Discovering Academia

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today we talk with Lerone Martin, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and the Martin Luther King, Jr., Centennial Chair and Director of the MLK Research and Education Institute at Stanford University. His work looks at the intersection of race and religion within American culture and politics. In this episode, we focus on his second book about J. Edger Hoover and how the FBI used religion and scare tactics to interfere with the American Civil Rights movement. We wrap up by discussing Dr. Martin’s new book which focuses on Martin Luther King Jr.’s early life and what led him, an ordinary kid from the South, to develop into the impactful leader we all celebrate today. For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/lerone-martin 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.

Today, we talk with James Adams, a Distinguished Professor of Political Science at UC Davis. His research examines affective polarization—the deepening divide and hostility between political parties. In this episode, we discuss the growing polarization in the U.S., particularly in comparison to other Western democracies, and explore the economic and social factors behind this rapid division. We also cover the complex relationship between citizens' anger, political violence, and misinformation, and discuss the dangers of politicians using polarization to their advantage. As we wrap up, Professor Adams highlights research showing that more women in political leadership can bring a balanced perspective, less hostility, and may reduce polarization. For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/james-adams 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.