Abigail sits down with Sophia Ellington and Savannah Turner to discuss what causes Totalitarian regimes. What caused the rise of Nazi Germany in the 1930’s? Why do people join Totalitarian movements and what happens once they do? What is analogous in contemporary movements attempting to renovate Totalitarian rule? 
Hannah Arendt was a German-Jewish refugee and political theorist who’s book The Origins of Totalitarianism is one of the most important philosophical works of the 20th century. In the 1930’s Europe, the rise of Imperialism, Nationalism and race-thinking coalesced to cause Totalitarian regimes. For Arendt, people join Totalitarian regimes out of a desire to escape loneliness and responsibility. Once they join the Totalitarian “machine", they lose agency and the ability to reason. 
Arendt cautioned not to thinking of contemporary totalitarian movements in the same manner as 1930’s Germany. Nevertheless, her thought gives us valuable insights into the appeal of Trump and the polarization of American politics.

5. 1930's Totalitarianism and its Threat Today feat. Sophia Ellingson & Savannah Turner

Abigail sits down with Reedies against Racism’s Addison Bates and Alex Boyd to discuss their experiences with institutional racism and student activism. We begin by discussing their experience coming to Reed college and how they became involved in activism. We discuss the various types of racism that black students experience on college campuses and the ways that it is perpetuated by students and professors. Then, they share their activism's intentions and goals and the various tactics they've used to achieve those goals. They speak to misconceptions about the movement and what happens behind the scenes.  Finally, we relate campus activism to national movements and discern the role of academia in activism. 

RAR’s website: http://reediesagainstracism.weebly.com/

6. Student Activism & Dismantling Institutional Racism feat. RAR's Addison Bates & Alex Boyd

Want to know more about India's caste system? Ever wondered how it shapes lives in India? How it compares to the system of race in America? What it's relationship is to religion and Hinduism? These are the questions we answer on this show.
Abigail interviews Anand Vaidya PhD an anthropologist of India. We begin by discussing the history and the origins of the caste system. We look at how it changed under British colonialism and with modern democracy. Then, we analyze the central debates around caste. Two central figures of the Indian independence movement in the 1930's had radically different opinions in regards to caste. Mahatma Ghandi thought it was fundamentally benevolent and should remain in place, whereas B.R. Ambedkar ardently strove for a complete abolishment of caste along with Hinduism. Finally, we look at several ways Dalits (the untouchable caste) resist their position in the system and how that has been responded to.

7. A Critical Look at India's Caste System feat. Anand Vaidya PhD

Abigail interviews medical anthropologist Betsey Brada PhD about her field work in an HIV/AIDs treatment center in Botswana. In the early 2000's, over a third of the adult population of Botswana was infected with HIV. We begin by looking at the historical factors that led to the epidemic and the development of it's treatment infrastructure. Then, we talk about the ways centuries old colonial and imperial histories and tropes subvert well-intentioned U.S. aid and intervention, including the ways American medical students practice in Botswana. Finally, we hear about the lives of HIV positive people in Botswana, and learn how they shape their experiences with the disease and how as outsiders, we can and should conceive of their suffering.

8. What's Wrong with U.S. Medical Aid in Africa feat. Betsey Brada PhD

In the season finale, Abigail takes you through the phenomenon of podcasting. She shares what she's learned and experienced over the season of podcasting. She talks a about the history of podcasting, it's relationship to radio and other forms of sound recording. Then, she talks about the editing process. Finally, she tries to exemplify the power of podcasting through highlights from the 8 episodes of season 1.

9. Season 1 Finale & Highlights: The Magic of Podcasting

Hosted by anthropologist Abigail George, On That brings critical intellectual thought to issues and ideas from our society and personal lives, with the intention to facilitate understanding and bridge differences. Topics are drawn from anthropology, social sciences, religion, intellectual history and philosophy. In each episode Abigail talks with a guest about what they study and why it matters.

Please leave your comments in the comments section or by emailing onthatpodcast@gmail.com. Your feedback is very appreciated and utilized!

On That is recorded in the Performing Arts Resource Center (PARC) at Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

The On That Podcast