These are polarized times. Fights over masks and vaccines, the debate over policing, immigration reform and the border situation – even in this new political era, partisan divides feel as wide as ever.

For Janet O’Shea, fighting may be the solution. She’s a professor in the UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance, and focuses on critical dance studies, performance, and the social and political contexts of martial arts.

In this episode of the UCLA Arts podcast Works In Progress, she talks about her own martial arts training, the value of competitive play, food politics and veganism, and her forthcoming book about physical risk and social justice.