Science is now uncovering the myriad ways that exercise impacts the brain. For less stress, improved cognition and a “feel-better” effect, there’s nothing quite like movement to boost mental health.

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Read expert tips on how best to stick with your exercise routine.

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The monthly Inspire Podcast asks Ohio State's Education and Human Ecology experts — and everyday heroes — about the issues that people encounter in life: mental and physical health, inequity, lifelong learning, raising and teaching children.  To discover why ... and why not? Because hidden in our dilemmas and most complex problems are exquisite solutions. 

The provocative and high-powered music genre that turned 50 this year can be used to teach almost anything — if you first embrace its cultural relevance 

Listen to playlists of hip-hop songs recommended by Assistant Professor Jason Rawls and Professor Elaine Richardson, and those that appear in this episode: ⁠YouTube or Spotify

Credits: GloRilla, FSG Rell, Naz, Elaine Richardson, Kendrick Lamar, Skepta feat. JME, Megan Thee Stallion, feat. Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, Ray Wimley, Sa-Roc, Flau’Jae, Mumu Fresh, James Brown, Grandmaster Funk, C Psylince and Talib Kweli. 

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Young people need stories that reflect their lives, experts say. Using censorship to deny that representation can have dangerous consequences.

Link to transcript. Read a National Council of Teachers of English article about continuing efforts to preserve intellectual freedom.

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Noah and Asho scaled incredible obstacles just to make it to college. Somehow, they never gave up. How two students beat the odds, and the people who helped them believe in possibilities.

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One elusive emotion reveals that individuals aren’t the center of the universe. Then, it makes us feel calmer, more connected and happier

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See a playlist of songs that Education and Human Ecology faculty and staff find awe-inspiring, or read why listeners like the selections and watch the music videos.

Photo by Marek Piwnicki

Why do some people — especially kids — fiddle with, wince at and despise the very foods that science tells us are most healthful? Here's how to get finicky types to give meatloaf and other 'yucky' foods a chance

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Students say they’re learning about sex from a variety of places — but not where they should be. There’s a better way to teach American youth, researchers say

Caution: This podcast episode mentions suicide. 

Read about Ohio State research detailing questions middle-schoolers asked about sex.

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College students shape and strengthen their beliefs by interacting with peers from different faith backgrounds. That’s a very good thing, research shows. 

Click here to see a list of Ohio State University prayer and meditation spaces.

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Hope. School belongingness. More trained professionals. We know how to fix the mental health challenges facing American youth. So why aren't more schools putting those strategies to work?

Credits: CBS News; National Public Radio

Notes: Partnering with Families to Support Mental Health: Research-based Strategies for Educators by the College of Education and Human Ecology’s Center on Education and Training Employment. Click through to tables of evidence-based protective factors, proven to help youth navigate mental health challenges.   

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