Eavesdrop With Meena®

In this intimate and wide-ranging conversation, Eavesdrop with Meena welcomes filmmaker Curtis Chin and visual artist Warren King to explore art, ancestry, and the quiet power of storytelling.

Curtis Chin—acclaimed documentarian and author of Everything I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant—joins Meena to discuss his new short film for American Masters on PBS, Warren King: King of Cardboard, an 18-minute portrait of an artist whose life...

In this episode of Eavesdrop with Meena, Meena sits down with historian Dr. Derek Peterson, Ali Mazrui Chair of African Studies at the University of Michigan, to explore the paradox of Idi Amin’s Uganda.

Drawing from newly uncovered archives and his book A Popular History of Idi Amin’s Uganda, Dr. Peterson reveals how ordinary citizens—often overlooked by history—both fueled and endured one of Africa’s most infamous regimes. Togethe...

Award-winning filmmaker David Siev and his sister Jaclyn Siev join Meena for an intimate conversation to discuss their critically acclaimed documentary Bad Axe, a deeply personal film chronicling their Cambodian-Mexican American family’s experience navigating the pandemic, racial tensions and the evolving American Dream. What began as home footage during COVID lockdowns became a raw and resonant story that captured national attenti...

“It Only Took A Hundred Years”  Lynne Dixon-Speller is an Eavesdrop Icon you should know. Dean Dixon-Speller is an accomplished designer, academician, and visionary founder of Edessa School of Fashion in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Lynne joins Meena in this wide-ranging conversation on creative ways fashion drapes bodies and shapes culture. 

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Written and Hosted by Meena Ariagno

Produced by Bruce Buursma

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On this thought-provoking episode of Eavesdrop with Meena, journalist Sarah Leach and radio veteran Mary Ellen Murphy—aka The Two Js—join Meena to unpack the state of local journalism in America. From Ottawa County’s political shifts to the power and peril of social media, they candidly explore how truth, trust, and storytelling intersect in today’s chaotic media landscape.

With humor, heart, and deep insight, Sarah and Mary Ellen s...

Ben Speggen is Vice President of the Jefferson Educational Society, a non-partisan think tank based in Erie, Pennsylvania, which aims to foster civic enlightenment. Meena’s conversation with Ben highlights the importance of civics, and the challenges of defining the 'average American' in a diverse and evolving society. Ben offers deep insights into ways civic leadership informs public life and our connection to community an...

Ben Speggen is Vice President of the Jefferson Educational Society, a non-partisan think tank based in Erie, Pennsylvania, which aims to foster civic enlightenment. Meena’s conversation with Ben highlights the importance of civics, and the challenges of defining the 'average American' in a diverse and evolving society. Ben offers deep insights into ways civic leadership informs public life and our connection to community an...

What happens when communities lose their economic lifeline—and who steps in to help them rebuild? In this episode of Eavesdrop with Meena, Meena sits down with John Austin, a visionary policy expert and advocate for regional renewal, whose work spans from Michigan’s factory towns to forgotten regions across Europe.

John shares his personal story growing up in the Appalachian foothills and how it led him to champion policies that cre...

On the May 5th edition of Eavesdrop With Meena, what happens when communities lose their economic lifeline—and who steps in to help them rebuild? In this episode, Meena sits down with John Austin, a visionary policy expert and advocate for regional renewal, whose work spans from Michigan’s factory towns to forgotten regions across Europe.

John shares his personal story growing up in the Appalachian foothills and how it led him to ch...

On this episode of Eavesdrop With Meena, Joseph Malone is brand director at HOLO Footwear, an immigrant-founded brand headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. HOLO is more than a footwear company—it’s a case study in how creative entrepreneurs are reshaping legacy industries with bold ideas and cultural authenticity. In this episode, Joseph shares his personal journey from the Dominican Republic to the frontlines of sustainable des...

On the next episode of Eavesdrop With Meena, Meena sits down with Joseph Malone, brand director at HOLO Footwear, an immigrant-founded brand headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. HOLO is more than a footwear company—it’s a case study in how creative entrepreneurs are reshaping legacy industries with bold ideas and cultural authenticity. In this episode, Joseph shares his personal journey from the Dominican Republic to the frontl...

On this episode of Eavesdrop With Meena, Scott MacGregor is a beacon of resilience and passion, sharing his profound journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and leader. In this engaging conversation, Scott explores how his early life experiences shaped his relentless work ethic and commitment to living an extraordinary life. He delves into the importance of curiosity, the power of choosing to be ...

Coming Monday on Eavesdrop With Meena, Scott MacGregor is a beacon of resilience and passion, sharing his profound journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and leader. In this engaging conversation, Scott explores how his early life experiences shaped his relentless work ethic and commitment to living an extraordinary life. He delves into the importance of curiosity, the power of choosing to be ex...

On the next episode of Eavesdrop With Meena, Scott MacGregor is a beacon of resilience and passion, sharing his profound journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and leader. In this engaging conversation, Scott explores how his early life experiences shaped his relentless work ethic and commitment to living an extraordinary life. He delves into the importance of curiosity, the power of choosing to...

Welcome back to part two of my breathtaking conversation with Parker Palmer. Parker is a gifted voice who speaks in paragraphs and pages. In this episode, we discuss gratitude, community, and the essence of true leadership. The Center for Courage and Renewal continues Parker’s important work on teaching compassion, identity and integrity in the workplace. Our conversation delves deep into community, servant leadership, and human-ce...

In Part 1 of this heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Parker Palmer, Meena and Parker discuss the importance of courage, authenticity, and dialogue in navigating today’s turbulent political and social landscape. Reflecting on his own experiences with clinical depression, Palmer emphasizes the necessity of living an undivided life and reclaiming our shared power for the common good. His insights touch on the pressing issues...

Tune in March 17th for part 1 of Meena's heartfelt and enlightening conversation with Parker Palmer. A revered scholar and thought leader, Parker and Meena discuss the importance of courage, authenticity, and dialogue in navigating today’s turbulent political and social landscape. Reflecting on his own experiences with clinical depression, Palmer emphasizes the necessity of living an undivided life and reclaiming our shared pow...

Meet Payam Zamani, Founder of One Planet Group, a private equity firm that owns several online technology and media businesses. Payam is CEO and Chairman of Inspirato, a luxury travel club based in Denver, Colorado.  A former Iranian refugee who launched a billion dollar IPO, Payam is a remarkable servant leader who exemplifies the American spirit.  

Our enlightening conversation, ranging from “spiritual capitalism” to compassionate...

EAVESDROP WITH MEENA IS BACK! We're so excited to announce the release of season 5, and this season is FILLED with truly inspiring guests that you won't want to miss!

First up is Payam Zamani. Payam is a former Iranian refugee who launched a billion dollar IPO, and he is on a mission to reform capitalism for the greater good. In this episode, Payam shares his compelling life story, from his difficult childhood in Iran to hi...