Tartan Talks

Tartan Talks

By Christopher LaFuriaEducation
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Tartan Talks episodes

  • A Lifetime of Service
    How can you possibly put into words the impact of a lifetime of service to the United States Armed Forces.
    That's what we're going to try and do today, with interviews of two Edinboro University administrators with nearly 30 years of military experience between them. Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Kavanagh and Major Andrew Matt join "Tartan Talks" today to talk about their "A-ha" moment in the military, what it was like during boot camp and how to maintain lifelong relationships.
    Military personnel and veterans comprise a giant percentage of faculty, staff and students at Edinboro – and these two individuals represent the best qualities of leadership, commitment and loyalty that makes us proud to celebrate their accomplishments.
    55 min
  • Right in the Middle of the Middle East
    Dr. Baher Ghosheh is Edinboro University's resident expert on the Middle East. Born and raised in Jerusalem and educated in the economic development and international relations on the Middle East, Dr. Ghosheh has taught geography and Middle Eastern studies at Edinboro since 1989.
    In a change to our normal "Tartan Talks" format, Dr. Ghosheh joins us via Zoom to discuss the history of the region and how the United States became involved in the 20th Century. He also discusses how the Arab Spring protests changed the landscape of social interaction and news media in the Middle East.
    Find out why it's crucial to understanding this oftentimes-chaotic region and what the ramifications are in the near future.
    44 min
  • Breaking the Stigma of Stuttering with Puppets

    Actor James Earl Jones. Actress Emily Blunt. NBA all-star Bill Walton. Singer Ed Sheeran. Former vice president Joe Biden. What do all of these individuals have in common?

    They have a stutter. 

    Stuttering impacts 5% of all children in the United States, and the condition stays through adulthood for 1% of the population. Often misunderstood by the public, stuttering is a disability that affects communication pathways in the brain. More significantly are the social impacts that those who stutter face everyday.

    Today we spoke with Dr. Mary Weidner, from Edinboro University's Communications Sciences and Disorders program on "Tartan Talks." She explained how she uses puppetry and theater to not only comfort those who stutter, but also to inform the public – and children – about the impacts of stuttering.

    Music and lyrics by Seana and James Hollingsworth.

    33 min
  • Learning Your True Altitude
    When Dr. Korey Kilburn prepares to take flight in his two-seat Cessna, he goes over his flight plan, reviews the maintenance of his plane and checks the weather one last time. Many thoughts run through his head before takeoff. But is he worried? Not necessarily.
    Dr. Kilburn is a math and computer science professor at Edinboro, and he also has his pilot's license. He joins "Tartan" Talks today to chat about his path to aviation and how he grew up in a family of pilots.
    Although some might fear flying or might worry about their friends flying planes, this isn't the case for Kilburn – who considers air travel just another form of transportation.
    36 min
  • Black History Month – Maintaining and sharing cultural identity
    What does it mean to fully embrace Black History Month? What would you say if someone claims we don't need a month for Black History?
    This week's episode of "Tartan Talks" features a live chat with LaTessa McClendon, George Morgan III and Pertrina Marrero, from Edinboro University, who share their stories of Black History Month and what it's like sharing a cultural identity with peers and the next generation.
    This is the first episode with an accompanying video of the interview. Head over to YouTube for the entire video interview: https://youtu.be/zQzITiMX470.
    54 min
  • Architecture and the Art of Space
    Wherever you are sitting right now – whether it’s at your bedroom desk or on the couches in the Pogue Student Center – ask yourself why you chose that particular spot. Your physical place in the world is a mixture of conscious and subconscious choices, whether you know it or not. Your location can affect your mood, your personality, your grades and your actions.
    So what does this mean for a college campus? Dr. Jim Wertz, associate dean of Edinboro University’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, joins us on Tartan Talks on Tuesday to discuss the history of Edinboro’s campus architecture and why having a sense of space can alter your outlook. Download Tartan Talks – Episode 10 wherever you listen to podcasts.
    51 min
  • The Life and Creativity of Alex Ho
    "The United States gave me a chance to believe in myself, because we value the ideals of who you are as an individual."
    Alex Ho graduated in December 2019 from Edinboro University. In the years before earning his diploma, Alex immigrated to the United States with is family, joined the military to serve his country, earned multiple awards and honors for his video/photography work, and landed his first professional gig at National Geographic.
    Today on Tartan Talks, Alex discusses what it's like learning new cultures and how finding his community of like-minded artists at Edinboro helped him succeed.
    He'll also tell us the crazy, chance meeting that eventually led to his first job.
    Hear more stories about Edinboro University students and faculty member at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks.
    39 min
  • Happy Extraterrestrial Holidays!
    The winter sky is one of the most majestic sights for astronomers and curious onlookers. In fact, many of our holidays that we celebrate in the United States and across the globe were scheduled around the stars and planets.
    Today, Tartan Talks presents a special holiday episode with Dr. David Hurd and Jacob Salis, from Edinboro University's Planetarium – who discuss why the winter sky is absolutely breathtaking. They will also discuss the winter solstice, why millions celebrate Christmas in December, and where exactly Santa Claus might be at this very moment.
    This is the final episode of 2019, and we look forward to being back in January. Thanks for listening!
    35 min
  • The Science of Education and Progress
    Dr. Kiran Misra joins us on Tartan Talks to describe her experience as a female scientist from northern India.
    Born into a culture that hadn’t fully accepted women in academics, this professor in Edinboro University’s Biology and Health Services Department decided she would shatter all cultural norms to pursue higher education and make a difference.
    The result? Almost all sweet corn grown and raised in the United States features a gene that was identified and developed by Dr. Misra.
    From her graduate and doctorate-level research at Cornell University to her current projects in India, Dr. Misra has used her education, experience and opportunities to maximize the effects of implementing best farming practices. She is an expert on plant genetics and plant breeding, and teaching biology to science majors and non-science majors.
    Currently, she’s working with rural farmers in India to develop organic farming methods for soil with severely high salt content.
    27 min
  • Mr. Rogers: A Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood

     Mr. Rogers visited the living rooms of children across the United States, wearing his trademark red cardigan sweater and casual – yet loving – smile. Before sharing his gift of storytelling and puppetry, this kind-hearted television host would change into his basic canvas shoes while singing about being a happy neighbor.

    The beloved TV icon is celebrated across the United States for his calm but authoritative look at racism, divorce, sibling rivalries and death. This month, Sony Pictures is launching “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” starring Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers. The film takes a look at magazine writer Tom Junod’s quest for a feature article on the television personality for Esquire Magazine.

    As we prepare for the release of the film here on Tartan Talks, we revisit Mr. Rogers’ 1998 visit to Edinboro University, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate for public service. He also delivered an acceptance speech that left the audience completely silent in adoration.

    Please enjoy this life-changing presentation and discover just what Fred Rogers means to Edinboro University and generations of kindhearted kids.

    23 min

About Tartan Talks

From the publisher's feed

A storytelling podcast from Edinboro University. Hosted by Christopher LaFuria.