University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

This mesmerizing flight path from the International Space Station takes us over China at night as clouds drape over the city lights nestled in the mountains and valleys. Then we fly over the coast and on to the Philippines. This movie features organist Anna Przybysz playing Fugue in E minor by Bach. Her heart and soul are apparent as her fingers and feet dance over the keys and pedals of this lovely organ in Katowice, Poland. The images are taken by astronauts on ISS 71 on July 19, 2024. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40436]

Artist Jeppe Hein discusses Breathe with Me, a participatory artwork that invites the public to paint their breath on large canvases, visualizing the invisible act of breathing. Through an interview with Jess Berlanga Taylor, Hein reflects on the work’s themes of interconnectedness and cooperation, drawing from his own mental health journey to emphasize the importance of mindfulness and presence. By painting their breath, participants create a collective experience, symbolizing shared rhythms of life. Hein highlights how the act of "breathing together" fosters unity, mental well-being, and a deeper awareness of our relationship with each other and the environment. Series: "Stuart Collection at UC San Diego" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40251]

In the early 20th century, Budapest was the second-largest Jewish city in Europe, and Jewish artists and intellectuals played a major role in the city’s cosmopolitan cultural life. Among them was theater and cinema director and producer Béla Pásztor, whose career was marked by early success and later oppression. In a conversation with UC San Diego history professor Deborah Hertz, Béla’s son, Rafael Pastor, explores his family’s history before, during, and after the Nazi occupation of Hungary, including his parents’ emigration to Israel, where he was born.

In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the deportations and annihilations of Hungarian Jews in 1944, which Béla survived in hiding, the conversation is preceded by a brief historical overview and survivor testimonies of this harrowing—and unforgettable—tragedy.

Series: "Library Channel" [Humanities] [Show ID: 40227]

Fly with us over southern Africa and feel yourself floating in orbit, as the organ chorale echoes the mysteries of the African night. It's a beautiful pass over the sands of Namibia with wispy night clouds and moon glint reflected in the river. Villages of light show the human presence. Musician Brian Hoffman chose the dream-like “Vater unser im Himmelreich” by Johann Sebastian Bach, which is played on the Rotterdam Laurenskik organ. The images were taken by astronauts on ISS Expedition 63 on May 5, 2020. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40435]

A healthy microbiome can prevent disease and obesity. Dr. Sean Spencer discusses how a diet rich in fiber supports our health in various ways. Series: "Osher WISE: Well-being and Integrative Science for Everyone" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40458]

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) an estimated 1.3 billion people or 16% of the global population have a significant disability. A disability is a condition that can be mental or physical, and can affect a person's vision, movement, thinking, learning, communication, hearing, mental health or social relationships. However, not all disabilities are the same. Some disabilities are genetic, passed down from generation to generation, while others may have been caused by an incident out of the person's control. In this episode of Exploring Ethics, Professor Joseph Stramondo will discuss the narrative, identity and ethics of choosing disability. Series: "Exploring Ethics" [Health and Medicine] [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 40241]

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where experts explore the contributions of Indigenous practices to modern agriculture. The conversation highlights traditional ecological knowledge, addresses gaps in food access, and proposes strategies to promote food sovereignty. Panelists examine how Indigenous wisdom and contemporary innovation create equitable, sustainable food systems, amplify Indigenous voices, and inspire collaboration for a resilient future. Series: "Future Thought Leaders" [Health and Medicine] [Agriculture] [Show ID: 40171]

What's behind the political and social transformation taking place in the U.S.? According to Mike Madrid, author, veteran political strategist and expert on Latino voting trends, it's digital technology and demographics. His latest book is "The Latino Century: How America’s Largest Minority Is Transforming Democracy." As part of the Helen Edison Lecture Series, Madrid covers a wide-range of topics, from the outcome of the 2024 election to the state of America's institutions to who he thinks will offer solutions to keep the idea of America alive for future generations. Madrid is joined by Zach Friend, policy and public affairs communication expert who worked in the Obama White House, to further explore current social and political trends. Series: "Helen Edison Lecture Series" [Public Affairs] [Show ID: 40328]

With dream-like music, we float over the vast Sahara as seen from the ISS and astronaut Sultan Alneyadi. Covering the width of Africa, the colors flow with the waves of sand - deep oranges, bright yellows and brown rock. The music by Victor Romanov, performing as @iCentury, is prominent and suggests movement, dynamism, tension and mystery, all intertwined. Just like the Sahara. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 40434]

Carissa Cascio, Ph.D., explores how autistic individuals perceive and process sensory experiences, focusing on internal sensations of the body, known as interoception, and their impact on emotions, anxiety, and sleep. Cascio highlights the challenges of heightened sensory awareness, including how it can disrupt rest, and underscores the importance of understanding these experiences to improve therapy and overall well-being. Cascio shares personal anecdotes and challenges myths about autism, emphasizing the rich internal worlds of autistic individuals. Series: "Autism Tree Project Annual Neuroscience Conference" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40215]