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On the debut episode of Educate 8:46, ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Professor Dr. Denise Taliaferro Baszile explains why education is ultimately an act of self-determination that can lead us to a more equitable society. The purpose of education, in a revolutionary sense, she says, is to seek to know better. So that we might be better. So that we might do better. So that we might collectively breathe forth a new, more just world.

Megan Cremeans wants to cause social and political change by exploring the ways in which democracy and education are inseparably intertwined. As an integrated social studies education and political science major, she uses applied policy to find practical ways to fight inequality and injustice, especially in schools where she researches public school funding disparities in Ohio.

On this episode, Megan also talks about representing and empowering students across campus, her rewarding experiences as a student teacher, and how college has helped her become a better leader.

Empowerment is for everyone. This idea is championed by those who take action, get involved, and try to make a difference. And at ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú, these ideals are embodied by a program called the Urban Cohort. And what makes this program so unique is how it’s grounded in community life in very, very real ways.

New studies are showing that getting the recommended amount of physical activity can be a lot easier than you may think. On this episode, guest host Amanda Valentine from the Pound This podcast speaks with ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University Associate Professor Dr. Kyle Timmerman about the surprising benefits even a little exercise can bring. 

They also talk about all the buzz around inflammation, why it can be both good and bad, and about setting reasonable physical activity goals, adjusting our perceptions of what being healthy really means, and more.

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 healthier choices.

In this episode, we talk with Beth Miller, an assistant professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, and a founding member of the Institute for Food, where she helps people gain access to healthy foods by linking together ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú's organic farm, the local food pantry, and various community gardening initiatives.

The line between traditional sports and esports is blurring. As competitive video gaming becomes a lucrative global phenomena and a popular form of mainstream entrainment, the esports industry is beginning to mirror the ways in which traditional sports organizations operate. On this episode, we explore the emerging career paths now available in esports, and why video games are evolving beyond what they were just a few years ago.

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.

It’s a conversation about sports psychology with Dr. Robin Vealey, a professor in ÍÃ×ÓÏÈÉú University’s new department of sport leadership and management. As one of the leading researchers in this field, Dr. Vealey explains how sport psychology is used among athletes and coaches to improve performance and increase motivation. But it can also help all of us achieve more and perform better in all kinds of ways. It can help people deal with high stress jobs, overcome performance anxiety, build confidence, increase focus, and more.

Mentorship can mean a lot more than simply being a positive presence in the lives of children. 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.

A disability can affect entire families in ways that are not yet well understood. While much has been done to understand how people as individuals are impacted, some researchers are now starting to look at how a single diagnosis or a disability can spread outward, to impact the lives of everyone in a family.

Today, many transgender issues are gaining more attention, but this awareness has not yet resolved many of the complexities and challenges that so many of these individuals face. But in this episode, we’ll learn about new research is starting to help parents, families, and community members better understand how to help children who identity as being trans and gender non-conforming live emotionally healthier and happier lives.