University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36671]

Experts address altered states of the mind that are deliberately induced by humans. We will address what is known about origins and mechanisms of these mind-altering practices. In doing so, we hope to gain new insights into the origins and workings of the human mind. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 36673]

David Beckmann explains the purpose of his “Poverty, God, Politics” series—to highlight spiritual and political strategies that can move us from the current crisis in a way that puts us on track to end hunger and poverty. They are drawn from a joint seminar on poverty, communities of faith, and politics cosponsored by UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy and the Church Divinity School of the Pacific.

David then discusses two foundational insights from his years as president of Bread for the World—that dramatic progress against poverty is possible, and that faith communities can help change the politics of poverty. Series: "UC Public Policy Channel" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36986]

Creating vaccines was only the first hurdle in ending the spread of COVID-19. Limited vaccine supplies, the need for specialized storage, and careful administration techniques have led to restrictions and the creation of vaccine priority lists. The need for specialized storage and techniques compounds the difficulties of reaching rural, indigenous, and homeless populations. Members of some populations of color and ethnic groups lack trust in the health care establishment due to a long and ongoing history of maltreatment and systemic racism. All of these factors, combined with need for internet access, flexible schedules, and transportation to vaccine sites are barriers to achieving the high vaccination rates needed for herd immunity. How do we reach this goal in the most equitable, reasonable and humane way possible, particularly in our San Diego community? This panel will be a conversation about vaccine distrust and disparities in San Diego County. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Show ID: 36824]

Stephen Robinson, Former Astronaut and Director of UC Davis Center for Spaceflight Research, talks about what's it's like to work in space and his experience as a NASA astronaut. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 36864]

Rita Astuti looks at different cultures and how death is imbued with complex meaning and transformed from an ending to a beginning, and from a cause for despair, to a celebration. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Science] [Show ID: 32055]

With the Biden Administration there is the growing prospect of a potential reversal of sanctions and regulations imposed by the Trump Administration that resulted in restricting travel, investment and remittances. At the same time, President Biden faces a challenging political landscape with Cuba as human rights abuses continue to be a serious problem in the country, its intelligence service continues to support Venezuela’s autocratic leader Nicolas Maduro, and unanswered questions about the strange brain trauma injuries experienced by U.S. diplomats and their families in Cuba linger. Additionally, pressure from the American Cuban community against a possible détente between Washington and Havana remains, adding a domestic political dimension. The recent San Isidro Movement led by Cuba’s artistic community provides hope that a new re-set in U.S-Cuba relations could lead to social and political changes on the island that would otherwise not be possible if current sanctions remain.

Panelists: Richard Feinberg, UC San Diego; Michael Bustamante, Florida International University; Javier Corrales, Amherst College; Ted Henken, Baruch College, CUNY; William LeoGrande, American University. Moderator: Margaret Crahan, Colombia University. Series: "Hemisphere in Transition" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 36855]

Alexis Smith originally created the mural "Same Old Paradise" in 1986 for temporary display at the Brooklyn Museum, after which it was stored for over 30 years. Now the massive mural - 62 feet long and 22 feet tall - has been permanently installed at the North Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood as part of UC San Diego's Stuart Collection. "Same Old Paradise" also served as the inspiration for Smith's "Snake Path," one of the collections most iconic works. Series: "Stuart Collection at UC San Diego" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 36631]

This presentation examines how the fossil fuel and petrochemical industries have created climate emergencies that have threatened global food production, human health, and soil health. Experts explore the ubiquitous presence of chemicals in our food supply and the significant, cumulative impacts of extreme heat, pesticides, herbicides, and GMOs on agricultural communities, as well as the promise of regenerative agriculture. Series: "Mini Medical School for the Public" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 36858]

Alison Coil of UC San Diego's Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences and Professor of Physics hosts a rare, candid conversation with James Gunn, considered the father of the unprecedented Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which to date has observed some 300 million objects, creating the most comprehensive 3D map of the universe. They discuss his experiences starting the SDSS and his future exploits in deep-sky observations. Includes his Kyoto Prize acceptance address delivered in Kyoto on the occasion of his being honored with the prestigious award. Series: "Kyoto Prize Symposium" [Science] [Show ID: 36809]