New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Nick Haddad, a dedicated scientist focused on endangered butterfly species, shares his quest to save these delicate creatures. He discusses the alarming decline in butterfly populations, emphasizing that ignoring them is not an option. Haddad recounts his work in diverse habitats, including military sites, facing unique conservation challenges. He reveals surprising insights about effective conservation strategies, like managed relocation, to combat climate change impacts. His personal connection to butterflies adds a heartfelt touch to the urgent plea for biodiversity protection.

Michele Santamaria is a pivotal voice in information literacy, while Nicole Pfannenstiel champions empowered student engagement. They discuss how to effectively navigate misinformation by teaching adaptable information evaluation skills. The conversation explores the integration of social media in educational settings, emphasizing its potential to enhance student engagement and critical thinking. They also delve into students' online identities, the importance of responsible digital citizenship, and the development of concrete lesson plans that promote authentic interaction with digital platforms.

Explore the tumultuous aftermath of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and the intense jury deliberations that unfolded in its wake. Discover how a corporate lawyer transformed into an environmental advocate amidst a backdrop of public interest and courtroom tension. Hear stories of jurors grappling with the severity of their decisions and the emotional burden of pursuing justice for affected communities. A significant field trip to the devastated shores offers jurors firsthand insight into the environmental impact, leading to a hard-fought verdict that reflects their deep engagement.

Noah Heringman, a Curators’ Professor of English at the University of Missouri, takes listeners on a captivating journey through the concept of deep time. He explores how 18th-century literature shaped our understanding of geological time, drawing on figures like William Blake and Charles Darwin. Heringman critiques contemporary narratives of the Anthropocene and challenges us to see deep time as an imaginative landscape intertwined with history, colonialism, and literary forms. His insights invite reflection on how our perceptions of Earth's history continue to evolve.

Craig Gent, an author exploring algorithmic management's impact on the workforce, dives into the transformative power of technology in workplaces. He discusses how algorithms monitor and control workers, revealing the resulting exploitation and worker anxieties. Gent traces the evolution of management strategies from the early 20th century and highlights the need for a humanistic approach. He also shares inspiring stories of workers resisting digital control, advocating for dignity and solidarity in their struggles against oppressive systems.

Heather Murray, a cultural and intellectual historian, discusses her book on the experiences of psychiatric patients in 20th-century America. She challenges common perceptions of patients as passive, revealing their active engagement with societal and personal issues. Topics include the impact of deinstitutionalization on mental health narratives, the philosophical implications of resignation, and how modernity shaped psychiatric institutions. Murray also reflects on post-war shifts in psychiatric understanding and its influence on identity and individualism.

Aimee Louise Middlemiss, an author and researcher specialized in reproductive politics and pregnancy loss, dives deep into the often overlooked emotional and social challenges surrounding second trimester pregnancy loss in England. She discusses the impact of legal frameworks on women's choices and the complex dynamics of healthcare encounters. The conversation also highlights how societal perceptions shape experiences of loss, emphasizing the importance of compassionate support and the amplification of women's voices in challenging reproductive norms.

Matthew Evangelista, author and expert on World War II, discusses the devastating impact of Allied bombing campaigns on Italian civilians. He reveals a paradox where more civilians died after Italy's armistice in 1943. The conversation dives into key figures like diplomat Myron Taylor and pacifist Vera Brittain, whose experiences highlight the complexities of wartime strategy and its human cost. Through personal stories and archival research, Evangelista sheds light on the often-overlooked civilian suffering amid military objectives.

Daniel Kahneman, a pioneering psychologist renowned for his insights in behavioral economics, teams up with legal scholar and behavioral economist Cass Sunstein to discuss the Exxon Valdez oil spill's aftermath. They explore the tactics Exxon employed, including funding research claiming jurors were irrational. The podcast dives into the implications of cognitive biases, showcasing the battle between corporate narratives and community resilience, highlighting the struggle against environmental devastation and accountability efforts.

Explore how capitalism shapes academia through metrics and the 'publish or perish' mentality. Discover the risks AI and EdTech pose to traditional education, pushing immediate labor demands over genuine learning. Unpack the corrupt nature of rankings in higher education and advocate for equity. Engage in a hopeful discussion about transformative practices rooted in community and cooperation. Reflect on the importance of integrating journalism with indigenous knowledge to foster inclusive learning environments.