Peoples & Things

Bryan Hanson, Ombudsperson for Virginia Tech's Graduate School, discusses Disrupting Academic Bullying, addressing harassment in academic environments, the role of an ombud in conflict resolution, understanding academic bullying's impact and ways to navigate nonviolent communication. They delve into the importance of addressing bullying in higher education through policy changes and supportive cultures, highlighting the need for restorative approaches and inclusive environments.

MC Forelle, Assistant Professor of Engineering & Society, discusses 'chipification' in cars, right to repair debates, auto industry subscription models, and the emergence of countercultures in the automotive sector. Also explores technology in films, sustainability, and reimagining regulatory systems.

Asif Siddiqi, a history professor, discusses Soviet space history, Russian cosmism, and gender dynamics in pop songs. They explore the roots of space exploration, global space infrastructures, and upcoming projects in technology history.

Historian and comedian Sean Vanatta discusses the history of credit cards in the US, highlighting regulatory struggles, consumer credit evolution, and financial system complexities. The podcast explores the impact of technology on money, consumer credit during the Great Depression, and missed opportunities for financial reform.

Guru Madhavan discusses 'Wicked Problems' and engineering a better world by intertwining humanities and social sciences with engineering. He emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to problem-solving and addresses the interconnectedness of societal and technical challenges. The podcast explores the complexities of wicked problems, advocating for innovative solutions and valuing maintenance and innovation in engineering projects.

On this podcast, John Warner discusses the impact of generative AI tools on writing education, emphasizing the need for a shift towards authentic engagement and critical thinking. They explore the challenges of traditional writing education, the purpose of schooling, and the integration of AI in teaching practices. The conversation delves into the importance of meaningful assessment methods, reducing student loads, and evolving teaching practices in higher education.

Discover the history of food labeling in the US, from FDA regulations to controversies like GMO labeling. Learn about future projects on the Mediterranean Diet and food packaging. Explore topics like kombucha, nutrition labels, food fraud, and the evolution of food standards post-World War II.

Are you into the end of the world? Well, have we got the guest for you. In this episode, Peoples & Things host Lee Vinsel interviews Zachary Loeb, assistant professor of history at Purdue University, about his work. On his faculty page, Loeb describes himself as “interested in the idea that humanity’s romance with technology has the species (and the planet) on a course that may lead to catastrophe.” Vinsel and Loeb talk about this idea and its history before turning to a discussion of Loeb’s dissertation and forthcoming book, a history of Y2K. The pair also discuss potential future directions of Loeb’s research. Peoples & Things has a new newsletter, where you can learn behind the scenes details about the podcast and much more. Check it out here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast covers Bob Charette's research method for technology, business, and public policy, specifically focusing on EV chargers. They discuss finding accurate data, challenges of EV adoption, political number manipulation, and complexities in transitioning to electric vehicles.

Join Lee Vinsel and Christy Spackman as they discuss the flavor of industrialized water, the sensory perception of water, and the historical efforts to make processed water taste appealing. They also touch on topics like food studies, mentorship, terroir, and water quality impact on food corporations. Dive into this intriguing conversation!