Leadership Journeys
These fireside chats bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate.
These fireside chats bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate.
Be challenged and encouraged in your leadership journey as you hear how these diverse leaders have led through difficult times in our country and world.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota
Episodes

Mar 11, 2026
Dr. Kerry Witherell: March 4, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
Mar 11, 2026
45 min
An intimate chat with Kerry Witherell, AuD, CCC-A, Instructor, Department of Speech-Language-Hearing Science.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Kerry Witherell.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Feb 12, 2026
Feb 12, 2026
1hr 3 min
An intimate chat with Jon Hallberg, professor, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, founding creative director of the Center for Art and Medicine and Brennan Vance, Emmy-winning documentarian.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Nov 13, 2025
Molly Portz: Nov. 12, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
50 min
An intimate chat with Molly Portz, Assistant Vice Provost and Interim Director of International Student and Scholar Services.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Molly Portz.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Oct 3, 2025
Dr. Jakub Tolar 5.0: Oct. 1, 2025
Oct 3, 2025
Oct 3, 2025
50 min
An intimate chat with Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, Vice President for Clinical Affairs.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Dr. Jakub Tolar.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Oct 3, 2025
Dr. Jakub Tolar 2.0: April 25, 2023
Oct 3, 2025
Oct 3, 2025
54 min
A conversation about the importance of lifelong learning and growth in serving as a leader with Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, Vice President for Clinical Affairs.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Dr. Jakub Tolar.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Apr 23, 2025
Kelly Bonner: April 16, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
44 min
A conversation with Kelly Bonner, Licensed Therapist, Burnout Expert, and host of the award-winning podcast Black Girl Burnout.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Kelly Bonner.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Mar 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025
48 min
A conversation with Drs. Kim Mansky, Romina Nikoukar, and Sara North.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features:
Kim Mansky Professor, School of Dentistry, University of Minnesota
Romina Nikoukar Senior Scientist, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
Sara NorthDirector of Educational Innovation and Evaluation and Associate Professor in the Division of Physical Therapy in the Medical School,Co-Director of UMN Center for Interprofessional Health
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Nov 21, 2024
Dr. Jakub Tolar 4.0: Nov 20, 2024
Nov 21, 2024
Nov 21, 2024
47 min
An intimate chat with Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, Vice President for Clinical Affairs.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Dr. Jakub Tolar.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Apr 15, 2024
Dr. Ana Núñez , MD, FACP: April 9, 2024
Apr 15, 2024
Apr 15, 2024
38 min
An intimate chat with Ana Núñez, MD, FACP, Vice Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Dr. Ana Núñez.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Feb 22, 2024
Dr. Jakub Tolar 3.0: Feb. 6, 2024
Feb 22, 2024
Feb 22, 2024
24 min
An intimate chat with Jakub Tolar, MD, PhD, Vice President for Clinical Affairs.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Dr. Jakub Tolar.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

Oct 4, 2023
Dr. Roli Dwivedi: Oct. 3, 2023
Oct 4, 2023
Oct 4, 2023
38 min
A conversation about privilege (and disprivilege) and generous listening with. Roli Dwivedi, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, Community-University Health Care Center.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features Dr. Roli Dwivedi.
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations

May 22, 2023
May 22, 2023
55 min
A conversation with public health leaders about empathy and working through challenges with Dr. Tim Beebe, Jan Malcolm, and Dr. Michael Osterholm.
Fireside Chats: Leadership Journeys bring together University of Minnesota health sciences students with experts for candid conversation on leadership, career pathways, sources of joy, and strategies to rejuvenate. This episode features:
Dr. Tim BeebeInterim Dean, School of Public Health
Jan MalcolmFormer Commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Health
Dr. Michael OsterholmDirector, Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy
Moderated by Dr. Carolyn Porta, Associate Vice President for Clinical Affairs, University of Minnesota.
See Fireside Chats--Book, Podcast, Movie Recommendations




