Discovering Academia

#076 - Lauren Young: From WhatsApp to the Streets—How Protest Movements Grow

Today we talk with political scientist Lauren Young from UC Davis. She studies how people decide to dissent in the face of fear, repression, and uncertainty. Drawing from fieldwork in Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Colombia, she breaks down what drives people to protest, how emotions like hope and anger shape political behavior, and how researchers can ethically study sensitive topics like political violence. From WhatsApp messages to mass movements, this episode explores how change begins—and what risks it carries.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/lauren-young
 
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.

#075 - Amanda Crump: Small Farms, Big Impact—Lessons from Global Development Fieldwork

Why do some development projects succeed while others fall short? UC Davis professor Amanda Crump shares insights from her work in over 37 countries, revealing how misguided innovations, flawed policies, and overlooked local voices impact progress. From improving post-harvest storage in Tanzania to introducing cookstove technology in Sierra Leone, Amanda explores what it really takes to create lasting change in agriculture and global development.
 
For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/amanda-crump
 
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.

#074 - Clare Cannon: Environmental Justice, Community Science, and Public Health Disparities

In this episode, Professor Clare Cannon explores the complex intersections of environmental justice, climate change, and public health. From her work with marginalized communities in Kettleman City to advocating for multi-species justice, Clare shares insights on building trust, empowering communities, and addressing systemic inequalities. Discover how participatory research, data-driven solutions, and thoughtful collaboration can drive meaningful change.
 
For more information and resources discussed, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/clare-cannon
 
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.

#073 - Olaf Groth: AI, Globalization 2.0, and Strategic Leadership

Olaf Groth is a Professor of Global Strategy, Innovation, and Economics at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the founder of Cambrian Futures. In this episode, we dive into the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on global strategy, economic power, and geopolitical competition. Professor Groth unpacks the shift from globalization 1.0 to a fragmented world of competing economic blocs and explores how emerging technologies—AI, digital infrastructure, and supply chain intelligence—are reshaping industries and national policies. We also discuss his FLIP IT framework for navigating uncertainty, the role of design activist leaders, and how students can prepare for a rapidly changing global economy.
 
For more information and resources mentioned, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/olaf-groth
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.

#072 - Rebecca Senf: The Art of Photography – From Ansel Adams to the Overuse of Nudes

What makes a photograph truly timeless? How do curators decide which images define an era? In this episode, Rebecca Senf, Chief Curator at the Center for Creative Photography (CCP), takes us behind the scenes of photography curation. We dive into the legacy of Ansel Adams, the ongoing debate over photography as fine art, and how museums shape what the world remembers. Becky also unpacks the complex relationship between photographers and their subjects, the uniqueness (or not) of photographic prints, and why certain artistic trends—like the overuse of nudes—persist in the industry.
Whether you're a photographer, an art enthusiast, or just curious about the hidden world of museum curation, this episode offers a rare inside look at how photography is preserved, studied, and redefined for future generations.
 
For more information about Becky and this episode, please visit our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/rebecca-senf
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.
 

#071 - Anastassia Fedyk: AI, Ukraine, and Risks of Hype-Driven Investing

In this episode, Anastassia Fedyk, Assistant Professor of Finance at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, breaks down the psychology of financial markets, revealing how investors overreact to recombined news and inflated narratives. She also discusses her research on the risks of hype-driven investing and explores AI’s real impact on corporate growth, workforce dynamics, and innovation. Beyond finance, Professor Fedyk shares her work with the AI for Good Foundation, where she applies AI solutions to global humanitarian efforts, including war documentation and economic resilience in Ukraine.
 
For more information, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/anastassia-fedyk
 
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.

#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.