Best Victoria Ferguson Podcasts (2024)

1
Danielle Letayf on building a community 1:05:32

2h ago1:05:32

1:05:32

How can passion and irritation lead to innovation and community building? In this episode, my guest is Danielle Letayf, the founder of Badassery, a dynamic community designed for unconventional thought leaders dedicated to igniting change. In our discussion, we delve into the essence of community building, exploring how cognitive diversity and shar…

1
Episode 132 - Andreas Kraft: "Being a student athlete..." 25:54

2h ago25:54

25:54

Assistant Professor of Marketing and Asness Faculty Fellow Andreas Kraft is on The Course this week to talk about his experience as a student-athlete. Professor Kraft came to the US as an undergrad with a scholarship to play wheelchair basketball, with thoughts on going professional. However, with time, he finds himself asking more and more questio…

1
Professor Shannon Vallor on the AI Mirror 1:10:44

8d ago1:10:44

1:10:44

What if we saw Artificial Intelligence as a mirror rather than as a form of intelligence? That’s the subject of a fabulous new book by Professor Shannon Vallor, who is my guest on this episode. In our discussion, we explore how artificial intelligence reflects not only our technological prowess but also our ethical choices, biases, and the collecti…

1
Episode 131 - Victoria Saramago: "This is the challenge that I want to tackle right now." 28:20

2h ago28:20

28:20

Associate Professor Victoria Saramago of the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures grew up fascinated by storytelling. From wanting to be a fiction writer to now an academic who studies novels, she digs into the relations between literature, cultures, and the perception of environmental change, environmental humanities, and energy. Listen…

51
Kirby Ferguson on Why Everything Is A Remix 1:12:36

3d ago1:12:36

1:12:36

Is there such a thing as an original idea? What if everything were actually a remix? Episode Summary In this episode, I'm exploring the fascinating concept of creativity with filmmaker, educator, and speaker Kirby Ferguson. Kirby is best known for his groundbreaking video series “Everything Is A Remix,” which delves into the idea that creativity is…

1
Episode 130 - Carolina López-Ruiz: "Expand your worldview and knowledge in university." 28:39

5d ago28:39

28:39

Professor Carolina López-Ruiz from the Divinity School and the Department of Classics shares how her passion for the ancient world started from a young age, and her determination to have a career related to this sector led her to appreciate various languages and the cultural understanding it opens up for her. Tune in to hear her talk about her care…

1
Simon Parker on Cycling 4000 Miles Across America 58:23

21d ago58:23

58:23

What would motivate someone to cycle 4,000 miles across America, and what stories might they uncover along the way? Episode Summary On this episode, I speak with travel writer Simon Parker, who recently cycled 4,000 miles across America. Simon's journey, from Seattle to Key West, was a mission — ahead of the US election in November — to understand …

1
Episode 129 - Fred Ciesla: "I want to know if there is life elsewhere." 25:39

12d ago25:39

25:39

Professor Fred Ciesla from the Department of Geophysical Sciences is on The Course this week to share how his career path to becoming a geophysical sciences professor started when he was a child. He was inspired to study astronomy after seeing stars, in particular Venus, glowing in the night sky. His path led him to Cornell, NASA, and finally to UC…

1
Episode 128 - Emily Lynn Osborn: "Not to pin your passion onto only one pathway." 25:37

19d ago25:37

25:37

Associate Professor Emily Lynn Osborn from the Department of History talks about how studying African History merged with her sense of rebellion with the French language and interest in history. Opportunities that brought her abroad made her see the world differently, and these experiences transferred to her role at UChicago as she spearheaded the …

1
Victoria Sena on Saving The Surprise 52:46

29d ago52:46

52:46

How do you get 𝟲𝟮,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 to keep a 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁? By not calling it a secret. With the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics later today, on this episode, I'm looking back 12 years to the London 2012 Olympics. In this episode, we dive into the behind-the-scenes secrets of the London 2012 Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies with Victoria Sena,…

1
Shabnaz Habib on Airplane Mode 1:08:45

23d ago1:08:45

1:08:45

Why do we travel? Obviously, sometimes we do it to go to work or visit family. But lots of us also do it for fun, becuase we can. And we naturally presume that’ it’s an unalloyed good. But is it? My guest, whose new book ‘Airplane Mode’ explores some of the complexities and contradictions of travel and tourism, is Shahnaz Habib. She’s a writer and …

1
Episode 127 - Jasmine Nirody: "A career where I can learn things all the time." 30:55

26d ago30:55

30:55

In this week's episode, Assistant Professor Jasmine Nirody from the Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy revealed how studying snake movements in her undergraduate years inspired her to become an organismal and integrative biologist instead of a medical doctor. She also shares the practical applications of studying the biophysics of tardigr…

1
Fergus Flanagan and Neb Maciver on Talking Magic 1:17:23

30d ago1:17:23

1:17:23

What can we learn from magic? On this episode, I’m joined by two magicians, Fergus Flanagan and Neb Maciver, founders of Talk Magic and both accomplished magicians in their own right, who join me to share their unique journeys, from Fergus's early days working on Children's BBC to Neb’s transition from band life to full-time magician. Through their…

1
Episode 126 - Andrew Ferguson: "Fortune favors a prepared mind." 29:54

1M ago29:54

29:54

Professor of Molecular Engineering and Vice Dean for Education at the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, Andrew Ferguson, talks about his parents encouraging him to pursue the path he wanted, studying chemical engineering and now researching immunoengineering. In this episode, Professor Ferguson breaks down the complexity of studyin…

1
Koen Smets & Dr Bart Derre on Solving Wicked Problems 59:04

2M ago59:04

59:04

How can we solve 'wicked problems' within complex organisations? A wicked problem is a social or cultural problem that's difficult or impossible to solve because of its complex and interconnected nature. Wicked problems lack clarity in both their aims and solutions and are subject to real-world constraints which hinder risk-free attempts to find a …

1
Episode 125 - Lewis Shi: "I am committed to what I am doing." 26:06

2M ago26:06

26:06

Associate Professor Lewis Shi from the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation Medicine shares his determination to be a doctor from a young age. After spending 12 years at Harvard as a "Preparation H," he found his niche in shoulder surgery and continues his fulfilling life as a surgeon, a mentor, and a researcher, all while having his …

1
Paul Orlando on 'Why Now?' - how good timing makes great products 1:03:15

2M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Why do some great ideas succeed while others fail despite having everything else in place? On this episode, we welcome back Paul Orlando, an expert on unintended consequences and systems thinking. Paul introduces his new book, "Why Now: How Good Timing Makes Great Products," and discusses the pivotal role timing plays in the success of startups and…

1
Episode 124 - Simeon Chavel: "Embrace the chaos." 27:14

2M ago27:14

27:14

Associate Professor Simeon Chavel from the Divinity Schools shares how he found his way to becoming a Hebrew Bible scholar at the University of Chicago through multiple chances. As he continues his research, teaching, and administrative work, Professor Chavel keeps his opportunities open, multitasks, and finds intriguing research topics to keep him…

1
Dr Ludmila Praslova on The Canary Code 1:04:15

2M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

What can canaries in coalmines teach us about diversity and inclusion? In this episode, I’m speaking to an academic who has some fascinating ideas and insights into how we can create more inclusive work environments and cultures — in other words, how to get the best out of all employees. Guest Bio My guest, Dr. Ludmila Praslova, is a Professor and …

1
Episode 123 - Martha Feldman: "Follow your passions and interests." 25:32

2M ago25:32

25:32

Ferdinand Schevill Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Music and the College, Professor Martha Feldman, joins us in this episode. Professor Feldman talks about her career journey from training as a professional guitarist to becoming a scholar researching Italian Opera and teaching Long and Song to UChicago students. She emphasizes …

1
Geoff White on Rinsed - Money Laundering in a Digital World 56:52

2M ago56:52

56:52

How is technology impacting money laundering? On this episode, I'm welcoming investigative journalist Geoff White back onto the show. In 2022, Geoff joined me to talk about his book and podcast The Lazarus Heist, the story of how North Korean hackers launched an attack on Sony Pictures in 2014. This time, he's back to talk about his brand new book …

1
Episode 122 - Gabriel Richardson Lear: "What kind of person do I want to be?" 26:08

3M ago26:08

26:08

Professor Gabriel Richardson Lear of the Department of Philosophy and the Chair of UChicago's Committee on Social Thought joins us on The Course in this episode to talk about how her parents' early observation encouraged her to dip her toe into the philosophy world. From arranging state dinners to studying the works of Plato and Aristotle, Professo…

1
Sarah Abramson on Speaking To The Human 1:12:43

2M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

How can organisations get the best out of the humans they employ and empower them to help deliver desired outcomes? The answer is by focusing on the decisions taken that are critical in determining whether or not the right outcome is achieved. On this episode, I speak to Sarah Abramson, Head of Marketing at Acteon, a communication and learning agen…

1
Manda Scott on Human Power 1:02:44

3M ago1:02:44

1:02:44

What might the future of society look like & how can we get there? On this episode, I’m speaking to a best-selling author who has written an extraordinary book about her vision for the future. Unusually, the book is a work of fiction for the show, but the issues it addresses are very relevant to Human Risk. My guest is Manda Scott, who began her ca…

1
Episode 121 - Allison Squires: "If you're torn on a decision..." 27:58

3M ago27:58

27:58

Neubauer Family Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering, Allison Squires, describes her experiment-filled childhood and all the joy science brought her. By walking through various opportunities, she found her place poking and perturbing molecules with her amazing team at the Squires Lab. Listen to her talk about how she got to her dream job an…

1
Professor Alex Edmans on Misinformation 1:03:10

3M ago1:03:10

1:03:10

Why is misinformation so prevalent, and what can we do about it? On this episode, I’m speaking with Alex Edmans, a London Business School Finance Professor who has written a book called ‘May Contain Lies: How Stories, Statistics, and Studies Exploit Our Biases and What We Can Do About It’. Alex’s areas of focus are purposeful business, sustainable …

1
Episode 120 - Haresh Sapra: "Be a student. Experiment. Learn. Better yourself." 26:25

3M ago26:25

26:25

Haresh Sapra is the Charles T. Horngren Professor of Accounting at the Chicago Booth School of Business. Originally from a sugar factory on the island of Mauritius, Professor Sapra dreamed big with his family's encouragement and found his strength in accounting. Professor Sapra was an auditor before he pursued a PhD and finally landed a position as…

1
Dr Layla McCay on The Rainbow Ceiling 57:15

3M ago57:15

57:15

What is the Rainbow Ceiling, and why does it matter? On this episode, I’m speaking to the author of a new book that explains the significance and the ways we can help to remove it. A rainbow ceiling is similar to a glass ceiling, a metaphor for the various structural barriers that hold down women or minority groups as they try to climb the career l…

1
Episode 119 - Michael K. Bourdaughs: "Go study abroad!" 30:31

3M ago30:31

30:31

In this episode, Michael K. Bourdaghs, Professor of Modern Japanese Literature and Culture at the University of Chicago, discusses his life and professional paths. His interest in Japanese literature and culture began when, out of the blue, he was given the chance to study for a year in Sendai, and the rest is history. He worked in the corporate wo…

1
Elspeth Kirkman on Decisionscape 59:00

3M ago59:00

59:00

What can we learn from artists about decision-making? More than you might think. We often see decision-making in binary terms and whether decisions are good or bad. But what if they’re more subjective and akin to the way an artist looks at the world? That’s what my guest explores in her new book. That guest is Elspeth Kirkman, Chief Programme Offic…

1
Episode 118 - Michele Friedner: "Thinking through disability expertise and questions of access." 34:10

3M ago34:10

34:10

| In this episode, Medical Anthropologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Comparative Human Development Michele Friedner discusses her path to becoming a UChicago Professor. She describes an early interest in Indian culture that led her to study Indian religions as an undergrad, a time that vastly expanded her worldview and breadth of …

1
Professor Benjamin Van Rooij on Questioning Compliance 1:00:39

3M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

What makes us more or less likely to comply with rules or laws? My guest, Benjamin Van Rooij, knows all about this subject. He is a Professor of Law and Society at the University of Amsterdam who researches and writes about behavioural law; in other words, the impact laws have on human behaviour and the behavioural science behind law. This is Benja…

1
Episode 117 - Anthony Fowler: "Every academic faces a lot of rejection." 24:09

3M ago24:09

24:09

Professor Anthony Fowler, from the Harris School of Public Policy, researches econometric methods for causal inference to questions in political science, with particular emphasis on elections and political representation. In this episode, he describes how he switched from being a biology student to being fascinated by the political world. He also t…

1
Ben Cattaneo on Decision-Making (Part Two) 1:03:46

4M ago1:03:46

1:03:46

What goes into human decision-making? If you listened to the previous episode of the show with Dr Melina Moleskis on decision-making, then you’ll know what’s coming next. If you didn’t, then don’t worry; you can listen to that after this. My guest on this episode is Ben Cattaneo, a friend of the show and the founder of The Decision-Making Studio, a…

1
Dr Melina Moleskis on Decision-Making (Part One) 1:01:26

4M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

What is decision science, and how can it help us to make better decisions? On this episode, I'm joined by decision-making expert Dr Melina Moleskis, who explains how she combines decision science and behavioural science to help her clients make better decisions. In a wide-ranging discussion, we explore: how decision-making education is often overlo…

1
Episode 116 - Nancy Kawalek: "What we do is a little bit quirky." 25:26

4M ago25:26

25:26

Professor Nancy Kawalek, from the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, is the Director of STAGE: Scientists, Technologists, and Artists Generating Exploration, a laboratory that creates and develops new theater, film, games, and other artistic endeavors inspired by science and technology. Professor Kawalek's early career as an actor and her in…

1
3.13 Neuroendocrinology Research with Dr. Foradori 49:00

4M ago49:00

49:00

This week, Sofia and Victoria celebrate the last episode of season 3 by discussing interdisciplinary research applications between STEM and humanities fields with Dr. Chad Foradori from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.By Sofia Foradori, Victoria Ashley

1
Bonus Episode: WEGL History 49:26

4M ago49:26

49:26

This week, Sofia and Victoria are joined by two WEGL alumni, Don Moseley and Chris Youtz to discuss their experiences being a part of the organization.By Sofia Foradori, Victoria Ashley

1
Episode 115 - Amie Wilkinson: "I love communicating math." 23:03

4M ago23:03

23:03

Professor Amie Wilkinson, from the Department of Mathematics, studies smooth dynamical systems, ergodic theory, and mathematical chaos. Although she met an unsupportive advisor in college, her love for pure maths stayed strong, and she saw herself pursuing graduate school even more while working after college. Tune in to hear Professor Wilkinson ta…

1
Philippa White on Leadership Lessons 1:02:03

4M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

What is it that makes a job enjoyable and fulfilling? While you’re likely to have your own very individual answers to that question, chances are it’ll be to do with what you’re required to do, how much freedom you have, whether you think it’s worthwhile and how well it plays to your skillsets and interests. Yet, all too often, companies focus more …

1
3.12 The Civil Rights Movement with Dr. Carter 50:39

4M ago50:39

50:39

This week, Sofia and Victoria are joined by Dr. David Carter from the Auburn University History Department to discuss his work on the Black Freedom struggle and his studies on grassroots activists' relationship with President Lyndon B. Johnson.By Sofia Foradori, Victoria Ashley

1
Dr Lixing Sun on Natural Lying 59:15

4M ago59:15

59:15

Why do we lie and cheat and why might it not always be a bad thing? On this episode, I’m speaking to a research professor who has studied lying and cheating in the natural world and what we can learn about it in the human world. My guest, Dr Lixing Sun is a Research Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Central Washington University…

1
Episode 114 - John Mark Hansen: "Bringing shadowed things to light." 31:27

4M ago31:27

31:27

Professor John Mark Hansen is one of the nations leading scholars of American politics. His research focuses on interest groups, citizen activism, and public opinion, and he has written two books: Mobilization, Participation, and Democracy in America, which he wrote with Steven Rosenstone, and Gaining Access: Congress and the Farm Lobby. He is also…

1
Zelda Perkins on Can't Buy My Silence 1:12:35

5M ago1:12:35

1:12:35

What prompted a courageous former employee of Harvey Weinstein to break her Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)? On this episode I'm speaking to a campaigner who came to prominence as the individual who broke the silence surrounding the misconduct of Harvey Weinstein. Formerly an assistant to Weinstein, Zelda Perkins made headlines when she came forward…

1
3.10 Victorian England with Dr. Ferguson 49:03

5M ago49:03

49:03

This week, Sofia and Victoria are joined by Dr. Ferguson from Auburn University to discuss his research on Victorian and English history.By Sofia Foradori, Victoria Ashley

1
Episode 113 - Leslie Rogers: "The stars aligning." 31:36

4M ago31:36

31:36

In this episode, Associate Professor Leslie Rogers from the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics talks about her path to becoming a UChicago Professor specializing in exoplanets. From stargazing as a child in Nova Scotia to graduate school at MIT to realizing at CalTech that she had a passion for working with students, Leslie Rogers describes a…

1
Professor Magda Osman on Risk Prioritisation 1:06:03

5M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

How, in a world of limited resources, can we prioritise risk? Which ones should we focus on more than others? This isn't just something we need to think about in a work context. It also applies to our personal lives; where should we spend our money, time and headspace? My guest is a friend of the show who has appeared four times before (links below…

1
Episode 112 - Chibueze Amanchukwu: "You really can do it." 33:22

5M ago33:22

33:22

Chibueze Amanchukwu is the Neubauer Family Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering. His group works on energy-related challenges, with a specific focus on understanding how electrolytes can control electrochemical processes in batteries and catalysis. His work has been recognized with the NSF CAREER Award, the DOE Early Career Award, and the C…

1
Nuala Walsh on Tuning In 1:01:03

5M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

How can we make better decisions? By paying attention to good advice or information and ignoring the opposite. In a world where we're overloaded with data and opinions, it can be hard to determine what is good and what is bad advice. My guest Nuala Walsh, is the author of a new book called 'Tune In! How to make smarter decisions in a noisy world'. …

1
Episode 111 - Dipesh Chakrabarty: "The world remains a source of surprise." 22:30

5M ago22:30

22:30

Dipesh Chakrabarty is currently the Lawrence A. Kimpton Distinguished Service Professor in History, South Asian Languages and Civilizations, and the College in the Department of History. Chakrabarty’s current students in History and SALC work on a variety of topics, including: 20th-century Kerala, prostitution in British India, India-China relation…

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Victoria Ferguson Podcasts

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