Chanda unpacks what drives changemakers—digging into the choices, values, and moments that shape their impact.
Conversations with Chanda is an award-winning podcast and live experience series created and hosted by Chanda Smith Baker, a nationally respected CEO, philanthropist, community leader, and entrepreneur. The podcast explores pressing societal issues—such as race, leadership, philanthropy, and social justice—through candid conversations with changemakers from across the country.
Exploring the Intersection of Race, Leadership, Philanthropy, and Social Justice
Personal stories behind community leaders’ efforts to make a difference.
Recent Episodes
Check out the recent episodes of Conversations with Chanda
Unleash Your Inner Troublemaker: A Conversation with Luvvie Ajayi Jones and Marisa C. Williams
55 min listen
Luvvie Ajayi Jones, four-time New York Times bestselling author, and Marissa Williams, CEO of Girl Scouts River Valleys, join Chanda Smith Baker for a conversation about courage, sisterhood, and breaking free from fear. Discover how to silence self-doubt, embrace your power, and transform challenges into opportunities through raw, inspiring storytelling that will ignite your inner troublemaker.
Beyond Survival – Rewriting the Rules When the System Wasn’t Built for You: A Conversation with Pierre R. Berastaín
60+ min listen
Pierre Berastain, Regional Director of CPI Center for Public Impact, is a gay, previously undocumented Latino immigrant who defies odds. In this raw, powerful conversation, he dismantles systemic barriers through personal resilience, revealing how marginalized communities can transform pain into profound social change. Discover radical strategies for healing, leadership, and reimagining government that will challenge everything you thought you knew about survival. Pierre holds degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School as well as a doctorate in public health from UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Anchoring Community with Unapologetic Leadership: A Conversation with Karla Henderson
55 min listen
Karla Henderson, the new CEO of Project for Pride in Living (PPL), joins Chanda Smith Baker to unpack her journey of unapologetic leadership. In a raw, powerful conversation, she reveals how to navigate complex challenges, stay true to community values, and transform unexpected opportunities into meaningful impact—all while redefining what it means to lead with resilience and purpose.
Introducing Centering Conversations in partnership with Voice. Vision. Value
Voice. Vision. Value. Black Women Leading Philanthropy celebrates, elevates and documents the historic impact of Black women across the talent pipeline of professionals in the philanthropic sector today.
Explore Popular Episodes
Engaging discussions on race, leadership, and social justice
Voices of Vision: Women Pioneering Philanthropy
45 min listen
Discover the power of collective support in philanthropy as Toya Nash Randall shares the origin story of Voice Vision Value. A decade of black women leaders shaping a legacy in the sector. Dive into the full story on our latest episode.
Unearthing Destiny: Black Women’s Voices in Philanthropy
45 min listen
Invite your sacred self to show up…’ Tashion Macon advises women searching for their voice to step away from the everyday, find a quiet space, and listen to the whispers of their spirit. Uncover the simple steps to unlock your potential in our latest episode.
Influence and Impact: The Power of Voice in Shaping Change
45 min listen
In this illuminating episode, Sadiqa Reynolds delves into her experiences at the DNC, the critical role of civic engagement, and the pressing need for targeted support in philanthropy. Listen as she discusses the impact of leadership pressure on mental health and the power of community in driving change.
WHERE TO LISTEN
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The Conversations with Chanda podcast has had a profound impact on my perspective. It has opened my eyes to the importance of using my voice and resources to make a difference in my community.
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