On Almost There, a new podcast from Emerson Collective, poet and lawyer Dwayne Betts talks to creative problem solvers—architects, doctors, writers, voyagers, organizers, and artists—about their approach to making meaningful social change. In each episode, we’ll learn about the journeys that have led our guests to the big questions driving their work: How do we keep our families and communities healthy? How do we build a fairer immigration system and promote civic participation? How can we stay alert to the beauty around us and harness human ingenuity to protect our planet? The conversations on Almost There will explore these pressing questions and new possibilities. Produced by Magnificent Noise.
Original thinking and unexpected ideas are essential in building and rebuilding the world. On Almost There, listeners hear the profound stories of people working to improve the world. They respond to big questions such as, what is meaningful? Where are they going? Why are they doing what they are doing?
The podcast's title signifies the journey to a better place. It pinpoints how people can help make lasting changes in underserved communities. Topics revolve around issues such as immigration, education, and health. The show also explores social justice, history, community-building, and community connections.
Yale Law School graduate Dwayne Betts hosts Almost There. On the podcast, the host shares his incredible life story. At age 16, he went to prison for carjacking a man. Tried as an adult, Dwayne would spend over eight years in jail. During his sentence, he developed a love for poetry. Dwayne began to write poems of his own, and he would go on to earn a creative writing MFA. His published poetry collections include Near Burn and Burden and Felon: Poems. Dwayne's spectacular storytelling is evident in the conversations on the podcast.
The host defines "almost there" as acknowledging a journey to a better place. He shares his realization that part of his purpose is to be a conduit for the stories of others. Guests on the show include fellows of the Emerson Collective. The organization strives to help people achieve well-being, health, and opportunity. The guests come from a range of backgrounds and careers.
On the podcast, Dwayne leads meaningful and insightful conversations with the host. Guests talk about what it means to be "almost there" in their work and life. Almost There feels like an emotional rallying call for people to reach out and help others. Listeners can expect to learn, laugh, and feel uplifted. The stories on the podcast could motivate listeners to become changemakers. New episodes premiere weekly.
Episodes