O’Neill Speaks is the official podcast of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. O’Neill Speaks showcases our world-renowned faculty and researchers who provide their analysis of the most pressing challenges facing society. Through their insight and policy expertise, our guests will educate and change the way you think about our world.
Publisher
IU Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs
32 | Finding Pathways to Success with the Observing Civic Engagement Lab
Throughout the ages, civilizations have been built on hard work, solid social and economic structures, and strong relationships. But to thrive, a society needs civic organizations that serve as the vital connective tissue that bridges the gap between individuals, communities, and governing institutions. By uniting people around shared values, common goals, and local needs, these groups cultivate social capital, foster trust, and nurture a deep sense of belonging.
But these organizations—often non-profit, sometimes religion-based, and usually outside of the government—run the full spectrum of success. What are the keys to building a successful civic organization? How does that level of success rise and fall over time? What kinds of interactions can predict if an organization can reach its goals?
We’re joined today by the leaders of the Observing Civic Engagement Lab at the O’Neill School, including co-directors Matthew Baggetta and Brad Fulton, and Program Director and Lab Manager Claire Woodward. The OCE seeks to uncover how people interact within civil society organizations and how those interactions can strengthen organizations, promote civic engagement, and improve quality of life in communities.
O’Neill Speaks is the official podcast of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. All opinions and comments on O’Neill Speaks belongs to the host and guest of the O’Neill School and don’t necessarily reflect those of the school itself. Music for O’Neill Speaks is by Manos Mars.
22 Sept 2026
31 | The Challenge of Rebuilding After Nepal Flooding with Shana Scogin
On Aug. 26 of this year, a catastrophic flash flood and debris flow likely triggered by the collapse of a glacier impacted populated areas in Nepal near the border of China. By the time the rushing waters slowed, more than 1,350 people were dead in Nepal alone, with another 5,300-plus missing. In Tibet, there were more than 40 deaths and more than 500 missing.
Videos of the flooding have been shocking to say the least. The sheer power of nature roaring through valleys at speeds of upward of 110 MPH erased buildings and bridges all along the flood route and left as much as nearly five feet of silt along the main disaster zone. In Nepal, the Roads Department estimated more than 65 bridges has been damaged, including 33 suspension bridges that had been damaged beyond repair.
Farmland, electrical grids, roads, and infrastructure of nearly every kind was impacted with billions of dollars worth of damage.
Again, the footage is shocking to see, and people and governments worldwide reacted by offering a wide variety of aid.
The initial shock fades and the news cycle moves on, but Nepal will be facing enormous challenges to recover and rebuild from this disaster. How does a country begin to bounce back from such destruction in a practical sense?
We’re joined today by one of the newest members of the O’Neill School, Shana Scogin. Shana is an Assistant Professor at the O’Neill School who interests focus on governance, environmental politics, disasters, and public goods, with a particular focus in South Asia. She also has studied the politics of disasters in three urban centers in Kathmandu Valley in Nepal.
O’Neill Speaks is the official podcast of the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. All opinions and comments on O’Neill Speaks belongs to the host and guest of the O’Neill School and don’t necessarily reflect those of the school itself. Music for O’Neill Speaks is by Manos Mars.
10 Sept 2026
30 | The Future of the O'Neill Leadership Center with Karen Gahl-Mills and Matthew Baggetta
In 2019, Paul O’Neill showed his dedication to Indiana University and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs by making a transformative $30 million gift, leading to the school being named in his honor.
One of the motivating factors behind the gift was the establishment of the Paul H. O’Neill Center for Leadership in Public Service dedicated to strengthening society by cultivating the next generation of innovative and ethical leaders for positive impact. Building on the O’Neill School’s more than 50-year commitment to advancing the public good, the center enhances student leadership programs, expands executive education opportunities, and bridges research with real-world solutions. It also fosters new pathways for experiential learning, professional development, and community engagement.
Earlier this week, the O’Neill Leadership Center announced new co-directors, Karen Gahl-Mills and Matthew Bagetta, who will lead the OLC as it expands student leadership programming and strengthens community-engaged scholarship.
We’re thrilled to be joined today by Karen and Matt to talk about the future of this critical center. Karen Gahl-Mills is a professor of practice at the O’Neill School and serves as the O’Neill School’s director of Arts Administration Programs. She applies practical lessons learned during her distinguished career to her administrative work, and to teaching courses in nonprofit governance, leadership, strategy, fundraising, and public policy.
Associate Professor Matthew Baggetta is an expert on civil society and volunteer associations. His research interests include civil society and civic engagement, membership-based organizations, and social movements. Baggetta’s work focuses on the impacts of volunteer associations on their members and the broader impacts of associations and movements on society.
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95,213
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
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29
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
68
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