PlayGround

In this episode of PlayGround, I interview Dr. Peter Wakefield, an interdisciplinary studies professor at Emory University. Dr. Wakefield reminisces about his years in St. Paul, Minnesota, talking about growing up with four sisters, his relationship with his parents, and his interests in Nordic sports and cycling. We then steer the conversation more towards his academic interests of ancient philosophy, particularly Aristotle and Plato, and his role of being a father to his two kids. This episode sheds a new light on Dr. Wakefield as a son, a brother, a husband, and a father, rather than the professor we most know and love him for, so you do not want to miss this episode! 

In this episode of PlayGround, I interview Rose Deighton, who I met through the IDEAS Fellowship at Emory University. Rose is a graduate student at Emory studying Sufism and Gender. In this episode, we discuss Rose's childhood in a small town in Canada, her figure skating years, and her interests in the intersections of feminism, religion, and spirituality. We connect figure skating to her academic aspirations of becoming a teacher and discuss the meaning of life. After listening to this episode, you may have some existential thoughts and start re-thinking your life's purpose, so you do not want to miss this episode! 

In this episode of PlayGround, I interview Trey Brown, a good high school friend of mine. After we reconnect, Trey reflects on the ongoing struggle for racial equality happening across the country. In addition, he graces the podcast with his classic inspirational talks, a source of positivity much needed in these trying times. This episode endeavors to give Trey an open platform to amplify his meaningful voice on important matters, including the Black Lives Matter movement and the current protests. To learn more about the movement and the ways in which you can support the cause and educate yourself, please click on this link.  

In this episode of PlayGround, I interview Aviral Somani, a good friend of mine from high school. He is a rising senior at Vanderbilt University studying computer science and business. We discuss the present and future of the pandemic, artificial intelligence, and humanity's relationship with technology at large. The episode is philosophical and confusing at times, just like life (and my friendship with Aviral), and will encourage you to think about how our lives might look like post-pandemic. We also discuss Aviral's childhood passion for tinkering and creating and how that has developed throughout the years and will develop into the future. 

In this episode of PlayGround, I interview one of my high school friends - Ileana Valdez! Ileana is a rising senior at Yale University studying computer science. We talk about her interests in business and computer science, and how she has combined the two over the years. Ileana is passionate about making a difference in the world and helping others feel connected. Towards the end of the episode, we talk about her startup, OkZoomer, an online dating service born out of the current pandemic and quarantine. Ileana explains her vision for the startup, and how it connects with her childhood passions! 

In this episode of PlayGround, I interview Vyas, a rising senior at Emory University. Vyas is studying English and quantitative sciences with a concentration in neuroscience. Since his childhood, Vyas has been fascinated by death and what happens to us after we die. We discuss moral actions, and if they have any say into an afterlife. Our topics of discussion range from philosophy to religion to literature. Vyas is studying to become a doctor one day and has some philosophical thoughts you do not want to miss in this episode! 

In this episode of PlayGround, I have a conversation with Abhi, who recently graduated from Emory University. Abhi describes his passion for medicine as well as geography/history. We have a deep conversation about his interests in geography/history, especially in regard to India. He also explains why he is passionate about learning different languages and cultures. At the end of the episode, Abhi lets us know how he is using his time during quarantine to be productive. Follow @activequarantime on Instagram to learn more about the website he has built! 

In this week's episode of PlayGround, Josh and I have a thought-provoking conversation on the duality of life and death and how this has shaped Josh’s perspective on his own life, Christianity and its influences in his childhood, and his philosophy on love. Josh is a rising sophomore at Emory University, studying to become a nurse, which aligns with his philosophical beliefs. The conversation becomes more deep the more you listen to it, so you definitely do not want to miss this week's episode! 

In this episode of PlayGround, I interview one of my best friends at Emory - Lydia! She tells stories of sleeping with bears, getting stuck in an elevator, and other childhood shenanigans in Vail, Colorado. She also explains how she has many homes across the world, and why she calls Emory one of these homes. Lydia is a fun person to talk to, and she has some crazy stories to share, so you do not want to miss this episode! She is a rising senior who wants to become a foreign service aid officer one day.