What are you afraid of?

Abby is joined by Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Martin Antony, for a lesson on the psychology behind phobias.

Dr. Antony begins by explaining how a phobia is different from a fear and discusses how they're diagnosed. He explores factors that can cause phobias, including evolution, genetics, and trauma. Later, Dr. Antony shares different treatment strategies available to people who suffer from phobias.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Abby takes us out for a lesson on the pickleball court!

Director of Communication & Content at USA Pickleball Melissa Zhang joins Abby for a lesson about the gameplay and popularity of pickleball.

Melissa shares a deep dive into the history and rules of pickleball and explains what listeners can expect if they want to try playing. She discusses what led to pickleball's surge in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating both the physical and social benefits of the sport. Later, Melissa looks at the professional world of pickleball and provides a glimpse into the future of the sport.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It looks like we won't be back to our regularly scheduled programming for a while!

Abby is joined by Media and Entertainment reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Joe Flint for a lesson about the Hollywood writers' strike.

Joe breaks down the demands being made by the Writers Guild of America after they were unable to strike a contract deal with major studios. He explains what kinds of content platforms and shows are being affected by the strike, as well as how it's impacting other behind-the-scenes work.

Later, Joe looks at how modern technology and other industry disruptors make this current strike so different than the last one.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This lesson is dedicated to all the amazing dads out there.

Joining Abby in the classroom is her father, Jeff Hornacek, for a Father's Day celebration!

Jeff gives listeners a glimpse into his life growing up and even shares some stories of the jobs he worked prior to his notable basketball career. Abby surprises her dad with a round of rapid-fire questions, where he answers once and for all who his favorite child is!

Later, Jeff reflects on what being a dad means to him in a special Father's Day message to listeners.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joining Abby in the classroom is Retired FBI Special Agent John Iannarelli for a lesson about the duties and organization of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

John provides an overview of the history of the FBI and explains why the bureau was founded. He explains what a typical day at the FBI could look like and provides insight into what kinds of cases agents will investigate. Later, John shares stories from some of the unusual cases he encountered as a Special Agent.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is Juneteenth? Abby revisits a lesson with Herbert G. Ruffin, Department Chair of African American Studies at Syracuse University, for a lesson on the holiday.

Professor Ruffin explains the history of Juneteenth, how the holiday was honored by early freedmen, and how the celebration of this date has evolved through United States history. 

Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Time for a history lesson dedicated to the bravery of the Allied troops!

Abby sits down with Military Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the National World War II Museum Dr. John Curatola for a lesson about the events that unfolded on D-Day.

Dr. Curatola overviews the pivotal moments of World War II and explains the state of the United States military leading up to the attack on D-Day. He details the planning and preparation that went into D-Day and explains how various branches of the military were able to come together for the invasion of Normandy. Later, Dr. Curatola reflects on the bravery exhibited by the Allied troops and shares how the democratic spirit is still exhibited today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Time for a lesson on one of the most iconic family feuds in history!

Abby is joined by Hatfield family descendent Amber Bishop, and McCoy family descendent Courtney McCoy-DeProspero for a lesson about the historic feud between the two families.

Amber and Courtney look back into history to explain the context of the bitter rivalry between their two families. The duo also explains how blood ties and local politics brought the familial dispute all the way to the Supreme Court. Later, Amber and Courtney discuss how legal tensions between them still exist today, and what it would take for the two families to forgive one another.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who was behind the college admissions scandal?

Abby is joined by Wall Street Journal Higher Education Reporter and Co-Author of Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit & The Making Of The College Admissions Scandal, Melissa Korn for a lesson on the “Operation Varsity Blues” scandal.

Melissa explains how college admissions counselor Rick Singer orchestrated the conspiracy that allowed wealthy parents to pay for their children to be accepted into elite schools. Melissa looks at the high-profile universities and celebrities involved in the scheme, and the legal consequences that were at stake. Later, she discusses the impact that the scandal had on the college admissions process as a whole and explains why the system is so fiercely competitive today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Abby revisits a lesson with one of the founders of Power Yoga, Bryan Kest on "Mindfulness."

Bryan helps define mindfulness, the development of muscle focus, and the benefits of meditation. Later, Bryan and Abby discuss plans and processes for people just beginning to start practicing mindfulness.

Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices