In this episode, I talk to Alexandra who works in the immigration law office about the Russia-Ukraine War. As someone from Ukraine, her connection to this crisis is deep and offers a window into the lives of innocent citizens under threat. We discuss the meaning of the TPS and the controversies surrounding support aid organizations and initiatives. Disclosure: this episode contains topics on war. Chicago Tribune Article Link: https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-chicago-ukraine-how-to-help-20220301-odqs7d5wfzanhbvb3ntc4xibua-story.html

In this episode, we discuss the power of books with 2 English teachers to put that magical feeling into words. What do people who have made their careers out of spreading the full appreciation of literature to the next generation feel about it? Can they pick favorites? Listen to find out.

It’s time to say goodbye to 2021, and hello to 2022! But wait, not yet! Let’s reflect upon this difficult year a bit. In this episode we’ll have a compilation of clips from our listeners of some of their highs and lows! Thank you for another amazing year with our podcast! See you next year!

In episode 2 of our “Who’d a Thunk It?”series, meditation and mindfulness are the topics of discussion. We look at the history of these practices, the science behind what they’re doing to our brains, and the possible pros and cons of the meditation-app fad. Link to information about iA Writer: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/12/20/can-distraction-free-devices-change-the-way-we-write Research Links: https://mindworks.org/blog/how-meditation-changes-the-brain/ , https://www.wired.com/story/the-unbearable-irony-of-meditation-apps/ , https://time.com/4246928/meditation-history-buddhism/ , https://www.mindful.org/the-science-of-mindfulness/

Happy Thanksgiving! To celebrate this holiday of gratitude, we decided to gather together to talk about the turkey. In our new program, Who'd of Thunk It!, one member will do some preliminary research about a topic, myth, or misconception to share with the other two. For our first episode, we discussed topics including the turkey as the national bird, the gorgeous ocellated turkey, and the sleep-inducing turkey meat. If you have any suggestions for future topics, please send an email to [email protected]. Research Links: "Did Benjamin Franklin propose the turkey as the national symbol?" - HISTORY "American Myths: Benjamin Franklin’s Turkey and the Presidential Seal" - Smithsonian Magazine "Turkey" - Encyclœpedia Britannica "What’s the Purpose of a Turkey’s Wattle?" - Mental Floss "OCELLATED TURKEY" - American Bird Conservancy "Food Coma? Here's Why You Get Sleepy After You Eat" - Discovery Additional: Kovarsky's Rendition of a Turkey National Seal

Happy Halloween! In the spirit of this spooky holiday, it is tradition to dress up in costumes before scavenging for candies. However, what makes a costume thrilling or inappropriate? There are many guidelines out there to follow, but what do teenagers feel about these limitations when it comes to celebrate Halloween? In this episode, we ask a couple high schoolers on their opinions on the matter for a small sampling. If you are curious to explore a story on the same topic, you can read about the concerns raised by Yale Students here. 

As the melting-pot of culture, America was once the land of "dreams" that attracted immigrants world wide. In this episode, we explore the perspective of someone who did just that. After moving from China to America 30 years ago, our guest explains her reasons behind her decision and observations after experiencing America from the outside and inside. Was it all it was promised to be? Source for Tiananmen Massacre : Link 

In this episode, you will hear from María Dubrowski about how she went from being a student studying psychology and neuroscience to environmental conservation and science communication. She shares how her journey from Costa Rica to Lake Michigan has taught her important lessons about the environmental movement and inspired her to do more. Listen to hear how she answers some prevailing questions on possible solutions to climate change and how normal people like you and me can be part of those answers.

This episode is a compilation of interviews with three members of HEROS (Healing Everyday Racism in Our Schools). They describe the founding of the organization by members of the Baha’i Faith who got together after hearing of issues of overt racism at the school. Today, the organization is working on many ambitious goals to address the complex issue of racism in the North Shore. Links: HEROS website: https://heros.community — HEROS Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/HEROS-Healing-Everyday-Racism-in-Our-Schools-101173638339108/ —TiBA website: https://www.togetherisbetteralliance.org — RAIN website: https://www.rain.community/about

In honor of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics coming to a close, this episode with Xixi, a Tokyo resident who immigrated from China, explores an insider's take on the games. Torn between continuing or postponing the event, Japan and the world faced hard decisions thanks to the global pandemic; however, despite all the concerns, the Olympics were still held this year, but at what cost, both literally and metaphorically. This entire recording was done originally in mandarin, so please understand that it is merely a rough translation of our conversation.