Best TWIS Podcasts (2024)

1
TWiS 126: Danger! Rogue Planets! - Danger From the Dark - Rogue Planets 53:51

39m ago53:51

53:51

As if election season wasn't scary enough, now we have rogue planets to worry about! Out in the vast darkness between star systems, these worlds wander through the interstellar void, sometimes in pairs, and when they encounter a solar system, havoc can result. Add to the fact that they are hard to see, and you have a recipe for worry. Fortunately, …

1
Mary Twis, Texas Christian University – Overcoming the Complexities of Trafficking Recovery

6d ago

—

On Texas Christian University Week: Sex trafficking survivors face a long and complex recovery. Mary Twis, master of social work program director and associate professor, determines what brings about best outcomes. Mary Twis is an associate professor in the Department of Social Work at TCU, where she researches human trafficking prevention and inte…

1
Melissa Baralt, Florida International University – Bilingualism Benefits Premature Children

17m ago

—

On Florida International University Week: Learning a second language can be important, especially for premature babies. Melissa Baralt, Associate Professor in Modern Languages at Florida International University, explains why. Melissa Baralt’s funded studies explore how bilingualism moderates executive function in children born prematurely. She and…

1
Diana Azzam, Florida International University – Treatments for Children with Relapsed Cancers

1d ago

—

On Florida International University Week: What happens when treatment options for cancer diagnoses run out? Diana Azzam, assistant professor in the department of environmental health sciences, looks into taking the guesswork out of this process. Diana Azzam, PhD, is an Assistant Professor at Florida International University. She has a Masters in Bi…

1
Kenneth G. Furton, Florida International University – The Scent You Leave Behind

2d ago

—

On Florida International University Week: How do we improve forensic science? Kenneth G. Furton, distinguished university professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry, explores a way. Dr. Kenneth G. Furton is the executive director of the Global Forensic and Justice Center and the chief scientific officer of Florida International Unive…

1
Episode 13: Week of August 25th, 2024 1:23:06

17h ago1:23:06

1:23:06

It's football season!!! Come along as we talk about our hometown college teams and Archie Manning news. We also talk NFL news to start the season and give you our season prediction on our home town Broncos.By Zach Valadez

1
Joshua Carr, Texas Christian University – The Exercise Prescription: One Size Doesn’t Fit All Between Men and Women

5d ago

—

On Texas Christian University Week: We might be thinking about strength training for women in the wrong way. Joshua Carr, assistant professor in the department of kinesiology, examines some new research that could help develop resistance training for women. Dr. Joshua Carr is an Assistant Professor at Texas Christian University. He earned his Ph.D.…

1
Robyn Trocchio, Texas Christian University – Unveiling the Truth About Body Image with A.I. Technology

7d ago

—

On Texas Christian University Week: Social media and smartphones can harm body image, but A.I. could help. Robyn Trocchio, graduate program director and associate professor, explores how. Dr. Robyn Trocchio is an associate professor of kinesiology and the director of the sport and exercise psychology lab at Texas Christian University. She also serv…

1
Carol Howe, Texas Christian University – Empowering Hispanic Agricultural Workers with Diabetes Education

8d ago

—

On Texas Christian University Week: How do we empower Hispanic agricultural workers to get the health care they need? Carol Howe, Paula R. and Ronald C. Parker Endowed professor of Nursing and Director of Nursing Research & Scholarship, delves into this. Carol Howe, Ph.D., is the Paula R. and Ronald C. Parker Endowed Professor of Nursing at Texas C…

1
Emily Lund, Texas Christian University – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children See Different Relationships Between Words

9d ago

—

On Texas Christian University Week: Children who are deaf or hard of hearing may have a different relationship to language than other children. Emily Lund, associate professor at the Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, examines how to help bridge the gap. Emily Lund is an Associate Professor in the Davies School of Communication Sc…

1
Episode 12: Week of August 18th, 2024 1:21:28

2h ago1:21:28

1:21:28

Catch up on all the hot summer hockey news and we talk about our home team the Avalanche. Preseason is coming to a close soon and we talk about what to expect in the regular season as well.By Zach Valadez

1
TWiS 125: Back to Space School 2024 - Looking Ahead to the Next Year in Spaceflight 1:13:33

5d ago1:13:33

1:13:33

It's the end of summer, and that means it's time to go back to school—in our case, space school! There's a lot going on, a lot coming up, and a whole lot to know about the next 9 months in space. What can we expect from SpaceX? How are the outer solar system missions proceeding? What about the new rocket engines for the Artemis program? What are we…

1
Melissa Beck Wells, Empire State University – Enhancing Teacher Retention and Professional Satisfaction

12d ago

—

What determines whether teachers stay or go? Melissa Beck Wells, assistant professor and interim director of teaching, learning and faculty development at Empire State University, finds out. Melissa Beck Wells is a lifelong educator, formally a special educator in the New York City public schools. She holds her doctoral degree in Special Education,…

1
Danielle Clevenger, University of Wisconsin – What’s Wrong with Active Learning?

13d ago

—

On this Student Spotlight: We’ve heard a lot about active learning, but what is it exactly? Danielle Clevenger, Ph. D. candidate in philosophy at the University of Wisconsin Madison, examines this question. Danielle (Dani) Clevenger is currently a Philosophy Ph.D. candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her research spans a number of sub-…

1
Ebony Aya, Macalester College – The Experiences of Black Women in Higher Education

14d ago

—

There is a diversity of experiences in higher education. Ebony Aya, program manager and teaching faculty at Macalester College, explores why some are more disadvantaged than others. Ebony Aya is a recent PhD graduate of the University of Minnesota in Curriculum and Instruction, with minors in Culture and Teaching and African American and African St…

1
Alexis Redding, Harvard University – You Have Less Time Than You Think to Prepare Students for Success

15d ago

—

How do institutions make a good first impression on students at the beginning of a new school year? Alexis Redding, faculty co-chair of higher education and lecturer at Harvard University, says they have only a few days to do so. Alexis Redding is a developmental psychologist whose work focuses on the college experience and what students need to th…

1
Jeff Frank, St. Lawrence University – Thinking Philosophically about Screentime in Schools

16d ago

—

Screen time in schools isn’t going away, how do we make it make it the best it can be? Jeff Frank, professor of education at St. Lawrence University, examines. Jeff Frank is a philosopher of education. He is a professor of education at St. Lawrence University, and the inaugural director of St. Lawrence’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Assess…

1
Episode 11: Week of August 11th, 2024 1:35:39

4d ago1:35:39

1:35:39

We get back into the regular flow of sports news and break down the drama of the Olympics.By Zach Valadez

1
TWiS 124: Space For Everyone - A Chat with STEM Advocate Czarina Salido 59:34

7d ago59:34

59:34

Czarina Salido, a physics graduate of mixed Mexican and Native American heritage, founded Taking Up Space in 2014. This nonprofit aims to address the underrepresentation of women, particularly Native American girls, in STEM fields. Based near Tucson, the organization provides mentoring, instruction, and Space Camp scholarships to disadvantaged girl…

1
Danielle Sukenik, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus – The Impact of Digital Dating Patterns on Mental Health

19d ago

—

Digital dating apps have brought new terms to the fore, but what do they mean? Danielle Sukenik, instructor in psychiatry at the School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, explores these. Danielle Sukenik is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 12 years of clinical experience based in Denver, Colorado at…

1
Brian Grodsky, University of Maryland Baltimore County – How Populism Impedes Democracies and Galvanizes Authoritarianism

20d ago

—

Populism can function differently when it’s not paired with democracies. Brian Grodsky, chair and professor in the department of political science at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, explains the benefits. Brian Grodsky is a Professor of Comparative Politics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. His research interests include…

1
Cailyn Green, Empire State University – Changing to a Person-Centered Approach When Referring to Substance Use Clients

21d ago

—

Changing the language of terms we use to refer to people suffering from addiction can be key, even if they self-identify with the terminology. Cailyn Green, assistant professor of addiction studies in the school of human services at Empire State University, explains why. Cailyn Green, MS, Ph.D., Masters-CASAC is the Assistant Professor of Addiction…

1
Donna Nelson, University of Oklahoma – The U.S. Fentanyl Challenge

23d ago

—

The opioid crisis has been reported, but maybe not to its full extent. Donna Nelson, professor of chemistry at the University of Oklahoma, examines into the numbers. Dr. Donna Nelson is a Professor of Chemistry at University of Oklahoma. Her research has always engaged the chemistry community and served professional societies and organizations, col…

1
Michael Hoberman, Fitchburg State University – Jews in the North American Wilderness

24d ago

—

We know the name John Muir, but others came before him. Michael Hoberman, professor of English studies at Fitchburg State University, explores a few of them. Michael Hoberman is a professor of American literature at Fitchburg State University. He is the author of several books on Jewish history in the US, including New Israel/New England: Jews and …

1
Episode 10: Week of August 4th, 2024 1:38:12

2d ago1:38:12

1:38:12

Get a catch up on the Olympics and some off season happenings across the other leagues, oh and FOOTBALL IS HERE!By Zach Valadez

1
TWiS 123: The Mighty Perseids - Meteors are Coming! 1:00:32

18d ago1:00:32

1:00:32

Each year, there are a handful of impressive meteor showers, and one of the largest and best this year will be the Perseids. The quarter moon will set just before midnight, when the shower activity peaks, and if you're in a dark spot expect to see maybe 50-60 shooting stars per hour. Steve Fentress, veteran astronomer and planetarium director, join…

1
Joe Arvai, University of Southern California Dornsife – The Hidden Risk of Letting A.I. Decide

27d ago

—

What’s the harm in letting A.I. make decisions for us? Joe Arvai, Director of USC Wrigley Institute for Environment & Sustainability and professor of psychology at the University of Southern California Dornsife, explores one. Dr. Joe Árvai is the Dana and David Dornsife Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychology, and he is the Director…

1
Dan Trudeau, Macalester College – Building Inclusive City Parks

28d ago

—

Parks are for everyone, right? Daniel Trudeau, professor of geography at Macalester College, says not everyone may feel welcome. Dan Trudeau is an urban geographer. He examines the roles of city planning and public policy in shaping urban development. His work explores the interactions between the built environment and social inequality and focuses…

1
April Smith, University of Auburn – Identifying Dynamic Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation in Service Members

29d ago

—

How do we lessen the risk of suicidal ideation among service members? April Smith, associate professor and the director of research on eating disorders and suicidality laboratory at Auburn University, asks questions to find answers. Dr. Smith is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology at Auburn University and the director of the Research on …

1
Michael Werner, University of Utah – Dissecting Fact and Fiction in Dune

30d ago

—

Can we learn about the natural world from works of fiction? Michael Werner, assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah, reads up to find out. Michael Werner is an assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Utah. He uses worms to study developmental biology. Dissecting Fact a…

1
Rogerio Pinto, University of Michigan – Helping Straight Men Confront Homophobic and Sexist Beliefs

1M ago

—

How do we get white heterosexual men to confront feelings of homophobia and sexism? Rogerio Pinto, University Diversity & Social Transformation Professor at the University of Michigan, approaches this goal. Rogério M. Pinto is a University of Michigan Diversity & Social Transformation Professor, Berit Ingersoll-Dayton Collegiate Professor of Social…

1
Episode 9: Week of July 28th, 2024 1:14:28

9d ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Get the catchup on a lot of Olympic sports, as well as some off season happenings, and the new kick off rules and how they work.By Zach Valadez

1
Episode 7: Lucy Sandoval Part 2 59:07

9d ago59:07

59:07

The wrap up to my Aunt Lucy's life, we talk about all the relationships and connections she makes, as well as how to deal with loss and things she misses and what she is looking forward to in the future.By Zach Valadez

1
TWiS 122: No City on Mars? - A Debate on Human Expansion and the Popular New Book, 'A City on Mars' 1:00:15

21d ago1:00:15

1:00:15

It's been said that Mars ain't the kind of place to raise your kids, and that's certainly the assertion of the popular 2023 book, "A City on Mars" by Kelly and Zack Weinersmith. In fact, they question the future of settling humans off Earth in its entirety. Certainly, it will be challenging, but is it impossible? Are there reasons we should not go?…

1
Wesley Chang, Drexel University – Optimizing Electric Vehicle Battery Performance in Cold Weather Climates

1M ago

—

Electric car batteries may need some tweaking to work at their best in winter climates. Wesley Chang, assistant professor of mechanical engineering and mechanics at Drexel University, explores solutions. Wes Chang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, and an affiliated faculty member of the Department …

1
Douglas Dowland, Ohio Northern University – Three Simple Words That Shape a Nation

1M ago

—

Politicians use a lot of words when campaigning, but the most meaningful are very simple. Douglas Dowland, associate professor of English at Ohio Northern University, discusses these. Douglas Dowland is associate professor of English at Ohio Northern University, where he teaches a wide array of literature and humanities courses. His book We, Us, an…

1
Douglas Wolf, Syracuse University – COVID-19 Physical Distancing Restrictions Contributed to Increases in Drug Overdoses

1M ago

—

Social distancing was key in reducing COVID deaths, but it came with consequences. Douglas Wolf, professor of public administration and international affairs at Syracuse University, looks at why. Douglas Wolf is a demographer, policy analyst, program evaluator and gerontological researcher with many years of experience studying the economic, demogr…

1
Jon Rosales, St. Lawrence University – Indigenous Knowledge and Practice as Scientific Methodology

1M ago

—

Are scientists the only ones who can do science work? Jon Rosales, professor of environmental studies at St. Lawrence University, says no. St. Lawrence University Professor of Environmental Studies Jon Rosales is a climate change scientist focused on the impacts of climate change on native peoples in the Arctic. His expertise and scholarly focus ar…

1
Micki Olson, University at Albany – Understanding the Heat Index

1M ago

—

Not everyone understands the heat index on a summer day, which can lead to medical issues. Micki Olson, senior research scientist in the college of emergency preparedness, homeland security and cybersecurity at the University at Albany, explores how to simplify this language to keep people safe. Micki Olson is a risk communication expert who specia…

1
Episode 8: Week of July 21st, 2024 1:14:29

1M ago1:14:29

1:14:29

Its Olympic season! Come hang out with us as we give you the Olympic break down, introduce you to some new sports, and talk about Olympic incentives.By Zach Valadez

1
TWiS 121: An Exploding Star Near You! - A Nova is Coming with Carlos Badenes 1:11:03

1M ago1:11:03

1:11:03

A nova is a star that periodically sheds mass in a huge flare-up of light and energy. This week, astrophysicist Dr. Carlos Badenes from the University of Pittsburgh joins us to discuss a star that should be going nova in the next few weeks--and will be visible in the night sky for about 6-7 days! T Corona Borealis (TCrB) is a binary system comprisi…

1
Argel Aguilar Valles, Carleton University – Can Non-Hallucinogenic Psychedelics Be Used to Treat Depression

1M ago

—

Psychedelics may be the way out of depression. Argel Aguilar Valles, assistant professor in the department of neuroscience at Carleton University, explores why. Dr. Argel Aguilar Valles received his B.Sc. (Biology) and M.Sc. (Biochemistry) from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). Then, he obtained his Ph.D. in Neuroscience at McGil…

1
Sabrina Little, Christopher Newport University – Character and Athletic Performance

1M ago

—

Athletes are known for their physical prowess, but their morals may also aid in performance. Sabrina Little, assistant professor in the department of leadership and American studies at Christopher Newport University, explains why. Sabrina Little is an assistant professor in the Department of Leadership and American Studies at Christopher Newport Un…

1
Jared Bahir Browsh, University of Colorado Boulder – Colorado – Vulnerabilities Emerge Six Years After Sports Gambling Legalization

1M ago

—

Sports gambling has taken over the airwaves and playing surfaces of professional sports. Jared Bahir Browsh, assistant teaching professor in the department of ethnic studies at the University of Colorado, Boulder, says scandals are also emerging. Dr. Jared Bahir Browsh is scholar and educator specializing in the political economics of sports and th…

1
Sarah Raskin, Trinity College – Brain Injuries Aren’t Just Happening in Sports

1M ago

—

It’s not just athletes who have to worry about brain injuries. Sarah Raskin, Charles A. Dana professor of psychology and neuroscience at Trinity College, details other areas of life that are sadly involved in these afflictions as well. Sarah A. Raskin, Ph.D. is a Board Certified Clinical Neuropsychologist and the Charles A. Dana Professor of Psycho…

1
Loren Henderson, University of Maryland Baltimore County – Centering The Voices of Black Farmers

1M ago

—

The COVID-19 pandemic was difficult to navigate for farmers of color. Loren Henderson, associate professor of public policy and incoming director of the school of public policy at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, centers their voices. Henderson’s research interests include diversity issues, stratification and inequality, health disparit…

1
Episode 7: Week of July 14th 1:36:44

1M ago1:36:44

1:36:44

We dissect a few the interesting list put out this week as the world of sport really slows down. We give our takes, memories, and grievances of these athletes on these lists.By Zach Valadez

1
TWiS 120: Remembering Apollo 11 & Looking Ahead - Plus Artemis II and Starship 5 1:16:14

25d ago1:16:14

1:16:14

In this episode of This Week in Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik dive into the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, discussing the mission's highlights, challenges, and historical significance. They also cover recent space news, including Elon Musk's plans to move SpaceX's headquarters to Texas, the Falcon 9 upper stage failure, and the c…

1
Raul Navarro, Occidental College – Organic Chemistry as Molecular Architecture

2M ago

—

On Occidental College Week: Nature can give us the compounds to treat afflictions, but are we taking advantage? Raul Navarro, assistant professor of chemistry, looks at one avenue to do so. Raul Navarro was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Yale University, then traveled back to California to cond…

1
Syeda ShahBono Ijaz, Occidental College – How Foreign Aid Changes Political Behavior

2M ago

—

On Occidental College Week: Foreign aid can change political behavior in the country receiving it. Syeda ShahBano Ijaz, assistant professor of global political economy, diplomacy & world affairs, details how. Syeda ShahBano Ijaz is a scholar of the political economy of development with a regional focus on South Asia. Her research, teaching, and pub…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

TWIS Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide