As a troubling pattern appears to have emerged, we have long felt it would be necessary to discuss the recurrent issue of mass shootings in the United States. Though there is tremendous controversy surrounding the solutions to the problem, the greater issue draws widespread concern and doubts about our nation as both a political and social entity. This week, we welcome Alex Piper to share some of his perspectives after working with Everytown for Gun Safety, as well as his opinions on the larger issue as portrayed by mass media. Are there solutions to the stalemate in dialogue? Are there cultural factors which allow for these incidents in the United States in particular? How does one cope with the tremendous emotional weight associated with such tragedies and also contribute to the larger conversation or effort?

As a troubling pattern appears to have emerged, we have long felt it would be necessary to discuss the recurrent issue of mass shootings in the United States. Though there is tremendous controversy surrounding the solutions to the problem, the greater issue draws widespread concern and doubts about our nation as both a political and social entity. This week, we welcome Alex Piper to share some of his perspectives after working with Everytown for Gun Safety, as well as his opinions on the larger issue as portrayed by mass media. Are there solutions to the stalemate in dialogue? Are there cultural factors which allow for these incidents in the United States in particular? How does one cope with the tremendous emotional weight associated with such tragedies and also contribute to the larger conversation or effort?

In an ever-growing and interconnected world, a glimpse outside of our social groups and inner worlds can remind each of us of the vast oceans of strangers in our world. Some consider this idea with understandable fear, but this week Olivia Sanabria joins us to help explore this conception of "the stranger". In what ways is it a mental framework with which to maintain a clear and digestible worldview? Is there are respectful and acceptable manner in which to approach those we would like to know but do not yet? What can our beliefs about those who are strangers indicate about our own perspectives and opinions? To our listeners: How do you define strangers? What is your protocol when interacting with strangers and do you tend to avoid such interactions?

In an ever-growing and interconnected world, a glimpse outside of our social groups and inner worlds can remind each of us of the vast oceans of strangers in our world. Some consider this idea with understandable fear, but this week Olivia Sanabria joins us to help explore this conception of "the stranger". In what ways is it a mental framework with which to maintain a clear and digestible worldview? Is there are respectful and acceptable manner in which to approach those we would like to know but do not yet? What can our beliefs about those who are strangers indicate about our own perspectives and opinions? To our listeners: How do you define strangers? What is your protocol when interacting with strangers and do you tend to avoid such interactions?

In an ever-growing and interconnected world, a glimpse outside of our social groups and inner worlds can remind each of us of the vast oceans of strangers in our world. Some consider this idea with understandable fear, but this week Olivia Sanabria joins us to help explore this conception of "the stranger". In what ways is it a mental framework with which to maintain a clear and digestible worldview? Is there are respectful and acceptable manner in which to approach those we would like to know but do not yet? What can our beliefs about those who are strangers indicate about our own perspectives and opinions? To our listeners: How do you define strangers? What is your protocol when interacting with strangers and do you tend to avoid such interactions?

This week, Phoebe Lewis returns for the second entry in our series "For Non-Gamers". She played through the critically-acclaimed success, Gone Home - a narrative exploration of a fictitious Oregonian family set in the summer of 1995. Because of her limited exposure to gaming as a pastime, we asked Phoebe about her initial impressions and discuss the similarities between the game, films and books which all contain similar storytelling elements. We also discuss the biases about gaming which this title helps disprove and how Gone Home helps model games as multimedia experiences and not as narrow entertainment. In what ways does this title illuminate first person experience as conveyed in video games? How do we conceive of the decorations and items in our houses as extensions of our families and our lives?

This week, Phoebe Lewis returns for the second entry in our series "For Non-Gamers". She played through the critically-acclaimed success, Gone Home - a narrative exploration of a fictitious Oregonian family set in the summer of 1995. Because of her limited exposure to gaming as a pastime, we asked Phoebe about her initial impressions and discuss the similarities between the game, films and books which all contain similar storytelling elements. We also discuss the biases about gaming which this title helps disprove and how Gone Home helps model games as multimedia experiences and not as narrow entertainment. In what ways does this title illuminate first person experience as conveyed in video games? How do we conceive of the decorations and items in our houses as extensions of our families and our lives?

This week, Phoebe Lewis returns for the second entry in our series "For Non-Gamers". She played through the critically-acclaimed success, Gone Home - a narrative exploration of a fictitious Oregonian family set in the summer of 1995. Because of her limited exposure to gaming as a pastime, we asked Phoebe about her initial impressions and discuss the similarities between the game, films and books which all contain similar storytelling elements. We also discuss the biases about gaming which this title helps disprove and how Gone Home helps model games as multimedia experiences and not as narrow entertainment. In what ways does this title illuminate first person experience as conveyed in video games? How do we conceive of the decorations and items in our houses as extensions of our families and our lives?

Because intellectual capability is often a marker of individual value and aptitude, the title of "genius" is a highly complimentary term. But in what ways do we label others and their work as genius only to gloss over nuance and complexity as a result? Are there ways in which each of us possess genius but deny ourselves that pride in the face of more overt and compelling examples? This week we welcome Sam Graf to discuss the idea of alternative genius and it what ways in might expand our conventional definitions of genius. Are there moral components to demonstrating one's genius? Does the genius have an obligation to share their gifts and talents with their society?

Because intellectual capability is often a marker of individual value and aptitude, the title of "genius" is a highly complimentary term. But in what ways do we label others and their work as genius only to gloss over nuance and complexity as a result? Are there ways in which each of us possess genius but deny ourselves that pride in the face of more overt and compelling examples? This week we welcome Sam Graf to discuss the idea of alternative genius and it what ways in might expand our conventional definitions of genius. Are there moral components to demonstrating one's genius? Does the genius have an obligation to share their gifts and talents with their society?