The CSU Spur of the Moment Podcast tackles the issues of food, water, health, and sustainability by talking with people making a difference in these fields and exploring the unique pathways that have led them to their current roles. Hosted by the Colorado State University System's new Spur campus in Denver, this podcast builds on its mission of addressing global challenges through research collaboration, experiential education, and a shared vision of inspiring the next generation.
Improving Systems and Leading with Authenticity with Laura Weinberg
Laura Weinberg believes that the best way to improve a community is to bring everyone to the table — not just government, but private industry, neighboring cities, and the people who live and work there every day. For Laura, real progress on complex challenges like housing doesn't come from a single solution, but from collaboration across borders and sectors.
Laura is the Mayor of Golden, Colorado, a city of roughly equal parts residents and daily commuters, home to Colorado School of Mines, Coors Brewery, and a thriving outdoor recreation economy. Before running for office, Laura built a career in IT and business strategy, working across financial services and software companies, ultimately running her own consulting practice. When she decided to run for city council — and later for mayor — she did it her way. She also works as a fitness instructor, a role she says provides crucial balance to the policy-heavy demands of public service.
Laura joined the podcast to discuss what it's really like to be a part-time mayor with a full-time workload, her through line of improving systems across every chapter of her career, and why staying curious and true to yourself matters more than having a plan.
30 Dec 2025
Sparking Curiosity Through Experience with Abby Bysshe
Abby Bysshe believes the most powerful museum experiences start with fun and lead to curiosity. From hands-on exhibits to full-body interactive moments, her work centers on creating spaces where visitors of all ages can explore science, ask questions, and leave inspired to learn more long after they walk out the door.
Abby is the Chief Experience and Strategy Officer at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, one of the nation’s oldest and most visited science museums. She has spent nearly a decade at the Institute overseeing exhibitions, live science programming, and the overall visitor experience. Prior to that, she worked at the National Geographic Society and the National Gallery of Art, building a career at the intersection of design, storytelling, and cultural institutions.
Abby joined the podcast to discuss designing engaging museum experiences, sparking curiosity through play, and her career path through the museum world, along with insights on lifelong learning, creative leadership, and staying open to unexpected opportunities.
7 Nov 2025
Building Better Teams and Solving Hard Problems with Michaela Kerrissey
How do great teams solve hard problems? Dr. Michaela Kerrissey believes it starts with curiosity, care, and a willingness to work together. Her research explores what makes teams thrive—how people from different backgrounds can bridge gaps, listen to one another, and turn collaboration into real innovation.
Michaela is an Associate Professor of Management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she studies how healthcare organizations innovate, improve, and integrate services. Her work focuses on team dynamics, cross-sector collaboration, and leadership behaviors that help groups move from impasse to impact. She was named to the 2023 Thinkers 50 Radar list of top global management thinkers.
Michaela joined the podcast to discuss what makes teams effective, why a “we mindset” matters, and how to build cultures of openness, excellence, and shared problem-solving in any organization.
Michaela joined the podcast to discuss what makes teams effective, why a “we mindset” matters, and how to build cultures of openness, excellence, and shared problem-solving in any organization.
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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.7 / 5
7 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
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