New Books Network

Emilia Alaverdov, a Georgian political science professor and cultural heritage advocate, discusses the crucial need for protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones. She explores the interdisciplinary approach required for preservation, highlighting Georgia's challenges and the role of international cooperation. Alaverdov also emphasizes the potential of digital tools and AI in heritage safeguarding. Additionally, she advocates for agro-tourism as a means of economic recovery while stressing the impact of stable governance on cultural restoration efforts.

Andrea Kitta, an Associate Professor of Folklore at East Carolina University, dives into the intricate world of disease as a social construct. She explores how folklore impacts health narratives, from the cultural implications of vampires and zombies to the stigma surrounding patient-zero stories. Kitta emphasizes the importance of storytelling in public health and critiques media portrayals, particularly regarding adolescent bullying linked to Slender Man. She also addresses the gendered stigma of the HPV vaccine and warns against the mockery of vernacular beliefs in public dialogues.

Shoshana Walter, a Pulitzer-finalist reporter for The Marshall Project, reveals the untold truths behind the U.S. rehab industry in her new book, *Rehab: An American Scandal*. Walter delves into the flawed rehab system that often prioritizes profit over genuine recovery. She shares harrowing stories of individuals like April and Chris, highlighting systemic failures and the harsh realities of exploitative practices. Exploring the economic incentives tied to treatment, she calls for policy reform to emphasize longer, more supportive recovery options.

Vania Smith-Oka, an associate professor and cultural anthropologist, explores the complexities of medical training in her book, *Becoming Gods.* She shares insights from her ethnographic research with interns in Puebla, revealing how gender influences their medical experiences and career aspirations. Vania discusses the unique challenges faced by female interns, the embodied learning process of developing a medical self, and the ethical reflections in both medicine and academia. Additionally, she touches on her future research regarding cesarean incisions in Mexico.

Ziggy Hanaor, the director of Cicada Books and an award-winning author, dives into her latest nonfiction picture book, Life (As We Know It). She explores the lyrical storytelling of the universe's history, illustrated beautifully by Cristóbal Schmal. Ziggy shares insights on running a boutique publishing house, allowing for creative risks in children's nonfiction. The discussion touches on her unique illustrator-first approach and the importance of honest narratives about environmental challenges. Plus, she offers writing tips and reflects on the evolving role of AI in publishing.

Martha Biondi, a historian and professor at Northwestern University, delves into the impactful life of Prexy Nesbitt, a Black activist from Chicago. They discuss how Nesbitt's early experiences and connections shaped his commitment to African liberation. Biondi highlights the importance of internationalism over Pan-Africanism in Nesbitt's approach. The conversation uncovers the lesser-known solidarity efforts tied to U.S. anti-apartheid movements and critiques the socio-economic dynamics surrounding apartheid's end.

Ihnji Jon, an urban politics scholar and author, explores how cities can spearhead transformative environmental politics amid climate change. He discusses the concept of new ecology which bridges the nature-culture divide, offering innovative urban planning approaches. Jon highlights case studies from cities like Darwin and Cleveland, reflecting on how local experiences shape bottom-up ethics and pragmatic political actions. His insights reveal that tackling global issues often starts with grassroots efforts in our urban environments.

Yunxiang Gao, a history professor at Ryerson University, shares fascinating insights from her research on Black and Chinese connections in the 20th century. She uncovers the collaborative networks between African American icons like W. E. B. Du Bois and their Chinese counterparts, Liu Liangmo and Sylvia Si-lan Chen. Gao highlights the global impact of these relationships during significant historical moments. Additionally, she discusses how Chinese perceptions of Black intellectuals evolved over time, reflecting on the vital roles of influential spouses in shaping pro-China sentiments.

Zumretay Arkin, Chair of the Women's Committee at the World Uyghur Congress, shares her insights on the ongoing Uyghur genocide in East Turkestan. She highlights the colonial occupation and mass detentions affecting over three million Uyghurs, particularly the repression of religious practices and family separations. Arkin discusses the parallels between China's Islamophobia and global anti-Muslim sentiments, and emphasizes the importance of nonviolent resistance. Listeners learn actionable ways to show solidarity and support Uyghur advocacy.

In this engaging discussion, Marcus Chown, a former radio astronomer and science writer, delves into the mysterious world of black holes. He explores their historical significance, tracing how they evolved from being dismissed by Einstein to central players in cosmic understanding. Chown shares insights from interviews with key researchers and explains concepts like gravitational waves and Hawking radiation. He also touches on the intriguing relationship between supermassive black holes and galaxy formation, leaving listeners with a sense of wonder about the universe's mysteries.