The Everyday Scholar

Why did Putin invade Ukraine now? What is his goal and motivation? No one really knows, despite endless speculation in the media. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU political science professor Dr. Thomas Kelly about how the invasion of Ukraine has been influenced by the media. Listen to this engaging discussion about who’s more trustworthy, the American media or Russian media? Why do American politicians think the U.S. has to be involved in everything that goes on around the world and be the world's police?

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Earning a college degree can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Aikyna Finch talks to author Dr. Ouida McAfee about unique and easy ways to minimize the cost of a degree. Hear tips such as creating an academic plan by studying the academic catalog, testing out of courses, maximizing transfer credits, and taking advantage of university services. Also hear strategies for military students, transfer students, and students with disabilities.

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What is the best process for writing a scholarly paper for a college class? In this episode, Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth talks with Susan Hoffman, the University’s Quality Assurance Editor, about how to write research papers. Learn some useful tips about how to write a research paper and the resources available to University students.

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Recent controversy has highlighted the importance of proper representation for Native American and indigenous peoples. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Nicole Nesberg, APU history faculty and a member of the Sault tribe. Learn about name changes of two major sporting teams and the need for open conversation about representation as well as the appointment of Native Americans like Deb Haaland and Chuck Sams. Also learn about ongoing challenges for Native American and indigenous peoples to gain equally and adequate representation.

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Black History Month is a time to explore the many contributions of Black people to American culture. But do people tend to focus on all the extraordinary accomplishments and leave out the struggles and ongoing inequities? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the value of learning about Black history in a holistic way that includes talking about racism, exclusion, inequity and the struggles alongside the incredible accomplishments and contributions of Black people throughout American history.

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Every person has the capacity, experience and perspective to create good art. Those who pursue art often feel that they must create, and the art comes from somewhere beyond themselves. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to author and APU professor, Dr. Jackie Fowler, about being compelled to write, how it brings happiness along with frustration. Also learn how she teaches writing, the difference between critique and criticism, her creative process, and the importance of artists and their work evolving over time.

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Religion doesn’t often cause war, but it tends to emerge as a divisive tool used to identify differences between warring parties in support of the conflict. War is a universal human problem, and it may be surprising that Buddhist societies are no exception and have a long history of war, says religious scholar Dr. Christina Kilby. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to her about her work and research understanding the Buddhism approach to war and what non-Buddhists can learn about the conduct of war and governance. Learn how Buddhists apply the concept of equanimity even in wartime—the idea of non-discrimination, that all humans are equal and deserve dignity. Also learn about the gift of fearlessness, that a government’s rulers must be able to offer security to its people and protect civilians.

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Why is strength still associated with masculinity? In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to professor Dr. Larry D. Parker, Jr. about his 24-year career in the Marine Corps and the connection between strength and masculinity. Learn how cultural changes are changing the perception that strength, power, and strength are masculine traits and why it’s so important to emphasize that masculinity and maleness are two different things.

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Where does your news come from? Who’s reporting it and what are their biases? Applying critical thought to media is imperative in today’s world, says APU communication professor Haytham Al-Rabeah. In this episode, he talks to Dr. Bjorn Mercer about why everyone must improve their media literacy, how to identify and address blind spots, and how algorithms essentially create echo chambers that limits and tailors information that people receive. Learn how to balance your media sources while also using the power of the internet to find new communities and groups that can aid in your own personal development and self-discovery.

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Are there truly any absolute and universal morals? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to philosophy professor James Lendvay about moral relativism, the view that what people consider to be right and wrong depends on their own perspective or their cultural influences. If people just believe what they want to believe, how does that contribute to today’s divisive social environment? Can progress be made to find common ground?

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