Being Modern, Being Human

#8 What is a learning disability and how to live with it?

Michelle Steiner has a learning disability that involves difficulties in math, visual perception, manual dexterity, and executive functioning.
 
In this episode, we talk about the challenges of having a learning disability, how to overcome them, and how we can help people with learning disabilities better integrate into society.
 
To learn more about Michelle Steiner's world: 
https://michellesmission.blog/

#7 Behind the scenes of modern archaeology

How do modern archaeologists work? What is community-based archaeology, and how does it relate to the postcolonial paradigm? What approaches do museums adopt to engage with their audiences today? We talk about these issues with Dr. Michele Koons, curator of archaeology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, lecturer on "Museums in the 21st Century" at the University of Colorado, and an active field archaeologist.
 
To learn more about Dr. Michele Koons’ projects:
http://www.drmichelekoons.com/ 
https://www.instagram.com/dr.michele.koons/

#6 Do we need literature in the 21st century?

In the fast-paced age of social media, breaking news, and instant messages, many find it challenging to consume "high literature." English professor Jason Gulya believes that pop culture is also a form of literature. In his classes, he uses films and video games to explain literary concepts. In this episode, we are talking about the transformations of modern storytelling, its current role and status, and the reasons to learn writing in the 21st century.
 

#5 Humanity on the move: migration, digital nomadism and cultural identities

How does migration shape humanity? What is the impact of the increase or decrease in mobility for work? In what ways does migration influence the perception of cultural identities? We discuss these questions with Neha Chatwani, an independent researcher in organizational psychology and integration ambassador for youth with migrant backgrounds in Austria.
To learn more about Neha Chatwani and her work:
https://theworkplaceatelier.com/

#4 What is humankind looking for in space?

Why do we need space exploration? What does it take to be a space explorer? When will we see affordable commercial space flights? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Haider I Mohsin, a senior scientist at NASA. He works on the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon in preparation for missions to Mars. 
 
Official website of the Artemis program:
https://www.nasa.gov/artemisprogram

#3 How can religions address the environmental crisis?

What can the world's religions do to address pressing ecological issues? What steps are they already taking? How is environmental discourse being integrated into the religious narrative? We discuss these questions with Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, founders of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology and researchers at Yale's School of the Environment.
 
To learn more about The Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology: 
https://fore.yale.edu/
More about Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim 
https://fore.yale.edu/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Our-Team 

#2 The true story behind coffee and social responsibility

How are our coffees related to climate change, civil wars, and migration? In this episode, we talk with James Harper – the author of Filter Stories, a critically acclaimed documentary that helps coffee drinkers understand how their morning cup of coffee impacts tens of millions of people around the world.
To learn more about one of the world's most popular drinks, check out James Harper's podcasts:
https://filterstories.org/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-history-of-coffee/id1553744133 

#1 What are the ethical and legal challenges of artificial intelligence?

What is artificial intelligence? What should we be wary of as we develop and adopt this technology? In the first episode of Being Modern, Being Human, we discuss the current state of AI and the changes it is bringing to our society with Maura Declercq-Mindrila  –  a Belgian mergers and acquisitions lawyer turned entrepreneur and CEO of the deep tech company ID Legacy.