Episode 195

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Published on:

18th May 2022

Dr. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado

A thread running through Dr. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado’s life is a desire to leave the world better, whether or not his involvement is visible to others. As well as discussing his long career as an educator, nuclear non-proliferation analyst, and community activist, we talk about inclusion, identity, his experience growing up as the son of migrant Mexican farm workers, joining the Navy, and much more.

In June 2022 Dr. Jonathan Benjamin-Alvarado begins his new role as senior advisor to the chancellor and as the chief inclusion officer at Texas Christian University. He was formerly assistant vice chancellor of student success at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Benjamin-Alvarado is also the former president of the Latino Caucus in Political Science of the American Political Science Association. He additionally served as the director for the University of Nebraska Omaha's Office of Latino and Latin American Studies. Benjamin-Alvarado earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and his doctorate in political science from the University of Georgia.

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About the Podcast

Lives Radio Show & Podcast with Stuart Chittenden
Every Sunday at 9am on KIOS 91.5FM, Omaha's NPR affiliate, Season Three of Lives will tackle the big questions: What is a good life? Why are we here? How might we feel more connected? These and other big questions about how we live will be explored each week. Through intimate conversations, fascinating guests will share their spiritual, philosophical, artistic, and cultural approaches to exploring the wonders of our human experience. Join me as we delve into the practical and profound possibilities of living well.

As well as listening to this Season Three of Lives being broadcast on KIOS, listen back to Seasons One and Two, featuring fresh voices and diverse perspectives on culture, community, business, and more. From the Midwest and beyond, inspiring guests share compelling stories spanning the fields of politics, business, media, community activism, arts and humanities, philanthropy, and more.

On air since January 2017, Lives Radio Show & Podcast initially broadcast on the community radio station Mind & Soul 101.3FM in north Omaha, housed at the Malcolm X Center, and more recently broadcast with 1st Sky Omaha.

About your host

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stuart chittenden

I'm Stuart Chittenden—an existential coach, Certified Humanist Professional, and the creator and host of Lives Radio Show & Podcast. My work centers on helping people explore who they are, what matters most, and how to live well in a world that often rushes past those questions.

Throughout my journey—from law in London to brand strategy and community dialogue in the American Midwest—I’ve always been drawn to what lies beneath: the quiet, often unspoken work of making meaning. Lives is one of the most enduring expressions of that calling. For over eight years, I’ve invited guests from all walks of life into deep, human conversations about identity, purpose, and how we shape—and are shaped by—our stories.

Whether through coaching, workshops, or the microphone, I create space for reflection, connection, and the rich conversations that help us live more fully.