Category Archives: Scholars’ Circle Interviews

Information and recordings from Schloars’ Circle radio show is posted here.

First, scientists have made fascinating discoveries on how animals communicate. Birdsongs are more than music; they are warnings of danger understood by many species. [ dur: 30 mins. ]

Erick Greene, Professor of Biological Sciences at University of Montana. He has published numerous papers in ornithology, the latest in collaboration with the Cornell labs of Ornithology

Then, companies like Uber, Google and AirBnb claim to be civil rights leaders, but they are introducing a new form of corporate lawlessness? [ dur: 28 mins. ]

For a transcript of this interview, please visit: TheBigQ

Siva Vaidhyanathan, Professor of Media Studies at University of Virginia. Author of “The Googlization of Everything: (And Why We Should Worry)“. His articles at Slate can be found here. He co-authored an opinion piece on Guardian UK newspaper with Frank Pasquale ( author of Black Box Society: The Secret Algorithms that Control Money and Information (Harvard University Press, 2015) Uber and the lawlessness of ‘sharing economy’ corporates

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Scholars' Circle Interviews

Scholars’ Circle – Empathy in human nature -/- New knowledge from Neurosciences – August 28, 2016

August 27, 2016 host

A new study suggests that the powerful feel less empathy. Does it have implications for society? [ dur: 18 mins. ]

Michael Inzlicht is Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto. He is co-author of Stereotype Threat: Theory, Process, and Application and co-author of the article Power Changes How the Brain Responds to Others

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, while advances in neuroscience are making great leaps in understanding humanity, scholars and doctors disagree on what neuroscience does and does not tell us about what it means to be human. Are we our brains? Do we have free will? How far can neuroscience take us? [ dur: 40 mins. ]

Dr. Sally Satel is lecturer at Yale University, a resident scholar at AEI and the staff psychiatrist at a methadone clinic. She is co-author of One Nation Under Therapy: How the Helping Culture Is Eroding Self-Reliance and Brainwashed: The Seductive Appeal of Mindless Neuroscience.
Patricia S. Churchland is Professor Emerita of Philosophy at the University of California, San Diego. In 1991, she was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship. Her books include Brain-Wise: Studies in Neurophilosophy, Braintrust: What Neuroscience Tells Us about Morality, and Touching a Nerve: The Self as Brain.

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Scholars’ Circle – Humans Disrupting Evolution -/- Ethics in Health Care – August 21, 2016

August 20, 2016 host

First, is humanity the most damaging predator on earth? Our guests say yes, and that its predatory practices may be disrupting evolution.[ dur: 23 mins. ]

For a transcript of this interview, please visit: TheBigQ

Chris Darimont, is a Professor at the Department of Geography at University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. He has a PhD in Evolution and Ecology from the Biology Department at the University of Victoria.
Dr. Tom Reimchen, is a Professor at the Department of Geography at University of Victoria, Victoria, BC. Canada. Please visit the Evolutionary Studies Lab at University of Victoria, Victoria BC, Canada where you will find additional studies on this subject.
Heather Bryan, is a postdoctoral fellow in the Applied Conservation Science lab exploring the physiological mechanisms by which wildlife responds to environmental change at University of Victoria BC, Canada.

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, many observers argue, that the economic forces are corrupting medical care and eroding the trust between patients and their doctors. The problems in health care delivery have wide implications related to how health care should function particularly when there are limited resources. We examine the ethics of medicine and healthcare, and the modern day issues that complicate them. [ dur: 37 mins. ]

Thomas Pogge is the Director of the Global Justice Program and Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs at Yale University and King’s College. His books include World Poverty and Human Rights, Freedom from Poverty: Who Owes What to the Very Poor? and World Poverty and Human Rights: Cosmopolitan Responsibilities and Reforms.
Martin Wilkinson is Professor of Political Studies and Deputy Head of Department of Politics & International Relns at the University of Auckland. His books include Freedom, Efficiency and Equality and Ethics and the Acquisition of Organs.
Richard Cookson is a Reader and Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Health Economics at the University of York. His books include The Humble Economist: Tony Culyer on Health, Health Care and Social Decision Making and Jonathan Bradshaw on Social Policy: Selected Writings 1972-2011.

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Scholars’ Circle – Ritual Human Sacrifice Sets Social Hierarchy -/- Politics of Emotions – August 14, 2016

August 13, 2016 host

First, a new study suggests that ritual human sacrifice played a critical role in creating and maintaining social hierarchy.[ dur: 28 mins. ]

Quentin Atkinson is Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He is the co-author of the study Ritual human sacrifice promoted and sustained the evolution of stratified societies, Nature (2016).

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, we look at the politics of emotions. How do emotions drive outcomes like ethnic violence, wars and genocide? What roles to fear, anger, resentment and entitlement play in conflict?[ dur: 30 mins. ]

For a transcript of this interview, please visit: TheBigQ

Roger Petersen is a Professor of Political Science at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He is the author of “Resistance and Rebellion: Lessons from Eastern Europe“, “Understanding Ethnic Violence: Fear, Hatred, Resentment in Twentieth Century Eastern Europe“, and “Western Intervention in the Balkans: The Strategic Use of Emotion in Conflict“.
David Altheide is Emeritus Regents’ Professor in the School of Justice and Social Inquiry at Arizona State University. He is the author of “Terrorism and the Politics of Fear“, “Creating Fear: News and the Construction of Crisis“, and “An Ecology of Communication: Cultural Formats of Control.”
Jeff Birkenstein is an Associate Professor in, and chair of, the Department of English at Saint Martin’s University. He is the author of “Reframing 9/11: Film, Popular Culture and the War on Terror“.

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Scholars’ Circle – National Psychology in Age of Excess -/- Treatment of Misdeeds among Leaders in our Society – August 7, 2016

August 6, 2016 host

America has entered an age of excess, according to our guest. Driven by a maddening quest for perfection, technology, deregulation, and a superficial and often inaccurate mass media, our national psychology has become narcissistic. That is leading to a culture of cheating, lying, and reckless behavior that crashed the economy and continues to wreck lives and the national fabric. We examine our national psychology with J.R. Slosar author of, “Culture of Excess: How America Lost Self Control and Why We Need to Redefine Success.” [ dur: 18 mins. ]

For a transcript of this interview, please visit: TheBigQ

Dr. Jay Slosar (JR Slosar) is a lecturer at Chapman Univeristy. He is the author of “Culture of Excess: How America Lost Self Control and Why We Need to Redefine Success.“

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, why some misdeeds become scandals and others don’t? Why is it that the same type of transgressions are treated differently at different times, and might this differential treatment affect our politics, policies and society? [ dur: 41 mins. ]

Robert Entman is Professor of Media and Public Affairs and Professor of International Affairs at George Washington University and the author of Scandal & Silence: Media Responses to Presidential Misconduct, Projections of Power: Framing News, Public Opinion and US Foreign Policy, and The Black Image in the White Mind: Media and Race in America.
Brendan Nyhan is Professor of Government at Dartmouth College and co-author of All the President’s Spin: George W. Bush, the Media, and the Truth.
Sigurd Allern is a Professor at the Department of Media and Communication at the University of Oslo. He is the author of Scandalous!: The Mediated Construction of Political Scandals in Four Nordic Countries.

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Scholars’ Circle – What is media Freedom -/- Dictator’s handbook – July 31, 2016

July 30, 2016 host

First, we look at media freedom and its effects. What is media freedom? How do you know when it’s there? We speak with Jenifer Whitten-Woodring and Douglas A. Van Belle co-authors of “Historical Guide to World Media Freedom“. [ dur: 28 mins. ]

Jennifer Whitten-Woodring is a Professor of Political Science and Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell.
Douglas A. Van Belle is a Senior Lecturer in the School of English, Film, Theatre and Media Studies at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand.

Followed by what do dictators, CEOs, and political leaders have in common? We’ll explore some of their strategies for getting and keeping power with Alastair Smith, coauthor of, “The Dictator’s Handbook: Why Bad Behavior Is Almost Always Good Politics.” [ dur: 30 mins. ]

Alastair Smith, Professor of Politics, NYU. He has also co-authored the book “The Logic of Political Survival“.

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Scholars’ Circle – What will decide the US election? – July 24, 2016

July 24, 2016 host

First, a look behind the presidential campaign events with one of the top advance men. How do Advance people shape what we see in mass media? Steven Jacques, author of Advance Man. [ dur: 19 mins. ]

Steven Jacques is author and former Advance team leader for the White House and presidential campaigns. He is the author of Advance Man.

Then, what might be the factors that determine our next president? We’re joined by three experts of political science. [ dur: 40 mins. ]

Henry Brady is Professor of Political Science and Dean of Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of Counting All the Votes: The Performance of Voting Technology in the United States, Letting the People Decide: Dynamics of a Canadian Election, Expensive Children in Poor Families: The Intersection of Childhood Disability and Welfare, and co-author of Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism in American Politics
Jan Leighley is Professor in the Department of Government at American University. She is the author of Strength in Numbers? The Political Mobilization of Racial and Ethnic Minorities, Mass Media and Politics: A Social Science Perspective, and co-author of Who Votes Now? Demographics, Issues, Inequality and Turnout in the United States
Ricardo Ramírez is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. He is the author of Mobilizing Opportunities: The Evolving Latino Electorate and the Future of American Politics, and co-editor of Transforming Politics, Transforming America: The Political and Civic Incorporation of Immigrants in the United States.

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Scholars’ Circle – Changes to Power Centers -/- Third Party Politics in US – July 17, 2016

July 16, 2016 host

First, power is shifting and changing hands more rapidly than ever. What does it mean for global politics, religion, and economies? [ dur: 22 mins. ]

Moises Naim of Carnegie Endowment for Int’l Peace, author of The End of Power: From Boardrooms to Battlefields and Churches to States, Why Being In Charge Isn’t What It Used to Be.

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, throughout US history third parties have had a profound impact on policy, governance and voter turnout. So why are we still in a two-party system? [ dur: 36 mins. ]

Omar H. Ali is a professor of African Diaspora History and Politics at University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He is the author of In the Balance of Power: Independent Black Politics and Third-Party Movements in the United States.
David Gillespie is a professor of Political Science at College of Charlston & the Citedal. He is the author of Challengers to Duopoly: Why Third Parties Matter in American Two-Party Politics
Scot Schraufnagel is a professor of Political Science & Director of Graduate Studies at Northern Illinois University. He is the author of Third Party Blues: The Truth and Consequences of Two-Party Dominance

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Scholars’ Circle – Ramparts Magazine -/- Crisis in Law Enforcement – July 10, 2016

July 10, 2016 host

First, the media’s role in political change. Richardson discusses his book A Bomb in Every Issue: How the Short, Unruly life of Ramparts Magazine changed America. Scheer, founder of Truthdig, contributes his thoughts as a former journalist at Ramparts.[ dur: 18 mins. ]

Peter Richardson was the publisher of Ramparts Magazine.
Robert Scheer was the editor at Ramparts Magazine.

Then, in light of the crisis in law enforcement, particularly in the black community, we are rebroadcasting at look at the deep structural and cultural disparities that laid the groundwork for the events in Ferguson. [ dur: 40 mins. ]

Clarissa Rile Hayward is Professor of Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She is the author of How Americans Make Race: Stories, Institutions, Spaces.
Delores Jones-Brown is Professor of Law, Police Science, and Criminal Justice at City University of New York. She is the author of Race, Crime and Punishment.
Garrett Albert Duncan is Associate Professor of Education in Arts & Sciences. He also teaches African & African American Studies at Washington University in St. Louis. His publications are listed here.

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Scholars’ Circle- CIA Interrogations -/- Journalism, Media and Democracy – July 3, 2016

July 2, 2016 host

First, a look inside the secret world of spying and intelligence agencies. A discussion with Glenn Carle, author of the book, “The Interrogator: An Education”.[ dur: 28 mins. ]

Glenn Carle is a former CIA agent. He is the author of The Interrogator: An Education.

Then, on the Scholars’ Circle panel, we look at the fast changing world of journalism and media, and what it means for governance and democracy.[ dur: 29 mins. ]

Victor Pickard is an Assistant Professor at the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Pennsylvania. He is the co-editor of, Will the Last Reporter Please Turn out the Lights: The Collapse of Journalism and What Can Be Done To Fix It, and was the lead author of the first comprehensive report on the American journalism crisis, Saving the News: Toward a National Journalism Strategy.
Benjamin Compaine is Director, Fellows Program at the Columbia University Institute for Tele-Information (CITI) and Lecturer, D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University. He is the author of, The Digital Divide: Facing a Crisis or Creating a Myth?, Who Owns the Media?: Competition and Concentration in the Mass Media industry and editor of The Internet Upheaval: Raising Questions, Seeking Answers in Communications Policy.
James T. Hamilton is Hearst Professor of Communication and the Director of the Journalism Program at Stanford University. Prior to joining the Stanford faculty, Hamilton taught at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, where he directed the De Witt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy. He is the author of, All the News That’s Fit to Sell: How the Market Transforms Information into News, and Channeling Violence: The Economic Market for Violent Television Programming.

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The Scholars' Circle Interviews

Category Archives: Scholars’ Circle Interviews

Scholars’ Circle – Bird Songs -/- New Form of Corporate Lawlessness – September 4, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – Empathy in human nature -/- New knowledge from Neurosciences – August 28, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – Humans Disrupting Evolution -/- Ethics in Health Care – August 21, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – National Psychology in Age of Excess -/- Treatment of Misdeeds among Leaders in our Society – August 7, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – What is media Freedom -/- Dictator’s handbook – July 31, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – What will decide the US election? – July 24, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – Changes to Power Centers -/- Third Party Politics in US – July 17, 2016

Scholars’ Circle – Ramparts Magazine -/- Crisis in Law Enforcement – July 10, 2016

Scholars’ Circle- CIA Interrogations -/- Journalism, Media and Democracy – July 3, 2016

By Maria Armoudian