Recent years have illuminated many of the divides and differences within American society and culture. In particular, as citizens around the world are predicted to congregate in cities in coming decades, rural populations are worthy of consideration and conversation. This week, we welcome Gabe Brison-Trezise to discuss some of the difficulties facing the inhabitants of rural America. From occupational challenges and shifts in cultural attitudes to birth rates and economic pitfalls, there are numerous struggles to contend with. How do literal distances complicate empathy for those living in vastly different ways? What steps can be taken to limit social differences?
Episode 225: The Wrong Route of Dreaming
In our youth (and often in adulthood), we're asked what we want to be when we grow up. How crucial might "what" be in that framing of our futures and the approach we encourage young people to take? Does it focus primarily on an occupation as a destination rather than a lifestyle or set of values to uphold? This week, we welcome Matt DiBiase to help explore the concept. Do we see this question as a comfortable form of simplicity, easily digestible for young minds? How might these early conceptions of life influence someone’s future experiences?
Further Reading:
Matt’s Music Site
Episode 224: Between These Eyes of Ink IV
“O house-builder, you are seen! You will not build this house again. For your rafters are broken and your ridgepole shattered. My mind has reached the Unconditioned; I have attained the destruction of craving.”
This week, we return to "Between These Eyes of Ink," a series which dissects and considers quotations and the insights they contain. For our fourth episode, we welcome Ron Levine to help examine the words of the Buddha, who said "O house-builder, you are seen! You will not build this house again. For your rafters are broken and your ridgepole shattered. My mind has reached the Unconditioned; I have attained the destruction of craving”. What can this quotation teach us about self-deception and truth? How do craving and yearning mislead and how do we correct course?
Episode 223: Zootopia
Released in 2016 to critical and commercial success, Zootopia tells the story of rabbit Judy Hopps in her evolving dream to police the streets of the the titular animal metropolis. Along the way, she forms a partnership with the cunning fox, Nick Wilde. While the film may have catered to younger audiences in its animation style, the strong, articulate commentary it makes on race and racism remains its most impressive feat. This week, we’re joined by Charneil Bush to discuss and review this film that is just as much creative fun as it is earnest reflection. Does an animated film succeed where more raw calls for conversation won’t? How does art help us relate to the world with more compassion, clarity and patience?
Episode 222: A Pale Blue Launch I
What would you send into outer space to commemorate Earth and humanity, to a potential audience of alien life? This week, we begin a new interview series to tackle that question. In each entry, we’ll interview someone about the five objects - with a stipulation - they would place in a space capsule to launch into the starry beyond. For our inaugural episode, we spoke with Leland Holcomb about the five objects that he would launch - all of which had to contain glass.
