The Language & Life Podcast

Episode #4: Kareen Phanos

Mon, 11 May 2026 17:00:00 -0700

Kareen Phanos, originally from Ghana, is pursuing a Ph.D. in Spanish Linguistics at Arizona State University, where she has been since 2022. She is a speaker of six languages: Fante, Twi, English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Her research interests include sociolinguistics and natural language processing. Outside of school, Kareen likes to travel and engage in photography.

In this episode, we talk discuss the linguistic landscape of Ghana. Specifically, we discuss pidgin English in Ghana, its situatedness in society, and how it evolves over time. Kareen describes how she became interested in learning Spanish and eventually pursued simultaneous undergraduate degrees in French and Spanish, which led to her studying abroad in Cuba. We then discuss a nonprofit organization of which Kareen is a co-founder, ConnectED Ghana. Consider following ConnectED Ghana on Instagram @connected.gh

© Hunter Langenhorst, creator of The Language & Life Podcast. All rights reserved. Episodes, audio recordings, original music, and artwork are protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited without written permission.

Episode #3: Thomas Briggs

Sun, 03 May 2026 18:00:00 -0700

Thomas Briggs is an Army veteran and data scientist, originally from Illinois. He is a graduate from Arizona State University and a lifelong enjoyer of the outdoors.

In this episode, we discuss Thomas's childhood experiences in the outdoors and how he developed a passion for backpacking. We also discuss his experience in the Army, including his experience training for Special Forces Assessment and Selection. Notably, Thomas shares about a traumatic injury that he sustained while in the military and how he overcame obstacles to get back to doing what he loves.

Episode #2: McKenna Allison & Tyler Norkus

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 19:00:00 -0700

McKenna grew up in Madison, WI and graduated with her Master’s in Biology from Arizona State University. She loves to spend time outdoors and read, preferably both at the same time. McKenna has always enjoyed outdoor recreation activities like hiking, running, biking, and swimming. She started traveling domestically and internationally in college and has since become immersed in the world of budget travel, motivated by a fascination with natural landscapes and diverse cultures. Tyler Norkus grew up in Las Vegas, NV and recently graduated with his Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from Arizona State University. He now resides in Santa Fe, NM and just started an engineering position at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He spends his time reading, cooking, hiking and backpacking, and occasionally travelling across the world.

Tyler and McKenna as a couple: Tyler and McKenna met on a backpacking trip via the Adventure Devils hiking club at ASU and immediately became best friends. They started dating and traveling together around the US and the world. They adopted two cats from Tyler’s family during their last year at ASU and are currently in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their most notable experience as a couple was their hike from Canada to Mexico on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2025, at the end of which they got engaged. Outside of traveling and hiking, McKenna and Tyler love to enjoy tea and good food together, a passion of Tyler’s which McKenna quickly grew to love.

In this episode, we discuss McKenna and Tyler's recent experience spending four months hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans from Canada to Mexico and winds through approximately 2650 miles of diverse west-coast terrain. They shed light on what it's like to push the limits of the body and mind on a daily basis, as well as complex social and ethical dynamics surrounding the phenomenon known as "thru-hiking." Our discussion concludes with a focus on the bittersweet experience of transitioning back into social life after spending a significant amount of time profoundly in tune with one's body and the natural world.

Episode #1: Isaac Wisdom

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 18:00:00 -0700

Isaac Wisdom is a pianist and trombonist from Arizona with music degrees from Berklee College of Music’s Valencia, Spain campus and from Arizona State University. He plays in many different styles, but especially enjoys jazz, samba, salsa, soul, and funk. Outside of music, Isaac enjoys learning languages and working on hobby electronic projects.

In this episode, we discuss what it means to study, learn, and teach complex skills like additional languages and music performance. We delve into what it means to be a musician, and Isaac sheds light on how newcomers navigate the jazz scene and overcome challenges associated with performing with others. You can find Isaac on Instagram by searching @isaacwisdom.