As Nature Neuroscience celebrates its 25th anniversary, we are having conversations with both established leaders in the field and those earlier in their careers to discuss how neuroscience has evolved, and where it is heading. This month, we are talking to Nii Addy, the Albert E. Kent Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, and the inaugural Director of Scientist Diversity and Inclusion at Yale School of Medicine. Dr Addy studies dopamine, motivation, and addiction, and spoke with me about promoting diversity, how to be a good mentor, and communicating with the public via his popular podcast.