Stride & Saunter

Alongside the meteoric rise, popularity and societal influence of smartphones, many have voiced concern about their impact - especially on younger users. This week, we examine and respond to a September 2017 article in The Atlantic by Jean M. Twenge which looks at several topics surrounding the smartphone's cultural ramifications. In particular, she pursues issues tied to teenage smartphone users. How might today's teens be less social, more risk-averse and less independent than those of yesteryear? What can we learn about human or adolescent nature by observing smartphone use or overuse?

So long as humans have wandered the earth, we have been contemplated and received the seasons in our lives. Though all of us could point to ways in which our lives change with the seasons, how might we reconsider seasonal time? This week, we explore an article written by Matthew Thomas on his blog, Submitted For Your Perusal, entitled "Fall In". We often use metrics of days or years to measure progress and achievement, why not seasons? Are there seasons in which we feel more whole, productive or aware than others?

As acting has persisted as a vessel of storytelling, expression, catharsis and so much more, its allure has also grown over the centuries. Pursuing a career as an actor is one of the quintessential risks taken by creative types. But how does this career path, so tied to individual skill, identity and appearance, relate to selfish behavior? Does the arrogance that some actors exhibit come from the field or from another source? How does the public clamor for great performances feed the egos of actors?

This week, the beginning of a new series entitled "Between These Eyes of Ink," which dissects and considers quotations and the insights they contain. For our inaugural episode, we're looking at the words of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., who said "The longer we live, the more we find we are like other persons". Is Holmes referring to all people? Does the word "persons" have particular significance? What does this perspective say about human empathy over time?

Imagery plays a powerful role across all cultures. Whether sculpted, painted, drawn or woven, human creations are often detailed in ways that capture the imagination and the spirit. This week, we look at the visual qualities of Christianity's central image, Christ on the cross. Widely-spread and recognized by billions of people around the world, it is powerful and meaningful in a myriad of ways. How might it strike discomfort in some where many find inspiration and hope? How does it serve as an example of symbol interpretation and meaning reversal?

The phrase "honesty is the best policy" has been a common utterance of parents, teachers and other moral guides in society. It points to a tendency and belief system many hope we might adopt and employ in our daily lives. But what is the philosophy behind the saying and what does it actually request of the individual? This week, we welcome Gabe Brison-Trezise to explore some of the morality and practicality behind the saying. Why does the word policy appear here? What values or behaviors might be more fitting than honesty? How do truth and falsehood permeate our lives in more subtle ways?

We all face choices in how we deal with those around us. Your options can include apathy, hostility, curiosity and countless other variations. When it comes to showing differing levels of courtesy or respect, how might they differ? This week, we welcome Kathleen Duffy to examine the distinctions between being nice and being kind. What can we glean about interpersonal priorities through either expression? Does our society encourage one approach over the other? How do they require different energy, thought and sincerity from each of us?

In a post-Holocaust world, the narrative of humanity is forever changed by the tragedy and atrocity of the period. For the religious among us, particularly the Jewish people, how can these events be understood in relation to an almighty being? This week, we're joined by Adam Bulmash to explore this questions through the lens of the 2008 BBC film, God on Trial, written by Frank Cottrell Boyce. The film takes place in Auschwitz, during World War II, and illustrates the real events of prisoners who put God on trial for the circumstances of the Holocaust. What commentaries does the film make about free will and faith? How has human relationship to a higher power shifted before, during and after the events of the Holocaust?

Ours is a world absolutely brimming with media and the narratives behind their creation and distribution. In particular, photography and the digital revolution have shaped how people are captured and depicted on camera. This week, we explore a New York Times article published in September 2017 which discusses image search trends for "woman" on Getty Images, a popular stock photography site. What do these images individually say about our societal perceptions, expectations and sentiments towards women? What are the narratives that emerge from the images as a series, showing change from 2007 to 2017?

Because of the consistent role war has held over the course of human history, its relevance in culture persists. It's worth considering how we discuss, think about and view war, but equally useful to look at how artists and creators depict it and the effects it has. This week, we welcome Travis Partington to look at the forms of media which illustrate war and how they might fixate on certain elements over others. How could we be more conscientious of non-combatant roles? Why do we fixate on the most violent, energetic moments of war? Whose narratives do we recognize and whose might we neglect?

The knowledge we possess rests clearly upon what, how and when we learn. But what about the spaces in which we learn? How do they affect our comprehension, comfort and perspective of the world around us? This week, we're joined by Harry Kalish to explore the concept of a learning environment. What kind of a "classroom" would be ideal if resources posed no limitation? What do we each prefer in our learning environments? How have we been stifled by antiquated or obtuse approaches to classroom arrangements?

We all perceive and interact with innocence in different ways. It's often written about, illustrated and described at length in cultures around the world. Whether defined by appearance, age, gender or other factors, it has a captivating effect on many of us. How do we engage with it in the border between humans and other animals? A younger Kip made an observation about birds in a parking lot which offers one perspective on the topic. What might the presumption of innocence do to limit our interactions with "the innocent" among us? How might that perspective presume a helplessness rather than a legitimate sense of adaptability?

In a vast and complicated universe, our ability to perceive and interpret our place within it is especially valuable. Some of us passionately seek answers to questions big and small while others prefer to marvel at the deep and unfolding mysteries of our world. This week, we speak to Logan Bialik about her views on wonder and knowledge. How might the two correlate to youth and old age? What are the benefits and drawbacks to each as a set of skills and lenses? When might one be better applied than the other?

Three years ago, on September 24, 2014, we launched Stride & Saunter. I look back with a deep fondness on all that I've learned and everything I've been fortunate to share with the listening world. I feel the show's aim of exploring and describing humanity is as useful and relevant as ever and I am just as excited for the road ahead as I am nostalgic for our previous explorations. I believe humanity to be incredible, and I hope the show can capture even a fraction of that beautiful wonder to share with all of you. In gratitude, Kip

On August 21st, 2017, millions of Americans flocked to see a total solar eclipse as it ventured across the continental U.S. Beyond the visual and scientific marvel, the event came at a time of great division in our country. The path forward is unclear, and rife with political disagreements, shame and fear for our future. But the eclipse obscured all of that for a while, creating unity and a sense of perspective and place in the universe. This week, we speak with technology journalist Wade Roush about his thoughts and experiences on the eclipse. How might it serve as a metaphor for our current political climate? What is its value as a natural phenomenon?