A Conversation with Mike Gillis (The Onion)
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations at the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon talks to writer and novelist Mike Gillis, one of the head writers for satirical newspaper The Onion. Gillis and Dixon discuss the role of satire and comedy in modern-day American society, and explore the far-reaching influence the newspaper has on pop culture and the law, including how The Onion encourages readers to engage in more honest conversations about the world around them.
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A Conversation with Ethan Slater
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations at the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon sits down with Ethan Slater ‘14, the Tony-nominated star of Spongebob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical. In this conversation, Slater reminisces on his experience as a Vassar student and his path to Broadway, and more recently, starring as Boq Woodsman in Wicked and Wicked: For Good. Slater and Dixon also reflect on the intersection of personal identity and performance in the current media and entertainment ecosystem.
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A Conversation with Dr. Mildred Johnson
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon talks to Dr. Mildred Johnson ‘03. Dr. Johnson discusses her fascinating educational journey from seeking a nursing degree at community college to joining to participating in Vassar’s Exploring Transfer Program, and ultimately enrolling at Vassar as a full-time student. Dr. Johnson reflects on her dynamic educational and interpersonal experience at Vassar and emphasizes the importance of a liberal arts education in her life.
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A Conversation with Eddie Gamarra and Damon Ross
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Eddie Gamarra ‘94 and Damon Ross ‘94, who were the keynote speakers for the 2026 Sophomore Career Connections. Dixon engages Gamarra and Ross in a conversation about their careers as entertainment executives and producers of animated films, specifically highlighting projects such as The Bad Guys and Stargirl. Dixon also delves into a conversation about friendship as creative technology, exploring how Gamarra and Ross’s deep personal friendship animated their creative pursuits.
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A Conversation with Jonathan Karl
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon sits down with Vassar alum Jonathan Karl ’90, chief Washington correspondent for ABC News, co-anchor of This Week with George Stephanopoulos, and author. Dixon and Karl discuss “Retribution," Karl’s latest book chronicling the 2024 Presidential campaign, which he calls the most consequential election of his lifetime, and the access he gained to an extraordinary cast of current political figures while reporting on a moment that could reshape American democracy. Karl also reflects on his time at Vassar and the values that...
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A Conversation with Elisa Strauss
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Elisa Strauss ’98, founder, CEO, and owner of Confetti Cakes. Wes and Elisa delve into her unconventional career path, tracing her journey from a liberal arts education in art history and studio art at Vassar to gaining professional experience in fashion at Ralph Lauren. Their conversation explores the complex relationship between artistic passion and the practical realities of running a business, examining how she defined her work as "practical art." Elisa also shares her five crucial lessons for entrepreneurs,...
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A Conversation with Tom Pyun
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Vassar alum, author and nonprofit consultant Tom Pyun '99. Wes and Tom dive into his debut novel, "Something Close to Nothing," exploring the conflicts faced by two gay men of color navigating parenthood via surrogacy, career ambition, and American individualism. Their conversation touches on Tom's journey through professional burnout, the healing power of creativity, and the deep influence of his Vassar liberal arts education on the book's nuanced themes of race, class, and gender.
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A Conversation with Leslie Jackson Chihuly
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with Leslie Jackson Chihuly ’83—arts leader, philanthropist, and CEO of Chihuly Studios. Wes and Leslie explore how art can serve as both expression and healing, reflecting on the ways creativity, structure, and care sustain her work and life. Their conversation touches on the power of vulnerability, the importance of mental health advocacy, and the enduring relationship between art, leadership, and personal transformation.
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A Conversation with Sarah Koenig
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with journalist and creator of the Serial podcast, Sarah Koenig. Wes and Sarah reflect on the impact of Serial on the media landscape, the responsibilities of storytelling, and how transparency and trust shape the relationship between journalists and their audiences.
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A Conversation with Laura Trevelyan
Conversations @ The Salt Line
In this episode of Conversations @ the Salt Line, host Wesley Dixon chats with former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan, who recently learned that her ancestors were absentee slave owners in Grenada. Wes and Laura engage in a conversation about her family's complicated history and what reparatory justice might look like in Grenada or other places with a history of enslavement. Recorded on 2/20/25
info_outlineIn this episode of "Conversations at the Salt Line," host Wesley Dixon chats with Ilyse Hogue '91, former president of NARAL Pro-Choice America and author of "The Lie that Binds." Wes and Ilyse discuss the history of the campaign against women's reproductive rights and explore the lessons that history provides as we seek to understand the current political environment in the United States.