In this episode of The Prof Pod, we delve into the fascinating world of languages and cultural exploration with Professor Lindsey Manduano, an instructor of Spanish and German here at TU. Professor Manduano shares her journey of learning and teaching languages, from her early experiences hearing Hebrew and Japanese as a child, to her travels across the globe immersing herself in Greek, Italian, Korean, and more. With a deep passion for connecting with others through language, she has studied and worked with Spanish, French, German, Italian, Modern Greek, Farsi (Persian), Korean, Albanian, and Czech.

Professor Manduano reflects on her experiences abroad, emphasizing how language opens doors to understanding different cultures and perspectives. She shares stories about teaching in Chile, studying in Greece, and learning Korean in Seoul. Along the way, she offers practical advice for students, such as the importance of combining grammar with real-world practice, embracing mistakes, and exploring language through music, film, and literature. She also emphasizes that language-learning is for everyone, regardless of prior experiences, and how it requires dedication and time to master.

As someone of Albanian and Italian heritage, Professor Manduano underscores the transformative power of languages and emphasizes the importance of travel in broadening our worldviews. She reminds us that learning languages isn’t about perfection, but connection and communication.

Some of her favorite quotes include:

“You live a new life for every language you speak. If you know only one language, you live only once.” - Czech Writer Emil Cioran 

“If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. The extent to which you can walk in someone else’s shoes—or at least eat their food—it’s a plus for everybody. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.” - Anthony Bourdain

Interview Conducted and Edited by: Eleanor Hong & Ty DeVito

Marketing: Elle Illian

Music: Kolton Blaisure

Thank You to the TU Media Lab & Studio 151

In this episode of The Prof Pod, we explore the world of philosophy with Dr. Oliver Traldi, a philosopher in TU’s Honors College. Dr. Traldi shares his journey from law school to studying political epistemology, focusing on how political beliefs connect to rationality and action. His book, Political Beliefs: A Philosophical Introduction, combines insights from philosophy, psychology, and political science to examine polarization and the barriers to understanding in today’s world.

Dr. Traldi emphasizes the importance of respectful dialogue, critical thinking, and curiosity in navigating disagreements and controversial topics. He offers insights into how great books and philosophical inquiry bring about intellectual growth and help students engage with different perspectives in meaningful ways.

Dr. Traldi shares his experiences as a public philosopher, emphasizing the role of thoughtful conversation in understanding complex issues and encouraging students to approach ideas with openness.

Interview Conducted and Edited by: Eleanor Hong & Ty DeVito

Marketing: Elle Illian

Music: Kolton Blaisure

Thank You to the TU Media Lab & Studio 151

In this episode of The Prof Pod, we delve into the fascinating world of Anthropology with Dr. Miriam Belmaker, a Paleolithic Archaeologist and Paleoanthropologist. She is also a professor here at TU and the lab director and curator of TU’s human osteology collection. Dr. Belmaker takes us on a journey through her groundbreaking research on ancient climates and human evolution, sharing captivating stories from fieldwork across Israel, Jordan, China, and beyond.

From discovering a saber-tooth tiger canine to analyzing rodent teeth for insights into our ancestors’ lives, Dr. Belmaker’s work uncovers the mysteries of how human evolution was shaped by the environment. Her research is beyond fascinating and offers a window into the past that helps us understand who we are today. With engaging anecdotes from the field, she brings science to life, recounting adventures in sweltering heat, unexpected challenges, and even an unforgettable experience where she had to turn an ordinary beer bottle into an improvised tool for scientific analysis of a dolphin cadaver.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Belmaker’s passion for her field shines through. She offers inspiring advice for students, encouraging them to embrace curiosity, perseverance, and the occasional humor needed to navigate the unpredictable world of research. This episode is packed with science, adventure, and inspiration, and a must-listen for anyone curious about human evolution, the natural world, or the spirit of exploration!

Interview Conducted and Edited by: Ty DeVito & Eleanor Hong

Marketing by: Elle Illian

Music by: Kolton Blaisure

Thank You to the TU Media Lab & Studio 151!