Best Ralston College Podcasts (2024)

1
Unlocking Consciousness with Dr. Stephen Wolfram: AI & Philosophy | Ralston College 1:32:17

8d ago1:32:17

1:32:17

Ralston College Humanities MA Dr. Stephen Wolfram is a renowned computer scientist, physicist, and entrepreneur who earned his PhD in particle physics at 20 and became the youngest MacArthur Fellow at 21. As the founder of Wolfram Research, he has developed groundbreaking technologies widely used by university researchers in engineering, physics, m…

1
From Homer to Gutenberg: Ancient Greek and Its Afterlives 50:21

16d ago50:21

50:21

David Butterfield is a renowned classicist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Cambridge. His work centres on the critical study and teaching of classical texts. How did the Renaissance revival of Greek language study transform Western Europe's intellectual landscape and shape our modern understanding of the Classics? In this talk, delivered o…

1
Education without Indoctrination: Can It Exist? Stephen Blackwood, John Vervaeke & David Butterfield 57:52

15d ago57:52

57:52

Stephen Blackwood is the founding President of Ralston College, with advanced degrees in Classics and Religion and visiting positions at Harvard, Toronto, and Cambridge. David Butterfield is a renowned classicist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Cambridge. His work centres on the critical study and teaching of classical texts. John Vervaeke…

1
Self and Story: In Conversation with Gregg Hurwitz 43:50

21d ago43:50

43:50

Gregg Hurwitz, the New York Times bestselling author of the Orphan X series and a storyteller whose work spans many mediums and genres, in conversation with Stephen Blackwood, the founding president of Ralston College, and with students enrolled in the inaugural year of the College’s MA in the Humanities program. In this live event—recorded on [dat…

1
Language, Thought, and Style: The Articulated Logos in Victorian Literature with Michael D. Hurley 47:46

17d ago47:46

47:46

Dr. Michael Hurley, Professor of Literature and Theology at Trinity College in the University of Cambridge, delivers a lecture to students in Ralston College’s inaugural Master’s in the Humanities program on the intertwining of language and thought in the work of three major Victorian authors: Walter Pater, John Henry Newman, and Gerard Manley Hopk…

1
Radical Thoughts on Human Nature: Stephen Blackwood at Hillsdale College 1:08:33

23d ago1:08:33

1:08:33

In this lecture, delivered on March 30, 2023, as part of the Drummond Lecture Series at Hillsdale College, Dr. Stephen Blackwood—the founding president of Ralston College—argues that we must first understand something’s nature before we can properly care for and cultivate it. This principle holds true for all living things—including plants and anim…

1
The Medieval Cosmos as Permanent Apocalypse with Jonathan Pageau 1:18:22

20d ago1:18:22

1:18:22

In his lecture, Jonathan Pageau presents a thoughtful examination of the Last Judgment through the lens of a late-11th-century mosaic, challenging the traditional view of it as solely an end-time event. He suggests that this imagery symbolizes an ongoing process of identity formation, where every entity acts as a judge, continually evaluating its a…

1
Serious Play: Renaissance Wisdom and Cosmic Choreography | Sophia Lecture 2023 Part 5/5 1:21:12

29d ago1:21:12

1:21:12

In the culminating fifth lecture of the Sophia Lecture series, Professor Douglas Hedley culminates his exploration by delving into play's theological dimension, engaging with Marsilio Ficino, Desiderius Erasmus, and Plotinus to dissect 'serious play', a pivotal concept in Renaissance thought. Throughout the lecture series, Hedley has traversed play…

1
Unveiling Aesthetics: Art, Suffering, and Transcendence | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 4/5 1:13:40

1M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

In the fourth Sophia Lecture, Professor Douglas Hedley explores the transformative power of play in art and human consciousness, examining its philosophical significance across various cultures and traditions. Hedley highlights play's role in fostering aesthetic appreciation and creativity, embarking on a historical and philosophical journey from a…

1
Wisdom in Paradox: The Seriousness of Play | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 3/5 1:14:57

1M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

In the third lecture of the Sophia Lecture series, Professor Douglas Hedley embarks on an intellectual journey that explores the enigmatic nature of play and its profound impact on human life, drawing from ancient philosophies and modern psychological theories. Delving into the works of Heraclitus and Plato, Hedley examines the paradoxical relation…

1
Exploring the Inner Word: Play, Poetry, Philosophy | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 2/5 1:17:04

1M ago1:17:04

1:17:04

In this second episode of the Sophia Lectures, Professor Douglas Hedley from the University of Cambridge embarks on a deep exploration into the theme of "play" and its relationship to consciousness, language, and poetic expression. Drawing upon the intellectual legacies of Owen Barfield and Hans-Georg Gadamer, Hedley explores the philosophical and …

1
The Spirit of Play in Shaping Culture, Creativity, and Spirituality | Sophia Lectures 2023 Part 1/5 1:37:21

1M ago1:37:21

1:37:21

University of Cambridge philosopher, Professor Douglas Hedley, delves into the concept of play and its vital role in understanding the human condition. Drawing on Johann Huizinga, Hermann Hesse, and Josef Pieper's ideas, Hedley links play to the divine act of creation, asserting it as an essential element of our existence associated with freedom, c…

1
The Spirit of Play: A Conversation with Professor Douglas Hedley and Dr Stephen Blackwood 18:27

1M ago18:27

18:27

In the inaugural episode of the Sophia Lecture Series, Ralston College President Stephen Blackwood and distinguished Cambridge Professor Douglas Hedley explore "The Spirit of Play", delving into the enigmatic nature of play, its historical and philosophical significance, and its intricate connection with human culture and imagination. This discussi…

1
29: In the Belly of the Whale w/ Dawn Troupe (1776, Moby Dick, Memphis) 48:45

11M ago48:45

48:45

Dawn Troupe is an actor, director, producer, and Bay Area legend! She recently made her Broadway debut in last year's revival of 1776, and has appeared in countless plays and musicals for TheatreWorks, Berkeley Rep, Broadway By the Bay, Hillbarn Theatre, and more, including original workshop casts for Memphis and Dave Malloy's Moby Dick: A Musical …

1
28: Dressing Broadway w/ Emma Atherton (Sweeney Todd, Frozen, Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark) 32:41

12M ago32:41

32:41

Emma Atherton is a wardrobe professional, having worked as a dresser on the Broadway productions of Hamilton, Great Comet..., Frozen, Cabaret, Phantom of the Opera, Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark, and currently dressing Josh Groban in the revival of Sweeney Todd. We discuss what a dresser does during the performance, the mechanics of stressful quickc…

1
27: College Auditions and Christine w Tamra Glaser (Phantom of the Opera) 49:24

12M ago49:24

49:24

Tamra Glaser is a professional vocal and acting coach most well known for her stint as Christine Daae in the Los Angeles production of The Phantom of the Opera, opposite Michael Crawford. She is the founder of College Audition Mentors, a program where her students have been accepted to every major theatre program in the country. Together we discuss…

1
26: Haunted (Theater) Houses w/ Mitchell Ralston aka Mr. Spooky 57:13

1y ago57:13

57:13

Boo!!! Are you frightened yet? Mitchell Ralston aka Mr. Spooky is an aficionado of all things supernatural and creepy, sharing his favorite facts and stories on social media. He has experience with ghost hunting and an extensive knowledge of huanted theaters. Scaredy-cats beware! This ep gets spooooooky!!! We discuss the true story behind the Phant…

1
25: The Chameleon of Directors w/ Sammi Cannold (Sunset Boulevard at Kennedy Center, The Show Must Go On documentary) 56:10

1y ago56:10

56:10

Sammi Cannold is one of the most in-demand young directors in the business. She directed Stephanie J. Block in Sunset Boulevard at The Kennedy Center earlier this year and is currently helming a hit revival of Evita at American Repertory Theatre. She has staged shows at New York City Center, Ellis Island, A.R.T., Lincoln Center, and on a moving bus…

1
24: Definition of Diva w/ Lady Glamb 48:22

1y ago48:22

48:22

Lady Glamb is a multi-hyphenate. She is a fabulous actor, arts educator, minister, model, and social media sensation, with thousands of followers (aka Glambabies) on Instagram and TikTok (@33glamb). She and Noah met through social media a few years ago and quickly became bosom buddies. Glamb is a fabulous diva who has been performing and teaching f…

1
Learning to Belong with Romarilyn Ralston 37:30

1y ago37:30

37:30

Romarilyn Ralston is a nationally recognized leader in supporting students with carceral experience. She is currently the executive director of Project Rebound at California State University Fullerton. It was her work with Project Rebound that was, in many ways a catalyst for what we are trying to do here at Santa Fe. Funding for this program was p…

1
Learning to Belong 1:03:11

1y ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Over the past couple of months we have been sharing the stories of current and former Santa Fe students with carceral experience. During our last podcast we featured a discussion with administrators, staff, and faculty at Santa Fe. Today, we wanted to bring as many of our guests together as possible. This podcast was recorded in front of a live aud…

1
23: Reexamining the Classics w/ Gennine Harrington (Beach Blanket Babylon, Tri-School Productions) 1:06:22

1y ago1:06:22

1:06:22

Gennine Harrington is a choreographer, actor, and teacher who has worked with theatre companies all over the Bay Area, most notably Tri-School high school theatre for over twenty years, and Hillbarn Theatre, where she has worked with the youth conservatory (with both Noah and Xandra!) for over ten years as well. Together with Xandra and Noah, they …

1
Learning to Help 54:12

1+ y ago54:12

54:12

Over the last few weeks we’ve been talking to formerly incarcerated students in an effort to better understand their experience--the obstacles they face, and the keys to their success. Today we’re going to focus on the institutional perspective. What are the constraints faced by institutions when it comes to supporting formerly incarcerated student…

1
22: Community Theatre for All w Danny Martin (Coastal Rep) 43:33

1+ y ago43:33

43:33

Danny Martin is an actor, director, and educator, a true veteran of Bay Area community theatre. He is currently the artistic director of Coastal Repertory Theatre in Half Moon Bay. He is committed to creating a more inclusive community and is excited to be presenting an upcoming season at Coastal Rep with all female directors. Tune in for our discu…

1
Learning to Make a Difference Part 2 41:35

1+ y ago41:35

41:35

We’re continuing our conversation with Adrian Price. Adrian’s progress in higher education has been the result of a combination of determination, optimism, and luck. His story underlines the role that entire communities play when it comes to supporting students with carceral experience. Funding for this program was provided through a grant from Flo…

1
Learning to Make a Difference 40:26

1+ y ago40:26

40:26

Adrian Price, a student at Santa Fe College and member of the justice club, has been a force of nature. This podcast is, in large part, the product of his desire to shine a spotlight on the needs of formerly incarcerated students. Over the course of this discussion, you’ll get a sense of his passion for social justice and the efforts he’s making to…

1
Learning to Heal 43:57

1+ y ago43:57

43:57

For some of us, learning can open our eyes to the suffering of others. Education can be a way of healing and a way to help others heal from the trauma in their lives. Today we’re going to be talking with Angie Dougherty who is currently pursuing her associates at Santa Fe. I was grateful to be able to talk with Angie about the ways she is actively …

1
21: Running Around Broadway w/ Juan Castro 28:26

1+ y ago28:26

28:26

Juan Castro is a New York-based actor and TheatreWorld zoom veteran. He recently moved to NYC from the Bay Area, where he performed in many local productions. He is also an avid theatre-goer and cannot wait to attend Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Bad Cinderella.” Noah and Xandra chat with Juan about the state of auditioning in New York theatre, the crazin…

1
Whatever It Takes part 2 35:41

1+ y ago35:41

35:41

When a person understands what education can do for them, when they understand the opportunities it opens and its power to change lives, they will move heaven and earth to be able to pursue it. In this episode, we continue our conversation with John Wise who is currently studying data science at Indiana University. He was also briefly a student at …

1
Whatever It Takes part 1 33:16

1+ y ago33:16

33:16

When a person understands what education can do for them, when they understand the opportunities it opens, and its power to change lives, they will move heaven and earth to be able to pursue it. In this episode, we’ll be talking with John Wise who is currently studying data science at Indiana University. He was also briefly a student at Santa Fe Co…

1
20: Theatre Camp Where You Can Be You w/ Shawn Ryan (Young Actors' Theatre Camp) 42:22

1+ y ago42:22

42:22

Shawn Ryan is the co-founder and director of Young Actors’ Theatre Camp, an overnight camp for young performers (ages 8-18) that offers classes in scene study, musical theatre, filmmaking, dance, the art of drag, and more! YATC holds a special place in Noah’s heart because he spent his teen years attending and then later working there, a place he g…

1
Ep. 30 - From the Cave of Pythagoras: A Lecture and Discussion with Douglas Hedley 28:03

1+ y ago28:03

28:03

Ralston College presents a lecture by University of Cambridge Professor Douglas Hedley on the influential and mysterious pre-Socratic philosopher Pythagoras. Given in the very cave in Samos in which Pythagoras taught, this brief lecture touches on the philosopher’s influence on the Western tradition and the importance of the cave as an imaginative …

1
19: Juicy Broadway Tea (w/ Jonathan Lewis @SweatyOracle) 48:41

1+ y ago48:41

48:41

This week we chatted with Jonathan Lewis (host of the Sweaty Oracle Show podcast), a theatre commentator who shares news, gossip, and hot takes on social media @SweatyOracle. We discuss why the Muppets have lost their edge, how much a broadway ticket should cost, Sunset with Stephanie, whether Andrew Lloyd Webber should retire (he should), upcoming…

1
Securing the Future part 2 46:20

1+ y ago46:20

46:20

Welcome to Free to Learn, a podcast exploring the stories of formerly incarcerated college students. My name is Jason Frank. I'm an Instructional Designer at Santa Fe College, and I'm interested in better understanding how we can create a learning environment that better meets the needs of these students. The first step to good design is listening …

1
Securing the Future part 1 43:10

1+ y ago43:10

43:10

We all pursue education is a path to a job or career that can put food on our tables and a roof over our heads. Others see education as a way to make a positive difference in the world which adds to our collective security. Post-carceral life is fraught with insecurity. Without any education, rates of recidivism hover around 70-85%. Education and a…

1
18: Escapism is Back w/ Randy O'Hara (Artistic Director Hillbarn Theatre) 35:39

1+ y ago35:39

35:39

Randy O’Hara is the artistic director at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City, starting off as an actor from the East coast who made his Hillbarn debut as Quasimodo in Hunchback of Notre Dame (2017), soon taking over as the Conservatory Director, creating theatre through innovation during the pandemic, and eventually taking the helms as Artistic Directo…

1
17: Sisters Making Musicals w/ Makena & Teagan Reynolds (Jinx the Musical, The Emily Dickinson Musical) 47:50

1+ y ago47:50

47:50

Teagan and Makena Reynolds are sisters who create musicals together! Their most recent project is a new original musical, Jinx, for their alma mater, Borel Middle School. Last year they wrote and Makena directed The Emily Dickinson Musical, presented at the University of Utah. They’ve also acted in high school and community theater alongside Noah a…

1
16: Everything Andrew w/ Matt Mattei 45:59

1+ y ago45:59

45:59

Matt “Maestro” Mattei is a music director and piano player for theaters and schools all over the Bay Area, plus he is the biggest Andrew Lloyd Webber fan on this hemisphere! He even runs a Lloyd Webber Facebook fan group! Noah and Xandra chat with their friend of over a decade about all things Lord Andrew. Matt shares his takes on why Bad Cinderell…

1
15: Stage Managing at Sea w/ Meena Shayesteh (Disney Cruise Line) 47:13

1+ y ago47:13

47:13

Meena Shayesteh is a professional stage manager on the Disney Cruise Line, actively stage managing Frozen: A Musical Spectacular, Disney Dreams, and The Golden Mickeys. She's also worked and performed with Noah and Xandra for many years at Hillbarn Theatre and San Mateo High School, and was an original TheatreWorld Readings founding member back in …

1
14: Cutting Loose w/ Jim Ambler (OBC Footloose, OBC Saturday Night Fever, Cats Tour) 41:44

2y ago41:44

41:44

Jim Ambler is an accomplished actor who kickstarted his career in the original broadway companies of Footloose and Saturday Night Fever, going on to tour all over the world in major productions of The Producers, West Side Story, Damn Yankees, and others, until he returned to his home in the Bay Area, where he’s been performing all over the place ev…

1
Ep. 29 - Marie Kawthar Daouda: Baudelaire and the Creation of the Poetic Self 1:48:45

2y ago1:48:45

1:48:45

Ralston College presents a lecture by Marie Kawthar Daouda on the infamous French poet, Charles Baudelaire. Baudelaire published one collection of poems in his lifetime, 'Les Fleurs du mal,' which was met by outrage and led to a scandalous lawsuit because of some poems’ graphic content. The problem with Baudelaire was not so much that he was writin…

1
13: High School Theatre Excellence w/ Brad Friedman (San Mateo High School Drama Director for 28 years) 58:01

2y ago58:01

58:01

We’re back! This week Noah and Xandra interview their amazing high school drama teacher, Brad Friedman. Brad was the drama director at San Mateo High School for 28 years and ingrained a high level of arts education into the school and community, winning numerous awards, wowing audiences, and instilling a love for the performing arts in generations …

1
Ep. 28 - Arif Ahmed on David Hume’s Disturbing Conception of the Self 1:38:28

2y ago1:38:28

1:38:28

Ralston College presents a lecture by Arif Ahmed on David Hume’s conception of self in Book I of his ‘Treatise of Human Nature.’ The idea of ‘the self’ or ‘soul’ as an enduring subject of experience seems very natural, indeed almost inevitable. Hume, however, argues that it is a mistake; and he gives a novel account of what it means for you or me t…

1
Ep. 27 - Alan Charles Kors: Voltaire’s ‘Philosophical Letters,’ Part II 1:41:56

2y ago1:41:56

1:41:56

Ralston College presents a lecture by Alan Charles Kors on Voltaire's great work 'The Philosophical Letters.' Profoundly impressed by the English scientific and philosophical revolutions of the seventeenth century, Voltaire sought to explain and to popularize new British thinking to his French readers. He argued that sound and innovative thinkers w…

1
12: Xan's Trip to Broadway 44:31

2y ago44:31

44:31

Start spreading the news! Xandra went to NYC and saw a plethora of theatre! She shares her experience and gives the hottest takes on the current productions of the stunning revival of Company, the star-studded Into the Woods, the powerful yet controversial Paradise Square, the overblown Funny Girl, the most classic Phantom of the Opera, and decaden…

1
11: Patti, Andrew, and Sunset w/ Broadway Bob (TikTok, The Sunset Project podcast) 53:17

2y ago53:17

53:17

Mr. DeMille, he’s ready for his closeup! Broadway Bob is a Chicago-based theatre critic, TikTok commentator, and creator/host of "The Sunset Project", a detailed history of the iconic megamusical Sunset Boulevard. Noah and Xandra chat with Bob about his lifelong obsession with Patti LuPone, many of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s controversies, the worst sho…

1
Ep. 26 - Alan Charles Kors: Voltaire’s ‘Philosophical Letters,’ Part I 1:34:10

2y ago1:34:10

1:34:10

Ralston College presents a two-part series of lectures by Alan Charles Kors on Voltaire's great work 'The Philosophical Letters.' Profoundly impressed by the English scientific and philosophical revolutions of the seventeenth century, Voltaire sought to explain and to popularize new British thinking to his French readers. He argued that sound and i…

1
10: Bouffon, Clown, and Truth w/ Nathaniel Justiniano (Naked Empire Bouffon) 51:33

2y ago51:33

51:33

Noah and Xandra spoke with physical theatre, Bouffon, and Clown expert Nathaniel Justiniano. Nathaniel is the founder and artistic director of the Naked Empire Bouffon company (based in San Francisco), has directed, created, and starred in numerous theatrical productions, worked as a movement designer, and taught Noah’s physical comedy/clowning cla…

1
9: Tony Preview 2022 w/ Special Guest... 43:40

2y ago43:40

43:40

Roll out the red carpet, it’s the 2022 Tony Awards! Noah and Xandra break down the nominees for Best Musical, the new wave of historical musicals, Noah’s Tony necklace, the trouble with modern jukebox musicals, and more! Listen to the end for a special call-in interview with the legendary Carol Channing! Check out the ridiculous "R&H Goes Pop!" her…

1
8: All Things CATS w/ Lauren Louis (Cats US National Tour) 52:32

2y ago52:32

52:32

Meow! This episode was a real treat for Noah because he got to gush about his favorite musical with his friend Lauren Louis, who currently stars as Demeter in the current North American tour of CATS! Let's get Jellicle! We discuss the training process at kitty boot camp, our thoughts on the Cats movies (2019 and 1998), the unspoken subtextual relat…

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Ralston College Podcasts

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