OLLI at UNT Podcast

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Katherine Alsop, an Audiologist and Clinical Educator in UNT's Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. They have a wide-ranging discussion about hearing loss and the importance of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Dr. Alsop answers questions about hearing aids and shares some information about auditory training. Their conversation also covers some of the fascinating research into the relationship between hearing loss and health issues such as cognitive decline and fall risk.

To learn more about the UNT Speech & Hearing Center, visit https://hps.unt.edu/aslp/aslp-clinics.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email [email protected].

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. James Bednarz, Senior Avian Lecturer and Advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNT. They discuss Dr. Bednarz’s current research projects on the breeding ecology of a local Painted Bunting population and the wintering biology of the American Kestrel. He explains the important role these birds play in our ecosystem and why the decline of their populations is a cause for concern. Susan learns about an exciting secret research project Dr. Bednarz once participated in and the two discuss some of the latest efforts involved in protecting bird populations.

To read the Audubon Magazine article about Dr. Bednarz's research, visit https://www.audubon.org/magazine/spring-2023/the-perplexing-decline-american-kestrel.

To learn more about Dr. Bednarz's research on the Painted Bunting, please visit https://www.facebook.com/UNTPaintedBunting.

Information about the UNT Raptor Research Team that works with Dr. Bednarz on the American Kestrel, please visit https://www.facebook.com/UNTRaptorResearch.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, please visit https://olli.unt.edu or email [email protected].

In this episode, Susan speaks with Casey Shelton, Senior Researcher at the Monuments Men and Women Foundation for the Preservation of Art. They discuss Casey's background and how she came to work for the Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organization created to raise worldwide awareness about the service of the Monuments Men and Women, honor them for their achievements, and complete their unfinished mission of returning missing art to the rightful owners. Casey explains the Foundation's history, speaks about several of the accomplishments of the Monuments Men and Women, and discusses the Foundation's ongoing work.

To learn more about the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, visit https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/.

Information about the Foundation's WWII Most Wanted Art playing cards is available at https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/join-the-hunt/wwii-most-wanted.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email [email protected].

In this episode, Susan speaks with Tom Tweeddale. They discuss his career in aviation, which included teaching at a private pilot ground school and 36 years as an airline pilot. Mr. Tweeddale explains how his passion for U.S. history has led him to give lectures for libraries, colleges, and OLLI at UNT. He also describes how he got his start as a dance instructor.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email [email protected].

In this episode, Susan speaks with retired corporate attorney Jim Bays. A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School, Jim has turned his passionate interest in Thomas Jefferson and the legal foundation of the United States into several OLLI courses. He talks with Susan about the life of Jefferson and the series of compromises that were involved in creating a working constitution for the country.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email [email protected].

In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Michael Coble, Executive Director of the Center for Human Identification (CHI) at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth. They discuss the important work done at the CHI, including the forensic DNA testing they conduct for criminal casework and missing persons identification. Dr. Coble explains some of the latest advances in forensic science and describes how he came to work on high profile cases such as the 9/11 attacks and the identification of the missing Romanov children.

NOTE: This episode was recorded in February 2023.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email [email protected].

To learn more about the Center for Human Identification, visit https://www.unthsc.edu/center-for-human-identification/.

Our 16th spotlight features host Susan Supak's conversation with Russell Crews, President and CEO of CC Young Senior Living. Crews, who earned his MBA degree from UNT, came to CC Young after working for many years in public accounting. He tells Susan what drew him to CC Young and explains why he enjoys serving residents within its not-for-profit structure. He also reflects on the latest developments in senior living as CC Young celebrates its 100th anniversary. OLLI at UNT recently signed a three-year Partnership Agreement with CC Young, bringing our courses to their facilities in Dallas.

To learn more about CC Young, visit https://www.ccyoung.org/.

To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu.

In this episode, Susan interviews Dr. Nancy Little, a licensed professional counselor, author, and public speaker who specializes in boosting mind and body health to enhance quality of life and overall wellness. They have a wide-ranging conversation that covers many aspects of health, including some strategies for increasing self-awareness, generating a proactive mindset, and releasing attachment to unhealthy habits.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email [email protected].

The OLLI at UNT Retiree Spotlight Series is presented in partnership with the UNT Retiree Association. In this installment, Susan speaks with Dr. Lenora McCroskey, Professor Emeritus in the College of Music at UNT. Professor McCroskey taught organ and harpsichord at the university for nearly 30 years. She also served as Assistant Director of Early Music studies, teaching Baroque performance, continuo, and coaching chamber ensembles. She provides Susan with a brief history of the organ and harpsichord before tracing the path of her career.

To learn more about the UNT Retiree Association, visit untra.unt.edu.

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit olli.unt.edu.

This alumni spotlight episode highlights journalist, speechwriter, and strategic communications consultant Charlie Fern, who served as speechwriter for First Lady Laura Bush. She discusses the important lessons she learned as a student at UNT and how that training prepared her to transition from journalism to speechwriting. Charlie came to work for Mrs. Bush after a formative stint with Governor Ann Richards and her career took her all the way to the White House, where she was during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com

To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email [email protected].