OLLI at UNT Podcast

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Katherine Alsop, an Audiologist and Clinical Educator in UNT's Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. They have a wide-ranging discussion about hearing loss and the importance of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Dr. Alsop answers questions about hearing aids and shares some information about auditory training. Their conversation also covers some of the fascinating research into the relationship between hearing loss and health issues such as cognitive decline and fall risk. To learn more about the UNT Speech & Hearing Center, visit https://hps.unt.edu/aslp/aslp-clinics. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. James Bednarz, Senior Avian Lecturer and Advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNT. They discuss Dr. Bednarz's current research projects on the breeding ecology of a local Painted Bunting population and the wintering biology of the American Kestrel. He explains the important role these birds play in our ecosystem and why the decline of their populations is a cause for concern. Susan learns about an exciting secret research project Dr. Bednarz once participated in and the two discuss some of the latest efforts involved in protecting bird populations. To read the Audubon Magazine article about Dr. Bednarz's research, visit https://www.audubon.org/magazine/spring-2023/the-perplexing-decline-american-kestrel. To learn more about Dr. Bednarz's research on the Painted Bunting, please visit https://www.facebook.com/UNTPaintedBunting. Information about the UNT Raptor Research Team that works with Dr. Bednarz on the American Kestrel, please visit https://www.facebook.com/UNTRaptorResearch. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, please visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Casey Shelton, Senior Researcher at the Monuments Men and Women Foundation for the Preservation of Art. They discuss Casey's background and how she came to work for the Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organization created to raise worldwide awareness about the service of the Monuments Men and Women, honor them for their achievements, and complete their unfinished mission of returning missing art to the rightful owners. Casey explains the Foundation's history, speaks about several of the accomplishments of the Monuments Men and Women, and discusses the Foundation's ongoing work. To learn more about the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, visit https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/. Information about the Foundation's WWII Most Wanted Art playing cards is available at https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/join-the-hunt/wwii-most-wanted. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Tom Tweeddale. They discuss his career in aviation, which included teaching at a private pilot ground school and 36 years as an airline pilot. Mr. Tweeddale explains how his passion for U.S. history has led him to give lectures for libraries, colleges, and OLLI at UNT. He also describes how he got his start as a dance instructor. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with retired corporate attorney Jim Bays. A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School, Jim has turned his passionate interest in Thomas Jefferson and the legal foundation of the United States into several OLLI courses. He talks with Susan about the life of Jefferson and the series of compromises that were involved in creating a working constitution for the country. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Michael Coble, Executive Director of the Center for Human Identification (CHI) at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth. They discuss the important work done at the CHI, including the forensic DNA testing they conduct for criminal casework and missing persons identification. Dr. Coble explains some of the latest advances in forensic science and describes how he came to work on high profile cases such as the 9/11 attacks and the identification of the missing Romanov children. NOTE: This episode was recorded in February 2023. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu. To learn more about the Center for Human Identification, visit https://www.unthsc.edu/center-for-human-identification/.

Our 16th spotlight features host Susan Supak's conversation with Russell Crews, President and CEO of CC Young Senior Living. Crews, who earned his MBA degree from UNT, came to CC Young after working for many years in public accounting. He tells Susan what drew him to CC Young and explains why he enjoys serving residents within its not-for-profit structure. He also reflects on the latest developments in senior living as CC Young celebrates its 100th anniversary. OLLI at UNT recently signed a three-year Partnership Agreement with CC Young, bringing our courses to their facilities in Dallas. To learn more about CC Young, visit https://www.ccyoung.org/. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan interviews Dr. Nancy Little, a licensed professional counselor, author, and public speaker who specializes in boosting mind and body health to enhance quality of life and overall wellness. They have a wide-ranging conversation that covers many aspects of health, including some strategies for increasing self-awareness, generating a proactive mindset, and releasing attachment to unhealthy habits. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

The OLLI at UNT Retiree Spotlight Series is presented in partnership with the UNT Retiree Association. In this installment, Susan speaks with Dr. Lenora McCroskey, Professor Emeritus in the College of Music at UNT. Professor McCroskey taught organ and harpsichord at the university for nearly 30 years. She also served as Assistant Director of Early Music studies, teaching Baroque performance, continuo, and coaching chamber ensembles. She provides Susan with a brief history of the organ and harpsichord before tracing the path of her career. To learn more about the UNT Retiree Association, visit untra.unt.edu. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit olli.unt.edu.

This alumni spotlight episode highlights journalist, speechwriter, and strategic communications consultant Charlie Fern, who served as speechwriter for First Lady Laura Bush. She discusses the important lessons she learned as a student at UNT and how that training prepared her to transition from journalism to speechwriting. Charlie came to work for Mrs. Bush after a formative stint with Governor Ann Richards and her career took her all the way to the White House, where she was during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

The OLLI at UNT Retiree Spotlight Series is presented in partnership with the UNT Retiree Association. In this first installment, Susan speaks with Dr. Tom Hoemeke, who came to the university in 1979 and directed the Office of International Studies and Programs for over two decades. He tells Susan about his office's efforts to consolidate the university's international studies efforts and grow its study abroad programs. Dr. Hoemeke reflects on some highlights from his career, which included traveling to Thailand with the One O'Clock Lab Band and presenting the king with an honorary degree. He also talks to Susan about his post-retirement roles with the UNT Retiree Association and OLLI at UNT. To learn more about the UNT Retiree Association, visit https://untra.unt.edu. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu.

In this episode, Communications Strategist Jordan Williams provides a preview of the OLLI at UNT Fall 2022 catalog, which is now available to download from olli.unt.edu/catalog.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Ryan Bennett, Director of the Astronomy program at UNT. Ryan tells Susan all about the facilities the Astronomy program operates, including the Sky Theater planetarium, the Rafes Urban Astronomy Center, and the Monroe Remote Observatory. Although the pandemic and the 2021 ice storm have recently limited the program's activities, Ryan explains that there are now many opportunities for the North Texas community to take advantage of these scientific resources in their own backyard. He also gives Susan a preview of some exciting developments the program has planned for the next few years and shares some tips for beginning astronomers. To learn more about the UNT Astronomy program, visit https://astronomy.unt.edu/. Follow UNT Astronomy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RUACatUNT/ and https://www.facebook.com/SkyTheater. The Stellarium Astronomy Software is available at http://stellarium.org/. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Masood Raja, an Associate Professor in the UNT Department of English who specializes in postcolonial literature. They discuss his humanist approach to teaching literature from various cultures across the globe and his belief that reading widely can help make us more empathetic toward others. Professor Raja explains how his service in the Pakistan army helped prepared him for a career of literary scholarship. He also reflects on his recent involvement in an initiative that brought Pakistani scholars to UNT through funding provided by the U.S. Department of State. Finally, Dr. Raja shares some resources for those who may be interested in deepening their appreciation of literature from around the world. Episode Notes: Dr. Raja's website, Postcolonial Space, can be found at https://postcolonial.net/. Dr. Raja's YouTube channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/c/Postcolonialism. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with award-winning artist and educator Francesca d'Atria Romano about her passion for inspiring the community to appreciate and create art. Before relocating to Texas, Francesca lived and worked in New York, where she taught high school art, worked as a docent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and became renowned for her etchings. She discusses several highlights of her remarkable career with Susan, including her logo design for the Staten Island Ferry, the NOVA award-winning documentary that featured her high school art class, and the advice she gave to the panel of artists who designed the Tribute in Light memorial following the 9/11 attacks. She also previews some exhibitions she will be offering locally this year and encourages listeners to take time to visit the art museums in our area and wherever they may travel. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu, or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Andrew Torget, Associate Professor in the UNT Department of History, about a special summer trip he is leading for OLLI at UNT members called "Revolutionary Road: Tracing the Landscape of the Texas Revolution." Professor Torget explains his inspiration for leading the trip and then describes the itinerary. Over the course of five days, he will lead members through a series of historic sites, describing the battles fought in the revolution and the impact of the war on the lives of people throughout the state and across the continent. Whether you're a lifelong Texan or a recent transplant, we guarantee you've never experienced Texas history like this! For full details of this trip, visit https://olli.unt.edu/revroad. This episode was recorded on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Kim Williams, Chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department in UNT's College of Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism. Professor Williams begins by explaining the relationship between an individual's personality type and their travel preferences. She also shares some tips for how people with different interests can travel well together. In the rest of this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Williams discusses her work at UNT, provides some insights into the hospitality and tourism industries, and reflects on how the pandemic has changed the way we travel. Episode Notes: - Take the travel personalities quiz: https://besttripchoices.com/travel-personalities/quiz/ - Learn more about The Club at Gateway: https://cmht.unt.edu/club To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with retired geologist and Audubon Master Birder Scott Kiester. He tells Susan about some of the birds that can be found in North Texas during the winter and explains why so many different kinds of birds can be found in Texas. Scott also provides some helpful tips for those who are new to birding or are interested in going on a bird walk. Finally, he reflects on the importance of appreciating and preserving nature around us. To learn more about Scott's bird walks and other events of the Texas Master Naturalist Elm Fork Chapter, visit https://txmn.org/elmfork/events-calendar/.

In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Susan speaks with Frank Bracken ('63), former president of the Haggar Clothing Company, about his time as a student at UNT, his experiences in professional life, and his passion for community service. Frank encourages all listeners to dedicate themselves to serving those in need and shares some of the lessons he's learned from his experiences as a mentor. He and Susan also discuss some of the remarkable innovations of the Haggar Clothing Company. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Joanna Davis-McElligatt, Assistant Professor of Black Literary and Cultural Studies in the Department of English at UNT. Although her primary area of research is in Africana Studies, Professor Davis-McElligatt's lifelong interest in comics eventually grew into a significant scholarly pursuit. She traces the evolution of the artform for Susan, from the "funny pages" to the underground comix associated with 1960s counterculture to the increasingly diverse representation found in present-day comics. Along the way, Dr. Davis-McElligatt describes how comics tell stories using their own unique graphic language, making them rich sources of meaning for scholars to mine. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Clinical Associate Professor Cassini Nazir about the important role that curiosity plays in the field of Interaction Design. Interaction designers help us to communicate with digital objects through screen interfaces or with our own voices. Professor Nazir encourages his students to design interfaces that provoke a user's curiosity, inviting them to explore the available information in a way that creates lasting memories. He and Susan discuss the wide-ranging benefits of remaining curious in all aspects of our lives. They conclude their conversation by considering whether, in the digital age, designers ought to be bound by an ethical code that takes their social impact into account. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, please visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

The University of North Texas Latinx Alumni Network (UNT-LAN) is the newest culturally based affinity chapter of the UNT Alumni Association. In this episode, Susan learns about the chapter's mission from Bob Garza ('74) President of the UNT-LAN Executive Committee. He first tells Susan about his journey from the Air Force to UNT, where he learned valuable skills that served him well during his long career at AT&T. Then he explains how alumni and administrators came together to establish UNT-LAN for the purpose of recruiting Latinx students to the university and mentoring them for academic and career success. To learn more about UNT-LAN or join the chapter, visit https://untalumni.com/chapters/lan/. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. John McKenzie, who worked for 30 years as a Family Practice Specialist with additional certification in Geriatric Medicine before retiring to teach at the LSU School of Medicine in Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. McKenzie also spent time caring for his parents, both of whom developed Alzheimer's disease. He and Susan discuss some of the lessons he learned from his professional and personal experiences, which now form the basis of the OLLI courses he teaches on common geriatric medical problems and end-of-life issues. Dr. McKenzie recommends this printable pocketcard, which details the AGS Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults: https://www.elderconsult.com/wp-content/uploads/PrintableBeersPocketCard.pdf In this episode, Dr. McKenzie references Susan's interview with Dr. Becky Knight about senior housing and healthcare trends, which was featured in Episode 31 of our podcast. Explore that episode and all of our previous interviews at https://olli.unt.edu/podcast. Dr. McKenzie is offering Parts 1 & 2 of his Geriatric Medicine series this fall at several of our classroom locations. For dates, times, and locations, check out page 31 of our fall catalog: https://olli.unt.edu/catalog. We'll be back with another new Alumni Spotlight episode on October 6. In the meantime, we encourage you to catch up on episodes you may have missed. You can also let your family and friends know about our podcast by directing them to our website: https://olli.unt.edu/podcast. We have dozens of episodes available featuring a wide variety of fascinating guests. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, please visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

This semester, UNT welcomes its first cohort of students through the brand new ELEVAR program, which offers an inclusive post-secondary educational experience for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With support from staff, faculty, and volunteers, these UNT students will attend classes, gain experience living independently on campus, and ultimately gain an internship in their career of choice. Susan sat down with Dr. Brenda Barrio, Associate Professor of Special Education and co-founder of ELEVAR, to discuss this launch of this remarkable program. To learn more about ELEVAR, visit https://elevar.unt.edu/. Donations to support the program can be made online at https://one.unt.edu/elevar. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Grammy-winning saxophonist and composer Jeff Coffin finds inspiration all around him. As Susan learns in our latest Alumni Spotlight episode, that’s no accident. He regularly collaborates with renowned musicians, including other UNT alumni. Perhaps most notably, he has performed around the globe as a member of both the Dave Matthews Band and Béla Fleck & the Flecktones. When he’s not touring or recording solo projects, Jeff is inspired by his jazz saxophone students at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. He’s also channeled his inspiration into photography and a series of children’s books. Listeners are in for a treat as Jeff even plays a Hungarian tarogato for Susan while explaining his passion for studying the world’s various music cultures. Learn more about Jeff’s music at https://www.jeffcoffin.com/ and https://www.thesaxloft.com/. If you’re interested in seeing some of the tintype photos Jeff describes in this episode, check out his Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/jeffcoffin/. To learn more about the UNT Alumni association, visit https://untalumni.com/. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Officer David Causey, Community Relations Officer for the UNT Police Department. Officer Causey explains some of the most common scams he encounters in his work, including various examples of fraud and identity theft. After revealing some of the tactics that scammers may employ, he shares some guidance on steps we can all take to reduce our vulnerability. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Please be aware that this episode features a frank conversation about human trafficking and includes some disturbing details about the abuse of minors. In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Kim Robinson, a semi-retired clinical psychologist who has become a passionate advocate for the victims of human trafficking in our state and around the world. Dr. Robinson began to focus on the serious problem of child sexual abuse during her career as a military psychologist. Over time, this led her into greater knowledge about the scourge of human trafficking. She explains to Susan why Texas is home to the second highest amount of human trafficking in the nation, with the North Texas region being home to the second highest amount of trafficking in the state. Dr. Robinson educates listeners about the red flags and warning signs associated with sex and labor trafficking. She also shares helpful advice for listeners who may have information about a potential trafficking victim. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is available at 888-373-7888 and https://humantraffickinghotline.org/. To view the "Be The One" documentary on the reality of human trafficking in Texas, go to https://vimeo.com/244718411/. For more information about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Robin Cole-Jett, a native of the Red River Valley who is known as "The Red River Historian." For nearly twenty years, Robin has been introducing readers and tourists to the history of this unique region of the United States "where the South meets the West." As she explains to Susan, tracing the Red River has taken Robin on a 1,300 mile journey from the old plantation system of Louisiana and Arkansas to the ranches of Texas and Oklahoma. Along the way, she has documented everything from ghost towns to a historic jail cell that once housed Bonnie Parker. She has also noted the cultural and environmental impacts of major changes in infrastructure, such as the development of railroads and highways. Robin discusses all of these topics with Susan and shares her plans to resume offering tours once the pandemic is behind us. To learn more about Robin's work, visit https://redriverhistorian.com/. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Susan speaks with Azim Rashid ('94), Senior VP and Head of Urban Promotion at Columbia Records. Azim tells Susan about his journey from performing in the pioneering Dallas-based rap group NEMESIS in the 1980s to studying Radio, TV, and Film at UNT. During his time in Denton, Azim served as the Entertainment Director of the University Program Council. He explains to Susan how this experience prepared him for his career as an entertainment executive and strategist. Azim has seen a lot of changes in the music industry over the years while working for major global brands like Motown, Universal, Atlantic, Capitol, and RocNation records. Although promoting some of the industry's top artists keeps him busy, he still makes time to mentor others and pass on the valuable lessons he's learned. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, go to https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with German historian Anette Isaacs about the important role one extraordinary woman played in automotive history. Porsche, BMW, AUDI, and Mercedes Benz have millions of fans all over the world. These brand names are considered to be synonymous with the quality and success of German engineering. Unfortunately, hardly anyone knows about Bertha Benz, a young mother of 5 who became the first human being ever to drive an automobile over a long distance. With humor and a gift for storytelling, Ms. Isaacs introduces Susan to Bertha and her history-making adventure of 1888. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks about the history of St. Patrick's Day with Dr. Rudy Ray Seward, UNT Professor Emeritus of Sociology. Professor Seward, who traces his Irish ancestry back to at least the 18th century, has taught many OLLI classes on Irish history and culture. After detailing what the historical record has to say about the life of St. Patrick, Dr. Seward provides insights into the traditions associated with the holiday. From the origins of St. Patrick's Day parades to the custom of dying rivers green, he and Susan discuss many facets of this truly global holiday. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this special episode, Susan speaks with Joshua Butler, Founder and Director of Denton's Thin Line Fest, the longest running documentary film festival in Texas. Joshua begins by discussing the festival's origins over a decade ago. He then explains how his background in planning virtual events put him in a position to adapt the festival quickly once the pandemic hit. Thanks to the talent and dedication of Joshua's employees at Falcon Events, this year's festival will feature engaging, multi-layered virtual experiences. In addition to screenings of thought-provoking documentaries, attendees will be able to enjoy virtual musical performances hosted by local venues. Joshua explains how the festival plans to use cutting edge technology to make these shows feel as real as if you were standing at the foot of the stage. The festival, which is free to attend, will take place on March 24 - 28, 2021. Monitor the festival's website for updates: https://www.thinline.us/. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Susan speaks with Wende Zomnir ('89), who is currently serving as Ambassador for the Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism's 75th anniversary celebration. In this wide-ranging conversation, Wende gives credit to UNT's journalism faculty for equipping her with many of the skills she employed when co-founding Urban Decay, a makeup company that has been pushing boundaries in the cosmetics industry since the '90s. Wende describes how her work with Urban Decay has allowed her to express her creativity and support initiatives that help uplift women around the world. She also shares some advice for those who are looking to start or grow their own business. This episode was recorded on November 19, 2020. To learn more about the Mayborn's 75th anniversary, visit https://journalism.unt.edu/mayborn75. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

We make important decisions every day. What informs those decisions? How can we know if our understanding of the world is based on reliable information? In this episode, Susan speaks with Bryan Lovelace, a board-certified behavior analyst and Adjunct Professor in UNT's Department of Behavior Analysis who owns and operates Texas Behavior Services, LLC. Bryan walks Susan through the topics he covers in his undergraduate classes, where he teaches his students to think critically and practice skepticism. Using examples from the news and his own experiences supporting individuals with disabilities, Bryan demonstrates why it's important to identify bias in ourselves and others. He also advocates for the application of the scientific method in our everyday lives. By seeking out information that challenges our beliefs and tests our assumptions, Bryan explains how we can become more confident in our perception of reality.

How can you tell what's real from what's fake on the internet? And who's behind the proliferation of misleading posts on social media? In this episode, Susan gets some answers from Dr. Michael Greig, Distinguished Teaching Professor in UNT's Department of Political Science. He begins by explaining how and why countries engage in disinformation campaigns in the digital age. After emphasizing the threat these activities pose, Dr. Greig shares his thoughts on what governments and citizens can do to make their societies more resilient in the face of disinformation. He also explains how doxxing can be an effective intimidation tactic used by governments and individuals. Finally, he explains the dangers posed by the increasing sophistication of deepfake technology. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

It usually thrills classical music fans to see their favorite Beethoven composition on a concert program. But how often have you seen his female contemporaries appear alongside him? In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Rebecca Geoffroy-Schwinden, Assistant Professor of Music History in the UNT College of Music. She takes Susan on a journey to Europe from the 1770s to 1820s--precisely Beethoven's lifetime--to explore the musical worlds of women and girls. Dr. Geoffroy-Schwinden discusses the socio-economic possibilities that music provided to women even as it became increasingly impossible for a female Beethoven to steal the European stage. She also reflects on how current attitudes about this time period shape the way its female musicians are viewed today. This episode was recorded on November 12, 2020. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Susan speaks with Byron Campbell ('05), Senior Partner at Capitol Insights, a legislative and business consulting practice. Byron assists the Alumni Association with UNT's Day at the Capitol, a program that connects the university's students with state lawmakers in Austin each legislative session. As Byron explains to Susan, this new initiative not only provides students with a real-world civics lesson, it allows state lawmakers to hear directly from the students who will be impacted by their decisions. After discussing how the program is being adapted for the current legislative session, which is taking place during the pandemic, Byron shares his goals for the future growth of this initiative. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu.

In this special episode, Susan speaks with Harry and Linda Eaddy of the Denton Black Film Festival. They begin by discussing the history of the festival and how it has managed to expand so dramatically in its 7 years of existence. Although the pandemic has presented major challenges to the film industry, the festival will be offering more programming than ever before by adapting to a virtual format. From January 27 to February 1, attendees will be able to enjoy films, spoken word, dance, music, workshops, and more. Many of this year's events are being offered at no charge. In keeping with this year's theme, "We tell our stories," the festival will also offer opportunities for participants to discuss their experiences with each other in virtual spaces. As Harry and Linda explain, the goal of the festival is to provide ways for people of all backgrounds to come together and understand each other better. For more information about this year's festival, visit http://dentonbff.com/. If you have questions about the festival, please contact dbffcommunications@gmail.com. To buy festival passes, go to https://dbff.eventive.org/passes/buy. You can explore the festival's virtual catalog at https://watch.eventive.org/dbff. To view the festival schedule in chronological order, go to https://dbff.eventive.org/schedule. To learn more about OLLI at UNT's spring 2021 semester, visit https://olli.unt.edu/virtual.

Our seventh Alumni Spotlight episode features author Angie Ransome-Jones. Now a successful ghostwriter with 12 books (and counting) under her belt, Angie didn't initially plan to write for others. "In this case," she tells Susan, "my pain led to my purpose." When her father passed away, she learned some difficult lessons about the process of putting one's affairs in order. The success of her book chronicling that experience, "Path to Peace: A Guide to Managing Life After Losing a Loved One," opened the door to a new world of writing and consulting opportunities. Through her roles as Vice President of the UNT Black Alumni Network and chartering member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women's Dallas chapter, Angie supports initiatives that benefit UNT students and promote the health, education, and economic empowerment of black women and girls. As they conclude their conversation, she describes some of these organizations' current activities to Susan. To watch Angie's appearance on Good Morning Texas discussing "Path to Peace," go to https://www.wfaa.com/embeds/video/287-2309554/iframe. You can also learn more about her writing at https://www.authorangieransomejones.com/. We'll be back with another Alumni Spotlight in February! To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

Our sixth Alumni Spotlight features a timely conversation with award-winning business author and motivational speaker Dean Lindsay. Dean regularly encourages his audiences to view optimism as an asset, prompting our host Susan Supak to ask how listeners can apply that advice during the pandemic. After a wide-ranging discussion of Dean's approach to life and business, they move on to his accomplishments as an actor and musician. Dean has released albums of his own music, performed in the Soviet Union with the group Up With People, and was even cast as one of the "bad guys" in Twister. We'll return with another Alumni Spotlight episode on Wednesday, December 2. To learn more about Dean, visit https://deanlindsay.com/. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com/. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

Are you feeling cooped up during the pandemic? The shortest path to a new adventure is through the pages of a good book! If you've already exhausted your 2020 reading list, our guest on this week's episode will inspire your next literary journey. Dr. Jean Greenlaw is a longtime OLLI at UNT faculty member who is also a book review columnist for the Denton Record Chronicle. In this episode, she bonds with Susan over books as they discuss some of the ins and outs of the literary world. Although Dr. Greenlaw's specialty is children's literature, she creates her unique Book Talk column for a general audience. Each month, she presents a selection of books from multiple genres with special relevance to our community. Professor Greenlaw has enjoyed a distinguished career as an educator, author, and reviewer. She reflects on memorable moments and relationships in her life during this wide-ranging conversation. To read Dr. Greenlaw's "Book Talk" column for October 2020, which she mentions in this episode, go to https://dentonrc.com/education/books-about-protest-remind-readers-about-americas-oldest-liberty/article_f93c353d-502c-57e4-b8ba-1a81b25a5275.html To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

It's National Chemistry Week, which makes it a perfect time to hear from OLLI at UNT's resident chemistry expert, Dr. Diana Mason. Professor Mason has crossed the globe as an advocate for the sciences, inspiring audiences of all ages with her explosive live demonstrations. Since retiring from her faculty position at UNT, Dr. Mason has remained active in the field of chemical education. Her current research focuses on the correlation between students' basic arithmetic skills and their success in general chemistry courses. As she explains to Susan in this week's episode, this research was inspired by the needs of the U.S. Naval Academy. It's fitting that her passion for our state inspired Governor Abbott to commission her as an Admiral in the Texas Navy. Dr. Mason's service to our community goes beyond her volunteer activities with OLLI, where she has taught many courses highlighting the scientific advances that have come from Texas. She is also an active member of the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which regularly undertakes important community projects. To watch some clips of the science demos that Dr. Mason gave for the Grandparents University program, go to https://youtu.be/_SwR_17bw6E. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

Put on your detective caps! In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Laura Evans, Associate Professor of Art Education and Coordinator of the Art Museum Education Certificate in UNT's College of Visual Arts & Design. Professor Evans takes Susan on a journey into the world of art crime, covering the thefts of Edvard Munch's renowned painting The Scream, Francisco Goya's The Duke of Wellington, and other works by Renoir and Rembrant. She explains the sometimes surprising motivations behind these high profile thefts and describes the extraordinary sting operation that led to the recovery of one of these works. After a discussion of how a prominent Texan art collector came to be fooled by one of the world's greatest art forgers, Dr. Evans shares some details of an international art crime themed trip she plans to lead in partnership with OLLI at UNT next year. This episode was recorded on August 27, 2020. To learn more about the OLLI at UNT travel opportunity being led by Dr. Evans, visit https://olli.unt.edu/travel. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, please visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Susan speaks with Elliotte Dunlap (’97), one of the co-founders of UNT's Multicultural Center. Elliotte begins by explaining his family's unique connection to UNT and how his experience at the university has shaped his life. He then tells Susan about the relationship he and his fellow students developed with the UNT administration 25 years ago, culminating in the development of the Multicultural Center. Finally, Elliotte discusses his work with A Few Good Men, a mentorship program he also co-founded. To learn more about the history of UNT's Multicultural Center, visit https://ied.unt.edu/celebrating-25-years. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, go to https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan discusses some of the latest developments in astrophysics with Dr. Ohad Shemmer, Associate Professor in UNT's Physics Department. Last year, Dr. Shemmer and his colleagues reported their discovery of the oldest black hole known to astronomers. Susan begins their conversation by asking Dr. Shemmer to clarify the various terms used to describe the study of our universe. Next, he provides a definition of black holes that helps to explain how scientists are able to detect them across vast distances. Professor Shemmer goes on to describe quasars and how they are related to black holes. Finally, he and Susan discuss the importance of recent discoveries in these fields, most importantly, how they allow scientists to better understand the history of our universe. This interview was recorded on July 22, 2020. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, go to https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Given Kachepa, a UNT alumnus and Dallas-based dentist. As a child in Zambia, he was recruited into a boys choir by the leaders of a missionary group who promised him education and a better life in America. Instead, he and the other boys were trafficked right here in Texas, where they performed for audiences who had no idea they were witnessing a form of modern day slavery. Although that operation was eventually shut down, Dr. Kachepa explains to Susan that the practice continues to the present day. Dr. Kachepa's story was also featured in the Summer 2020 issue of the North Texan: https://northtexan.unt.edu/issues/2020-summer/keeping-faith. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, go to https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Thorne Anderson, Associate Professor and Mayborn Endowed Chair for Multimedia Storytelling in UNT's Mayborn School of Journalism. When he took a job in southeastern Europe after graduate school, Thorne had no desire to work inside an active warzone. "I didn't go looking for the war, but the war sort of came to me," he tells Susan. Seeing how the growing conflict in Kosovo was affecting his new colleagues and friends, Professor Anderson became determined to understand the war on a personal level. This launched him on a career path that would take him into the heart of several wars in Europe and the Middle East. As Thorne explains to Susan, he had to quickly develop special skills to protect himself so that he could capture images showing the impact of each conflict on everyday civilians. He also describes the ethical dilemmas that photojournalists face when doing this kind of work. Finally, he tells Susan about the difficulty he experienced readjusting to life back home and explains why he transitioned into multimedia storytelling. To view Thorne Anderson's portfolio of photos online, visit http://thorneanderson.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Nada Shabout, Professor of Art History in UNT's College of Visual Arts & Design. Their discussion of modern art focuses on the Arab world, beginning with a historical overview. Professor Shabout explains how 20th century artists started to express themselves in new ways as the colonial era gave way to postcolonialism. She also sheds some light on why audiences outside the Arab world (including art historians) have struggled to understand these artists in their proper context. Finally, Dr. Shabout describes her efforts to document the works that went missing from Iraq's Museum of Modern Art after the fall of Baghdad in 2003. To learn more about the Association for Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World, Iran, and Turkey (AMCA), visit http://amcainternational.org/. Professor Shabout currently serves on the AMCA Board. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Susan speaks with the co-founders and organizer of UNT's Diamond Eagles Society, which is a group of difference-makers who work collaboratively to create positive change at UNT. Every year, each Society member makes a $1,000 contribution. These gifts are pooled together to fund an annual high-impact campus project determined by a member majority vote. Co-founded in 2017 by Debbie Smatresk and Cathy Bryce (’91 Ph.D.), the group is organized by Nicole Sprowl (’10), Senior Director of Annual Giving at UNT. To learn more about the Diamond Eagles Society, visit https://one.unt.edu/diamondeagles. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Stella Mulberry Antic, founder of Stellar Higher Education Solutions. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in higher education administration, Dr. Mulberry Antic describes the needs of today's universities. She explains why administrators should take a holistic approach to student development, rather than narrowly focusing on academic success. She also describes the career development services she provides to faculty who are seeking promotion or tenure. Finally, Dr. Mulberry Antic shares her thoughts on the pandemic's financial impact on higher education, including how institutions, faculty, and students can adapt to the current situation. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, please visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, please visit https://olli.unt.edu/.

In this episode, Susan speaks with Steve Conwell, CEO of Final Ascent and Board Member of the UNT Alumni Association's Denton County Chapter. Steve explains why he is so passionate about helping business owners prepare their companies for sale. They discuss why sound business practices, and not just profits, are key to making a company valuable to potential buyers. Steve also reflects on the effects of the current pandemic on businesses of all sizes, encouraging companies to use this time to evaluate their current practices and evolve so that they can become even more valuable to their customers. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, please visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, please visit https://olli.unt.edu/.