Enlighten Me

From 2000 to 2022, Texas gained more than 9 million new residents. This population boom is reshaping nearly every aspect of life in the state—from housing and the economy to infrastructure and transportation. In this episode, we talk with TXST's Dr. Haiyong Liu and Dr. Billy Fields about how to navigate this rapid growth and what it means for Texas’ future.

Across pro and college sports in America, women’s sports and athletes are enjoying a bigger spotlight than ever before. Is it just a trendy culture moment or is the playing field finally starting to level out? On this episode of Enlighten Me, we look at the past, present and future of women in sports on the field, in media and behind the scenes. 

Are we swiping toward love or just doomscrolling for a glimpse of romance? Listen to our latest episode of Enlighten Me, where we talk with #TXST faculty member Jessica James about the realities of dating apps

Discover how artificial intelligence is being studied and embraced at Texas State. In this episode, we dive deep with university faculty and staff to explore AI research, how it's being used across the university, and how it's shaping the future of education and the Bobcat community.

Before you go to the polls in November, join us on Enlighten Me for a look how voting become the center of citizen participation in government. We’re looking at the roots of voting in America, how has voting changed since the Founders’ generation? How does voting work in other countries? And most importantly, does your single vote really matter? (It absolutely does!) With Paul Hart, Director of the Center for International Studies and Michael Faber, Associate Professor,  Department of Political Science.

Your relationship to food can reflect your values, celebrate your community, or even broadcast your worldview. This month, Enlighten Me explores how what we put on our plate can be an insight into what’s in our soul. 

Interviews with Dr. Deborah Harris (Professor, Sociology), Dr. Lauren Butler (Assistant Professor, School of Family & Consumer Sciences) and Lindsey Menge (Senior Lecturer, School of Family & Consumer Science).

What is Texas music and how does it affect local and national culture? Dr. Joseph Kotarba discusses music experiences across the life course, Dr. Kevin Mooney talks music and identity, and Jason Mellard the importance of Texas music history.

Listen to the songs mentioned, plus more Texas Music here!

On the next episode of Enlighten Me, we’re delving into the past, present, and future of Texas State to celebrate our 125th anniversary with Texas State Librarian Margaret Vaverek, TXST Chief Research Officer Shreek Mandayam, and Texas State President Kelly Damphousse. We’re retracing how we’ve grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of Texas through the decades and looking forward to see how Texas State is working today to shape our tomorrow. Explore more TXST history at https://125.txst.edu/

We delve into the pressing issue of teacher turnover in Texas. Hear from educators and researchers on the front lines as they explore potential solutions to this critical challenge facing education in the Lone Star State. We converse with TXST's Dr. Millie Cordaro, Dr. Priscilla Goble, and Dr. Michael O'Malley.

In this episode, we discuss Earth Day, conversation organizations at TXST, and everyone's favorite holiday rabbit.