W&L After Class, the Lifelong Learning Podcast

In this episode, we talk with Jay Margalus, Johnson Professor of Entrepreneurship and Leadership and Director of the Connolly Center for Entrepreneurship at W&L. Margalus shares his unconventional path from law to software to academia, and why he believes embracing risk is essential, not just for entrepreneurs, but for anyone seeking a meaningful life. We explore how he's helping students unlearn rigid, test-driven thinking and rediscover creativity through play, uncertainty, and real-world experimentation. From the philosophy behind W&L's entrepreneurship programs to the hands-on work happening at the Connolly Center, this episode is packed with insight into what it means to take smart risks, build boldly, and avoid the quiet danger of regret. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, educator, or just rethinking your next move, this conversation will inspire you to take the leap.

In this episode, we talk with Beth Staples, editor of Shenandoah Literary magazine and assistant professor of English. Staples discusses storytelling, the legacy of Shenandoah, the exciting changes she's bringing to the magazine and what it means for W&L students. We dive into the magazine's history, its editorial process and how Staples is shaping the future with programs including the innovative Fellowship Program and the for-credit internship experience. Whether you're a Shenandoah fan or new to literary magazines, this episode is packed with insight into the art of storytelling and the future of publishing.

In this episode, Matthew Loar, Director of Fellowships and Student Research at Washington and Lee University, shares his path from studying abroad in Rome to shaping the futures of current W&L students. He talks about how fellowships are transforming undergraduate experiences and why he is so passionate about the application process itself. We discuss Matthew's work with programs such as Summer Research Scholars and Science, Society, and the Arts, and discuss how we at Lifelong Learning plan to introduce elements of these initiatives to our Lifelong Learning audience.

In this episode, Holly Pickett, professor of English at Washington and Lee University, shares her experience with Shakespeare, from an unconvinced high school student to an early modern drama scholar, and discusses the transformative power of teaching on the playwright. She encourages her students to not just read the text, but to experience it – and talks of ways to bring Shakespeare “to its feet.” With her own research extending beyond the English department and into subjects of history and modern TV, she delves into the enduring value of humanities in an ever-changing world and reflects on how studying Shakespeare can offer insights into the core questions of what makes all of us human.

In this episode, Gene McCabe, head men's lacrosse coach and assistant director of athletics for compliance, details how sports and childhood mentors launched his trajectory as an educator in athletics. He played both lacrosse and football at Bates College before a neck injury sidelined his football career but ultimately gave him his first taste to coaching at the collegiate level. As he heads into his 19th season as head coach, McCabe reflects on his most treasured memories with the lacrosse program, the challenges he witnesses student-athletes facing, the overall changing landscape of collegiate sports and the culture and values he works to cultivate on Wilson Field. We also discuss his efforts to marry sustainability with the athletic department, the pride he feels as a W&L alumna parent and the importance of holding onto those passions that feed the soul.

In this episode, Melissa Kerin, Professor of Art History at Washington and Lee University and Director of the Roger Mudd Center for Ethics, discusses this year's theme for the Mudd Center: “How We Live and Die.” As a Buddhist art historian, she presents a unique perspective on the meaning of life and death and the moral questions that shape the human condition.  We discuss the history of the Mudd Center, the importance of storytelling for all of us as we process the reality of death and the way in which Buddhism addresses finality, particularly through its sacred artistic tradition. We also talk about Professor Kerin's own journey from appreciating the social power of the arts through theater to beholding the shrines that influence the cultural world of small villages in the Himalayas.

In this episode of W&L After Class, we sit down with Lisa Alty, the John T. Herwick, M.D. Professor of Chemistry at Washington and Lee. With a career spanning over three decades, Professor Alty shares her inspiring journey from a poor high school experience to becoming a dedicated educator and mentor. She reflects on the significant changes she's witnessed at W&L, particularly the introduction of coeducation, and how these experiences have shaped her approach to teaching and guiding students towards careers in health sciences. From her passion for incorporating medical ethics into the pre-health curriculum to her work with Remote Area Medical, Professor Alty offers valuable insights and advice for young women in male-dominated fields, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of chemistry education and beyond.

Jenefer Davies, Professor of Dance and Chair of the Department of Theater, Dance, and Film Studies at Washington and Lee University shares her early beginnings at age three to her current role shaping W&L's dance program. We explore Jenefer's innovative approach to dance education in a liberal arts setting, including her groundbreaking work in aerial dance. Our conversation covers diverse dance genres and techniques, as well as the unexpected benefits students gain from dance classes. Jenefer shares insights on how dance challenges and empowers W&L students, pushing them out of their academic comfort zones and fostering personal growth. We'll also discuss the exciting annual tradition of the alumni and student dance performance in New York City, which has become a cherished part of the W&L dance community.

Through a serendipitous happenstance, Mark Drumbl, Class of 1975 Alumni Professor of Law and director of the Transnational Law Institute, has dedicated his career to practicing, teaching and questioning international law. In this episode, we examine the function — and limitations — of law as Drumbl details his experiences as a defender for those accused of mass atrocities in Rwanda, his study into the marginalization of people and collective violence and his beliefs on how we need to reconceptualize evil.

Paul Youngman, W&L class of 1987, associate provost and the Harry and Mary Jane Rautenbach Professor of German, details his very full days as a W&L undergrad, his return to his alma mater as a German professor, his journey as W&L's Associate Provost, and also what it feels like to walk in the shoes as a W&L parent. He also shares his time in the military when he was stationed in the US, Europe and the Middle East.

Wythe Whiting, professor of cognitive and behavioral science, helps us explore the complex connections between mental health, sleep, physical activity and cognitive functioning. In this episode, we'll discuss how modern technologies impact our ability to focus during daily tasks and potential harmful effects. And we'll also navigate the vast social media landscape, examining its powerful influence on mental health, and shed light on the hidden dynamics that shape our online experiences.

Rob Straughan, the Crawford family dean of the Williams school and Professor of Business Administration brings a wealth of knowledge and insights about the unique interdisciplinary approach of the Williams School. In this episode, we'll delve into Rob's journey at W&L, the evolution of the William schools' distinctive approach within a liberal arts curriculum, and the exciting initiatives on the horizon, including the plans for the new Williams school building.

In this episode, we chat with Kish Parella, Class of 1960 Professor of Ethics and Law, about her academic research in business and human rights, how her students influence her scholarship, and why working outside the classroom strengthens her role as a professor. We also explore the importance of corporate accountability and consumer education, including how contract clauses can have a major impact on an individual's day-to-day life.

Tom Camden, Washington and Lee's outgoing head of Special Collections and Archives, tells us how W&L ignited his career as a historian, then takes us on a tour of what has come to be known as “the vault” to showcase some of the university's extensive collection.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Rob Fure on his last day in the office as director of W&L's Office of Lifelong Learning. We learn how Rob came to W&L in 1977 as an English professor and created programs that evolved into what is now the Office of Lifelong Learning. We'll also hear from Rob about the experiences that have meant the most to him and what the one area of the world he recommends everyone visit.

Jeff Schatten, associate professor of business administration, helps us to better understand the ever-changing world of artificial intelligence (AI). In our conversation, we discuss the challenges and benefits of using AI in the classroom, and how we can implement it to help students think critically, freely, and humanely.

In this episode, we'll talk with Michael Hill, professor and chair of Washington and Lee's Africana Studies program and also the inaugural director of W&L's new DeLaney Center. We'll explore how Michael's background, family, and formative experiences not only shaped his path as a scholar, but how many of his experiences have prepared him for his work with the DeLaney Center.

In this episode, we spend time with James Dick, W&L's director of outdoor education and recreation. We learn how James found his way to W&L and why he loves his job, the ways in which recreation intersects with W&L students' experiences in the classroom and life, and how the outdoors can be a lifelong classroom.

“Sascha Goluboff, Washington and Lee's director of community-based learning and professor of cultural anthropology, recounts her experiences of stepping into the unknown through ethnography research, working in local prisons and even improv.”

Harvey Markowitz is an emeritus professor of anthropology. Before arriving at W&L in 2003, Harvey taught in South Dakota at Sinte Gleska University, a tribal college on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Later he spent nine years as associate and acting director of the D'Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies at the Newberry Library in Chicago. His research interests include interrelationships among American Indian religions, landscapes, culture, histories, and identities. In this episode, we talk about how he first arrived on the reservation, his relationship with the Lakota identity and language, and conversations about identity and acknowledgement in tribal communities.

In this conversation with Caleb Dance, associate professor of classics, we explore the impact of humor, improvisation and “sprezzatura” (studied carelessness) on his research and teaching. He also shares the story of his journey into classics, the importance of studying abroad and his musical endeavors, including the work he does with the nonprofit MIMA.

Professor Amanda Bower, the head of the Business Administration department and the Charles C. Holbrook, Jr. '72 Professor of Business Administration, is widely known for her popular "AdClass.” She also started the AdLib Conferenceon W&L's campus.

Rich Bidlack, the Martin and Brooke Stein Professor of History, has spent decades studying Russia and Soviet History. He shares what first sparked his interest in Russia, his research over the decades, and the direction his research will take upon his retirement.  

Megan Hess, associate professor of accounting at W&L discusses her passion for teaching, how she grew to love accounting, and what it's like to investigate corporate fraud.

Associate professor of theater Stephanie Sandberg tells the story of social justice theater, and why theater and a liberal arts education go hand-in-hand.    

Assistant Professor of Computer Science Taha Khan, discusses his research that focuses on computer security, privacy, and human-computer interaction, including cybercrime.

George Bent, the Sidney Gause Childress Professor of the Arts at W&L, talks about what inspired his love of art history, why he loves teaching it, and how he has engaged students in a remarkable digital history project, "Florence As It Was," that is reconstructing the Italian city the way it appeared at the end of the 15th century.

Nadia Ayoub, associate professor of biology at W&L, weaves a fascinating lesson about her research into the genetics of black widow spider silk – and explains the wide-reaching implications of understanding these amazing arachnids. 

Tyler Lorig, professor emeritus of cognitive and behavioral science at Washington and Lee University, has spent decades studying the olfactory system and its impact on everyday life. After listening to him explain this crucial sense, you'll never think about odor the same way again. 

Elizabeth Knapp '90, professor of geology and director of the Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity, discusses falling in love with rocks, the landscape of Rockbridge County and how the Johnson Program transforms campus and student lives.

W&L's first female Athletic Director discusses the important distinction between an athlete and student-athlete, the changes to make W&L's renowned swim test more equitable, and what it's like to be a woman in a male-dominated profession.

The director of the Lenfest Center for the Arts shares his infectious love of musical theater and how musicals have been reinvented over time to correct their flaws. We'll also discuss his time spent in Alumni Engagement and the joy in connecting current students with alumni.

Brian Murchison, director of the Roger Mudd Center for Ethics at Washington and Lee University and Rowe Professor of Law at the W&L School of Law, examines the First Amendment and interprets the founding fathers' intentions in light of today's application of the law.

Thinking Creatively about Life and the Mathematics within it with Sybil Prince Nelson Join us for a truly unique conversation with Assistant Professor of Mathematics Sybil Prince Nelson ('01). Together, we discuss her path through W&L as a Math and Music major; her current careers as a statistician, author and professor; and why she dubbed herself a "statistic improbability."

A Discussion of Dali, Curating and Surrealism's Lasting Impact with Elliott King The associate professor of art history dives into the subconscious world of Surrealism, unpacking the work of Dali and explaining just how important his long-lasting career was. Professor King also shares how his journey with Dali and other Surrealist artists has deepened through his curatorial work and his courses with students.

Things Get Political with Mark Rush The Waxberg Professor of Politics and Law and Director of W&L's Center for International Education joins the podcast to discuss the importance of understanding our political system ahead of the 2020 election (and any election). With host Ruth Candler, Professor Rush also explores his career in international education, from W&L to Dubai and beyond. Airs October 13, 2020

Mikki Brock Delves into the Work of the Devil and Witches Throughout History Professor of History Mikki Brock talks witches, witch hunts, the Devil, and the "why" behind them in our latest episode, out just in time for you to enjoy it with a fall chill in the air. With Halloween just around the corner, listen at your own risk...

An Inside Look at Poverty and Its Many Causes with Howard Pickett The Director of the Shepherd Program, Assistant Professor of Ethics and Poverty Studies and Adjunct Professor of Law talks with us about poverty in America. In this episode, Pickett focuses not only on what "poverty" means but also on how we can creatively look at issues surrounding poverty and people affected by it.

Talking Candidly About Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination with Julie Woodzicka The Abigail Grigsby Urquhart Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science explains concepts like stereotyping and bias. More importantly, Professor Woodzicka illustrates the impact of these human behaviors. Guests will also hear from W&L student Enuma Anekwe-Desince '22 and alumna Murray Shortall '03.

Finding Fulfillment with Karla Murdock Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science, Karla Murdock, teaches us about the most important thing in life: happiness. From marriage “advice” to smartphone technology, Karla provides insight into her research and the research of other scientists who have studied happiness, positive and negative affect and much more. 

A Taste of Tea with Janet Ikeda The professor of Japanese sheds light on the importance of Japanese tea culture and how this peaceful yet precise process can prepare students (and just about anyone) for the next step in their lives. A fresh cup of tea is suggested to accompany this podcast!

A Meeting of Microbial Minds with Bill Hamilton The biology professor regales us with anecdotes from his Spring Term trips to Yellowstone, his long history as a brewmaster in Lexington, and how he's helping make W&L a more sustainable campus. You'll learn more about the microbes that make your beer – and your garden – delicious.

A Conversation About Justice with Johanna Bond W&L Law's Sydney and Frances Lewis Professor of Law, dives into the world of human rights, highlighting the justice reforms achieved by nonprofits with which she works. She explains some of the common threads linking violence against women around the world, how social justice compares to other forms of justice, and what work needs to be done to help women and families from the U.S. to Uganda, as well as how we can all get involved.

A Literary Chat with Marc Conner The university provost and Jo and James Ballengee Professor of English talks Ralph Ellison and the writer's views on America's complex history. Conner discusses Ellison scholarship at W&L, how he came to co-edit a book of his letters, and how Ellison's personality emerges in the thousands of his letters preserved in the Library of Congress.

Join Washington and Lee University bi-monthly for engaging conversations with expert faculty, bringing you once again to the Colonnade even if you're hundreds of miles away.