Perspective 2020

In this episode, bioinformatics PhD candidate Brooke Wolford describes the role played by data in scientific research and in the broader world of the pandemic. 

My guest this week is an author from Ohio who knows firsthand how difficult it can be communicating and compromising with siblings and parents who see the risks of the pandemic in different ways. Ultimately, during our conversation my guest says what’s on all of our minds: “I am scared of people I love dying.”

Health reporter Hannah Smoot shares a little bit of what life is like as a journalist with local Charlotte, North Carolina newspaper, the Charlotte Observer. Hannah’s perspective comes from her years as a journalist covering a variety of beats, particularly the last ten months knees deep in covering the pandemic.

Methodist pastor Rev. Uiyeon Kim shares his perspective of the pandemic, talking about life at the church during the pandemic as a “never-ending improvisation,” as he and the rest of the staff work to provide support for people in the community and for each other. Uiyeon describes the pandemic as a season of both opportunities and challenges, and perhaps the season “where we genuinely let go of our addiction to control.”

Todd's perspective comes from experiencing the pandemic after a long career in the healthcare industry spanning several states in the country. 

Megan's perspective comes from her experience as a sixth grade English teacher, instructing students remotely during the pandemic and changing social tides.

Bobby Warren returns to the show to discuss the recent announcements made about vaccines and treatments for COVID-19. Bobby talks about what stands out as significant to him and key takeaways from what we currently know about these new advances in science and medicine.

The perspective of this week's guest comes from adapting to changing company regulations over the months of the pandemic, dealing with poor management during an outbreak of positive COVID tests at their place of work, and contemplating having to choose between work and health.

Megan's perspective comes from years of valuing and practicing self-care holistically, a background in public health and epidemiology, and the experience of research in Costa Rica - cut short due to the pandemic and continued at home in Texas.

Ryan's perspective comes from navigating the murky waters of online dating during a pandemic where you should be distancing yourself physically from others outside of your household...

Savannah's perspective comes from working as a first-responder, finishing up nursing school and completing her nursing licensing exam, and starting a new job at a hospital in Charlotte, all during the early days of the pandemic.

In the second part of the two-part episode featuring a conversation with English professor Dr. Aaron Toscano, we cover Dr. Toscano’s answers to my five questions.

Dr. Toscano's perspective comes from more than 20 years in academia and the experience of adapting to teaching all of his courses online with little to no advance notice.

Ariel’s perspective comes from adapting to remote work as a technician for Apple, recognizing a lack of empathy in some of her fellow Americans, and joining the populace in not knowing what the future holds, asking, “What can you do?”

Kelly’s perspective comes from being a bride planning a wedding and working in the event and travel industry.

George’s perspective comes from being a young business owner, adapting to the needs of his clients and employees that also make it possible for his company to be successful: “we’re really focused on keeping our teachers working.”

Today we’ll hear the perspective of Ashley Roddy, who works full-time in digital marketing, part-time in fitness, and whatever’s left seeing friends, enjoying many hobbies, and generally staying busy. So when a pandemic abruptly and swiftly takes over the world – and suddenly you’re not so busy anymore – how do you adjust?

Steven's perspective comes from his work in finance, his time spent as a college educator, and the experience of being an extrovert living alone (for the most part) in a pandemic where it's often safer to stay at home.

In her senior year at the University of North Carolina, Katie Distefano worked multiple jobs, participated in various campus organizations, and spent time with friends – all while double majoring in dramatic art and linguistics. She was on a mission trip in Puerto Rico with the Wesley Campus Ministry when things really started to change in the United States as a result of the pandemic. Katie’s now enrolled in a master’s program at Duke Divinity School, and she deals with pandemic life “one day at a time.”

As a follow-up to episode two with environmental contamination research Bobby Warren, I caught up with Bobby (September 2020) to learn about his new research. He’s been quite busy since we originally talked in May, publishing two research articles, moving forward on a new study of environmental contamination of COVID patient rooms, and participating in a COVID vaccine clinical trial for individuals with high-risk occupations.

Bobby Warren's perspective comes from his work at the Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, his participation in a new coronavirus vaccine study for people in high-risk occupations, and many years in academia studying biology and biomedical and health informatics. 

Dr. Kathryn Marker’s perspective comes from more than 20 years in education, as a teacher, professor, and policy expert in grants, training, and outreach; from managing a team of employees in the workplace; and from conversations from her mother about education, trust, and the news.

Welcome to the show. This is what it’s all about. In this podcast, I’m seeking self-awareness, honesty, genuine dialogue, and (as the name suggests) perspective. The coronavirus pandemic makes it clearer than ever that we let the differences between us overwhelm our ability to be decent, understanding, compassionate human beings. And it’s time for that to change.