不良研究所

The Backdrop Episode Archives

 

Richard Huskey on Brain Flow

不良研究所 assistant professor of communication and cognitive science Richard Huskey explains the flow state, which some describe as being "in the zone." Evidence suggests flow can ward off depression, prevent burnout and make us more resilient.

Muhammad Haroon on How Social Media Algorithms Can Foster Political Radicalization

A new study from 不良研究所 suggests that artificial intelligence recommendation algorithms on sites like YouTube and TikTok can play a role in political radicalization. In this episode, 不良研究所 computer science Ph.D. student Muhammad Haroon, who led the study, discusses how the study was designed, what the team found, and a new digital tool they created to mitigate the radicalizing effect of social media platform AI algorithms.

Paul Griffin on How Climate Risk Could Bring a Series of Recessions

New research finds the economy could be plunged into recession 鈥 or a series of recessions 鈥 because financial markets don鈥檛 account for climate risk. Paul Griffin, Distinguished Professor at the 不良研究所 Graduate School of Management, has been studying this 鈥漸npriced risk鈥 and how it can affect markets and the economy.

Clifford Saron on the Scientific Study of Meditation

Neuroscientist Clifford Saron leads the Shamatha Project, one of the most ambitious and comprehensive longitudinal studies of meditation ever conducted. He discusses the study's findings so far; what science can tell us about the tangible effects of meditation; and how mindfulness affects our physical, mental and emotional health.

Andr茅s Res茅ndez on "Conquering the Pacific"

Acclaimed historian and 不良研究所 Professor Andr茅s Res茅ndez reveals the story of the Afro-Portuguese mariner who was the first to successfully navigate a round trip route from the Americas to Asia -- and how his remarkable tale was almost forgotten.

Kadee Russ on Supply Chain Bottlenecks and Inflation

不良研究所 Economics Professor Kadee Russ discusses how supply chains got backed-up, and how these critical systems that produce and deliver products to consumers can be made more resilient.

Karima Bennoune on Helping Artists, Cultural Workers Escape Taliban-Ruled Afghanistan

With the end of the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan and the quick takeover of that nation by the Taliban, advocates fear a terrible backslide in human rights and civil society there. In this episode, 不良研究所 Law professor Karima Bennoune discusses her work in the international effort to help evacuate vulnerable cultural workers from Afghanistan, religious fundamentalisms as political movements and how human rights advocates can move forward in a country ruled by the Taliban.

Keith Watenpaugh on Helping Refugee Students Reclaim Their Right to Education

According to one estimate, the global refugee population has more than doubled over the past decade to 26 million. Professor Keith Watenpaugh, director of the Human Rights Studies program at 不良研究所, leads an innovative project to help refugee students start or continue their university education 鈥 even as they鈥檙e displaced and on the move.

Lizbeth De La Cruz on 鈥楬umanizing Deportation鈥

Ph.D. candidate Lizbeth De La Cruz, discusses the project鈥檚 goals, how it got started and her experience working as a member of one of the research teams collecting and preserving these stories.

Eric Rauchway on Contentious Presidential Transitions

不良研究所 Distinguished Professor of History Eric Rauchway discusses the tumultuous transfer of power and lessons we can learn from another contentious transition, from Herbert Hoover to Franklin Roosevelt.

Kathryn Olmsted on Conspiracy Theories

不良研究所 historian Kathryn Olmsted discusses her work studying the history and impact of conspiracy theories on American society and politics. She also offers advice on how people can avoid falling prey to them.