Macalester Big Questions
46 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsThe “Big Questions” series is our attempt to try something different. These are glimpses into the minds and hearts of the people who comprise Macalester: a collection of their thoughts about the things that matter to them and, we hope, to you. You might think of these short videos as a stripped down, “acoustic” version of Macalester communications and as a way to see what truly animates the college.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
James Dawes and Rachel Youngeun Rostad on Human Rights - Episode 12 - Macalester Big Questions
July 09, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBOn the latest Macalester Big Questions Podcast, Professor James Dawes and Rachel Youngeun Rostad '15 discuss with President Suzanne Rivera the big question, "What happened to human rights?" Their conversation took place in March, 2021 during a live event. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Cari Gillen-O'Neel on the role of white parents in combating systemic racism - Episode 11 - Macalester Big Questions
July 01, 2021 10:00 - 7 minutes - 5.04 MBHow are white parents talking about racism with their children? Professor Cari Gillen-O'Neel discusses this big question, and shares insight into research with President Suzanne Rivera. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
John Kim and Quito Ziegler on Art Inspiring Action - Episode 10 - Macalester Big Questions
June 24, 2021 14:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBCan art inspire action? Professor John Kim and Quito Ziegler '98 discuss this big question in conversation with President Suzanne Rivera during a live event in April, 2021. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Wendy Weber on the Relevance of Human Rights - Episode 9 - Macalester Big Questions
June 17, 2021 10:00 - 5 minutes - 3.99 MBIs the status of human rights as a political priority and a moral imperative in jeopardy? Professor Wendy Weber answers this in conversation with President Suzanne Rivera on this episode of Macalester Big Questions. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
William Hart and Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman on Religion and Politics - Episode 8 - Macalester Big Questions
June 10, 2021 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBProfessor William Hart and Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman '81 discuss the big question, "How does religion influence contemporary politics?" on this episode. This conversation was recorded during a live event with President Suzanne Rivera in January, 2021. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Tia-Simone Gardner on the role of Art in Making the World a Better Place - Episode 7 - Macalester Big Questions
June 03, 2021 12:00 - 5 minutes - 3.94 MBHow can art spur societal change? Professor Tia-Simone Gardner discusses this Big Question with President Suzanne Rivera. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Lesley Lavery and Brian Lozenski on if the COVID-19 pandemic will make K-12 education more equitable - Episode 6 - Macalester Big Questions
May 27, 2021 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.5 MBProfessor Lesley Lavery and Professor Brian Lozenski discuss with President Suzanne Rivera the big question, "Will the pandemic make K-12 education more equitable?" This conversation was part of a live event recorded in February, 2021. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Rev. Kelly Stone on the Importance of Rituals - Episode 5 - Macalester Big Questions
May 20, 2021 07:00 - 8 minutes - 5.66 MBThis Macalester Big Questions episode features Rev. Kelly Stone, Macalester College chaplain and associate dean, speaking with President Suzanne Rivera about the role of rituals during uncertain times. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Eric Carter and James Ochi on Life After COVID-19 - Episode 4 - Macalester Big Questions
December 29, 2020 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBThis Macalester Big Questions episode features Professor Eric Carter and Dr. James Ochi '80 P'12 discussing what life after the COVID-19 pandemic might look like. President Suzanne Rivera led the discussion during a live Big Questions event held virtually in early December, 2020. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Adrienne Christiansen and Jane Zimmerman on What the World Will Look Like on November 4 - Episode 3 - Macalester Big Questions
December 01, 2020 20:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBRecorded shortly before the November 3 presidential election, this episode features Professor Adrienne Christiansen and Jane Zimmerman '84 discussing with President Suzanne Rivera what they thought the world would look like on November 4. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Sam Asarnow on Making Ethical Choices During COVID - Episode 2 - Macalester Big Questions
November 25, 2020 14:00 - 8 minutes - 6.11 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Professor Sam Asarnow sits down with President Suzanne Rivera to discuss the Big Question: "What is our obligation to each other during COVID?" Dr. Asarnow is an assistant professor of philosophy who teaches and writes about ethics and the philosophy of action. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Andrew Latham on the future of U.S.-China trade relations - Episode 1 - Macalester Big Questions
October 22, 2020 18:00 - 5 minutes - 3.54 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Professor Andrew Latham sits down with President Suzanne Rivera to discuss the Big Question: "What can the next U.S. president do to advance our relationship with China?" Dr. Latham is a professor of political science at Macalester who teaches and writes about the U.S.-China relationship. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Roopali Phadke and Katie Clifford on the Rivers Running Dry - Episode 34 - Macalester Big Questions
March 18, 2020 12:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Professor Roopali Phadke and Katie Clifford, an alum from the Class of 2009 and now a postdoctoral fellow with the US Geological Survey sit down with President Brian Rosenberg. In front of a live audience in Denver, Colorado, the conversation centered on the big question: Will the rivers run dry? Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Michael McGaghie and Patricia Brown on the Arts and Our Common Humanity - Episode 33 - Macalester Big Questions
March 11, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Music Professor Michael McGaghie and Dance Instructor Patricia Brown sit down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in Los Angeles, California. Their discussion seeks to answer the question: Can embracing the arts reconnect our common humanity? Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Andrew Beveridge and Kofi Amoo-Gottfried on Social Media - Episode 32 - Macalester Big Questions
March 04, 2020 13:00 - 55 minutes - 38.5 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Professor Andrew Beveridge and Kofi Amoo-Gottfried, from the Class of 2001 and now the Vice President of Marketing at Doordash sit down with President Brian Rosenberg. Their discussion, recorded in front of a live audience in San Francisco, California, answers the big question: Can social media be used for good? Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Marjorie Trueblood and Donna Maeda on Inclusion - Episode 31 - Macalester Big Questions
February 26, 2020 15:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Marjorie Trueblood, Dean of Multicultural Life, and Donna Maeda, Dean of the Kofi Annan Institute for Global Citizenship, talk in conversation with Patricia King from the Macalester Class of 1972. Their discussion, which took place in front of a live audience in Ann Arbor, Michigan, looks to answer the question: Why isn’t inclusion enough? Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Jeffrey Toobin on the Supreme Court - Episode 30 - Macalester Big Questions
February 19, 2020 13:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, CNN's chief legal analyst and New Yorker staff writer Jeffrey Toobin sits down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in New York City. In a wide-ranging conversation, they explore this question: Should the Supreme Court be the most important issue in any presidential election? Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Barbara Phillips and Melvin Collins on Macalester's EEO Program - Episode 29 - Macalester Big Questions
February 13, 2020 13:00 - 19 minutes - 13.2 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, alumni Barbara Phillips, from the Class of 1971, and Melvin Collins, from the Class of 1975, speak about the college's Expanded Educational Opportunities program with President Brian Rosenberg. The EEO program was in place from 1969 to 1974 and was designed to help the college live into its commitment to multiculturalism with full scholarships for students from diverse populations that historically had not been represented at Macalester. Learn mo...
Donnie Brooks and B. Todd Jones on Athlete Activism - Episode 28 - Macalester Big Questions
February 05, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 44.6 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Donnie Brooks, Director of Athletics, and B. Todd Jones '79, the NFL's Chief Disciplinary Officer, sit down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in Philadelphia, PA. Their conversation looks to answer the question: Does activism belong in athletics? Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Andrea Kaston Tange on If the Humanities Matter - Episode 27 - Macalester Big Questions
January 29, 2020 13:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Professor Andrea Kaston Tange, chair of the English Department and director of digital liberal arts, sits down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in Portland, OR. Their discussion examines the question: Do the humanities matter? Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Adrienne Christiansen and Minh Ta on Democracy - Episode 26 - Macalester Big Questions
January 22, 2020 14:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Professor Adrienne Christiansen and alum Minh Ta from the Class of 1997 sit down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in Washington D.C. Through their discussion they delve into the big question: Is democracy worth saving? Adrienne Christiansen is an Associate Professor for Political Science at Macalester, and alum Minh Ta is a Vice President with the Carlyle Group. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Kate Ryan Reiling and Mindy Deardurff on Entrepreneurship and the Liberal Arts - Episode 25 - Macalester Big Questions
January 15, 2020 13:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Kate Ryan Reiling, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Mindy Deardurff, Dean of Career Exploration, sit down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in San Francisco. Through their conversation Kate, a 2000 alum, and Mindy talk about the way they’ve developed their respective roles, and how their departments co-exist in a liberal arts setting. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Duchess Harris and Who Owns the #MeToo Narrative - Episode 24 - Macalester Big Questions
January 08, 2020 14:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Professor Duchess Harris sits down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in Washington, D.C. Their conversation focuses on the #MeToo movement, its intersections with race and class, and who owns the narrative. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Marlon James and the Politics of Writing - Episode 23 - Macalester Big Questions
January 02, 2020 14:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Marlon James, associate professor of English and writer-in-residence, sits down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in New York City. Their conversation explores if it’s possible to write a story without being political. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Karine Moe, Felix Friedt, and Altay Israfil on Economic Nationalism - Episode 22 - Macalester Big Questions
December 18, 2019 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Provost Karine Moe sits down with Felix Friedt, professor of economics, and Altay Israfil, an independent strategic advisor from the Class of 1998, in front of a live audience in London. They discuss economic nationalism through various news items, including: Brexit, the NAFTA reboot, and the US and China trade war. Support the show
Julie Dolan and Paru Shah Talk About Election Results - Episode 21 - Macalester Big Questions
December 18, 2019 13:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, President Brian Rosenberg sits down with Julie Dolan, professor of political science, and Paru Shah, former assistant professor of political science, in front of a live audience in Chicago. Their discussion happened the day after the November 2018 mid-term elections, and reflects on the election results. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Bill Moseley and Julia Morgan on the Complexity of Feeding the Planet - Episode 20 - Macalester Big Questions
December 13, 2019 13:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Bill Moseley, professor of geography, and Julia Morgan, a researcher from the Class of 2017, sit down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience in Seattle, WA. They discuss the complexities of feeding the planet, and how even a simple meal involves issues of economics, politics, technology, climate change, and distribution. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Cláudia Tatinge Nascimento and Sarah Bellamy on Theater and Social Equity - Episode 19 - Macalester Big Questions
December 11, 2019 14:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Cláudia Tatinge Nascimento, chair and professor of theater and dance, and Sarah Bellamy, visiting assistant professor, sit down with President Brian Rosenberg in front of a live audience on Macalester's Saint Paul campus. They talk about the power of performance to enact social change, and how artists can help us reexamine the meanings of equity and inclusion in society. Support the show
Ethan Levin on Combating Sexual Violence - Episode 18 - Macalester Big Questions
December 04, 2019 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.33 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Ethan Levin '20 sits down with President Brian Rosenberg. Ethan, a defensive lineman on the college football team, shares how he has worked with sports teams to combat sexual violence. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Cuauhtemoc Cruz Herrera on Immigration and Opportunities - Episode 17 - Macalester Big Questions
November 27, 2019 13:00 - 12 minutes - 8.34 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Cuauhtemoc Cruz Herrera, from the Class of 2018, sits down with President Brian Rosenberg. Their conversation explores immigration and opportunities, and answers the question: what would you say to people who are suspicious of immigration or want to put up walls between countries? Cuauhtemoc is the founder of Integración-Matemática, a mathematics teaching program in Mexico. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Emily Nadel and Building Community Online - Episode 16 - Macalester Big Questions
November 20, 2019 14:00 - 10 minutes - 7.54 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, alumna Emily Nadel from the Class of 2018 talks with President Brian Rosenberg. Their discussion touches on how college changes a person, building communities online, and reflections on the notion of doubt as a part of understanding differences. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Karen Saxe and the Importance of the Census - Episode 15 - Macalester Big Questions
November 05, 2019 20:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Karen Saxe sits down with President Brian Rosenberg to discuss her work with the census in Minnesota, and the mathematics behind redistricting. Saxe is the DeWitt Wallace Professor Emerita in the Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science, and now the Director of the Office of Government Relations at the American Mathematical Society. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Kamil Ali and the Value of Welcoming the Other - Episode 14 - Macalester Big Questions
October 30, 2019 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.25 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Kamil Ali talks with President Brian Rosenberg to discuss the value of welcoming the other, and how getting to know someone from a different community or culture can shape your perspective. Kamil is from the Class of 2018. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Kiante Miles and Healing Your Inner Community - Episode 13 - Macalester Big Questions
October 23, 2019 12:00 - 13 minutes - 9.4 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Kiante Miles, from the Class of 2020, sits down with President Brian Rosenberg. Kiante -- a poet, a computer science major, and a defensive back on the football team -- talks about healing your inner community and the power of sharing creativity. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Myhana Kerr on Language and the Term "People of Color" - Episode 12 - Macalester Big Questions
October 16, 2019 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Myhana Kerr shares her perspectives on navigating college with President Brian Rosenberg. Kerr, from the Class of 2018, reflects on learning within an international community, language and the term “people of color.” Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Rev. Kelly Stone and Exploring Differences - Episode 11 - Macalester Big Questions
October 09, 2019 12:00 - 10 minutes - 7.57 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Rev. Kelly Stone, Macalester’s Chaplain and the Associate Dean of the Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, speaks with President Brian Roseneberg about the college’s past, meeting students’ needs, and thinking of campus as a laboratory for exploring differences. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Blair Cha on Leadership - Episode 10 - Macalester Big Questions
October 02, 2019 12:00 - 11 minutes - 8.28 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Blair Cha '20 talks with President Brian Rosenberg about what it takes to be a leader: at Macalester, in the community, and as a woman. Blair is the president of Macalester College Student Government and is a mathematics and applied statistics major. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Fred Swaniker on the Misconceptions About Africa - Episode 9 - Macalester Big Questions
September 25, 2019 13:00 - 10 minutes - 7.52 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, alumni Fred Swaniker talks with President Brian Rosenberg about the history of Africans -- like Kofi Annan -- in shaping the world, and the potential for global leadership among youth across the continent. Swaniker is a native of Ghana, and a co-founder of the African Leadership Academy. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Tim O'Brien and the Danger of Absolutism - Episode 8 - Macalester Big Questions
September 18, 2019 12:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, author Tim O'Brien from the Class of 1968 speaks with President Brian Rosenberg. In their discussion they talk about the complexities of the world, embracing uncertainty, and avoiding absolutism. The talk was recorded in October 2017 when O’Brien was on campus to interview fellow author Marlon James. Tim O'Brien is the author of several works including Going After Cacciato, The Things They Carried, and If I Die in a Combat Zone. He has an upcomi...
Kofi Annan in Conversation with Brian Rosenberg - Episode 7 - Macalester Big Questions
September 11, 2019 13:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, we share a conversation President Brian Rosenberg had with Kofi Annan on May 8, 2018. Annan was on campus for the renaming of the Kofi Annan Institute for Global Citizenship in recognition of Annan’s global leadership and dedication to peace. Kofi Annan was founding chair of the Kofi Annan Foundation, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, a 2001 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and a 1961 graduate of Macalester College. Annan passed away o...
Donna Lee on Building an Inclusive Community - Episode 6 - Macalester Big Questions
September 04, 2019 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MBOn this episode of Macalester Big Questions, Donna Lee, Vice President for Student Affairs, talks about building an inclusive community out of a diverse group of students with President Brian Rosenberg. In this conversation, Lee talks about building an inclusive community out of a diverse group of students. She reminds us that this work is a process and takes a concerted effort across campus. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Marlon James and Novels as Political Statements - Episode 5 - Macalester Big Questions
August 21, 2019 16:00 - 10 minutes - 7.21 MBAuthor Marlon James, a professor and writer in residence at Macalester, talks with President Brian Rosenberg in this episode. Their conversation covers novels as political statements, and reflections by Marlon, a Man Booker Prize-winning writer, about his status as a U.S. resident and how deportation factors into his work. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Kristi Curry Rogers and What We Can Learn From Fossils - Episode 4 - Macalester Big Questions
August 21, 2019 12:00 - 16 minutes - 11.6 MBProfessor Kristi Curry Rogers reflects on what we can learn from fossils with President Brian Rosenberg. The conversation moves from prehistory to the present as Rogers, a paleontologist, shares what role humans can play in the future of our planet. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Andrew Latham and Conservative Political Thought - Episode 3 - Macalester Big Questions
August 20, 2019 15:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBProfessor Andrew Latham discusses conservative political thought with President Brian Rosenberg in this episode. Latham shares how the classes he created for Macalester shape a liberal arts experience at a school with a progressive reputation. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Donnie Brooks and Student-Athlete Mental Health - Episode 2 - Macalester Big Questions
August 20, 2019 14:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBAthletic Director Donnie Brooks talks with President Brian Rosenberg in this episode of Macalester Big Questions. Donnie shares how Macalester approaches student-athlete mental health so that they can succeed as students, athletes, and people. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)
Duchess Harris and the Intersections of the #MeToo Movement - Episode 1 - Macalester Big Questions
August 20, 2019 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.98 MBProfessor Duchess Harris, Chair of the American Studies Department talks with President Brian Rosenberg about the #MeToo movement. In the conversation about the Me Too movement and sexism, Duchess focuses on the intersection of race, class, and gender. Support the show (https://secure.macalester.edu/giving/)