In this episode of The Spool Podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer and Scott Farber, founder of Generations Broadcasting, explore how cities, wars, and culture have shaped the modern world. From the explosive growth of urban centers in the 1800s to the technological and societal impacts of World War I and II, this conversation dives into the forces that transformed human identity and daily life.

🧠 Discover how:

1. Urbanization redefined social life and mental health

2. Coffeehouses sparked revolutions and the Enlightenment

3. World Wars accelerated innovation in media

4. The humanities help us understand who we are and where we’re going

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer and Scott Farber, founder of Generations Broadcasting, explore the profound societal shifts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its impact on education. The conversation covers generational differences in freedom and risk, and Dean Roemer’s youthful adventures hitchhiking across Europe. The episode also touches on the evolving relationship between humanity and technology, and the cultural revolution sparked by music icons from Bob Dylan to Taylor Swift. Roemer highlights how music has shaped identity, community, and artistic expression across generations.

Join Dr. Nils Roemer and W.J.T. Mitchell, a renowned scholar, art historian and longtime faculty member at the University of Chicago, as they explore the cultural power of games, the immersive nature of images, and AI as a human creation we can shape for good. From sandcastles to Minecraft, this episode of the Spool podcast dives into how play, perception, and technology shape who we are – and who we might become.

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with author, educator, and writer Tim Cloward to discuss his book, The City That Killed the President, which explores the cultural history of Dallas and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, in November 1963. The conversation delves into the ways the assassination has left a lasting impact on the city, creating a complex legacy that Dallas continues to grapple with. 

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer welcomes Gram Tinashe Makwarimba, the visionary behind the African Vibration Music Festival, which will be hosted May 2–3 at the Bass School at UT Dallas. Joining them is Torry Abra, the festival’s Public Speaking Official. Together, they dive into the origin story of the festival, Gram's bold vision, and what attendees can look forward to this year. The fest will include DJs representing every region of Africa, a thought-provoking forum addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and ways we can contribute to meaningful change, live performances from eight confirmed bands, and more!

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Bob Pearson, Senior Counselor of the Next Solutions Group, author, teacher, and advisor. Together, they explore the essentials of crafting a brand, sharing the do’s and don’ts of brand-building. Looking toward the future, Pearson discusses the evolving role of AI and its massive potential in the coming years. He dives into the critical issue of misinformation and offers tips on how to detect and manage it effectively. Pearson makes the case for universities to embrace AI more quickly.

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer talks with Laura Kim, assistant professor of visual and performing arts at the Bass School, about identity, its fluidity, and how it is shaped by our environment. They explore the building and deconstructing of identity as an ongoing process of learning. The conversation dives into the impact of technology on our relationships and self-perception, as everything becomes performative. Dr. Kim also shares her project Kinmakers: Hidden Songs in Our Mother's Dreams at the Crow Museum of Asian Art in the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum at UT Dallas, where she explores quantum listening and the connection between body, time, and generations. Learn more about the “Kinmakers” exhibit and quantum listening: https://utd.link/30v

In this episode of The Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer and Scott Farber, founder of Generations Broadcasting, discuss the liberating musical landscape of the 1970s, examining how it fostered new social spaces where people could gather and express themselves. The conversation covers the transformative role of the 1950s in shaping modern music, linking it to broader trends in the arts, humanities, and technology – such as the radio enabling emerging bands to connect with new audiences and spread their music. They explore how art and music have long served as vehicles for storytelling, emphasizing the power of narrative in moving us.

In this episode of The Spool Podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Dr. David Hanson, a UTD alum, visionary innovator, and creator of robots. Dr. Hanson shares the journey of how he began developing lifelike skin for robots in his own home, before founding his company and having labs. He discusses his vision for AI that not only mimics life but appreciates it, enabling machines to grow smarter, faster, and more effectively. Dr. Hanson explains the importance of unlocking the 'codes' of compassion and wisdom within AI. He also paints a future where robots are designed to have strong social interaction capabilities, fostering a human-like presence. By humanizing robots, Dr. Hanson believes we can maintain our connection to humanity, urging us to see robots as friends rather than mere tools. 

In this episode of The Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Dr. Aaron Dotson BS’15, a UT Dallas neuroscience graduate who minored in music at the Bass School at the University, to discuss how music and science shaped his journey to becoming a skilled eye surgeon. Dr. Dotson shares how both disciplines contributed to enhancing his hand-eye coordination and surgical precision. He also reflects on his experiences shadowing his mother's physician, who not only taught him the art of medicine, but also the importance of being a compassionate and ethical person. Dr. Dotson talks about his decision to study at UT Dallas and the importance of building a personal board of directors or a support system. Over the years, he has mentored over 100 aspiring ophthalmologists and plans to continue doing so throughout his career.To learn more about the Bass School at UT Dallas, go to https://bass.utdallas.edu/