University of California Audio Podcasts (Audio)

What can you do today to improve or maintain your brain health? Sarah Banks, Ph.D., an expert in healthy aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease, explores risk factors and corrective tips associated with sleep apnea. Series: "Stein Institute for Research on Aging" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40042]

This program discusses humanist and scholar Walter Capps’ teaching of ethics and civic values in the classroom and beyond. The panel consists of Katya Armistead, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Student Life at UCSB and co-directs the Civic Engagement Scholars Program, Tim Kring, a screenwriter whose work focuses on themes of interconnectivity and global consciousness, and Shawn Landres, a civic strategist and a Senior Fellow at UCLA Luskin. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Public Affairs] [Humanities] [Show ID: 39719]

The discovery of Lucy in 1974 gave insight into early hominin body form but lacked hand bones. Subsequent findings revealed Australopithecus afarensis hand morphology. New discoveries and research since then, including associated hand skeletons and archaeological evidence, have enhanced our understanding of hominin hand evolution and tool use. These advancements inform us about Lucy's tool-related abilities and dexterity, reshaping our interpretation of early human behavior. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39821]

Lucy is one of the most famous fossils of all time. The discovery of this species had a major impact on the science of human origins and evolution. Why? What was that impact? The symposium speakers—each a prominent scientist in their field—will address this question and specifically discuss the discovery’s impact through time, starting with the first few years after the discovery, the lasting impact, and the state of the art in that research area today. We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the fossil skeleton “Lucy” with the aim of reigniting a global interest in how we “became human” and promoting the importance of connecting our human past to the global future on the planet. Series: "CARTA - Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny" [Humanities] [Science] [Show ID: 39829]

What is a craft? For Plato, paradigmatic craft-practitioners include the doctor, carpenter and navigator; an updated, more generous conception should include the dancer, coder, waitress, painter, chef, professional athlete, and firefighter. Rachel Barney, professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto, discusses how each of these skilled practices is oriented to the achievement of a distinctive end, the goodness of which is independent of the self-interest or inclinations of the practitioner. This Platonic conception of craft as involving disinterested teleological rationality can explain how craft sets objective norms for correct action, and for the excellence of the practitioner. And it shows that to master a craft is not merely to acquire knowledge or skills but to take on the ‘internal standpoint’ definitive of the craft, internalizing its values and treating its reasons for action as authoritative. Barney is joined by Adam Gopnik and Rachana Kamtekar for commentary on the topic of craft. Series: "Tanner Lectures on Human Values" [Humanities] [Business] [Show ID: 39863]

Rob Knight, Ph.D., delves into the incredible world of our gut microbiome. Knight underlines the crucial link between our diet, our gut, and our overall health. For parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in improving their health, this lecture provides valuable insights into how the foods we eat can be harnessed to nurture a healthier gut and, in turn, a healthier life. Series: "Excerpts" [Health and Medicine] [Show ID: 40041]

This program discusses humanist and scholar Walter Capps’ famous course on the Vietnam War and its impacts. The panel consists of former U.S. Senator and Governor Bob Kerrey, who is a veteran of the Vietnam War and co-instructor in Walter Capps' Vietnam War class. Shad Meshad is Founder and President of the National Veterans Foundation who served as a psych officer in Vietnam. Meshad met Walter Capps in 1977 and their conversation about the war led to the Vietnam War class, which Shad continued to help teach for the next 20 years. And Richard Hecht, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Religious Studies at UCSB, who taught the Vietnam War course for nearly 25 years. Series: "Ethics, Religion and Public Life: Walter H. Capps Center Series" [Humanities] [Show ID: 39718]

Galia Borja Gómez, Deputy Vice Governor of Banco de Mexico, discusses how the Bank of Mexico reimagined the designs of its currency to reflect Mexico's cultural and natural heritage, while also incorporating the latest technology. Borja Gómez talks with Rafael Fernández de Castro, Director of the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at UC San Diego and a former foreign policy adviser to President Felipe Calderón on bilateral relations between Mexico and the U.S. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 39521]

Benjamin Freedman, Ph.D., delves into the creation and functionality of kidney organoids. He discusses their focus on filtration over hormone functions, and answers intriguing questions about urine characterization and the necessity of organoid structures. Freedman explores the use of scaffolds for implants and ponders the philosophical implications of off-target cells in organoids, questioning whether these cells are a natural part of organ development. Series: "Stem Cell Channel" [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 39455]

Through her work with the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), Gloria Corral empowers families and communities to nurture and support young children's brilliance, particularly in marginalized communities. Here, she shares her career journey as well as insights on the importance of kindness, valuing diverse identities, and finding joy and humor in life. Series: "Education Channel" [Education] [Show ID: 39324]