Fordham Conversations

Do you know who's watching you? This week, Fordham Conversations is all about spies and surveillance. WFUV's Connor Ryan reports on NYC's surveillance cameras and how some people feel their privacy is being invaded. Then, Chris Williams talks to Spy Store NYC owner Bob Leonard about different types of spying equipment and the reasons for using them. Fordham University professor Al Auster discusses how spies have been portrayed in film, and how that differs from actual espionage. 

The sunny season encourages people to  pack their bags and take off on summer trips. On this week's Fordham Conversations, we’ll look back at past interviews with guests who’ve traveled "Beyond the Tri-State. Renato Frison rode from Bronxville to Brazil on his motorcycle. Filmmakers Jeff Azize  and Michael Campo discuss their trip to Peru to take care of abused orphans. Fordham Professor Robin Andersen discusses ecotourism in Curacao.

WFUV's Claudia Morell talks about school bullying and teen suicide with Loyola High School English and Philosophy teacher Christian Gregory and Fordham University Psychology Professor Doctor Peggy Andover. Mr. Gregory completed a cross country bike tour to raise awareness about the problems of bullying. And, Doctor Andover is a cognitive behavioral psychologist whose research focusses on the risk factors and differences between non-suicidal  self-injury (NSSI) and attempted suicide."

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike just won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play. Chris Williams talks to one of the play's producers, John Johnson, who graduated Fordham in 2002. Johnson talks about what theater-goers can expect from the play, his responsibilities as a producer, and how he became interested in theater. 

Every quarter WFUV’s Strike a Chord campaign examines an issue that’s important to you. This time we are delving into the need to combat mental health stereotypes with University of Southern California Law Professor Elyn Saks.  She discusses how she became an Ivy League grad, legal scholar, endowed professor all while coping with schizophrenia. 

Host Robin Shannon talks with Fordham University’s  Julianny Gomez and Dr. Aimee Cox about the term “Ratchet.”  Julianny’s research examines how the derogatory term has been adopted as a way for young African Americans to police, embarrass and degrade one another.

Joseph Kelly is a Fordham University alum from the International Political Economy and Development program or (IPED). He’s been working with the Catholic Relief Services and was recently awarded Fordham’s Swanstrom-Baerwald (Swan-strum, BEAR-wald) Award.  It recognizes members of the Fordham community for their commitment to the service of faith and the promotion of justice.

WFUV’s Claudia Morell talks with ABC News veteran Sam Donaldson. He was awarded the WFUV Charles Osgood Lifetime Achievement Award in Broadcast Journalism for 2013. Donaldson is known best for his time as ABC’s White House Correspondent for Presidents Carter, Reagan, and Clinton. Donaldson also covered numerous historical events such as the Vietnam War, Watergate, the Iran-Contra Affair, and President Clinton’s impeachment. He’s anchored several shows, including World News Sunday and Primetime Live with Diane Sawyer. Donaldson wrote a book about his early career and time covering the White House called “Hold On, Mr. President!” where he defends and explains what some have called an aggressive style of reporting. During the interview Donaldson discusses his time in Washington, and examines how news has evolved with the rise of Internet and the 24-hour-news cycle.

Graduating seniors are heading into the next phase of their lives.  While, many high school graduates are transitioning to college, some college graduates are gearing up for their careers.  On this week's Fordham Conversations we hear from Msgr. Joseph Quinn, Vice President of Mission and Ministry at Fordham University.  We'll discuss how Fordham's Living the Mission campaign can help prepare this generation, for leadership in a global society

Spring is finally here, and for most of us that’s probably a breath of fresh air.  There’s not only a change in the

temperature but a change in people’s moods.  Most of us have heard about the winter blues, but do you know

where the saying comes from?  Every year, millions of Americans suffer from mild to severe cases of the winter

blues, a condition known as seasonal affective disorder, or what’s commonly referred to as SAD.  On this week's

Fordham Conversations, WFUV's Katie Fisher is joined by Fordham University Professor of Chemistry Joan

Roberts who's an expert on SAD.  Dr. Robert's talks about the cause of seasonal depression and the powerful

impact light has on health.