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Dr. Christopher Chapple, founder of the M.A. in Yoga Studies at Loyola Marymount University, shares insights into a transformative program that blends scholarly rigor with embodied practice. He discusses the significance of Sanskrit and classical texts, highlighting how they influence modern yoga. The program adopts a flexible structure, enabling global participation through online and hybrid formats, while shaping future leaders in yoga through diverse educational pathways. Discover how this unique approach is revolutionizing yoga education.

Martin Vaux and Eleanor Conlon, co-creators of the Three Ravens podcast and authors of an upcoming collection of folktales, dive into the fascinating world of English folklore. They discuss legendary figures like giants and the demon dog, Black Shuck, while exploring modern interpretations of ancient stories. The duo reveals how England's landscape influences these tales and the surprising connections between global folklore. They also touch on traditional practices like witch bottles and the evolving nature of these cherished narratives.

Charles R. Butcher, a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, discusses his groundbreaking work on non-Western states in the nineteenth century. He critiques traditional state counts, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of sovereignty. The conversation explores centralization versus delegation in state systems, with intriguing case studies from East and Southeast Asia. Butcher also highlights the impact of colonialism on state extinction and the enduring legacies of pre-colonial institutions in today's political landscape.

Merve Emre, an Oxford professor and acclaimed author, dives deep into Natalia Ginzburg’s haunting novella, The Dry Heart. She provocatively opens with the question, "When should a woman kill her husband?" and explores the novella’s unique approach to suspense, where endurance outweighs mystery. Emre highlights Ginzburg's stark yet powerful prose that mirrors suffering, drawing intriguing parallels with writers like Ferrante. Additionally, she recommends other neglected gems, making a compelling case for why these stories deserve a place in contemporary literary discussions.

James Campion, a seasoned columnist and author, dives into the world of Prince and The Revolution, exploring their dynamic history. He discusses Prince's formative years and how early musical influences shaped his genre-shifting sound. Campion highlights pivotal moments, like the provocative 'Dirty Mind' album and the band's evolution with innovative technologies. The captivating dynamics within The Revolution show how they embodied Prince's vision, leading to iconic performances and a lasting legacy. It's a vibrant journey through musical mastery and cultural impact.

Gabrielle Durepos, an Associate Professor focused on historical organization studies, and Amy Thurlow, a Communication Studies Professor specializing in critical sensemaking, explore the hidden narratives in archival research. They discuss how business archives have overlooked marginalized voices, using examples like Pan Am and railways to illustrate the impact of archival silences. The duo proposes a robust research agenda emphasizing reflexivity, aesthetics, and intersectionality to reshape how organizational histories are studied and taught for a more inclusive future.

Jack Hartnell, an art historian and author, takes us on a captivating journey through the history of the Wound Man—an intriguing medical diagram. He explores its origins in medieval Bohemia and its surprising popularity across cultures. Hartnell dives into the diagram's role in both art and medicine, revealing how it served as a vital educational tool for healers and patients. He also discusses its gender implications and religious significance, linking its serene expression to themes of suffering and salvation. Prepare to see art and medical history in a whole new light!

In this engaging conversation, Shakirah E. Hudani, an urban studies scholar specializing in African cities, explores her book on post-genocide Rwanda. She discusses the intricate balance of urban master planning and grassroots efforts in Kigali, highlighting how spatial strategies reshape lives and memories. Hudani dives into local community responses to urban changes, revealing tensions around land use and environmental initiatives. Her insights bridge the complex intersections of identity, memory, and urban repair, while offering parallels to other post-conflict regions.

“My name has become a horror to all those who want slavery,” declared Jean‑Jacques Dessalines as he announced the independence of Haiti, the most radical nation‑state during the Age of Revolution and the first country ever to permanently outlaw slavery. Enslaved for the first thirty years of his life, Dessalines (c. 1758–1806) joined the revolution that abolished slavery within the French colony. Then he became a general in the colonial army of the new French Republic. When it was discovered that France once again supported slavery, Dessalines declared war on his former allies. Fighting under the slogan “Liberty or Death,” his army forced the French to evacuate in late 1803. At the start of the new year, Dessalines declared independence from France and became the leader of a free Haiti.A hero to Haitians for centuries, Dessalines is portrayed abroad as barbarous and violent. Yet this caricature derives not from facts—as Dr. Julia Gaffield demonstrates with extensive new research—but from the fears of contemporary enslavers. Showcasing the man behind the myths, Dr. Gaffield reveals Dessalines’s deep suffering, warm friendships, and unwavering commitment to destroying slavery, racism, and colonialism, and his bold insistence on his people’s right to liberty and equality. Our guest is: Dr. Julia Gaffield, who is associate professor of history at William & Mary. She is the author of Haitian Connections in the Atlantic World: Recognition after Revolution; and of I Have Avenged America: Jean-Jacques Dessalines and Haiti’s Fight for Freedom (Yale UP, 2025). She lives in Williamsburg, VA. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is a writing coach and a developmental editor. She is the producer of the Academic Life podcast, and writes the show’s newsletter here  Playlist for listeners: The First and Last King of Haiti: The Rise and Fall of Henry Christophe We Refuse: A Forceful History of Black Resistance The Social Constructions of Race Never Caught Living Resistance We Take Our Cities With Us Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You can support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 275+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this engaging discussion, Ofer Ashkenazi, Rebekka Grossmann, Shira Meron, and Sarah Wobbick Segev delve into the powerful narrative of Jewish photography in Nazi Germany. They explore how diverse Jewish communities documented their lives through over 15,000 photographs, revealing unspoken emotions amid growing oppression. The guests highlight the significance of home as a refuge, the political implications of photography, and the complex layers of identity reflected in these powerful images. Their collaborative research sheds light on a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of history.