Stand in the & with Heather Gates

Stand in the & is a gathering designed to support curiosity, connection, & courage. This podcast is a series of conversations, with people across human-centered industries and life experiences, where we talk about showing up in the complexity of the human experience, where we get stuck, and how we find forward. Whether it’s the squeeze between empathy & accountability, structure & flexibility, hope & frustration, fear & excitement, us & them, or countless other “ands” we encounter. We’re leaning into the messiness. This podcast is a joyful & honest exploration around the nuance and possibility that exists within & among us. I hope you’ll join us!

Stand in the & with Heather Gates is a society podcast hosted by Heather Gates, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Heather Gates hosts Stand in the & with Heather Gates, a society show with 18 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #19

  Wired for Connection: The Neuroscience of Our Collective Experience

  Aug 18, 20261h 37mS1

  In this episode, Heather and Dr. Ahmad Hariri explore the neuroscience of human connection – how we are wired for both connection and “othering”, what neuroplasticity is, and a consideration of the collective value of neurodiversity. They discuss how understanding this can empower and support us in fostering relationships and personal growth that align with the values & intentions we hold. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host : Heather Gates , MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy Guest : Dr. Ahmad Hariri , Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University Resources Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst by Robert M. Sapolsky Mismatch: How Our Stone Age Brain Deceives Us Every Day by Ronald Giphart & Mark van Vugt Good Reasons for Bad Feelings: Insights from the Frontier of Evolutionary Psychiatry by Randolph M. Nesse Social: Why Our Brains Are Wired to Connect by Matthew D. Lieberman Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

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  Episode #18

  Considering Individual & Collective Responsibility in Creating Change

  Aug 4, 20261h 13mS1

  In this episode, Heather Gates and Meg Koepke explore the power of individual and collective responsibility in creating systemic change, especially within healthcare and collaborative improvement. They discuss how small groups, agency, and curiosity can drive meaningful progress despite large systemic challenges and share some of their own experiences about things that we can do or seek to help us get there. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host : Heather Gates , MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest : Meg Koepke , Co-Founder, Coral Health Advisors Resources Coral Health Advisors Pop Health Podcast Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

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  Episode #17

  The Art of Holding Both Ambition & Contentment

  Jul 1, 20261h 6mS1

  In this episode, small business founders, Heather and Erica, explore the intricate & imperfect balance between ambition and contentment, sharing personal insights, practical tools, and cultural reflections. As ambitious entrepreneurs with families, they discuss navigating the rhythms of life and work, emphasizing the importance of self-defined success, noticing little moments of contentment, trusting your intuition, and building supportive community. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employees, clients, or affiliated organizations. Host : Heather Gates , MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest : Erica McArthur Allison , President & CEO, Formation PR + Brand Resources Formation PR + Brand Chad Littlefield Group Activities Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

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  Episode #16

  Our Brains in the &: Fear, Reward, and Human Behavior

  Jun 22, 20261h 35mS1

  On this “expert in the &” episode, Heather and Dr. Ahmad Hariri, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, unpack some complexities of the human brain and how understanding it can help us live more intentional lives. Dr. Hariri shares some brain-circuit basics, along with details on how our neural architecture influences behavior and emotional regulation. This episode also includes a few reminders and tools to help us all hold ourselves with compassion and support us in thriving individually & collectively. Send us your questions… we’re doing a Part 2! Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host : Heather Gates , MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest : Dr. Ahmad Hariri , Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience, Duke University Resources Michael Pollan on Psychedelics Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown Whole Brain Living by Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor Looking Inside the Disordered Brain by Ahmad Hariri Dr. Dan Siegel “Brain in the Hand” model Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers by Robert Sapolsky's Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

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  Episode #15

  Unlocking Human Potential: The Dance Between Control & Surrender

  Jun 12, 20261h 15mS1

  On this episode, Heather Gates and Meghan O'Malley explore the nuanced dance between control, surrender, and agency. This conversation delves into how embracing paradoxes, regulating our nervous systems, and fostering connection can unlock human potential and foster authentic leadership. Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared in this episode belong solely to the host and the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of their employer or affiliated organizations. Host : Heather Gates , MPH, Owner & Strategy Partner, Human-Centered Strategy, LLC Guest : Meghan O'Malley , MS, Author, Speaker, Coach & Consultant Resources • Meghan O’Malley Coaching • “Unstuck Yourself: Thrive Beyond Burnout & Discover Your True Purpose” by Meghan O'Malley MS, Laura Cardwell • “Unshakeable: The Power of Connection When Everything Is Crumbling” by Meghan O’Malley, TedXAsheville • The Imaginal Change Podcast • Dr. Lisa Miller - researcher, professor and published author at Columbia University who studies the brain as it relates to spiritual connection Connect About the Podcast Email us with your ideas and feedback: connect@standintheand.com Visit the Podcast for more episodes See what we’re up to on Instagram with all things “&” To request strategy partner & facilitation support from Human-Centered Strategy, visit us online at https://human-centeredstrategy.com/contact/ Purchase the Merch Stickers, mugs, and touchstones can be purchased here https://human-centeredstrategy.com/gifts/

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