Tartan Talks

According to Forbes magazine, legal sales of cannabis in the U.S. hit a record $17.5 billion in 2020. With job growth projected to increase 161 percent by 2029, there's a clear need for educated employees to work in a variety of cannabis-related fields. That's why Edinboro University professor Dr. Sam Claster, from Sociology, has worked tirelessly over the past few years to develop a new certificate program in Cannabis Science. In today's episode, we talk about some of the truths and myths behind the cannabis industry and how it can revolutionize the modern American economy. We'll also chat about the new program, which combines the science of medical cannabis with the science of growing and manufacturing of the product and critical policy and compliance issues that the industry faces.

Recent government data show that nearly three out of every four children under the age of 18 participate in some sort of youth sport. With those numbers remaining steady through 2021, some professionals are taking a closer look at youth sport safety. As professional leagues such as the NFL and NBA become more physical and oftentimes aggressive, some parents have noticed youth athletes adapting to more advanced playing style. And that concerns athletic training professionals like Dr. Amy Eperthener from Edinboro Athletics – whose career is based on keeping athletes safe and healthy. In today's episode of “Tartan Talks” we discuss issues and advancements in youth sports safety and where we go from here. Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In one year, Dr. Jim Roberts ran 7 marathons. He once completed marathons on 3 consecutive days. He has run a marathon in all 50 states – 49 of which he finished in less than 4 hours. Only one question comes to mind when chatting with a seasoned marathon runner like Dr. Roberts: Why? Whether it's a test of personal perseverance or a hobby with friends, Dr. Roberts has found several reasons to complete the 26.2 mile race over and over again. On today's episode, we discuss the reason he started running and how he trains and prepares himself for the grueling race. Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you're an artist, sometimes looking back on your earliest work can be – well – somewhat embarrassing. But as Edinboro University professor Karabo Legwaila explains in today's episode of “Tartan Talks,” that's one of the best ways to improve as an artist. Karabo Legwaila joined the Art Department in the fall of 2016 as a professor of Computer Animation. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a lead technical animator and dynamics specialist. Originally from Botswana, Karabo received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Computer Animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He discusses what it's like seeing your work in front of millions of people and how the field of animation has come a long way with inclusive culture. Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Information is out there. Look no further than the mobile device in your hands. In an instant, you have access to news stories and scientific research about topics from climate change to virus pandemics. But what happens when we encounter science and research that doesn't fit with our own beliefs or preconceptions? Are we rigid to change? What will it take to reconsider our own opinions when presented with new information? Dr. Peter McLaughlin, from Edinboro's Psychology Department, teaches critical thinking and research among his many classes for undergraduate students. He joins us today to discuss why some folks refuse to believe science and why some simply don't know how or where to find reliable sources. He also gives us some advice on how to think critically about ideas that are presented to us.

We all have our hobbies. Some of us enjoy music and writing, others partake in woodworking or fashion. A growing percentage of Americans spend their downtime playing games on video gaming systems, computers and mobile phones. For nearly 10% of these gamers, the hobby has become more than recreation – it's become an addiction. Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel, from Edinboro's Social Work Department, joins us to discuss how we can identify and assess gaming disorders and how we can maintain health screen habits in a screen-dependent society and environment. In addition to her work at Edinboro, Diez-Morel also owns and operates Reboot & Recover – a public charity dedicated to lessening the negative impact of technology in society. Learn more at https://rebootandrecover.org.

Full video episode: https://youtu.be/p7CQ6cRFUnI

Edinboro grad LaToya Ruby Frazier, associate professor of Photography at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and fellowship recipient of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s MacArthur Fellows Program, continues to make headlines for her work as a photographer and activist. In her 2019 address at the Edinboro University Commencement Ceremony, Frazier discussed the mission of her art and career, focusing on inequalities in education, economics and the environment. In this episode of "Tartan Talks" we look back to Frazier's address to the Class of 2019 where she inspired the next generation of Edinboro grads. And check out her most recent feature in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/01/t-magazine/latoya-ruby-frazier-photography.html.

Although you can't tell because of the snow squalls and sub-freezing temperatures, we are quickly approaching spring in Northwestern Pennsylvania. And with the anticipation of warmer weather, birds chirping and leaves returning to trees, many of us hit the books to recall the words of our favorite nature poets. Dr. Bob Hass, from Edinboro University's English & Philosophy Department, joins us today to discuss his lifelong quest to understand Robert Frost, his penchant for living outdoors and writing about it, and his predictions for the future of poetry. Hass is the author of "Going by Contraries: Robert Frost’s Conflict with Science" and the poetry collection, "Counting Thunder". He is currently co-editing "The Letters of Robert Frost" with Edinboro colleague Donald Sheehy for Harvard University Press.

It's Black History Month, and we're delivering you a special episode from Edinboro University's Black History Month programming. Although the Civil Rights Movement resulted in monumental legal changes for a country just 100 years removed from slavery, African Americans continue to experience bias, discrimination and prejudice at all levels of society. LGBTQ African Americans often live at the intersection of racism. In 2020, there was an unprecedented number of murders of trans or gender non-conforming people - the majority of which were black transgender women. This presentation will explore the intersection of gender and race and the implications for the social justice movement. This chat features Dena Stanley (CEO & founder TransYOUniting), Dr. Will Koehler and Dalen Hooks (Central Outreach Advocacy) and Dr. Adrienne Dixon (Edinboro Counseling Department). Find more programming at www.edinboro.edu/bhm.

It's a new year and a new opportunity to reach our goals and meet our personal expectations. However, in 2021, we are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of individuals impacted by this virus are still climbing. Not only that, but people around the globe are facing increasing mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression. Dr. Julaine Field, from Edinboro's Counseling, School Psychology and Special Education – and a licensed professional counselor, joined us for "Tartan Talks" to discuss these concerns and some of the coping mechanisms we can adopt to get through this pandemic together. Edinboro University students who would like to make an appointment with on-campus Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), visit www.edinboro.edu/caps or call (814) 732-2252.

Erie is much more than the fourth largest city in Pennsylvania. From the food to the entertainment to the small businesses, Erie possesses a certain charm that ignites the spirit of locals and piques the nostalgia of those who have moved away. Dena Rupp and Corrine Kraus, two Edinboro University graphic design graduates, started a business to capture this spirit – Flagship City Press. The pair of entrepreneurs joined us on "Tartan Talks" to discuss their stationary and gift business and what it means to be competitive in the current marketplace. To view their entire catalogue of products and to learn more about their story, visit https://flagshipcitypress.com.

Attention: Gear heads, military service members, public servants and curious entrepreneurs. We have an episode of "Tartan Talks" for you. Angela Ambrose, 2002 graduate of Edinboro University and VP of Government Relations and Communications for GM Defense joins us to chat about the new Infantry Squad Vehicle – which is set to roll out soon. GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, is celebrating the first delivery of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) – a light and agile all-terrain troop carrier intended to transport a nine-Soldier infantry squad and their equipment. Ambrose chats with us about more than just the vehicle's 186-horsepower, 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Much more than its prototype – the 2020 Chevy Colorado. She digs into how she landed the role with GM Defense and how she used her education and experience from Edinboro to check off her career milestones. And, yes, what it feels like to drive (and be an anxious passenger in) the ISV.

Tyler Waltenbaugh and Hunter Klobucar understand the issues in the outdoors. Plastic and garbage pollution. Waterways willed with discarded materials from anglers and outdoors visitors. Instead of ignoring the issues, these two Edinboro University students (Tyler graduated in May 2020, and Hunter will graduate in May 2021) decided to do something about it. And start a business in the process. The pair founded Fish Gods, LLC and are launching the Clean Earth Bag, a reusable bag made specifically for outdoor enthusiasts to pick up, contain, and recycle plastic and garbage pollution they encounter while in the outdoors. The Clean Earth Bag eliminates the problems that come along with using trash bags, grocery bags, or any other home remedy you’ve been using to collect outdoor waste.  Tyler and Hunter joined "Tartan Talks" today to chat about their venture and what they're doing to clean the waterways for outdoor enthusiasts and future generations.

Sherry Kuiper is a storyteller. Ever since her graduation from Edinboro University, she has changed careers and found new hobbies. But the one constant in her life is connecting a genuine story to a curious audience. And that's what she does for a living now as a communications specialist at Fort Meade – one of the largest military communities by population. She hosts "Fort Meade Declassified," which tells stories of servicemembers and gives updates on the community. She joined "Tartan Talks" for a podcast about podcasting and a communication about communicating. Check out "Fort Meade Declassified" wherever you listen to podcasts (When you're finished with "Tartan Talks," that is.)

“It’s less about the drug of choice now and more about drug abuse. It’s more of a drug epidemic than it is an opioid epidemic right now. They’ll take anything they can get.” Alan McGill is a Senior Supervisory Special Agent – who has previously worked as an undercover narcotics agent – within Pennsylvania’s Office of the Attorney General. Agent McGill has been a professional investigator for over 30 years with 23 years in law enforcement. Today he joins “Tartan Talks” to discuss his experience as an undercover agent and recovery advocate – and share his thoughts on the future of the opioid epidemic. With more than three decades of experience, McGill earned his bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University in 2020.

If you're listening to this podcast right now, chances are you're quite familiar with technology. Maybe you're streaming on your smart phone, or you're listening to it with headphones on your computer. Whether you've expected it or not (and if you like it or not), technology has changed our lives permanently. And with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our methods of communication, one area of our lives might never be the same: Education. Dr. Camille Dempsey, from Edinboro University's School of Education – and an education technology expert, joins us on "Tartan Talks" today to discuss how to survive virtual learning and how technological advances could impact our future.

As the world addressed the global COVID-19 pandemic, the United States endured one of the most contentious summers since 1968. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black American man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minn., during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. From there, the #BlackLivesMatter movement activated with protests occurring across the country. Edinboro University's Rhonda Matthews, Ph.D. (History, Politics, Languages and Cultures Department) and Professor Julie Barry, MSW, (Social Work) joined "Tartan Talks" to discuss what happened this summer, where we are now, and what the ramifications are for the future. Note: This audio was taken from a YouTube livestream from Edinboro University. For more videos, visit www.youtube.com/edinborou.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Edinboro University's campus visits have shifted to virtual experiences. This tracks will help guide you on your driving tour of campus. To review these locations, visit www.edinboro.edu/tour.

As the Secretary of Health for Pennsylvania, Dr. Rachel Levine has the been the face of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Each day, she addresses thousands of Pennsylvanians with advice and news related to the virus. In 2017, Dr. Levine received an honorary doctorate from Edinboro and delivered the commencement address. She discussed how to be fearless when making big life decisions. She also advised the Class of 2017 to dedicate their life to service of others. As we celebrate the Class of 2020 and recognize Dr. Levine for her hard work and dedication, let's look back to her keynote address on today's "Tartan Talks."

How can you possibly put into words the impact of a lifetime of service to the United States Armed Forces. That's what we're going to try and do today, with interviews of two Edinboro University administrators with nearly 30 years of military experience between them. Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Kavanagh and Major Andrew Matt join "Tartan Talks" today to talk about their "A-ha" moment in the military, what it was like during boot camp and how to maintain lifelong relationships. Military personnel and veterans comprise a giant percentage of faculty, staff and students at Edinboro – and these two individuals represent the best qualities of leadership, commitment and loyalty that makes us proud to celebrate their accomplishments.

Dr. Baher Ghosheh is Edinboro University's resident expert on the Middle East. Born and raised in Jerusalem and educated in the economic development and international relations on the Middle East, Dr. Ghosheh has taught geography and Middle Eastern studies at Edinboro since 1989. In a change to our normal "Tartan Talks" format, Dr. Ghosheh joins us via Zoom to discuss the history of the region and how the United States became involved in the 20th Century. He also discusses how the Arab Spring protests changed the landscape of social interaction and news media in the Middle East. Find out why it's crucial to understanding this oftentimes-chaotic region and what the ramifications are in the near future.

Actor James Earl Jones. Actress Emily Blunt. NBA all-star Bill Walton. Singer Ed Sheeran. Former vice president Joe Biden. What do all of these individuals have in common?They have a stutter. Stuttering impacts 5% of all children in the United States, and the condition stays through adulthood for 1% of the population. Often misunderstood by the public, stuttering is a disability that affects communication pathways in the brain. More significantly are the social impacts that those who stutter face everyday.Today we spoke with Dr. Mary Weidner, from Edinboro University's Communications Sciences and Disorders program on "Tartan Talks." She explained how she uses puppetry and theater to not only comfort those who stutter, but also to inform the public – and children – about the impacts of stuttering.Music and lyrics by Seana and James Hollingsworth.

When Dr. Korey Kilburn prepares to take flight in his two-seat Cessna, he goes over his flight plan, reviews the maintenance of his plane and checks the weather one last time. Many thoughts run through his head before takeoff. But is he worried? Not necessarily. Dr. Kilburn is a math and computer science professor at Edinboro, and he also has his pilot's license. He joins "Tartan" Talks today to chat about his path to aviation and how he grew up in a family of pilots. Although some might fear flying or might worry about their friends flying planes, this isn't the case for Kilburn – who considers air travel just another form of transportation.

What does it mean to fully embrace Black History Month? What would you say if someone claims we don't need a month for Black History? This week's episode of "Tartan Talks" features a live chat with LaTessa McClendon, George Morgan III and Pertrina Marrero, from Edinboro University, who share their stories of Black History Month and what it's like sharing a cultural identity with peers and the next generation. This is the first episode with an accompanying video of the interview. Head over to YouTube for the entire video interview: https://youtu.be/zQzITiMX470.

Wherever you are sitting right now – whether it’s at your bedroom desk or on the couches in the Pogue Student Center – ask yourself why you chose that particular spot. Your physical place in the world is a mixture of conscious and subconscious choices, whether you know it or not. Your location can affect your mood, your personality, your grades and your actions. So what does this mean for a college campus? Dr. Jim Wertz, associate dean of Edinboro University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, joins us on Tartan Talks on Tuesday to discuss the history of Edinboro’s campus architecture and why having a sense of space can alter your outlook. Download Tartan Talks – Episode 10 wherever you listen to podcasts.

"The United States gave me a chance to believe in myself, because we value the ideals of who you are as an individual." Alex Ho graduated in December 2019 from Edinboro University. In the years before earning his diploma, Alex immigrated to the United States with is family, joined the military to serve his country, earned multiple awards and honors for his video/photography work, and landed his first professional gig at National Geographic. Today on Tartan Talks, Alex discusses what it's like learning new cultures and how finding his community of like-minded artists at Edinboro helped him succeed. He'll also tell us the crazy, chance meeting that eventually led to his first job. Hear more stories about Edinboro University students and faculty member at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks.

The winter sky is one of the most majestic sights for astronomers and curious onlookers. In fact, many of our holidays that we celebrate in the United States and across the globe were scheduled around the stars and planets. Today, Tartan Talks presents a special holiday episode with Dr. David Hurd and Jacob Salis, from Edinboro University's Planetarium – who discuss why the winter sky is absolutely breathtaking. They will also discuss the winter solstice, why millions celebrate Christmas in December, and where exactly Santa Claus might be at this very moment. This is the final episode of 2019, and we look forward to being back in January. Thanks for listening!

Dr. Kiran Misra joins us on Tartan Talks to describe her experience as a female scientist from northern India. Born into a culture that hadn’t fully accepted women in academics, this professor in Edinboro University’s Biology and Health Services Department decided she would shatter all cultural norms to pursue higher education and make a difference. The result? Almost all sweet corn grown and raised in the United States features a gene that was identified and developed by Dr. Misra. From her graduate and doctorate-level research at Cornell University to her current projects in India, Dr. Misra has used her education, experience and opportunities to maximize the effects of implementing best farming practices. She is an expert on plant genetics and plant breeding, and teaching biology to science majors and non-science majors. Currently, she’s working with rural farmers in India to develop organic farming methods for soil with severely high salt content.

 Mr. Rogers visited the living rooms of children across the United States, wearing his trademark red cardigan sweater and casual – yet loving – smile. Before sharing his gift of storytelling and puppetry, this kind-hearted television host would change into his basic canvas shoes while singing about being a happy neighbor.The beloved TV icon is celebrated across the United States for his calm but authoritative look at racism, divorce, sibling rivalries and death. This month, Sony Pictures is launching “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers. The film takes a look at magazine writer Tom Junod’s quest for a feature article on the television personality for Esquire Magazine.As we prepare for the release of the film here on Tartan Talks, we revisit Mr. Rogers’ 1998 visit to Edinboro University, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for public service. He also delivered an acceptance speech that left the audience completely silent in adoration.Please enjoy this life-changing presentation and discover just what Fred Rogers means to Edinboro University and generations of kindhearted kids.

It was a frightening time in 1690s Colonial Massachusetts – especially in Salem Town and Salem Village. In addition to frequent attacks from Native Americans, smallpox epidemics and religious intolerance, Salem was afflicted by one of the most legendary tragedies in American history: witchcraft. The Salem Witch Trials led to the execution of nearly 20 individuals living in Salem, and the arrests of more than 150. How did this happen so quickly? Was there evidence of witchcraft, or is this all just a hysterical mess? Dr. Jerra Jenrette, who teaches American history at Edinboro University, digs into the history and myths of the Salem Witch Trials and offers some explanations for how such a tragedy could have occurred... And if history could possibly repeat itself.

Spooky. Haunted. Dark. Eerie. Those are some of the adjectives we in the United States might use to describe Halloween and the end of October. But in Mexico – and to Mexican-Americans – it's almost the complete opposite. Dia de los Muertos is the annual celebration that coincides with Halloween and the Christian celebration of All Saints Day. Families and friends gather on this multi-day holiday to pray for an remember their lost loved ones. Edinboro University student Nathalia Perez-Torres and Academic Success Coordinator Brenda Abreu-Baker agree that the festive, colorful holiday is important to those who share Mexican heritage. Learn more about the holiday and what it means to Latino students and staff at Edinboro.

It's October! That means we're celebrating beer. But we're not just sitting back and sipping on a cold one. We're going to learn about the processes and science behind brewing and fermentation, why it's important to have a fundamental knowledge of chemistry to be an expert and why IPAs are overrated (Calm down, beer folks. It's just one professor's opinion). Today on "Tartan Talks" we spoke with Edinboro University professor Dr. N. Gabriel Armatas, who teaches chemistry and is the founding member of Edinboro's Fermentation Sciences program. He'll talk about why chemistry is important to all aspects of the kitchen – from brewing the best pint of ale to making your own pickles and sauerkraut. To learn more about Fermentation Science at Edinboro University, visit https://www.edinboro.edu/fermentation.

We're going live here at Tartan Talks! A few years ago, Edinboro University developed the "Uncomfortable Conversations" series to series to engage in meaningful, civil discourse on timely, often sensitive, issues that are shaping the national dialogue. AKA: Here's a perfect opportunity to bring Edinboro's academic discourse to the masses through this podcast. On Sept. 15 – Constitution Day – a panel of experts from Edinboro and the Erie region came together to discuss the Electoral College: What is it? Is it still relevant? If we wanted to change it, would it be easy? This is a little longer episode than you're used to, because the live audience asked incredible questions and our political experts are extremely knowledgeable. So before the next election – or maybe this weekend – check out the first live show from Tartan Talks.

The woman’s severed head lay in the woods, 10 yards off a rural road. Her mouth was open. Her eyes were closed. Her hair was gray and fluffy. A teenager spotted her about half past noon on Dec. 12, 2014. Moments later, police say, the boy called 911. “I found a human head,” he calmly told the operator. Today, almost three years after the discovery, the woman’s identity remains a mystery. Authorities haven’t determined how or when she died, her age, why she was decapitated, or how her head came to rest off Mason Road in this town of 12,000 not far from Pittsburgh. Despite an initial flurry of tips, police say they have no suspects. But they do have a leading theory. They believe the head may have been severed by a so-called body broker – someone who sells body parts from a cadaver donated to science. “She was dismembered professionally,” said Michelle Vitali, professor at Edinboro University. (Source: Reuters Investigates.)

Can't get enough of the spirit of the Scots? Here's a bonus episode with Edinboro University student – and bagpipe expert – Mia Harvey, who takes us through the theory and practice of this instrument, and how she it became a major part of her life. Enjoy!

Edinboro University – home of the Fighting Scots. But why? The original Edinboro establishment was surveyed by Scotsman and Williamsport native William Culbertson and Alexander Hamilton (no, not THAT Alexander Hamilton, but a 3rd cousin) surveyed the area in 1796, with Culbertson returning the following year to settle around Lake Conneauttee – a Native American name meaning “Land of the Living Snowflake.” According to Russell Vance’s “A Portrait of Edinboro,” Edinboro was originally called “Washington,” after General (and later President) George Washington, who defeated French troops at Presque Isle and LeBeouf. But Culbertson’s wife, nicknamed Granny Randolph, noted that there was already a Washington, Pa., and suggested “Edinboro,” after Edinburgh, Scotland, the home of William’s ancestors. We sat down with Edinboro professor Dr. Tim Thompson to chat about our Scottish roots and the upcoming Highland Games & Scottish Festival this month.

A crew of literary bandits that came of age in the 1950s, the Beat Generation abandoned traditional American values and cultural norms. These writers of the 1950s practiced sexual liberation, experimented with drug use, dug into jazz musicians like Billie Holiday and Thelonious Monk and objected mainstream materialism. Although most literary fans immediately recognize names like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsburg, Edinboro University professor Dr. Mary Paniccia Carden believes we need to focus more on names like Diane di Prima, Ruth Weiss and Hettie Jones. In her new book, “Women Writers of the Beat Era: Autobiography and Intertextuality,” In this inaugural episode of Tartan Talks, Dr. Carden explores how these women play a significant role in this literary movement and how their text and lifestyles are often overlooked by the literary elite – and the American public.

Welcome to Tartan Talks, a podcast from Edinboro University. Each month, we’ll take a look at the individuals who make Edinboro an exciting, diverse and profound place to discover your passions. We’ll learn about faculty, staff and students – beyond the classroom walls, beyond the lecture halls, beyond this campus. Following our initial release in September, Tartan Talks will be published twice each month, with a special holiday program in December. Listen to Tartan Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever else you listen to podcasts. Check us out online at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks.