Teaching ethics is an integral part of higher education, but thinking about ethics—and applying it in a meaningful way—is a life-long endeavor. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Vernon C. Smith, Provost of American Public University System, about how ethics affect all areas of society. Learn about the role of ethics when making career decisions, the need for ethics to guide technological advancement, and much more.

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Many people feel uncomfortable with public speaking, but realize it’s something they’ll have to do in their professional life. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU communications professor Myeisha Grady about strategies to improve public speaking skills, even for someone who is an introvert. Learn about stepping out of your comfort zone, shifting to a positive mindset, seeking out trusted mentors to help you, organizing a speech so it’s effective, and improving with each public speaking opportunity.

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The television and film industries have changed dramatically in recent years, largely due to the growth of streaming services. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Amanda McClain about the influence of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney Plus and others. Learn how these platforms have allowed for the innovative creation of content by focusing on niche audiences, caused major changes to advertising, and had significant long-term implications on traditional cable companies.

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How do you study religion objectively and without bias? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU religion professor Robert King about applying the lens of academic disciplines like sociology, anthropology, and philosophy to better understand the ideologies, beliefs and practices of different religions. Learn about the study of new religious movements, the problems with using words like “cult” and “paganism,” and how religious studies can help students think critically in a fair and objective way. 

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For many, the Capitol riot was the predictable outcome of years of growing anger among people who felt marginalized and dismissed. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Political Science Program Director Dr. Tom Kelly about what fueled this incident including the role of the mainstream news media and the power—and limitations—of social media. Learn how it has become increasingly difficult to discuss opposing political viewpoints in public forums as well as in the classroom, and what that means for the future of the country’s democracy.

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Taking an objective approach to learning about different religions can lead to a greater connection with other humans. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Religion and Philosophy professor Dr. Achilles Gacis about the unique diversity of religion in Hawaii. He also talks about the educational benefits of religious studies, how a deeper knowledge of religions can lead to greater understanding among people, and more.

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Many different things can contribute to a person's sense of identity including culture, location, ethnicity, religion, and more. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU English professor Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the concept of intersectionality, which allows people to understand how their own identity can change based on differing circumstances and why it's so important to be open-minded in order to understand other people's identities and backgrounds.

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Why do nations still wage war against each other? Is it important or beneficial for politicians to have military experience? In this episode, APU professor Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Larry Parker, who spent 24 years in the Marine Corps, about the national security strategy to protect the homeland. Also learn what issues lead to war and armed conflict, why it’s so important to understand other cultures, and the ethical side of war and conflict.

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Were labor unions successful in improving the quality of life for working-class people? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to history professor Dr. Jeffrey Leatherwood about the history of labor unions in the Carolinas. Hear about the turbulent and often violent efforts to form unions including the infamous Charlotte massacre of August 25, 1919 and how such efforts relate to present-day unions. 

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Social media has become a powerful communication tool that influences how people think about social, political, and cultural issues. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to AMU communications professor Dr. Allison Slade about the rise of popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, and how people are increasingly relying on these sites for news and information. Learn how social media is contributing to the increasing divisiveness in the U.S. and why it is more important than ever to be a critical media consumer.

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