un-CAPP it!

un-CAPP it! closes out Season 6 with an exploration of the journey to U.S. citizenship. Hosts Carmen and Abbie un-CAPP the naturalization process and quiz listeners on U.S. history, politics, and geography with real citizenship test questions. Today's guest, Dr. Brad Wile, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at Ohio Northern University, shares his firsthand experience as a former Canadian citizen who pursued citizenship in the U.S. Don't miss this season finale—and Carmen's final episode as co-host!

In this episode of un-CAPP it!, Carmen and Abbie explore the world beyond the two-party system. From the history of third parties and write-ins to their current relevance, they un-CAPP what these options mean for young voters. Featuring interviews with ten Ohio Northern University students, this episodes captures the thoughts of Gen Z when considering alternative candidates. Are these options a way to break the mold or do they split the vote? Tune in to hear the variety of perspectives on navigating candidate selection.

There is a lot more that goes into voting than most people are aware of, and Carmen and Abbie plan to un-CAPP exactly that in their latest episode. Alongside the President of the League of Women Voters of the Lima Area, Dr. Holly Norton, Carmen and Abbie discuss the basic components of casting your vote, and how to stay educated and engaged during the election season.

When clips of the presidential debates dominate social media and news feeds, it's important to ask the question why? Carmen and Abbie un-CAPP the history, function, and significance of the debates, before diving into their context within political culture with Dr. Megan Wood. An assistant professor of Communication & Culture, Dr. Wood brought her scholarship and expertise to further the discussion and our understanding of the debates.

Welcome to Season 6 of un-CAPP it! Carmen and Abbie bring their listeners a five minute introduction to the upcoming season and all that they have in store during this politically significant time. After re-CAPPing a handful of momentous events, Carmen and Abbie look ahead at important dates for the voting population. ICAPP and un-CAPP it! have many exciting things in store for the election season, so stay tuned!

As season 5 of un-CAPP it! comes to a close, it marks the end of not only this season, but also Kennedy's term as co-host. Kennedy and Carmen are very excited to welcome Abbie Hamill, a freshman political science major, as the new co-host! To wrap up a year of big changes for ICAPP, Carmen and Abbie review the activities and interview Kennedy about her experience in ICAPP. For the last time ever, Kennedy Aikey signs off of un-CAPP it!

Mental health is a standard topic nowadays, but what are its implications in the workplace? Kennedy and Carmen are joined by the Honorable Cheryl Mason, former chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals, who shares her personal and professional experiences with mental health and the ways in which good leadership can positively impact work results. Polar Bear POV Emma Cook concludes the episode by offering her insight as a student, college athlete, and future leader with firsthand knowledge of what makes a successful leader and good mental health support.

Nowadays, almost everyone is connected to the internet. This means that everyone is also a potential target for cyberattacks. Kennedy and Carmen break down the types of possible cyberattacks and the role of cybersecurity with the help of an ONU engineering professor and cybersecurity specialist, Dr. Ajmal Khan. As polar bear POV Mia Prasinos explains, cybersecurity affects everyone, so tune in and find out more!

Kennedy and Carmen take a step back from American politics to discuss the role of international culture and education in shaping beliefs and values. Today's guest, Rose Previte, offers her perspective as an ONU alumna, world traveler, and entrepreneur who began her travels with a study abroad experience at Northern. Rose and the Polar Bear POV guest, Selah Schertz offer similar messages of the importance of travel and its impacts on the rest of their lives.

Kennedy and Carmen are joined by host and producer of NPR's “Morning Edition” on WKSU, Amy Eddings, to discuss the media, its varied roles, and how it impacts politics. Amy offers her firsthand perspective as a member of the media, while Polar Bear POV Sunny Lloyd shares her thoughts as a consumer. Together, they help Kennedy and Carmen uncover the importance of the media.

Kennedy and Carmen reflect on their high school experiences as they discuss how politics and government are taught in high school and the impact this can have on students. As a social studies teacher at Ada High School, Kristin Salyer shares her first-hand experience of tackling government in the classroom. The episode concludes with Lydia Zamora offering her Polar Bear POV on her high school experience and ideal political education.

Welcome to Season 5–Kennedy's final season on the podcast! 2024 marks a special year for politics because of the presidential election. Kennedy and Carmen kick off both the podcast and election season with an episode dedicated to primaries and caucuses. Hardin County Board of Elections director Amy Purcell and deputy director Stephanie McCollough help explain what happens at a local level for the Ohio primary. Senior Matthew Petrella concludes the episode with a Polar Bear POV. 

Taxes–the thing that affects everyone but is largely misunderstood. In this episode, Kennedy and Carmen explain how taxpayer dollars are spent as part of the government's revenue. Did you realize that your income taxes support as many as 15 different federal programs? With the help of one of ONU's Economics Professors, Dr. David McClough, and Senior Accounting major, Connor Rowe, Kennedy and Carmen dissect taxpayer spending so you don't have to. 

Does the upcoming holiday season make you fear political discussions at the dinner table? Well, there is some science behind that feeling of dread. Kennedy and Carmen investigate the impact of toxic politics on one's mental health with the help of Poppy Evans, a licensed Mental Health Counselor from the Braver Angels Cincinnati Alliance. In the Polar Bear POV, two ONU students share their personal experiences and their observations of Gen Z as a whole in the world of toxic politics.

Jury duty: the mystery summons that no one wants to participate in. Why is it that most citizens regard this activity as a burden? And why is it so rare to know someone who has been a juror? On today's episode, Kennedy and Carmen unpack these questions, alongside many more, with the help of Judge Tammie Hursh and Senior Criminal Justice/Sociology major Emma Ewry.

As two eligible Ohio voters, the upcoming November election is especially important for Kennedy and Carmen. Join them and other Ohio Northern University students as they discuss the ballot language, the significance of a ‘yes' or ‘no' vote, and Gen Z's general perspective on the issues of abortion and marijuana.

Since childhood, we've been told ‘stranger danger' and not to fall for promises of puppies or candy. However, is human trafficking really that simple? Kennedy and Carmen uncover the truth by interviewing Kaitlyn McClintic, a Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator at the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking. Ms. McClintic offers shocking insight into the many causes of human trafficking, including those that may be closer to home than we expect. The episode concludes with Polar Bear POV guest Allison Parker as she shares her personal experience growing up with an awareness of human trafficking.

We've heard that the opioid epidemic is in our backyards, but what does that really mean? Today, Kennedy and Carmen find out by diving into the history, causes, and politics of the opioid epidemic. Sociology professor Dr. Keith Durkin further expands upon these issues and offers insight into how mental health support could address this crisis. The episode concludes with a Polar Bear POV with a 3rd-year pharmacy student, Eli Schmitmeyer, who considers how his work impacts the opioid epidemic.

In this episode, Kennedy and Carmen take on the topic of ChatGPT and AI. They discuss their understanding of how AI has entered the world and the implications of it pertaining to their majors and politics. Writing and Multimedia Studies professor Dr. Shane Tilton explains how ChatGPT gathers information, the benefits and disadvantages of it, and much more. Today's episode concludes with Kennedy and Carmen interviewing the first Polar Bear POV guest, Dylan McDevitt, for his thoughts on ChatGPT and AI.

Welcome to Season 4 of un-CAPP it! In this episode, Carmen Mancuso is introduced as the brand-new co-host to the listeners. Kennedy and Carmen discuss the future of the podcast and re-cap their summer vacations. They also share some of the exciting things ICAPP accomplished this summer. They are joined by ICAPP's founding director, Dr. Robert Alexander, to discuss the results of the Northern Poll. This poll examined Issue 1 from Ohio's Special August Election, as well as, some upcoming political issues that will be on the ballot in November.   

Kennedy and Hailey have spoken a lot this season about the amazing opportunities they have had throughout their internships in the legal field. In this episode, they discuss more benefits of internships that are available to all students. The co-hosts are joined by one of ICAPP's newest Fellows to interview students on Ohio Northern's campus about their personal experiences with internships. Stay all the way to the end to hear an exciting announcement and plans for Season 4 of “un-CAPP it!”

Generation Z has become the face of the movement to correct the climate crisis that is being faced worldwide. However, this issue has become a very polarized one. Kennedy and Hailey discuss current examples of climate change as well as address how both political parties can address the challenge together. They are joined by Dr. Lauren Logan to talk about the approaches we can take to do our part in the fight against climate change. She provides individual-level actions as well as potential bipartisan solutions.

One very apparent area that Gen-Z differs from past generations is in the workplace. Co-hosts, Kennedy and Hailey, discuss with Susan Smith how Gen-Z has the potential to evolve the workplace into a more ethical place. Susan Smith shares her expertise in corporate ethics and her personal experiences in her variety of different job positions. They discuss how ethics is essential to any workplace and is pivotal in the success of employees.

 As the future generation of leaders, Kennedy and Hailey discuss what leadership means to them as well as some influential leaders in their lives. They are joined by Christie McConnell, an ONU alumna and current freelance consultant in the entertainment industry, to discuss her successes as a leader. They further discuss the influence of women in leadership positions and the importance of overcoming any potential barriers that hinder women's motivations to pursue leadership. Make sure to stay all the way to the end of the episode to hear a very important pupdate about Sport Grey!

With prescription drug prices rising in the United States, Kennedy and Hailey discuss some reasons for why this is happening. The co-hosts explain the importance of public health and how health policy can have an impact on our everyday lives. They are joined by David Bobb, a pharmacist, attorney, and retired United States Air Force Colonel. He is able to explain the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in the rise of prescription drug prices and offer solutions to this problem. 

Kennedy and Hailey are starting on the journey to building their future careers. As members of Gen-Z, it is important to discuss the new qualities this generation will bring to the workforce. The co-hosts discuss the excitement and anxiety that comes with starting a career as a young adult. They are joined by Bob Smith, Chair of the JobsOhio Board, to further discuss what it will be like for Gen-Z to start their careers. Bob Smith offers great advice and shares inspiring stories from his past.

Given the current political climate, Kennedy and Hailey discuss the two-party system and explain how we are currently seeing it in the United States. The co-hosts dive into how we got to this point and how we as Americans are actually feeding into the problem. They then leave the studio to get the opinions of their fellow classmates at Ohio Northern University on the two-party system and the potential for third-party candidates.

With the current pressures to maintain a busy schedule and maximize your time, it can be difficult to slow down and be present in your life. Kennedy and Hailey provide a practical solution to this by discussing the concept of mindfulness. They explain what it is and an easy way to begin implementing it into your daily routine. They take mindfulness a step further during their discussion with Chaplain David MacDonald and relate it to today's current political climate. Chaplain MacDonald explains the relationship between mindfulness and politics as well as how we can use this practice to alleviate some of the toxicity in today's political climate.

Welcome to Season 3 of un-CAPP it! In this episode Kennedy and Hailey briefly discuss what they did during their break from the podcast and hint at what listeners can expect out of the rest of the season. With Andrea and Hailey graduating in May, ICAPP has brought on two new fellows! The co-hosts provide their listeners with some information on these new members as they begin their journey with ICAPP.

Kennedy and Hailey have discussed their desires to attend law school in the future a lot on this podcast. In this episode, they focus on a different route that individuals may use their J.D. for: in politics. They mention how it is a very common path to take post earning this degree and explain why that is. They are then joined by Sheila Boehner, who is the prime example of someone who has become very successful in using her law degree in the political realm.

With gerrymandering being such a complex topic, Kennedy and Hailey breakdown the concept for their viewers. They explain the ways in which gerrymandering occurs and why it is pertinent today, especially in Ohio. Dr. Katy Rossiter joins them to further simplify gerrymandering. She expands on the co-hosts' discussion on redistricting in Ohio and emphasizes why citizens should care about this issue by tying it to how gerrymandering could affect future elections.

As members of Generation Z, the topic of mental health resonates closely with Hailey and Kennedy. The co-hosts discuss how their generation has been impacted by mental illness and how this has led them to become very open regarding the topic. They mention the role the pandemic has played in the rising rates of mental illness worldwide and pose some ways to address this issue. They are then joined by Jay Chaudhary who has dedicated his entire career to finding the proper intersection between mental health and the law. Together they discuss the challenges faced in this area and the future of policies regarding mental health.

With the 2022 midterm elections tomorrow, Kennedy and Hailey “un-capp” all of the basics for their listeners. They discuss the different offices that can be voted on in regard to the national, state, and local levels. They also remind their listeners that these positions will vary based on their location. They close out their part of the episode by providing resources for individuals to gain more information on their specific location. Dr. Robert Alexander, the Founder of ICAPP, joins the co-hosts to discuss his Northern Poll which dives into the 2022 midterms, a potential Biden/Trump rematch, and the political climate going forward. They even discuss the attention it received from a former U.S. President.

As two women soon to be entering the workforce, Kennedy and Hailey sit down to address the current status of the gender wage gap. They discuss how it has evolved over time and society's role in contributing to it. They also tell some personal stories regarding why they care about addressing this issue. They are then joined by former ICAPP Fellow Kennedy Cook to get further insight into the pay disparity and learn more about how to correct it for future generations.

Ohio Northern University has not always been the name of the esteemed institution located in Ada, Ohio. The formerly known Northwestern Ohio Normal School was founded by Henry Soloman Lehr, who was one of many presidents to shape ONU. The co-hosts Kennedy Aikey and Hailey Trimpey sit down and discuss these presidents and the evolution of the university before being joined by current president Dr. Melissa Baumann. They get to talk with her regarding her first couple months as president as well as her future goals for ONU and partnering with ICAPP.

With the recent passing of National Voter Registration Day, Kennedy and Hailey discuss the importance of registering to vote. They stray away from their typical episode format and go around campus to interview fellow Ohio Northern students. The student guests are asked about their personal registration status as well as why citizens do and do not register to vote. The hosts close out each interview with their guests by quizzing them on some government related trivia.

In rememberance of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, Hailey and Kennedy dive into to the world after 9/11. They discuss the meaning of the phrase “war on terror” as well as give some examples of how daily life has changed as a result of terrorism. Dr. Joseph Dule joins them to further explain the development of terrorism and the efforts to combat it as well as how we might be sterring away from the idea of a “global war on terror.”

After being home for the summer, Kennedy and Hailey start off Season 2 by giving the listeners a recap of what they did this summer. They discuss their internships, jobs, and some fun events they got to experience during their time off. They also give listeners a glimpse into what they can expect for the rest of Season 2!

In a world that is constantly evolving, social change is a given. In this episode, Kennedy and Hailey discuss the different forms of social change and why it is so important. They are joined by two guests, Bill Wade and Josh Brown. Bill and John discuss what social change means to them and how they found a unique and innovative way to promote it.

Kennedy and Hailey had the honor of sitting down with Speaker of the Ohio House Bob Cupp. Before they are joined by him, they outline the basics of running for political office and provide details on the role of the Speaker of the House on the state level. After being joined by Speaker Cupp, they reflect on all of his accomplishments thus far and get a sneak peek into the daily life of a politician. Speaker Cupp also gives his advice to today's youth that is often turned away from politics and closes out the podcast with a fun fact not many people know!

Law school hopefuls, Hailey and Kennedy, talk all about their plans for law school and why they became interested in studying it in the first place. They are joined by two practicing attorneys Gina Grandillo and Matt Wiseman to discuss what they do as attorneys and how they got to where they are today. Listen to hear great advice about law school and some funny stories from the special guests.

Hailey and Kennedy discuss the importance and the purpose of nonprofit organizations. They explain how anyone can get involved and volunteer at nonprofit organizations. They are joined by special guest, Kelly Morman, who works in the nonprofit sector. She shares her experiences about the funding of nonprofits and obstacles that they face. Kelly is able to explain what it really means to work in the nonprofit sector!

The un-CAPP it! Podcast did not develop on its own. Kennedy and Hailey discuss all things Ohio Northern and ICAPP and explain how they influenced the success of their podcast. They are also joined by President Dan DiBiasio to reflect on his time at ONU before he retires this spring. They credit him as one of ICAPP's biggest supporters and wish him luck with all that is to come.

As members of Generation Z, Kennedy and Hailey are surrounded by the media every day. They discuss the impact of the media on the individual level as well as in the political world. They are joined by Scott Miller who is the Senior Advisor of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and a co-host of his own podcast “The Trade Guys.” Together, they discuss new forms of media and communication and the effects it has on spreading information.

Kennedy and Hailey un-cap the mysterious world of lobbying and explain the importance of lobbyists in American politics. They bring on special guests, Melissa Wheeler and Mark Schloemer, who are both working lobbyists. Together they will debunk common misconceptions about lobbyists and discuss how anyone can become a lobbyist!

As two female political science majors, Kennedy and Hailey discuss what it is like to be a woman in politics in the 21st century. Specifically, they focus on why women are still underrepresented in politics and what can be done to fix this. Dr. Theresa Schroeder joins this week's episode to share her expertise on women in politics as well as her own hopes for the future.

Kennedy and Hailey describe their experience with Covid-19 and how it affected their senior year, moving into college, and their current college classes. They will focus on the change in relationships between students and teachers and how this affects learning loss. Joining them on the show today is Dr. Carrie Wysocki. She will explain how Covid-19 has affected her as a professor and a mother. TW: Mental health and suicide is discussed in this episode.

The abilities of man's best friend are evolving every day. Kennedy and Hailey discuss their own experiences with service dogs through their school's club, Polar Paws. They also bring in the President of the Polar Paws, Chrissy Kurilec, to describe her time training service dogs, including her current SDiT Pugsley!

Get to know a little bit more about your hosts, Kennedy and Hailey. They discuss how they met, what they are involved in at college, and what this podcast will be in the future! Stick around for a new podcast episode every two weeks.