The ThinkND Podcast

Episode Topic: Flannery O'Connor at 99

Step into the complex world of Flannery O’Connor. You will find rare archival treasures, encounter profound insights on race and faith, and absorb scholarly revelations behind her provocative fiction. Witness leading experts illuminate her artistic evolution, fulfilling your desire for accessible literary depth while preparing for her upcoming 2025 centenary celebration.

Featured Speakers:

• Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, Fordham University
• Amy Alznauer, author
• Kathryn Laborde, Xavier University of Louisiana
• Farrell O’Gorman, Belmont Abbey College

Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/82215b.

This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled On Catholic Imagination.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Episode Topic: Why is the Classical So Essential for the Future of Humanity?

Step into a realm where built environments echo your deepest human need for connection and belonging. Immerse yourself in timeless urban traditions that shape living, walkable communities. Encounter an enduring architectural language designed to harmoniously adapt through dynamic cultural change, ensuring civic spaces continuously elevate and enrich your daily life.

Featured Speakers:

• John Simpson, John Simpson Architects

Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/07d311.

This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled Restoring Reason, Beauty, and Trust in Architecture. 

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Episode Topic: Generations of Leadership

Step into a heartfelt father-daughter dialogue that bridges historic Potawatomi heritage with modern student leadership. Experience authentic connection as Pete Slease ’96 and Emma Slease '27 share deeply personal stories of belonging, family lineage, and advocacy at Notre Dame. Gain timeless wisdom, feel true community spirit, and envision a more inclusive campus future.

Featured Speakers:

• Pete Slease '96, Gartner
• Emma Slease '27, University of Notre Dame

Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/e53c77.

This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled Indigenous Voices.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Episode Topic: Disease-Poverty Traps

Notre Dame biologist Professor Jason Rohr takes us to West Africa to confront one of humankind’s most insidious feedback loops: the “disease-poverty trap.” In these environments, systemic poverty actively fuels the spread of disease, while chronic illness relentlessly deepens economic hardship. His  research perfectly illustrates how looking at poverty from every angle–including the biological–is vital to breaking the complex webs of inequality.

Featured Speakers:

• Jason Rohr, University of Notre Dame

Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/cace5b.

This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled Poverty Research from Every Angle.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Episode Topic: Political Philosophy

What makes a society just? Prompted by world war and global turmoil, Jacques Maritain turned his attention to the structure of human community. In Chapter Eight, Jason West unpacks Maritain’s foundational split between the individual and the human person, shedding light on natural law and human rights, and how personal dignity is necessary to anchor a thriving body politic.

Featured Speakers:

• Jason West, Newman Theological College

Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/51389f.

This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled The Christian Philosophy of Jacques Maritain.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.

Episode Topic: Moral Philosophy

How does our understanding of truth translate into living a good life? While secular perspectives can often view ethics as a set of rigid rules, Jacques Maritain argues that Christian revelation transfigures practical philosophy in a fundamental way. In Chapter Seven, Jason West uncovers the foundation of moral obligation, the crucial significance of human freedom, and faith-informed daily choices.

Featured Speakers:

• Jason West, Newman Theological College

Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notre Dame's open online learning community platform, ThinkND: https://go.nd.edu/2dc5d7.

This podcast is a part of the ThinkND Series titled The Christian Philosophy of Jacques Maritain.

Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your career.

• Learn more about ThinkND and register for upcoming live events at think.nd.edu.
• Join our LinkedIn community for updates, episode clips, and more.