Peoples & Things

Tiia Sahrakorpi, a Visiting Professor at Weber State University, delves into her book project, exploring the oral histories of electricity usage in Finland. She critiques conventional views on technology, highlighting personal narratives that reveal how energy adoption shapes daily life. The discussion spans renewable energy dynamics, emotional responses to nuclear power, and the historical perspectives of socialist women on electricity's affordability. Sahrakorpi emphasizes community resilience and the ethical responsibility of understanding indigenous connections to energy.

Mary Bridges, an Ernest May Fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School, delves into her book, 'Dollars and Dominion,' exploring how U.S. banks unexpectedly shaped global finance. She reveals how banking infrastructure laid the groundwork for U.S. dominance post-World War II, examining the Federal Reserve's pivotal role. The conversation highlights the complex interplay between banking history, U.S. imperialism, and economic power, offering insights into the evolution of financial practices and their contemporary implications.

Savannah Mandel, a space anthropologist and writer completing her PhD at Virginia Tech, argues for halting human space exploration in her insightful discussion. She emphasizes that urgent issues on Earth, like poverty and civil rights, should take precedence over space endeavors. Mandel shares her transformative journey from pro-space advocacy to critiquing its ethics, revealing tensions in the space community following her controversial views. She also explores the history of asteroid mining, combining academic rigor with a touch of humor in her reflections on apocalyptic narratives.

Matthew Wisnioski, a Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech, discusses his book, 'Every American an Innovator,' exploring how innovation in America evolved from elitist perspectives to encompass diverse voices, including women and people of color. He emphasizes the government's crucial role in promoting innovation and reflects on societal changes in perceptions of the innovator. Wisnioski also dives into how children contribute to innovation culture and hints at his upcoming project about 'The Magic School Bus,' highlighting education's impact on creativity.

Ben Snyder, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Williams College and author of *Spy Plane: Inside Baltimore’s Surveillance Experiment*, dives into the controversial aerial surveillance program in Baltimore. He discusses how this military-grade technology aimed to track individuals raised significant privacy concerns among the community. Snyder reveals the technological optimism clashing with ethical dilemmas and the eventual legal challenges that deemed the program unconstitutional. The conversation highlights the complex relationship between surveillance, community trust, and the accountability of law enforcement.

Beth Linker, a historian and professor at the University of Pennsylvania, dives into her book, Slouch: Postural Panic in Modern America. She links posture to historical issues like racism and eugenics, revealing surprising connections. The conversation critiques misconceptions around posture and the stigma of 'slouch shaming.' Linker also explores the American Posture League's founding and its influence on health perceptions. She reflects on evolving physical therapy practices and hints at her next projects focusing on disability and healthcare narratives.

Helen Thompson, a Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University, shares her insights on contemporary geopolitics and energy dynamics. She discusses her book, *Disorder*, exploring military conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East. The conversation highlights the significance of energy geopolitics in the Net Zero transition and critiques the disconnection between political promises and actionable climate policies. Thompson's unique approach unpacks how historical tensions and current events shape our understanding of global relations.

Jessica Smith, a Professor at the Colorado School of Mines, dives deep into the intersections of engineering, ethics, and public accountability in energy and mining. She shares insights from her book on corporate social responsibility, addressing how stereotypes about engineers can obscure their moral complexities. The conversation also tackles the challenges of integrating carbon capture technologies and the importance of community engagement. Smith emphasizes the need for engineers to embrace ethical considerations while navigating the realities of extractive industries.

Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, talks with Lauren Bridges, Assistant Professor of Media Studies at the University of Virginia, about her work on the political, economic, and environmental politics of big data infrastructures. They focus on some of Bridges’ work on the disconnect between the promises made to localities around digital transformation and the realities of data center power demands and other material factors. They also discuss Bridges’ other projects, including “Geographies of Digital Wasting,” a global collaborative project, which Bridges was co-PI on, tracing the global flows and practices of digital wasting throughout the tech supply chain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeremy Braddock, an Associate Professor at Cornell and author of "Firesign: The Electromagnetic History of Everything as Told on Nine Comedy Albums," dives deep into the impact of Firesign Theatre. He discusses their innovative use of media, the evolution of radio drama, and how humor reflects societal values. Braddock connects the dots between media technologies and identity, emphasizing how the surrealistic comedy group challenged norms and enriched cultural narratives. Explore his insights into sound, creativity, and the enduring legacy of this unique art form!