In today's episode, we catch up with Dr. Jess Maddox, an assistant professor in the Department of Journalism and Creative Media, about the book project and other research projects she was working on when we talked to her TWO YEARS AGO. Spoiler alert: not only do we learn that her book is done and on the bookshelves (but technically Amazon and other online booksellers), we get the chance to hear about all of the projects she is working on now, including a second book project. When you think about the ways the Internet but especially social media have evolved over the last several years, one prevailing theme is that of pets--we all like to see pet photos and videos, now on TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms. But, why is that and what is it that drives us to these platforms?  Do you feel calmer when you see pet photos and videos? Happier? We dive into all of that in our conversation with Dr. Maddox, and just for fun we throw in talk about rivalry football.

You can check out Dr. Maddox's latest book several ways: 

https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/the-internet-is-for-cats/9781978827912

https://www.amazon.com/Internet-Cats-Animal-Images-Digital/dp/1978827911

To follow Dr. Maddox on Twitter: @drjessmaddox

To follow us on Twitter: @ ICIRAlabama

And, if you want to check out OUR pet photos, especially Halloween pet photos, check us out: @kbissell42 and @slightlyabsent on Instagram.