University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

Professor Stephanie Malia Hom (French and Italian Studies, UCSB) joins moderator Anna Brusutti (Film and Media Studies, UCSB) to discuss Italian series Inspector Montalbano to conclude a yearlong screening series on global television. Brusutti provides a thorough breakdown of the history of Italian television broadcasting and distinguishes it from other national contexts. Hom explores the show’s Sicilian setting and ties contemporary discrimination towards migrants from abroad within a broader history of regional and global flows. Hom and Brusutti also examine the regional dialects of the show, as well as the structure of organized crime in Italy. They discuss the prolific work of author Andrea Camilleri and the long history of Inspector Montalbano in Italian television broadcasting. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38156]

Authoritarianism is a form of government characterized by the rejection of political plurality, the use of strong central power to preserve the political status quo, and reductions in the rule of law, separation of powers, and democratic voting. Latin America has seen the rise of authoritarian states in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua. Institute of the Americas President and CEO Richard Kiy moderates a discussion with Alberto Vollmer and Richard Feinberg discussing fresh thoughts and ideas regarding current U.S. policies toward authoritarian states. The panel also considers what can be done to keep the current regimes in check and prevent other states in Latin America from falling under authoritarian rule. Series: "Institute of the Americas" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38108]

In this program, Dr. Bryce Mendelsohn discusses the latest on genetics and developmental disabilities. Series: "Developmental Disabilities Update" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38150]

Cancer has a major impact on our society with approximately 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. diagnosed during their lifetimes. This program looks at the role of exercise and physical activity to overall health, including cancer prevention and the benefits of exercise in cancer patients. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 38192]

Why does history keep repeating itself? And what can cats tell us about this? Ashley Poust, Ph.D., is a paleontology researcher at the San Diego Natural History Museum. He focuses on vertebrates and evolutionary biology and explains how the study of extinct cats, like the sabertooth, can help us reconstruct ancient environments, gain a better understanding of our origins, see deeper into life's processes, and at the highest level, have a new view of the world. Series: "Triton Talks" [Science] [Show ID: 38073]

The relationship between the U.S. and China is complex. Kevin Rudd, former Australian Prime Minister and current president of Asia Society, has written extensively about that relationship, including his latest book, "The Avoidable War: The Dangers of a Catastrophic Conflict between the US and Xi Jinping's China." Rudd discusses new developments in China’s political economy, including the impending 20th Party Congress and some of the challenges President Xi Jinping is facing due to economic difficulties, and examines their impact on U.S.-China relations moving forward.

This program is part of UC San Diego's Susan Shirk Lecture on U.S.-China Relations and is moderated by Dean Caroline Freund, School of Global Policy and Strategy. [Public Affairs] [Business] [Show ID: 38317]

Growing up in Bakersfield, California, Manuel Vargas had parents who instilled the value of education and learning in him at an early age. Starting his academic career at a local community college, he found his way to UC Davis and then graduate school and a Ph.D. program. He is now a professor at UC San Diego and his research focuses on the history of philosophy in Latin America. He shares what life is like as a professor and his advice for prospective and current college students. Series: "Education Channel" [Humanities] [Education] [Show ID: 37938]

Quality education that leads to employment opportunities is considered an essential platform for social mobility. Unfortunately, not all children have access to robust k-12 education that provide avenues to college. Educational disparities exist across socioeconomic backgrounds, race and ethnicity, and geography. While educators and policymakers are grappling with these challenges, they are also faced with educating the future workforce in a rapidly changing economy. California is at the forefront of technological innovations, including automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics, that will radically transform the labor market. Series: "Design at Large" [Humanities] [Business] [Education] [Show ID: 38218]

The international community and the United States, under both Republican and Democratic Administrations, have failed, by almost any measure, to effectively address the re-emergence of authoritarianism in the Western Hemisphere. The forthcoming virtual forum is being organized in an effort to better understand the roots and resilience of these regimes (especially in Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua) and the rapidly evolving international context that facilitates their survival, particularly in light of the Russian/Ukrainian conflict. The forum aims to elicit fresh perspectives to inform future policies of the U.S. government, other international actors, and engaged civil society organizations. The Institute of the Americas is organizing this forum in an effort to help catalyze fresh thinking on U.S. policy vis-à-vis authoritarian states in the Americas in anticipation of the United States’ hosted IX Summit of the Americas scheduled in Los Angeles, CA in early June. Series: "Institute of the Americas" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 38107]

Director Marc Shaffer discusses his documentary Exposing Muybridge, which sheds light on the life and impact of photographer Eadweard Muybridge, a pioneer of early motion pictures. Muybridge is most famously known for capturing consecutive images of a galloping horse, which proved that all four hooves leave the ground mid-stride. Shaffer details the importance of this photographic experiment in the development of cinema, as well as the other strange and captivating details of Muybridge’s life. He also elaborates on the interview subjects of the film, including the involvement of actor Gary Oldman. He talks through the process of recreating and reimagining Muybridge’s famous multi-camera shoot and explains the importance of Muybridge in photographic and cinematic history, as well as the lasting influence of his work. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Show ID: 38155]