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PODCAST

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies Affair"--a conversation with Peter Boghossian, James Lindsay, and Helen Pluckrose

WHRO Public Media

In 1996, Dr. Alan Sokal, a physics professor, wanted to test the intellectual rigor of “postmodern cultural studies.” To do so, he wrote an article titled “Transgressing the Boundaries: Towards a Transformative Hermeneutics of Quantum Gravity.” This article was full of absolute nonsense—but Dr. Sokal believed it would be accepted by an academic journal anyway. And he was right. This hoax—called the “Sokal Affair” or “Sokal Hoax”—caused an uproar in academia because it questioned the validity of

society & culture

All Episodes

53:19

Sergio Mendes: Six Decades of Joy From Music

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/08/04

From his pioneering contributions to bossa nova to the era-defining Latin-pop sound of his iconic group Brasil ’66, Brazilian artist Sergio Mendes exploded onto the American music scene in the 1960s. He quickly produced many hit songs which earned him spots on some of the most popular television programs of the time, and he was invited by Presidents Nixon and Reagan to perform at the White House. He has recorded more than 35 albums, many of which went gold or platinum. He’s also a three-time Grammy®

en-us

53:19

From Memory to Manuscript: Ruta Sepetys Explores How...

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/07/28

Born as the daughter of a Lithuanian refugee, best-selling author Ruta Sepetys has harnessed the power of story to highlight the lives of those who would otherwise become lost in the cracks of history. Her impact goes far beyond the pages of her novels. She was honored by the President of Lithuania for her contributions to education and memory preservation. And she has received her own commemorative postage stamp. She says she is extremely proud of her Baltic heritage, even if that means she has a

en-us

53:19

Karen Grassle: Bright Lights, Prairie Dust

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/07/21

Fans may know her best for her portrayal of “Ma” on the popular television series Little House on the Prairie, but Karen Grassle has also had a far-reaching career in theater and film as well. In her new memoir, "Bright Lights, Prairie Dust: Reflections on Life, Loss, and Love from Little House's Ma," she recounts with surprising candor and humor how she faced challenges off-screen, including a battle with alcoholism, and how she found her way to the other side. She joins us this week to discuss her

en-us

53:19

A Conversation With Jazz Icon Herb Alpert

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/07/18

At the age of eight, Herb Alpert was drawn to the trumpet in a music appreciation class in his elementary school. He went on to master the instrument, earning numerous awards along the way. He recorded his first hit song, "The Lonely Bull" in 1962. Since then, he has earned five #1 hits, 9 GRAMMY® Awards, 15 Gold albums, 14 Platinum albums and he has sold over 72 million records. He also started one of the most successful independent record labels in music history, A & M Records. He has been

en-us

53:19

Jaime Green: The Possibility of Life

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/07/07

Could there be life beyond our planet? It’s a question that has captivated our imaginations for centuries, and one that scientists continue to explore today. In a new book, acclaimed science journalist Jaime Green offers a spellbinding exploration of alien life and the cosmos. Incorporating expert interviews, cutting-edge astronomy research, philosophical inquiry, and pop culture touchstones, she explores our evolving conception of the cosmos to ask an even deeper question: What does it mean to be

en-us

53:19

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt: 'Wake Up With Purpose'

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/06/30

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt took the world by storm as the chaplain for the 2018 Loyola Chicago Final Four men's basketball team. And last year she celebrated her 103rd birthday! Sister Jean is a religious sister of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She has spent her entire adult life working as a teacher, administrator, and volunteer -- first at elementary and grade schools in Chicago and Los Angeles, and later at Mundelein College and Loyola University. In 1994, 75-year-old Sister

en-us

53:19

Carl Sferrazza Anthony Discusses 'Camera Girl: The...

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/06/23

She is perhaps one of the world’s most iconic figures. Jacqueline Kennedy captivated the nation and the rest of the world with her intelligence, beauty, and grace. But who was she before she became a household name? From her adventures abroad in Paris to her groundbreaking career as a writer and photographer in Washington, DC., join us for a journey into the life of a remarkable woman on Watching America. Carl Sferrazza Anthony is a writer, screenwriter, and journalist; an expert on Presidents,

en-us

53:19

Crafting the Fantastic: A Conversation With Bruce...

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/06/16

Dive into the mesmerizing mind of acclaimed science fiction author Bruce McAllister. McAllister’s first story, “The Faces Outside,” was published to acclaim when he was 16, earning him the label “science fiction prodigy.” Since then he has spent five decades venturing into the darkest realms of fantasy. His other books include "Kin," "Dream Baby," and "The Village Sang to the Sea: A Memoir of Magic." When he isn’t writing fiction and poetry, he serves as a writing coach to new and established

en-us

53:19

Patti McCracken Uncovers ‘History’s Most Astonishing...

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/06/09

It is a story that reads like one of today’s popular fiction crime novels — a 1920s village midwife known as “Auntie Suzy” had a knack for murder. And many of the women in her village were quick to adopt her murderous methods. And their dark secret remained undetected for more than 15 years. In her book “The Angel Makers: Arsenic, A Midwife, and Modern History’s Most Astonishing Murder Ring,” award-winning journalist Patti McCracken has pieced together the lives of Auntie Suzy, her wide network of

en-us

53:19

Robots Among Us: A Conversation With Dr. Dennis Hong

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/06/02

What was once the stuff of science fiction has become reality. Robots are being used today for everything from fixing automobiles to exploring space, and they are increasingly becoming more human-like. Well-known roboticist Dr. Dennis Hong is the inventor of a number of cutting edge robots including those that can walk, climb, dance, and even play soccer. He also invented the world’s first car that can be driven by the blind. How will this technology change our world? On this week's episode of

en-us

53:19

Feasting on Stoic Wisdom: David Fideler Reveals...

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/05/26

Ancient stoic philosopher Seneca provided time-tested wisdom in his day. Does any of it still apply? Author and speaker David Fideler says it does - and it can help us foster true contentment. Ancient philosophy meets modern relevance as Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with Fideler about his book, “Breakfast with Seneca: A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living.“ Fideler believes these ancient principles can equip you with the tools to face life's challenges head-on. In this intriguing conversation, we explore

en-us

53:19

More to Life: A Conversation With Os Guinness

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/05/19

Author and prominent social critic Os Guinness believes there are moments in our lives that prompt us to search for a deeper meaning. Sociologist Peter Berger described these as "signals of transcendence" that awaken us to unseen realities. How do we find them? And what would happen if we were to follow where they lead? This week on Watching America, Dr. Alan Campbell explores this idea with Os as they discuss his new book, "Signals of Transcendence: Listening to the Promptings of Life."

en-us

53:19

Richard Sterban: From Elvis to Elvira

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/04/28

He went from a background singer for Elvis to singing center stage with one of the most well-known quartets in music history. Richard Sterban, bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, recently celebrated 50 years with the iconic group, and he has published a book about his journey, “From Elvis to Elvira: My Life On Stage.“ Dr. Alan Campbell hears about his early days with Elvis, learns about his love of fine wine and sailing, and enjoys some little-known stories from his time on the road. In this

en-us

53:19

Holly Harris: Relentless Survivor

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/04/21

Human trafficking, gangs, drugs — Holly Harris never expected these things to become a part of her life. But at just 19 years old, her choices led her to a prison sentence and to the realization that something had to change. Now she hopes her experiences can help others on a similar path. On this week’s episode of Watching America, Harris discusses her book “Relentless Survivor” with host Dr. Alan Campbell. She shares about her journey and how she found her way out of this dangerous lifestyle

en-us

53:19

Sally Harris: Parenting Defiant Adult Children

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/04/14

When her daughter’s life spiraled out of control, Sally Harris found her own life in a tailspin. Her daughter had been traveling down a self-destructive path since her teen years. After heavily using drugs and alcohol, her daughter became a victim of sex trafficking. There were times Sally didn’t know where she was or if she was safe. The worried mom’s methods of coping led to Sally’s own addiction and a struggle with depression and anxiety. In this episode of Watching America, she speaks with host

en-us

53:19

Brad Buchanan On Being A Chimera

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/04/07

Few people have survived the nightmare of a stem cell transplant gone sideways. Poet and professor Brad Buchanan was diagnosed with a rare form of T-cell lymphoma in February 2015, and after chemotherapy and radiation treatments, underwent a stem cell transplant at the U.C. Davis Medical Center in 2016. The transplant entailed 129 days in the hospital, a significant though temporary loss of vision and a lengthy recovery period at home. During this time, he experienced yet another medical

en-us

53:19

Hollywood, Teach Us To Pray

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/03/31

A new documentary by local university professors examines the role of prayer in movies. From devout religious ritual to irreverent monologues played for comedy, what do these prayers say about us and about American culture? This week on Watching America we hear from Dr. Terry Lindvall, a professor at Virginia Wesleyan University. He is one of the filmmakers of the new film "Hollywood, Teach Us To Pray." He discusses the role of prayer in movies through the ages. “With events like the recent one

en-us

53:19

Music of the Beatles with Tom Payne

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/03/24

March marks the 60th anniversary of the release of the Beatles’ debut studio album “Please Please Me,” and die-hard fans remember where they were when they heard their first Beatles’ song. That’s the case for William & Mary Professor of Music and resident Beatles expert Tom Payne. In a course he has taught for many years, “Music of the Beatles,” Payne examines what makes the group’s music so unique and explores how one band’s music can still be influencing the works of today. This week on Watching

en-us

53:19

Stacy Pearsall: After Action on PBS

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/03/17

As an Air Force photographer, Stacy Pearsall traveled to over 41 countries, served in three combat tours, and earned a Bronze Star Medal—but when she returned home, that’s when the real fight began. This week on Watching America, she discusses her military career and the challenges many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. She shares stories of these struggles in a new PBS documentary series “After Action” that details the journeys of 21 diverse veterans from across the country

en-us

53:19

Five Generations in the Workplace with Haydn Shaw

"Sokal Squared" or "Grievance Studies... ·

2023/03/10

Many of today’s workplaces feature 5 different generations — a factor that sometimes leads to misunderstandings and irritation due to generational differences. Dr. Alan Campbell speaks with the popular business speaker and generational expert Haydn Shaw. Hailed as a “leadership guru,” Shaw works with Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and governmental agencies to help workers understand cultural differences at the office. We explore what those differences are, ways to bridge the gap, and what the

en-us

213 results

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