Stride & Saunter

Many of us point to people, stories or experiences that really make us think or open our minds. But how often do we go to spaces or habits and rituals to actually deviate from the typical or mundane thoughts we have? This week we welcome Liam Leonard-Solis to examine this idea by looking specifically at the bed and the shower as spaces where many of us have time alone at the beginnings and ends of our days. How might that solitude offer us a freer space for thinking? What could we draw from these places and apply elsewhere in our lives?

In living our lives and putting our experiences, creations and selves into the world, we also draw attention for various types of scrutiny and critique. While it's certainly valuable to have feedback - ideally constructively so - many people take an aggressive or hostile tone under the guise of criticism. This week we're joined by Amy Young to explore the distinctions between "the critical" and "the hurtful". How might typical human tendencies presume input to be negative when that may not be intended? How could we avoid the discomfort that many of us associate with criticism by proactively seeking it out? Are there certain figures or relationships which permit criticism more openly or with lower potential for conflict than others?

Many of us who pursue artistic or creative passions look to those who have succeeded in a particular field. Writers inspire the linguistically-inclined, musicians often look to top artists and bands for a model of creative success. But what about the possibility of drawing inspiration across artistic disciplines? This week we speak with Jibri McLean about the phenomenon and discuss the foundations of his creative drive. How does self-confidence help cultivate a sense of personal and artistic liberty? What are the foundations of artistic inspiration that touch something profoundly human? 

As we get to know other people, we gradually filter them into distinct boxes or categories. Some we associate with work, recreation or competition. One particular social category worthy of further examination is the idea of a best friend. What makes someone a best friend? Is this title always applied mutually between or among groups of friends? How do these particular individuals shape our lives and growth. This week, we're joined by Jack Quigley to examine how we choose or evaluate friendships that may fall under this label. How do our preferences for best friends change as we grow older?

Since the September 11th terror attacks, the United States has continued to wage a "war on terror". It has been the catalyst for numerous political and ideological shifts around the globe over the past sixteen years and reflects a turning point of sorts. It is important to examine, given attacks in recent years, how democracy plays into the topic of terrorism. This week we're joined by Sam Whipple to look at a 2005 article by F. Gregory Gause III entitled "Can Democracy Stop Terrorism?" and to explore the role democracies play in combating 21st century terrorism. How are democracies organized in ways that prove especially vulnerable to terrorist aims? How does terrorism take advantages of the freedoms permitted under democracy?

When sexual topics are brought into a conversation via joke or interjection, a common response is “Get your mind out of the gutter!” Prevailing cultural attitudes discourage us from bringing up sexual topics unless they are given a substantial and specific context. What are some of the consequences of avoiding these topics and treating them as taboo? This week, we welcome Charneil Bush to examine the underlying meaning behind this common phrase and how dialogue could alter our perspectives on sexual topics. We explore how the absence of such conversations makes it more difficult to broach the subject. What does the current discourse, or lack thereof, indicate about our understandings of one another as sexual beings?

We often take a critical look at cultural elements or sections of our behavior and thinking. Is it possible to apply a similar lens to an entire culture? This week, we welcome Kendall Theroux to talk about reservations of claiming an American identity during her travels abroad in Germany. Are there fair ways to criticize and correct a culture? Is it even possible to conceptualize and properly address a nation of millions with so many subsections and intimate multitudes? Can one be concerned about or embarrassed by a national culture and still claim to be patriotic?

As technology advances at a rapid pace, many have pointed out its effects on our social, professional and personal lives. The intersection of technology and biology is often overlooked in these conversations, but it’s worth further examination. In the 2009 documentary Transcendent Man, futurist Ray Kurzweil plays a key role in describing this intersection. His central thesis leans upon “The Singularity,” in which humanity will merge with technology because of its accelerated pace and progress. He and various experts speak on memory, the possibility of immortality and other influences of such advanced technology. This week we welcome Tim Connolly to review the film’s main arguments and theories. What effect would technological immortality have on our society? How would this new threshold shift our definitions of humans and humanity?

Our interpretations and responses to circumstances and other people say a great deal about who we are. Do we respond with confusion, apathy, fear, delight or any number of other emotions? Time and again, a polarity emerges between those who greet circumstances in jest or solemnity. What does this "Funny/Serious divide," however nascent an idea, say about our personalities? We're joined this week by Yara Farahmand to explore the phenomenon and how it affects our perceptions of others and ourselves. How might our society prefer one of these two patterns of thought and behavior? What might each of these poles misjudge or presume about the other?

If you asked most people about their thought-processes, they probably wouldn't question their train of thought. We do not always think about thinking. Generally, we appear quite capable of finding and defending the logic behind our internal decisions. But we do not always envision others within this broad framework and often judge their reasoning through our mental schema and thinking habits. This week we welcome Taylor Scult to discuss an uncommon believe that all thoughts have a basis in rationale. How can we push ourselves to see the logic that others apply to their decisions and behavior? Why might we be more inclined to see the world in terms of black and white logic? Does a belief in truly illogical behavior encourage us to abandon thinking we do not understand?

Transitions are often interesting occasions in our lives which force us to confront the self on a critical level and evaluate our apparent trajectories. This is particularly true of military veterans, whose transitions home from military operations of all kinds can be jarring given the stark contrast of military procedures and civilian life. We're particularly grateful to speak with Travis Partington this week about some of his experiences as a Marine and his shift out of the military. How can civilians better welcome and support those making this journey? What do our preconceptions of those in the military suggest about our impressions of their times and perspectives? How do we collectively lose stories and insight in failing to ask about their experiences?

The interactions that comprise our world are built upon how we communicate with one another and what we expect of those around us. This is particularly evident in the phenomenon of "The Friend Zone," a state often lamented by those whose sexual or romantic desires are not reciprocated. But what does this expression of dissatisfaction say about our cultural teachings? This week we welcome Chandler Davis to discuss the concept and some of its problematic implications. Why is the term often used by men to describe their relationships with women? How does a reliance upon this belief diminish more nuanced and complex understandings of others? What are other cultural values attendant to a belief in the Friend Zone?

Because of the ever-connected nature of the Internet, 21st century media has the opportunity to be dynamic, iterative and fluid in real-time. Posts on social media can be edited, collaborative documents can be edited by multiple parties simultaneously and even live-stream functions have incorporated comments from the viewing audience. The ubiquity of content iteration also carries over to the world of gaming. This week, we return to our “For Non-Gamers” series and welcome Tom Loughney to discuss downloadable content (DLC) in gaming. Because of modern connectivity, developers are able to add content (including missions, costumes and bug-fixes) to games after the fixed release date. How might consumers react if book chapters were released after a book was published? In what ways does DLC represent a chance for developers to extract as much profit as they can? Would a hard rule on the deadline of a media product produce more “complete” products without the safety net that DLC can provide?

In various areas of our lives and spheres of our society, choice and freedom lead to diverse identities and communities. In the contexts of technology and brand identity, the choices we make can lead to very strong sentiments of allegiance and potential hostility towards those with different persuasions. History shows us various conflicts along these lines in the realms of religion, politics and geographic difference, but what about modern technological allegiances? This week, we welcome Jack Zellweger to discuss the phenomenon of “technological judgment”. How and why do we criticize those who use different software and hardware than us? In what ways to we internalize these arguments as statements on relative progress or stagnation? How might we better capitalize on these distinct communities to better appreciate different approaches to technology?

Numerous cultural and societal fixtures encourage us to seize the day, to reach for what is ours and to trust in the engines of our ambitions. This mentality may benefit us in certain circumstances, but in the realm of developing social connections, the rules change. We are compelled to strike a balance with the friendships we hope to encourage. Too much honesty can scare some away while a more aloof approach may communicate disinterest. But the burden of pursuing and maintaining such a relationship does not always fall evenly. This week we welcome Olivia Sabik to discuss the value of proactivity in friendship. Are certain friends more likely to slip into the "driving" role of a friendship? To what extent does distance impede proactive behaviors? And ultimately, are we allowed to approach those we feel could be more even in maintaining the social responsibility of friendship?