Her Way Podcast

In today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Lindsey Felt, a scholar and educator in Stanford’s Writing and Rhetoric program. A former player on the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team at the Melbourne Deaflympics, Dr. Felt also served as ESPN’s primary U.S. Women’s Soccer columnist during an era marked by Abby Wambach, the professionalization of players, and accelerating investment in the women’s game. She recalls the early stages of sports journalism, pitching articles as an undergraduate before being endowed ESPN’s USWNT columnist. She discusses her selection to the Deaflympics and unpacks pervasive disability myths she was subjected to as a player- particularly the perception of disability as a personal tragedy that elicits pity and charity. Observing how these portrayals distorted her language in interviews as an inspiration, she was motivated to pursue journalism and cover athletes in a different manner. Beyond disability rhetoric, Dr. Felt’s research encompasses disability innovation and technology, media culture, and accessible arts. She notes writing as a muscle she’s trained across genres, occupying dual modalities while writing game analyses, feature pieces, and literary essays. Identifying as a deaf person, Dr. Felt shares how writing is the most authentic mode of expression: “It allows me to have time to  meditate how I want to articulate myself.” She sees communication and language as not merely transactional, but as a full-bodied experience and proposition that requires both parties. Dr. Felt concludes by discussing her current collaborative projects with disabled artists using cutting-edge technologies, embracing her role as a “perpetual student.” 

0:00 Introduction and Early Life

3:28 Exposure in the Sports Realm 

6:01 Covering the USWNT as the Primary ESPN Columnist

10:27 Transitioning from Sports Journalism to Academia 

12:48 Writing as a Medium of Expression

15:09 Subtleties in Communication as a Deaf Person

16:20 Mainstream Disability Narratives

20:48 Selection to the Deaflympics

22:11 Conclusion

Today we chatted with Professor Iris Stewart-Frey, a professor of hydrology and water resources at Santa Clara University's Environmental Studies Institute. Iris discusses her multifaceted role encompassing teaching, research, and service to both the university and the larger community. She elaborates on the unique mission and climate of Santa Clara, highlighting its Jesuit values. Iris also delves into her involvement with Santa Clara's Environmental Justice and the Common Good Initiative, a program focused on addressing environmental injustices through research and community action. We discuss water equity issues in Silicon Valley, the importance of translating scientific research into accessible information, and the university's role in promoting environmental justice. Iris advises to think beyond short-term gains and reflects on the significance of fostering meaningful debates and collaboration across boundaries.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05 Current Work at Santa Clara University

00:55 Climate and Culture at Santa Clara University

02:40 Environmental Justice and the Common Good Initiative

07:07 Water and Climate Justice Research

09:42 The Uneven Distribution of Environmental Burdens and Benefits

14:23 Balancing Science and Community Engagement

16:40 Advice for Climate Policy Makers

17:43 The Role of Universities in Environmental Justice

19:52 Hope for the Future and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we talk to Professor Rabab Haider, Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan's College of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Professor Haider discusses her work on infrastructure systems, with a focus on the future of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. She shares her passion for sustainability, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, and her experiences transitioning from industry to academia. Professor Haider emphasizes the global challenges of decarbonization, the development of equitable energy frameworks, and the necessity of combining technical solutions with policy and human-centric applications. Reflecting on her career path, she highlights her dedication to impactful research and mentorship.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:05 Professor Haider's Work and Motivation

02:02 University of Michigan's Interdisciplinary Environment

04:05 Industry Experience and Academic Path

06:47 Global Challenges in Renewable Energy

12:50 Equity in Power Systems

16:23 Bridging Science and Policy

22:34 Measuring Success and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Her Way AAPI, we are joined by Shelley Lee, Professor of American Studies, History, and Humanities and Affiliate of Urban Studies at Brown University. She also co-organizes their Asian Pacific American and Diaspora Studies working group and was formerly the chair of Comparative American Studies at Oberlin College. Born in Seoul in the 70’s and raised in the intersection of Silicon Valley’s tech boom and demographic change, Professor Lee grew up immersed in ethnically diverse communities and socioeconomically diverse school systems. After entering academia at UC Berkeley, she began to interpret history through the lens of ordinary people- adopting a bottom up perspective- and delved into race as a social construct, examining how such categories arise. “These are constructions that arise in response to specific historical forces,” she explains. Professor Lee discusses how her undergraduate studies highlighted the ways in which her story was embedded within the broader American narrative, leading her to contribute to the reconceptualization of American history through Asian American history. She reflects on the movement for ethnic studies, emphasizing how Asian studies or Asian American studies was often an “entry point” for students hoping to make sense of who they are in the greater world. Professor Lee underscores her conviction that Asian American history has always been US history and discusses the myths her students work to dispel and the greater historical narratives these myths sustain. While the historical content itself does not change, she observes that evolving current events and perspectives shape our relationship to the past. She concludes by sharing the ethos that guides her work with Brown’s scholarly APA & Diaspora studies working group, noting that “I like to help create a community where I see the potential for community, but it doesn't quite exist.” 

0:00 Introduction and Welcome

1:16 A Formative Early Life: Tech Boom and Demographic Change

4:30 Exploring Asian American Studies at UC Berkeley

5:42 Seeing Patterns, Rethinking Categories

11:05 Oberlin College and Asian American History in US History

15:34 Freedom of Teaching

16:51 Discussing and Dispelling Myths 

20:22 Asian American: a Broad and Nuanced Category

22:05 Interpreting History Differently 

25:07 Working Group at Brown University

In this episode, we speak with Dawn King, Teaching Professor at the Institute at Brown for Environmental and Society, and Dean of the College for Curriculum at Brown University. Professor King shares insights on her career in sustainability education and policy, focusing on the impacts of local food economics and urban sustainability. She discusses her early interest in food systems, inspired by the multifaceted nature of food and its cultural ties. King explains her role at Brown University, where she teaches courses on local food systems and energy policy, and involves students in real-world community projects. She emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability, incorporating fields like sociology, biological sciences, and economics. Highlighting the necessity of a just transition to sustainable agriculture, King advocates for community involvement in decision-making processes.

00:00 Introduction and Career Overview

00:15 Passion for Local Food Systems

02:31 Role at Brown University

04:46 Interdisciplinary Approach to Sustainability

08:42 Urgent Changes in Food Policy

15:34 Energy Policy and Politics

20:08 Inspiration and Mentorship

24:17 Advice to High School Self

In today’s episode, we welcome Mrs. Frey Dagne, a film director and actress best known for her 2021 short film Raine. Though she always carried a deep passion for filmmaking, Dagne reflects on how breaking into the industry required full immersion. She learned to study films relentlessly to understand the nuances of the whole business and slowly gain credibility. Dagne unpacks how her acting experience informed her leadership as a director, particularly in her most complex work Raine, where she helmed being the lead director, main character, and first time screenwriter. Dagne also analyzes the delicate balance of weighing constructive feedback from peers while preserving one’s own story arc and narrative: “ You have to map the road before you talk to other people… you have to have your own idea. You have to see your picture on your paper. And you have to protect your writing.” She explains how remaining independent from studioheads in Hollywood keeps her films raw and vulnerable, ensuring the films reflect the narrative she is committed to portraying, such as the Ethiopian culture in Raine. She notes, “[As Ethiopians] we have so much more to offer than what people see on TV or social media.” Dagne concludes by speaking to the responsibility she feels as a film director to take bold risks in casting and to foster an inviting environment and family-like partnership between actors. 

0:00 Early Life and Introduction

4:21 Studying and Understanding the Film Industry

5:43 Discussing Mainstream Narratives 

8:11 Raine: Idea to Production

11:18 Building and Managing a Production Team

12: 39 Shifting Between Macro and Micro Levels

17:35 A Tight and Rigid Industry

18:43 Taking Risks as a Director

24:30 Going Outside 

In today’s episode, we speak with Winnie Lu, Co-Founder of Fly Tot, known for its pioneering travel products. Drawing from her own long-haul flights between Asia and California, Lu shares how she identified a gap in the airline industry and validated a widespread need from fellow parents for comfort devices. She reflects on building the product organically and iterating the initial business model for greater ease and a less cumbersome travel experience. Lu talks about the challenges of integrating her product globally into a restrictive airline industry while simultaneously leveraging the rise of social media campaigns at the time to market her product. With a long-standing interest in language and culture, Lu reflects how this deep passion became a natural gateway to international business and the traveling sector. She also discusses the important pursuit of obtaining a patent; despite the difficulty of fully preventing knockoffs (through a legal path), she offers insights into the reality of all sides to her business. Lu tells aspiring entrepreneurs to “believe in yourself and put in the hard work. You have the time. You have the energy to do it.”

0:00 Early Life and Introduction

2:06 Fly Tot and Company Mission

4:11 Iterating and Working with IATA ( International Air Transport Association)

6:16 Navigating a Restrictive Travel Industry

8:19 Lack of Airplane Comfort Devices

9:44 Customer Outreach, Testing Cycle, and Facebook Groups

10:56 Marketing to a Specific Audience

12:36 The Intersection of Her College Major and Company

13:14 Understanding Local Cultures and Languages 

13:54 Pursuing Patents and Global Protections

15:58 A Rewarding Journey and Concluding Stories

In this episode, we met with Dr. Christa Hasenkopf, Director of the Clean Air Program at the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago. Dr. Hasenkopf discusses her work at the intersection of air pollution policy and technology, discussing the global implications of air quality monitoring. She details her transition from academia to a career that integrates technology, policy, and environmental governance, highlighting her work in non-profits, private sectors, and governmental applications focusing on air quality and data transparency. She elaborates on her current responsibilities, the creation of the Air Quality Life Index, and the efforts under the Epic Air Quality Fund to improve air monitoring and transparency globally. Dr. Hasenkopf also reflects on her past roles at USAID and Open AQ, discussing the challenges of coordinating large-scale air quality strategies and making air quality data accessible and actionable. 

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:37 Dr. Hasenkopf's Career Journey

01:31 Transition to Applied Work

03:22 Current Role at UChicago

06:42 Founding the Clean Air Program

11:16 Challenges in Air Quality Monitoring

14:17 Open Data and Government Collaboration

16:44 Role at USAID

23:07 Future Steps and Advice

25:54 Final Thoughts and Farewell

In this episode we’re joined by Ida Hempel, Vice President at Galvanize Climate Solutions. Ida shares her journey of working at the intersection of climate, technology, and investment, sharing how her passion for the natural environment converged with her interest in clean energy and climate tech. Ida shares her experience building an institutional-scale investment firm tailored for energy transition and climate solutions. She explores the challenges and strategies of scaling climate solutions sustainably, citing examples like Arable, a company that supports precision agriculture through innovative soil sensors. Ida also touches on important topics such as AI's environmental impact, the role of data in decarbonization, global policy differences, and emerging fields in sustainability. Highlighting key mentors in her career, she offers valuable advice on following one's passions and maintaining individuality in a rapidly evolving world.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:10 Career Beginnings and Passion for Climate Solutions

01:13 Role at Galvanize and Day-to-Day Work

02:07 Balancing Fast Scaling with Sustainability

03:54 Corporate Climate Leadership and Incentives

05:46 Collective Action and Decarbonization

08:05 AI and Sustainability Paradox

10:46 Impact of Energy Policy Changes

13:01 Global Perspective on Sustainability

14:24 Emerging Fields in Sustainability

16:28 Role Models and Career Advice

18:33 Measuring Success and Final Thoughts

Today we’re speaking to Professor VanRiper, Lecturer of Environmental Studies and Co-Director of the Sustainability Exchange at Washington University in St. Louis. Professor VanRiper discusses her passion for sustainable sanitation and systems thinking, highlighting her international work and interdisciplinary approaches to community-based conservation. VanRiper’s research in container-based sanitation in Haiti demonstrates the impact of immersive fieldwork and collaboration with local communities. She emphasizes the importance of equity in global partnerships, appropriate technology in economically and environmentally insecure areas, and the role of students in driving positive change. The episode concludes with VanRiper's advice for engaging with politics to understand the regulatory frameworks influencing industrial operations.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:08 Discovering a Passion for Sustainable Sanitation

01:52 Current Work at Wash U

04:23 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Approaches

06:42 Global Collaboration and Equity in Research

10:13 Appropriate Technology for Sanitation

15:12 Container-Based Sanitation in Haiti

22:52 Empowering Students and Future Hopes

24:04 Role Models and Final Advice