Rigorous research paired with visionary public policy has shaped countless policies and programs worldwide. In this podcast from MIT's Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), you’ll come to know the stories behind the impact. Hear from advocates and program coordinators, researchers, and most importantly, the participants themselves about why these programs matter to them and why they should matter for all of us.
Researcher Spotlight: Gautam Rao on co-producing evidence with policymakers
In this episode, host Sambhav Choudhury speaks with Gautam Rao, Associate Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley. From his unconventional journey from electronics engineering to economics, Gautam shares insights on his behavioral economics and mental health research in India. He discusses his collaborative study on psychotherapy's long-term effects in Goa, explores effective strategies for building partnerships with policymakers, and emphasizes the importance of fieldwork in challenging academic assumptions.
23 Jul 2025
Researcher Spotlight: Harini Kannan on designing and scaling education programs
In this episode, host Sambhav Choudhury speaks with Harini Kannan, Research Scientist at J-PAL South Asia. Harini shares her journey from being inspired by budget speeches as a child to pursuing a career in development economics. Drawing from her extensive experience collaborating with government partners across India, Harini offers valuable insights into building effective partnerships and scaling evidence-informed programs.
16 Jul 2025
Researcher Spotlight: Ariel Zucker on field-driven solutions in development economics
In this episode, host Sambhav Choudhury speaks with Ariel Zucker, Assistant Professor of Economics at UC Santa Cruz. Ariel discusses her journey from an early interest in global health disparities to becoming a development economist specializing in experimental approaches. She shares insights from her research on health interventions for diabetes patients and groundwater conservation in India, highlighting how she balances theoretical frameworks with practical field realities to create meaningful, scalable solutions.
30 Jun 2025
Researcher Spotlight: Shobhini Mukherji on her journey to development economics
Sambhav Choudhury interviews Shobhini Mukherji, Executive Director of J-PAL South Asia, about her path into development economics and her work with experimental research, highlighting her impactful experiences.
24 Jun 2025
Researcher Spotlight: Sandip Sukhtankar on his work in India
Sambhav Choudhury interviews Sandip Sukhtankar, Professor of Economics, about conducting research with law enforcement in India and the role of technology in social protection programs.
20 Jul 2022
Episode 7: Using Research to Understand Impact
This episode presents rigorous research on summer youth employment programs and explores how listeners can support these initiatives.
23 Dec 2020
Episode 6: Change the Narrative
This episode explores how summer jobs programs reshape participants' life stories, offering new opportunities and perspectives for personal growth.
9 Dec 2020
Episode 5: Create Access to Good Jobs
This episode explores how summer jobs programs in major cities reduce crime and incarceration, while also examining the varying short-term impacts on earnings.
25 Nov 2020
Episode 4: Provide Support That Empowers
This episode explores how summer jobs programs empower youth and create lasting impact by decreasing violent crime rates well after the programs end.
11 Nov 2020
Episode 3: Transform Data Use
This episode explores how data analysis informs effective strategies for aiding vulnerable populations and achieving diverse outcomes, offering insights into data-driven decision-making.
28 Oct 2020
Episode 2: Ensure Zip Code is Not Destiny
This episode explores how summer jobs programs in major US cities aim to overcome socioeconomic barriers, ensuring opportunities are not limited by geographic location.
14 Oct 2020
Episode 1: Setting the Stage
This episode introduces listeners to the individuals featured in the J-PAL Voices series, which explores the impact and potential of summer jobs in the United States.
24 Sept 2020
Introducing: J-PAL Voices
Host Rohit Naimpally introduces J-PAL Voices, a podcast exploring how summer jobs programs can foster mobility from poverty in the United States, offering insights into poverty alleviation.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
11 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
16
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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