Racial segregation still persists throughout the U.S. One factor contributing to this inequality is the structure of our towns and cities. Richard Rothstein and Tonika Johnson talk about how past laws and our government created a divided demographic and the impact this has on certain populations.
19-21 Segment 2: Appreciating the Beauty of Calculus
For many, learning about mathematics can be a terrifying and daunting task. Steven Strogatz discusses the importance of learning the basics of calculus and not only the math itself, but also understanding its historical prevalence and everyday use in our world.
Culture Crash 19-21: The New Album by Judah & The Lion
We discuss the new album Pep Talks from the band Judah & The Lion, most known for their 2016 single “Take It All Back”. The album features a funky, electronic vibe coupled with old-time folk and bluegrass instruments, offering a refreshing perspective in the alternative rock genre.
19-20 Segment 1: The End of Ice
Journalist and author Dahr Jamail exposes how climate change is affecting our ecosystems and natural landscape, including the melting and disappearance of massive ice glaciers. We discuss the long-term consequences of global warming and what we can do as a society to reverse the damage.
19-20 Segment 2: Louisa Adams – The Extraordinary First Lady You’ve Never Heard Of
We all know the names of famous First Ladies – Martha Washington, Mary Todd Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Nancy Reagan – and they all left their marks on our country in one way or another. One of these ladies that you probably don’t know much about is Louisa Adams, wife of President John Quincy Adams. Our guest has researched this extraordinary woman and discusses her strength, political wit and resilience.
Culture Crash 19-20: A Greater Diversity Within Television
We examine how television series have grown to be more diverse and inclusive in the Peak TV era. One such show is Ramy, a new Hulu original, which candidly follows the life of a young, first-generation Muslim man and the challenges that arise with the melting pot of cultures.
19-19 Segment 1: Boys in the Bunkhouse: Intellectually Challenged Men in Servitude
If you came upon a rundown, roach-infested bunkhouse in the heartland of America, full of middle-aged and elderly men in poor health who worked all day at a job for little pay and had been for decades, you might think you had time traveled back to the 19th century. We talk to an author who writes about this very situation where mentally challenged men were pressed into servitude in 1974 and remained there until 2009 when some determined social workers stepped up to their aid.
19-19 Segment 2: First Impressions & Their Pitfalls
We all get gut instincts when we walk into a room of strangers. Do we fit in here? Do these people seem friendly? Snap judgments are simply a part of how we function. But Princeton University psychology professor Alexander Todorov says that while these first impressions are natural, we should try to resist them.
Culture Crash 19-19: A Review of Elisabeth Moss in Her Smell
Elisabeth Moss stars in the new indie movie, Her Smell directed by Alex Ross Perry. The film follows Moss as she plays the chaotic role of fictional punk rocker, Becky Something, who is mentally unstable, addicted to drugs and clawing to get her life together.
19-18 Segment 1: Diversity in Sci-Fi
For decades, science fiction was a genre written almost exclusively by white males. Now, the genre is flourishing with diverse voices, thanks in part to the trailblazing writer Octavia E. Butler. Historian Gerry Canavan discusses the obstacles Butler faced and her legacy on one of the most popular genres in American literature.
19-18 Segment 2: The Honey Bus
In Meredith May’s new book, she examines the parallels between the inner workings of beehives and our society, and how beekeeping taught her numerous life lessons as a child. She also discusses the threat to bees with commercialized beekeeping and what we can do to protect these insects vital to our ecosystem.
Culture Crash 19-18: Beyonce’s Dominance in Pop Culture
We examine Beyonce’s consistent influence throughout all sectors of media. The visionary artist is known for her fierce demeanor and powerhouse concert performances, rewriting traditional female and black stereotypes in media.
