Welcome to Evidence in Action

We explore how evidence shapes policy, philanthropy, and learning agendas to help drive social change. We also unpack the challenges changemaking institutions can face when incorporating evidence and evaluation into their processes. And we offer insights into how governments and other institutions can foster more trust with the people and communities they serve. To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

We explore the use of data and evidence in policy making and higher education. We will hear from Doug Elmendorf, dean of the Harvard Kennedy School, about teaching the next generation. How are educators teaching students about the role of data and evidence in discourse and persuasion? We will also dive into policy areas where Doug sees the most room for compromise and progress and hear his takes on policy issues likely to be at the forefront of political debate in this election year. To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

We examine the unique challenges and opportunities of using evidence to drive change within the context of a social movement, particularly in an era of heightened partisanship and media influence. We explore how evidence can serve as a powerful tool to galvanize social movements, but also the potential pitfalls when facts are obscured by ideological divides. Join us as we explore strategies for promoting evidence-based narratives, fostering constructive dialogue, and achieving meaningful change in the face of polarization. To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

We are joined by Heather Hahn, associate Vice President for the Urban Institute Center on Labor, Human Services and Population, to discuss the complexities and challenges of safety net programs in the U.S. Heather helps us probe into the history of these programs and the influence of traditional American values on their design. We look at the barriers that individuals, particularly those from communities of color, face in accessing these programs, as we reveal the inadequate nature of certain support systems like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF and how they affect the needs of those they aim to serve. To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

We’re joined by Michael McAfee, President and CEO of PolicyLink, for a wide-ranging conversation on what it means to lead and carry out work that is in service to all people. We discuss the tension between individual worldviews and what evidence shows, especially when pursuing social change that is enduring, scalable, and genuinely centers people most in need. We also explore what McAfee calls a “hierarchy of human value” operating system, how to marry idealism with practicality as a leader, and what it will take to create a thriving democracy that recognizes our shared humanity. To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

We explore the resurgence of interest in rural communities. We delve into the current state of rural research, uncovering the gaps compared to urban research. We dive into the legacies of the deepest poverty in America and the mechanisms through which it persists. We’ll hear from Luke Shaefer, co-author of a new book, The Injustice of Place: Uncovering the Legacy of Poverty in America about the poorest places in the country – from Appalachia, the Cotton and Tobacco Belts, and South Texas – to examine the inequalities shaping people’s health, livelihoods, and upward social mobility and develop a multidimensional Index of Deep Disadvantage. Using a data-driven approach, Luke Shaefer has sought to understand what these places have in common and the potential for positive change. However, for real transformation to occur, evidence-based policies tailored to each unique rural landscape are essential. We’ll discuss transformative visions for rural research, advocating for national-level funding and coordination, policy relevance through an asset-based lens, and cross-stakeholder collaboration. To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

We are joined by author and immigration advocate Cecilia Muñoz who served for eight years on President Obama's senior team, including five years leading the White House Domestic Policy Council as an assistant to President Obama. Cecilia opens up about how her experience as a Midwestern Latina shaped her identity, and how she pivoted from working as an advocate in the Latinx community to formulating immigration policy for the White House. Cecilia shares why it’s okay for leaders to second guess themselves, and the nuance of using data to influence actionable social change. To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

We explore the potential of applying locally sourced solutions to address national problems. We examine how research organizations can harness evidence from grassroots initiatives, community-led projects, and local expertise to inform national policies and drive meaningful change. Join us in our conversation with Stephen Benjamin, who served as Mayor of Columbia South Carolina for 3 terms over 12 years and as the President of the African American Mayors Association. In 2023 he began serving as the Director of the Office of Public Engagement for the Biden administration. He tells us about policymakers, and community advocates push for the power of localized evidence in shaping effective, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that have a positive impact on people and communities nationwide To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

In the series premiere of the Evidence in Action, Kim and Sarah explore the multifaceted role of evidence, revealing how it can inform and refine policies for better social, economic, and environmental outcomes. We delve into the pivotal uses of evidence in various contexts. We unravel how evidence can be harnessed to detect problems, identify effective strategies, and refine practices. From pinpointing areas that need attention to unveiling effective practices, this episode uncovers the transformative power of evidence in driving policy improvements. This season tune in to gain insights into the diverse applications of evidence, and discover how federal policymakers and program managers can leverage this critical tool to enhance policies, programs, and societal outcomes. To learn more about Evidence In Action and the Urban Institute please visit Urban.org/evidence-action-podcast.

Welcome to Evidence in Action, a new podcast from the Urban Institute. In this season, co-hosts Sarah Rosen Wartell, President of the Urban Institute and Kimberlyn Leary, Executive Vice President of the Urban Institute, are going to explore the role of evidence and how it can help us to shape policy and achieve better social, economic, and environmental outcomes. On every episode, we'll be joined by a brilliant guest, ranging from federal policy makers, local leaders, philanthropists, social entrepreneurs, and those who meet community needs.