Our Global Campus: Engage the World Through Illinois

In this episode, we explore how climate change is more than just a scientific or political issue—it’s deeply personal and cultural. Co-hosts Jasmine and Ashish are joined by Dr. Trujillo-Falcón, a climate communication researcher, along with students Lhea Assria and Lyba Akhtar. Together, they unpack how identity, language, geography, and tradition shape how we understand and respond to climate change. From rural-urban divides to multilingual communication, this conversation highlights the power of cultural resilience and the everyday actions that make a difference.

We are thrilled to introduce "House of Cultures," a brand-new series where we take you inside the vibrant cultural centers of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. To help us premiere this new series, Dr. Charlotte Davidson, the Director of the Native American House, and Graduate Student Ambassador, David Eby, will help us uncover the experiences, resources, and deep sense of community they offer to students. We enlighten ourselves to the various ways the Native American House embodies powerful histories, values, and a mission that shapes the experience of on-campus cultural immersion and appreciation for all.

Join the OGC hosts alongside our special guest, David Martinez, as we introduce our fields of study and delve into the deeper questions surrounding them. Together, we explore the motivations behind our academic pursuits, the challenges posed by the dominance of English and Western ideologies, and how we aspire to apply our knowledge in real life.

Language is more than just words—it’s the key to connection, culture, and community. In this episode, we unravel the fascinating ways language shapes our world, from the art of navigating cross-cultural conversations to the highs and lows of learning a new tongue. Three bilingual students—Toni Ishola, Kexin Wang, and Carlos Hernandez—from diverse walks of life articulate a unifying message— the strongest ally to exponentially increased connection is language. Join us for a lively discussion packed with insights, stories, and surprising revelations about the power of words to bridge boundaries and transform lives.

With the 2024 Presidential Election looming over the nation, discussions concerning the presidential candidates perpetually surround us. But Policy, Democracy, and Personal Autonomy impact our everyday lives, extending far beyond a singular outcome. So how do our racial identities directly influence our political ideologies and perceptions? In this episode, PhD students, Alesha Lewis and Qiaoyi Nie, will identify why ethnicity plays a substantial role in politics, then address the never-ending debate of inclusion vs. qualification, all while providing insight on how to decipher the often-conflicting nature of various media outlets.

As Nikia Brown passes the podcast torch to new co-hosts Ashish Gaur and Jasmine Morkeh, they kick off season 5 by revisiting Cindy Wilson, the author of Too Much Soul, to unpack the topic of “Multicultural Circumstance.” Throughout the episode, Cindy shares her perspective on her struggles with social identity and belonging while growing up in the South with an African American family as a Korean adoptee. She advocates for listeners to explore various aspects of their own identity to embody openness as they engage in meaningful relationships with diverse communities.

Can corporations ever be “good”? Or will the pursuit of profit always stand in the way? In this episode, guest hosts, Isabel and Sameer from the Global Leaders Program, engage in a discussion about corporate social responsibility (CSR) with Dr. Charles Fogelman, professor of Global Studies at the University of Illinois who researches the relationship between land and people. During the podcast, the trio tackle pressing ideas related to CSR in Global South countries, diving into Professor Fogelman’s research in Lesotho, South Africa. Also, they uncover the role of the average consumer in the larger global economy, and what responsibility we can all claim as citizens of a capitalist system. Through the guiding lens of John Ruggie's book, Just Business: Multinational Corporations and Human Rights, this podcast unravels the truth behind CSR. Is it a real vehicle for change, or simply a passing fad?

One word commonly used to describe the study abroad experience is “transformative.” While this holds true, there are many shades to the immersive foreign experience that are often overlooked or unreported. In this episode, Global Studies graduating senior, Eva Sypsis, and podcast host, Nikia Brown, take a behind-the-scenes look at some of the challenges that accompany education abroad. They underscore the importance yet difficulty of taking risks with language learning and navigating cultural identities stigmatized by the host society. As you listen in, you quickly learn that the transformative nature of study abroad is not attributed solely to the adventures and joys of traversing life abroad, but also the resilience and clarity gained through overcoming unforeseen obstacles.

Language and culture are “intertwined, interconnected, and they can never be separated,” asserts Jude (Duah) Mensah, a PhD student in UIUC’s French Second Language Acquisition and Teaching Education program. In this episode, Jude’s passion for language learning and teaching is neatly juxtaposed with his thoughts on language as a vehicle for cross-cultural connection. Listen closely as he situates complex linguistic concepts into real-world examples that any language and culture enthusiast would appreciate.

“Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re