Podcasts, lectures and more from Pacific Lutheran University. Located in Tacoma, Wash., PLU seeks to educate students for lives of thoughtful inquiry, service, leadership and care—for other people, for their communities and for the Earth.
Epiphany is a three-part series about the church season that comes after Christmas. Epiphany is the season that explores the many ways that God reveals Godself in our world. It’s a season about illumination, discovery, revelation. Pastor Jen hopes we can use this lens of Epiphany to think about issues in our world and the connections with our lives. In this episode we chat with Christa Slater '20 and Sam Garcia '20.
Epiphany is a three-part series about the church season that comes after Christmas. Epiphany is the season that explores the many ways that God reveals Godself in our world. It’s a season about illumination, discovery, revelation. Pastor Jen hopes we can use this lens of Epiphany to think about issues in our world and the connections with our lives. In this episode we chat with Aubrietta McCrone '22 and Zoe Ihrke '24.
Epiphany is a three-part series about the church season that comes after Christmas. Epiphany is the season that explores the many ways that God reveals Godself in our world. It’s a season about illumination, discovery, revelation. Pastor Jen hopes we can use this lens of Epiphany to think about issues in our world and the connections with our lives. In this episode we chat with Carenna Saunders '24 and Ryan Shane '23.
PLU alum Willie Stewart '69 sits down to discuss winning the 2019 Tacoma Peace Prize, his community work and career in education, and how he once broke barriers in Tacoma by becoming the city's first black high school principal in 1970.
Angie Hambrick, PLU's Associate Vice President of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, has a conversation with Kolby Harvey '08, Malia Oshiro ’13 and Jennifer Warwick '03 about the myths, stigmas and misconceptions about self-care — and why we need to practice it.
Angie Hambrick, PLU's Associate Vice President of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, sits down with PLU's Dean of Inclusive Excellence Jennifer Smith, Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications Lace Smith and Boo Dodson '12 to discuss Performative Allyship — what it looks like, how it hurts minoritized communities and how to be better allies.
Angie Hambrick, PLU's Associate Vice President of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, records live from the twin-island republic of Trinidad & Tobago with Maurice Eckstein '11 and Kareen Ottley '09 to discuss their experience as native Trinidad & Tobago students studying away at PLU, what it means to have PLU students coming to their country to study, cultural exchange and more.
Angie Hambrick, PLU's Associate Vice President of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, records live from the twin-island republic of Trinidad & Tobago with Nicole Jordan '15, Jonathan Adams '16, Shai Wilson '19 and Quenessa Long '18 — a conversation that explores what studying away here meant for all four students during their studies at PLU, and what it means to return.
Pastor Jen Rude sits down with PLU economics professor Krisztina Nagy and religion professor Erik Hammerstrom for a conversation about interfaith work from the perspective of non-Lutherans teaching and working in Lutheran higher education.
Angie Hambrick, PLU's Assistance Vice President of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, sits down with anthropology professor and PLU Peace Corps Prep Program Coordinator Katherine Wiley, Hispanic studies professor Giovanna Urdangarain, and anthropology and global studies professor Dr. Ami Shah to discuss service abroad — but more importantly, how that service impacts indigenous communities, the need to exercise care when serving domestically and internationally, and the White Savior Complex.
Pastor Jen Rude sits down with Aziza Ahmed '20 and Kara Barkman '19 for a conversation about interfaith work: how that looks at Pacific Lutheran University, how it impacts the Lutheran identity and what the students' different experiences and backgrounds — one Muslim, one Lutheran — have been with interfaith interactions on campus.
Pastor Jen Rude sits down with former interim PLU pastor and Director of Congregational Engagement John Rosenberg and St. Mark's Lutheran by the Narrows pastor Jan Ruud to discuss faith in times of trouble. Both Rosenberg and Rudd spoke at the 2018 Summer Institute in Pastoral Theology: "Leading a Congregation in Anxious Times."
As part of our partnership with Tacoma podcasting powerhouse Channel 253, President Allan Belton and Assistant Director of Admission for Equity & Access Julian Franco got to sit down with Nerd Farmer Podcast host and 2016 Washington State Teacher of the Year Nate Bowling for a conversation about trends in higher education, access and the equity work happening here at Pacific Lutheran University.
Angie Hambrick, PLU's Assistance Vice President of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, discusses the university's Trinidad and Tobago exchange program with noted Trinidadian author Earl Lovelace, PLU English professor Barbara Temple-Thurston and D-Center alum Shelondra Harris '17.
Pastor Jen Rude sits down with PLU Acting President Allan Belton and University Provost Joanna Gregson to discuss the university's Lutheran identity, their roles on campus and what it means to work here, how they themselves identify spiritually, and the paths they've taken to discover their vocations.
Angie Hambrick, PLU's Assistance Vice President of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, sits down with Diversity Center alumni Maurice Eckstein '11 and Nicole Jordan '15 to discuss this year's Common Reading book, "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Angie Hambrick, PLU's Assistance Vice President of Diversity, Justice and Sustainability, sits down with Diversity Center alumni Maurice Eckstein '11 and Nicole Jordan '15 to discuss this year's Common Reading book, "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Pastor Jen Rude sits down with Pacific Lutheran University students Emily Shane and Alex Lund to discuss faith formation at a Lutheran university, and how their own faith paths have changed while being a part of Lutheran higher education.
Pastor Jen Rude sits down with PLU Chair of Lutheran Studies Marit Trelstad to discuss Lutheran higher education and why it matters.
In the first episode of "Because We're Lutheran," Pacific Lutheran University Pastor Jen Rude discusses spiritual journeys and faith traditions with two non-Lutheran PLU graduates.
Brian Laubach ’84 ’95 and Isaiah Huey ’20 attended Pacific Lutheran University three decades apart. All it took was an hour of conversation to bridge the generational gap. That’s the power of the PLU connection. 0:00: Introductions 1:38: How did you get to PLU? 4:10: World class faculty 7:36: How does your family support you? 9:12: Transitioning from high school to college 11:50: What is the community like at PLU? 13:04: Lasting friendships 15:55: Spaces on campus 17:59: Developing career paths 19:02: How does the PLU mission fits into your career path? 20:50: The influence of the liberal arts 23:08: What advice do you have for current Lutes? 25:25: Why come to PLU? 26:13: What will do you miss about PLU? 28:37: Are you happy? For the full story: https://www.plu.edu/resolute/spring-2018/alumni-news/the-plu-connection/
After Your 50th College Class Reunion by Pacific Lutheran University
The fifth episode of PLU's DCHAT podcast features a discussion with David Huelsbeck, professor of anthropology and dean of the PLU Division of Social Sciences.
The eleventh episode of "Open to Interpretation" features a discussion of the word "irrefutable" among host and Communication and Theatre Department Chair Amy Young, Associate Professor of Religion Seth Dowland and Associate Professor of Geosciences and Environmental Studies Claire Todd. Conversation Highlights 1:00- Warm up questions to do with historical figures, vacation destinations and alternative careers. 4:30- What ought to qualify something as irrefutable? Or, for that matter, should anything be considered irrefutable? 6:40- The role “the burden of proof” can play in designating something as irrefutable in public discourse. 9:10- The cultural forces that contribute to widespread belief that something is, or is not, irrefutable. 15:50- How our communities can shape our belief of what is true. 18:15- What constitutes fact and what is irrefutable in this era of “alternative facts?” 22:45- The benefits of observation vs. the influence of media gaslighting.
The tenth episode of "Open to Interpretation" features a discussion of the word "stress" among host and Communication and Theatre Department Chair Amy Young, Associate Professor of Physics Katrina Hay, and Assistant Professor of Global Studies and Anthropology Ami Shah.
The ninth episode of "Open to Interpretation" features a discussion of the word "symbol" among host and Communication and Theatre Department Chair Amy Young, Professor of English Lisa Marcus and Associate Professor of History and Benson Family Chair Michael Halvorson. Conversation Highlights: 3:35: Dream subject and location for a J-Term study away course. 6:35: Defining symbol and "the process something comes to represent another thing." 9:30: How can what symbols represent change over time? 13:40: What do symbols have in common with logos and brand identity? 18:55: How do leaders use and attach themselves to symbols? 19:55: Symbols that have recently been in the news and at the center of cultural dialogue.
Shamil Idriss delivered the third biennial Ambassador Chris Stevens Memorial Lecture at Pacific Lutheran University on March 1, 2017. Idriss is President and CEO of Search for Common Ground, a global conflict transformation organization with offices in 35 countries. He previously served as Deputy Director of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and Senior Advisor at the World Economic Forum.
A discussion about Islam and what it's like to be Muslim on campus among host and PLU alumnus Jonathan Adams '16 and PLU students Alaa Alshaibani '17 and Fatoumatta Conteh '19. Learn more at www.plu.edu/listen
A discussion about sexual assault and cultural context among host and PLU alumnus Jonathan Adams '16, PLU Outreach and Prevention Coordinator Tolu Taiwo and PLU student Olivia Egejuru '19. Learn more at www.plu.edu/listen
Tamara Williams and Joel Zylstra — who lead the Wang Center and the Center for Community Engagement and Service, respectively — discuss the environmental impacts of study away and how PLU onsets its carbon footprint, as well as other issues related to global education and community service.
The fourth episode of PLU's DCHAT podcast features a discussion with Matt Smith, Associate Professor of Biology, Undergraduate Research Program Director and dean of the PLU Division of Natural Sciences. PLEASE NOTE: The Rachel Carson Science, Technology & Society Annual Lecture is on March 8 at 7:30 p.m. in PLU's Scandinavian Cultural Center.
At this time last year, Martha Spieker '16 was halfway through her senior year and serving as president of the Associated Students of Pacific Lutheran University (ASPLU). Now, she works in Washington D.C. on "The Hill," as the Press Assistant and Legislative Correspondent in the office of Rep. Derek Kilmer.
The third episode of Pacific Lutheran University’s DCHAT podcast features a discussion with Kevin O'Brien, Dean of the PLU Division of Humanities.
A discussion about white privilege among host and PLU alumnus Jonathan Adams '16, Associate Professor of Sociology Teresa Ciabattari and Dean of Humanities and Associate Professor of Religion Kevin O'Brien. Learn more at www.plu.edu/listen
The second episode of Pacific Lutheran University’s DCHAT podcast features a discussion with Chung-Shing Lee, dean of the PLU School of Business.
The inaugural episode of Pacific Lutheran University’s DCHAT podcast features a discussion with Terry Bergeson, the interim dean of the PLU School of Education and Kinesiology. DCHAT is a new interview-based podcast featuring PLU academic deans and highlighted by questions submitted by PLU alumni. Fall 2016 DCHAT episodes will also include interviews with Chung-Shing Lee, Dean of the School of Business, and Kevin O'Brien, Dean of the Division of Humanities. Special thanks to the following alumni for submitting questions for this episode: Willie Painter ‘06, Anneliese Gabrielle Kellogg ‘11, Lauren Frerichs ‘11, Shea Eakes ‘10, DJ Crisostomo ‘99, BrandonLee Cierley ‘16, Laurie A. Reddy ‘14. Katie Choate ‘10. Conversation Highlights: 1:00- How teaching swimming at a summer camp in Cape Cod led to Bergeson’s passion for education. 3:20- How a dean can have a direct effect on students while working primarily with staff and faculty. 6:35- How Bergeson has set about to learn the institutional systems at PLU and in the School of Education and Kinesiology. 9:30- Getting up speed on the Department of Kinesiology and the opportunities and challenges facing the program. 12:50- Why Bergeson decided to serve at PLU after a long and illustrious career in K-12 education. 19:00- How to identify student teaching opportunities that are a strong fit for specific students. 25:20- Preparing education students to become certified in the subjects they hope to teach. 31:10- What students need from the PLU Department of Education to be effective teachers in diverse communities and why Bergeson aims to diversify the education faculty. 35:45- Why Kinesiology is such a unique and exciting field of study. Editor’s Note: This podcast was recorded on September 13, 2016.
While visiting campus to cheer on her son, Alex, and the PLU football team, CrossFit champion Cheryl Brost ’92 reunited with her former coach and mentor Colleen Hacker to discuss smoothie ingredients, PLU women’s soccer memories, health and wellness philosophies, and much more. GUEST BIOGRAPHIES Cheryl Brost is currently ranked number one in the world and is reigning champion of the Reebok CrossFit Games in the 45- to 49-year-old women’s division of professional crossfit. Cheryl’s career as a student athlete at PLU from 1989 to 1992 is among the most decorated in school history. As a member of the PLU women’s soccer team, Cheryl earned all-American honors, was named the Adidas NAIA player of the year, was a two-time all-American scholar athlete and a two-time national champion. She also played point guard on the PLU women’s basketball team and has been inducted into the PLU athletics hall of fame. Colleen Hacker, Ph.D., is a professor of kinesiology at PLU and an international authority in sports psychology. She served as the head coach of the PLU women’s soccer team from 1980 to 1995, leading the team to three national championships and earning more than a dozen regional and national awards for coach of the year. Colleen served as an assistant coach and sports psychology consultant on the women's U.S. national soccer team from 1995 to 2007. She's currently the mental skills coach of the U.S. women's national hockey team and works with a variety of other professional, international and Olympic athletes. CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS -Health and fitness related warm-up questions: beach vs. mountains, park vs. gym and choice smoothie ingredients: 1:40 -Memories of each other and the PLU women’s soccer program in the 90s: 4:10 -How emotional adversity and stress can affect the capacity of individuals’ minds and bodies to perform at their peak levels: 10:05 -How Cheryl discovered and fell in love with CrossFit: 15:50 -Colleen explains that “variety and joy” are key to a sustainable lifestyle of health and fitness: 18:55 -How to determine the ideal mentality and energy level with which to approach a high-pressure challenge: 24:45 Follow on Twitter: Cheryl: www.twitter.com/cbrost321go Colleen: www.twitter.com/drcolleenhacker Pacific Lutheran University: www.twitter.com/plunews
PLU professors Samuel Torvent and Beth Griech-Polelle discuss Martin Luther's anti-semitism, Lutheran Higher Education and PLU’s upcoming Powell-Heller Conference for Holocaust Education. Dr. Torvent serves as a Professor of Religion and is the Endowed Chair in Lutheran Studies at PLU. Dr. Griech-Polelle is an Associate Professor of History and the Kurtis R. Mayer Chair in Holocaust Studies. Conversation Subjects The legacy of Martin Luther's anti-semitism. (:50) Addressing Luther’s anti-semitism in class. (4:50) How the reformation relevant is now. (16:20) The reformation represented in Lutheran Higher Education. (18:25) PLU's commitment to Holocaust studies. (26:15) Women in the Holocaust. (32:15)
PLU faculty members discuss Pokémon, the presidential election, parenting and the meaning of "civility." The eighth episode of "Open to Interpretation" features a discussion of the word "civility" among host and Communication and Theatre Department Chair Amy Young, Assistant Professor of Politics and Government Kaitlyn Sill and Marriage and Family Therapy Department Chair David Ward. Conversation Highlights 1:30: Kaitlyn's summer binging of the Pokémon television show. 6:30: Defining "civility" – unwritten rules, context and respect. 9:20: What we can learn about civility and anonymity from internet comment sections. 15:10: The negative effects of the cautiousness-in-the-name-of-civility mentality of career politicians. 20:20: "At low levels of conflicts relations don't strive – because there is too much civility." 25:30: Discussion of Malcolm Gladwell's assertion that groups over 150 people will start to socially degrade. 30:00: How young children communicate prior to being taught civility, inclusivity and decorum. "That's how kids are, they don't know the rules." 32:30: Civility in college classrooms. Is there too much "assumed politeness" and "self-policing." 38:00: "At some points when somebody is feeling marginalized it may just be because they are in the fringe margins..." Produced by PLU's Division of Marketing and Communications in partnership with Lute Air Student Radio (LASR), “Open to Interpretation” is a podcast devoted to exploring the meanings and implications of words commonly used in the news, on social media and on college campuses. Previous OTI topics include "Climate," "Gender," "Violence" and "Advocacy." Episodes of OTI are released once per month. If you have feedback, comments or ideas for episodes, please email producer Zach Powers at powerszs@plu.edu.
The seventh episode of "Open to Interpretation" features a discussion of the word "failure" among host and Associate Professor of Communication Amy Young, Associate Professor of Art and Design Jp Avila, and Assistant Professor of Business Kory Brown. Conversation Highlights 6:50: How can failure present a path to success? 10:00: Developing a "thick skin" for failure and the ability to problem solve following failure. 14:00: How can students develop persistence when facing failure. Should ways of learning from failure be part of college courses? 19:40: How faculty can help students through failure without "fixing it for them." 27:20: Why is it so difficult to recover from failure? 28:55: Why Professor Avila tells so many of his students who are interested in attending grad school "perhaps not yet." 31:10 Professor Brown shares about coping with failure as a business leader in the private sector. 32:55 Closing thoughts on failure. “Open to Interpretation” is a podcast devoted to exploring the meanings and implications of words commonly used in the news, on social media and on college campuses. Previous OTI topics include "Climate," "Gender," "Violence" and "Advocacy."
A conversation with PLU Assistant Professor of Religion Seth Dowland about his new book "Family Values and the Rise of the Christian Right."
The sixth episode of 'Open to Interpretation' features a discussion of the word 'interpret' among host and Associate Professor of Communication Amy Young, Assistant Professor of Religion Michael Zbaraschuk and Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Kane Anderson. Conversation Highlights 3:25: What comic book character would make the best President of the United States? 6:10: First thoughts on “interpret” – hermeneutics and production. 11:40: The responsibility of professional “interpreters.” 18:40 Similarities in modernizing super hero stories and the bible. 22:10 The role of “edutainment” –why many interpretations prioritize being “interesting and fun.” 24:20 Common mistakes made by interpreters of theater and religion. 30:25 How religious and legal authorities adjust antiquated interpretations of culturally defining documents like the Bible and the U.S. Constitution? “Open to Interpretation” is a new podcast devoted to exploring the meanings and implications of words commonly used in the news, on social media and on college campuses. Previous OTI topics include "Climate," "Violence" and "Advocacy." Episodes of OTI are released once per month. If you have feedback, comments or ideas for episodes, please email producer Zach Powers at powerszs@plu.edu.
The fifth episode of 'Open to Interpretation' features a discussion of the word 'gender' among host and PLU Associate Professor of Communication Amy Young, Women's Center Director Jennifer Smith and Associate Professor of Biology Mary Ellard-Ivey.
The fourth episode of 'Open to Interpretation' features a discussion of the word 'protest' among host and Associate Professor of Communication Amy Young, PLU President and Professor of English Thomas W. Krise and Assistant Vice President for Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability Angie Hambrick. Recorded November 24, 2015.) “Open to Interpretation” is a new podcast devoted to exploring the meanings and implications of words commonly used in the news, on social media and on college campuses. Previous OTI topics include "Climate," "Violence" and "Advocacy." Upcoming topics include "Gender" and "Interpret." Episodes of OTI are released once per month. If you have feedback, comments or ideas for episodes, please email producer Zach Powers at powerszs@plu.edu.
The third episode of "Open to Interpretation" features a discussion of the word "climate" between host and Associate Professor of Communication Amy Young, Associate Professor of Biology Michael Behrens and Assistant Professor of Politics and Government Kaitlyn Sill. “Open to Interpretation” is a new podcast devoted to exploring the meanings and implications of words commonly used in the news, on social media and on college campuses.
The second episode of "Open to Interpretation" features a discussion of the word "violence" between host and Associate Professor of Communication Amy Young, Professor of Psychology Michelle Ceynar and Associate Professor of Philosophy Pauline Shanks Kaurin. “Open to Interpretation” is a new podcast devoted to exploring the meanings and implications of words commonly used in the news, on social media and on college campuses. Episodes of OTI are released once per month. If you have feedback, comments or ideas for episodes, please email producer Zach Powers at powerszs@plu.edu.
Hosted by Associate Professor of Communication Amy Young, “Open to Interpretation” is a new podcast devoted to exploring the meanings and implications of words commonly used in the news, on social media and on college campuses. The inaugural episode of OTI is a discussion of the word “advocacy” between Young, Associate Professor of Religion Kevin O'Brien and Clinical Assistant Professor of Communication Justin Eckstein. Episodes of OTI will be released once per month. If you have feedback, comments or ideas for episodes, please email producer Zach Powers at powerszs@plu.edu.
Known as the Rainier Writing Workshop, Pacific Lutheran University's Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program challenges its students to consider difficult questions relating to artistry, self-awareness and commission. “What are your goals as a student and maker of literature, as an artist contributing to the conversation about the urgent matters of our time? What is the work you want to do, the work that is specific to your experience, talent, and imagination?” In our latest podcast, we pose these questions and others to a pair of RWW faculty members and acclaimed creative writers, Rick Barot and Ann Pancake. Learn More About the Rainier Writing Workshop at www.plu.edu/MFA Podcast Conversation Outline: 2:40 Ann discusses her “Stranger Genius Award in Literature” nomination and Rick shares what it was like to have a poem recently published in the New York Times. 5:25 Rick and Ann are asked “literature favorites” questions ranging from who their favorite poets are to the novels that had the greatest influence on each of them as teenagers. 18:00 Discussion of the many different ways creative writing can be used as a vehicle to “contribute to urgent matters of our time.” 35:00 Rick and Ann reflect on the cultural climate of the publishing industry and publishing paradigms that affect minority writers as well as writers from non-traditional places. 42:00 Discussion about PLU’s Rainier Writing Workshop. Specifically, the backgrounds, goals and writing styles of many of the students who seek out the program. 46:20 Rick and Ann share what writing projects they are currently working on.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
