Episodes

In this episode of Breaking Precedent, host Leah Solivan talks with Trevor Paglen, an artist, researcher, and adventurer. Trevor shares the hidden layers of our world through art, from covert military installations to undersea internet cables. His work, featured in renowned institutions like the Pace Art Gallery and the Smithsonian Institute, spans photographing submerged cables to launching art into space. They discuss the intersection of art and AI, its societal implications, and how technolog...

In this episode of Breaking Precedent, host Leah Solivan sits down with Aaron Holliday, Founder and Managing Director of 645 Ventures, a venture fund with an unprecedented model and a mission to bring the invisible to life. Aaron shares his inspiring journey from growing up in New Orleans to building a data-driven sourcing model that uncovers promising startups and founders at the earliest stages. With over half a billion dollars under management and a 10-year anniversary, 645 Ventures has truly...

In this episode of Breaking Precedent, host Leah Solivan is joined by Eric Ryan, a transformational entrepreneur known for reimagining mundane product categories into billion-dollar brands. They dive into Eric’s playbook, exploring how he uses design to capture shifts in consumer behavior. Eric shares his journey from childhood influences to starting Method Soap, Ollie Vitamins, Welly Bandages, and Cast Jewelry, detailing his emphasis on people, culture, and differentiation through design. Gues...

In this episode of Breaking Precedent, host Leah Solivan is joined by a Pakistani-born social activist, angel investor, and co-founder of the Malala Fund. Shiza shares her journey from organizing relief efforts in Pakistan to co-founding a billion-dollar nonprofit for girls’ education. She discusses her work with Malala Yousafzai, breaking barriers in the venture capital space, and building OurPlace, a direct-to-consumer kitchenware brand rooted in inclusivity and purpose. Shiza reflects on her ...

In this episode of Breaking Precedent, host Leah Solivan dives into the extraordinary journey of Alejandra Campoverdi, an award-winning author and trailblazer who has navigated the complexities of social mobility and the emotional toll of being a first-generation achiever. Alejandra's memoir, "First Gen," offers a poignant and relatable account of what it means to be a trailblazer, resonating with readers across various demographics. Alejandra shares her experiences with vulnerability and empath...

In this episode of Breaking Precedent, host Leah Solivan is joined by Dr. Eiman Jahangir, a cardiologist, associate professor at Vanderbilt University, and newly minted astronaut. Together, they discuss Dr. Eiman’s childhood dream turned reality of shuttling to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard. Dr. Eiman shares the trials of his astronaut applications, his unexpected journey through the world of NFTs and cryptocurrency, and the sheer emotion of achieving a lifelong dream. Guest Bio and Li...

In this episode of Breaking Precedent, host Leah Solivan is joined by a successful venture capitalist and co-founder of Floodgate, Ann Miura-Ko. Leah and Ann dive into the world of technology, what Ann seeks in founding teams, thoughts on the challenges with the Venture Capital industry, and Ann’s perspective on the opportunities AI presents for mass cognition. Drawing from her upbringing in a Japanese immigrant family and experiences in Silicon Valley, Ann dives deep into her journey of embraci...

In this episode of Breaking Precedent, host Leah Solivan dives into the world of law with retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. From the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education to the recent Dobbs decision, Justice Breyer shares his thoughts on the significance of precedent as a cornerstone of societal stability. He also explores how the concept of precedent differs in business and technology, where breaking precedent can drive innovation and progress. On a personal note, Justice Br...

Welcome to Breaking Precedent, the podcast that dives deep into the stories of trailblazers, innovators, and game-changers who are redefining societal precedents. Join us as we sit down with extraordinary individuals who are pushing the boundaries of social norms, challenging precedents, and setting new ones in their fields. Each episode features in-depth interviews that reveal the motivations, struggles, and triumphs of these pioneers, offering listeners a front-row seat to the groundbreaking i...