On Being with Krista Tippett Sara Hendren — Our Bodies, Aliveness, and the Built World
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Nov 16, 2023 Exploring the intersection of bodies and the built world, the podcast discusses the adaptability of individuals' physical experiences. It explores the role of assistive technologies, the shift from valuing the ideal to valuing what is considered normal, and the challenges faced by people with disabilities in a productivity-focused society. It delves into the impact of AI on human intelligence and the concept of embracing obligations and unchosen features of our lives. The podcast also explores misfitting in design and the potential interventions to address misfits, showcasing Sarah Hendren's book 'What Can a Body Do?'.
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From Evangelicalism to Embodiment
- Sara Hendren grew up in the Bible Belt, attending non-denominational churches and later Wheaton College.
- She found traditional evangelical Christianity to be disembodied, leading her to explore liturgical traditions that acknowledged the body's importance.
Discovering Design Through Disability
- Hendren's interest in design and disability grew after her son, Graham, who has Down syndrome, was born.
- Observing his interactions with adaptive technologies sparked her curiosity about their expressive and functional aspects.
Beyond Accessibility
- The built world is often designed around a concept of "normal," creating challenges for all bodies.
- Hendren suggests shifting the focus from accessibility to partnership, recognizing how all people adapt to the environment.