Fordham Conversations

Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari talks with Philosophy professor John Davenport about President Biden’s first 100 days, address to a joint session of Congress, the ongoing voting rights battle and how proposed DC statehood can shake up a stagnation in Washington.

The cornonavirus pandemic has changed the way Amercians approach work, interact with family and how students learn. Now there's a plan to have the school year extend throughout the summer. Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon talking with Nicholas Tampio, a Fordham University Political Science Professor. We discuss the possible plan to extended the school year and why he believes children need to play rather than catch up on school this this summer.

Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon talks with Dr. Joy Dangora Erickson. They discuss the importance of talking about race, racism and racial tolerance with children. Then WFUV reporter Rebecca Gutierrez discusses her new podcast She Was, She Is. It explores how women have advanced in music, politics, business, and sports.

Fordham Conversation continues last week's discussion on faith among Black Americans and the dynamics of the Black church. Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture hosted a webinar that featured a discussion with Pew Researchers about “Faith Among Black Americans.” This week, guest host and CRC Director David Gibson talks with leading experts on Black Catholicism. Panelist include Dr. Besheer Mohamed, Dr. Kiana Cox, Dr. Tia Noel Pratt and Father Bryan Massingale.

Fordham Conversations is focusing on faith among Black Americans and the dynamics of the Black church. Fordham Conversations guest host David Gibson is the director of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture. The CRC held a webinar that featured a survey by The Pew Research Center that looked at “Faith Among Black Americans.” Gibson and guests feature an overview of the data plus a discussion with leading experts on Black Catholicism. Panelists Besheer Mohamed, Ph.D., is a senior researcher at Pew Research Center and one of the principal authors of the new report. Kiana Cox, Ph.D., is a research associate at Pew Research Center and a principal author of the new report. Tia Noelle Pratt, Ph.D., is a sociologist of religion specializing in the ways systemic racism affects Black Catholic identity. She received her doctorate in sociology from Fordham University in 2010. She is the president of TNPratt & Associates, an inclusion and diversity consulting firm in Philadelphia, and she is the curator of the #BlackCatholicsSyllabus. She is currently working on a book, Faithful and Devoted: Racism and Identity in the African-American Catholic Experience. Bryan Massingale, S.T.D., is a priest of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, a professor of theological and social ethics, and the James and Nancy Buckman Chair in Applied Christian Ethics at Fordham University. His most recent book is Racial Justice and the Catholic Church. His current writing projects explore the contributions of Black radicalism to Catholic theology and the intersections of race, sexuality, and faith.  

There's an ongoing wave of anti-Asian violence and harassment spreading across the U.S. There have been incidents where Asians in America, especially women and the elderly, are being spat on, knocked down, robbed, slashed across the face and worse. This is causing fear in these communities, economic challenges for the businesses, And confusion and anger over why these incidents aren't getting coverage from mainstream news outlets. This is Fordham Conversations "We The People." Where we delve into the intricate issues surrounding racial and ethnic minorities including the injustices, challenges and progresses being made in these communities. I'm Robin Shannon. Today i'm joined by Tiffany Yip. The Professor of Psychology and Department Chairperson at Fordham University.

Coming off a bitterly divided impeachment process and acquittal of former President Trump, Fordham Philosophy Professor John Davenport rejoins Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari to react to the historic trial and discuss potential reforms that would preserve the integrity of the process.

Coming off a bitterly divided impeachment process and acquittal of former President Trump, Fordham Philosophy Professor John Davenport rejoins Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari to react to the historic trial and discuss potential reforms that would preserve the integrity of the process.

In fiercely turbulent political times, the term "bipartisanship" has been floated around rather often — despite few lawmakers, if any, truly looking to achieve it. Fordham Philosophy Professor John Davenport rejoins Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari for a wide-ranging discussion on the practicality of current bipartisan efforts, potential reforms to reduce stalemates in Washington and historical context of the constitutional obstacles standing in the way.

Fordham Conversation host Robin Shannon talks diversity with Rafael Zapata. He is Chief Diversity Officer, Special Assistant to the President for Diversity, and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs. They discuss Fordham University's plan to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. Then we hear from Michelle Silverthorn who is a diversity and inclusion trainer. She is also the author of the bestselling book "Authentic Diversity: How to Change the Workplace for Good." They discuss the best practices a business should follow when creating a diversity plan.

After a turbulent several months, the Constitution reaffirmed the initial outcome of the general election, certifying President Joe Biden's victory. However, that did come without President Trump's claims of fraud, massive distrust from Republican voters, over 60 GOP lawsuit losses and a mob inside the United States Capitol. To prevent further chaos and lower the temperature in the country, the vast majority of American citizens must trust election results and operate on the same set of facts. That's what Fordham Philosophy professor John Davenport discusses with Emmanuel Berbari on this week's edition of Fordham Conversations — potential reforms for the 117th Congress to consider, potential issues with coming elections and much more.

Fordham Press has been publishing boundary-breaking books for over a century . On this week's episode of Fordham Conversations, host Robin Shannon talks with two members of the oldest Catholic university press in the United States, Director Fred Nachbaur and Associate Director of Marketing and Sales Kate O'Brien-Nicholson, about their must read books for 2021.

Member of The Life Jacket Theatre Company have launched an outreach initiative that combines art and activism. "The Storytelling Project" is helping young people in underserved communities tell their personal stories. Travis Russ is an Associate Professor at Fordham University. He is also Artistic Director at Life Jacket Theatre Company. Drew Drake is an actor, poet, and Teaching Artist for the Storytelling Project. He is focused on creating art that facilitates healthy dialogue for people of color.

Fans and the Fordham University Community are mourning the loss of Alex Trebek, who died of pancreatic cancer on Nov 8. The beloved host of the game show Jeopardy had special ties to the University. On this week's Fordham Conversations, we hear a rebroadcast of the time Alex Trebek came to the college to share advice, his history, and funny stories.

Potential record-setting voter turnout and an overwhelming volume of mail-in ballots could turn Election Night into Election Week or Election Month. Fordham Political Science Professor Monika McDermott is back on Fordham Conversations with host Emmanuel Berbari to discuss the possibility of post-election litigation and doomsday scenarios if key races do not produce convincing outcomes.

A group of New Jersey police officers are asking students to send in videos telling them what they really think about cops in their community and offering pairs of new shoes as a reward. Fordham Conversations Host Robin Shannon talks with Sergeant Kaan Williams, founder of the Kicks Not Cuffs program.

Faith Farms and Climate is a project that brings farmers together in church halls and basements to talk about how their faith calls them to climate action and how they need to lead on developing both smart public policy and the market forces to reward them for climate solution innovation on their farms. Fordham Conversations host Assistant Director of the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture, David Goodwin talks with Executive Director of Iowa Interfaith Power and Light Matt Russell. The two discuss how farmers can act on climate change Through public events and conversations with experts and artists, scholars and faith leaders, Fordham’s  seeks to engage and elevate the public dialogue about religion and culture, the mind and the soul, inclusion and identity, politics, and the arts.

College athletes will face multiple challenges whenever their seasons restart. Faced with a pandemic, coupled with a long layoff in competition and cold and flu season. Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari welcomes Fordham Head Team Physician and Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. T. Sean Lynch. They dive into the challenges future seasons can have on student-athletes and Lynch's perspective on orthopedic health trends.

Fordham Conversations Host John Rogan is joined by John D. Feerick, the Norris Professor of Law at Fordham University School of Law and dean emeritus to discuss Constitution Day, which is September 17--the date in 1787 when the delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed off on the Constitution. As a recent graduate of Fordham College and Fordham Law School in the mid-1960s, Dean Feerick played a key role in framing the Constitution’s 25th Amendment—which addresses presidential succession and inability. He also worked on a nearly successful effort to abolish the Electoral College and brought his constitutional expertise back to Fordham Law School, where he teaches seminars and clinics on the Constitution.      Additional Resources Dean Feerick's 1963 Fordham Law Review article on presidential succession, which was published a month before the the Kennedy assassination and got him involved in working on the 25th Amendment  Fordham Law's 25th Amendment Archive, which includes Feerick's correspondence with members of Congress and others during the 25th Amendment's drafting Feerick's 1968 Fordham Law Review article calling for a constitutional amendment abolishing the Electoral College, which was published around the time he began working with the American Bar Association and Senator Birch Bayh on an amendment eliminating the Electoral College The reports from Fordham Law's Democracy and the Constitution Clinic, which Dean Feerick and John Rogan co-taught. The clinic advanced reform recommendations related to the Constitution. (added period) The Fordham University Press page for Feerick's memoir, which includes discussions of his work on constitutional issues  

Musical artists Dayne Carter's song "What Do You See?” spotlights his personal experience as a Black man in America. The hip hop tune examines how he is coping with the aftermath of protests following the killings of George Floyd and Brionna Taylor. The Fordham University Alumni sits down with Host Robin Shannon for "We The People." The special monthly Fordham Conversations delves into the intricate issues surrounding racial and ethnic minorities, including the injustices, challenges and progresses being made in communities of color.

 a groundbreaking day in the sports world. After Jacob Blake was shot seven times by police, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Bucks made a decisive call: they boycotted their playoff game against Orlando. Soon after, the rest of the league halted for three days. Several other demonstrations in the WNBA and Major League Baseball followed suit. In a year of unrest, athletes have not shied away from the spotlight. The overarching question: how do their symbolic gestures turn into systemic change? Mark Conrad is the Director of the Sports Business Program at Fordham. He joins Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari to discuss the relationship between professional sports, racial injustice and the agency of the modern athlete.

A month ago, the Patriot League announced the suspension of all Fall sports. Several major collegiate conferences have followed suit. The highly debatable question of risk versus reward continues to drive the conversation. Only six conferences still plan to play Fall football. The ACC, Big 12, Conference USA, SEC AAC and Sun Belt Conference. For Fordham, the Patriot League’s announcement sparked a quick adjustment. A transition from quickly revving up for a shortened season to potentially nothing at all. Fordham Football head coach Joe Conlin enters his third season at Rose Hill. Now, he’s leading a team in an unprecedented time. Following that discussion, Interim Director of Athletics Ed Kull provides an administrative perspective. They both join Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari.

There's growing concern about the disproportionate impact of coronavirus on Black and Brown people, immigrants, and others who make up the majority of Bronx residents. That’s one of the many reasons The Bronx Covid-19 Oral History Project exists. The group of Fordham University students, scholars, and community leaders are making it their goal to capture the voices of the borough’s residents. The initiative's intent is to better understand how the Global Pandemic is impacting Bronx communities. Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon talks with The Bronx Covid 19 Oral History Project's Executive Committee. They include Carlos Rico, Veronica Quiroga and Faculty Advisors Dr Mark Naison.

Over the last several months, Fordham Conversations has stayed strong during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every week, we catch up with guests remotely and shed light on the Fordham Community. We uncover on the ongoing efforts on campus to grapple with issues that impact our world. This week, we relive two special guests: Fordham Professor of Political Science and Director of the Master’s Program in Elections and Campaign Management, Monika McDermott and Fordham Interim Director of Athletics Ed Kull. Joining Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari, McDermott details how the pandemic has thrown a wrench into an election year and discusses the integrity of absentee voting, while Kull reacts to the suspension of Fall sports at Fordham—with recent news coming out of the Patriot League and Atlantic 10. They both join host Emmanuel Berbari.

Fordham Conversations guest host David Gibson, director of the Center on Religion and Culture at Fordham University, talks with author Jack Jenkins. His new book, "American Prophets: The Religious Roots of Progressive Politics and the Ongoing Fight for the Soul of the Country," looks at how the Religious Left is actually the moral compass that has long steered America’s political debates. It is published by HarperOne.

Three years after leaving Massachusetts Institute of Technology amid the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, Peter Cohen is still battling against media outlets and looking to clear his name. Ronan Farrow’s 2019 article in The New Yorker linked Cohen to the Epstein donations, forcing him to leave Brown University as well. Cohen’s recent story in Quillette points out alleged inaccuracies in Farrow’s reporting and explains the mechanisms that allow flawed figures to donate large sums to universities and, in turn, the institutions to thrive. Cohen discusses both topics and what’s been a wild 1,000 days with Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari. 

When the COVID-19 outbreak took center stage in March, the sudden halt of college athletics impacted many student-athletes, staff and administrators. Fordham Softball’s Madie Aughinbaugh was looking to defend her Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year and win four conference titles in four years. Fordham Interim Director of Athletics Ed Kull takes over the department amid an unprecedented time in sports after Dave Roach’s retirement at the end of June. Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari joins both key figures in the Fordham Athletics community to discuss how they plan to move forward

The Advanced Placement Program allows High School students to take college-level courses. Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon talks with Fordham University Professor Nicholas Tampio. He explains why college courses differ in important ways from AP courses. Nicholas Tampio is a professor of political science at Fordham University, specializing in the history of political thought, contemporary political theory and education policy. He is the author of Common Core: National Education Standards and the Threat to Democracy and Learning Versus the Common Core.

The Coronavirus pandemic has created political uncertainty that could drastically impact voter turnout and behavior. The debate over a nationwide mail-in election is taking shape, while fears of voter fraud have rained in from levels as high as the White House. Monika L. McDermott is a Professor of Political Science at Fordham University and an election night polling analyst at CBS News. She also runs the M.A. program in Elections and Campaign Management. Joining Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari, McDermott uncovers how the 2020 election will take shape with the various voting obstacles in place, responds to recent mistrust in polling information and details her responsibilities at Fordham, CBS News and the authorship of a recent book, “Masculinity, Femininity and American Political Behavior.”

New York City lost one of it's trusted, hometown, news voices when Richard Hake died on April 24, 2020. The WNYC's Morning Edition Host began his public radio career at WFUV, while a Fordham University student. Fordham Conversations Host Robin Shannon talked with a few colleagues and friends, in loving memory of Richard Scott Hake.  They are Annmarie Fertoli, Beth Knobel, Miyan Levenson , Chuck Singleton and Julianne Welby.

University President Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., is stepping in as "Fordham Conversations" host. He is joined by John D. Feerick, Dean emeritus and professor of law at Fordham Law School. They will discuss his memoir, That Further Shore: A Memoir of Irish Roots and American Promise. Feerick discusses his family, Irish history and his career as a Lawyer.

The rapid outbreak of COVID-19 has halted the sports world for the last two months. Fordham Women’s Basketball redshirt-junior Bre Cavanugh was one of the student athletes poised for postseason play. After averaging over 19 points, leading Fordham to the Atlantic 10 Semifinals and a potential WNIT bid, Cavanaugh became the first player in program history to earn A10 Player of the Year honors. Fordham Conversations host Emmanuel Berbari talks with Cavanaugh about the early battles with adversity, her reaction to the current pandemic, path to Fordham, future plans, constant motivations and favorite hobbies in their remote discussion.   

Fordham University's annual Women's Philanthropy Summit hosted hundreds of alumni, students and faculty to network and reflect on work and the power of giving. Keynote speaker Kirsten Swinth, an associate professor of history and American studies at Fordham University, discussed societal challenges for women. She also discussed her book, "Feminism's Forgotten Fight: The Unfinished Struggle for Work and Family." Fordham Conversations offers an abridged version of Professor Swinth's speech.

Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon talks with Dr. Anne Hoffman and Dr. Jason Morris about their course Diverse Biology/Shared Humanity. In it, students explore empathy through science, literature, music and more.   The course draws on readings and approaches from biology and literary studies to gain understanding of the diversity of human experience. Students will study the biological (genetic, metabolic, developmental, and neuronal) factors contributing to differences in human behavior, cognition, ability/disability, and appearance. Through the study of first-person narratives, poems, and other texts (including film), students will gain insight into the lived experiences of people they might not otherwise have come to know, even as they deepen their appreciation of the interdependence of self and other. Through reflection on readings in literature and science, students will come to recognize more fully what these disciplinary approaches offer to understanding our place in the world and our responsibilities to one another.

Fordham Conversations Host Robin Shannon talks with members of The Curran Catholic School Leadership Academy. Its goal is to prepare students from Fordham University, and other colleges, for the realities of leading a Catholic school Dr. Noelle Beale is Regional Superintendent for the Catholic Schools of Central Westchester. Gina-Marie Fonte is a Principal in the Archdiocese Of New York and a Curran Fellowship Graduate. Finally, Amy Rodriguez is principal at Immaculate Conception School and currently a Curran Fellow.

Fordham Conversations Host Robin Shannon talks with author Deanna Singh. The Fordham University Alumni discusses what inspired her to write her first children’s picture book I Am A Boy of Color.  Singh describes it as “a tribute to the beauty and power boys of color possess.” 

Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon talks with Dr. Craig Steven Wilder about his book "Ebony & Ivy: Race, Slavery, and the Troubled History of America’s Universities." The book explores the connection between Ivy League schools and the slave trade.

This week's Fordham Conversations examines the Stars Wars universe and its religious and spiritual influences. The panel discussion Jedi & Jesuits: Explore the Deep Side of a Galaxy Far, Far Away was put on by the Fordham Center on Religion and Culture in partnership with Fordham Campus Ministry. David Goodwin, Assistant Director at the Center, moderated the event. The panelists are Jack Jenkins, Religion News Service journalist, Kathryn Reklis, Associate Chair of Graduate Studies and theology professor at Fordham University and Jim McDermott, LA-based Jesuit and screenwriter.

Father James Martin, author and editor at large of America magazine, has made headlines for his outreach to the LGBT community. Martin is the author of Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter Into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity. He sits down with Fordham Conversations guest host Patrick Russomanno to discuss the relationship between LGBTQ Catholics and the Church.

Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon is joined by Natural Sciences Department Chair Jason Morris, Ph.D to discuss his new novel “Thicker Than Mud.”   The book tells the story of a Jewish archeology professor who stumbles upon an ancient discovery while on a dig in Israel.  This begins a journey through a crime, a cover up, a family secret, and both losing and finding love.

Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon is joined by Natural Sciences Department Chair Jason Morris, Ph.D to discuss his new novel “Thicker Than Mud.”   The book tells the story of a Jewish archaeology professor who stumbles upon an ancient discovery while on a dig in Israel.  This begins a journey through a crime, a cover up, a family secret, and both losing and finding love.

Fordham Conversation Host Robin Shannon talks with Author David J. Goodwin. The Assistant Director at Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture discusses his book “Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street. In part one, we discussed the history of the tobacco company turned New Jersey warehouse and its historic connection to New York City. In part 2, the discussion starts as the Jersey City warehouse is being turned into an artist colony. We also dig deeper into the battle over art and development.

Fordham Conversation Host Robin Shannon talks with Author David J. Goodwin. The Assistant Director at Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture discusses his book “Left Bank of the Hudson: Jersey City and the Artists of 111 1st Street. It tells the story of a former New Jersey warehouse turned artist colony and the battle over art and development. This is part one of a two-part show where we discussed the history of the tobacco company turned New Jersey warehouse and its historic connection to New York City.

Fordham Conversations Host Robin Shannon sits down with Author, businessman and computer programmer Kingston Temanu. The Fordham University Gabelli School of Business graduate talks about his latest book “Get to know your backyard Opportunity.” In it, he explains how to pick up key business and life skills with a short 21-Day interview project.  He also discusses The Kilimanjaro app he created.  It connects all things-African in New York City, including restaurants, stores, events and people.

Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon talks with Loretta Tofani, a reporter for The Washington Post who won a Pulitzer Prize for her 1982 investigation of rape in a Maryland jail. Tofani, who is also a Fordham Alum, discusses her career highlights and offers advice for journalists.

Fordham Conversations Host Robin Shannon talked with author and humorist Dan Zevin to discuss his latest book and YouTube series, Very Modern Mantras: Daily Affirmations for Daily Aggravations.  Zevin said, his book will have you mastering the meditations that really matter, like Mantra for Starbucks; Mantra for the G.P.S; and Mantra for Instagram.

Robin Shannon, host of Fordham Conversations, sat down with members of the Trojan Women Project, an initiative that sends artists from countries that have experienced a history of conflict, such as Guatemala, Cambodia, and Kosovo, to collaborate artistically in their home countries and with actors in New York. The artists come together from varying countries to participate in a revival of the play, "The Trojan Women," put on by the Experimental Theatre Club La MaMa. Shannon sat down with Onni Johnson, artistic director of the Trojan Women Project, Daniela Markaj, an actress in the project and George Drance, Fordham University Lincoln Center Artist-in-Residence, to discuss their work. 

Gabelli School of Business graduate students let the audience in on some of their real-life stories as part of Associate Professor Travis Russ’ The Storytelling Project class. Fordham Conversations Host Robin Shannon is joined by Russ and his students Chris Watts, Jonathan Schenker and Alfie Warn.  They share the stories that helped them to improve and build upon their communication and persuasion skills, and discovered their unique voices.

Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon discusses censorship, digital privacy, freedom of speech and cultural preservation with NU-Q dean and CEO Everette Dennis.  These topics are among some of the subjects examined in the sixth annual NU-Q’s Middle East Media Use Survey.

Fordham Conversations Host Robin Shannon talks with Producer and Fordham Alumni Vivienne Perry. Her documentary The Changin Times of Ike White follows the life of a musical prodigy whose story takes a number of dramatic twists.

Fordham Conversations host Robin Shannon sits down with Bob Abate who collects the oral history of combat soldiers who have served in World War II.  The Fordham University Alumni, Veteran and Yonkers resident shares his experience gathering the unique and remarkable stories of these soldier whose numbers are dwindling quickly.