Podcasts about Temple University

Welcome to Session 336 The Behavioral Observations Podcast. Well technically, this is actually Session 199, and I wanted to take a minute to explain why you're hearing a rebroadcast. This conversation with Dr. Jason Travers originally aired back in September of 2022, but I've decided it's worth bringing back because, unfortunately, the issues surrounding Facilitated Communication haven't gone away. In fact, if anything, they've become more relevant. Over the past several years, we've continued to see heartwarming news stories and viral social media posts featuring non-speaking autistic individuals who appear to be communicating through methods such as Facilitated Communication, the Rapid Prompting Method, or Spelling to Communicate. These stories are understandably compelling. We all want people with significant communication challenges to have access to effective ways to express themselves. The problem is that hope, by itself, isn't evidence. Facilitated Communication has been studied extensively for decades, and the scientific record is remarkably consistent. The evidence has repeatedly shown that the messages produced through FC originate with the facilitator, not the individual. Despite that, these practices continue to find new audiences under different names and in different settings. As behavior analysts—and really, as anyone who cares about helping people with disabilities—we have an obligation to evaluate interventions based on evidence, even when the conclusions are uncomfortable. That's especially true when the potential harms are so significant, not only for the individuals using these methods, but also for their families, educators, and support teams. I also think this episode serves as a useful foundation because I plan to cover this topic in greater depth over the coming months, along with other interventions that have gained popularity despite lacking scientific support. Rather than assuming everyone has heard this discussion before, I thought it made sense to revisit what I think is one of the clearest introductions to the topic. So whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or giving it another listen, I hope you'll pay particular attention to the history of Facilitated Communication, how it was scientifically evaluated, why those findings matter, and how Dr. Travers recommends discussing these issues with colleagues and families in a way that's both accurate and compassionate. Please note that I edited out the "how did you get into ABA segment," so you can get right to the heart of the topic. I'll include links to the original recording if you want to go back and hear more about Jason's background. Here are the shownotes from the original broadcast: If your social media consumption is anything like mine, you've likely seen some feel-good stories in the media as of late that report on non-speaking students - generally students with Autism - who are graduating from college, giving valedictorian speeches, and so forth.  Unfortunately, what's often underpinning many of these cases is a form of Facilitated Communication, or FC for short. What is FC? Glad you asked! In today's episode, Dr. Jason Travers, Associate Professor at Temple University, joins me today to answer this very question (follow him on Twitter here).  We covered the history of Facilitated Communication, the early scientific investigations that discredited this practice, FC's variants like the Rapid Prompting Method and Spelling to Communicate, where the practice of FC stands today, the harms that Facilitated Communication causes both users and caregivers, and how Behavior Analysts should both view and talk about these practices.  Jason also provides the audience with a treasure trove of additional resources: Jason's Research Gate and Google Scholar pages. The original Session 199 broadcast. Jason's on-demand CEU on Spelling2Communicate (use promo code PODCAST to save at checkout!). Facilitatedcommunication.org  ASHA Policy Statements on Facilitated Communication and Rapid Prompting Method. Facilitated Communication—what harm it can do: Confessions of a former facilitator (Boynton, 2012). An Examination of the Role of the Facilitator in "Facilitated Communication" (Shane and Kearns, 1994). Ideomotor Effect explained. The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark (note: Amazon Associated link). Skeptic Magazine (Amazon Associate Link); The Skeptical Inquirer.  The Reading Wars. Facilitated Communication: The Clinical and Social Phenomenon (Shane 1994; Amazon Associate Link). Sponsor shoutouts! Behavior University. Their mission is to provide university quality professional development for the busy Behavior Analyst. Learn about their CEU offerings, including their 8-hour Supervision Course, as well as their RBT offerings over at behavioruniversity.com/observations. Don't forget to use the coupon code, PODCAST to save at checkout! Safety-Care is a crisis prevention and de-escalation training program designed for professionals who support individuals with challenging behavior. More than 300,000 professionals have been trained in Safety-Care's evidence-based approach to recognizing early warning signs and responding with confidence. To learn more, visit QBS.com/podcast. Learn from your favorite podcast guests while you're commuting, walking the dog, or whatever else you do while listening to podcasts. New events are being added all the time, so check them out here.  HRIC Recruting. Cut out the middleman and speak directly with Barbara Voss, who's been placing BCBAs in great jobs all across the US for 15 years. The BOP Patreon. Do you want to get the show ad-free and before everyone else? Click here to learn how!

In this episode of Impact of Influence, The Professor joins Matt Harris and Seton Tucker to examine a recent contempt of court ruling involving journalist Mandy Matney. The court imposed significant monetary sanctions after finding Matney in contempt, and we break down the judge's order, the court's reasoning, and what could happen next as the legal process continues. Topics discussed include: The legal standards for contempt of court and the sanctions that may be imposed. The importance of complying with court orders and subpoenas. The potential consequences for journalists and other parties who fail to follow court directives. The court's analysis of Mandy Matney's arguments and defenses. What this ruling could mean moving forward and the possible next steps in the case. The Professor, Matt Siembieda, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and a law professor at Temple University, bringing legal insight and analysis to the discussion. Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime, past and present, from the southeast region of the U.S. Impact of Influence is part of the Evergreen Podcast Company. Look for Impact of Influence on Facebook and YouTube. Please support our sponsors Elevate your closet with Quince. Go to Quince dot com slash impact for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Chef Char Nolan in her virtual office as she welcomes all of your questions. From cooking techniques to course-specific questions, to how to turn your cooking passion into profit or simply hearing the perspective of a professional chef, Chef Nolan tackled all variety of questions!Char Nolan is a serious crusader for plant-based education, armed with a degree in public health from Philadelphia's Temple University. She teaches nutrition and plant-based cooking throughout Philadelphia, and in many underserved communities. Char holds a certificate in plant-based nutrition from eCornell and completed Rouxbe's Plant-Based Professional Certification course in 2015. In 2019, Char completed post-graduate course work in social media marketing at the University of the Arts. When she is not cooking or teaching, she manages social media accounts for several plant-based influencers.Char prides herself on learning everything she knows about cooking from growing up in her grandparents' Italian restaurant. Her favorite vegetables are Brussels sprouts and kale, of course. Char originally hails from Queens, NY, but has lived in Philadelphia most of her adult life. She is a former Peace Corps Volunteer.You can watch the original video version of this episode on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rouxbe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this interview, we speak with Laura B. McGrath, an Assistant Professor of English at Temple University and the author of Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction (Princeton University Press, 2026). Her writings have appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books and The Atlantic. Middlemen rewrites literary history from the perspective of one of its most important but least visible figures: the literary agent. Chronicling the story of agents in the United States from the 1950s to today, Laura McGrath uncovers their critical role in the making of American literature. From the famed three-martini lunch to the Frankfurt Book Fair, Middlemen takes readers behind the scenes to show how agents influence what we read. Along the way, it explains why many debut novelists never publish another book, why agents champion short story collections even though they sell poorly, how agents advocate for writers of color in a system that values whiteness, and why there are so many New York novels. Weaving together original archival research, data analysis, and interviews with scores of agents and other publishing professionals, Middlemen demonstrates that agents—eighty percent of whom are in fact women—are much more than “middlemen.” As intermediaries between author and publisher, agents act as advocates, matchmakers, negotiators, and tastemakers, and they must balance artistic values with the commercial imperatives of publishing conglomerates. The book describes the decisive role agents have played in celebrated novels—from Jack Kerouac's On the Road to Colson Whitehead's The Intuitionist—but also in the creation of entire literary categories like the debut novel, the story collection, postmodernism, multiethnic fiction, and world literature. Featuring profiles of agents past and present such as Sterling Lord, Lynn Nesbit, Candida Donadio, Marie Brown, and Andrew Wylie, along with perspectives from agents at all stages of their careers, Middlemen is an entertaining and eye-opening account of how literary fiction—and the literary canon—is made. 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

In this interview, we speak with Laura B. McGrath, an Assistant Professor of English at Temple University and the author of Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction (Princeton University Press, 2026). Her writings have appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books and The Atlantic. Middlemen rewrites literary history from the perspective of one of its most important but least visible figures: the literary agent. Chronicling the story of agents in the United States from the 1950s to today, Laura McGrath uncovers their critical role in the making of American literature. From the famed three-martini lunch to the Frankfurt Book Fair, Middlemen takes readers behind the scenes to show how agents influence what we read. Along the way, it explains why many debut novelists never publish another book, why agents champion short story collections even though they sell poorly, how agents advocate for writers of color in a system that values whiteness, and why there are so many New York novels. Weaving together original archival research, data analysis, and interviews with scores of agents and other publishing professionals, Middlemen demonstrates that agents—eighty percent of whom are in fact women—are much more than “middlemen.” As intermediaries between author and publisher, agents act as advocates, matchmakers, negotiators, and tastemakers, and they must balance artistic values with the commercial imperatives of publishing conglomerates. The book describes the decisive role agents have played in celebrated novels—from Jack Kerouac's On the Road to Colson Whitehead's The Intuitionist—but also in the creation of entire literary categories like the debut novel, the story collection, postmodernism, multiethnic fiction, and world literature. Featuring profiles of agents past and present such as Sterling Lord, Lynn Nesbit, Candida Donadio, Marie Brown, and Andrew Wylie, along with perspectives from agents at all stages of their careers, Middlemen is an entertaining and eye-opening account of how literary fiction—and the literary canon—is made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

In this interview, we speak with Laura B. McGrath, an Assistant Professor of English at Temple University and the author of Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction (Princeton University Press, 2026). Her writings have appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books and The Atlantic. Middlemen rewrites literary history from the perspective of one of its most important but least visible figures: the literary agent. Chronicling the story of agents in the United States from the 1950s to today, Laura McGrath uncovers their critical role in the making of American literature. From the famed three-martini lunch to the Frankfurt Book Fair, Middlemen takes readers behind the scenes to show how agents influence what we read. Along the way, it explains why many debut novelists never publish another book, why agents champion short story collections even though they sell poorly, how agents advocate for writers of color in a system that values whiteness, and why there are so many New York novels. Weaving together original archival research, data analysis, and interviews with scores of agents and other publishing professionals, Middlemen demonstrates that agents—eighty percent of whom are in fact women—are much more than “middlemen.” As intermediaries between author and publisher, agents act as advocates, matchmakers, negotiators, and tastemakers, and they must balance artistic values with the commercial imperatives of publishing conglomerates. The book describes the decisive role agents have played in celebrated novels—from Jack Kerouac's On the Road to Colson Whitehead's The Intuitionist—but also in the creation of entire literary categories like the debut novel, the story collection, postmodernism, multiethnic fiction, and world literature. Featuring profiles of agents past and present such as Sterling Lord, Lynn Nesbit, Candida Donadio, Marie Brown, and Andrew Wylie, along with perspectives from agents at all stages of their careers, Middlemen is an entertaining and eye-opening account of how literary fiction—and the literary canon—is made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

In this interview, we speak with Laura B. McGrath, an Assistant Professor of English at Temple University and the author of Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction (Princeton University Press, 2026). Her writings have appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books and The Atlantic. Middlemen rewrites literary history from the perspective of one of its most important but least visible figures: the literary agent. Chronicling the story of agents in the United States from the 1950s to today, Laura McGrath uncovers their critical role in the making of American literature. From the famed three-martini lunch to the Frankfurt Book Fair, Middlemen takes readers behind the scenes to show how agents influence what we read. Along the way, it explains why many debut novelists never publish another book, why agents champion short story collections even though they sell poorly, how agents advocate for writers of color in a system that values whiteness, and why there are so many New York novels. Weaving together original archival research, data analysis, and interviews with scores of agents and other publishing professionals, Middlemen demonstrates that agents—eighty percent of whom are in fact women—are much more than “middlemen.” As intermediaries between author and publisher, agents act as advocates, matchmakers, negotiators, and tastemakers, and they must balance artistic values with the commercial imperatives of publishing conglomerates. The book describes the decisive role agents have played in celebrated novels—from Jack Kerouac's On the Road to Colson Whitehead's The Intuitionist—but also in the creation of entire literary categories like the debut novel, the story collection, postmodernism, multiethnic fiction, and world literature. Featuring profiles of agents past and present such as Sterling Lord, Lynn Nesbit, Candida Donadio, Marie Brown, and Andrew Wylie, along with perspectives from agents at all stages of their careers, Middlemen is an entertaining and eye-opening account of how literary fiction—and the literary canon—is made.

In this interview, we speak with Laura B. McGrath, an Assistant Professor of English at Temple University and the author of Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction (Princeton University Press, 2026). Her writings have appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books and The Atlantic. Middlemen rewrites literary history from the perspective of one of its most important but least visible figures: the literary agent. Chronicling the story of agents in the United States from the 1950s to today, Laura McGrath uncovers their critical role in the making of American literature. From the famed three-martini lunch to the Frankfurt Book Fair, Middlemen takes readers behind the scenes to show how agents influence what we read. Along the way, it explains why many debut novelists never publish another book, why agents champion short story collections even though they sell poorly, how agents advocate for writers of color in a system that values whiteness, and why there are so many New York novels. Weaving together original archival research, data analysis, and interviews with scores of agents and other publishing professionals, Middlemen demonstrates that agents—eighty percent of whom are in fact women—are much more than “middlemen.” As intermediaries between author and publisher, agents act as advocates, matchmakers, negotiators, and tastemakers, and they must balance artistic values with the commercial imperatives of publishing conglomerates. The book describes the decisive role agents have played in celebrated novels—from Jack Kerouac's On the Road to Colson Whitehead's The Intuitionist—but also in the creation of entire literary categories like the debut novel, the story collection, postmodernism, multiethnic fiction, and world literature. Featuring profiles of agents past and present such as Sterling Lord, Lynn Nesbit, Candida Donadio, Marie Brown, and Andrew Wylie, along with perspectives from agents at all stages of their careers, Middlemen is an entertaining and eye-opening account of how literary fiction—and the literary canon—is made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications

In this interview, we speak with Laura B. McGrath, an Assistant Professor of English at Temple University and the author of Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction (Princeton University Press, 2026). Her writings have appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books and The Atlantic. Middlemen rewrites literary history from the perspective of one of its most important but least visible figures: the literary agent. Chronicling the story of agents in the United States from the 1950s to today, Laura McGrath uncovers their critical role in the making of American literature. From the famed three-martini lunch to the Frankfurt Book Fair, Middlemen takes readers behind the scenes to show how agents influence what we read. Along the way, it explains why many debut novelists never publish another book, why agents champion short story collections even though they sell poorly, how agents advocate for writers of color in a system that values whiteness, and why there are so many New York novels. Weaving together original archival research, data analysis, and interviews with scores of agents and other publishing professionals, Middlemen demonstrates that agents—eighty percent of whom are in fact women—are much more than “middlemen.” As intermediaries between author and publisher, agents act as advocates, matchmakers, negotiators, and tastemakers, and they must balance artistic values with the commercial imperatives of publishing conglomerates. The book describes the decisive role agents have played in celebrated novels—from Jack Kerouac's On the Road to Colson Whitehead's The Intuitionist—but also in the creation of entire literary categories like the debut novel, the story collection, postmodernism, multiethnic fiction, and world literature. Featuring profiles of agents past and present such as Sterling Lord, Lynn Nesbit, Candida Donadio, Marie Brown, and Andrew Wylie, along with perspectives from agents at all stages of their careers, Middlemen is an entertaining and eye-opening account of how literary fiction—and the literary canon—is made. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On October 7, 2023, militant pro-Palestinian groups carried out a series of attacks on Jewish Israelis, during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation in Gaza which has escalated into a humanitarian disaster that some are terming a genocide.  For those who have not followed the conflict between Israel and Palestine until recently, it can be hard to contextualize the daily news of violence. The geopolitics behind the conflict are complex, and tangled up in religious history, since the ancient city of Jerusalem—originally founded by the Jewish people—now plays a key role in the tradition and worship of Christianity and Islam as well.  Given the historic issues of both anti-Jewish hate and Islamophobia, some Catholics might be inclined not to address the issue. They may worry about making a misstep, or fear that they simply don't have enough information to weigh in. And some might think it simply isn't something they have an obligation to care about.  In this episode of the podcast, the hosts talk to Jordan Denari Duffner and Julie Schumacher Cohen about how Catholics should respond to the conflict in Gaza. Denari Duffner is a Catholic theologian, author, and professor whose work centers on Muslim-Christian relations, interreligious dialogue, Islamophobia, and Israel-Palestine. Schumacher Cohen is a doctoral PhD candidate in political science at Temple University, who focuses on religion and politics, and has long been involved in Israel-Palestine peacebuilding and advocacy. They are co-authors of the book, Palestine, Israel, and Catholic Social Teaching, forthcoming from Orbis Books in fall 2026.   Learn more about this topic in these links.  "Our Catholic faith demands that we confront Islamophobia," a U.S. Catholic interview "Christian antisemitism is not a thing of the past," by Megan Clark "Reflections on human dignity in Israel and Palestine," by Joseph Antoniello "The Voice of Hind Rajab calls us to confront reality in Gaza," by Julie Schumacher Cohen "The fate of a soccer field points to the reality of life on the West Bank," by Kevin Clarke   This episode is sponsored by Catholic Relief Services. In Gaza and beyond, Catholic Relief Services works with the local Church and trusted partners—serving communities of all faiths with compassion and care. Learn more at crs.org.  

Yaara Zisman-Ilani is an associate professor in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Barnett College of Public Health and in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine, both at Temple University. Stephen Morrissey, the interviewer, is the Executive Managing Editor of the Journal. Y. Zisman-Ilani and Others. Pharmacotherapeutic Decisions in Autism. N Engl J Med 2026;395:214-217.

Dawn Stensland opens the hour with the stunning final exoneration of Zachary Reihl, a local Marine veteran, Temple University graduate, and J6 defendant who had his seditious conspiracy conviction completely thrown out. Dawn breaks down how Reihl survived over a year in pre-trial solitary confinement while treated worse than international terrorists. Reihl joins the show directly to expose the malicious tactics used by federal prosecutors—including withholding evidence, using coerced witness testimony, and scheduling critical hearings on his wife's pregnancy due date—and details his upcoming book and documentary highlighting the weaponization of the justice system. The crew then shifts focus to Washington, where Supreme Court Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Elena Kagan delivered rare Capitol Hill testimony to justify a major budget increase amid skyrocketing personal threats. We react to Justice Barrett's chilling, highly personal accounts of having to explain a bulletproof vest to her twelve-year-old son during the Dobbs leak and experiencing a dangerous swatting incident at her family home. Meanwhile, Donald Trump dominates the foreign policy front, greeting the new businessman-turned-prime-minister of Iraq at the White House and posting a massive Truth Social decree detailing a total maritime blockade on Iranian cargo and massive trade agreements in the Gulf. Finally, Abington Township Police Chief and Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association President Patrick Malloy joins the show to provide a law enforcement perspective on the growing debate over Flock license plate reader cameras. Chief Malloy addresses the privacy concerns of libertarians while demonstrating how these devices are vital in tracking international theft rings, locating missing non-verbal children, and solving local burglaries. Malloy also weighs in on a tragic hit-and-run arrest in Abington and argues passionately that true criminal justice reform in the region is completely impossible without comprehensive education reform and school choice.

Welcome to the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast! In today's episode, we're talking about how to restore your joy after loss by embracing healing, finding hope, and discovering that joy is possible again.  Monique Lynelle Gray was born in Hartford, CT, and grew up in Philadelphia, PA. Monique Lynelle is a Transformational Joy Restoration Coach and Speaker/Entrepreneur, with experience in various backgrounds and has the spirit that just doesn't quit at the first sign of adversity. Having certifications as a Joy Restoration Coach/Grief Support Specialist, Stress Relief Coach, and Christian Counseling. A Doctoral student at Capella University, Master's Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University graduating with a 3.67 GPA, and a Bachelor's in Strategic Communications from Temple University, she knows about finishing a few things. Continuing education after leaving the US Army, and completing her Cosmetology Instructor's simultaneously while completing her Bachelor's degree, then completing her 1st book in 2012, "My Journey at 30," and "A Teen's Guide to Succeed in High School," and in 2015 completing and publishing, "Blessed in the Midst of the Storm." Monique Lynelle went on to complete her 1st studio album entitled "Love of the Music," in 2013. And in 2016 and 2017 released the EP's "Get Lifted Up," and "I'm Still Blessed." And in 2021, "The Love of the Music-Compilation Album"ML produced shows for the Public Access Television Station DCTV in 2016 through 2018, "The Monique Lynelle Show," and "Monique Lynelle's Journey - The Documentary," She also wrote, produced and directed, and starred in her first film, "The PK's."As a Joy Restoration Coach, Coach ML is here to assist others in navigating through life issues to become the best versions of themselves, reaching towards their highest potential. She is also here to help people process their grief and manage their stress to achieve their goals with joy on their journey.Connect with Monique Here: https://instagram.com/MoniqueLyn_ellehttps://YouTube.com/MoniqueLyn_ellehttps://MoniqueLyn-elle.com===================================If you enjoyed this episode, remember to hit the like button and subscribe. Then share this episode with your friends.Thanks for watching the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast. This podcast is part of the Digital Trailblazer family of podcasts. To learn more about Digital Trailblazer and what we do to help entrepreneurs, go to DigitalTrailblazer.com.Are you a coach, consultant, expert, or online course creator? Then we'd love to invite you to our FREE Facebook Group where you can learn the best strategies to land more high-ticket clients and customers. QUICK LINKS: APPLY TO BE FEATURED: https://app.digitaltrailblazer.com/podcast-guest-applicationDIGITAL TRAILBLAZER: https://digitaltrailblazer.com/

Two great personal documentarians grace the podcast: Ross McElwee (“Sherman’s March”) and Michel Negroponte (“I’m Dangerous With Love”). Long friends and colleagues, Ross and Michel come on to primarily discuss the sensitive subject matter behind Ross’ latest film, “Remake” The film begins a theatrical engagement at Film Forum in NYC on 7/10/2026. They are currently screening a 40th anniversary 4K restored print of his seminal “Sherman’s March”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5Vph7D_TxY The death of his son causes McElwee, an autobiographical filmmaker, to look back on his life's work. He eventually turns to his archive of home movies — an afternoon trapping crayfish with his son Adrian, age 4; helping with homework, age 11; discussing career plans with his son, age 24. To what extent did his camera affect their relationship when Adrian was alive? To what extent does it define that relationship now that he is gone? Meanwhile, an effort to adapt McElwee's first feature, “Sherman's March”, into a work of fiction lurches along, giving the filmmaker another perspective from which to meditate on movie making and mortality. Ross McElwee is a documentary filmmaker from Charlotte, North Carolina currently living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. McElwee has made ten feature-length films. “Sherman's March” won Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival and was chosen for preservation by the U.S Library of Congress National Film Registry in 2000 as a “historically significant American motion picture.” Bright Leaves premiered at the 2003 Cannes Film Festival's Directors' Fortnight. McElwee’s In Paraguay premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2008, and he returned to Venice in 2011 to premiere Photographic Memory. McElwee has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, and the American Film Institute. He has twice been awarded fellowships in filmmaking by the National Endowment for the Arts and production grants from the LEF foundation. McElwee received the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival's Career Award in 2007 and the Pennebaker Award for his career in 2023. In 2024, the French Ministry of Culture awarded McElwee the rank of Chevalier des Artes et des Lettres. McElwee was Professor of the Practice of Filmmaking in the Department of Art, Film and Visual Studies at Harvard beginning in 2003 until his retirement in 2024. He is now a Research Professor, Emeritus in the AFVS Department. About Michel Negroponte Michel Negroponte is an award winning filmmaker who has been making feature length documentaries for more than 30 years. He was born and raised in New York City, and studied filmmaking with Richard Leacock and Ed Pincus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the 1970s. In addition to making his own films, he has freelanced on countless films for HBO, PBS, the BBC, and Channel Four. He has also worked with independent filmmakers like Ross McElwee, Doug Block, Lisa Crafts, D.A. Pennebaker, Chris Hegedus, Christine Choy, Dick Rogers, John Marshall and Al Maysles. His films include SPACE COAST (1979), RESIDENT EXILE (1981), SILVER VALLEY (1984), JUPITER’S WIFE (1994), NO ACCIDENT (1996), W.I.S.O.R. (2000), METHADONIA (2005) and I’M DANGEROUS WITH LOVE (2009). JUPITER’S WIFE, a portrait of a beguiling homeless woman named Maggie, won a Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and the prize for Best Feature Documentary at the Vancouver and the Santa Barbara Film Festivals. The film was also awarded an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Documentary. Originally shot on small format video, it premiered on HBO/Cinemax before getting a nationwide 35mm theatrical release. Edward Guthmann of the San Francisco Chronicle called it one of the ten best films of the year. John Koch of the Boston Globe wrote, “Negroponte has a painter’s eye and a novelist’s reach; and if there is anything more engaging and satisfying than “Jupiter’s Wife” on television or at the movies these days, by all means tell me about it.” Negroponte’s films have been broadcast in the United States on PBS, HBO, and the Sundance Channel as well as in England, France, Germany, Spain, and Japan. His work has been shown at the Sundance Film Festival, The New York Film Festival, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and in festivals in Berlin, Rotterdam, Vancouver, and Japan. Negroponte has also taught in the graduate and undergraduate film programs at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and Temple University. Recently, he helped create a new graduate program in documentary filmmaking at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, which opened in September, 2009. He is part of the faculty there as well.

With every vendor claiming their platform is a revolutionary AI silver bullet, how do enterprise leaders distinguish between genuine innovation and what's essentially just marketing hype wrapped in a new algorithm?Agility requires a clear-eyed strategy for adopting new technologies, especially AI, focusing on practical outcomes over speculative promises.Today, we're going to talk about moving past the theoretical promise of AI and into its practical application for enterprise marketing. We'll discuss:- How to demystify AI for the broader marketing organization so your teams can actually use it.- Moving beyond theory to discuss tangible applications that drive efficiency and better customer experiences.- Why a solid data foundation isn't just important for AI, but is the absolute prerequisite for its success.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Daniella Harkins, SVP, Product GTM at LiveRamp. About Daniella HarkinsDaniella Harkins is SVP, Product Go To Market at LiveRamp (NYSE: RAMP), the leading data collaboration platform. She works at the intersection of product and commercial teams to drive the structure and transformation of the two functions team toward the next evolution — empowering them to achieve max productivity. She holds a deep understanding of the market and field and translating it into GTM activities such as pricing, product stories, salesplays, and launches. Daniella holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Temple University and an MBA from St. John's University Rome, and speaks French and Italian. Daniella Harkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharkins/ ---------- Resources ---------- LiveRamp: https://www.liveramp.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other generative AI tools, Chaser is the only platform that brings AI-powered project management into Slack, where teams already work. Chaser is based in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at trychaser.com.The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With every vendor claiming their platform is a revolutionary AI silver bullet, how do enterprise leaders distinguish between genuine innovation and what's essentially just marketing hype wrapped in a new algorithm?Agility requires a clear-eyed strategy for adopting new technologies, especially AI, focusing on practical outcomes over speculative promises.Today, we're going to talk about moving past the theoretical promise of AI and into its practical application for enterprise marketing. We'll discuss:- How to demystify AI for the broader marketing organization so your teams can actually use it.- Moving beyond theory to discuss tangible applications that drive efficiency and better customer experiences.- Why a solid data foundation isn't just important for AI, but is the absolute prerequisite for its success.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Daniella Harkins, SVP, Product GTM at LiveRamp. About Daniella HarkinsDaniella Harkins is SVP, Product Go To Market at LiveRamp (NYSE: RAMP), the leading data collaboration platform. She works at the intersection of product and commercial teams to drive the structure and transformation of the two functions team toward the next evolution — empowering them to achieve max productivity. She holds a deep understanding of the market and field and translating it into GTM activities such as pricing, product stories, salesplays, and launches. Daniella holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from Temple University and an MBA from St. John's University Rome, and speaks French and Italian. Daniella Harkins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharkins/ ---------- Resources ---------- LiveRamp: https://www.liveramp.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other generative AI tools, Chaser is the only platform that brings AI-powered project management into Slack, where teams already work. Chaser is based in Toronto, Canada. Learn more at trychaser.com.The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

@1QLeadership Question: How can leaders uncover the hidden unwritten rules in their organization's culture to move through resistance and find success? Dr. Lauren Bullock, Executive Coach at Stretch and Professor at Temple University, explores how leadership, communication, and culture intersect. Dr. Bullock posits that real leadership lives in the tension between struggle and success, not in titles alone.  Bullock traces her unconventional path from sports information and student affairs into academia and coaching She breaks culture into four parts including values, unwritten ground rules, logos, and organizational systems She links public relations, sport media, and coaching into one process: listening to stakeholders, naming challenges, and helping leaders push through resistance to find relief on the other side.  Dr. Bullock also discusses the misconceptions of a multi-generational workforce. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown  

The Page One Podcast, produced and hosted by author Holly Lynn Payne, celebrates the craft that goes into writing the first sentence, first paragraph and first page of your favorite books. The first page is often the most rewritten page of any book because it has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. We interview master storytellers on the struggles and stories behind the first page of their books. Follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram and Twitter to stay in touch and get updates.  About the guest author: Shelley Read is a fifth generation Coloradoan who lives with her family in the Elk Mountains of the Western Slope. She was a Senior Lecturer at Western Colorado University for nearly three decades, where she taught writing, literature, environmental studies, and Honors, and was a founder of the Environment & Sustainability major and a support program for first-generation and at-risk students. Shelley holds degrees in writing and literary studies from the University of Denver and Temple University's Graduate Program in Creative Writing. She is a regular contributor to Crested Butte Magazine and Gunnison Valley Journal, and has written for the Denver Post and a variety of publications. You can find her at shellyread.com and on Instagram @shelleyread.author. About the host: Holly Lynn Payne is an award-winning novelist and writing coach, and the former CEO and founder of Booxby, a startup built to help authors succeed. She is an internationally published author of four historical fiction novels. Her debut, The Virgin's Knot, was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers book. She recently finished her first YA crossover novel inspired by her nephew with Down syndrome. She lives in Marin County with her daughter and enjoys mountain biking, surfing and hiking with her dog. To learn more about her books and private writing coaching services, please visit hollylynnpayne.com or find her at Instagram and Twitter @hollylynnpayne. If you have a first page you'd like to submit to the Page One Podcast, please do so here. As an author and writing coach, I know that the first page of any book has to work so hard to do so much—hook the reader. So I thought to ask your favorite master storytellers how they do their magic to hook YOU.  After the first few episodes, it occurred to me that maybe someone listening might be curious how their first page sits with an audience, so I'm opening up Page One to any writer who wants to submit the first page of a book they're currently writing.  If your page is chosen, you'll be invited onto the show to read it and get live feedback from one of Page One's master storytellers. Page One exists to inspire, celebrate and promote the work of both well-known and unknown creative talent.   You can listen to Page One on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and all your favorite podcast players.  Hear past episodes. If you're interested in getting writing tips and the latest podcast episode updates with the world's beloved master storytellers, please sign up for my very short monthly newsletter at hollylynnpayne.comand follow me @hollylynnpayne on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, and Facebook. Your email address is always private and you can always unsubscribe anytime.  The Page One Podcast is created at the foot of a mountain in Marin County, California, and is a labor of love in service to writers and book lovers. My intention is to inspire, educate and celebrate. Thank you for being a part of my creative community!  Be well and keep reading. ~Holly~   Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast!  I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I loved hosting, producing, and editing it. If you liked it too, here are three ways to share the love: Please share it on social and tag @hollylynnpayne. Leave a review on your favorite podcast players. Tell your friends. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my Substack newsletter   with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. You can contact me at @hollylynnpayne on IG or send me a message on my website, hollylynnpayne.com. For the love of books and writers, Holly Lynn Payne @hollylynnpayne host, author, writing coach www.hollylynnpayne.com Thank you for listening to the Page One Podcast! I hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I loved hosting, producing, and editing it. If you liked it too, here are three ways to share the love:Please share it on social and tag @hollylynnpayne.Leave a review on your favorite podcast players. Tell your friends. Please keep in touch by signing up to receive my Substack newsletter with the latest episodes each month. Delivered to your inbox with a smile. You can contact me at @hollylynnpayne on IG or send me a message on my website, hollylynnpayne.com.For the love of books and writers,Holly Lynn Payne@hollylynnpaynehost, author, writing coachwww.hollylynnpayne.com

Join Elevated GP by visiting THEELEVATEDGP.COM   In Part 2 of his conversation with Dr. Melissa Seibert, periodontist Dr. David Wong unpacks why patients actually decline treatment — and it's rarely the money or the dentistry. It's the connection you failed to build. He walks through the soft-skill work that's defined his career: reading where a patient sits on the decision-making scale, designing a separate consultation room so he can sit beside patients instead of across from them, and disarming fight-or-flight by finding common ground fast. He also shares one of the most underrated networking moves in dentistry — joining your local Chamber of Commerce — and how it helped him launch a practice from scratch. The second half pivots to the clinical: ridge preservation as a high-ROI skill for general dentists, how to think about bone graft material selection without getting overwhelmed by terminology, membrane selection for beginners through advanced users, and the specific brands David reaches for day to day. About the Guest Dr. David Wong is a board-certified periodontist and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists — the only periodontist in Oklahoma to hold that distinction. He completed his periodontal training at the University of Missouri-Kansas City as chief resident, earned advanced implant and oral plastic surgery credentials from Temple University and the Misch International Implant Institute, and has published in the field of oral plastic surgery. Beyond his clinical work, he has spent his career studying the art of case presentation and patient communication. Chapter Markers Time Section 00:00 Pre-roll: Elevated GP 00:49 Welcome and episode preview 02:14 Why patients decline treatment — the connection problem 04:24 The mistake of trying to build trust in one appointment 05:06 Recommended books and resources on soft skills 06:44 Why David joins mastermind groups outside dentistry 08:35 The Chamber of Commerce — an untapped networking resource 10:41 How the Chamber helped David launch his practice from scratch 11:20 Ridge preservation as a high-ROI skill for GPs 12:30 Honest take on dental photography ROI 13:27 Bone graft material selection — keeping it simple 14:38 Allografts vs. xenografts and the global supply reality 15:18 Membrane selection: beginner, intermediate, advanced 16:19 The handling reality of amnion-chorion membranes 17:19 When primary closure matters 17:53 Non-resorbable / PTFE membranes — when they help, when they hurt 19:04 Subscribe CTA 19:20 The specific brands David uses day to day 20:35 The one thing David has invested most in: case presentation 21:09 Inside David's consultation room setup 23:04 Three resources for learning case presentation Key Takeaways On why treatment plans get declined. When patients say "I'll go home and think about it," dentists default to "they don't value the dentistry" or "they can't afford it." David's argument: the most common reason is that you didn't build trust or form a connection. People will spend $20,000 on a European vacation but not on asymptomatic dental work — that's a comparison about trust and felt need, not budget. Connection is a long game, not a five-minute pitch. New dentists try to close trust in a single appointment. David's reframe: you'll see this patient over years. Foster the relationship as long as it takes, and they will do the treatment — maybe not all at once, but eventually. The "I'm the doctor, you're the patient" model breaks in fee-for-service. Patients in a fee-for-service practice are decision-makers, not compliant subjects. You have to meet them as one. Design the room around the conversation. For any case over roughly $1,500, David moves the patient to a dedicated consultation room and sits side-by-side at a table — not across the operatory chair. He pays attention to where he's seated relative to the patient and the door. He has even recorded his own case presentations on camera and had them coached. The Chamber of Commerce is one of the most underused networking moves in dentistry. Every city has one. Dues are minimal or free. You get a room full of local entrepreneurs — publishers, contractors, surgeons, service providers — solving the same problems you are, just in different industries. When David launched his practice from scratch, the Chamber funded part of his open house, ran his ribbon-cutting, and brought a crowd. Get your CE ROI right. Start with skills that pay dividends immediately — molar endo, ridge preservation/socket grafting. They have low downside (a missed socket graft is no worse than not grafting at all), short learning curves, and you'll actually use them weekly. "Sexy" CE without immediate clinical application sits unused. Keep ridge preservation simple. Don't get lost in the 70/30 vs. 50/50 mineralized/demineralized debate. David teaches just two categories: mineralized cortical bone, or mineralized cortical-cancellous bone. That's it. For membranes, beginners should default to a long-lasting resorbable collagen membrane. The fancier options (cross-linked, titanium-reinforced, amnion-chorion, PTFE) are handling-skill problems before they're outcome problems. Case presentation isn't about "salesy words." It's about reading non-verbal cues, responding appropriately, and conducting the conversation — not delivering the right script. Notable Quotes "It's not necessarily just because they don't want it. It's not necessarily just because of financial constraints. It's because we didn't build the trust. We didn't form that connection." "You're going to see this patient more than one time. Hopefully ten years from now they're still your patient — so you have to foster that relationship as long as it takes." "We'll spend $20,000 on a European vacation. We won't spend $20,000 on dentistry when we're asymptomatic and have no known issues." "You spend all that money [on a photography setup] and you still use your intraoral camera to sell single-tooth dentistry. Good job." "Two, three years later, I am the guy where they're just like, 'Dr. Wong, just take my money and do it.'" "A lot of times dentists think that case presentation is using the right words — salesy words. That's not it at all." Resources Mentioned Books on influence, communication, and mindset Influence — Robert Cialdini Pre-Suasion — Robert Cialdini (the "second one" referenced in the conversation) Vanessa Van Edwards' work (and her courses on the Masterclass app) How to Win Friends and Influence People — Dale Carnegie How We Decide — Jonah Lehrer Books by Jonah Berger The E-Myth Revisited — Michael Gerber As a Man Thinketh — James Allen (~50 pages, mindset) Organizations and programs Your local Chamber of Commerce Local Toastmasters (for speaking) Spear Study Club masters program The Elevated GP (Dr. Seibert's virtual study club) Paul Homoly's case presentation program Clinical products David uses day to day Membrane: Mem-Lok resorbable collagen (BioHorizons) — current default Membrane (when available): OsseoGuard / Ossix Plus (Dentsply Sirona) — currently on hold Bone graft: MinerOss mineralized cortical or cortical-cancellous (BioHorizons) Bone graft (alternate supplier): Symbios mineralized cortical (Dentsply Sirona)

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.

Show Notes: Kim Goyette reflects on Michael Lim's  early days at Harvard, starting with their time in Dorm Crew. They met in Lionel Hall and became friends, with Michael being a physics major and Kim a sociology major. Their relationship began tentatively in their sophomore year, with many ups and downs before they officially became a couple by graduation. From Harvard to the University of MIchigan After graduation, Michael went to the University of Michigan for his PhD in physics, while Kim went to Tulane University for her MA in sociology. They maintained their relationship during their separate graduate studies, visiting each other frequently. Eventually, they both ended up at the University of Michigan, where they completed their degrees. Kim shares the challenges and joys of their time in Ann Arbor, including the harsh winters and the support they provided each other. A Move to Philadelphia After graduation, Kim started her career at Temple University, while Michael became a postdoc at the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). They got married in Washington, D.C., and planned to find a city where they could both work together. They had their first child , and Michael later moved to Philidelphia. Teaching Physics in New Jersey Michael became a postdoc at Bryn Mawr College and later a physics professor at Rowan University in New Jersey. He was dedicated to mentoring first-generation students and built a lab where he conducted experiments with students. Michael established a relationship with a lab in Singapore, bringing students there for summer research experiences. Kim highlights the impact Michael had on his students, many of whom went on to successful careers in physics, and attributed their success to Michael's mentorship and dedication.   Facing Cancer with Courage Michael was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer two years before his death, at the age of 55. The diagnosis came after he experienced gastrointestinal troubles and jaundice. Kim and Michael sought multiple opinions and clinical trials, starting chemotherapy and trying various treatments. Despite the aggressive nature of the cancer, Michael maintained a calm and scientific perspective, viewing his illness as part of natural processes. Michael approached his illness with equanimity, seeing it as part of the natural laws that govern the world. He lived his life without regrets, seizing opportunities and never deferring experiences. Kim shares that Michael was proud of his children and the impact he had on his students at Rowan University.  Pride in Mentorship Michael's final year was marked by his participation in clinical trials and the eventual progression of his cancer. Michael's final days were spent on hospice, with Kim and their family preparing for his death. Kim reflects on the conversations they had, with Michael expressing gratitude for his life and the opportunities he had. Michael was proud of his work at Rowan and the students he mentored, many of whom had successful careers.  Harvard Reflections Kim talks about Michael's role as a Big Brother and how he kept in touch with the boy he spent time with. She mentions how Michael was inspired by the challenge for physics.  Michael J. Lim Memorial Lab Scholarship at Rowan University Kim shares stories of Michael's love for travel, snorkeling, and body surfing, as well as his appreciation for local cuisines. Michael's impact on his students and colleagues was significant, with many expressing gratitude for his mentorship. For all who want to support future students and contribute to Michael's legacy, Kim introduces the Michael J. Lim Memorial Lab Scholarship at Rowan University, established to support students working in a lab. An Invitation to Michael's Celebration of Life Kim has provided an invitation to Michael's Celebration of Life that takes place on Sunday, June 28, 2026, 1-4:30 pm, at Haverford College, located just 8 miles from Philadelphia.  Timestamps:  04:20: Career Beginnings and Family Life  05:45: Michael's Career at Rowan University  09:54: Michael's Diagnosis and Final Year  16:46: Michael's Scientific Perspective and Final Reflections  20:42: Michael's Legacy and Final Days  27:51: Michael's Impact and Memorial  Links: Celebration of Life: https://canva.link/eaxs96ur97sncsm The scholarship fund: https://share.remembermyjourney.com/public-memorials/EaXD4gpz The Scholarship QR code: https://secure.rufoundation.org/s/1653/02-alumni/giving/interior.aspx?sid=1653&gid=2&pgid=4617&cid=7997&dids=1142&appealcode=PLBC  

“Just 25 literary agents represent more than half of all prizewinning novelists in the 21st century. The agent is the unacknowledged legislator of the literary field.” — Laura McGrath We think of publishers and editors as the ultimate tastemakers. As those godlike gatekeepers controlling what we read. But if you're looking for literary gods, Laura McGrath argues, then you need to look at literary agents rather than publishers or editors. Her ten-year project, Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction, is the first serious scholarly account of the literary agent's astonishingly powerful role in shaping what America reads. Except, of course, the Middlemen are actually Middlewomen — since 80% of literary agents are women. The numbers are striking. Just 25 literary agents represent more than half of all prizewinning novelists in the 21st century. McGrath interviewed 75 of them over ten years. Shelley called poets the unacknowledged legislators of the world. McGrath's agents are the unacknowledged legislators of the literary field. They shaped postmodernism (Candida Donadio and Pynchon, Heller, Gaddis). They launched the debut novel as a literary form. They made the short story collection viable. And 25 of them control more than half of the prizes. So will AI replace the agent? In operations, perhaps, McGrath acknowledges — the slush pile is overwhelming and smart machine assistance is welcome. But in creative work — in the business of writing, editing, translation, cover design, and above all taste — she thinks not. No algorithm will ever learn the Catch-22 of publishing — separating the Thomas Pynchon or Joseph Heller from all the dross. And no bot (male or female) is ever going to host a three-martini lunch in Manhattan. Five Takeaways •       The Literary Agent as the New Gatekeeper: Replacing the Publisher: In the early 20th century, publishing was shaped by the taste of individual publishers: Bennett Cerf at Random House, Alfred and Blanche Knopf at their imprint, Max Perkins at Scribner's. Those days are over. Publishers are now conglomerates where individual editors may have excellent taste but no single figure shapes the house. Into that vacuum has come the literary agent — who now operates, McGrath argues, exactly as the great publishers once did: as the primary tastemaker, the person whose aesthetic and commercial judgment shapes what America reads. •       25 Agents, Half the Prizes, 80% Women: The Numbers: McGrath's most striking statistical finding: just 25 literary agents represent more than half of all prizewinning novelists in the 21st century. Twenty-five people. The field is 80% women — hence the tongue-in-cheek title — and 73% white. Agents tend, McGrath found, to represent authors who resemble themselves. One answer to the question “why is contemporary literary fiction so white?” is: because agents are. And agents, because they work on contingency fees rather than salaries, face severe financial pressures that concentrate power at the top of the profession. •       The Unacknowledged Legislators: Agents Shaped American Literary History: McGrath's book is full of literary history rewritten from the agent's perspective. Sterling Lord persisted past dozens of rejections to place On the Road for Kerouac. Candida Donadio — Pynchon's, Heller's, Gaddis's, and early Philip Roth's agent — championed maximalist, experimental writers whom no one was interested in, and built the social network of editor relationships that made postmodernism possible. The debut novel as a cultural form, the persistence of the short story collection despite poor sales, the rise of the New York novel — all are, in McGrath's account, partly agent-made. •       Can White Male Writers Not Get Published? No: Andrew raises the complaint he hears from white male writers: that they can no longer get published because of diversity initiatives. McGrath's answer is flat. No. She thinks it's silly. The number of books published each week is staggering. Being able to see some success on the part of writers of colour does not diminish the work white men are doing. The complaint, she notes, circulates every ten years, typically after a boom in support for writers of colour. We are in another round of this cycle. There will be another one in a decade. •       Will AI Replace the Literary Agent? In Operations, Maybe. In Taste, No: Andrew's closing question: will AI replace the middlemen? McGrath draws the distinction she heard at the US Book Show: AI in operations (slush pile management, contract tracking), yes, possibly. AI in creative work — writing, editing, translation, cover design, and above all taste — she hopes not. An algorithm is built on priors. It narrows the window of possibility endlessly, replicating itself. That is not what a good literary agent does. A good literary agent is looking for books that surprise, frustrate, and thrill. No algorithm has learned to take an author out for a three-martini lunch. About the Guest Laura McGrath is an assistant professor of English at Temple University and a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellow. She was formerly the associate director of the Literary Lab at Stanford University. She is the author of Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction (Princeton University Press, April 28, 2026). She writes the textCrunch Substack on literary and publishing culture. References: •       Middlemen: Literary Agents and the Making of American Fiction by Laura McGrath (Princeton University Press, April 28, 2026). •       Earlier on KOA: Gayle Feldman on Nothing Random: Bennett Cerf and the Publishing House He Built — the companion episode referenced at the opening. •       Sterling Lord (agent for Kerouac), Candida Donadio (Pynchon, Heller, Gaddis, Roth), Andrew Wylie — agents profiled in the book. •       Andrew Keen, Cult of the Amateur (2007) — referenced as Andrew's own defence of gatekeepers. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 3,000 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstackYouTube

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Thursday 11th June at 7pm EST

We open this stretch by centering on our local community during a devastating season. Anthony Giordano joins the show to discuss the heavy cloud hanging over South Philly following the horrific, senseless gunning down of 22-year-old Penn State senior Billy Schmidt Jr. The crew shines a spotlight on the grassroots response, including a massive neighborhood vigil organized by Stand Up South Philly and Take Our Streets Back to demand accountability from city leadership. We dig into the infuriating reality of juveniles roaming our streets in full hoodies and surgical face coverings during 92-degree weather, pointing out the absolute lack of criticism from city officials regarding criminal use of masks even as strict laws target local enforcement agents. We also look at how this rising tide of violence continues to choke enrollment at institutions like Temple University, forcing families to flee to the suburbs. Switching gears to the national stage, Kayal and Company breaks down Donald Trump's confident posturing at the G7 summit in Evian, France, where world leaders are reacting to the historic 60-day ceasefire deal with Iran. We analyze JD Vance's media blitz defending the agreement against hyper-partisan news outlets that are actively recirculating IRGC talking points. The crew evaluates how the opening of the Strait of Hormuz effectively dismantles OPEC, paving a prosperous highway for Pennsylvania energy sectors. We also examine Vance's rapid political rise, his deep faith-centered book, and the endless speculation surrounding a potential 2028 presidential run while he prepares for a highly anticipated, high-stakes panel confrontation. Finally, we track the immediate, chaotic fallout from that media appearance on ABC. We react to the audio of JD Vance completely dismantling biased narratives pushed by Whoopi Goldberg, Sunny Hostin, and Joy Behar. The discussion turns intensely local as we dissect Whoopi's incoherent rambling regarding a federal judge blocking Trump's order to revamp a worn-out slavery exhibit right here on Independence Mall. We cap off the morning reacting to Dom Giordano's fiery preview of local towns like Mount Holly completely surrendering to fear by canceling their historic July 4th festivities instead of implementing common-sense security.

Historian and feminist Ellie Burhans of Albany has recently taken on a new role demonstrating against and decrying energy and water hogging data centers. One has been proposed for an old convent property in Albany and it is one of nearly 30 such centers proposed in the state of New York despite growing concern over how much resources go into centers to support AI and crypto mining. New York may well soon become the first step to embargo new centers for a pause of a year, but Burhans and others say they will not just sit around and see what happens.Do you think Gov. Hochul should sign bills that would pause construction of data centers for a year and also monitor and closely regulate them?Which of these is your view of AI, the main reason data centers that house and cool multiple servers are needed? A. AI is the way of the future and it's foolish to fight it. B. AI will be the end of mankind like in the Terminator movies C. AI like all new technology represents great opportunities and dangers both and should be regulated strictly by government officials.After 10 years working in museum fundraising and administration, Ellie Burhans now works in course design. She has published poems, presented her research about women's military uniforms at SUNY Albany and Temple University, and writes about the intersection of current politics and American history. She lives in Slingerlands, and volunteers as an election worker.

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Friday 5th June at 7pm EST

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Tuesday 21st April at 11pm EST

President/General of the Universal African Peoples Organization, Zaki Baruti, returns to our classroom! Zaki will break down the Supreme Court’s recent Voting Rights decision and reveal how it could shape the future of our democracy—including this fall’s elections. He’ll dive into what happened in the Texas Primary and preview the pivotal races ahead in California and St. Louis, offering insight you won’t find anywhere else. The morning kicks off with Sister Phile, who brings urgency to the ongoing search for thousands of missing Black women and girls—stories that demand our attention and action. Then, how well do you know your history? Dr. Nah Dove, acclaimed Afrocology professor at Temple University, will challenge us to rethink what we know about Africa’s past, exploring the rise and fall of legendary civilizations like Kush, the Malian Empire, the Kingdom of Dahomey, Great Zimbabwe, and many more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one of the most heinous acts of police violence against Black Americans, Philadelphia cops killed 11 people (including 5 kids) and left hundreds more homeless. But the case is mostly forgotten now. We get the inside scoop on the 1985 MOVE bombing - and why it's relevant today with our bloated and growing police state.  SHOW NOTESGuest: Linn Washington Jr.Linn Washington Jr. is an award-winning investigative journalist and professor at Temple University. His reporting focuses on the news media, social justice, race, and law. He also served as Special Assistant to the Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.Linn is the leading authority on the Philadelphia Police Department's bombing of the MOVE house on May 13, 1985. He was on the scene covering the tragedy. MORE ABOUT MOVE:“MOVE: Untangling The Tragedy” (Linn's great podcast series)The 1985 MOVE Massacre: When Cops Bombed Philadelphia (documentary)On A Move: Philadelphia's Notorious Bombing And A Native Son's Lifelong Battle For Justice  (book by Mike Africa Jr.) TEACHING RESOURCES:"On A Move" High School CurriculumZinn Education Project - Philadelphia Police Bomb MOVEMiddle School Students Memorialized The MOVE BombingEPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:[4:29] Origins of MOVE and overview of May 13, 1985 bombing[7:20] Brutal history of Philadelphia police and pushback from MOVE[10:46] 1978 starvation blockade of MOVE compound resulted in shootout and nine MOVE members sentenced to prison for 30 to 100 years[13:10] MOVE's strategy to free incarcerated members[17:37] Police Commissioner's plan to bomb compound and let fire burn[27:05] Middle school students' discovery of bombing inspires marker commemorating deaths of children[31:32] Importance of a free press to inform the public and serve as watchdog on government    Contact Tony & AdamSubscribe to the podcast

This show has been flagged as Clean by the host. From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simon_(game) Simon is an electronic game of short-term memory skill invented by Ralph H. Baer and Howard J. Morrison, working for toy design firm Marvin Glass and Associates, with software programming by Lenny Cope. The device creates a series of tones and lights and requires a user to repeat the sequence. If the user succeeds, the series becomes progressively longer and more complex. Once the user fails or the time limit runs out, the game is over. The original version was manufactured and distributed by Milton Bradley and later by Hasbro after it took over Milton Bradley. Much of the assembly language code was written by Charles Kapps, who taught computer science at Temple University and also wrote one of the first books on the theory of computer programming. Simon was launched in 1978 at Studio 54 in New York City and was an immediate success, becoming a pop culture symbol of the 1970s and 1980s Provide feedback on this episode.

Cornelia received a PhD in Philosophy from Georgetown University and holds MA degrees in Philosophy and History from Temple University. She is the author of three monographs, "The Orthodox Icon and Postmodern Art: Critical Reflections on the Christian Image and its Theology," "Tradition and Transformation in Christian Art: The Transcultural Icon," and "Icons in Time, Persons in Eternity: Orthodox Theology and the Aesthetics of the Christian Image." Her earlier work includes the edited volume "Reviewing Orpheus: Essays on the Art and Cinema of Jean Cocteau." She is also the translator with M. Spanos of "St. Paisios the Athonite, With Pain and Love for Contemporary Man."In this episode, Cornelia and I explore how the material and relational dimensions of Orthodox worship—from the intimacy of confession to the tactile presence of sacred objects—mediate time, eternity, and divine presence. We also discuss how modernism and postmodern thought intersect with Orthodox theology, including the challenges icons pose to contemporary aesthetics and the ways photography can gesture toward the eternal present.

 Jenna and Sheinelle chat with power couple Ciara and Russell Wilson. Also, they play a round of "The Great Debate". Plus, Hoda Kotb celebrates one year of her company, "Joy 101". And, Hoda tells the story of Peggy Moore, a staff member at Temple University who received her degree at 75 years old. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 528 / Marina AdamsMarina Adams is a painter based in New York, NY, Bridgehampton, New York, and Parma, Italy. She earned degrees from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA and Columbia University, New York, NY. Her solo exhibitions include Cosmic Repair at Timothy Taylor, The Art of Living Slowly and Mother Tongue at Galerie Thomas Schulte, Berlin,  Devals x Salon 94, Paris, France, To a World Full of Others, von Bartha, Basel, Switzerland; Flower Power at Copenhagen and Deep Breathing at S-Chanf, Switzerland, Stephen Friedman Galleryin London,  FOCUS: Marina Adams at The Modern Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas, Anemones and Soft Power at Salon 94 and many others.She is in the public collection of the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, the Longlati Foundation in Shanghai, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, among others. She is a 2016 recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship and received the 2018 Award of Merit Medal for Painting from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.Adams has collaborated with poets Norma Cole, Charles Bernstein, Vincent Katz, Leslie Scalapino and Christian Prigent and has published prints with TwoPalms NY, ULAE, Niels Borch Jensen Copenhagen and VanDeb Editions.

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Tuesday 21st April at 10pm EST

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to meet Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday as the two sides look to increase defense cooperation during Marcos' four-day state visit. How will this trip impact Japan-Philippines relations? Is Japan on a path toward remilitarization? In this episode of The Hub, Wang Guan asks whether Tokyo is abandoning its post-war commitments and how a remilitarized Japan could impact the region's stability. To unpack this and more, Wang Guan is joined by Jeff Kingston, professor of Asian Studies at Temple University, Tai Wei Lim, professor of Economics at Soka University, and Yang Chan, tenured associate professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

This lecture was delivered on May 18th 2026by Rev. Renaldo McKenzie at Jamaica Theological Seminary to students in the Caribbean Thought course. Today we explored the concept of Afrocentricity and developing an Afrocentric Paradigm to the study of the Caribbean or o Caribbean Thought. Towards the end we reviewed the Course Outline.Notes:_________________I. Why This Inquiry MattersBefore we define these concepts, we must recognize one important point:Perspective shapes thought.The way we are taught to see the world determines how we understand history, religion, race, culture, and even ourselves. Caribbean societies emerged out of colonization, slavery, displacement, and resistance. Therefore, many of the ideas we inherit about civilization, morality, religion, and identity are rooted within colonial structures.The Caribbean person often lives within competing worlds:• African heritage, • European institutions, • Christian theology, • colonial education, • and postcolonial realities. Thus, Caribbean Thought requires critical examination of the foundations of knowledge itself.________________II. Defining Key Terms1. AfrocentricityAccording to Molefi Kete Asante and Ama Mazama, Afrocentricity is a way of seeing and interpreting the world from the perspective of African people as subjects rather than objects of history.Afrocentricity seeks to:• center African agency, • restore African humanity, • reclaim African history, • and cultivate what Dr. Mazama calls a “consciousness of victory” rather than perpetual oppression. Afrocentricity does not necessarily reject other cultures. Rather, it insists that African people have the right to define themselves and interpret reality from their own historical and cultural experiences.In simple terms:Afrocentricity asks: What happens when African people become the center of their own narratives instead of existing only through European interpretations?ConclusionToday's lecture introduced the conceptual foundations for our study of Caribbean Thought.We examined:• Afrocentricity, • Afrocentrism, • Eurocentrism, • ethnocentrism, • colonialism, • and the Afrocentric Paradigm. We also explored how colonial consciousness continues to shape Caribbean identity, religion, culture, and historical understanding.Next week, we will move into African civilizations and early African contributions to world history as we continue developing an African-centered understanding of Caribbean identity and consciousness.Bibliography / Source ListMolefi Kete Asante. Afrocentricity: The Theory of Social Change. Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press, 1988.Ama Mazama. “The Afrocentric Paradigm: Contours and Definitions.” Journal of Black Studies 31, no. 4 (2001): 387–405.Frantz Fanon. The Wretched of the Earth. Translated by Richard Philcox. New York: Grove Press, 2004.Edward Said. Orientalism. New York: Vintage Books, 1978.W. E. B. Du Bois. The Souls of Black Folk. Chicago: A. C. McClurg & Co., 1903.Marcus Garvey. Philosophy and Opinions of Marcus Garvey. Edited by Amy Jacques Garvey. Dover Publications, 1986.Bob Marley. Selected interviews, speeches, and lyrics on African consciousness and Rastafari.Homi K. Bhabha. The Location of Culture. London: Routledge, 1994.Course Papers and Lecture MaterialsRenaldo McKenzie. “Presentation on Afrocentrism and Afrocentricity: How Does Sarah Balakrishnan Approach Afrocentrism and Afrocentricity?” Class Paper, Temple University, October 31, 2024.Renaldo McKenzie. “Reflection Paper: The Afrocentric Paradigm.” Temple University, September 10, 2024.Sarah Balakrishnan. “Afrocentrism Revisited: Africa in the Philosophy of Black Nationalism.” Souls 22, no. 1 (2020): 71–88.___________Renaldo is President of The Neoliberal Corporation, Author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance, and Lecturer at Jamaica Theological Seminary.JTS: https://jts.edu.jmThe Neoliberal Corporation: https://theneoliberal.com

The Hagia Sophia is a landmark that has stood for 1500 years, and that players can clamber all over in Assassin's Creed Revelations. It is remarkable not only for its longevity, but also for its blending of multiple cultures: their art, architecture, languages and faiths. It is as much a melting pot as the metropolis that surrounds it.To unpack this complex history, Matt Lewis is joined by Emily Neumeier, Assistant Professor of of Islamic art and architecture at Temple University.Echoes of History is a Ubisoft podcast, brought to you by History Hit. Hosted by: Matt LewisEdited by: Alex JonesProduced by: Matt Lewis, Robin McConnellSenior Producer: Anne-Marie LuffProduction Manager: Beth DonaldsonExecutive Producers: Etienne Bouvier, Julien Fabre, Steve Lanham, Jen BennettMusic:Altair and Darim by Lorne BalfeConstantinopolis by Lorne BalfeWelcome to Kostantiniyye by Jesper KydArrocco by Lorne BalfeIf you liked this podcast please subscribe, share, rate & review. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/6FFT7MKTell us your favourite episode or Assassin's Creed game at echoes-of-history@historyhit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Tuesday 31st March at 11pm EST

Dean's Chat is live on location at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons -Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas Nevada! Dr. Richey is joined by the ACFAS student leadership; Lily Cohen from Midwestern University, Fareeha Rafa from Temple University, Madeline Adkins from University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Pierce Burke from Schol College of Podiatric Medicine. Join us as we discuss “all things podiatric medicine and surgery” including what its like to be a part of student leadership in the largest group of Foot and Ankle Surgeons worldwide.At its core, the ACFAS ASC is a large, multi-day conference focused on advancing surgical knowledge, clinical skills, and professional development in foot and ankle surgery. It brings together practicing surgeons, residents, and students from across the country. Listen, as we get the student experience inside the event. The meeting is built around several key components:• Scientific education: Evidence-based lectures, panel discussions, and case reviews covering topics like trauma, deformity correction, sports injuries, and limb salvage. • Research presentation: Surgeons and trainees present original research (posters and podium talks), highlighting new data and evolving techniques. • Hands-on learning: Skills labs and workshops allow attendees to practice surgical techniques and familiarize themselves with new technology. • Networking and mentorship: Opportunities to connect with leaders in the field, residency programs, and peers. • Exhibit hall: Industry partners showcase implants, devices, and surgical innovations. In practical terms, the ASC functions as one of the most important annual touchpoints in podiatric surgery, where new ideas are shared, standards of care are debated, and professional relationships are built. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Dr. Gerard Criner, Chair and Professor of Thoracic Medicine and Surgery at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and Director of the Temple Lung Center at Temple Health, shares how multidisciplinary collaboration, data driven infrastructure, and a focus on quality outcomes are driving growth and innovation in lung transplant care.This episode is sponsored by Temple Health.

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Tuesday 5th May at 11:00pm EST

Welcome, everyone, to the 2026 series of lectures in Caribbean Thought at the Jamaica Theological Seminary. Rev. Renaldo McKenzie, the Lecturer, introduces students to the course. The Course is held at Jamaica Theological Seminary via Zoom for students enrolled in a four-year degree program. Students join the course from the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada. Prof. Renaldo begins: "Today, we embark on a critical journey by asking an important question: What is Caribbean Thought? Caribbean Thought is a philosophical inquiry into the Caribbean—our identity, our history, our consciousness, and our place in the world. It explores the intellectual, historical, political, cultural, and spiritual currents that have shaped the Caribbean experience and continue to influence our societies today. “The slaves who worked on the plantations and in the factories of San Domingo were a docile and faithful people... of a fine physique and good disposition.” — C. L. R. James, Activity Watch the YouTube Excerpt: (C. L. R. James interview on his book "Black Jacobins" (1970), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUnO8lfoVBk&list=PL7mFlc_qQAIOi9XZUOQ4Rh7FtCrzlKd_h&index=21&t=4s) That quote opens the door beautifully into discussing how colonial narratives often portrayed Africans as inferior while simultaneously depending entirely on their labor, intelligence, organization, and humanity. This is because our history speaks from a position of oppression rather than a position of victory. One that is not “afrocentric” or of a certain paradigm (Mazama, 2021). So, where do we begin this inquiry? First, we must recognize that perspective shapes thought. The way we see the world influences the conclusions we draw about history, culture, power, and ourselves. Example we may speak of Theories and "mythoforms" - patterns by which we organize thoughts and experiences, and we have inherited patterns and forms that are far removed from our centers. Therefore, this inquiry requires us to think critically, to develop a paradigm that speaks to our experiences (one that is Afrocentric) and to explore key concepts such as Afrocentrism, Eurocentrism, postcolonialism, nationalism, colonialism, and decolonization. We must develop a paradigm that speaks to our experiences as Caribbean people rather than merely inheriting frameworks imposed upon us.As postcolonial subjects, we must also cultivate a healthy skepticism. History has often been bastardized to serve the interests and ideologies of colonizers. We must therefore question dominant narratives and ask difficult questions. Do we begin Caribbean history with Christopher Columbus as the “discoverer” or founder of the Caribbean? We know that the Taíno peoples were already here. We also encounter evidence and arguments suggesting African influence and contact long before European domination. If so, what does this say about Africans as sailors, navigators, and participants in global exchange? We also learn that Europeans gained knowledge through interactions and trade with Africans before eventually dominating and underdeveloping Africa while reconstructing its history through colonial lenses. This distortion of history demands reimagining and reconsideration. Thus, we must begin with a paradigm that centers our thinking, our experiences, and our perspectives as Caribbean people. Only then can we meaningfully engage Caribbean Thought—not as passive recipients of history, but as active interpreters of our own reality. Is there a paradigm for the study of Caribbean Thought....Rev. Renaldo McKenzie is the Author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance and the upcoming book, Neoliberal Globalization Reconsidered, Neo-Capitalism and the Death of Nations. Renaldo completed his Master of Philosophy at the University of Pennsylvania and has been engaged in doctoral work at Georgetown and Temple Universities. Renaldo is President of The Neoliberal Corporation. https://theneoliberal.com

Most parents have heard that play is how children learn. But in a world full of educational toys (even for babies, preschoolers, and kindergarteners!), enrichment classes, structured activities, and apps designed to make babies smarter, making time for play is harder than it sounds. The pressure to get kids ahead earlier keeps building - and the research that's supposed to reassure us often gets buried under the noise. Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek has spent more than 20 years studying how children learn. She's a psychology professor at Temple University, a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, and co-author of Einstein Never Used Flash Cards - just updated for the age of smartphones, tablets, and AI.  In this conversation, she makes the case that the characteristics that make play so engaging for kids are the exact same characteristics that produce the deepest learning. And she explains why the push to start earlier and do more may be working directly against what parents say they want for their kids. Questions this episode will answer Did Einstein use flashcards? Of course not!  The point of Einstein Never Used Flash Cards is that you don't need to provide direct instruction to young kids for them to be smart and successful. The skills that lead to real achievement - problem-solving, collaboration, creative thinking - are built through active, hands-on, joyful learning, not memorization drills. What is playful learning? Playful learning is not the same as free play. It combines a clear learning goal with an approach that is active, engaging, meaningful, socially interactive, and joyful. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek walks through what this looks like in real classrooms - and in your own kitchen. What is an example of a play-based learning activity? A kindergarten class learning about weather by using droppers and water to measure precipitation, then comparing and averaging their results. Another group acting as a live weather broadcast - a five-year-old using the words "high front" and "precipitation" without ever sitting through a lecture. The episode includes several more examples parents can use at home right now. What's the difference between free play and structured play? Dr. Hirsh-Pasek describes a continuum: free play on one end, direct instruction on the other, and guided play in the middle. Each has a role. The problem is that direct instruction currently dominates, even though children learn far less from it than from active, social, and meaningful experiences. How do kindergarteners learn best? Through play-based learning that is active rather than passive, engaging rather than distracting, meaningful, socially interactive, and joyful. It's not just that play is fun (even though it is); these are the conditions the brain is built to learn in. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek explains the science and shows what it looks like in practice. Do enrichment classes for preschoolers actually help? The research says starting earlier is not better for kids. Kids who are pushed into structured learning young are not more likely to be strong readers or high performers later. The episode explains what the data actually shows - and what parents can do instead that costs nothing. Why is play important in early childhood learning? Because the characteristics of play - active, engaged, meaningful, social, joyful - are the same conditions under which human brains learn best at any age. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek explains why stripping play out of early childhood doesn't accelerate learning. It undermines it. What you'll learn in this episode The six characteristics of playful learning and why each one connects to how the brain actually builds knowledgeThe difference between free play, guided play, and direct instruction - and when each one serves kids bestConcrete play-based learning examples from everyday life at home: the kitchen, the laundry room, the backyardWhy the research on high performers shows that early specialization and intensive enrichment rarely produces the outcomes parents are hoping forWhat the arrival of AI means for the skills kids actually need to develop - and why those skills come from play, not flashcardsWhy downtime is not wasted time, and what it does for the developing brainThe questions Jen asked Dr. Hirsh-Pasek at the end of the conversation - about who research serves and what it leaves out - that don't usually get asked in interviews like this one Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek's website: https://kathyhirshpasek.com/ Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkathyanddrro Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: https://amzn.to/4dubLe0 (Affiliate link) Want more research-backed tools for the hard parenting moments? The free Your Parenting Mojo resource library is now open. Guides, tools, and research-backed ideas - all in one place, no payment required, and get instant access. Click the banner to learn more Jump to highlights: 02:10 Jen introduces Dr. Hirsh-Pasek and the updated edition of Einstein Never Used Flashcards, written for the age of smartphones, tablets, and AI. 04:13 Why the book was fully rewritten and what parents will find in it. 08:17 What's happening in schools and why decades of "get the scores up" efforts haven't worked. 09:25 The six characteristics of learning that support: active, engaging, meaningful, socially interactive, multi-modal, and joyful. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek describes what this looks like in a real kindergarten classroom studying weather. 14:02 How playful learning shows up at home - in the kitchen (measuring, counting, estimating), the laundry room (sorting, classifying, folding), and on a trip to Sydney, where two kids spent two hours drawing the Opera House. 17:06 The gap between what parents say they want (happy kids) and how they're actually spending time and money. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek connects downtime and unstructured exploration to the brain's default mode network - the part that builds creativity. 20:24 Research on people who reached the highest levels of performance in sport and the arts: they didn't specialize early. They meandered and explored. 20:45 Jen asks Dr. Hirsh-Pasek about the relationship between research and culture - how research doesn't just reflect ideas about childhood, it shapes them. 24:11 A look back at Becoming Brilliant and the six C's: Collaborate, Communicate, Content, Critical Thinking, Creative Innovation, and Confidence to try, fail, and keep going. Why do these matter more than ever in an AI world? 26:11 Where to find Dr. Hirsh-Pasek and her work. 26:53 Jen's closing thoughts - including a note that some content in the book raised questions she couldn't fully explore in this conversation, and an open invitation to join Parenting Membership.

Colman Domingo's star has seen a meteoric rise the past decade. But the West Philadelphia native and Academy Award-nominated actor hasn't forgotten the importance of his formative years, including the time he spent at Temple University. Earlier this week, while in town to give the school's commencement speech, Domingo caught up with some old friends from his college days. One of them was KYW Newsradio's own John McDevitt, who shares memories about what the younger Domingo was like. Learn about this story and more, as Matt Leon checks in with KYW's team of reporters to explain major developments from the past week that shaped the region. 00:00 Intro 02:08 Final budget hearing draws major crowd to City Council 07:08 From deepfakes to medical care, AI regulation takes center stage in state legislature 13:29 Anti-Defamation League releases annual antisemitism report; where PA, Philly rank 18:17 A history of PGA and other major golf tournaments in our region 23:17 With global events on horizon, city prepares for human trafficking vigilance 30:18 KYW's Colman Domingo connection Listen to The Week in Philly every Saturday at 5am and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm.

Rana Walker is a professional mental health therapist and wellness coach. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Howard University and later obtained Master's degree of Education in Counseling Psychology from Temple University. She starred as one of two original life coaches on Season 1 of NBC's groundbreaking program, "Starting Over," which aired daily and won an Emmy for her role. She has co-produced television programs since 2001, and renewed her love for writing, as evidenced in her column "Self Love...Mind, Body, Spirit". Rana has translated her zest for life into her life's passion—helping others to reveal who they are in truth. In episode 676 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out more about her journey that she called "wandering in the wilderness and finding your way home", what she meant by "thoughts are things", how to reset if a fraternity or sorority member feels overwhelmed or anxious, how mindfulness can fit into a busy student's life without feeling like another obligation, how Black and Latin sororities/fraternities approach wellness and identity, how chapters can better support members who are silently struggling with mental health, how students can use the FIB (focus, imagine, become) Method, how students can make better decisions in environments where there's pressure, how travel shaped her understanding of identity and wellness, and more about her new TV show that she's developing that was inspired by her journey. Enjoy!

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Tuesday 17th March at 11:00pm EST

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Tuesday 17th February at 11:00pm EST

Show originally broadcast on WHIP Radio, Temple University, Philadelphia on Tuesday 10th February at 11:00pm EST

My guest Dr. Shileste Overton Morris serves as the Chief Programs Officer at the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit and the Director of the Center for Schools and Communities. The Center delivers national, state, local, and international services that build capacity in schools, districts, and organizations supporting children, youth, and families.  Dr. Overton Morris' expertise includes strategic leadership, parent engagement, belonging, and education leadership.  She serves on multiple statewide and national boards. In addition, she is an adjunct professor at Temple University, College of Education and Human Development.  Summary In this episode, Dr. Overton Morris discusses the complex and evolving nature of bullying in schools, emphasizing that it is less about individual "bad actors" and more about systemic conditions and power dynamics. Drawing on decades of experience in school safety and social-emotional development, she explains that bullying involves repeated behavior and an imbalance of power, now amplified by technology and social media, which extend harm beyond school hours and increase its reach and permanence. Dr. Overton Morris highlights that modern bullying includes not only physical and verbal aggression but also relational aggression—such as exclusion, rumor-spreading, and digital harassment. She underscores how adolescents' underdeveloped executive functioning contributes to impulsive and harmful online behavior, sometimes with serious legal consequences. A central theme is that effective prevention requires a comprehensive, consistent, whole-school approach. Schools that implement structured frameworks—such as social-emotional learning, positive behavior supports, and restorative practices—can significantly reduce bullying. These approaches depend on aligned adult behavior, proactive monitoring, and a strong, inclusive school climate. She also stresses the importance of equipping all school personnel—not just teachers—to recognize warning signs and intervene early. For parents, active listening, observation, and partnership with schools are key. Ultimately, Dr. Overton Morris argues that bullying prevention is "adult work": it depends on the environments adults create, the behaviors they model, and their willingness to consistently address harmful conduct. Takeaways Bullying prevention isn't about reacting to incidents—it's about intentionally creating environments where bullying is less likely to occur, which depends on consistent, aligned adult behavior and system-wide commitment. Links LinkedIn Center for Schools and Community Referenced Interview with Dr. Dana Milakovic: Nurturing the Emotionally Safe School Environment Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture that Brings out the Best in People by Dr. Donna Hicks The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Trauma in the Schools podcast series

Laird Scranton is our guest this night to discuss his latest book, China's Cosmological Prehistory: The Sophisticated Science Encoded in Civilization's Earliest Symbols. We discuss the knowledge of the ancients, the deep connections in cosmology, creation myths, and science between the Dogon, Chinese, and Buddhist systems. It gets VERY interesting in it's implications... Laird Scranton is an independent researcher of ancient cosmology and language. His studies in comparative cosmology have served help synchronize aspects of ancient African, Egyptian, Vedic, Chinese, Polynesian and other world cosmologies, and have led to an alternate approach to reading Egyptian hieroglyphic words. His degree is in English from Vassar College. He became interested in Dogon mythology and symbolism in the early 1990s. He has studied ancient myth, language, and cosmology since 1997 and has been a lecturer at Colgate University. He also appears in John Anthony West's Magical Egypt DVD series. He lives in Albany, New York. His writings include books and articles published or taught by Colgate University, Temple University and the University of Chicago. www.lairdscranton.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.