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During the war in Vietnam, thousands of young men served as conscientious objector medics. They had been certified by their local draft boards as noncombatants, but many would know intense combat nonetheless. Without weapons training, they ran through the infantry lines, answering the desperate call, "Medic!" Many displayed exemplary heroism even at the cost of their lives. With the end of the draft, we will never see their like again. Conscientious Objectors at War: The Vietnam War's Forgotten Medics (Texas Tech University Press, 2025) tells their stories within the background context of pacifist churches in America. It is the first book exclusively devoted to such men, who emerged initially from the historic peace churches--Quakers, Brethren, Mennonites--and from Seventh-day Adventists, who would comprise roughly half of all conscientious objector medics serving in the Vietnam War. From World War II on, growing numbers of men from mainstream churches made the same choices, and after a Supreme Court decision in 1965, so too would men who claimed humanist and secular justification. The pages contain the stories of pantheists and Catholics, among others from the peace traditions. Gary Kulik, who also served as a conscientious-objector medic, interweaves his own story into those he recounts, stories of fierce combat, stumbling accidents, moments of fleeting honor and ever-present death. Gary Kulik served as a deputy director of the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, near Wilmington, Delaware. Previously, he was a department head and assistant director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History and the editor of American Quarterly. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
“A lot of creativity stems from lack of access — born outta having less. You have less, so you have to think about how to do more — that's what's Black design is about.” Maurice Cherry is a designer, strategist, and an important voice in the history of Black design — best known as the creator and host of Revision Path, an award-winning podcast that's spotlighted over 550 Black designers, developers, artists, and digital thinkers — and became the first podcast inducted into the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. Born in Selma, Alabama, Maurice took anything but the traditional path expected of him. Raised on writing and tech - in magazines, the library and the radio - he studied math at Morehouse, and hustled his way into the creative industry - from Limewire to HTML. Maurice views design as a lens into cultural storytelling, and in the importance of Black design to understand a big part of the American design experience. Maurice is thoughtful, funny, and curious - his work helping shape the future of design. But you'll also enjoy how we traded hometown memories and podcast war stories. LEARN MORE mauricecherry.com revisionpath.com instagram.com/mauricecherry // twitter.com/mauricecherry MENTIONS BOOK: HERE: Where the Black Designers Are (Cheryl D. Holmes-Miller): goodreads.com/book/show/207567620-here BOOK: Meditations for Men Who Do Too Much (Jonathon Lazear): goodreads.com/book/show/1621178.Meditations_for_Men_Who_Do_Too_Much Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Here's what to expect on the podcast:How Dorothy's lifelong passion for art and design shaped her approach to life and wellnessThe power of showing up and saying yes to new opportunitiesA look into the innovative biotech company transforming wellness through cutting-edge technologyDorothy's inspiring commitment to well-being and her philosophy of "living young"The beauty of being present and seeing the world through the eyes of an artistAnd much more! About Dorothy:Dorothy Dabney has had a lifelong relationship with art and design, plus an ongoing commitment to wellbeing and staying young, always keeping an attitude of "showing up" and saying "YES" to life and all that's possible.Dorothy has an ongoing love of art history and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Crafts with a focus on surface design and fabric printing.During her postgraduate period of her life, Dorothy's fabric was shown at such notable venues to include the Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.She later moved to Manhattan, where she designed freelance for imports as well as taught fitness classes at a variety of NYC clubs.This was the perfect combination that allowed her to stay fit in a fabulous walking and running city, plus she was able to travel all over the world during trade show season to represent the company and promote their products.She says "YES" to life attitude, Staying healthy, and simply MOVING her body has been vital to her work now. For the last 12 years, Dorothy has been affiliated with a biotech company that has developed a wellness technology that is changing lives. Connect with Dorothy Dabney!Website: http://aseaglobal.com/dorodLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothy-lewis-dabney-8784455/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dorothy.dabney.3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dorodabney----- If you're struggling, consider therapy with our sponsor, BetterHelp.Visit https://betterhelp.com/candicesnyder for a 10% discount on your first month of therapy.*This is a paid promotionIf you are in the United States and in crisis, or any other person may be in danger -Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Dial 988----- Connect with Candice Snyder!Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdrPassion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation
The Indispensables: How the Marblehead Regiment Saved Washington's Army The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series
Interview date: March 16, 2025Episode Summary:Mfoniso Akpan, Artistic Director of Step Afrika, shares her unique journey from a science student at Stony Brook University to leading a renowned dance company. With training in various dance styles, she combines creativity with analytical problem-solving, using skills from her science background to enhance her choreography.She discusses her extensive travels with Step Afrika, performing in 60 countries and 49 U.S. states, and the company's mission to preserve African American stepping traditions. The episode emphasizes the importance of professionalism and discipline in managing the logistics of touring and rehearsals, while also highlighting the business skills dancers need.Mfoniso encourages aspiring dancers to combine their passions with persistence and curiosity, offering valuable advice on building a sustainable career in dance.Show Notes:(1:00) Mfoniso Akpan's early dance journey and starting with percussive dance(5:00) Balancing dance with academics: Majoring in biochemistry and molecular genetics(8:00) Joining Step Afrika in 2005 and her transition from dancer to Artistic Director(12:00) Step Afrika's mission to preserve and promote African American stepping traditions(15:00) Performing across 49 U.S. states and 60 countries with Step Afrika(18:00) Breaking the Guinness World Record for the most steppers in a live performance(22:00) The importance of professionalism: Timeliness, responsibility, and teamwork on tour(25:00) Combining science and dance: How Mfoniso uses problem-solving in choreography(30:00) Teaching dancers the business side of dance: Professionalism, contracts, and logistics(35:00) Networking and building relationships in the dance industry(40:00) Mfoniso's approach to balancing multiple passions and staying organized(43:00) Final advice: Believe in yourself, keep learning, and make the most of every opportunityBiography:Mfoniso Akpan is a distinguished dancer and the Artistic Director of Step Afrika!, a Washington, D.C.-based arts organization dedicated to the African American tradition of stepping. Her extensive training encompasses tap, ballet, jazz, modern, African dance, hip-hop, and step. While attending the State University of New York at Stony Brook, she majored in biochemistry and molecular genetics, minored in dance, and honed her stepping skills as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Akpan began her dance training at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center and has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall, the Apollo Theater, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and Lincoln Center. She also toured with the off-Broadway show "Hoofin' 2 Hittin," where she was a featured stepper and dancer.Since joining Step Afrika!, in 2005, Akpan served as a performer and leader, becoming the Artistic Director in 2015. Under her leadership, the company has premiered off-Broadway, continued extensive national and international tours, headlined President Barack Obama's Black History Month Reception at the White House, and is featured prominently at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African-American History & Culture with the world's first stepping interactive exhibit.Akpan maintains that stepping is a national treasure, an American cultural art form that is a keeper of history—past, present, and future—that should be preserved, innovated, and shared with the world. She continues to share her love of movement and education with students and art lovers globally.Connect on Social Media:https://www.facebook.com/mfoniso.akpan.9https://www.instagram.com/kokoma22
The story of American industry is deeply woven into the steel beams, machine tools, and echoes of labor found inside the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. On The Spark, host Asia Tabb spoke with museum curator Andria Zaia and historian Mike Piersa about the museum’s roots, its Smithsonian affiliation, and how it brings the legacy of industrial America to life.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Welcome to the "Survivor: NASA" edition! This week, Tariq and Rod jump into the headlines, and boy are there a lot of them! NASA has a new interim administrator: former Congress member, reality TV star, and Fox News commentator Sean Duffy. NASA's budget may still be cut by 25%, or it might be increased to more than they have seen since the 1960s in adjusted dollars. At the same time, NASA is under orders to cut as many as 2000 mostly senior-level positions, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory could be headed for new management, and will Houston be able to grab the Smithsonian's space shuttle as specified in the Big Beautiful Bill? Join us and find out! Headlines NASA Budget Battles: Rod and Tariq delved into the ongoing debate on Capitol Hill regarding NASA's budget, with the Senate seeking more funding than the Trump administration's proposed cuts. Trump Administration's NASA Policies: They discussed the perplexing approach of the Trump White House, which initiated the Artemis lunar program but simultaneously proposed significant budget reductions. New Interim NASA Administrator: The surprising appointment of Sean Duffy, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, as the new interim NASA Administrator was a key topic, prompting questions about his background and suitability, as well as the ability to run two departments at once--each of which requires great attention. Mass Exodus of NASA Senior Staff: A Politico report highlighted that over 2,000 senior-level employees are leaving NASA due to job cuts and early retirements, raising concerns about a brain drain. JPL Management Review: Concern over a review of JPL's management by Caltech, which has historically operated the center, potentially impacting its unique culture. Controversial Space Shuttle Discovery Move: The "Big Beautiful Bill" included an $85 million allocation to move space shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston, a plan met with skepticism regarding logistics and cost. Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas: The discovery of 3I/Atlas, the third interstellar object identified in our solar system, was discussed, with early data suggesting it's an ancient, water-ice-rich comet, possibly much older than the solar system. Vera Rubin Telescope and Interstellar Object Research: The new Vera Rubin Telescope is already making significant discoveries, including 2,000 new asteroids in just three weeks, and is investigating 3I/Atlas. No Pacific Rocket Landing Pads: The Air Force has decided to cancel plans for experimental rocket landing pads on Johnston Atoll in the Central Pacific, citing environmental concerns. Supreme Court Decision on Government Firings: A recent Supreme Court decision has broadened the Trump administration's ability to conduct mass firings of government contractors and federal employees. Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Update: The private Axiom-4 mission, commanded by Peggy Whitson and carrying India's first astronaut to the ISS, is scheduled to undock soon. Starliner 1 to be Cargo-Only Flight: Reports from Space News indicate that Boeing's Starliner 1 flight, now slated for early 2026, might be configured as a cargo-only mission. James Webb Space Telescope's Third Anniversary: The James Webb Space Telescope is celebrating its third year These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/168 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik
How did the addition of lifeboats after the Titanic shipwreck contribute to another tragedy in Chicago harbor three years later? How efficient are wild animals as investors, and how do dog breeds become national symbols? Why have scientific breakthroughs so often originated in the study of shadows? How did the file card prepare scholarship and commerce for the rise of electronic data processing, and why did the visual metaphor of the tab survive into today's graphic interfaces? Why have Amish artisans played an important role in manufacturing advanced technology? Why was United Shoe Machinery the Microsoft of the 1890s? Surprises like these, Edward Tenner believes, can help us deal with the technological issues that confront us now. Since the 1980s, Edward Tenner has contributed essays on technology, design, and culture to leading magazines, newspapers, and professional journals, and has been interviewed on subjects ranging from medical ethics to typography. Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge: Essays in Unintended Consequences (American Philosophical Society Press, 2025)--named for one of the paradoxes that can result from the inherent contradictions between consumer safety and product marketing--brings many of Tenner's essays together into one volume for the first time, accompanied by new introductions by the author on the theme of each work. As an independent historian and public speaker, Tenner has spent his career deploying concepts from economics, engineering, psychology, science, and sociology, to explore both the negative and positive surprises of human ingenuity. Edward Tenner is an independent writer and Distinguished Scholar in the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. He was a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and teaches the course Understanding Disasters at Princeton University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
My guest today is Alyscia Cunningham. Alyscia Cunningham is a multifaceted award-winning author, filmmaker, tactile artist, and photographer with contributions that have graced esteemed platforms such as the Smithsonian, National Geographic, Discovery Channel, and AOL. Her advocacy extends to ensuring her art is accessible for all to experience. At the heart of her artistic journey is a deep commitment to making a significant impact through her documentaries and horror films. She delves into pressing issues surrounding women's beauty and health and creates narratives of resilience and triumph over adversity. Alyscia's work is a testament to her passion for storytelling that enlightens, challenges, and inspires. Rooted in her identity as a first-generation Trinidadian American, Alyscia's early fascination with storytelling was sparked by the tales of resilience, folklore, and life lessons shared by her Caribbean elders. These narratives of triumph over adversity and cultural heritage fuel her creative passion, driving her work in both documentary and narrative filmmaking.As the founder of Her House Media, Alyscia champions the production of documentary and horror films written and directed by women of color. In parallel, she leads Uprising Builders, a Maryland-based home improvement company, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence across different sectors. In this episode we discuss photography, art, creativity, self-love, diversity and beauty standards.Website - https://alyscia.com/IG - https://www.instagram.com/alysciacunningham/FB - https://www.facebook.com/AlysciaCunninghamLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyscia/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/alysciacunninghamIn this episode you will learn:1. Why community and collaboration are essential for growth.2. The importance of staying true to yourself and embracing your authenticity.3. How art can be a vehicle for change in society and the power that it holds. “We are creating every day. So whether you're creating, some people might be good in writing a letter that's creative. I'm not so good with that. Some people might be great with picking up a camera and being an amazing cinematographer."- 00:05:17“One thing that I wish they would know is that they can do it. That's the biggest thing that I feel like I'm constantly telling women is you have the idea, don't wait for permission, just do it." 00:21:00“Success for me is having a thought. I love, actually, I feel like this kind of gives me a rush too, but having a thought and then seeing it to fruition, that's success. ” 00:40:42
President Trump's executive order to restore "truth and sanity to American history" targets esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian and the National Park Service. It accuses them of promoting "a divisive ideology that reconstrued America's promotion of liberty as fundamentally flawed." In this episode, historian Kevin Levin, who writes the Civil War Memory newsletter on Substack, explains what changes visitors might see at revered battlefields like Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of the largest battle of the American Civil War. Further reading: National Park Service Directed to Implement Trump's Executive Order by Kevin Levin (Substack)
Welcome to the "Survivor: NASA" edition! This week, Tariq and Rod jump into the headlines, and boy are there a lot of them! NASA has a new interim administrator: former Congress member, reality TV star, and Fox News commentator Sean Duffy. NASA's budget may still be cut by 25%, or it might be increased to more than they have seen since the 1960s in adjusted dollars. At the same time, NASA is under orders to cut as many as 2000 mostly senior-level positions, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory could be headed for new management, and will Houston be able to grab the Smithsonian's space shuttle as specified in the Big Beautiful Bill? Join us and find out! Headlines NASA Budget Battles: Rod and Tariq delved into the ongoing debate on Capitol Hill regarding NASA's budget, with the Senate seeking more funding than the Trump administration's proposed cuts. Trump Administration's NASA Policies: They discussed the perplexing approach of the Trump White House, which initiated the Artemis lunar program but simultaneously proposed significant budget reductions. New Interim NASA Administrator: The surprising appointment of Sean Duffy, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, as the new interim NASA Administrator was a key topic, prompting questions about his background and suitability, as well as the ability to run two departments at once--each of which requires great attention. Mass Exodus of NASA Senior Staff: A Politico report highlighted that over 2,000 senior-level employees are leaving NASA due to job cuts and early retirements, raising concerns about a brain drain. JPL Management Review: Concern over a review of JPL's management by Caltech, which has historically operated the center, potentially impacting its unique culture. Controversial Space Shuttle Discovery Move: The "Big Beautiful Bill" included an $85 million allocation to move space shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston, a plan met with skepticism regarding logistics and cost. Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas: The discovery of 3I/Atlas, the third interstellar object identified in our solar system, was discussed, with early data suggesting it's an ancient, water-ice-rich comet, possibly much older than the solar system. Vera Rubin Telescope and Interstellar Object Research: The new Vera Rubin Telescope is already making significant discoveries, including 2,000 new asteroids in just three weeks, and is investigating 3I/Atlas. No Pacific Rocket Landing Pads: The Air Force has decided to cancel plans for experimental rocket landing pads on Johnston Atoll in the Central Pacific, citing environmental concerns. Supreme Court Decision on Government Firings: A recent Supreme Court decision has broadened the Trump administration's ability to conduct mass firings of government contractors and federal employees. Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Update: The private Axiom-4 mission, commanded by Peggy Whitson and carrying India's first astronaut to the ISS, is scheduled to undock soon. Starliner 1 to be Cargo-Only Flight: Reports from Space News indicate that Boeing's Starliner 1 flight, now slated for early 2026, might be configured as a cargo-only mission. James Webb Space Telescope's Third Anniversary: The James Webb Space Telescope is celebrating its third year These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/168 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik
Welcome to the "Survivor: NASA" edition! This week, Tariq and Rod jump into the headlines, and boy are there a lot of them! NASA has a new interim administrator: former Congress member, reality TV star, and Fox News commentator Sean Duffy. NASA's budget may still be cut by 25%, or it might be increased to more than they have seen since the 1960s in adjusted dollars. At the same time, NASA is under orders to cut as many as 2000 mostly senior-level positions, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory could be headed for new management, and will Houston be able to grab the Smithsonian's space shuttle as specified in the Big Beautiful Bill? Join us and find out! Headlines NASA Budget Battles: Rod and Tariq delved into the ongoing debate on Capitol Hill regarding NASA's budget, with the Senate seeking more funding than the Trump administration's proposed cuts. Trump Administration's NASA Policies: They discussed the perplexing approach of the Trump White House, which initiated the Artemis lunar program but simultaneously proposed significant budget reductions. New Interim NASA Administrator: The surprising appointment of Sean Duffy, the Secretary of the Department of Transportation, as the new interim NASA Administrator was a key topic, prompting questions about his background and suitability, as well as the ability to run two departments at once--each of which requires great attention. Mass Exodus of NASA Senior Staff: A Politico report highlighted that over 2,000 senior-level employees are leaving NASA due to job cuts and early retirements, raising concerns about a brain drain. JPL Management Review: Concern over a review of JPL's management by Caltech, which has historically operated the center, potentially impacting its unique culture. Controversial Space Shuttle Discovery Move: The "Big Beautiful Bill" included an $85 million allocation to move space shuttle Discovery from the Smithsonian to Houston, a plan met with skepticism regarding logistics and cost. Interstellar Comet 3I/Atlas: The discovery of 3I/Atlas, the third interstellar object identified in our solar system, was discussed, with early data suggesting it's an ancient, water-ice-rich comet, possibly much older than the solar system. Vera Rubin Telescope and Interstellar Object Research: The new Vera Rubin Telescope is already making significant discoveries, including 2,000 new asteroids in just three weeks, and is investigating 3I/Atlas. No Pacific Rocket Landing Pads: The Air Force has decided to cancel plans for experimental rocket landing pads on Johnston Atoll in the Central Pacific, citing environmental concerns. Supreme Court Decision on Government Firings: A recent Supreme Court decision has broadened the Trump administration's ability to conduct mass firings of government contractors and federal employees. Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) Update: The private Axiom-4 mission, commanded by Peggy Whitson and carrying India's first astronaut to the ISS, is scheduled to undock soon. Starliner 1 to be Cargo-Only Flight: Reports from Space News indicate that Boeing's Starliner 1 flight, now slated for early 2026, might be configured as a cargo-only mission. James Webb Space Telescope's Third Anniversary: The James Webb Space Telescope is celebrating its third year These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space/episodes/168 Hosts: Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik
How did the addition of lifeboats after the Titanic shipwreck contribute to another tragedy in Chicago harbor three years later? How efficient are wild animals as investors, and how do dog breeds become national symbols? Why have scientific breakthroughs so often originated in the study of shadows? How did the file card prepare scholarship and commerce for the rise of electronic data processing, and why did the visual metaphor of the tab survive into today's graphic interfaces? Why have Amish artisans played an important role in manufacturing advanced technology? Why was United Shoe Machinery the Microsoft of the 1890s? Surprises like these, Edward Tenner believes, can help us deal with the technological issues that confront us now. Since the 1980s, Edward Tenner has contributed essays on technology, design, and culture to leading magazines, newspapers, and professional journals, and has been interviewed on subjects ranging from medical ethics to typography. Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge: Essays in Unintended Consequences (American Philosophical Society Press, 2025)--named for one of the paradoxes that can result from the inherent contradictions between consumer safety and product marketing--brings many of Tenner's essays together into one volume for the first time, accompanied by new introductions by the author on the theme of each work. As an independent historian and public speaker, Tenner has spent his career deploying concepts from economics, engineering, psychology, science, and sociology, to explore both the negative and positive surprises of human ingenuity. Edward Tenner is an independent writer and Distinguished Scholar in the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. He was a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and teaches the course Understanding Disasters at Princeton University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science
How did the addition of lifeboats after the Titanic shipwreck contribute to another tragedy in Chicago harbor three years later? How efficient are wild animals as investors, and how do dog breeds become national symbols? Why have scientific breakthroughs so often originated in the study of shadows? How did the file card prepare scholarship and commerce for the rise of electronic data processing, and why did the visual metaphor of the tab survive into today's graphic interfaces? Why have Amish artisans played an important role in manufacturing advanced technology? Why was United Shoe Machinery the Microsoft of the 1890s? Surprises like these, Edward Tenner believes, can help us deal with the technological issues that confront us now. Since the 1980s, Edward Tenner has contributed essays on technology, design, and culture to leading magazines, newspapers, and professional journals, and has been interviewed on subjects ranging from medical ethics to typography. Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge: Essays in Unintended Consequences (American Philosophical Society Press, 2025)--named for one of the paradoxes that can result from the inherent contradictions between consumer safety and product marketing--brings many of Tenner's essays together into one volume for the first time, accompanied by new introductions by the author on the theme of each work. As an independent historian and public speaker, Tenner has spent his career deploying concepts from economics, engineering, psychology, science, and sociology, to explore both the negative and positive surprises of human ingenuity. Edward Tenner is an independent writer and Distinguished Scholar in the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. He was a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and teaches the course Understanding Disasters at Princeton University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How did the addition of lifeboats after the Titanic shipwreck contribute to another tragedy in Chicago harbor three years later? How efficient are wild animals as investors, and how do dog breeds become national symbols? Why have scientific breakthroughs so often originated in the study of shadows? How did the file card prepare scholarship and commerce for the rise of electronic data processing, and why did the visual metaphor of the tab survive into today's graphic interfaces? Why have Amish artisans played an important role in manufacturing advanced technology? Why was United Shoe Machinery the Microsoft of the 1890s? Surprises like these, Edward Tenner believes, can help us deal with the technological issues that confront us now. Since the 1980s, Edward Tenner has contributed essays on technology, design, and culture to leading magazines, newspapers, and professional journals, and has been interviewed on subjects ranging from medical ethics to typography. Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge: Essays in Unintended Consequences (American Philosophical Society Press, 2025)--named for one of the paradoxes that can result from the inherent contradictions between consumer safety and product marketing--brings many of Tenner's essays together into one volume for the first time, accompanied by new introductions by the author on the theme of each work. As an independent historian and public speaker, Tenner has spent his career deploying concepts from economics, engineering, psychology, science, and sociology, to explore both the negative and positive surprises of human ingenuity. Edward Tenner is an independent writer and Distinguished Scholar in the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. He was a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and teaches the course Understanding Disasters at Princeton University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/technology
Ben Walker Shares Secrets Behind Ditto Transcripts' Success Dittotranscripts.com About the Guest(s): Ben Walker is the CEO and founder of Ditto Transcripts, a company he established in 2010. With a focus on providing highly accurate and certified transcription services, Ditto Transcripts serves various professional sectors, including law enforcement, legal, medical, and academic research. Ben broke away from his initial medical transcription venture with three partners to expand his focus and cater to a broader client base. Known for elevating transcription standards, Ben credits his entrepreneurial success to his rich family history of business ownership and his dedication to servicing clients with precision and human-centric solutions. Episode Summary: Join Chris Voss in this captivating episode of the Chris Voss Show as he interviews Ben Walker, the entrepreneurial force behind Ditto Transcripts. Since founding his company in 2010, Ben has surged to the forefront of the transcription service industry by prioritizing accuracy, security, and customer service. Listeners will gain insights into Ben's journey of transforming a single-niche medical transcription start-up into a multifaceted enterprise catering to legal, law enforcement, and academic domains. Discover the operational intricacies that distinguish Ditto Transcripts from its AI and other human-transcription competitors around accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. Ben shares how historical and handwritten documents like World War II letters and archives from the Smithsonian enrich their professional catalog. Learn about the crucial skills Ben has cultivated, such as customer-centered service, that elevate company culture and leadership. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Ben underscores the value of diversifying service offerings and embracing a collaborative team approach to innovation. Key Takeaways: Ben Walker highlights the importance of human-centric transcription services over AI for achieving higher accuracy rates and handling nuanced professional requirements. Transcription accuracy and document confidentiality are paramount, exemplified by Ditto Transcripts' rigorous security protocols and employee background checks. Diversification in service offerings can protect businesses from market fluctuations, as showcased by Ditto's expansion beyond medical transcription to include legal and academic sectors. Cultivating a supportive company culture encourages team input and innovation, empowering employees to contribute valuable perspectives in business decision-making. Exceptional customer service can establish a company's reputation and sustain client loyalty, despite industry pressure to automate interactions. Notable Quotes: "You can read four times faster than you can watch a video. So if it's an hour video, you'll read the transcript in 15 minutes." "We work with a lot of different industries… we've worked with authors, we've worked with museums, and research departments." "Our transcriptionists literally sign their name and date it… they know the transcripts will be perfect." "I ask for their opinion first before I give them mine because I don't want to cloud their judgment." "You get what you pay for… we have specialized transcriptionists assigned to specific clients."
How did the addition of lifeboats after the Titanic shipwreck contribute to another tragedy in Chicago harbor three years later? How efficient are wild animals as investors, and how do dog breeds become national symbols? Why have scientific breakthroughs so often originated in the study of shadows? How did the file card prepare scholarship and commerce for the rise of electronic data processing, and why did the visual metaphor of the tab survive into today's graphic interfaces? Why have Amish artisans played an important role in manufacturing advanced technology? Why was United Shoe Machinery the Microsoft of the 1890s? Surprises like these, Edward Tenner believes, can help us deal with the technological issues that confront us now. Since the 1980s, Edward Tenner has contributed essays on technology, design, and culture to leading magazines, newspapers, and professional journals, and has been interviewed on subjects ranging from medical ethics to typography. Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge: Essays in Unintended Consequences (American Philosophical Society Press, 2025)--named for one of the paradoxes that can result from the inherent contradictions between consumer safety and product marketing--brings many of Tenner's essays together into one volume for the first time, accompanied by new introductions by the author on the theme of each work. As an independent historian and public speaker, Tenner has spent his career deploying concepts from economics, engineering, psychology, science, and sociology, to explore both the negative and positive surprises of human ingenuity. Edward Tenner is an independent writer and Distinguished Scholar in the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. He was a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and teaches the course Understanding Disasters at Princeton University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology
How did the addition of lifeboats after the Titanic shipwreck contribute to another tragedy in Chicago harbor three years later? How efficient are wild animals as investors, and how do dog breeds become national symbols? Why have scientific breakthroughs so often originated in the study of shadows? How did the file card prepare scholarship and commerce for the rise of electronic data processing, and why did the visual metaphor of the tab survive into today's graphic interfaces? Why have Amish artisans played an important role in manufacturing advanced technology? Why was United Shoe Machinery the Microsoft of the 1890s? Surprises like these, Edward Tenner believes, can help us deal with the technological issues that confront us now. Since the 1980s, Edward Tenner has contributed essays on technology, design, and culture to leading magazines, newspapers, and professional journals, and has been interviewed on subjects ranging from medical ethics to typography. Why the Hindenburg Had a Smoking Lounge: Essays in Unintended Consequences (American Philosophical Society Press, 2025)--named for one of the paradoxes that can result from the inherent contradictions between consumer safety and product marketing--brings many of Tenner's essays together into one volume for the first time, accompanied by new introductions by the author on the theme of each work. As an independent historian and public speaker, Tenner has spent his career deploying concepts from economics, engineering, psychology, science, and sociology, to explore both the negative and positive surprises of human ingenuity. Edward Tenner is an independent writer and Distinguished Scholar in the Smithsonian's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. He was a visiting scholar at the Institute for Advanced Study at Princeton and teaches the course Understanding Disasters at Princeton University. Caleb Zakarin is editor of the New Books Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society
Turtles have been around for 200 million years—outliving dinosaurs, surviving ice ages, and basically minding their own business the whole time. Tough on the outside, chill on the inside, they seem built to last. So why are they suddenly disappearing? In part one of this two-part series, we hit the trail in search of one surprisingly elusive reptile: the eastern box turtle. These ancient creatures may seem slow, but their decline is happening fast. And the scariest part? We barely understand what it could mean.Guests:Thomas Akre, head of the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Maxwell Earle, outreach and engagement coordinator for the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Chris Polinski, lab manager for the Turtle Conservation Ecology Lab at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
This week, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch offered expansive public remarks that help reframe how we think about nationhood, identity, and responsibility to the group. While we often see ourselves bound by narratives tied to constructs like “nations,” Bunch's assertion that there is no single U.S. narrative—that there are many stories—reminds us that our existence is both local and global, rooted in daily life yet connected to distant people and places. Our Africana Studies framework, grounded in deep listening and study, helps us engage a world where European expansion forged global contact that now erodes borders—even as politicians cling to them for control. Trade dissolves commercial lines while fear-based politics tries to reassert them. Are they incompatible? As migration, regionalism, and networks grow, so does fear among those defending an unequal global order. But through libraries, courts, classrooms, and culture, people resist. Stories expand. In the post-national world, power shifts. People think. They resist. They fight on, “‘til victory is won.”JOIN KNARRATIVE: https://www.knarrative.com it's the only way to get into #Knubia, where these classes areheld live with a live chat.To shop Go to:TheGlobalMajorityMore from us:Knarrative Twitter: https://twitter.com/knarrative_Knarrative Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knarrative/In Class with Carr Twitter: https://twitter.com/inclasswithcarrSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Send us a textIn this thought-provoking episode of Living the Dream with Curveball, we are joined by Julian Raven, an artist, author, and passionate advocate for free speech. Julian takes us on a journey through his eight-year battle with the Smithsonian Institution, sparked by his creation of a 7x15 portrait of Donald Trump. He shares the challenges he faced after submitting his artwork to the National Portrait Gallery, detailing the surprising rejection he received and the subsequent legal fight that ensued. As we delve into the complexities of free speech, governmental bias, and the role of art in society, Julian emphasizes the importance of standing up for one's rights and the power of perseverance. His story is not just about art but a reflection on the broader implications of free expression in America today. Tune in to hear Julian's insights, his experiences as an immigrant, and the lessons he has learned along the way.1. Introduction to Julian Raven and his background2. The creation of the Trump portrait and its significance3. The rejection from the Smithsonian and the ensuing battle4. Insights into free speech and governmental bias5. The impact of Julian's case on future artists6. Reflections on perseverance and civic responsibility7. Details on Julian's book and where to find it
Welcome back, Listeners! Tal Anderson is a talented actor, writer, director and producer, whose short film “Breaking Normal” took home a Programmer's Prize for Exceptional Filmmaking at the Sherman Oaks Film Festival in 2024. Tal acted in and produced the film, but a quick look at Tal's IMDb page will show you what a genuine multi- hyphenate she is. Actually... I did this math before the interview and might as well share it. Tal has 30 actor credits, 19 editor credits, 9 producer credits, 8 writer credits, 6 director credits, and some other departments as well! It was a pleasure to get to interview Tal and get to know her better! And now... links! Tal got the following links to us... please enjoy her work! Tal's Personal Links: Website: www.theTALanderson.com IMDb: www.IMDB.me/TalAnderson IG: www.Instagram.com/TheTalAnderson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTalAnderson Tal's Work Links: JOY film : https://youtu.be/2-zDgrIsw1E?si=N1ps31t5NwinDwkW Hairy Yarns Podcast : https://hairyyarns.buzzsprout.com/ Breaking Normal : https://youtu.be/dbmW0vDamsg (This is unpublished but can be accessed if you click on the link. I'm using this one because it's the most recent version of the film) Links just for interest and follow up since Tal mentioned them: LINK to the Smithsonian Exhibit and Schedule: https://www.sites.si.edu/s/topic/0TO4z000000nTALGA2/japanese-war-brides-across-a-wide-divide LINK to article I wrote where I interviewed 3 producer/filmmakers responsible ultimately for the Smithsonian exhibit: https://joysauce.com/how-these-three-women-are-preserving-the-legacies-of-japanese-war-brides/ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Discover Indie Film Podcast Links DIF Podcast Website - DIF Instagram - DIF BlueSky Discover Indie Film Foundation (nonprofit for the arts) Links DIF Foundation - Sherman Oaks Film Festival - Film Invasion Los Angeles
Enter a magical world filled with dog-like dinosaurs, wax Robin Williamses and, unfortunately, Ricky Gervais, as we take a trip to the museum and attempt to fix the second film in this family adventure series. What secrets do we uncover, and what wild card solution will Matt pick to fix the Battle of the Smithsonian? Website: www.sequelisers.com/ Discord: www.sequelisers.com/discord Shop: www.sequelisers.com/shop BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/sequelisers.bsky.social Instagram: instagram.com/sequelisers TikTok: tiktok.com/@sequelisers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On the Tuesday, July 8 edition of Georgia Today: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones announces run for governor; a new study from UGA details the importance of sleep on youth brain development; and Georgia to host a traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian on voting in America.
There's a lot we take for granted when it comes to homeschooling—especially our freedoms. In today's conversation, you'll hear how homeschool freedom is under threat in places you might not expect... and how one nonprofit is working to protect it.From museum tours to national advocacy, Steven Policastro shares how God is using their work to equip homeschool leaders in 130+ nations. You'll be inspired to pray, take action, and help families around the globe.The surprising truth about where homeschool is illegal✅Why parental rights and Christian education go hand-in-hand✅How global leaders are uniting to defend freedom✅2 creative ways your family can support the mission✅How to turn this into a meaningful homeschool project
radio show replay from the Smithsonian to the Neanderthals through sharks and governmentsmusic by Inoxidables, Big Bus Dream, Broken Colors, Sami Chohfi, Sarah Herrera and others(full episode description coming soon)....Humanity centered satirical takes on the world & news + music - with a marble mouthed host.Free speech marinated in comedy.Supporting Purple Rabbits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MARTIAL ARTS, CHINATOWN & BEYOND Smithsonian Institute Exhibition How do Martial Arts get into the Smithsonian Institute? Why is Washington DC pivotal? What happened in 60s and 70s Washington? Why was Chinatown important? How is it changing? How do you get martial into the arts? Andrew Staton talks to Dr Sojin Kim, Guest Curator, Sifu Terence Nicholson, Martial Artist & Artist, Harry Lee Chow grew up in DC's Chinatown in the 1970s and 1980s, and martial arts played a major role in his life. He loaned his unique collection of 60s, 70s & 80s martial arts memorabilia to the exhibition. Check out the impressive Sightlines exhibition on view at the Smithsonian American Art Museum through November 30, 2025. Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond is organized and presented by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center An important part of the exhibition examines Asian martial arts as vehicles for self-expression and community building. Several schools and styles of martial arts flourished in Washington during the '70s, resulting in the formation of a racially and ethnically diverse lineage of practitioners that continues today. Clothing, badges, trophies, photographs, and artwork that chart the fascinating rise, spread, and impact of martial arts in the city and beyond are highlighted in this section. It also tells the story of Simba Dojang, a tae kwon do school whose successes earned it the accolade of "the winningest team." “Transforming Tradition” examines Asian martial arts as vehicles for self-expression and community building. Several schools and styles of martial arts flourished in Washington during the '70s, resulting in the formation of a racially and ethnically diverse lineage of practitioners that continues today. The exhibition includes Terence Nicholson's sculpture, Safety Jacket: A Mourning in Chinatown. A 19th-generation disciple of the Wudang Longmen (Dragon Gate) lineage, Nicholson created this with the Kung Fu sashes recovered after the closing of his teacher's school in Chinatown. Terence Nicholson, a lifelong resident of Anacostia and a proud Washingtonian, is a distinguished artist and art educator. A graduate of the Corcoran School of Art, Nicholson received the Rosenbaum Memorial Scholarship Award and has participated in three East of the River Art Exhibitions. His solo show, Intro-Circumspective at the Willow Street Gallery in D.C., earned critical acclaim. Nicholson has also served as Curator for Honfleur Gallery and Art Director of the Anacostia Arts Center. He is currently an Exhibit Specialist at the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/c/womatelevision/join Thanks for reading & watching, we hope you enjoyed it, please LIKE, SHARE and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to World of Martial Arts Television for more great content!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
| Artist | Title | Album Name | Album Copyright | Odetta | Weeping Willow Blues | All That Blues | | Andres Roots | Hawk's Out With His Axe | Vol 12 | | | Josh White | St. James Infirmary | The Elektra Years | | Half Deaf Clatch | Wayfaring Stranger | Gazing Through Aeons | Prakash Slim | Everyday Blues Is In My Heart | 8000 Miles To The Crossroads_ | Doug MacLeod | Watching The Sun Go Down | Between Somewhere And Goodbye | Blind Willie McTell | Drive Away Blues (1929) | Statesboro Blues 1995 | Big Mama Thornton | Hound Dog | American Folk Blues Festival 1962-1965 CD5 | Josh White | Careless Love | Classic Blues from Smithsonian | Blind Willie Johnson | Mother's Children Have A Hard Time | Praise God I'm Satisfied | Andy Cohen | Death Don't Have No Mercy | Andy Cohen Tryin' To Get Home MP3 | Adrianna Marie and Her Groovecutters | Cherry Wine | Double Crossing Blues | Adam Franklin | Outside Man | Outside Man | | Feat-Muddy-Waters Muddy Waters, Vcl; Bettye Jeanette, Vcl; Butc | Mean Mistreater | Goodbye Newport [Newport Blues Festival July 1960]
Tom Lennon tells us he's not working that hard on the unbelievably large number of projects he never stops working on. From writing movies (including a “HALL OF PRESIDENTS” SciFi comedy) to acting in 100s of shows to playing in a Smiths tribute band Thomas Lennon doesn't stop. And don't try to stop him. Bio: Thomas Lennon is an actor, producer and New York Times Best Selling author from Oak Park, Illinois. He attended the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where he was a member of the influential sketch comedy group The State. The State's hit television series ran on MTV for three seasons and received an Ace Award nomination for Best Comedy Series. After his work on The State, he created two more popular series: Viva Variety and Reno 911!, on which he also played Lieutenant Jim Dangle. Lennon has also written numerous feature films, including Night at the Museum, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Reno 911!: Miami, The Pacifier, Balls of Fury and Hell Baby. In addition to writing films, Lennon co-authored, Writing Movies for Fun and Profit, a book about the studio system that Anna Kendrick called, “The Best Book about Hollywood… Hilarious and insanely accurate,” in the New York Times. In 2019, Lennon debuted on the New York's Bestseller List with his children's book Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles. In March of 2020, Lennon released the sequel with Ronan Boyle and the Swamp of Certain Death followed by the third installment of the series, Ronan Boyle: Into the Strange Place in 2022. A DreamWorks Animation feature film of the Ronan Boyle series is currently in development. As an actor, Lennon has appeared in the films Transformers: Age of Extinction, The Dark Knight Rises, Le Divorce, Heights, Conversations with Other Women, Memento, 17 Again, I Love You, Man, Cedar Rapids, Knight of Cups, Bad Teacher, Harold and Kumar 3D and What to Expect When You're Expecting. His other credits include Netflix's A Futile and Stupid Gesture, Half Magic opposite Heather Graham and Clint Eastwood's The 15:57 to Paris. He can be seen in the Russo Brother's film CHERRY, with Tom Holland. In television he has been seen in How I Met Your Mother, Sean Saves the World, The Odd Couple, Drunk History, The Santa Clarita Diet, Supergirl, Lethal Weapon, and The Twilight Zone. Lennon also recently produced a musical stage adaptation of the beloved 1980's film TRADING PLACES. Lennon lives in Los Angeles and Wisconsin with his wife, the actress Jenny Robertson, and their son, Oliver.Aired 7-2-25
Send us a textIn this episode we explore Operation Pedro Pan, the clandestine operation of the U.S. Government, the Catholic Church and Pan American World Airways to relocate over 14,000 children out of Cuba to the United States between 1960 and 1962. Our guest for this episode is Pan Am veteran Yvonne Conde who wrote the book Operation Pedro Pan: The Untold Exodus of 14,048 Cuban Children. She will share many personal insights on being one of the many children that were sent away by their parents for a better future in America in the early 1960s. Yvonne will also share her stories of working for Pan Am during her 18 years in the air as a flight attendant. Her father, Pedro Conde, worked for Pan American in Havana from the 1940s to the early 1960s. Yvonne is a freelance writer based in New York City and has written for Latina Magazine, Crain's, Smithsonian, and Hispanic Business Magazine and has been featured on the NewHour with Jim Lehrer and National Public Radio. Operation Pedro Pan facilitated the migration of Cuban children to the United States as a response to the Cuban Revolution and the subsequent fear among Cuban families that their parental rights would be revoked and their children would be indoctrinated into communism.Under the operation, more than 14,000 Cuban children, primarily between the ages of 6 and 18, were sent to the U.S. without their parents. The children were placed in foster homes, orphanages, and other institutions, with the intention of reuniting them with their families later. The operation ended during the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 that put the United States and the Soviet Union on the brink of nuclear war. Support the show Visit Us for more Pan Am History! Support the Podcast! Donate to the Museum! Visit The Hangar online store for Pan Am gear! Become a Member! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!A very special thanks to Mr. Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC and president of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and Pan Am Brands for their continued and unwavering support!
We're joined by Museum Enthusiast and Night at the Museum superfan Renée Iosefa to discuss the second (and best) Night at the Museum film. We've been trying to get Renée on the pod for ages but this woman is always booked and busy, so we're excited to find a time to talk "the greatest film trilogy of all time". Hapless museum night watchman Larry Daley must help his living, breathing exhibit friends out of a pickle now that they've been transferred to the archives at the Smithsonian Institution. Larry's (mis)adventures this time include close encounters with Amelia Earhart, Abe Lincoln and Ivan the Terrible. (Sourced from Letterboxd). Pop corner kernels this ep include The Funeral Parade of Roses, The Company of Strangers, Expelled!, Adults, Lorde's new album Virgin, Heretic and the Handmaid's Tale. Honour Renée's presence by visiting your local museum today, and support us at ko-fi.com/mixedbag.
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4th Wall: Conspiracies - MK Ultra, Stephen King, John Lennon, Tesla, The Smithsonian, Eygpt, The Grand Canyon, The Moon, and Dinosaur bones..... Put on your tin foil hats! TNC: https://linktr.ee/thenightclub -Letterboxd- Travis: https://letterboxd.com/thenightclub/ Ricky: https://letterboxd.com/fvlsekvltrick/ Trevor: https://letterboxd.com/darkfixius/ Cody: https://letterboxd.com/codyco/
When the smash-success Jurassic Park first hit theaters in 1993, it inspired a generation of dinophiliacs and helped to usher in a new “golden age of paleontology.” But it also froze the public's perception of dinosaurs in time, and popularized inaccuracies that people still believe are true today. So what happens when the biggest source of information on a scientific field comes from a fictional monster movie? In this episode, three Jurassic Park super-fans (one paleontologist and two podcasters) try to sort it all out. Featuring Gabriel-Philip Santos.This episode was originally published in 2022. For full credits and transcript, visit outsideinradio.org. SUPPORTTo share your questions and feedback with Outside/In, call the show's hotline and leave us a voicemail. The number is 1-844-GO-OTTER. No question is too serious or too silly.Outside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member of Outside/In. Follow Outside/In on Instagram, BlueSky, Tiktok, or join our private discussion group on Facebook. LINKSWant to learn more about dinosaurs? Check the publish date before you check it out from the library! And here are some good options:Smithsonian's The Dinosaur Book (pretty much all of the Smithsonian books are good for younger readers)Want to get a more global perspective of where dinosaurs have been discovered? Check out a dinosaur atlas book. For older readers, or anybody who loves a good coffee table book, check out this entry featuring a number of excellent paleoartists: Dinosaur Art II (Taylor has the first one and loves to show it off). Also: A truly disheartening read about people who think feathered dinosaurs are an attack on masculinity.
AirSpacers are watchers of movies, but we are also readers of books. In our inaugural Book Club we're reading The Milky Way: An Autobiography of Our Galaxy by Dr. Moiya McTier. This book is a non-fiction romp through the Milky Way's life (and future death) told from its perspective. How does the Milky Way feel about consuming other galaxies? Does watching us humans get boring? Can a galaxy be self-conscious about its black hole? Dr. Moiya explores these questions and more with personality, or should we say galaxality? Read along with the AirSpace book club.Thanks to our Guest in this episode:Dr. Moiya McTier, AuthorFind the transcript at s.si.edu/airspaces10e12AirSpace is created by the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum with generous support from Lockheed Martin.
Some secrets are hidden in plain sight—tucked behind marble walls, locked in museum vaults, and buried beneath official silence. What if the stories we're told are just the cover page? From ancient blueprints of rebellion to elite circles shaping policy and power, this gripping investigation tracks patterns most overlook. The threads trace through temples, revolutions, experiments, and empires—until they lead to the door no one wants opened. Check out "Secret Societies" by Micah Van Huss HERE! https://www.swrc.com/product/secret-societies-pre-order/ Visit us online: https://www.swrc.com/
Leeches don't get a lot of love. They're slimy, wriggly, and, well, they suck—blood that is. But there's a lot to learn about the lowly leech. Led by a troupe of Smithsonian experts, we'll discover how these toothy hangers-on wormed their way into medical practices, performance art, and EVERY human cavity. Yes, even that one. It's a journey of discovery from the swamp to the stage and deep into the vaults of the Smithsonian. And it just may leave you with a little more appreciation (dare we say, love?) for the bloodsuckers.Guests: Anna J. Phillips, research zoologist and curator of Clitellata and parasitic worms at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural HistoryRachel Anderson, project specialist at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American HistoryJosh T. Franco, national collector at the Smithsonian Archives of American Art, former Smithsonian Artist Research Fellowship selection committee memberRoberto Sifuentes, performance artist and arts instructor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, former fellow with the Smithsonian Artist Research FellowshipAram Han Sifuentes, leech wrangler, social practice fiber artist, writer, curator, and adjunct professor at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
What happens when you mix a fierce sibling bond, a deep love for storytelling, writing, advocacy and a chicken named Rosemary? You get today's episode of The Lucky Few Podcast! We're joined by the incredible Melissa Hart, author, educator, journalist and big sister to Mark, her brother who has Down syndrome.This episode is full of heart, humor, and hope—plus a reminder that inclusion starts at home and ripples out into the stories we tell.Melissa shares her powerful journey growing up alongside her brother, the outdated and harmful messages her family faced, and how her mom's bold choice to raise her brother with full inclusion shaped all their lives. From early childhood therapies to joyful adulthood, Melissa's story is one of advocacy, love, and laughter.In This Episode, We Cover:The outdated advice families were once given—and Melissa's mom's courageous responseHow Melissa's relationship with her brother shaped her writingRepresentation of people with Down syndrome in literatureHer latest book, Down Syndrome Out LoudAnd yes… an appearance from Rosemary the chicken
Rossifari Podcast - Zoos, Aquariums, and Animal Conservation
Dateline: June 20, 2025. Rossifari Zoo News is back with a round up of the latest news in the world of zoos, aquariums, conservation, and animal weirdness! We start off with a quick catch up on me. We then move on to our births for the week, featuring animals from Aquarium of Niagara, Southwick's Zoo, Zoo Miami, Sequoia Park Zoo, Franklin Park Zoo, Minnesota Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, and more.We then say goodbye to animals from Buttonwood Park Zoo, Denver Zoo, Hogle Zoo, Adelaide Zoo, and Chattanooga Zoo.We have additional Zoo News stories from the Columbus Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Perth Zoo, Fort Worth Zoo, Trevor-Lovejoy Zoo, and more! Conservation News stories includes updating pangolin protections, a rediscovery, and more! And in Other News, it's Ed the zebra.ROSSIFARI LINKS: patreon.com/rossifari to support the pod rossifari.com @rossifari on socials @rossifaripod on TikTok
Send us a textIn this heartfelt episode recorded live at the Winthrop Market, Joey Pinz has a powerful conversation with Michael Johnson—one filled with wisdom, culture, and legacy. Michael dives into the Gullah language, recently recognized as a distinct linguistic heritage spoken by over 250,000 people in South Carolina's Lowcountry. Rooted in African and Caribbean traditions, Gullah isn't just a dialect—it's a cultural treasure that's slowly fading without active preservation.Michael shares why Gullah has often been misunderstood or dismissed, and how institutions like the Smithsonian and Harvard are working to document and study it. He also reflects on today's generational divides and expresses deep concern for the future of young African-American males.The episode concludes with personal stories of family, legacy, and love. Michael speaks candidly about what motivates him: his grandchildren and the desire to leave behind more than wealth—something deeply human and irreplaceable.This is more than an interview—it's a tribute to heritage, love, and purpose. ✅ Top 3 Highlights:
Beloved Austin-based photographer and friend to all, Matt Lankes, passed away on Sunday. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Matt was a really sweet, gentle and loving man and loved by everyone who got to meet him. I met him 40 years ago when we were both at Austin High School and reconnected when I moved back to Austin in the early 90's. Matt came on the show last summer and we had a great, fun conversation about his journey. I feel very lucky to have known him. Rest in peace, old friend. Below are my original notes for episode 1419. Austin based photographer Matt Lankes is my guest for episode 1419! Matt has an extensive client list that includes HBO, LiveStrong, Fox Searchlight, Texas Monthly, New York Times, Amazon, Netflix, Time Inc., Newsweek, Austin Monthly, Lee Jeans, CBS, Random House, Warner Brothers, EMI, Sony, Universal, and many more. He currently has his work in the permanent collection of The National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian and at The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University. Matt has also been the photographer on a handful of Richard Linklater films including 2014's Boyhood. His book Boyhood: Twelve Years on Film, captured the progression of the film and the actors through the lens of a 4x5 camera, creating a series of arresting portraits and behind-the-scenes photographs, and is available through University of Texas Press. Find it HERE. Go to mattlankes.com for all of your Matt needs. I had a great time getting to know Matt and his journey as an artist. I'm sure you will too.
Veteran War Correspondent & host of the 'On the Edge' podcast Phil Ittner reports from Kyiv, Ukraine. News - Predator drones deployed in LA? ICE brutally rams car & tear gases occupants with young children (toddlers) - to grab citizens off the street, FL tries to replace farm workers with 14 year old American children. FL says they're not too young to work overnight shifts. I'm not making this up! Brutality reigns. Is Trump's brutality causing his approval to tank? More news... Smithsonian to purge ‘anti-American ideology' as MAGA revamp gets underway, criminals are imitating ICE to rob people, and, surprise, Trump is restoring the confederacy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
An L.A. curfew was implemented amid protests against ICE raids there. Elizabeth Findell from the Wall Street Journal looks at the marching orders from the White House that started the migrant crackdown. Reporting from NPR’s Jasmine Garsd details the unsanitary conditions migrants are facing in an overcrowded ICE facility in Florida. ‘Les Misérables' is a story of the downtrodden. It’s also a musical loved by Trump. The Atlantic looks at its appeal for him. Plus, the Smithsonian agreed to review all of its museums for bias, some promising news on fentanyl use, and the many benefits of singing. Today’s episode was hosted by Yasmeen Khan.
On the DSR Daily for Tuesday, we break down the deployment of 700 Marines to LA, RFK Jr. removing all current members of the CDC vaccine advisory committee, the Smithsonian resisting Trump's influence, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Heart & Soul: Kenny Vance, Singer, Songwriter, Film Maker The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series "They were my heroes. And then they became my friends.” In this moving new episode of The Not Old Better Show, we're honored to welcome musician, producer, and doo-wop preservationist Smithsonian Associate Kenny Vance—a voice behind Jay and the Americans and the filmmaker behind Heart & Soul: A Love Story. Kenny shares a deeply personal account of his lifelong connection to the music of the 1950s and '60s—harmonies sung on street corners, friendships formed in rehearsal halls, and the artists who paved the way for today's pop and R&B but were left behind by the industry. This episode isn't just about music; it's about legacy, resilience, and honoring voices that shaped a generation. Kenny also opens up about losing his home during Hurricane Sandy and how salvaged tapes and footage helped him begin again—with purpose. For professionals in music, film, storytelling, or anyone who believes in the power of cultural memory, this is a masterclass in what it means to preserve not just a sound, but a spirit.