Scoot Over aims to bridge cultural and societal divides one podcast episode at a time

In a time when podcast listeners are some of the most influential audiences to capture, the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations - in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship - has launched a podcast which aims to educate audiences, illuminate subjects that drive news headlines around the globe and propagate the idea that there’s always room to “scoot over” and make more room at the proverbial table.

Scoot Over features journalist Aymann Ismail leading a series of conversations about what it takes to build a more inclusive world and discuss the obstacles that stand in the way of that happening. Scoot Over is the first limited series podcast from the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations and brings together social activists, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders to have cross-cultural / interfaith dialogues in an effort to share experiences and maximize impact to drive forward social justices for the betterment of society and inspire people to “scoot over” and make room for someone else.

The eight episode series features host Ismail, AdR Fellows, and luminaries from all walks of life discussing wide ranging topics such as Gender in Religion, Ageism, Memory, History, and Inclusion; topics that deeply affect people from all corners of the globe mentally and physically in sometimes very different ways based on their individual backgrounds.

“One key point we have made over the past ten years though the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship is that a genuine commitment to Diversity and Inclusion can no longer be distinct from conducting business successfully. The AdR Fellowship has built an extraordinary network of social entrepreneurs who have nurtured cross-cultural bridges and achieved new horizons together. Being able to share with the world the reflections of our fellows and experts through this podcast series is an exciting milestone for us. The conversations within represent extraordinary stories of courage, resilience and hope,” said Foundations CEO Firoz Ladak.

“I’ve wanted to make a podcast like this forever. As a journalist I ponder the very same societal norms that the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship seeks to challenge with this series. Everything I’ve done in my journalism career intended to answer those questions raised. Scoot Over goes beyond trying to answer life’s loftiest questions, but rather complicates them. As a Muslim in America the desire for meaning is inside me no matter how solid the ground beneath my feet is. I know first-hand what it’s like to spiral out of wanting to feel welcome. Scoot Over gives listeners insider access into the societal conversation behind the conversation. Guests who are world-class thought leaders, themselves veterans of their own inner culture clashes, are pushed to not squeeze out answers, but share their findings on their search for meaning. That’s the magic of Scoot Over. Give it a listen. It’s dope,” said Ismail.

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship is an initiative of the Edmond de Rothschild Foundations that strives to promote a modern view of philanthropy that focuses on the dignity and empowerment of each individual. The Fellowship’s mission is to forge bridges between minority communities in Europe and North America and it has built a network of entrepreneurs and community leaders invested in empowering pluralistic societies, in nurturing wisdom, and in collaborative leadership.