Being Modern, Being Human

#28 How to resist racism in the digital age?

How do the mechanisms of racial inequality adapt and persist in social media and other aspects of virtual communication? What are the ways to resist racism online? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rob Eschmann—a writer, educator, filmmaker, and scholar from the University of Chicago, whose research centers around racism and inequality online. We discuss his recently released book, 'When the Hood Comes Off: Racism and Resistance in the Digital Age.”
 
To learn more about Dr. Rob Eschmann:
https://www.robeschmann.com/  

#27 How to understand people from different cultures?

Born in Saudi Arabia, Mashael Alanizi has been living in the UK for many years. Coming from a family of doctors and has medical training herself. Together with her sister, she runs Wisal, a London-based company that focuses on creating cultural awareness in healthcare, helping patients from the East and doctors from the West connect better and mutually benefit from it. 
In this episode, we sit down with Mashael to discuss some common sources of misunderstanding between cultures, ways to improve cultural competency, and the difference between understanding and tolerance. 
 
To learn more about Mashael Alanizi and Wisal:
https://www.wisal.co.uk/ 
​​https://www.instagram.com/wisalconnect/ 

#26 Why do we need sustainable fashion? Its potential, challenges and the future

How can fashion become more sustainable? What obstacles do independent designers wishing to adopt sustainability face? Can big brands truly embrace sustainability? In this episode, we explore the intersection of style, society, and the environment with Liberty Imhoff, the founder of Manic Metallic, a fashion media company built around the ethos of respecting fashion as an art, discipline, and societal force for change. 
 
To learn more about Liberty Imhoff and Manic Metallic:
https://manicmetallic.com/ 
Instagram: @liberty.imhoff

#25 Dating, friendship, and the meaning of life in the age of social media and AI

This episode started with a conversation about modern dating and romantic relationships but organically turned to broader issues of contemporary society, such as inequality and the growing role of artificial intelligence.
 
This is the second episode with award-winning author Gerald Everett Jones, from what turned out to be a mini-series of “Talks with a Writer.”
 
In our previous interview, we discussed the phenomenon of stardom and the intricacies of showbiz. Check it out here:
 
Episode #23 “The journey to stardom: Exploring showbiz, Hollywood, and the art of storytelling”
https://shorturl.at/hiuDJ
 
To learn more about Gerald Everett Jones and his books:
https://geraldeverettjones.com/ 
 
Connect with “Being Modern, Being Human”
inna@innalogunova.com

#24 Modern parenting: Worldschooling, partnership and questioning societal norms

Anarchy as a family lifestyle? In this episode, Lainie Liberti–a best-selling author, international speaker, and advocate for alternative education–shares her personal journey of schooling her son and mentoring other children outside the conventional educational framework. We explore the concepts of 'unschooling' and  'worldschooling' and discuss how to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships between parents and their teens and tweens. 
To learn more about Lainie’s projects:
https://projectworldschool.com/ 
https://transformativementoringforteens.com/ 
 
Connect with “Being Modern, Being Human”
inna@innalogunova.com

#23 The journey to stardom: Exploring showbiz, Hollywood, and the art of storytelling

In this episode, we step behind the scenes of showbiz and the entertainment industry. What sacrifices one has to make on their journey to fame? How does Hollywood operate? Where is the line between the constructed public image and the real person? We explore these questions and more with award-winning author Gerald Everett Jones whose recent novel, “Mick& Moira & Brad,” inspired this conversation. 
This interview is filled with real-life anecdotes, curious details, and plenty of insights about life, love, and the art of storytelling. 
 
To learn more about Gerald Everett Jones and his books:
https://geraldeverettjones.com/
 

#22 Judaica art: Connecting the past and the present

How is the diversity of Jewish communities around the world reflected in Judaica art? How have contemporary artists adapted traditional forms? In this episode, we delve into the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of Jewish art. Harrison Schley, a member of the International Society of Appraisers and a specialist in fine and decorative Asian art and Judaica, reflects on the past, the present, and the ways they are tied together.
This is the second episode in our mini-series with Harrison. In our previous conversation, we discussed the art and culture of the Edo period in Japan.
 
To learn more about Harrison Schley:https://schleyappraisals.com/ 

#21 Time travel to Edo-period Japan with Harrison Schley

When we think of pre-20th century Japan, the tea ceremony, Japanese porcelain, and woodblock prints come to mind. The Edo period, spanning from 1615 to 1868, left a rich artistic legacy that is popular among collectors and recognizable even by non-experts. In this episode of "Being Modern, Being Human," we explore one of the most fascinating epochs in Japan's history with Harrison Schley, Ph.D., a specialist in fine and decorative Asian art, Judaica, and a member of the International Society of Appraisers. We discuss the relationship between Japanese art and society, how to start a collection of Japanese art, and how studying different cultures makes us more human.
 
This episode is the first in a two-part mini-series. In the next episode, we will delve into Judaica art.
 
To learn more about Harrison Schley:https://schleyappraisals.com/ 

#20 What do the Kyrgyz epic and the Scripture have in common?

The twists and turns of history leave behind many unexplained puzzles, such as the similarities between the Scripture and the Kyrgyz legendary epic, Manas. 
Richard Hewitt spent twenty years in Kyrgyzstan, living with a rural Kyrgyz family in the Tian Shan Mountains. He was given the Kyrgyz name Risbek during his time there. In this episode, we discuss Risbek’s experiences in Central Asia, his research on the ancient texts, his fascinating discoveries, and the commonalities that underlie our shared human heritage.
 
To learn more about Richard Hewitt’s research: 
https://tinyurl.com/yc8f3rpv

#19 Posture as a life-changer: exploring the mind-body connection

How do posture and body language impact our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being? In what way are technology and modern lifestyle affecting our anatomy and physiology? Most importantly, how to notice negative transformations and take action to improve your physical and mental health? 
 
We will delve into the history and science behind posture with Aesha Tahir, exercise physiologist, coach, author, and speaker. As a wellness consultant, she helps her clients enhance their quality of life and achieve professional success by improving their posture and body language. Her book, “Unhunched: Discovering Wellness Through Posture” is set to release in May 2023. 
 
To learn more about posture, get a sneak peek into the book and contact Aesha Tahir: 
 
Website: https://toneandstrengthen.com
Book: https://aesha-tahir.presale.manuscripts.com
Instagram: @tone_and_strengthen