From the Vietnam War protests to today, the University of Iowa has served as a space for civic engagement and freedom of expression. The children of former UI president Sandy Boyd reflect on the legacy of the Vietnam protests, while current graduate student Clara Reynen shares her experiences with student activism. The final episode of “A Campus in Conflict” explores the nuanced parallels between the past and present, while tying in the current threats to freedom of expression. Producer: Brady BehrendHost: Abby FeldmannEditor: Megan SmithAssociate Producers: Grace Hecox, Oliver Sewart

With student resistance rising, University President William “Sandy” Boyd faces difficult decisions about how to conclude the school year safely. Meanwhile, ROTC student Richard Tyner grapples with how to handle the upcoming Governor’s Day celebration and the potential threat of clashes between students and military troops on campus, and former members of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) discuss their efforts to protest the university’s involvement in the war. Host James McCurtis explores the inner conflicts and uncertainties that loomed over the campus as the spring semester came to a close.Producer: Cassidy SafrisHost: James McCurtisEditor: Grace WestergaardAssociate Producers: Sydney Libert, Dawson Moore

In May 1970, as protests erupted across the University of Iowa in response to the Vietnam War and the Kent State shootings, a team of student journalists found themselves on the front lines. Not as activists, but as documentarians. In this episode, we hear from students who covered those tense days with a pen, not a picket sign. What happens when a student journalist is forced to choose between objectivity and empathy? And what did they risk to preserve the truth?Producer: Aidan WirtzHost: Grace KatzerEditor: Shaely O'DeanAssociate Producers: Gavin Lemke, Kayla Buehring

As the Vietnam War escalated, tension built on the University of Iowa campus. College students were reaching the age where, if the war didn’t end soon, even a draft deferment might not save them from the horrors of Vietnam. In this episode, historians and former students reflect on the early sparks of protest and how fear, frustration, and hope ignited a fire that would challenge the status quo. Producer: Rose GrauHost: Maddy HellwigEditor: Abbie McLarenAssociate Producers: Brian Allen, Karina Navarro

Spoilers ahead. Josephine Geiger-Lee and Marshawn Gunn take on Scott Beck and Bryan Woods in an interview about their most recent film HERETIC. The directors reminisce about their process of making the film, their relationship with control, and their use of it to instill discomfort in viewers. Producer: Ben Brown Editor: Cassidy Safris Creative: Chloe O'Shea

This episode of the SJMC Films podcast features Kate Perez and Abby Wedemyer talking in-depth with filmmakers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, University of Iowa alumni best known for A QUIET PLACE. The duo delves into the inspiration and religious themes behind their 2024 horror film HERETIC, exploring complex questions of religion, power, and personal belief. They also share insights into their creative process, research journey, working with A24, and the importance of humor and conversation in film. Producer: Dawson Moore Editor: Alyvia Kirschman Creative: Averi Watson

From being childhood friends to Hollywood creatives, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods have truly developed a creative identity that speaks for them as a unit yet still honors their individual experiences. Casey Angstman and Charice Salazar discuss the nature of inspiration and navigating difficult conversations through the language of film from the lens of the duo’s new movie HERETIC.Producer: Maura De CiccoEditor: Johnny ValtmanCreative: Grace Katzer

Spoilers ahead. SJMC Films hosts Emily Delgado and Carson Hartzog are joined by Beck and Woods (A QUIET PLACE) for a chat on their 2024 horror-thriller HERETIC. The directors touched on their upbringings in Iowa and such influences on their filmmaking and its themes. Producer: Colin Votzmeyer Editor: Brady Behrend Creative: Delanie Jensen

Women and other marginalized groups at the University of Iowa face the reality of state legislation and the Board of Regents putting pressure on universities to cut DEI funding. Students, faculty, and state representatives explain how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives help cultivate a strong academic community. New legislation may force some of these initiatives to dissolve–changing the culture at Iowa. The final episode of "Title IX to Today" explores these changes and how students can make their voices heard.

On this episode of "Title IX to Today," a look at how Iowa’s politics are impacting the institution at large. Then, female UI students share their experiences and discuss what organizations are available at the university to support women. “A Legacy in Doubt” explores what is at stake for women at the University of Iowa.