When we talk about health and wellness, we often talk about what we eat, how we move, and the personal choices we make. But our health and wellbeing, and even the health of entire communities, depends on more than just diet and exercise. It also has a lot to do with where we live and the spaces we occupy. Music: Tech Toys by Lee Rosevere. Black Lung and Our Ego by Broke For Free.

Why Health & Wellness is More Than What We Eat & How We Move  |  Ep.62

School mascots can create a shared identity and foster a sense of loyalty among fans and communities. But some mascots, especially those that may be viewed as stereotypical or insensitive to cultural subgroups, can also cause controversy. This issue recently caused a deep rift throughout a local school district in Ohio, where a debate around a Native American mascot became a fascinating story that touched upon moral psychology, the importance of local politics, and the ways in which other schools can navigate similar challenges.

The Trouble With Mascots  |  Ep.63

Middle school can be an intense and challenging time. All the drama around social media. The pressure of getting good grades. Bouncing back from disappointments. These are just a few of the things that students face. But helping them transition through this awkward and confusing phase is what makes the work of Robin Beavers so meaningful. As a middle school principal, an Ohio 2019 Educator of the Year, and the founder of a youth mentorship program, Robin talks about how to help impressionable students figure out who they are, and who they hope to become.

Surviving Middle School  |  Ep.64

Power and dominance are not always about physical force or political authority. On this episode, Dr. Lisa Weems, a Miami University scholar-activist-educator, explains how power dynamics can take on far more subtle forms. In schools, across society, and in our daily lives, these power struggles often happen when certain dominant cultural values are privileged and reinforced, while others are marginalized or silenced -- especially around issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality. These ideas are also expressed in her recent book, Staging Dissent: Young women of color and transnational activism. Additional music: Lee Rosevere “Thought Bubbles” and Broke For Free “The Gold Lining.”

Power, Dominance, and the Politics of Everyday Life  |  Ep.65

We visit special space where all children seem to find their place. The Wonder Lab at Lakota Local Schools is a STEAM-based classroom that sparks curiosity and critical thinking among our youngest learners by using the environment itself to nurture creative exploration. Created in part with the Cincinnati Museum Center, The Wonder Lab also helps children build important soft skills like communication, collaboration, and a capacity for empathy.

The Wonder Lab: Where All Children Learn to Love School  |  Ep.66

For many of us, drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is a daily ritual. But many public health professionals are now showing a growing concern over the consumption of these drinks, especially when it comes to children. On this episode, two public health researchers discuss the changing cultural trends around how we consume and view sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as how parents can help their children make more healthier choices.

Helping Kids Avoid Sugar-Sweetened Beverages  |  Ep.67

Great scientific discoveries don’t always happen at places like NASA or CERN. Important breakthroughs are actually happening all around us. This is a message that Chris Anderson wants to share with more people, especially children, through a video series called Science Around Cincy. Science Around Cincy features the stories of real scientists at places like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Nature Center, local neuroscience labs, and more. In this episode, Chris talks about inspiring new scientists, and why you don’t have to be a super genius to become one.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists  |  Ep.68

Mentorship can mean a lot more than simply being a positive presence in the lives of youth. Today, it’s also about addressing a variety of social issues by building the kinds of relationships that engage youth in relevant new ways. On this episode, we speak with Tim Pehlke, a program design manager with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, who’s work on innovative programs such as Bigs in Blue shows how youth mentorship can be a win-win for entire communities.

Everybody Wins: Youth Mentoring that Brings Whole Communities Together  |  Ep.69

Intro/outro music used in podcasts: "Tech Toys" by Lee Rosevere

Miami College of Education, Health and Society

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