Wajahat Ali

Growing up in Kibera, one of Africa’s largest urban slums, Kennedy Odede survived extreme childhood poverty, crime, sexual abuse and drug abuse on a path to ultimately becoming one of the most compelling social entreprenuers and community leaders working today. On our season 2 finale, Kennedy joins Zainab to share his harrowing journey and reveals why truly transforming oneself means also transforming the lives of others.

Jean Oelwang, president and CEO of Virgin Unite, spent 15 years interviewing 65 prominent pairs, including Ben & Jerry, Leah and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Rosalynn and President Jimmy Carter. Her resulting book, PARTNERING: FORGE THE DEEP CONNECTIONS THAT MAKE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN reveals how finding the right collaborator can change the world. In identifying six principles that make partnerships flourish, Jean also reveals how those concepts changed her life.

Wajahat Ali, author of the new memoir, Go Back To Where You Came From, And Other Helpful Recommendations On How to Become American, joins Zainab to discuss finding God in the good and the bad, using language as liberation, the danger of clinging to anger, the importance of investing in joy, and what Wajahat does perpetually to correct perceptions about Muslims in the West.

Pioneering Marine fighter pilot and two-time congressional candidate Amy McGrath reveals how she deals with sexism, the personal responsibilities she bears as a retired member of the Armed Forces, and carrying values of sacrifice and service throughout her life, even when faith and duty collide.

Acclaimed journalist, television host and author Lisa Ling joins Zainab to talk about the timely and personal significance of her latest show, Take Out, fighting back against bigotry and bias by teaching empathy and diverse history to the next generation and what a recent psychedelic experience taught Lisa about an important and complicated relationship.

Internationally celebrated author, poet and activist Alice Walker joins Zainab to discuss transcending boundaries, finding solace in nature, a pivotal visit to Russia, finding love and danger in the American South during the Civil Rights movement and, says Alice, learning to accept that there is magic in this life.

Mark Nepo, poet, spiritual teacher and bestselling author of 22 books, reflects tenderly on the moments that have transformed his writing, creativity and relationships. Mark also reveals how he developed the tools to heal his pain, live through his heart and put a premium on the present.  "The old world is gone," he tells Zainab, "and the only way forward is through kindness."

Tony Porter, CEO of A Call To Men, shares stories from his decades-long crusade to help men invest in a healthier form of manhood, discusses the evolution and controversies of his intersectional methods and reveals the very personal origins of his journey.

Distinguished historian, Princeton professor and best-selling author Elaine Pagels talks with Zainab about the hidden history of religion and her lifelong spiritual and academic journey to understand the purpose religion can hold in each of our lives.

Bestselling author Agapi Stassinopoulos shares lessons from her new book, Speaking with Spirit, including the power and ritual of personal, non-denominational prayer, and how to find a home in oneself no matter the external circumstances