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We think of Walmart as ultra-American, but its business relationship with China has fundamentally changed how American retail operates. In this episode, how one retailer helped turn China into the world's factory, eventually becoming the single largest U.S. importer of Chinese consumer goods. Guest:Eileen Otis, Associate Professor of Sociology at Northeastern University and author of Walmart: Made in China Support shows like Throughline with NPR+. Sign up today at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
When we recently learned that Senator Lindsey Graham had died and that Senator Mitch McConnell was having health problems, conspiracy theories flourished online: Maybe Senator Graham had been targeted by the Kremlin; maybe Senator McConnell had died, and his death was being hidden. Why do conspiracy theories spread so quickly in modern culture? We explore that question with our guest:Kyle Green, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Sociology at SUNY Brockport and host of the "Give Theory a Chance" podcast---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.
Author Natasha Quadlin discusses the article, "Who Can Afford to Be an English Major? Economic Origins, Debt, and Public Beliefs about Higher Education," published in the July 2026 issue of Sociology of Education.
This episode features Danny Crumble, father, husband, and recent addition to P4L's team as ‘Fatherhood Facilitator'. Trina and Danny discuss intentional parenting and balancing different upbringings and temperaments when parenting collaboratively. Danny also sheds light on how he cultivates and sustains relationships and the challenges Dads face when participating in parenting, and shifting norms about when and what activities dads should be engaged in.Listen in for this and more, including Danny's favorite piece of ‘uncle advice' with a bonus musical interlude!—About Danny:Danny is a dedicated father, community advocate, and committed partner who actively contributes to the mission of Parenting for Liberation. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies and Sociology, along with a Master of Science in Student Development in Higher Education.Danny's work is grounded in a deep commitment to fostering positive growth, strong moral values, and integrity within individuals and communities. He is passionate about empowering others through confidence-building, perseverance, and culturally responsive support.As a natural connector, Danny thrives on bringing people together through community, laughter, and shared purpose. His approach emphasizes creating safe, uplifting spaces where families and youth can flourish.In addition to his professional work, he serves as a youth basketball coach, mentoring young people both on and off the court. Danny also finds joy and balance in nature, with a deep appreciation for both the water and the land.
John discusses Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's contentious, five-hour Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing today to permanently lead the Department of Justice. Following the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, Republicans hold a razor-thin 11-10 committee majority. Because Democrats are united in opposition, even a single Republican "no" vote will block his nomination. Then, he interviews Victoria Kirby York from the National Black Justice Collective, who discusses the importance of advocacy for marginalized communities and the ongoing struggle for voting rights. Her passionate defense of social justice serves as a rallying cry for listeners to take action and engage in the political process. Then, John speaks with Professor of Sociology at Boston College - Charles Derber and they talk about his new book "Wired for Authoritarianism: American Oligarchies and How to Re-Wire America for the People". Next, he welcomes back Bonnie Watson Coleman, the first African American woman elected to Congress from New Jersey, who shares her experiences and insights on the current political climate. Coleman expresses her concerns about the effectiveness of checks and balances in Congress, highlighting the heartbreaking reality of political dysfunction. Her candid remarks resonate with listeners who may feel disillusioned by the current state of governance. And finally, John brings in The God Squad featuring former Pastor Desimber Rose and the "Tattooed Theologian" Dillon Naber Cruz to chat with listeners about tackling the intersection of faith and politics, and how Christian nationalism is reshaping the political landscape.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
There's more evidence the mass exodus to Australia appears to be turning a corner. Latest Stats NZ figures show net migration from New Zealand to Australia last year was down 8.4% compared to the year before. Newstalk ZB analysis of official Australian data has revealed a similar trend. Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking there's a feeling the tide is turning, which can in turn prompt more people not to go. He says the perception, feeling, and media coverage all play into whether people choose to move to Australia. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kate is joined by returning guest and friend of the show, Kim Lane Scheppele, the Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Sociology and International Affairs at Princeton, and one of the world's leading scholars of democratic backsliding, autocracy, and the rule of law. They discuss how the Supreme Court has been “captured,” the ways Donald Trump is attempting to remake Washington, D.C., in his image, and what Hungary can teach us about autocracy and how to recover from it.Favorite things: Kate:Emil Bove Defended Trump in Court. Then Trump Made Him a Judge, Mattathias Schwartz (NYT); Mailman: My Wild Ride Delivering the Mail in Appalachia and Finally Finding Home, Stephen Starring Grant Kim:Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, Maggie Haberman & Jonathan Swan; Into the Wood Chipper: A Whistleblower's Account of How the Trump Administration Shredded USAID, Nicholas Enrich; The Dual State, Ernst Fraenkel; The Origins of Totalitarianism, Hannah Arendt; It Can't Happen Here, Sinclair Lewis; Borgen - Power & Glory (Netflix); Gok Wan's Easy Asian (Prime Video) Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE on November 6th in Washington, DC: Crookedcon.comBuy Melissa's book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern ReaderBuy Leah's book, Lawless, now out in paperbackFollow us on Instagram, Threads, and BlueskyFor a transcript of an episode of Strict Scrutiny please email transcripts@crooked.com
Episode: 1602 The tragedy of the commons revisited. Today, the tragedy of the commons.
Ednaija “Nay” Lassiter is the Girls' Basketball Head Coach at Governors Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts. In addition to her coaching role, Nay is the founder and CEO of Heavy Hearted Convos, a non-profit organization dedicated to mental wellness and fostering open discussions about emotionally challenging topics.Nay began her coaching career as a graduate assistant at Northeastern University, followed by an assistant coaching position at The College of Charleston.As a player, Nay played college basketball at the University of Rhode Island and Southern Connecticut State University, earning a degree in Sociology.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @hoopheadspod for the latest updates on episodes, guests, and events from the Hoop Heads Pod.Make sure you're subscribed to the Hoop Heads Pod on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts and while you're there please leave us a 5 star rating and review. Your ratings help your friends and coaching colleagues find the show. If you really love what you're hearing recommend the Hoop Heads Pod to someone and get them to join you as a part of Hoop Heads Nation.Be prepared with a notebook and pen as you listen to this episode with Nay Lassiter, Girls' Basketball Head Coach at Governors Academy and CEO of Heavy Hearted ConvosWebsites - https://www.heavyheartedconvos.com/ https://www.thegovernorsacademy.org/athletics/teams-schedules/team-details/~athletics-team-id/42Email - ednaija@heavyhconvos.comTwitter/X - @nayybaee0Visit our Sponsors!Give With HoopsGive With Hoops is a groundbreaking initiative that fuses basketball analytics with modern sponsorship. Built for teams who see data as opportunity, from AAU programs to college powerhouses. By tying on-court performance directly to community and sponsor engagement, Give With Hoops help programs raise more while deepening support from those who believe in the game.D3 Direct Recruiting PlaybookHoop Heads Listeners currently get 25% off!Your step-by-step guide to getting recruited as a college athlete at the NCAA Division 3 level. This course is designed by former D3 Athletes to take you from zero interest from college coaches to securing your first offer and putting you on the path to committing.The Coaching PortfolioYour first impression is everything when applying for a new coaching job. A professional coaching portfolio is the tool that highlights your coaching achievements and philosophies and, most of all, helps separate you and your abilities from the other applicants. Special Price of just $25 for all Hoop Heads Listeners.Wealth4CoachesEmpowering athletic coaches with financial education, strategic planning, and practical tools to build lasting wealth—on and off the court.If you listen to and love the Hoop Heads Podcast, please consider giving us a small tip that will help in our quest to become the #1 basketball coaching podcast. https://hoop-heads.captivate.fm/supportTwitter/X Podcast - @hoopheadspodMike - @hdstarthoopsJason - @jsunkleInstagram@hoopheadspodFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/hoopheadspod/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDoVTtvpgwwOVL4QVswqMLQ
How do we hold on to hope and a sense of meaning when life is difficult? We'll explore what the psychiatrist Viktor Frankl discovered in his search for Meaning and look into how it can be relevant today in our everyday lives.Dr. Frankl was imprisoned in a concentration camp during WWII and fascinated by the power of hope for humans as meaning-seeking beings and Professor of Sociology, Please note that the ideas expressed in this lecture do not necessarily represent the views of L'Abri Fellowship.For more resources, visit the L'Abri Ideas Library at labriideaslibrary.org. The library contains over two thousand lectures and discussions that explore questions about the reality and relevance of Christianity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit englishlabri.substack.com
Every church tells a story. The question is: Is it the right one? In this episode, Loren Richmond Jr. talks with sociologist Joel Thiessen about The Stories Congregations Tell, a research project exploring why some churches flourish through seasons of transition while others struggle. Drawing on case studies from congregations across Canada, Thiessen argues that the stories churches tell about their past, present, and future profoundly shape their identity, leadership, and mission. The conversation explores how congregations develop a healthy sense of identity without becoming trapped by nostalgia, why flourishing is about far more than numerical growth, and how local churches are constantly shaped by the wider cultural stories surrounding them. Thiessen also explains why sociology can help churches understand themselves more honestly—not to replace theology, but to deepen it. Whether your church is growing, plateauing, or navigating significant change, this conversation offers practical wisdom for understanding the narratives that shape congregational life—and how a healthier story can lead to a healthier future. Together they explore: Why every congregation tells a story—and why it matters How churches connect their past, present, and future The cultural stories shaping congregational life How churches develop resilience through seasons of change The importance of intergenerational community How churches can resist the "bigger is better" mindset Practical ways congregations can discover and live into their own story Joel Thiessen is Professor of Sociology, Chair of the Social Sciences Department, and Director of the Flourishing Congregations Institute at Ambrose University in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He is a sociologist of religion who specializes in religion in Canada, religious nones, congregations, millennials, and more recently, death and dying. Mentioned Resources:
00:08 — Muhannad Ayyash is Professor of Sociology at Mount Royal University in Calgary and Policy Analyst at Al-Shabaka 00:33 — Ali Tarokh is Director of Development & Communications at Syrian Community Network and adjunct professor at Loyola University. 00:45 — Tim Redmond, founder of 48hills. Tim Redmond has been a political and investigative reporter in San Francisco for more than 30 years. The post Hamas Dissolves Governance of Gaza; Plus, Supreme Court Allows TPS Ending for Syrians and Haitians; And, Revived Push to Municipalize San Francisco Power System appeared first on KPFA.
Who gets to be a creative worker? In Blame the Intern: On (Not) Breaking Into the Creative Economy, (Princeton University Press, 2026) Alexandre Frenette, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University, examines the relationship between work and education in the difficult moment of the early career transition from university to industry. Drawing on a detailed case study of the music industry, the book explains and critiques the way internships have come to dominate routes into many careers in contemporary society. An accessible yet theoretically rich read, the book will be of interest to creative workers at any point in their career, as well as sociologists and humanities scholars, along with any reader interested in how and why our workplaces are so unequal. 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
Who gets to be a creative worker? In Blame the Intern: On (Not) Breaking Into the Creative Economy, (Princeton University Press, 2026) Alexandre Frenette, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University, examines the relationship between work and education in the difficult moment of the early career transition from university to industry. Drawing on a detailed case study of the music industry, the book explains and critiques the way internships have come to dominate routes into many careers in contemporary society. An accessible yet theoretically rich read, the book will be of interest to creative workers at any point in their career, as well as sociologists and humanities scholars, along with any reader interested in how and why our workplaces are so unequal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory
Who gets to be a creative worker? In Blame the Intern: On (Not) Breaking Into the Creative Economy, (Princeton University Press, 2026) Alexandre Frenette, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University, examines the relationship between work and education in the difficult moment of the early career transition from university to industry. Drawing on a detailed case study of the music industry, the book explains and critiques the way internships have come to dominate routes into many careers in contemporary society. An accessible yet theoretically rich read, the book will be of interest to creative workers at any point in their career, as well as sociologists and humanities scholars, along with any reader interested in how and why our workplaces are so unequal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology
Who gets to be a creative worker? In Blame the Intern: On (Not) Breaking Into the Creative Economy, (Princeton University Press, 2026) Alexandre Frenette, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University, examines the relationship between work and education in the difficult moment of the early career transition from university to industry. Drawing on a detailed case study of the music industry, the book explains and critiques the way internships have come to dominate routes into many careers in contemporary society. An accessible yet theoretically rich read, the book will be of interest to creative workers at any point in their career, as well as sociologists and humanities scholars, along with any reader interested in how and why our workplaces are so unequal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/music
Who gets to be a creative worker? In Blame the Intern: On (Not) Breaking Into the Creative Economy, (Princeton University Press, 2026) Alexandre Frenette, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University, examines the relationship between work and education in the difficult moment of the early career transition from university to industry. Drawing on a detailed case study of the music industry, the book explains and critiques the way internships have come to dominate routes into many careers in contemporary society. An accessible yet theoretically rich read, the book will be of interest to creative workers at any point in their career, as well as sociologists and humanities scholars, along with any reader interested in how and why our workplaces are so unequal.
Who gets to be a creative worker? In Blame the Intern: On (Not) Breaking Into the Creative Economy, (Princeton University Press, 2026) Alexandre Frenette, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University, examines the relationship between work and education in the difficult moment of the early career transition from university to industry. Drawing on a detailed case study of the music industry, the book explains and critiques the way internships have come to dominate routes into many careers in contemporary society. An accessible yet theoretically rich read, the book will be of interest to creative workers at any point in their career, as well as sociologists and humanities scholars, along with any reader interested in how and why our workplaces are so unequal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Who gets to be a creative worker? In Blame the Intern: On (Not) Breaking Into the Creative Economy, (Princeton University Press, 2026) Alexandre Frenette, an Assistant Professor of Sociology at Vanderbilt University, examines the relationship between work and education in the difficult moment of the early career transition from university to industry. Drawing on a detailed case study of the music industry, the book explains and critiques the way internships have come to dominate routes into many careers in contemporary society. An accessible yet theoretically rich read, the book will be of interest to creative workers at any point in their career, as well as sociologists and humanities scholars, along with any reader interested in how and why our workplaces are so unequal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
My guest this week is Fabrizio Bernardi (@fabriberna.bsky.social), a Sociologist at UNED in Madrid who works on educational inequality, social mobility, and social demography. He's also the editor at European Sociological Review and has co-authored several articles on luck. We discuss how sociology has dealt with luck and how his work seeks to improve that approach.Music by GW RodriguezEditing by Adam WikSibling Pod:Philosophers in Space: https://0gphilosophy.libsyn.com/Support us at Patreon.com/EmbraceTheVoidIf you enjoy the show, please Like and Review us on your pod app, especially iTunes. It really helps!This show is CAN credentialed, which means you can report instances of harassment, abuse, or other harm on their hotline at (617) 249-4255, or on their website at creatoraccountabilitynetwork.org.Next Episode: TBA
What if grief isn't something we're meant to "get over"—but something we're meant to carry with love? In one of his most personal episodes ever, Darin opens his heart following the passing of his mother, Sandra Lee Olien. Rather than offering easy answers or tidy stages of grief, he shares the raw, complicated reality of loss: the tears, the gratitude, the anger, the laughter, the memories, and the profound realization that death doesn't simply teach us about endings—it teaches us how to live. Drawing from psychology, cultural traditions around the world, personal stories, and the wisdom of those facing the end of life, Darin explores why Western culture struggles with grief, why love is an active practice rather than a feeling, and how embracing mortality can become one of the greatest invitations to authenticity, forgiveness, vulnerability, and purpose. This is not simply an episode about death. It's an episode about living so fully that, when the end eventually comes for all of us, there is as little left unsaid as possible. What You'll Learn Why Western culture often avoids meaningful conversations about grief The difference between "moving on" and maintaining continuing bonds with loved ones How cultures around the world approach death and remembrance Why grief isn't linear—and why that's completely normal The psychology of disenfranchised grief Darin's deeply personal reflections after losing his mother How unconditional love creates lifelong resilience Why unresolved relationships become our greatest regrets The five most common regrets people share at the end of life Why vulnerability is one of the greatest expressions of love How death can become one of life's greatest teachers Practical ways to live with more honesty, forgiveness, and purpose Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome to SuperLife 00:00:33 – Sponsor: Alkemis Paint 00:03:24 – A deeply personal announcement: the loss of Darin's mother 00:04:01 – Why this is the first episode about grief 00:05:04 – Grief, celebration, and holding conflicting emotions at once 00:06:00 – Why life continues after loss 00:07:02 – Death teaches us how to love 00:08:11 – Why grief receives so little space in Western culture 00:09:14 – Understanding disenfranchised grief 00:10:24 – Moving on versus maintaining continuing bonds 00:11:25 – Why grief doesn't have a finish line 00:12:01 – Modern society has outsourced death 00:13:17 – Moving inward instead of moving on 00:13:33 – Sponsor: Manna Vitality 00:15:28 – How Mexico celebrates ongoing relationships with ancestors 00:16:16 – Madagascar, Ghana, India, and global grief traditions 00:18:15 – Why rituals help us process loss 00:19:30 – Allowing yourself to truly feel 00:20:27 – Remembering Sandra Lee Olien 00:21:36 – A mother's unconditional love 00:22:41 – How love creates courage and confidence 00:23:32 – Letting go while honoring another person's choices 00:24:26 – Celebrating kindness, resilience, and stubborn strength 00:25:25 – Feeling his mother's presence after her passing 00:26:17 – Love is an active practice 00:27:25 – Why nothing important should remain unsaid 00:28:20 – The five regrets of the dying 00:29:29 – Living your own life instead of someone else's expectations 00:30:10 – Work, vulnerability, friendship, and choosing happiness 00:31:24 – Death as the other side of SuperLife 00:31:54 – The greatest fatal convenience: assuming there's more time 00:32:57 – Responsibility, forgiveness, and radical honesty 00:33:29 – Grief and gratitude can exist together 00:34:22 – Say the thing. Forgive. Love now. 00:34:45 – A heartfelt farewell to Mom 00:34:53 – Closing thoughts Thank You to Our Sponsors Alkemis: Go to https://alkemispaint.com/ and use code DARIN10 for 10% off your order. Manna Vitality: Go to mannavitality.com/ and use code DARIN12 for 12% off your order. Join the SuperLife Patreon: This is where Darin now shares the deeper work: - weekly voice notes - ingredient trackers - wellness challenges - extended conversations - community accountability - sovereignty practices Join now for only $7.49/month at https://patreon.com/darinolien Find More from Darin Olien: Website: darinolien.com Instagram: @darinolien Book: Fatal Conveniences Platform & Products: superlife.com New Show: Roadmap to Happiness Key Takeaway "Death isn't the opposite of a SuperLife—it reveals whether we've truly lived one. The conversations we avoid, the forgiveness we postpone, the love we leave unspoken, and the dreams we delay all become painfully clear when we're reminded that none of us is promised more time. Grief isn't something to conquer or rush through. It's love continuing to exist after physical presence has ended. And perhaps the greatest tribute we can offer those we've lost is to live with more honesty, more courage, more vulnerability, and more love while we're still here." Bibliography/Sources: Peer-Reviewed Research & Journals Phan, H. P., Ngu, B. H., Chen, S., & Hsu, L. (2025). How cultural beliefs and rituals may help alleviate grief and despair: A four-dimensional framework. Frontiers in Sociology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2025.1620016 Books & Academic Encyclopedias Doka, K. J., & Martin, T. (2002). Disenfranchised grief. Research Press. https://books.google.com/books?id=disenfranchised-grief SAGE Publications. (n.d.). Death rituals. In SAGE Encyclopedia of Anthropology. https://sk.sagepub.com/reference/anthropology Ware, B. (2011). The top five regrets of the dying: A life transformed by the dearly departing. Hay House. https://bronnieware.com/blog/regrets-of-the-dying/ Psychology & Cultural Publications Kuzo and Foulk Funeral Homes. (2024). Cultural traditions around death and mourning: A global perspective. https://www.kuzofoulkfh.com/ Simply Psychology. (2026). Grief across cultures: How different traditions approach loss and mourning. https://www.simplypsychology.org/
Host: Allan NewsomeRunning time: 0:27:37 This is a Mayberry outsiders review of The Andy Griffith Show community with a focus on the Two Chairs No Waiting podcast as a center point. The insights from those looking into our Mayberry community are interesting and something you’ll enjoy. They aren’t “fans” of the show but are looking […]
Every summer since 2016, the City Club has packed up our gong and taken over some of our favorite outdoor public spaces. This year, we are taking over the Playhouse Square Plaza and marking our nation's semiquincentennial - or 250th birthday - with the theme WE THE PEOPLE. The series will dive into topics centering our communities, organizations, and the very people who help our democracy thrive.rnrnChef Peggy Cruz, Executive Chef at Cha'firo Catering and Eventsrn"Reach & Teach": Our goal is to travel to urban and local gardens and "Reach" the community to "Teach" families, seniors, and children how to preserve the food they grow in their own spaces and gardens. We'd like to bridge the gap between growing food and knowing how to use and preserve it throughout the winter months.rnrnChristina Hannon Luehring, Founder of Home ExecutivernEveryone tells new parents to "enjoy every minute." No one gives them the tools to survive them first. It's time to bring executive-level thinking and coaching to the leadership teams running our most important organizations - our families.rnrnWim Laven, Ph.D, Elementary TeacherrnAccepting Disability: Disabilities can be visible or hidden, and regardless of politics or policies, we are part of the community.rnrnNaimah O'Neal, HIV/AIDS Medical Social Worker at The CentersrnA 34-year HIV long-term survivor will talk about the current state of HIV laws in Ohio.rnrnStarr Solomon, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology and Criminology at Kent State UniversityrnIn collaboration with Cleveland's Police Accountability Team, Kent State University is conducting a survey designed to better understand community perceptions of safety and trust in the Cleveland Division of Police. Learn how this data can inform training for Cleveland Division of Police focused on strengthening ties with the community.rnrnPiet van Lier, Deputy Director at Honesty for Ohio EducationrnOutlining public education in Ohio, including current funding and private school vouchers.
Author Susan E. Mannon discusses the article, "Seeing Like a Sociologist: Using Photography to Teach and Understand Sociology," published in the July 2026 issue of Teaching Sociology.
“If I perish, I perish.” — the chant Katie Gaddini heard from Esther's Army at the National Mall, weeks before the 2024 election Back in 2021, at the height of the pandemic, Margaret Atwood came on the show to talk about The Handmaid's Tale — her warning of how trad wives, to borrow a contemporary phrase, could be exploited by an evangelical patriarchy. Five years later, the Stanford fellow Katie Gaddini offers a strikingly different vision. Her new book, Esther's Army: The Christian Women Who Power the American Right (out today), is the product of nine years of research and over 100 interviews with conservative Christian women across 28 states. These women, this army of Esthers, are not handmaidens, Gaddini concludes. “They are very much in charge. They are politically engaged. They, in many cases, hold political positions of power.” Gaddini grew up as an evangelical — her father a pastor, with four more pastors in her extended family. She voted for George Bush “naturally,” before discovering she could be a Christian and not a Republican. But she is less a rebel against her upbringing as much as a sociologist with a Cambridge doctorate. She was living in London when Trump won the 2016 nomination and wondered how it was that Christian women were planning to vote for this most imperfect of men? Nine years and 100 interviews later, the answer turns out to be more complicated than the standard liberal media exploitation tale about handmaids. The book's title comes from the women themselves. At a 250,000-person rally on the National Mall weeks before the 2024 election, Gaddini saw women wearing gold-plated Esther necklaces, chanting “If I perish, I perish” from the Book of Esther. Gaddini interprets this as a striking theological shift — away from the forgiveness of the New Testament toward the Manichaean Old Testament narrative of violence, destruction, and an imperfect male figure designed by God to redeem the rest of us. Donald Trump, in this telling, is King David. Or Jehu. Margaret Atwood better watch out. This Army of Esthers are warriors, not handmaidens, and they are preparing for an apocalyptical war. If you perish, you perish. Another Old Testament-style pandemic. Five Takeaways • Not Handmaids: Trad Wives Are a Tiny, Overhyped Fringe: Gaddini went into nine years of research expecting to find Atwood-style oppression. Instead: only one of her hundred-plus interviewees follows a trad wife on social media. Trad wives are overpopulated in media attention but represent a much smaller political force than coverage suggests. The women Gaddini actually studied span homeschool moms involved in local politics to Heritage Foundation lawyers to women working at the top echelons of power in Washington DC. They are diehard MAGA supporters and politically engaged — the opposite of passive. • The Hidden History: Women Built the Conservative Movement Since the 1970s: Gaddini's archival research into the Reagan administration found women — never household names — who drafted legislation that still shapes policy today, including the squashing of federal child care. Phyllis Schlafly was not an aberration but part of coordinated networks of women who strategised together at national conventions, even as Schlafly took the spotlight while others worked behind the scenes. Books about the Christian right's formation in the 1980s have largely written women out of the story. Gaddini is writing them back in. • Conservative Feminism: A More Complicated Relationship Than Expected: Gaddini expected uniform hostility to feminism, the classic Schlafly-era position. Instead she found a more nuanced split: some women reject feminism as toxic; others embrace a self-styled “conservative feminism,” remapping their politics onto a new understanding of women's empowerment. They reframe issues the left claims as women's issues — reproductive rights, birth control — as harmful to women, and argue that capitalism itself benefits women by letting families thrive on a single strong salary. A repackaging of feminist language for a conservative, highly gendered worldview. • If I Perish, I Perish: The Old Testament Shift and the Esther Necklaces: At a 250,000-person rally on the National Mall weeks before the 2024 election, Gaddini saw international attendees — women from South Korea, Brazil, nuns from Nantucket — wearing gold Esther necklaces and chanting the book of Esther's key line. The theological shift she's tracking: away from the New Testament and Jesus, toward Old Testament violence, destruction, and imperfect male figures redeemed for God's purposes — the allegories comparing Trump to King David or Jehu. These women see themselves as warriors, not handmaidens. There is, in their minds, an absolute war going on. • The Fracture Lines: Iran, MAHA, and the Jesus Selfie: Gaddini's research captures real fault lines opening in 2026: the Iran strikes alienated Trump voters who wanted America out of foreign wars; MAHA women — anti-vax homeschool moms alongside liberal Bay Area “crunchy” mothers, an unlikely ideological alliance forged through RFK Jr.'s endorsement — are furious about pesticide regulation rollbacks; and Trump's social media image styled as Jesus (he said it was meant to be a doctor) did not land well even with his base. Nobody Gaddini interviewed thinks Trump is a good Christian. They believe his policies align with their vision of America. That, for them, is what matters. About the Guest Katie Gaddini is a Visiting Scholar at Stanford University, Associate Professor of Sociology at the Social Research Institute, University College London, and a UKRI Research Fellow at Stanford and UCL (2022–2026). She is the author of Esther's Army: The Christian Women Who Power the American Right (W.W. Norton, June 30, 2026) and The Struggle to Stay: Why Single Evangelical Women Are Leaving the Church. Her writing has appeared in TIME, The Huffington Post, the San Francisco Chronicle, and The Hill. She hosts the Podium and the Pulpit podcast and Substack. References: • Esther's Army: The Christian Women Who Power the American Right by Katie Gaddini (W.W. Norton, June 30, 2026). • Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid's Tale — referenced at the opening; Atwood previously appeared on KOA. • Phyllis Schlafly — the 1970s conservative organiser; previously covered on KOA. • Delano Squires, The Vanishing Black Family — referenced; Heritage Foundation fellow, recent KOA guest. • Arlie Russell Hochschild, Stolen Pride — referenced as a sociological influence and fellow Bay Area scholar; ...
Dr. David M. Haskell is a professor of Sociology of Religion at Wilfred Laurier University, senior fellow at the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy and author of the book, Christ or Collapse. We discuss the moral imperative for a reestablishing of Christian values in western society, the ways in which Christian values benefit society regardless of religious belief, and the targeting of Christians by Canada's Liberal government.Read Dr. Haskell's book, Christ or Collapse:https://a.co/d/0dFdtAXDFollow Dr. Haskell on X:https://x.com/DMillardHaskellFollow Brave New Normal on X, Substack and YouTube:https://linktr.ee/bnnpod This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bravenewnormal.substack.com/subscribe
Physical activity in later life is often promoted for its potential physical, psychological and social benefits for older adults. However, sometimes these programmes, despite good intentions, can perpetuate negative stereotypes about ageing and youthful ideas about good life. Have we forgot to ask old people themselves how and why they are (not) active? As our guest explains, ageing is not only a physical and psychological phenomenon, but also a cultural phenomenon. Cultural narratives including ageing-as-decline, successful ageing and active ageing can have significant consequences on how we make meaning of later life. In this episode, we ask critical questions about what is ageing, who is an older person, and what implications different physical activity campaigns for older adults might have. Dr Adam Evans is currently an Associate Professor in Sociology of Sport at the Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sport (NEXS) at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. He is the current director of the Sport, Health and Innovation research group at NEXS, and is Editor in Chief of the European Journal for Sport and Society (www.tandfonline.com/toc/ress20/current). His research interests cohere around understanding the lived experiences of sport, physical activity amongst several groups, including older adults and those with specific health needs, together with work in swimming and aquatic activity.
What happens when grief isn't an exception, but a constant presence? In this episode, Jana talks with researcher and educator Nora Gross about her book, Brothers in Grief: The Hidden Toll of Gun Violence on Black Boys and Their Schools, which follows the two years she spent embedded in a Philadelphia boys' high school where students were grieving repeated losses from gun violence. Through interviews, observation, and simply showing up, Nora witnessed how grief shapes friendships, school life, ideas about the future, and the social constraints Black boys face when it comes to grief. Nora also shares how her own experiences of grief - including the death of her mother from cancer while Nora was finishing her Ph.D. program and the deaths of three students in her first year of teaching—influenced the questions she researched and continue to shape her understanding of grief today. We discuss: How cumulative loss changes young people's expectations for the future. Why grief often remains invisible in schools, even when nearly everyone has experienced loss. The unique pressures Black boys face around expressing - and not expressing - emotion. The difference between the "easy hard," the "hard hard," and the "hidden hard" phases of communal grief, particularly in a school setting. Why curiosity, rather than fixing, may be one of the most powerful ways we can support young people who are grieving. How listening deeply can become an act of care. Nora Gross is a sociologist of youth, race, and education and a documentary filmmaker. She is Assistant Professor of Education at Barnard College, Columbia University and received her PhD from the University of Pennsylvania in Sociology and Education. Nora uses qualitative, multimodal, and participatory methods to understand the ways youth develop and protect their inner lives in the face of external constraints. She has published on issues related to racialized masculinity for both Black and white boys, grief and loss, political polarization in schools, teens' social media use, youth resistance and emotional solidarity, and school supports for vulnerable youth. She has also produced several documentary films focusing on the lives of Black boys and men. Nora is the author of the award-winning ethnographic book, Brothers in Grief: The Hidden Toll of Gun Violence on Black Boys and Their Schools (University of Chicago Press, 2024), as well as co-editor of Care-Based Methodologies: Reimagining Qualitative Research with Youth in US Schools (Bloomsbury Academic, 2022). You can learn more at www.noragross.com & https://www.brothersingrief.com/
Kate Railton, Chief People Officer at Mejuri, joined us on The Modern People Leader. We talked about how Mejuri transitioned from e-commerce into retail, why they've decided to flatten the organization, and the business review cadences and operating model that allow them to move faster.---- Sponsor Links:
Guest host Rob Fai spoke with Jillian Sunderland, PhD candidate, Sociology at University of Toronto to breakdown the Taylor Swift / Travis Kelce Wedding plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Author Events Series presents Dorothy Roberts | The Mixed Marriage Project In Conversation with Marcia Chatelain Dorothy Roberts grew up in a deeply segregated Chicago of the 1960s where relationships barely crossed the ''colorline.'' Yet inside her own home, where her father was white and her mother a Black Jamaican immigrant, interracial marriage wasn't just a part of her upbringing, it was a shared mission. Her father, an anthropologist, spent her entire childhood working on a book about Black-white marriages-a project he never finished but shaped every aspect of their family life. As a 21-year-old graduate student, Dorothy's father dedicated himself to the study of interracial marriage and her mother soon became his full-time partner in that work. Together over the years they interviewed over 500 couples and assembled stunning stories about interracial marriages that took place as early as the 1880s-studying, but also living, championing, and believing in their power to advance social equality. Decades later, while sorting through her father's papers, Roberts uncovers a truth that upends everything she thought she knew about her family: her father's research didn't begin with her parents' love story-it came long before it. This discovery forces her to wrestle with her father's intentions, her own views about interracial relationships, and where she fits in that story. Rather than finish the book her father never published, Roberts immerses herself in their archive of interviews to trace the story of her parents and to better understand her own. Though grounded in her parents' research, it's Roberts' captivating storytelling that drives this memoir. In following the arc of her parents' interviews and marriage, The Mixed Marriage Project invites us into the everyday lives of interracial couples in Chicago over four decades. Along the way, Roberts reflects on her own childhood as a Black girl with a white father, and how those experiences shaped her into one of today's most prominent public thinkers and scholars on race. Blurring the boundaries between the political and the personal, between memoir and history, The Mixed Marriage Project is a deeply moving meditation on family, race, identity, and love. Dorothy Roberts is the George A. Weiss University Professor of Law and Sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, where she directs the Penn Program on Race, Science, and Society. The author of five books, including Killing the Black Body, a MacArthur Fellow, and member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Marcia Chatelain is the Presidential Penn Compact Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of two books, South Side Girls: Growing up in the Great Migration and the Pulitzer Prize winning Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America. Her forthcoming book, How Bright the Path Grows: The Women who Made the March on Washington will be released in fall 2026 with Pantheon Books. Because you love Author Events, please make a donation when you register for this event to ensure that this series continues to inspire Philadelphians. Books will be available for purchase at the library on event night! All tickets are non-refundable. (recorded 2/11/2026)
Send us Fan MailOn today's episode, I am joined by Dr. Cynthia Miller-Ibriss, a Professor in the School of Public Affairs and in the School of Education at the American University in Washington, DC, where she is also the founding director and chief vision officer in the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab (PERIL). She is the author of "Man-Up: The New Misogyny & the Rise of Violent Extremism," a book that covers the five strategies misogyny groups use to intimidate and oppress women and the LGBTQAI+ community, and strategies we can use to mitigate male-motivated violence. InstagramThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) • Instagram photos and videosThreadThe Social Chemist (@socialchemistig) on ThreadsDr. Cynthia Miller-Ibriss's books Books | CynthiaMillerIdrissDr. Cynthia Miller-Ibriss's Social Media / PERIL Dr. Cynthia Miller-Idriss (@milleridriss) / XCynthia Miller-Idriss - PERIL ResearchRecommended Social Chemist EpisodesThe Black Pill Radicalization Process of the Incel Community w/ Robert Green
Calvin Johnson, Ph.D. is the Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Eastern Washington University, a Master's Degree in Sociology/Research Methods from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland-College Park. Prior to his current role, he served dual roles as the Associate Director of the Office of Research and Evaluation and the Performance Improvement Officer at the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, then went on to serve 12 years as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Research, Evaluation, and Monitoring at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Policy Development and Research. Having also worked in research positions at the University of Pennsylvania, The Urban Institute, and with the Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, he serves as a Commissioner on the United States Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys as well as was elected as a Fellow for the National Academy of Public Administration. Calvin calls Houston, Texas home.
In this episode, Eric Hsu and Louis Everuss launch season 5 of their podcast by examining a trailblazing feminist text in classical sociology, Charlotte Perkins Gilman's Women and Economics. By centring gender in her social analysis, Gilman not only observes but critiques how women are forced to be economically dependent on men, on account of their largely being confined to the domestic sphere at least during the time of her writing. In the course of providing a condensed summary and appraisal of what Women and Economics seeks to argue, Louis maybe admits that he sometimes engages in bootleg plumbing work in his own house, to varying effects. Become a supporter of the podcast at https://buymeacoffee.com/sociologyofeverything.Music and sound effects used in this episode are licensed under a CC 0 License, the CC Attribution License 3.0, or by a SFX (Multi-Use) License Commercial License from Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com). Tracks include:https://freesound.org/people/Tuben/sounds/272044/https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/A2V5xRtt5S/https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/1ee517ce-ef76-4edb-89e1-801c59d215f3/https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/e0ccb750-4ee9-3436-8b8b-ccb4835b3986/https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/87d86cf8-2a14-3b59-b17b-ea282e6cbd9f/https://freesound.org/people/funnyman850/sounds/194812/The views and opinions expressed in the Sociology of Everything podcast are that of the hosts and/or guest speakers, and do not reflect any of the involved institutions.The Sociology of Everything podcast | www.sociologypodcast.com
The usual way to measure women's power in politics is to count the seats they hold in parliament. But most women who take part in politics never stand for office. They vote, attend meetings, petition, protest, or try to get the water supply fixed. In this week's VoxDev Talk, Soledad Artiz Prillaman of Stanford talks to Tim Phillips about her new review of the research into non-elite women's participation in politics, written with Peace Medie (University of Bristol).They are not elite women with less money, she argues. They want different things and face different constraints. Social norms can prevent them from achieving the change they want. But in the Global South there is evidence that non-elite women are using collective action to gain access to politics, and using that access to renegotiate the norms that hold them back, rather than waiting for those norms to shift first.The research behind this episode:Medie, Peace A., and Soledad Artiz Prillaman. 2026. "Nonelite Women's Participation in Politics." Annual Review of Political Science, vol. 29.To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim, and Soledad Artiz Prillaman. 2026. "Nonelite Women's Participation in Politics." VoxDev Talks (podcast). Assign this as extra listening. The citation above is formatted and ready for a reading list or VLE.About the guestSoledad Artiz Prillaman is Assistant Professor of Political Science at Stanford University and faculty director of the Inclusive Democracy and Development Lab. Her research spans comparative political economy, development, and gender, with a focus on South Asia and on how and when women gain access to politics, both as citizens and as representatives. She is the author of The Patriarchal Political Order: The Making and Unraveling of the Gendered Participation Gap in India (Cambridge University Press, 2023).The paper is co-authored with Peace A. Medie, Associate Professor in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Studies at the University of Bristol. Her work covers gender, security, and politics in Africa, including the campaigns to end violence against women.Research cited in this episodeElite and nonelite women. The paper defines eliteness by access to political power, not by office held or income alone. Elites include elected representatives, but also academics and business executives whose position gives them access to power. Nonelites are those who lack that access. The distinction matters because policy aimed at getting more women into elite positions only helps everyone else if elite and nonelite women want the same things, and the evidence that they do is thin.The income puzzle. At the individual level, income is generally uncorrelated with women's turnout; at the national level, GDP predicts nonelite women's participation only in some places. Women in paid work do participate more, but the driver appears to be the networks and information that come with a job, not the wage.Vote agency. Showing up to vote is not the same as voting freely. Asked whether they would vote for their own preferred party or the one a male gatekeeper preferred, at least half of women in some South Asian settings say they would defer. Work by Sara Khan shows that the women with the least agency are those whose preferences differ most from the men who hold power over them.Varieties of patriarchy. All societies are patriarchal, but patriarchy operates differently across them. In parts of South Asia it takes the form of explicit, socially sanctioned control over where women go and how they vote. In the United States and Europe it shows up earlier, as socialisation, producing large gender gaps in stated political interest. Same underlying force, different mechanics, different policy conclusions.Quotas. More than 100 countries have adopted some form of electoral gender quota, making it the most widespread women's empowerment policy in the world. The evidence on whether quotas help nonelite women is mixed; they raise some women's participation in some places, but in others the effect is null or negative. In India, Prillaman notes campaign material for quota seats that pairs the woman candidate's name with a man's photograph.Collective action. Networks outside the home, through women's groups, microcredit groups, churches, unions or friendship circles, raise women's participation by widening their information and giving them cover against backlash. Prillaman argues that in the Global South women are increasingly using collective action to gain access to politics, and using that access to renegotiate norms, rather than waiting for norms to change first.More from VoxDevWhere are the Indian female politicians?, an interview with Lakshmi Iyer on why a woman winning office in India does not lead to more women standing next time.Related reading on VoxDevGrassroots party activism by women promotes equal political participation, in which Tanushree Goyal finds that women politicians in Delhi recruit women activists, narrowing gender gaps in political knowledge and participation.Women's microcredit groups empower women politically, in which Prillaman shows that microcredit groups raise women's political participation in India by building their networks, not their bank balances.
There is no alternative. The End of History. Climate Apocalypse. It seems that our contemporary moment is defined by the idea that things can only get worse or, in the most optimistic reading, perhaps stay as they are. Ideas for things getting better, utopian ideas, seem in short supply. It is this which Joe Davidson confronts in his book Saving Utopia: Imagining Hopeful Futures in Dystopian Times (MIT Press, 2026). Davidson links this apparent decline in utopian thinking to a change in ‘time consciousness', the ways in which our sense of the future seems less open to possibility than it once was. Despite this he notes the persistence of utopianism in a new form, the ‘postdystopian utopia' which takes account of the assumption the future will be worse and uses this as a spur to utopian thinking. He then explores how this manifests itself in various utopian works in different traditions, from Black utopianism considering the tragedy of the slave trade, feminism mining the nostalgia of previous battles to consider how things could be different and climate change utopianism confronting catastrophe. In our discussion we explore the changing fortunes and forms of utopianism over time, the value of ‘utopian studies', why Silicon Valley tech-bros might be as utopian (or dystopian) as they make out and think about why it is important we all imagine the possibility of different worlds. Joe also makes a number of reading recommendations for postdystopian utopian novels. Your host, Matt Dawson is Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and the author of G.D.H. Cole and British Sociology: A Study in Semi-Alienation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) and co-editor of The Anthem Companion to Henri Lefebvre (Anthem Press, 2026) along with other texts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies
There is no alternative. The End of History. Climate Apocalypse. It seems that our contemporary moment is defined by the idea that things can only get worse or, in the most optimistic reading, perhaps stay as they are. Ideas for things getting better, utopian ideas, seem in short supply. It is this which Joe Davidson confronts in his book Saving Utopia: Imagining Hopeful Futures in Dystopian Times (MIT Press, 2026). Davidson links this apparent decline in utopian thinking to a change in ‘time consciousness', the ways in which our sense of the future seems less open to possibility than it once was. Despite this he notes the persistence of utopianism in a new form, the ‘postdystopian utopia' which takes account of the assumption the future will be worse and uses this as a spur to utopian thinking. He then explores how this manifests itself in various utopian works in different traditions, from Black utopianism considering the tragedy of the slave trade, feminism mining the nostalgia of previous battles to consider how things could be different and climate change utopianism confronting catastrophe. In our discussion we explore the changing fortunes and forms of utopianism over time, the value of ‘utopian studies', why Silicon Valley tech-bros might be as utopian (or dystopian) as they make out and think about why it is important we all imagine the possibility of different worlds. Joe also makes a number of reading recommendations for postdystopian utopian novels. Your host, Matt Dawson is Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and the author of G.D.H. Cole and British Sociology: A Study in Semi-Alienation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) and co-editor of The Anthem Companion to Henri Lefebvre (Anthem Press, 2026) along with other texts. 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
There is no alternative. The End of History. Climate Apocalypse. It seems that our contemporary moment is defined by the idea that things can only get worse or, in the most optimistic reading, perhaps stay as they are. Ideas for things getting better, utopian ideas, seem in short supply. It is this which Joe Davidson confronts in his book Saving Utopia: Imagining Hopeful Futures in Dystopian Times (MIT Press, 2026). Davidson links this apparent decline in utopian thinking to a change in ‘time consciousness', the ways in which our sense of the future seems less open to possibility than it once was. Despite this he notes the persistence of utopianism in a new form, the ‘postdystopian utopia' which takes account of the assumption the future will be worse and uses this as a spur to utopian thinking. He then explores how this manifests itself in various utopian works in different traditions, from Black utopianism considering the tragedy of the slave trade, feminism mining the nostalgia of previous battles to consider how things could be different and climate change utopianism confronting catastrophe. In our discussion we explore the changing fortunes and forms of utopianism over time, the value of ‘utopian studies', why Silicon Valley tech-bros might be as utopian (or dystopian) as they make out and think about why it is important we all imagine the possibility of different worlds. Joe also makes a number of reading recommendations for postdystopian utopian novels. Your host, Matt Dawson is Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and the author of G.D.H. Cole and British Sociology: A Study in Semi-Alienation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) and co-editor of The Anthem Companion to Henri Lefebvre (Anthem Press, 2026) along with other texts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies
There is no alternative. The End of History. Climate Apocalypse. It seems that our contemporary moment is defined by the idea that things can only get worse or, in the most optimistic reading, perhaps stay as they are. Ideas for things getting better, utopian ideas, seem in short supply. It is this which Joe Davidson confronts in his book Saving Utopia: Imagining Hopeful Futures in Dystopian Times (MIT Press, 2026). Davidson links this apparent decline in utopian thinking to a change in ‘time consciousness', the ways in which our sense of the future seems less open to possibility than it once was. Despite this he notes the persistence of utopianism in a new form, the ‘postdystopian utopia' which takes account of the assumption the future will be worse and uses this as a spur to utopian thinking. He then explores how this manifests itself in various utopian works in different traditions, from Black utopianism considering the tragedy of the slave trade, feminism mining the nostalgia of previous battles to consider how things could be different and climate change utopianism confronting catastrophe. In our discussion we explore the changing fortunes and forms of utopianism over time, the value of ‘utopian studies', why Silicon Valley tech-bros might be as utopian (or dystopian) as they make out and think about why it is important we all imagine the possibility of different worlds. Joe also makes a number of reading recommendations for postdystopian utopian novels. Your host, Matt Dawson is Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and the author of G.D.H. Cole and British Sociology: A Study in Semi-Alienation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) and co-editor of The Anthem Companion to Henri Lefebvre (Anthem Press, 2026) along with other texts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/gender-studies
There is no alternative. The End of History. Climate Apocalypse. It seems that our contemporary moment is defined by the idea that things can only get worse or, in the most optimistic reading, perhaps stay as they are. Ideas for things getting better, utopian ideas, seem in short supply. It is this which Joe Davidson confronts in his book Saving Utopia: Imagining Hopeful Futures in Dystopian Times (MIT Press, 2026). Davidson links this apparent decline in utopian thinking to a change in ‘time consciousness', the ways in which our sense of the future seems less open to possibility than it once was. Despite this he notes the persistence of utopianism in a new form, the ‘postdystopian utopia' which takes account of the assumption the future will be worse and uses this as a spur to utopian thinking. He then explores how this manifests itself in various utopian works in different traditions, from Black utopianism considering the tragedy of the slave trade, feminism mining the nostalgia of previous battles to consider how things could be different and climate change utopianism confronting catastrophe. In our discussion we explore the changing fortunes and forms of utopianism over time, the value of ‘utopian studies', why Silicon Valley tech-bros might be as utopian (or dystopian) as they make out and think about why it is important we all imagine the possibility of different worlds. Joe also makes a number of reading recommendations for postdystopian utopian novels. Your host, Matt Dawson is Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and the author of G.D.H. Cole and British Sociology: A Study in Semi-Alienation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) and co-editor of The Anthem Companion to Henri Lefebvre (Anthem Press, 2026) along with other texts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies
There is no alternative. The End of History. Climate Apocalypse. It seems that our contemporary moment is defined by the idea that things can only get worse or, in the most optimistic reading, perhaps stay as they are. Ideas for things getting better, utopian ideas, seem in short supply. It is this which Joe Davidson confronts in his book Saving Utopia: Imagining Hopeful Futures in Dystopian Times (MIT Press, 2026). Davidson links this apparent decline in utopian thinking to a change in ‘time consciousness', the ways in which our sense of the future seems less open to possibility than it once was. Despite this he notes the persistence of utopianism in a new form, the ‘postdystopian utopia' which takes account of the assumption the future will be worse and uses this as a spur to utopian thinking. He then explores how this manifests itself in various utopian works in different traditions, from Black utopianism considering the tragedy of the slave trade, feminism mining the nostalgia of previous battles to consider how things could be different and climate change utopianism confronting catastrophe. In our discussion we explore the changing fortunes and forms of utopianism over time, the value of ‘utopian studies', why Silicon Valley tech-bros might be as utopian (or dystopian) as they make out and think about why it is important we all imagine the possibility of different worlds. Joe also makes a number of reading recommendations for postdystopian utopian novels. Your host, Matt Dawson is Professor of Sociology at the University of Glasgow and the author of G.D.H. Cole and British Sociology: A Study in Semi-Alienation (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) and co-editor of The Anthem Companion to Henri Lefebvre (Anthem Press, 2026) along with other texts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology
We all face serious setbacks, scary challenges or losses. What if we could not only handle these situations with skill and resilience but also adapt and grow to improve ourselves when life throws us these left curves? Dick’s guest, Darald Hanusa, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in private practice for over 45 years. He […]
Richie is joined by Staurt Waiton. Stuart is an author, columnist and Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology at Abertay University. He is well-known across the UK as a fierce defender of free speech. He is a regular writer for The Spectator and The Critic. On today's show, Stuart discusses the UK government's decision to ban under-16's from social media sites, societal rage - what's causing it? the attack on activist Young Bob in Manchester and Stuart's work with Justice For Innocent Men Scotland. As many as one thousand men may have been wrongfully convicted of sexual offences because judges ruled that potentially exculpatory evidence was inadmissible. https://www.jimsscotland.org/https://www.facebook.com/stuart.waiton/https://scottishunionforeducation.substack.com/about
Send us Fan MailCan you be genuinely happy and, even thrive, as a single person? In this episode, Professor Elyakim Kislev, author of Happy Singlehood: The Rising Acceptance and Celebration of Solo Living, discusses the growing global trend toward singlehood and what the research says about happiness, loneliness, marriage, and solo living. We explore the difference between being alone and being lonely, why some people enter relationships out of fear of loneliness, and most importantly, what distinguishes happy singles from unhappy singles. Professor Kislev also discusses the concepts of social loneliness and emotional loneliness, common myths surrounding singlehood, and findings suggesting that many never-married older adults report high levels of well-being and life satisfaction. We also examine cultural pressures surrounding marriage and family formation, whether marriage itself improves health and happiness, how researchers study these questions, and what it really takes to build a meaningful, connected, and fulfilling life—whether you're single, married, dating, or somewhere in between.Professor Elyakim Kislev is a faculty member in the School of Public Policy and Government at The Hebrew University and a Research Fellow at the Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Columbia University and holds master's degrees in counseling, public policy, and sociology. A Fulbright Fellow and recipient of the Award for Outstanding Fulbright Scholars, his research focuses on singlehood, family, well-being, and social policy. He is the author of Happy Singlehood: The Rising Acceptance and Celebration of Solo Living.Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match. Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener SupportYou can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com.Follow Eeks on Instagram here.Follow Public Health is WeirdOr Facebook here.On Youtube.Or TikTok.SUBSCRIBE to her Newsletter here! (the bits not posted on socia media)Support the show
Show, Bruce and Chad Bio on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_D...PLEASE LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE BRUCE COLLINS SHOW- THAT WOULD BE HUGE. MASSIVE THANKS!The Bruce Collins Show is “A modern old-time variety show for people who like smart comedy and serious conversation.”FACEBOOK PAGE- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...TAMPA BAY OBSERVER- https://tampabayobserver.com/former-a...The Insider Weekly- https://theinsiderweekly.com/former-a...
Nina Bandelj is Chancellor's Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Irvine. Today we are talking about her new book Overinvested: The Emotional Economy of Modern Parenting. She addresses the problem of parental burnout among America parents from an economic sociological perspective and comes to very similar conclusions that people such a Meredith Elkins have come to from a clinical perspective. For more information https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/overinvested This conversation is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advise
Why are so many incredible women still single — and why do men feel like dating is impossible?Brad Wilcox, Distinguished Professor of Sociology at UVA and author of Get Married, joins us to tackle one of the most urgent crises of our time — crashing birth rates, exploding loneliness, and entire generations opting out of love and family. He breaks down why even Christians are struggling, and gives us the roadmap for what to do if you actually want to get, and stay, married.Thank you to our sponsors!GEVITI: Use code "ALEX" to get 20% off of your first purchasePALEOVALLEY: Use code ALEX for 15% off your first order A'DEL NATURAL COSMETICS: Use code "ALEX" for 25% off first time ordersUTZY: Use code “ALEX” for an exclusive discountPUORI: Use code "ALEX" for 32% off Puori Creatine+ when you start a subscriptionBEEKEEPER'S NATURALS: Use code “ALEXCLARK” for 20% off sitewideVOTE ONLINEOur Guest:Brad WilcoxBrad's Links:WebsiteBuy 'Get Married' on AmazonX: Instagram: FOLLOW ALEX:Instagram | @realalexclarkInstagram | @cultureapothecaryX | @yoalexrapzYouTube | @RealAlexClarkSpotify | Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark Apple Podcast | Culture Apothecary with Alex ClarkSubscribe to ‘Culture Apothecary' on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. New episodes drop 6pm PST/ 9pm EST every Monday and Thursday.DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk to a qualified healthcare professional for any health-related questions or decisions.
Sociologist and secular studies professor Dr. Phil Zuckerman recently spoke about secular morality at Calgary's We Can Reason conference, and his data would surprise many Christians.SPEECH VIDEOBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.
Best selling author Anna Malaika Tubbs stops by to tell us all about her book, Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us and helps us hone in on real time examples of our Patriarchy is being weaponized today. Anna unpacks how the United States has constructed a unique - and often invisible - gendered hierarchy, one that is inextricably linked to whiteness and a deeply flawed binary system. From the founding fathers to the current Supreme Court, from the erasure of women in the Constitution to the ongoing fight for the Equal Rights Amendment, Dr. Tubbs reveals the mechanisms that have kept women's contributions hidden and their voices suppressed. Anna Malaika Tubbs is a scholar, advocate, and bestselling author (The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation) whose work brings a fresh, urgent perspective on American history and its gendered systems. With a Ph.D. in Sociology and a Masters in Multidisciplinary Gender Studies from the University of Cambridge and a Bachelors in Medical Anthropology from Stanford University, Anna translates her academic knowledge into clear and engaging stories. Her articles have been published by TIME Magazine, New York Magazine, CNN, Motherly, The Huffington Post, For Harriet, The Guardian, Darling Magazine, and Blavity. Anna's storytelling also takes form in her talks, including her TED Talk that has been viewed 2 million times, as well as the scripted and unscripted screen projects she has in development. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, former Mayor of Stockton, CA Michael Tubbs and their three young children. Follow Anna Malaika Tubbs Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn and executive producer Chris @amomentlikechris New video episodes Getting Better on YouTube every Wednesday. Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure.Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices