Only 2 percent of American TV productions star Latino actors — that’s despite Latinos making up more than 18 percent of the U.S. population and growing. Frederick Luis Aldama, Distinguished University Professor at The Ohio State University, joins host Krys Boyd to talk about Latino representation on television – and about how too often that representation devolves into stereotypes. His book, co-written with William Anthony Nericcio, is called “Talking #browntv: Latinas and Latinos On the Screen.”

This episode originally aired Jan 22, 2021.

As the world population ages, entire systems of work and government must change to meet the moment. Bradley Schurman, founder and CEO of The Super Age, a global strategic research and advisory firm, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss what he sees as a social and market force tipping point: when 20 percent or more of a given population is over age 65. He’ll explain the challenges that brings and the growth opportunities it can present. His book is called “The Super Age: Decoding Our Demographic Destiny.”

Last summer, Texas enacted a permitless carry law for gun owners. Journalist Rachel Monroe joins host Krys Boyd to discuss the ramifications for public safety, fringe groups dominating the conversation about gun rights, and how Texans feel about this loosening of gun regulations. Her article published in Harper’s Magazine is “Free Country.”

Anger isn’t always destructive – and sometimes it’s actually a force for good. Myisha Cherry is an assistant professor of philosophy at the University of California, Riverside, and she joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why the fight against racism means breaking rules and making people angry. Plus, we’ll explore the psychology and philosophy of anti-racist thinking. Her book is called “The Case for Rage: Why Anger Is Essential to Anti-Racist Struggle.”

We all enjoy taking that old record off the shelf now and then — but what does that cost today’s musical artists? Ted Gioia, music historian, culture critic, and author of the Substack “The Honest Broker,” joins host Krys Boyd to talk about why 70 percent of music demand today is for old songs, with publishing companies investing in vintage catalogs while ignoring new, emerging talent. His recent article on the topic is “Is Old Music Killing New Music?”

A crisis of confidence can be combated with a mixture of skill and discipline. Nate Zinsser, director of West Point’s Performance-Psychology program, joins host Krys Boyd to discuss his step-by-step guide to overcoming the mental pressures holding us back, and the success that comes from mastering performance anxiety. His book is “The Confident Mind: A Battle-Tested Guide to Unshakable Performance.”

We’ve all experienced a broken heart – and it might make you feel better that there is science that explains why. Journalist Florence Williams joins host Krys Boyd to discuss her painful divorce and how that led her to uncover the latest research on loneliness and its connection to health. Plus, we’ll hear about how she battled through sadness to find peace again. Her book is “Heartbreak: A Personal and Scientific Journey.”

So you’re thinking about finally changing jobs? What now? This hour, we’ve got help for millions of Americans taking advantage of a workers’ job market. Host Krys Boyd talks with a Stanford professor about applying design thinking to our careers. We’ll hear from a Duke executive coach about how to see incremental gains in our career paths. And we’ll find out how to assess if the company you’re interviewing with actually values DEI.

From Jazzercise to yoga studios, women’s fitness has become both an identity and big business. Journalist Danielle Friedman joins host Krys Boyd to discuss how getting in shape morphed from simply being a beauty tool to a force for physical and emotional well-being, and what that says about feminism. Her book is called “Let’s Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the World.”

A name has power which can sometimes take years to fully embrace. Marian Chia-Ming Liu is The Washington Post’s Operations Editor, and she joins host Krys Boyd to discuss why she reclaimed her Chinese middle name after waves of Asian-American violence made frontpage news, and the journey that brought her to a new understanding of who she is. Her recent essay is headlined “The Power of Reclaiming My Asian Name.”