To date this year, there have been 297 mass shootings in America, including the recent tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. In this episode, former U.S. Congressman Steve Israel and filmmaker Sarah Ullman, co-founder of the SuperPAC One Vote at a Time, offer their perspectives on gun violence and gun control—one of the most divisive issues in America today. Israel is the author of Big Guns, a satire of America’s gun lobby. Ullman is a 2010 graduate of Tufts University.

Dr. Daniel Kraft is a physician-scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, and innovator. With more than 25 years of experience in clinical practice, biomedical research, and healthcare innovation, Kraft envisions the reinvention of medical education, revolutions in dentistry, must-have technologies for parents—and the apps that could help change the lives of patients. He came to Tufts to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the School of Dental Medicine.

The 72nd Governor of Virginia and former chairman of the 2000 Democratic National Convention, Terry McAuliffe talks about his work to decrease gun violence and introduce criminal justice reform in Virginia. Also, hear his suggestions on how to get young people re-engaged in politics. McAuliffe spoke at an event co-sponsored by the Tufts Political Science department and JumboVote, the school’s “get-out-the-vote” initiative.

Congressman Joaquín Castro, a Texas democrat representing the 20th Congressional District, talks about civic life, the importance of the youth vote, the role of the United States in foreign affairs—and the best way to reach your elected officials. Castro also serves on the House Intelligence and Foreign Affairs Committees, and is First Vice Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. He came to Tufts as a guest of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the Tisch College of Civic Life.

Author and journalist Morgan Jerkins discusses switching between writing fiction and non-fiction, what interests her most as a writer, and her advice for young people. Jerkins is the author of The New York Times best-seller, "This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in White America." The book is a collection of essays that weave together her commentary on pop culture, feminism, African-American history, misogyny, and racism along with her own experiences.

Visual artist Angela Lorenz offers insights into artistic experimentation, discusses graffiti in ancient Rome, and relates an artistic tragedy involving graham crackers. Lorenz’s work Victorious Secret, a re-envisioning of an often misinterpreted Roman mosaic, is on view at Tisch Library. She dedicated the artwork to celebrate 40 years of Title IX and came to Tufts as a guest of the Consortium of Studies in Race, Colonialism, and Diaspora.