Discovering Academia

#070 - Darren Zook: From India to North Korea - The Academic Traveler's Guide to Trust, Identity and Dialogue Across Cultures

In this episode, Professor Darren Zook takes us on a journey from his early days as a math student to becoming a global studies expert at UC Berkeley. He shares his unique approach to travel, emphasizing the value of immersion in local cultures to build trust and foster deeper understanding. Zook recounts pivotal experiences in India and North Korea, offering rare insights into cultural identity, comparative politics, and the complexities of societal structures. He also delves into the importance of addressing racism, the role of humor in bridging ideological divides, and how fostering open dialogue can lead to more inclusive and transformative learning.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/darren-zook
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#069 - David Riemer: Transforming Business, Brands, and Creativity Through Storytelling

Today we talk with David Riemer, a noteworthy author, seasoned marketing executive, and expert in storytelling, who brings decades of experience at the intersection of creativity, business, and innovation. Having held leadership roles at companies like Yahoo! and worked with entrepreneurs, artists, and executives, David has honed the art of turning ideas into transformative narratives. In this episode, we explore the craft of storytelling—how to make your ideas irresistible, why great storytelling drives innovation, and what it takes to connect with audiences in unforgettable ways. From crafting compelling pitches to reimagining business ideas as captivating stories, this episode is a masterclass in harnessing the power of narrative.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/david-riemer
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#068 - Adam Zientek: Wine, War, and Mutiny – The French Army’s Drinking Culture in WWI

In this episode, UC Davis Professor Adam Zientek takes us on a deep dive into the unexpected role of alcohol in World War I, explaining how wine rations sustained French soldiers, boosted morale, and even played a role in mutinies. He unpacks the cultural and medical perceptions of alcohol in early 20th-century France, where wine was seen as a patriotic and medicinal necessity, while distilled spirits were demonized.
Zientek also explores the psychological impact of alcohol on soldiers, how it helped manage fear in battle, and the fascinating historical parallel to modern biochemical interventions in warfare. The conversation then pivots to his latest research on the early days of aerial warfare, tracing the evolution of strategic bombing from World War I through its moral and technological implications in colonial and modern conflicts.
With captivating stories from his archival research in France, this episode offers a unique look at how war, culture, and technology intertwine in unexpected ways.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/adam-zientek
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#067 - Stephen Garcia: The Psychology of Competition, Negotiations, and Growth Mindset

In this episode, Professor Stephen Garcia unpacks the psychology of competition, revealing how it often exists more in our minds than in reality. He explores how rankings, social categories, and personality traits shape competitive behaviors, sometimes hindering collaboration and long-term success.
Garcia discusses motivators like love and fear, explaining how love drives sustainable growth while fear fuels short-term performance. He also highlights gender differences in competition, noting women’s preference for smaller competitive settings and the implications for rewards and performance.
With practical insights on negotiation, fostering collaboration, and adopting a growth mindset, Garcia offers valuable advice for navigating competition in both academic and professional settings.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/stephen-garcia
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#066 - Lerone Martin: How J. Edgar Hoover & the FBI Used White Christian Nationalism to Undermine Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we talk with Lerone Martin, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and the Martin Luther King, Jr., Centennial Chair and Director of the MLK Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. His work looks at the intersection of race and religion within American culture and politics. In this episode, we focus on his second book about J. Edger Hoover and how the FBI used religion and scare tactics to interfere with the American Civil Rights movement. We wrap up by discussing Dr. Martin’s new book which focuses on Martin Luther King Jr.’s early life and what led him, an ordinary kid from the South, to develop into the impactful leader we all celebrate today. 
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/lerone-martin
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#065 - David Segal: Rare Diseases, Angelman Syndrome, and the Power of Gene Editing

Today we talk with David Segal, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the UC Davis School of Medicine. His research focuses on genome engineering and targeted gene regulation for applications in neurological disorders, particularly Angelman Syndrome. In this episode we talk about the main mechanisms and challenges of molecular medicine – from CRISPR and zinc finger proteins to editing methods and financial barriers. Professor Segal explains the causes of Angelman Syndrome and details how the future of molecular medicine may assist in treating many types of rare diseases.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/david-segal
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#064 - James Adams: Why is U.S. Political Polarization on the Rise and Can Women Save Us?

Today, we talk with James Adams, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at UC Davis. His research examines affective polarization—the deepening divide and hostility between political parties. In this episode, we discuss the growing polarization in the U.S., particularly in comparison to other Western democracies, and explore the economic and social factors behind this rapid division. We also cover the complex relationship between citizens' anger, political violence, and misinformation, and discuss the dangers of politicians using polarization to their advantage. As we wrap up, Professor Adams highlights research showing that more women in political leadership can bring a balanced perspective, less hostility, and may reduce polarization.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/james-adams
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#063 - Vikram Amar: Electoral College v. Popular Vote Debate & Key Supreme Court Rulings

Today we talk with Vikram Amar, Distinguished Professor of Law at the UC Davis School of Law. His research focuses on constitutional law, federal courts and civil procedure. In this episode we explore the Electoral College, from its historical context to modern challenges and discuss his work on establishing a national popular vote. We then turn to the Supreme Court, where Professor Amar discusses its politicization, contemporary issues such as privacy and AI, and the legality of Roe v. Wade. He also reflects on potential reforms, including term limits for justices to promote stability and accountability.
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/vikram-amar
 
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#062 - Chris Hare: Polling Data, Political Polarization & the 2024 Election

Today, we talk with Christopher Hare, Professor of Political Science at UC Davis, whose research uses statistical modeling to understand voting behavior, public opinion, and political campaigns.
In this episode, we cover everything from the challenges in political polling to how the decline in diverse social networks is deepening political divides in the U.S. Professor Hare also shares insights on Senate voting patterns, tracing the roots of political division back to the mid-1960s.
We conclude with Professor Hare's thoughts on the power of statistical methods for political science and the importance of statistical literacy for anyone looking to understand electoral dynamics.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/chris-hare
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#061 - Carlton Larson: Trump, Treason & The Second Amendment

Today we talk with Carlton Larson, a Professor of Law at UC Davis. His work focuses on American legal history and constitutional law, with a focus on treason. In this episode we talk about a range of topics in constitutional law, from the state’s role in naming your children to the historical evolution of the Second Amendment. Professor Larson details the strict constitutional definition of treason and the challenges of applying treason to events like the January 6th Capitol Riot.
See more information about the episode here: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/carlton-larson
 
This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only.  Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.