Significant Stories: Podcasting the History of Science

We explore the history and implications of aging research. First we review the evolution of the medical understanding of the aging process, then we conclude with a discussion of the ethics associated with current anti-aging proposals.

In Episode 3 of “Significant Stories: Health and Healing” co-hosts CJ and Nick discuss traditional and Western processes of medical discovery, as well as the unique and ancient history of the ma huang plant.

In Episode 2 of “Significant Stories: Health and Healing,” Chris interviews his friend Kamil to discuss cultural healing and healthcare access in the Afar region of Djibouti, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.

In Episode 1 of “Significant Stories: Health and Healing,” co-hosts Judy and Maia talk about biopiracy, the connections between Western and traditional medicine, and the legal battle that ensued in the 1990s when turmeric was granted a patent in the United States.

This episode is about the subjective language used by the West to describe the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in the global south. We dive into how countries like Senegal and Rwanda are leading the charge in COVID-19 management and innovation, despite skeptical coverage by Western media that might have you believe otherwise. We listen to news coverage from throughout the pandemic to facilitate a larger discussion about how the media plays an outsized role in shaping public opinion. 

In this episode, we dive into the environmental factors that contribute to the disproportionate incidence of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in minority communities. We explore the institutions and practices underlying the increased burden of pollution and other forms of environmental toxicity placed on communities of color. This episode features an interview with Kim Gaddy, an Environmental Justice Organizer for Clean Water Action of New Jersey. 

This episode discusses the hardships associated with creating a safe and effective learning environment for all children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students, teachers, and families must adapt to new forms of schooling amidst social distancing protocols, and these challenges are often amplified for students with disabilities. The episode features personal anecdotes and first-hand accounts from parents of children with disabilities about the unique challenges they and their children face.

Climate hazards — rising sea levels, worsening droughts, stronger storms — threaten to displace millions of people around the world over the next century and beyond. Many have already faced a wrenching choice: stay in a place or leave home behind? Music was produced by ​Crowander​ and ​Dexter Britain​ and downloaded from Freemusicarchive.org​.

What is home? It's the place where we rest, spend time with our loved ones, and make some of our favorite memories. The history of human dwellings starts thousands of years ago. So, how did we end up here? This episode will discuss the concept of home, in the past, present, and future.

There is a vast universe out there, but only one planet we currently call home. What about space urges us to look beyond? What about Earth causes us to stay firmly planted? This podcast will explore the phenomenon of space exploration curiosity as well as dive deeper into why the Earth is the perfect place for us to thrive as a species. Music was produced by ​InspectorJ​ and downloaded from ​Freesound.org.