Thought Huddle podcast

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Thought Huddle is a new podcast highlighting thinkers and doers who are devoted to creating meaningful impact. It explores ideas, tells stories, and helps make sense of our complicated and beautiful world.

Arizona State University

  • Dec 7, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • monthly NEW EPISODES
  • 32m AVG DURATION
  • 36 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Thought Huddle podcast

The necessity of trust in democracy

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2020 22:05


Many of life’s daily interactions depend on trust. That’s especially true for the healthy functioning of a democratic government and its institutions. But what happens when trust erodes? We talk to Daniel Rothenberg, co-director of ASU’s Center on the Future of War and professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies, about reasons why people mistrust the government — and how to build back trust in a deeply flawed system.

Fragmenting society, with disinformation

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2020 31:20


The rise of advanced information technologies has resulted in sophisticated efforts to fragment American society — from foreign actors like Russia, to conspiracy theorists and political campaigns — and these efforts are working. ASU’s Braden Allenby tells us what this looks like, how it works and what we can do to restore a robust, pluralistic democracy.

Democracy’s roots: Equality, freedom and inclusion in ancient Greece

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2020 23:57


Democracy flourished in Athens 2500 years ago — but lasted only about a century. Why was it so influential in the thousands of years that followed? And how do the struggles and conflicts of ancient Greece mirror our own? We explore these questions with scholar Catherine Zuckert, professor emerita of political science at the University of Notre Dame and visiting professor in ASU’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.

Democracy’s roots: Equality, freedom and inclusion in ancient Greece

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2020 23:57


Democracy flourished in Athens 2500 years ago — but lasted only about a century. Why was it so influential in the thousands of years that followed? And how do the struggles and conflicts of ancient Greece mirror our own? We explore these questions with scholar Catherine Zuckert, professor emerita of political science at the University of Notre Dame and visiting professor in ASU’s School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.

How America was built on slavery: Those roots can still be felt today

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 27:12


American capitalism was built on the backs of slaves and the slave economy — and not just in the South. Some of these practices are still with us. Historian Calvin Schermerhorn explains how slavery built America without returning virtually any of the gains to the enslaved people — or their descendants. He also describes how racial inequality is part of our national DNA and why it persists. Schermerhorn is a professor of history in ASU’s School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies, and the author of four books on the history of slavery in the U.S., including “Unrequited Toil: A History of United States Slavery.”

How America was built on slavery: Those roots can still be felt today

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 27:12


American capitalism was built on the backs of slaves and the slave economy — and not just in the South. Some of these practices are still with us. Historian Calvin Schermerhorn explains how slavery built America without returning virtually any of the gains to the enslaved people — or their descendants. He also describes how racial inequality is part of our national DNA and why it persists. Schermerhorn is a professor of history in ASU’s School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies, and the author of four books on the history of slavery in the U.S., including “Unrequited Toil: A History of United States Slavery.”

On lynching and racial oppression: How white violence denies black innocence

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 25:16


The practice of lynching was originally used against British loyalists. But after the Civil War it became a way of brutally suppressing the rights and agency of African American citizens. We speak with ASU Professor Ersula Ore about her book, "Lynching: Violence, Rhetoric, & American Identity," and the continuing reality of racial injustice. Ore traces the ways in which the practice and the language of violence are embedded in American identity, and how that affects citizens — specifically ex-slaves, Native Americans and other people of color. Ore is the Lincoln Professor of Ethics in the School of Social Transformation and an assistant professor of African and African American studies, and rhetoric.

On lynching and racial oppression: How white violence denies black innocence

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2020 25:16


The practice of lynching was originally used against British loyalists. But after the Civil War it became a way of brutally suppressing the rights and agency of African American citizens. We speak with ASU Professor Ersula Ore about her book, "Lynching: Violence, Rhetoric, & American Identity," and the continuing reality of racial injustice. Ore traces the ways in which the practice and the language of violence are embedded in American identity, and how that affects citizens — specifically ex-slaves, Native Americans and other people of color. Ore is the Lincoln Professor of Ethics in the School of Social Transformation and an assistant professor of African and African American studies, and rhetoric.

Crises of their own: How nonprofits are creatively confronting COVID-19

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 23:09


Organizations serving the public during the crisis of COVID-19 are facing their own challenges. Myriad nonprofits — from front-line service providers to museums and performing arts organizations — are feeling the impact of the pandemic in everything from revenues to volunteerism. Robert Ashcraft, executive director of the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation at ASU, talks about the challenges, creativity and collaboration he’s seeing in nonprofits across the country, including the innovative use of farm animals on Zoom calls.

Crises of their own: How nonprofits are creatively confronting COVID-19

Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2020 23:09


Organizations serving the public during the crisis of COVID-19 are facing their own challenges. Myriad nonprofits — from front-line service providers to museums and performing arts organizations — are feeling the impact of the pandemic in everything from revenues to volunteerism. Robert Ashcraft, executive director of the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation at ASU, talks about the challenges, creativity and collaboration he’s seeing in nonprofits across the country, including the innovative use of farm animals on Zoom calls.

Love Sickness: Shakespeare, medicine and metaphors in a world of plague

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 21:26


Romantic love was long considered an illness — with some bizarre and harrowing treatments. In Shakespeare’s time, the plague and disease are metaphors for love — the overwhelming, intoxicating, love-at-first-sight kind of love. Remedies for this “love sickness” ranged from lettuce to surgery. We talk to Ian Moulton, professor of English and cultural history in ASU's College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, who takes us on a journey from ancient Greece through the early modern period, and the literature and medical history of illness and love.

Love Sickness: Shakespeare, medicine and metaphors in a world of plague

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2020 21:26


Romantic love was long considered an illness — with some bizarre and harrowing treatments. In Shakespeare’s time, the plague and disease are metaphors for love — the overwhelming, intoxicating, love-at-first-sight kind of love. Remedies for this “love sickness” ranged from lettuce to surgery. We talk to Ian Moulton, professor of English and cultural history in ASU's College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, who takes us on a journey from ancient Greece through the early modern period, and the literature and medical history of illness and love.

The most vulnerable among us: How the pandemic reveals inequities in health care and beyond

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 19:25


Poor and minority communities were at a disadvantage before COVID-19, but they are getting hit hardest now. Can the U.S. use this moment for positive change? African Americans and Native American communities have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19, as well as people in the lowest income strata — many of whom work jobs that expose them to the virus, and have limited access to our nation’s fragmentary social safety net. Swapna Reddy, clinical assistant professor at Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions and adjunct professor in health care administration at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine-Arizona, describes both problems and potential solutions to the long standing crisis of inequity that this pandemic is highlighting.

The most vulnerable among us: How the pandemic reveals inequities in health care and beyond

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 19:25


Poor and minority communities were at a disadvantage before COVID-19, but they are getting hit hardest now. Can the U.S. use this moment for positive change? African Americans and Native American communities have been particularly hard hit by COVID-19, as well as people in the lowest income strata — many of whom work jobs that expose them to the virus, and have limited access to our nation’s fragmentary social safety net. Swapna Reddy, clinical assistant professor at Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions and adjunct professor in health care administration at Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine-Arizona, describes both problems and potential solutions to the long standing crisis of inequity that this pandemic is highlighting.

Testing is Key: Attacking the Virus with Rapid Response, Robots and Reliability

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 26:06


Reliable and fast testing are needed all over the US to confront the spread of COVID-19. We talk to Dr. Joshua LaBaer about his lab’s robotic systems—and how to use and expand testing most effectively. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, LaBaer, executive director of ASU’s Biodesign Institute, transformed one of his labs into a high-volume coronavirus testing lab. This lab was originally developed to do high-volume testing for radiation in case of nuclear disaster. We talk about how the lab works, how to best do testing and contacting tracing, and how to incorporate both of these into strategic plans to reopen society.

Testing is Key: Attacking the Virus with Rapid Response, Robots and Reliability

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 26:06


Reliable and fast testing are needed all over the US to confront the spread of COVID-19. We talk to Dr. Joshua LaBaer about his lab’s robotic systems—and how to use and expand testing most effectively. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, LaBaer, executive director of ASU’s Biodesign Institute, transformed one of his labs into a high-volume coronavirus testing lab. This lab was originally developed to do high-volume testing for radiation in case of nuclear disaster. We talk about how the lab works, how to best do testing and contacting tracing, and how to incorporate both of these into strategic plans to reopen society.

Conditions of Contagion: The Fears We Face

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 21:50


In 18th century England, viruses and bacteria were not understood — but the idea of contagion was part of the social fabric. We talk to Annika Mann, an ASU scholar of 18th century and Romantic-era British literature and culture, about both disease contagion in the period before pathogens were well understood, and how that period resonates during the current pandemic. Mann, who authored the book "Reading Contagion" and co-edited the anthology "Transforming Contagion," also discusses the concept of contagious ideas and emotions, like panic, passion, sexuality and democracy.

Conditions of Contagion: The Fears We Face

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 21:50


In 18th century England, viruses and bacteria were not understood — but the idea of contagion was part of the social fabric. We talk to Annika Mann, an ASU scholar of 18th century and Romantic-era British literature and culture, about both disease contagion in the period before pathogens were well understood, and how that period resonates during the current pandemic. Mann, who authored the book "Reading Contagion" and co-edited the anthology "Transforming Contagion," also discusses the concept of contagious ideas and emotions, like panic, passion, sexuality and democracy.

Time for Caring: At Home—and On The Frontlines

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 20:12


In this time of coronavirus crisis, how do we best care for others and ourselves? And how do nurses in particular manage amid this pandemic? Thought Huddle host Mary-Charlotte Domandi talks to Dr. Teri Pipe, Arizona State University’s Chief Well-Being Officer, and founding director of ASU’s Center for Mindfulness, Compassion, and Resilience, about the psychological and emotional challenges of navigating this global health crisis—whether alone in your apartment or on the frontlines of the medical system. Pipe and her colleagues are producing a YouTube series, Monday through Friday, on topics related to resilience and mindfulness. You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNrrxHpJhC8mQ9ASLgp2AyOYJ8cDHPkVl

Time for Caring: At Home—and On The Frontlines

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 20:12


In this time of coronavirus crisis, how do we best care for others and ourselves? And how do nurses in particular manage amid this pandemic? Thought Huddle host Mary-Charlotte Domandi talks to Dr. Teri Pipe, Arizona State University’s Chief Well-Being Officer, and founding director of ASU’s Center for Mindfulness, Compassion, and Resilience, about the psychological and emotional challenges of navigating this global health crisis—whether alone in your apartment or on the frontlines of the medical system. Pipe and her colleagues are producing a YouTube series, Monday through Friday, on topics related to resilience and mindfulness. You can find it here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNrrxHpJhC8mQ9ASLgp2AyOYJ8cDHPkVl

The Black Death: Pondering a past plague during today’s pandemic

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 23:02


In the 14th century, a virulent plague killed nearly half of Europe’s population. What can we learn from that time as we navigate COVID-19? This is the first program in a series addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. We talk to ASU historian Hannah Barker about a time in history when the plague, a disease spread by rodents and their fleas, took the lives of tens of millions of people across Europe, Asia, and Africa. We explore the parallels—and differences—between that time and our own, including social, medical and religious responses, and resulting seismic shifts in society.

The Black Death: Pondering a past plague during today’s pandemic

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 23:02


In the 14th century, a virulent plague killed nearly half of Europe’s population. What can we learn from that time as we navigate COVID-19? This is the first program in a series addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. We talk to ASU historian Hannah Barker about a time in history when the plague, a disease spread by rodents and their fleas, took the lives of tens of millions of people across Europe, Asia, and Africa. We explore the parallels—and differences—between that time and our own, including social, medical and religious responses, and resulting seismic shifts in society.

Aliens: A World Beyond

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2019 47:50


The notion of aliens from other planets often conjures images of flying saucers and little green men. But could they really exist? Even though the belief in alien life forms is typically derided as wild or delusional, scientists and other serious thinkers have long grappled with both their theoretical possibility and myriad sightings that remain mysterious. Among the guests is Paul Davies, theoretical physicist, cosmologist, best-selling author and director of ASU’s Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science.

Aliens: A World Beyond

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2019 47:50


The notion of aliens from other planets often conjures images of flying saucers and little green men. But could they really exist? Even though the belief in alien life forms is typically derided as wild or delusional, scientists and other serious thinkers have long grappled with both their theoretical possibility and myriad sightings that remain mysterious. Among the guests is Paul Davies, theoretical physicist, cosmologist, best-selling author and director of ASU’s Beyond Center for Fundamental Concepts in Science.

Future Visions, Past Reflections

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 52:52


Future Visions, Past ReflectionsHow do we think about the future in precarious, uncertain times? Can we garner insights from the past, drawing on the realms of religion, art and technology? Host Mary-Charlotte Domandi speaks to Jeffrey Cohen, ASU dean of Humanities, about his study of Noah’s Ark. She then talks about Shakespeare and race with Ayanna Thompson, ASU professor of English and president of the Shakespeare Association of America, and ASU Professor Andrew Maynard, who directs the Risk Innovation Lab and studies the future of innovation.

Future Visions, Past Reflections

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2019 52:52


Future Visions, Past ReflectionsHow do we think about the future in precarious, uncertain times? Can we garner insights from the past, drawing on the realms of religion, art and technology? Host Mary-Charlotte Domandi speaks to Jeffrey Cohen, ASU dean of Humanities, about his study of Noah’s Ark. She then talks about Shakespeare and race with Ayanna Thompson, ASU professor of English and president of the Shakespeare Association of America, and ASU Professor Andrew Maynard, who directs the Risk Innovation Lab and studies the future of innovation.

All About Dogs

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2019 42:24


Dog owners are wild about their dogs. It's hard to overstate the power and poignancy of this human-canine bond. But what makes dogs so special--and where do they come from? These are just two of the topics explored by Greger Larson, University of Oxford evolutionary biologist; Linda Milanesi, executive director of Assistance Dogs of the West; and Clive Wynne, ASU professor of psychology and author of the forthcoming book, "Dog is Love."

All About Dogs

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2019 42:24


Dog owners are wild about their dogs. It's hard to overstate the power and poignancy of this human-canine bond. But what makes dogs so special--and where do they come from? These are just two of the topics explored by Greger Larson, University of Oxford evolutionary biologist; Linda Milanesi, executive director of Assistance Dogs of the West; and Clive Wynne, ASU professor of psychology and author of the forthcoming book, "Dog is Love."

Alzheimer’s Disease: Holding on to Humanity

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2019 41:37


The journey of Alzheimer’s Disease is unpredictable, baffling, a loss for the sufferer, painful for the family—yet can offer unexpected gifts. So, too, there have been insights and advances to better understand the disease and provide better care. Guests include Diego Mastroeni, assistant research professor with the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, and Gary Glazner, founder and executive director of the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project.

Alzheimer’s Disease: Holding on to Humanity

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2019 41:37


The journey of Alzheimer’s Disease is unpredictable, baffling, a loss for the sufferer, painful for the family—yet can offer unexpected gifts. So, too, there have been insights and advances to better understand the disease and provide better care. Guests include Diego Mastroeni, assistant research professor with the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, and Gary Glazner, founder and executive director of the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project.

Hot and Habitable: Creating Sustainable Cities

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2018 50:26


Host Mary-Charlotte Domandi speaks with three sustainability experts who explore the challenges Phoenix and other “extreme” cities face. They seek creative solutions to make urban spaces more livable for the long-term. This includes architect Jack Debartolo, ASU dean of social sciences, geographer and urban planner Elizabeth Wentz, and architect and urban designer Wellington “Duke” Reiter.

Hot and Habitable: Creating Sustainable Cities

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2018 50:26


Host Mary-Charlotte Domandi speaks with three sustainability experts who explore the challenges Phoenix and other “extreme” cities face. They seek creative solutions to make urban spaces more livable for the long-term. This includes architect Jack Debartolo, ASU dean of social sciences, geographer and urban planner Elizabeth Wentz, and architect and urban designer Wellington “Duke” Reiter.

Yes, We Monitor What Goes Down the Drain

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2018 41:53


Rolf Halden studies the impact of dangerous chemicals on human health. Halden, director of the Center for Environmental Health Engineering at ASU’s Biodesign Institute, monitors sewage in hundreds of locations around the U.S. to measure the health of our cities and their people.

Yes, We Monitor What Goes Down the Drain

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2018 41:53


Rolf Halden studies the impact of dangerous chemicals on human health. Halden, director of the Center for Environmental Health Engineering at ASU’s Biodesign Institute, monitors sewage in hundreds of locations around the U.S. to measure the health of our cities and their people.

Alexander Hamilton: A Maker of America

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2018 41:55


This is the story of Alexander Hamilton: the man, the nation builder, the dueler and the now-legendary musical. It draws on insights from professors Paul Carrese and Peter McNamara from ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, Yale University's Joanne Freeman, ASU Gammage's Colleen Jennings-Roggensack and Kirk Ellis, writer of the HBO miniseries "John Adams."

Alexander Hamilton: A Maker of America

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2018 41:55


This is the story of Alexander Hamilton: the man, the nation builder, the dueler and the now-legendary musical. It draws on insights from professors Paul Carrese and Peter McNamara from ASU's School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, Yale University's Joanne Freeman, ASU Gammage's Colleen Jennings-Roggensack and Kirk Ellis, writer of the HBO miniseries "John Adams."

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