The Everyday Scholar
American Public University
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How does arts and humanities impact our everyday living? American Public University brings you The Everyday Scholar, a podcast featuring conversations with experts about the importance of cultural awareness and exposure, how skills from the arts and humanities can assist career progression, and a lot more. To learn more, visit StudyatAPU.com.
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Available episodes
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Oldest first
Jan 5, 2023
Preventing Human Trafficking through Education and Training | EP83
Human trafficking is a billion-dollar industry and the second largest criminal activity in the world. In this episode, hear from doctoral student, Isabelle Vladiou, about her work educating people about how to identify human trafficking and safely report it. Also hear how human trafficking includes more than commercial sex and forced labor—it can include forced begging, organ trafficking, forced marriage and more.
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Dec 8, 2022
Student Success: Human Rights Advocacy Leads to Presidential Award
When AMU doctoral student Isabelle Vladoiu emigrated to the United States from Romania, she never dreamt that just a few years later she would receive not one but TWO Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards. In this episode, hear why Isabelle founded the U.S. Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights and her work to educate people around the world about human rights.
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Nov 24, 2022
An Adoptee Shares Her Personal Story | EP81
Delve into an adoptee’s journey to discover her biological family. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Roiann Baskin about her unique story and the heart-wrenching process of finding family.
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Nov 10, 2022
An Overview of Colonialism and its Ties to European Classical Music | EP80
Discover the bond between colonialism and the popularity of classical music. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson explains the role colonialism played in the expansion of classical music influences across the globe.
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Oct 27, 2022
The Importance of Writing Well | EP79
Evolving your writing skills is integral to communicating well. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson discusses the elements of good writing and how to develop your writing expertise.
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Oct 20, 2022
The Global Impact of Spanish and Spanish-Speaking Cultures | EP78
There are more than 500 million Spanish speakers in the world. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to faculty member Carolina Ghanem-Cameron about how the world is evolving and the Spanish language and culture are constantly evolving along with it.
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Oct 13, 2022
Literature Review: The Ongoing Struggles of Race and Inequity: Part 3 | EP77
Reading works of literature considered rebellious and “outside the canon” of the time period can provide immense cultural insight. In the third and final part of this series, APU’s Dr. Jaclyn Fowler talks to professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the semi-autobiographical book “Our Nig: or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black” by Harriet Wilson published in 1859, but only uncovered in 1996. Learn what this book reveals about sexuality, religion, race, enslavement and more.
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Sep 29, 2022
How Critical Thinking Influences College Courses | EP76
An in-depth exploration of critical thinking in the college sphere. In this episode, APU's Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to James Lendvay about the role critical thinking plays in the college curriculum.
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Sep 15, 2022
Building an Audience on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Other Social Media Platforms | EP75
Discover the best ways to use social media tools to attract and engage audiences consistently. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Aikyna Finch about how she developed her social media presence and following.
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Sep 1, 2022
The Harsh Realities of a Communist Childhood in Poland | EP74
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to send shockwaves around the world. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Karolina Kopczynski shares her personal story of growing up in communist Poland and sheds some light on the geopolitical turmoil that has affected the region for decades.
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Aug 18, 2022
Bilingualism in America: It’s Always Been Here – Just Never Recognized | EP73
In this episode of "The Everyday Scholar," APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer speaks to faculty member Martin Ponti about America’s continuing hesitation to accept bilingualism – and the importance of changing the nation’s direction.
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Aug 4, 2022
Debate: What’s the Value of Higher Education? | EP72
In this episode of The Everyday Scholar, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks with APU faculty member James Lendvay about the arguments for – and against – earning a college degree in America. How do society, economics, traditions, the media and other entities play into a young person’s decision to seek higher education?
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Jul 21, 2022
Literature Review: The Ongoing Struggles of Race and Inequity: Part 2 | EP71
Reading works of literature considered rebellious and “outside the canon” of the time period can provide immense cultural insight. In the second part of this series, APU’s Dr. Jaclyn Fowler talks to professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the semi-autobiographical book “Our Nig: or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black” by Harriet Wilson published in 1853, but only uncovered in 1996. Learn what this book reveals about sexuality, religion, race, enslavement and more.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jul 7, 2022
Literature Review: How “Our Nig” Reflects the Ongoing Struggles of Race and Inequity | EP70
Reading works of literature considered rebellious and “outside the canon” of the time period can provide immense cultural insight. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Jaclyn Fowler talks to professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the semi-autographical book, “Our Nig” by Harriet Wilson published in 1853, but only uncovered in 1996. Learn what this book reveals about sexuality, religion, race, enslavement and more.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jun 23, 2022
Top Three Myths Some Employers Believe about Veterans | EP69
Hiring managers and HR professionals often have misconceptions about the value veterans and military servicemembers can bring to an organization. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to veteran and speaker, Wes O’Donnell, about the three most common myths about veterans. Learn about the benefits of military service, how to translate military skills to the civilian workforce, and much more.
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Jun 18, 2022
BONUS: Celebrating Commencement 2022
Hear from graduates and faculty members as they celebrate the classes of 2020, 2021, 2022!
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Jun 9, 2022
The Power of Song Lyrics to Drive Acceptance | EP68
Song lyrics are powerful and transformative. In this episode, Dr. Jackie Fowler talks to APU professor and author L.K. Silva about the song lyrics of Lady Gaga and Sam Smith. Learn how songs can promote self-acceptance and the acceptance of others regardless of differences.
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May 26, 2022
Improve Your Life by Improving Your Digital Wellbeing | EP67
What is digital wellbeing and why is it so important in today’s world? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU communications professor Nicole Rothenay about how to manage a healthy technology relationship. Learn how to monitor and moderate use of digital devices, apps and tools to help bring awareness about usage, and how digital wellbeing is directly tied to overall health and wellbeing.
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May 12, 2022
The Influence of Social Media Influencers | EP66
What are social media influencers and what role to they play in marketing? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU communications professor Dr. Amanda McClain about the growth of social media influencers. Learn about the influence of these parasocial relationships, how someone becomes a social media influencer, how they make money, and the difficulties of being a content creator.
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May 5, 2022
Putting Russian Perspective on the War in Ukraine | EP65
History provides significant perspective, especially regarding conflicts. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to professor and retired Marine Dr. Larry Parker about the war in Ukraine. Learn about the history of the region and hear why, from the Russian’s perspective, Ukraine is so desirable.
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Apr 28, 2022
The Legacy of Plato, “The Republic” and Fascism | EP64
Fascism as a concept has existed since there have been humans. The word was applied more specifically with the advent of fascism in the 20th century, but the roots go back thousands of years. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU’s Dr. Terrence Threadwell about the legacy of Plato’s “The Republic” and fascism throughout history.
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Apr 21, 2022
Phenomenal Woman: Building Self-Confidence in an Inclusive World | EP63
In this episode, Dr. Jackie Fowler talks to APU English professor and author L.K. Silva about Maya Angelou’s poem, “Phenomenal Woman.” Learn how this poem applies to the challenges women face today, the importance of self-confidence among everyone, women and men alike, and why it’s so important to build a world of inclusivity to lift all.
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Apr 14, 2022
The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Authoritarianism at its Worst | EP62
On this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Jaclyn Fowler, Department Chair of APU’s English Department, about the Russo-Ukrainian War and how it compares to the way the Soviet Union was run during the Cold War.
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Mar 31, 2022
The Responsibility of the Media in the Ukraine and Russian Conflict | EP61
Why did Putin invade Ukraine now? What is his goal and motivation? No one really knows, despite endless speculation in the media. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU political science professor Dr. Thomas Kelly about how the invasion of Ukraine has been influenced by the media. Listen to this engaging discussion about who’s more trustworthy, the American media or Russian media? Why do American politicians think the U.S. has to be involved in everything that goes on around the world and be the world's police?
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Mar 17, 2022
Reducing College Debt: Tips for Students and Parents | EP30
Earning a college degree can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Aikyna Finch talks to author Dr. Ouida McAfee about unique and easy ways to minimize the cost of a degree. Hear tips such as creating an academic plan by studying the academic catalog, testing out of courses, maximizing transfer credits, and taking advantage of university services. Also hear strategies for military students, transfer students, and students with disabilities.
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Mar 3, 2022
How to Write a Well-Crafted Research Paper for a College Class | Ep59
What is the best process for writing a scholarly paper for a college class? In this episode, Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth talks with Susan Hoffman, the University’s Quality Assurance Editor, about how to write research papers. Learn some useful tips about how to write a research paper and the resources available to University students.
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Feb 17, 2022
The Value of Representation for Native American Peoples | EP58
Recent controversy has highlighted the importance of proper representation for Native American and indigenous peoples. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Nicole Nesberg, APU history faculty and a member of the Sault tribe. Learn about name changes of two major sporting teams and the need for open conversation about representation as well as the appointment of Native Americans like Deb Haaland and Chuck Sams. Also learn about ongoing challenges for Native American and indigenous peoples to gain equally and adequate representation.
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Feb 3, 2022
The Pros and Cons of Black History Month | EP57
Black History Month is a time to explore the many contributions of Black people to American culture. But do people tend to focus on all the extraordinary accomplishments and leave out the struggles and ongoing inequities? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the value of learning about Black history in a holistic way that includes talking about racism, exclusion, inequity and the struggles alongside the incredible accomplishments and contributions of Black people throughout American history.
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Jan 20, 2022
Why Are Artists Compelled to Create Art? | EP56
Every person has the capacity, experience and perspective to create good art. Those who pursue art often feel that they must create, and the art comes from somewhere beyond themselves. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to author and APU professor, Dr. Jackie Fowler, about being compelled to write, how it brings happiness along with frustration. Also learn how she teaches writing, the difference between critique and criticism, her creative process, and the importance of artists and their work evolving over time.
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Jan 6, 2022
Religion and War: Applying a Buddhist Lens to Conflict | EP55
Religion doesn’t often cause war, but it tends to emerge as a divisive tool used to identify differences between warring parties in support of the conflict. War is a universal human problem, and it may be surprising that Buddhist societies are no exception and have a long history of war, says religious scholar Dr. Christina Kilby. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to her about her work and research understanding the Buddhism approach to war and what non-Buddhists can learn about the conduct of war and governance. Learn how Buddhists apply the concept of equanimity even in wartime—the idea of non-discrimination, that all humans are equal and deserve dignity. Also learn about the gift of fearlessness, that a government’s rulers must be able to offer security to its people and protect civilians.
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Dec 23, 2021
Military, Masculinity and Strength | EP54
Why is strength still associated with masculinity? In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to professor Dr. Larry D. Parker, Jr. about his 24-year career in the Marine Corps and the connection between strength and masculinity. Learn how cultural changes are changing the perception that strength, power, and strength are masculine traits and why it’s so important to emphasize that masculinity and maleness are two different things.
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Dec 9, 2021
How to Improve Your Media Literacy | EP53
Where does your news come from? Who’s reporting it and what are their biases? Applying critical thought to media is imperative in today’s world, says APU communication professor Haytham Al-Rabeah. In this episode, he talks to Dr. Bjorn Mercer about why everyone must improve their media literacy, how to identify and address blind spots, and how algorithms essentially create echo chambers that limits and tailors information that people receive. Learn how to balance your media sources while also using the power of the internet to find new communities and groups that can aid in your own personal development and self-discovery.
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Nov 25, 2021
How Moral Relativism Explains Societal Behaviors | EP52
Are there truly any absolute and universal morals? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to philosophy professor James Lendvay about moral relativism, the view that what people consider to be right and wrong depends on their own perspective or their cultural influences. If people just believe what they want to believe, how does that contribute to today’s divisive social environment? Can progress be made to find common ground?
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Nov 11, 2021
The Ethics of Batman: Lessons for the Modern World | EP51
The goals, ideals, and principles of Batman changes during the different cinematic depictions of the character. What do these movies tell us about our own moral compass and how ethics and justice have changed over time? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU philosophy professor Trey Jackson about how Batman's conflict with villains represents real-life philosophical conflicts about the pursuit of justice. What lessons does Batman teach us about apathy, corruption, anonymity, and how to bring about moral change?
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Oct 28, 2021
Writing Habits and Skills for Aspiring Authors | EP50
Writing a fantasy book series requires the author to spend endless hours developing the world in which unique and complex characters live and interact with one another. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson, who has published 10 books, about her writing process and tips for aspiring writers. Learn about her brainstorming process and where she finds sources of inspiration for her themes, characters, and urban fantasy settings. Also learn why she writes multiple stories at once, why she uses character sheets to help track her characters’ interactions, and all the research involved in ensuring these magical worlds are complete and engrossing for the reader.
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Oct 14, 2021
Why So Many Managers Resisted the Shift to Remote Work | EP49
Before 2020, many leaders thought working from home wasn’t a feasible business model, but the COVID-19 pandemic proved otherwise. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Marie Gould Harper, Dean of APU’s School of Business, about how leaders and employees responded to this forced change. Learn why managers were often the ones resisting the most, how working from home highlighted a generational divide, and why success depends on everyone knowing their own strengths and weaknesses as a remote employee.
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Sep 30, 2021
Executive Leadership Training Improves Communication, Active Listening Skills | EP48
The transition from one level of leadership to the next can bring a lot of uncertainty and insecurities. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Alexa Chilcutt about her experience teaching executive leadership education at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Learn about three basic communication competencies for executive leaders to help them convey their authentic selves that inspire those they manage and oversee.
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Sep 16, 2021
Why Do You Believe What You Believe? Steps towards Healing Divisions | EP47
Political and social issues have seemingly created a polarizing divide among people who adamantly profess their beliefs and often adamantly protest against anyone who disagrees. But are our divisions really so wide? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU philosophy professor Steven Schultz about the fact that people rarely examine why they believe what they believe. Learn the difference between having an informed position versus a personal opinion and why it’s so important for people to assess their own biases and worldviews so they can critically examine the evidence and reasoning behind their beliefs. Also learn how to find common ground with people who have different beliefs in order to have a constructive, intellectually honest, and open conversation.
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Sep 2, 2021
Why Graduation Rates Aren’t the Strongest Indicator of Institutional Success | EP46
Institutions of higher education are often compared and judged based on their graduation rates, but it often provides an incomplete picture of institutional success. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Wally Boston, President Emeritus of American Public University System, about various metrics used to compare institutions and the many variables that affect those metrics.
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Aug 19, 2021
Effectively Using Data to Tell the Real Story | EP45
Presenting data and putting it into local context is the most effective way to get the public to understand issues, but it’s also one of the greatest challenges for journalists. In this episode, AMU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to journalist and professor Dr. Amber Narro about the challenges of teaching journalists how to understand and effectively use data in their reporting. Learn why it’s so important for journalists to start with data and let it drive the direction of the story, rather than trying to find data that supports a preconceived story angle. Also learn about the value of localizing data so readers understand how information applies to their lives as well as the challenges aspiring journalists face entering the competitive media landscape.
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Aug 5, 2021
Are Students Prepared for the Workforce? | EP44
Equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and work ethic needed to succeed in the workforce is one of the most critical tasks of universities and colleges. But is there a gap in preparedness between what employers want and what students are learning? In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Ashley Finley, Vice President of Research at the Association of American Colleges & Universities, about an annual report that aims to illuminate what employers want from graduates. Learn the key takeaways and new revelations from this 15-year report, including what employers say they want regarding student skills, aptitudes and mindsets like work ethic, empathy, resilience, persistence and more.
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Jul 22, 2021
Is “The Communist Manifesto” Still Relevant Today? | EP43
What key points from “The Communist Manifesto” can be applied to modern society? In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to religion and philosophy professor Dr. Terrence Threadwell about how some of the issues that Marx discusses are often misunderstood or taken out of context. Learn why this document is often used by politicians to illicit fear, but many of the issues around social disparities, poverty, and power are still very relevant in today’s world.
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Jul 8, 2021
Investment Clubs Aim to Close the Minority Wealth Gap | EP42
Once a month, 26 Black women get together to discuss how they’re going to invest their money. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Andre Rawls about her role in forming numerous investment clubs that help educate women about financial investment strategies and wealth accumulation. Learn how an investment group works, how it changes the mindset of how members spend money, the importance of financial literacy in minority populations, and why it’s necessary to correct people’s beliefs about money and wealth accumulation.
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Jun 24, 2021
Rebalancing Political Power and the Need for Democratic Literacy | EP41
The Constitution was setup to ensure that all states, regardless of size, would have a say in the direction of the federal government. While that democratic system has worked remarkably well post-Civil War, in recent decades the fabric of the United States has started to fray as people view the federal government as the body governing the 50 states instead of the other way around. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Political Science Program Director, Dr. Tom Kelly, about the rise of revenge politics, extreme partisan politics, and the rise of authoritarianism. Also learn about the changes needed to rebalance governing power including instituting term limits on legislators and adding the right to privacy to the Bill of Rights.
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Jun 10, 2021
Why Study Communication? | EP40
The way individuals and organizations communicate has changed dramatically with the widespread adoption of social media. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Communication professors Dr. Alison Slade and Dr. Amanda McClain about their interest in the communication field and how quickly things have changed from traditional journalism to the rise of YouTubers and influencers. Learn the skillsets obtained from a degree in communication as well as discussion about the constantly evolving career opportunities for those studying digital media or strategic communications.
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May 27, 2021
The Future of Social Media: What's Normal Anyways? | EP39
It's easy to blame social media for recent social problems like cyber bullying and a decline in mental health, but the reality is that social media is powered by people. Social media isn’t bad and it can actually present an incredible opportunity for users. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Communication professor Nicole Rothenay about improving awareness about social media and using it to find communities, connect with people, and even find jobs. Learn why it’s important for people to reframe their relationship with social media to become a creator instead of just a consumer, understanding social currency to maintain a healthy awareness about how social media affects your mental health, and discovering how social media can help individuals find their own curated “normal.”
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May 13, 2021
Talking to People Who Do Not Listen | EP38
Public discourse has become increasingly divisive, making it extremely difficult to have productive conversations about politics, religion, and social issues. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Business professor and lawyer, Dr. Gary Deel, about the causes of this contentious rhetoric including the role of the news media, social media, political leaders, and more. Learn strategies about how to approach talking to people with differing viewpoints, how to reach people who may believe in conspiracy theories, and how to maintain civility with those you disagree with.
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Apr 29, 2021
Historical Research to Understand Abraham Lincoln and the History of Illinois | EP37
What is it like to conduct historical research and read original documents from the Civil War time period? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Program Director Dr. Richard Hines about being a trained historian and conducting in-depth research about the history of Illinois and the role of Abraham Lincoln during the most complex period of United States history. Learn about his efforts to understand why Illinois changed from being Democrat to Republican so quickly during this time period, turmoil between slave states and free states, and the complexities of understanding the true history during this time.
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Apr 15, 2021
Ethics in Higher Education | EP36
Teaching ethics is an integral part of higher education, but thinking about ethics—and applying it in a meaningful way—is a life-long endeavor. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Vernon C. Smith, Provost of American Public University System, about how ethics affect all areas of society. Learn about the role of ethics when making career decisions, the need for ethics to guide technological advancement, and much more.
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Apr 1, 2021
How to Become Better at Public Speaking | EP35
Many people feel uncomfortable with public speaking, but realize it’s something they’ll have to do in their professional life. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU communications professor Myeisha Grady about strategies to improve public speaking skills, even for someone who is an introvert. Learn about stepping out of your comfort zone, shifting to a positive mindset, seeking out trusted mentors to help you, organizing a speech so it’s effective, and improving with each public speaking opportunity.
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Mar 18, 2021
Streaming Services Have Changed TV and Film Forever | EP34
The television and film industries have changed dramatically in recent years, largely due to the growth of streaming services. In this episode, APU professor Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Amanda McClain about the influence of streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney Plus and others. Learn how these platforms have allowed for the innovative creation of content by focusing on niche audiences, caused major changes to advertising, and had significant long-term implications on traditional cable companies.
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Mar 4, 2021
Studying Religion Connects You to the World | EP33
How do you study religion objectively and without bias? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU religion professor Robert King about applying the lens of academic disciplines like sociology, anthropology, and philosophy to better understand the ideologies, beliefs and practices of different religions. Learn about the study of new religious movements, the problems with using words like “cult” and “paganism,” and how religious studies can help students think critically in a fair and objective way.
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Feb 18, 2021
The Capitol Riots and Free Speech | EP32
For many, the Capitol riot was the predictable outcome of years of growing anger among people who felt marginalized and dismissed. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU Political Science Program Director Dr. Tom Kelly about what fueled this incident including the role of the mainstream news media and the power—and limitations—of social media. Learn how it has become increasingly difficult to discuss opposing political viewpoints in public forums as well as in the classroom, and what that means for the future of the country’s democracy.
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Feb 4, 2021
The Religious Crossroads of Hawaii | EP31
Taking an objective approach to learning about different religions can lead to a greater connection with other humans. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Religion and Philosophy professor Dr. Achilles Gacis about the unique diversity of religion in Hawaii. He also talks about the educational benefits of religious studies, how a deeper knowledge of religions can lead to greater understanding among people, and more.
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Jan 21, 2021
Intersectionality: Understanding What Influences Your Identity | EP30
Many different things can contribute to a person's sense of identity including culture, location, ethnicity, religion, and more. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU English professor Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the concept of intersectionality, which allows people to understand how their own identity can change based on differing circumstances and why it's so important to be open-minded in order to understand other people's identities and backgrounds.
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Jan 7, 2021
The Philosophy of War | EP29
Why do nations still wage war against each other? Is it important or beneficial for politicians to have military experience? In this episode, APU professor Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Larry Parker, who spent 24 years in the Marine Corps, about the national security strategy to protect the homeland. Also learn what issues lead to war and armed conflict, why it’s so important to understand other cultures, and the ethical side of war and conflict.
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Dec 24, 2020
Influence of Labor Unions on the Emerging American Dream | EP28
Were labor unions successful in improving the quality of life for working-class people? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to history professor Dr. Jeffrey Leatherwood about the history of labor unions in the Carolinas. Hear about the turbulent and often violent efforts to form unions including the infamous Charlotte massacre of August 25, 1919 and how such efforts relate to present-day unions.
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Dec 10, 2020
How Social Media Sows Discontent and Divisiveness | EP27
Social media has become a powerful communication tool that influences how people think about social, political, and cultural issues. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to AMU communications professor Dr. Allison Slade about the rise of popular social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, and how people are increasingly relying on these sites for news and information. Learn how social media is contributing to the increasing divisiveness in the U.S. and why it is more important than ever to be a critical media consumer.
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Nov 26, 2020
How do Differences in Cultural Norms in Europe and the U.S. Affect Moral and Social Values? | EP26
In many European countries, it’s acceptable to stare, touch other people, and stand close. But in the U.S., staring is considered rude, touching is generally frowned upon, and people highly value their personal space. In this episode, APU professor Stefania Malacrida discusses these cultural norms after living in Italy, Germany and the U.S. Learn how these cultural norms lead to differences in moral and social values including the death penalty, gun rights, and more.
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Nov 12, 2020
The Selfie as a Form of Self Expression | EP25
There are more than 30 million "selfies" uploaded to social media every week. While this may seem like a modern-day phenomenon, there's a significant connection between "selfies" and self-portraits used by artists throughout history. In this episode, APU's Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Art Professor Mina Majstorovic about art history and selfies. Learn why artists historically composed self-portraits as autobiographies and self-expression and how such paintings reflect the culture of the time. Also learn how the selfies of today can help students connect to, and better understand, artwork from the past.
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Oct 29, 2020
Unraveling the Ancestral Fabric: Understanding the Genetic Imprint of Type 2 Diabetes in African Americans | EP24
Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects African Americans. In this episode, APU Business professor Dr. Kandis Boyd Wyatt interviews Dr. Maurice Fluitt about his work in epigenetics, which is research into how the expression of genes can be changed without changing DNA. Learn how genetic imprinting helps understand complex diseases like diabetes and why it?s so important to educate the public about this research. Dr. Fluitt also discusses how COVID-19 has affected people with diabetes, why it?s so important to listen to your body, and why people shouldn?t be afraid to go to their doctor with any health concerns.
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Oct 15, 2020
2020 Presidential Election and the History of Political Conventions
Political conventions have changed dramatically over the years. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU program director Dr. Tom Kelly about the history of each major party’s political convention to nominate a presidential candidate. Also learn why there’s unlikely to ever be a viable third-party candidate, how Democrats and Republicans are trying to target voters outside their traditional base, and discussion about the concept of American exceptionalism.
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Oct 1, 2020
Militarization of the Police
Do law enforcement agencies incorporate too many military tactics and equipment in their policing efforts? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to AMU Criminal Justice program director, Dr. Chuck Russo about the origins of the military and domestic law enforcement as well as the benefits and downfalls of ongoing collaboration. Learn about the influence of traditional media and social media on politicizing police tactics and how discussions in the classroom can help bring to light many controversial policing topics including militarization, use-of-force, ethics, mental health, post-traumatic stress, diversity, supervision, management, and more.
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Sep 17, 2020
Developing Skills Needed to Succeed in the Workplace | EP21
Building and sharpening your skillset is critical for professional success. In this episode, APU business professor Dr. Kandis Wyatt talks to Tamera Wells-Lee about the most important skills she learned in her academic and professional career that contributed the most to her leadership development. While it’s important to develop hard skills, learn why it’s also critical to develop soft skills like empathy, creativity, interpersonal skills, and work ethic to make you a strong and compassionate leader.
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Sep 3, 2020
COVID and the Ethics of School Reopening
What are the primary factors driving the decision about how to reopen schools in the fall? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Wally Boston, President Emeritus at American Public University System, about the health risks to students, faculty and staff as well as the economic impact on institutions of higher learning. Learn why so many colleges and universities are at great risk of closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Aug 25, 2020
What is the Path to Leading an Ethical Life?
Understanding ethics and the logic people use to guide them in ethical decision-making is extremely complicated. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer investigates ethics with Dr. Gary Deel to better understand the circumstances and challenges that surround ethics. Listen to learn more about how ethical standards have changed over time, how ethical standards may differ in a person’s professional and personal life, and why adages like the “golden rule” cannot provide ethical reliability.
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Aug 19, 2020
Healthcare During COVID-19 and Healthcare Experiences in the Hispanic Community | EP 18
COVID-19 has highlighted the major healthcare disparities present in minority communities. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Ginger Raya about her experience as a Hispanic woman living in El Paso, Texas. Learn about issues of diversity in healthcare, how COVID-19 has complicated access to healthcare, prohibitive cost issues to receiving healthcare, and more. Dr. Raya also talks about ways to address such disparity including the need for people to recognize their own privilege and biases, how to recognize and address microaggressions, and how to improve your emotional intelligence.
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Aug 3, 2020
Actionable Steps to Improve Race Relations in the U.S.
What can people do to educate themselves and their children to better understand how people of color feel and experience living in the United States? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Kristin Washington about how to have tough conversations with children and what historic events should be taught in schools. Also learn how economic disparities have contributed to inequality and what more needs to happen to address racism in the U.S.
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Jun 29, 2020
An American Indian Perspective on History Today
On this episode of The Everyday Scholar, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Nicole Nesberg about her indigenous upbringing as an American Indian woman. Learn about how her tribal lineage connects her to other people of color in protesting racial oppression in the United States and her perspective on what can be done to rectify racial injustices in order to bring positive change to the nation.
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Jun 17, 2020
The Sociology of Death and Dying
Thinking about death and dying can actually help people live a more meaningful life. In this episode of The Everyday Scholar, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks with Dr. Kasia Polanska about her experience working with dying patients as a hospice volunteer. This work inspired Dr. Polanksa to investigate the sociology of death and dying, which eventually led to her to develop a class on the topic. Learn how her research and examination of death and dying can inspire clarity and meaning in life.
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May 20, 2020
Innovation in Education: Collaborating Across Disciplines | EP14
Innovation within Arts and Humanities requires collaboration across disciplines in order to create new ways of thinking, learning, and teaching. In this episode of The Everyday Scholar, hear from Dr. Grace Glass, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at American Public University (APU), about how her department is collaborating with faculty in other disciplines like STEM to create new and innovative courses.
Focusing on innovation is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic as many brick-and-mortar institutions of higher learning are trying to figure out how to deliver remote education. Learn how APU, which has been a 100-percent online university for three decades, has integrated innovation into its course structure and addressed the complexities that go along with delivering distance education.
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May 1, 2020
An American Living and Teaching in the Middle East
Picking up and moving to the Middle East to teach would likely be far beyond most people’s comfort zone. Dr. Jaclyn Fowler thought it was beyond hers too until her children encouraged her to take the chance. Together they moved to Dubai where she spent four years teaching. Listen to this episode of The Everyday Scholar to learn more about her experience learning Arabic, teaching a diverse group of students, understanding cultural differences including gender issues, and how it changed her and her children’s outlook on the world forever.
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Apr 8, 2020
Changing Careers From Music to Law
Balancing multiple professional careers can be incredibly difficult, but also very rewarding. In this episode of The Everyday Scholar, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks with Dr. Trevor Reed about finding balance while pursuing two very different and demanding professional passions: lawyer and musician.
Listen to this podcast to learn how Dr. Reed, a law professor at Arizona State University, draws on his experiences as a musician, composer, and performer in his role as a legal academic and Indigenous rights advocate. He offers advice on how to change careers, apply skills from each to benefit the other, and, most importantly, have patience with oneself during times of transition. Dr. Reed also discusses how his Native American background as a member of the Hopi Tribe has influenced both his musical and legal career.
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Apr 1, 2020
Was Nietzsche right? Is God dead?
Will religion always remain an important part in the life of humans? As secularization continues around the world, could it actually replace religious belief and practice? In this episode of The Everyday Scholar, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks with Dr. Chris Myers, a religion and philosophy professor, about the evolving role of religion, the decline of certain religions, the conflict between religion and science, and much more. Listen to learn more about the evolving role of religion among humans.
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Mar 23, 2020
Coronavirus and its Impact on Higher Education
During the coronavirus outbreak, many colleges and universities are transitioning from traditional classroom environments to teaching primarily online. In this episode of The Everyday Scholar, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks with American Public University President Dr. Wally Boston about the impact of coronavirus on higher education. Listen to learn more about the short- and long-term impact on academic institutions including technical issues, training challenges, compliance concerns, fluctuations in tuition and enrollment rates, and more. Could the changes happening in response to coronavirus change the balance of in-person and online course offerings at some institutions?
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Feb 13, 2020
Science for Good, Science for Evil
American Public University, School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Associate Dean Dr. Danny Welsch and Dr. Bjorn Mercer discuss science for good, science for evil. How good discoveries go evil, and how evil discoveries turn good. Dr. Danny Welsch talks about inventions that started out benefiting society and ended up changing warfare, discoveries that originated with warfare and ended up benefiting society, and other interesting inventions that impacted warfare.
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Jan 16, 2020
Teaching in Prisons: The Difficulties of Prisoner Reintegration
American Public University faculty member Tiffany Orcesi, Dr. Michael Pittaro from the School of Security and Global Studies and Dr. Bjorn Mercer discuss teaching in the prison. Tiffany Orcesi and Dr. Michael Pittaro discuss their experiences teaching in the prison system, the challenges of prisoner educational programs, and the difficulties of prisoner reintegration.
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Dec 17, 2019
Listening for Native Sounds in American Pop
American Public University faculty member Jonathan Hill and Dr. Bjorn Mercer discuss North American Indigenous music. Jonathan Hill discusses what is Indigenous music, what are popular expectations associated with the music, and how Indigenous music and musicians have shaped mainstream pop.
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Nov 15, 2019
The Bridge Between the Classroom and Global Experiences
American Public University Program Director and faculty member Dr. Jennifer Cramer and Dr. Bjorn Mercer discuss the bridge between the online classroom with global experiences. Dr. Cramer talks about how she got into anthropology, why she studies savanna monkeys throughout Africa and how actively working in the discipline while also teaching online helps keeps course discussions and topics relevant and up-to-date for students.
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Oct 17, 2019
Labor Day, Religion and American Prosperity
American Public University faculty member Robert King and Dr. Bjorn Mercer discuss Labor Day, religion, and American prosperity. Robert King goes over the 1891 Catholic papal encyclical Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII, the Pullman Railroad Strike of 1894, and how ethnic classifications were used to manipulate, control, divide, and ultimately exploit workers at Pullman.
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Sep 16, 2019
Truth, Lies and Fake News
American Public University philosophy faculty member Lynn Mardon and Dr. Bjorn Mercer discuss truth, lies, and fake news. Lynn Mardon discussed what fake news is, why it is important for all of us to be better consumers of information, what could happen if we no longer trust the news media, and how to become better critical thinkers to combat fake news.
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Aug 28, 2019
Women and War: Understanding the Nexus of Gender and Conflict
Security studies scholarship and research too often overlooks how conflict impacts women and diverse gender identities differently. In this podcast, American Public University Doctoral Faculty Dr. Elise Carlson-Rainer and Seattle University Professor Dr. Serena Cosgrove examine how women experience conflict differently. Throughout the discussion they analyze how discrimination, poverty and socialization of gender impacts human and global security. This podcast is for doctoral and undergraduate level students to understand the nexus of gender and conflict. The gendered language of war, justification of conflict based on protecting women, and considerations of gender in peace keeping mission are the central topics of discussion.
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Aug 8, 2019
APUS - Why Learning Foreign Languages is Important for Personal and Career Development
American Public University faculty member Dr. Karolina Kopczynski and Dr. Bjorn Mercer discuss what it is like to learn a foreign language. Dr. Kopczynski has a long and successful career learning and teaching multiple languages and discusses what it takes to learn a foreign language, how long it takes to become proficient, what career fields benefit from knowing a second language, and the practical applications for personal and professional development.
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Jul 15, 2019
Ethics in Social Media
American Public University faculty member Dr. Jonathan Surovell and Dr. Bjorn Mercer discuss ethics in social media. Dr. Surovell analyzes the claim that social media use is bad for us, why we should deactivate our social media accounts, if social media makes us happy, and the complicated mental health aspects of social media overuse.
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