Guest: University Assistant Professor of Political Science Mark Bell

During the Cold War, the Soviet and American nuclear arsenals served largely as a deterrent to an all-out military confrontation. Both countries possessed enough weapons to effectively destroy each other. This concept of mutually assured destruction made nuclear war unthinkable. But as more nations have acquired nuclear capability, the purposes these weapons serve in international politics has changed. Each country uses its nuclear arsenal in its own unique way to establish its place in the world order. This week on Access Minnesota, University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Political Science Mark Bell discusses his concept of nuclear opportunism.

Guest: Bell Museum Director of Public Engagement & Science Learning Holly Menninger

This summer marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo Moon landing. The Bell Museum on the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus is celebrating this historic first through a series of exhibits, events and educational programs. We chatted with the museum’s Director of Public Engagement and Science Learning Holly Menninger about this ongoing commemoration called The Year of Apollo: To The Moon and Beyond.

Guests: Phyllis Moen, Kate Schaefers, Jeff Buchanan, Andy Taylor, Arbresha Ibraimi, Max Peterson

An increasing number of Baby Boomers are approaching traditional retirement age but have no intention of segueing to a life of leisure. A University of Minnesota program offers experienced professionals an opportunity to transition to a so-called “encore career”, often at a community-based non-profit. The University of Minnesota’s Advanced Careers Initiative or UMAC is the brainchild of Phyllis Moen, a McKnight Presidential Chair and professor of sociology. UMAC is a multigenerational learning experience, where a group of late-career professionals called fellows team up with undergraduate students to work on a variety of challenges facing society. We sat down with Moen and her colleague, UMAC Executive Director Kate Schaefers to discuss this new life stage and also chatted with some of the fellows and undergraduate students involved in the program. This is part 2 of a two-part series.

Guests: UMAC Founding Director Phyllis Moen & UMAC Executive Director Kate Shaefers

An increasing number of Baby Boomers are approaching traditional retirement age but have no intention of segueing to a life of leisure. A University of Minnesota program offers experienced professionals an opportunity to transition to a so-called “encore career”, often at a community-based non-profit. The University of Minnesota’s Advanced Careers Initiative or UMAC is the brainchild of Phyllis Moen, a McKnight Presidential Chair and professor of sociology. UMAC is a multigenerational learning experience, where a group of late-career professionals called fellows team up with undergraduate students to work on a variety of challenges facing society. We sat down with Moen and her colleague, UMAC Executive Director Kate Schaefers to discuss this new life stage. This is part 1 of a two-part series.

Guest: University of Minnesota Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Bioethics Dr. Steven Miles

Mass shootings reignite the ongoing debate over gun rights in America. The American Medical Association has declared that gun violence is a public health crisis. University of Minnesota Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Bioethics Dr. Steven Miles discusses a public health approach to reducing the number of deaths and injuries from firearms in the U.S.

Guest: Veteran Journalist and former Executive Director of the Minnesota News Council Gary Gilson

The news media is facing significant challenges: declining advertising revenue, stinging criticism from the White House and an American public with a low level of trust in the press. Veteran journalist and former Executive Director of the Minnesota News Council Gary Gilson discusses these troubled times for the news media.

Guest: Twin Cities National Weather Service Forecast Office Warning Coordination Meteorologist Todd Krause

The arrival of spring ushers in the severe weather season in Minnesota. Tornadoes, lightning and flash flooding pose significant dangers for those who are unprepared and unprotected.  April 8th-12th is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Twin Cities National Weather Service Forecast Office Warning Coordination Meteorologist Todd Krause has tips on how to stay safe when storms threaten.

Guest: Dr. Jesse Keenan, Harvard University Graduate School of Design

Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events, forest fires and rising waters along our coastlines. Recently, a conference was held in Duluth to discuss these and other climate-related issues. Dr. Jesse Keenan is a social scientist on the faculty of the Harvard University School of Design and is an expert on the impacts of climate change on property and infrastructure. His keynote presentation at the conference was titled Destination Duluth: The Fact and Fiction of a Shared Climate Future. Keenan believes that Duluth may be a potential refuge for people leaving other parts of the country due to climate change.

Guest: University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Human Resource Development Joshua Collins

Senator Amy Klobuchar is facing accusations from some former staffers that she mistreated them. Other former staffers have expressed support for the Senator. What differentiates a tough boss from an abusive boss? And are women held to a different standard than men when it comes to their management style?

University of Minnesota Assistant Professor of Human Resource Development Joshua Collins shares his insights on managers’ expectations of their employees.

Guest: University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Sociology Joshua Page

In the American criminal justice system, a person suspected of committing a crime can be released from custody pending a trial if they post bail, a monetary payment that will be refunded if they make their court appearances. Suspects often turn to a bail bond company if they or their relatives and friends are unable to come up with the money required by the court. New research is pointing out flaws in the bail bond system that can adversely impact low-income communities. University of Minnesota Associate Professor of Sociology Joshua Page discusses his study of the bail bond industry.