The Umbra Podcast

Explore the concept of digital detox and its importance for adolescents' well-being. Drawing from insights from the workshop held by Dr. Giorgio Ghizzoni, guest lecturer at the Umbra Institute, discusses the effects of intense social media use on mental health and shares practical strategies for reducing screen time.

This episode delves into the transformation of Italian psychiatry after the 1978 reform, which marked a shift from institutional care to community-based services. Drawing on insights from Professor Sposini’s workshop, part of MPP program Faculty, we discuss the impact on patient outcomes, family burdens, and the ongoing challenges in mental health care, particularly for schizophrenia and mood disorders.

Explore the Photovoice project as a method for documenting and reflecting on multicultural experiences with our professor of Art Therapy Phillipa Stannard, certified art therapist and professor of Art Therapy at the Umbra Institute. 

We will discuss the themes captured in students' Photovoice journals and the psychological insights gained. 

The Multicultural Psychology Program Podcast Series is a new initiative of the Multicultural Psychology Program (MPP) which aims to enhance students' learning with hands-on experience by promoting the integration of knowledge of multicultural psychology with real-world contexts. 

Each episode will be hosted by Umbra intern Lindsey Cottle and facilitated by MPP student groups, who will present and discuss various MPP-related issues and interview expert guests throughout the series. The podcast project encourages the practical application of academic studies, fostering a deeper understanding of multicultural psychology, diversity, and inclusion.

Join host Kendall Mann, a rising senior at DePauw University, United States, and TRAP 2024 student as she talks with two guests about the Trasimeno Archaeological Project and what it entails. 

Dr. Rebecca Schindler of DePauw University serves as the site director of the project. She, along with local archaeologist Giancarlo Santarelli, discuss this year’s project and excavation process. They break down what it looks like to participate in this project and why it's important to be able to uncover this town’s history and disseminate the knowledge to the public.

Listen to this episode to hear about the multidisciplinary approach of archaeology, the relationship between DePauw University, the Umbra Institute, and the Commune of Castiglione del Lago, and the opening of the new archaeology museum showcasing this project under the Palazzo in Castiglione del Lago. 

For more information about the next Summer Archaeology Program, visit www.umbra.org/archaeology-summer/

Since 2012, the Umbra Institute has hosted the Food Conference biennially. This academic gathering serves as a platform for scholars in the field of Food Studies to connect, share insights, and discuss the latest research.

In this episode, we will explore the 2024 Conference highlights with Professor Elisa Ascione (John Felice Rome Center, Loyola University Chicago), Professor Christopher Fink (Ohio Wesleyan University), and Professor Clelia Viecelli (The Umbra Institute).

Join host Jacopo as he dives into the fascinating world of food myths and fun facts with two distinguished guests: Don Spratt, Professor of Biochemistry and Director of STEM Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunities at Clark University, and Visiting Professor at the Umbra Institute, where he teaches Italian Kitchen Chemistry; and Zachary Nowak, PhD in American Studies from Harvard University and Professor of History and Culture of Food at the Umbra Institute.

In this episode, Jacopo, Don, and Zachary explore the science and history behind some of the most intriguing questions about food. Does milk do the body good? Is sugar really addictive? They will uncover the truths, debunk the myths, and share interesting anecdotes from both scientific and historical perspectives. Tune in for an engaging and enlightening conversation that will leave you with a new appreciation for the foods you eat every day.

"How to make groceries in Perugia" is a special episode brought to you by the Communicating Taste students of the Spring Semester 2024. This episode serves as the course's final project and was entirely designed and created by the students.

They will guide you through the essentials of grocery shopping in Italy, with a special focus on Perugia. Where should you shop for your groceries? How should you go about making your purchases? They will share practical tips for navigating local markets and stores, as well as cultural insights to enrich your shopping experience.

Tune in and gather these invaluable tips!

Join this conversation with Anna Yankee, Hamilton College, and Jason Shrem, Clark University, in which they tell us about their experience of two semesters here in Italy. 

From September to April they had the chance to deep dive in Italian culture and language.

What has been the evolution of their experience here? What’s been the role of the Italian language in their experience? And most of all, what is that one thing of Italian culture that they will adopt in their life from now on?

What classes are there at Umbra? What do you do in your free time? What is Perugia like? 

Join this conversation with our Umbra representatives for the Spring 2023 semester: Esther Fatungase (Arcadia University), Fabiana Atencio Flores (University of Connecticut) , Isabella Iacovetta (University of Colorado Boulder) and Ava Donovan (Roger Williams University). 

If you want you to hear more about the daily life of an Umbra Student this episode was made for you! 

Explore this topic with our Umbra Reps students from Fall 2023: Elsa Martin (Williams College), Alexandra Ahlbeck (Denison University), Janet Scharmer (Santa Clara University) and Vanessa Sordello (Santa Clara University). Solo traveling might feel intimidating but it can be a wonderful experience! Listen to our student’s experience and tips.