In this episode, the last episode of this LibOwl season, we welcome Dr. Ioannis Kerkines, a dedicated scientist, teacher, and lifelong weightlifting enthusiast. Hosted by Dr. Crivellaro, this conversation takes a refreshing turn from academic credentials to personal passions, blending chemistry and fitness. From his years in research and education to his surprising encounters with bodybuilding legends like Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler.

What begins as a conversation about physical strength unfolds into a deeper reflection on health, identity, and personal growth. Together, Dr. Crivellaro and Dr. Kerkines explore the cultural shifts in fitness, the rise of “bro science,” the challenges of body image, and the evolving meaning of discipline, particularly as we age.

Produced by: Shaya Ehteshamzad, Pinelopi Feida (Class of 2025)

An ACS Athens Media Studio Production

In this episode, Dr. Marco Crivellaro hosts Natalia Dadidou for an engaging conversation about rhythm, routine, and the role of discipline in both life and creative work. They talk about how simple daily habits, such as running without music, can become moments of deep focus and reflection. Together, they explore how silence, imagination, and even repetition can create space for personal growth and self-discovery. It’s a thoughtful discussion about how meaning often comes not from big events, but from the small, steady choices we make every day.

Production: Shaya Ehteshamzad, Pinelopi Feida (Class of 2025)

Dr. Marco Crivellaro hosts John Papadakis for a second conversation in LibOwl, diving into media literacy, the impact of artificial intelligence on education, libraries, and society, and the significance of understanding the new digital trends of social media to better engage young audiences.

They explore how AI is reshaping research, reading habits, and creative expression, discussing the shift from traditional sources like blogs to dynamic platforms such as social media for literary trends.

The conversation also addresses the use of AI tools in educational settings, the evolving role of libraries in an increasingly digital world, and how prompt engineering is becoming a vital skill. Dr. Crivellaro and Mr. Papadakis delve into ethical debates around AI-generated art, the respect for original creators, and the broader implications for artistic authenticity. Privacy concerns, GDPR regulations, and the urgent need for critical digital literacy are highlighted as key challenges of this technological era. Together, they reflect on how AI is not just a tool, but a transformative force influencing the future of learning, creativity, and communication.

Production: Shaya Ehteshamzad, Pinelopi Feida.

Welcome to LibOwl, the podcast of the Hasib J. Sabbagh Library at ACS Athens!

In this engaging episode, your host Marco Crivellaro sits down with a man of many talents and hats, John Papadakis. From radio waves in Chicago to Data Protection at ACS Athens, John shares his eclectic journey through music, media, education, and privacy rights. Whether you're into sound engineering, curious about GDPR, or just love a good story about the evolution of technology, this episode has something for you. Get ready for a conversation that’s part nostalgic tech talk, part philosophical musing, and 100% entertaining.

The LibOwl podcast, hosted by Dr. Crivellaro at the Hasib J. Sabbagh Library of ACS Athens, presents engaging discussions with distinguished guests from academia and beyond.

In this episode, Dr. Evan Syropoulos, an educator and researcher in English literature and musical theater, shares his journey through international academic institutions and his role as Division Chair for Language and Literature at ACS Athens. The conversation explores his professional growth, the vibrant community at ACS Athens, and the institution’s commitment to fostering both personal and academic development among its educators and students.

Beyond academia, the discussion delves into broader themes such as the role of storytelling in human culture, the impact of artificial intelligence on education, and the enduring value of literature in a rapidly evolving world. Drawing from references spanning ancient Greek philosophy to contemporary science fiction, Dr. Crivellaro and Dr. Syropoulos highlight the power of conceptual thinking and narrative in shaping human understanding. With humor, the episode underscores why literature and the humanities remain essential in a time increasingly dominated by technology.

In this episode of LibOwl, host Dr. Marco Crivellaro is joined by Mr. Spyros Arsenikos, an expert in chemistry and environmental science, beginning with a reflection on their journey with the subject and how their perspective on chemistry has evolved over time. The discussion explores the importance of critical thinking in modern education, particularly how better teaching approaches and a deeper understanding of the subject can transform students’ views and academic experiences. They examine the shift from rote memorization to establishing genuine comprehension in scientific studies, aligning it with the broader role of libraries in organizing knowledge for greater accessibility. 

Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for a solid foundation of knowledge to engage with science critically, and how that knowledge translates into making educated guesses, an essential element of the scientific method. The episode also touches upon the current state of science in public discourse, particularly the manipulation of scientific terms in marketing and the political misuse of scientific facts.

The conversation delves into how society consumes and interprets scientific information, especially in the era of information overload. From flat Earth theories to examining the power of media in shaping scientific literacy, this episode offers critical insights into the challenges of distinguishing between genuine scientific knowledge and misleading narratives.

In the third episode of The LibOwl, host Dr. Marco Crivellaro is joined by Amalia Zavakopoulou and Hercules Lianos, educators at ACS Athens, to discuss the transformative power of travel. The episode delves into how traveling broadens perspectives by stepping outside of one’s comfort zone and exploring diverse cultures.

This discussion highlights reflections on personal journeys before settling in Greece, such as living in London and America, and the invaluable role of field study trips in education. The conversation touches on ancient historians like Herodotus and their pursuit of knowledge through exploration, emphasizing the importance of firsthand experiences in shaping understanding.

The guests also share insights from a recent field study trip to Mystra, where students examined the Byzantine Empire’s art, architecture, and cultural values, sparking discussions on how travel connects history to modern life. From admiring Michelangelo’s David in Florence to savoring authentic Italian cuisine, the episode illustrates how experiencing art, architecture, and food in their original contexts enriches appreciation and understanding.

Join the conversation to uncover why travel is not just a luxury but a an meaningful experience for personal and educational growth.

Presenter: Marco V. Crivellaro, PhD, MA, MLIS, Librarian, Hasib Sabbagh Library, ACS Athens
Production Team: Pinelopi Feida, Shaya Ehtemshamzad (Class of 2025)

A Media Studio Production ©2024-25

Welcome to the 2nd episode of LibOwl, the podcast of the Sabbagh Library of ACS Athens. Today, Dr. Marco Crivellaro hosts sports science experts Justin Cramer and Christos Stachikas, who bring their knowledge and personal experiences to a conversation about the science behind optimizing athletic performance. The discussion delves into the role of biomechanics and nutrition, focusing on how these aspects are applied to enhance training and performance. Justin and Christos share insights and stories from their own careers, highlighting the real-world application of sports science techniques that help athletes reach their full potential.

Guided by Dr. Crivellaro, the conversation illustrates how advancements in sports science are shaping both elite and recreational sports. Listeners gain valuable perspectives on how scientific principles and personal experiences are driving the evolution of athletics, offering actionable insights and a deeper understanding of the field.

Presenter: Marco V. Crivellaro, PhD, MA, MLIS, Librarian, Hasib Sabbagh Library, ACS Athens
Production Team: Pinelopi Feida, Shaya Ehtemshamzad (Class of 2025)

A Media Studio Production ©2024-25

In this first episode of the LibOwl, opening the 2024-25 academic season, Angela Chamosfakidis, an IB Psychology and Theory of Knowledge teacher at ACS Athens, discusses her admiration for Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman. Her conversation with LibOwl host Dr. Marco Crivellaro explores Kahneman's profound influence on psychology and economics, particularly his work on behavioral economics and decision-making. Angela explains the relevance of Kahneman's theories, including "System 1" (intuitive, fast thinking) and "System 2" (analytical, slow thinking), and how they apply to education. She emphasizes the value of both systems in learning, with an emphasis on understanding cognitive biases to enhance student growth. The discussion also touches on the human experience of learning through failure and the emotional aspect of decision-making, contrasting it with machine learning. Ultimately, Angela reflects on the importance of fostering both emotional and rational thinking in students, framing growth as an essential part of the educational process.

Production team: Shaya Ehteshamzad, Pinelopi Feida • Class of 2025

Dr. Crivellaro presents LibOwl, the new podcast of the Student Librarian Club of ACS Athens.

LibOwl invites our school community to submit ideas for discussion for the upcoming episodes. Email your ideas to: [email protected]