In this episode, following my talk with Alexandra, I talk to a history buff to continue the conversation on the Russia-Ukraine War. We discuss the confusing nature of border and how the the past may be the best starting point to understand the current state of affairs. Disclosure: this episode was recorded on March 4, 2022 and includes discussion on geopolitical affairs. 

Chicago Tribune Article Link for Resources to Help: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-ukraine-how-to-help-20220301-odqs7d5wfzanhbvb3ntc4xibua-story.html 

In this episode, I talk to Alexandra who works in the immigration law office about the Russia-Ukraine War. As someone from Ukraine, her connection to this crisis is deep and offers a window into the lives of innocent citizens under threat. We discuss the meaning of the TPS and the controversies surrounding support aid organizations and initiatives. Disclosure: this episode contains topics on war.

Chicago Tribune Article Link: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-ukraine-how-to-help-20220301-odqs7d5wfzanhbvb3ntc4xibua-story.html

In this episode, we discuss the power of books with 2 English teachers to put that magical feeling into words. What do people who have made their careers out of spreading the full appreciation of literature to the next generation feel about it? Can they pick favorites? Listen to find out.

It’s time to say goodbye to 2021, and hello to 2022! But wait, not yet! Let’s reflect upon this difficult year a bit. In this episode we’ll have a compilation of clips from our listeners of some of their highs and lows! Thank you for another amazing year with our podcast! See you next year!

Happy Thanksgiving! To celebrate this holiday of gratitude, we decided to gather together to talk about the turkey. In our new program, Who'd of Thunk It!, one member will do some preliminary research about a topic, myth, or misconception to share with the other two. For our first episode, we discussed topics including the turkey as the national bird, the gorgeous ocellated turkey, and the sleep-inducing turkey meat. If you have any suggestions for future topics, please send an email to [email protected].

Research Links:

"Did Benjamin Franklin propose the turkey as the national symbol?" - HISTORY

"American Myths: Benjamin Franklin’s Turkey and the Presidential Seal" - Smithsonian Magazine

"Turkey" - Encyclœpedia Britannica

"What’s the Purpose of a Turkey’s Wattle?" - Mental Floss

"OCELLATED TURKEY" - American Bird Conservancy

"Food Coma? Here's Why You Get Sleepy After You Eat" - Discovery

Additional:

Kovarsky's Rendition of a Turkey National Seal

Happy Halloween! In the spirit of this spooky holiday, it is tradition to dress up in costumes before scavenging for candies. However, what makes a costume thrilling or inappropriate? There are many guidelines out there to follow, but what do teenagers feel about these limitations when it comes to celebrate Halloween? In this episode, we ask a couple high schoolers on their opinions on the matter for a small sampling. If you are curious to explore a story on the same topic, you can read about the concerns raised by Yale Students here. 

As the melting-pot of culture, America was once the land of "dreams" that attracted immigrants world wide. In this episode, we explore the perspective of someone who did just that. After moving from China to America 30 years ago, our guest explains her reasons behind her decision and observations after experiencing America from the outside and inside. Was it all it was promised to be?

Source for Tiananmen Massacre : Link 

In this episode, you will hear from María Dubrowski about how she went from being a student studying psychology and neuroscience to environmental conservation and science communication. She shares how her journey from Costa Rica to Lake Michigan has taught her important lessons about the environmental movement and inspired her to do more. Listen to hear how she answers some prevailing questions on possible solutions to climate change and how normal people like you and me can be part of those answers.