101

Dr. Sarah Shelton discusses the concept of posthumanism within the context of our troubling civic unrest and especially in relation to education. This is a chance to go back in time a bit, momentarily ignore the disharmony of our nation, and learn something new about the ways we can re-imagine our story and start to progress toward a more significant meaning for our existence. Dr. Sarah Shelton will provide a definition and understanding of the concept of “posthumanism” which many of you may, like I did, feel uncomfortable or even antagonist toward. But if you can open yourself to this discourse, then you will start to think more broadly and seriously about how we are getting along on our planet. I have had some truly meaningful interviews, but something about this one stands out as especially significant. Mcuh of that has to do with the way Dr. Shelton provides a completely accessible way to grasp this complex concept.

Dr. Erin Callahan is an English Professor and a Bob Dylan Scholar. She writes and speaks about the work of Bob Dylan, American popular culture, and American literature. Our conversation begins with a consideration of Dylan within the context of America's current unrest, and then we delve into his new album and lasting impact on American identity. Finally, we briefly connect our conversation to the Humanities and Liberal Arts in American colleges as well as a debate we have had about T.S. Eliot for many years. Below are some of the questions referenced in our discussion, which are based one of Erin's upcoming publications about Dylan. I would like to dedicate this episode to the memory of Eric Muirhead. Questions: 1.      Let’s start with this, to give listeners a kind of crash course on the significance of Dylan: You once told me that you thought Dylan was America’s Shakespeare. As your friend, and an early modernist, I had to mock you, but I actually agree with that statement. What would you say makes him our bard? 2.      Your upcoming publication about Dylan primarily discusses the question of his “authenticity as a serious artist” as it relates to his use of technology and commercial enterprises. The last question may have answered this, but what has allowed Dylan to remain such an icon and an authentic artist in modern American culture? 3.      Here are some items that I would like to address if we haven’t already by this point: a.      You say that early in his artistic journey, Dylan was drawn to “experiences subversive to the homogenized and sanitized America projected in blockbuster movies and popular television and music.” That seems like a voice we need today. What role do you see the voice of Dylan’s art playing in American culture at the moment? b.      One thing I love about Dylan is that he touches on every emotion and draws me into his lyrics the way Shakespeare or T.S. Eliot does by inspiring some internal struggle with my human dualism and compartmentalizations.  He is both nostalgia and avant garde. What are some of the qualities of his work that you would say give him this prolific range of connection? 4.      And then still, if we haven’t dealt with this, commenting on Dylan’s role as a figure for midwestern industrial laborers, you say, “The pro-labor message echoes Dylan’s folk, New Left and Whitmanesque origins recognizing the dignity of labor as foundational to the American republic, its identity and strength.” In his upcoming album, Dylan seems like he might reconnect us with some of those features. I’m thinking of the song from that album bearing a title from Whitman, “I Contain Multitudes.” What do you think of this new album and what kind of American message might we look forward to? 5.      Speaking of “American,” you and I have had an ongoing debate about whether or not T.S. Eliot is American or British, and it all started because you instigated an insurrection in my British Lit class with your gatekeeper nationalism. Care to comment on how you justify your claim, especially since Eliot actually formalized his expatriation and joined the Anglican Church? 6.      And speaking of literature classes, what are your thoughts on the state of colleges and universities, and on being a professor in the humanities/liberal arts these days?

Pierce Eaton is the Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church in Helotes, TX. In our conversation, Pastor Pierce discusses his role as a leader in a community church while our nation faces social unrest. He also communicates his passion about and insight regarding some theological matters within the "crisis" framework. As a young leader, he offers a glimpse into the diverse nature of church culture in America. There is also a bonus section to this episode since some technical issues (minor ones that you'll barely notice;)) required a split in the interview.

Dr. Jack Goodyear provides some insights on the current politcal conditions as we discuss the 2020 elections.

Dr. Sherrin Frances is an associate professor of English and her new book, Libraries Amid Protest, published by the Univeristy of Massachusetts Press, will be available in June.

Courtney O'Banion Smith has a Master's of Fine Art in Creative Writing, and she is an English professor. She has published poetry in multiple venues, including a book of poetry, Abundance. In this episode, we deeply explore the process of writing writing poetry and poetry's far-reacching impact on the many compartments of life.

Jami Alkhayer is an influencer whose online presence provides insights on motherhood, family life, and social responsibility. She has a unique voice for providing practical and contemplative discourse on a wide range of lifestyle issues that affect moms, children, families, and American culture.

Dr. Jack Goodyear is the dean of the Cook School of Leadership at Dallas Baptist Univeristy, where he also teaches political science. Dr. Goodyear offers level-headed and thoughtful commentary on the current political circumstance as we deal with COVID-19 and prepare for the 2020 presidential elections.

Dr. Estee Beck offers insights on negotiating the troubling issue of online privacy. Whether you are plugged into this topic or a novice to it, Dr. Beck's knowledge and suggestions will provide you with tools for your own online protection and give you plenty to think about as a human being who is trying to make sense of the digital data that you produce.

My friend and colleague, Dr. Jason Hogue checks in on our Shakespeare memorization challenge. Then we review Star Trek: Picard, the new Trek series on CBS AllAccess (SPOILER ALERT!).  Our conversation considers the meaning and process of memorizing lines from the Bard, and our analysis of ST: Picard digs deep into the quality of the show. Enjoy!