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After one of the toughest years on record for global gender equality, Vital Voices Live brings together Amb. Melanne Verveer, Amb. Gita Rao Gupta, and Gary Barker to reflect on what happened—and what comes next. The conversation explores global trends, hard-won lessons, and signs of hope emerging around the world. Gary Barker shares insights from his work engaging men and boys as allies, highlighting the power of solidarity in driving change. A candid, hopeful look at the road ahead for gender equality.

In this inspiring episode of Vital Voices Live, we sit down with Sanna Marin, former Prime Minister of Finland and a global advocate for democratic resilience, gender equality, and compassionate leadership. Marin reflects on her historic rise to national leadership, the complexities of governing through crisis, and the values that continue to guide her vision for a more just and inclusive world. She also dives into her new book, Hope in Action, offering a powerful look at how hope can be a strategic force in politics—and in our everyday lives. Marin shares lessons from her time in office, insights on sustaining courage under pressure, and her belief in the power of communities and young leaders to drive meaningful change. Authentic, thoughtful, and forward-looking, this conversation highlights why hope isn’t passive—it’s a catalyst. Tune in for an intimate and motivating conversation with one of today’s most influential changemakers.

In this special edition of Vital Voices Live, host Norah O’Donnell sits down with editors-turned-authors Laura Brown and Kristina O’Neill to celebrate the launch of their new book All the Cool Girls Get Fired: How to Let Go of Being Let Go and Come Back on Top. Together, they unpack their own career turns—from top-tier magazine leadership to the moment of being let go—and share how those experiences became the catalyst for something bigger: a movement to reclaim professional self-worth, rewrite the narrative around job loss, and build resilience. Tune in as they discuss themes from the book (including candid essays from high-profile women), offer practical advice on bouncing back, and open up about redefining ambition on their own terms. This is a conversation about how to turn a setback into a strategic pivot—and why the coolest girls aren’t those who never fail, but those who rise up when they do.

In this compelling episode of Vital Voices Live, Gambian women’s rights activist Jaha Dukureh — a leading campaigner against female genital mutilation, founder and executive director of Safe Hands for Girls, TIME 100 honoree, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee — joins acclaimed actor and New York Times bestselling author Ashley Judd. Interviewed by actor and CARE Ambassador Bellamy Young, they explore the global fight to end female genital mutilation, the ongoing evolution of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, and the power of personal stories to spark change for women and girls worldwide.

In this powerful episode of Vital Voices LIVE, Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton joins Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson for a candid and wide-ranging conversation about the defining issues of our time. Together, they examine the rise of authoritarianism, the impact of toxic masculinity, and the global epidemic of violence against women—while underscoring the urgent fight for equality, justice, and resilient leadership. This dialogue offers critical insights into the challenges threatening democracy and human rights worldwide, as well as the opportunities for collective action and change. Tune in to hear a thought-provoking conversation that speaks to the urgency of our moment.

Did you know that 96% of all deepfakes are non-consensual, and 99% of them target women? In this eye-opening episode, Vital Voices President & CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Laura Bates, bestselling author of Men Who Hate Women and the brand-new release The New Age of Sexism, alongside Dr. Gary Barker, founder and CEO of Equimundo. Together, they unpack the alarming rise of AI-driven misogyny, the real-world impact of online abuse, and the urgent steps we must take to build a safer, more equitable future. With raw honesty and unflinching insights, this conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths. 📚 The New Age of Sexism is out now—available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold. Get your copy today.

On this episode of Vital Voices Live, Shafiqa Khpalwak and Mahal Wak share their powerful stories of evacuating Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul four years ago-and the urgent realities Afghan women continue to face today. In conversation with Rina Amiri, U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights, they reflect on the heartbreak of leaving home, the resilience it takes to rebuild, and the ongoing fight to secure the rights and futures of Afghan women and girls. A testament to courage -and a call to keep Afghanistan’s women at the center of the global conversation.

In this special episode of Vital Voices Live, veteran journalist Andrea Mitchell sits down with U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield for a powerful conversation on global leadership, diplomacy, and the role of women driving change on the world stage. From her early days in Louisiana to representing the United States at the UN, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield shares her journey, her perspective on today’s most pressing international issues, and what it takes to lead with compassion and conviction.

On this episode of Vital Voices LIVE, two powerhouse voices take the stage: Ashlyn Harris and Brittany Packnett Cunningham. Ashlyn — two-time World Cup champion, advocate, and mom — gets candid about life after soccer, embracing imperfection, and what it means to lead with authenticity as a queer woman. Brittany brings her signature brilliance, guiding the conversation with vulnerability, wisdom, and truth. Together, they remind us that leadership can be both strong and soft — and that showing up fully is a radical act. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation on identity, transition, and the courage to evolve.

To kick off Global Pride Month in DC, Vital Voices Live welcomed the brilliant Tourmaline for a powerful conversation honoring the legacy of Marsha P. Johnson — the trailblazing Black trans icon who helped shape the LGBTQ+ movement. Tourmaline — filmmaker, activist, and author of the new biography Marsha — joined host Sharita Gruberg, Vice President for Economic Justice at the National Partnership for Women & Families, to reflect on Marsha’s enduring impact and what it means to carry her legacy forward.

In this powerful episode of Vital Voices Live, acclaimed actress, activist, and storyteller Sophia Bush sits down with Jen Klein—author, advocate, and longtime champion for women’s rights—for a bold and deeply personal conversation about advocacy, authenticity, and the courage to lean into hard conversations. Together, they explore what it means to lead with purpose, stay grounded in your values, and stand up for what you believe in—even when it’s difficult. From navigating the spotlight to showing up for meaningful change, this episode is a compelling reminder that true impact begins with knowing who you are—and having the courage to act on it.

In celebration of Global Wellness Day, our CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Victoria Zitrin — artist, entrepreneur, advocate, and Co-Chair of the Vital Voices Bay Area Council. Victoria is the founder of Ventura Vie, a public charity rooted in wellness, creativity, and empowerment. From mentorships to live events and the V Boutique in San Francisco, Ventura Vie creates space for healing and connection through art, fashion, and nature. Her impact is felt across the Vital Voices community — including at our headquarters, where our wellness room bears the Ventura Vie name. This episode is a reminder that wellness isn’t a luxury — it’s a foundation for leadership, resilience, and meaningful change.

After discovering deepfake pornography featuring her image online, Breeze Liu faced a harrowing journey that exposed the deep failures of our legal and tech systems. But instead of staying silent, she took action. In this powerful episode, Breeze joins Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson to share how she turned trauma into purpose—founding Alecto AI to help others detect and remove non-consensual content. Now a Vital Voices Global Fellow and a driving force behind the bipartisan Take It Down Act, Breeze is reshaping the digital landscape to protect survivors. This conversation is a call to action for tech accountability—and a testament to the power of survivor-led change.

In honor of World Environment Day, Vital Voices CEO Alyse Nelson sits down with Wanjira Mathai — renowned Kenyan environmentalist and Managing Director for Africa at the World Resources Institute. Daughter of the late Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize, Wanjira carries forward a legacy of people-powered climate action. In this powerful conversation, she reflects on her mother’s impact, the urgency of women-led environmental solutions, and how restoring our planet means reimagining leadership.

In this powerful episode of the Vital Voices Podcast, actor and activist Nazanin Boniadi joins Alyse Nelson, President & CEO of Vital Voices, for a candid conversation on courage, advocacy, and the fight for human rights in Iran and beyond. Nazanin shares her journey from Hollywood to human rights activism, the personal cost of raising her voice, and the ongoing struggle for freedom in Iran — especially for women and girls. She reflects on the power of global solidarity, the role of storytelling in activism, and why silence is not an option. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the people who lift us up — and how we can do the same for others.