offs, and still hold fast to shared American values including dignity, safety, kindness, and the rule of law.

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