A Seat at the Table

Evan Shapiro (Portlandia, National Lampoon, IFC & SundanceTV) is a producer, professor, and entertainment industry guru. He joins me at the table to discuss his storied career, from his start at The Public Theater to executively producing the hit show Portlandia alongside SNL creator Lorne Michaels. We dive deep into the world of content creation, weigh the pros and cons of being a contrarian in the workplace, and discuss the importance of developing our own moral compass. Tangents include British traditions, America's fall from its pedestal, and our shared love of Ted Lasso.

Christian Jackson and Dezmin Hemmans join Marissa and Larisa at the table to talk about activism, campus politics, and their recent fundraiser that gained national attention. Dezmin and Christian detail how they rallied clubs across their college campus to raise $50,000 for Black-Led organizations, as well as the conversations they’re having with university administrators to increase diversity within the student and faculty populations. They also discuss their organization, Brothers of Consciousness, and how it has created a much-needed community for black students on campus.

Marissa and Larisa sit down at the table to discuss emotion: How we feel it, how we express it, and what role it plays for women in the workplace. What gives an idea merit? What does it mean to be a multi-dimensional woman in the office? Larisa seeks tools for de-escalating anger while Marissa promotes self-awareness to avoid letting negative emotions get the best of us.

Dr. Benjamin M. Cole is a professor of Strategy & Statistics at Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business. His research focuses on social factors—such as legitimacy, status, logics and media framings—influence technological innovation, regulatory oversight and economic transactions. Dr. Cole joins Marissa and Larisa at the table for a discussion on the whats, whys and hows of education, learning how our brains work and how to use those skills in the real world.

Dr. Brian Treanor is a Professor of Philosophy at Loyola Marymount University with affiliate appointments in Environmental Studies and Irish Studies. His teaching explores a wide variety of areas, with particular emphases on environmental philosophy, ethics, and philosophy of religion. Dr. Treanor joins Marissa and Larisa at the table for a discussion on his new book, “Melancholic Joy,” and what it means to live the best life.

Marissa and Larisa sit down at the table to discuss uncomfortable conversations. Why are some aspects of mental health accepted in society but not all of them? When is sharing our own hardships and triumphs helpful and when can it cause problems? Larisa touches on American individualism and its effects on personal struggles, while Marissa wonders how our past shapes what we decide to share.

Andrew Rasmussen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Fordham University. His research focuses primarily on the psychosocial needs and assessment of forcedly displaced populations (e.g., refugees, asylum seekers). Following his doctorate, Dr. Rasmussen worked at Bellevue Hospital’s Program for the Survivors of Torture before coming to Fordham in 2012. In addition to scholarly research, Dr. Rasmussen has been involved in policy development and program evaluation of psychosocial programs serving trauma-affected populations around the world. He joins Marissa and Larisa at the table to talk about global conflicts and their resulting trauma, effective treatment methods, and the tools we need to manage everyday stress. 

On this episode of “A Seat at the Table,” Larisa does a deep-dive into her Buddhist Meditation class and takes Marissa along with her. They debate the definition of karma, what it means to serve “the greater good,” and whether or not the world is equitable. Larisa touches on a lesson her mom taught her while Marissa admits to trying and failing at meditation.

Marissa and Larisa sit down at the table to discuss the current era of hyper-consumerism. Do today’s marketing tactics make us less satisfied with what we already have? How does constantly wanting new things affect our overall well being? Larisa suggests that happiness is relative to who we are surrounded by while Marissa discusses where income and happiness plateau. (Don Draper’s lipstick pitch receives an honorable mention.)

Marissa and Larisa discuss identity, or rather a lack thereof. What do we do when our reality doesn’t align with our vision or ourselves? How do we overcome imposter syndrome? Larisa details a recent meltdown while Marissa encourages flexibility when it comes to life’s trajectory.

Marissa and Larisa pull up a chair to discuss the intersection of luck and success. Do we create our own luck? How relevant is the idea of being in the “right” place at the “right” time? Marissa makes the distinction between people who credit success to themselves and people who credit success to circumstance, while Larisa promotes the benefits of procrastination.

Marissa and Larisa discuss growing up in a world that we aren’t quite ready for, and possibly not meant for. Are we equipped to handle the copious amounts of information and stimuli we receive on a daily basis? Larisa explains how our social groups used to be much smaller and Marissa asks Larisa to detail parts of her upbringing in Saudi Arabia and being Circassian. The two discuss how society has evolved differently in each culture, for better or for worse. 

Marissa and Larisa sit down to discuss their own communication issues since starting this project and the pitfalls to avoid when mixing business with pleasure. They discuss how words get lost in translation and how the 5 love languages can explain why we experience so many communication hurdles. Marissa asks why kindness is so often mistaken for weakness, and Larisa dives into Adam Grant’s findings on people who give and people who take. 

Marissa and Larisa sit down at the table to talk about the problem with making assumptions, especially when it comes to people. Why do we tend to view qualities as mutually exclusive? Can you be young and mature? Intelligent and fashionable? Larisa touches on the importance of being your own advocate, while Marissa wonders if society only changes after it hits rock bottom

Trailer for "A Seat at The Table"