Paw'd Defiance

A Deep Dive into Student Success

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the podcast we're joined by UW Tacoma Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success, Bonnie Becker, and Senior Director, Student Transitions and Success, Amanda Figueroa. You may have already guessed (judging by their titles) that Becker and Figueroa do a lot of work around student success. We'll talk about what we mean when we say "student success." We'll also get into why college is important to individuals and to society. Research suggests that having a college degree impacts everything from social mobility to health. Becker and Figueroa will also outline UW Tacoma's revamped approach to student success including the importance of HIPs (no, not the thing connect to your torso).

Resources & Programs for students:
First Generation Initiatives
Office of Student Advocacy & Support
Teaching & Learning Centers

Mental Health and AAPI Communities

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode, we talk about Tacoma's Asia Pacific Cultural Center. We talk about the history of the Center and its role in the community. We also talk about mental health in Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

A Letter to Her Future Self

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode, Class of 2023 grad Angel Reddy reads from a letter she wrote to her future self. In the letter, The letter talks about her experience at UW Tacoma and includes a list of what she wants for her future self. Reddy's parents came to the United States from Fiji. They settled in Lakewood and ran their own business. Reddy and her older brother grew up in the area.

BFFs Forever

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:00:00 -0700

Jai'Shon Berry and Exita Lealofi met four years ago at UW Tacoma. They didn't quite hit it off, but they did eventually become best friends. In this episode, Berry and Lealofi talk about why they're friends. They also talk about the importance of their friendship and how it helped them deal with the stress of college and with outside stress including break ups and family emergencies.

A Cohort of Sisters: Part II

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:00:00 -0700

Dr. Ronee K Wopsock Pawwinee recently completed her doctoral degree in educational leadership at UW Tacoma. Wopsock Pawwinee is one of 10 members of the inaugural Muckleshoot Cohort. She talks about her experience in the program, including her ups and downs as well as the connections she made to other members of the cohort. Wopsock Pawwinee also discusses the role of education in her life as well as how she plans to use her degree to help her tribe.

A Cohort of Sisters: Part I

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 11:00:00 -0700

Born in Fiji, Amy Maharaj lived through a coup on the island. Maharaj and her family eventually resettled in Canada. Maharaj initially struggled in school but overcame those struggles to earn a bachelor's, master's, and recently, a doctoral degree. In this episode Maharaj talks about her life and her experience in the Muckleshoot Ed.D. program. The cohort is a partnership between the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe and UW Tacoma. The first cohort is set to officially graduate on June 9.

The Milgard Women's Initiative

Fri, 19 May 2023 15:00:00 -0700

The Milgard Women's Initiative in the Milgard School of Business at UW Tacoma works to advance women as leaders. The program does this in a number of ways, including through workshops and guest lectures. The biggest impact MWI has is through its mentorship program that connects students to community leaders. In this episode we talk about the program with Rachel Vaughn, Executive Director of the Center for Leadership & Social Responsibility in the Milgard School of Business, Sarah Kendall, former Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Weyerhaeuser Company, and UW Tacoma alumna Marion LaRocque.

A Feeling of Peace

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode UW Tacoma alumna Raihab Baig talks about her experience with Ramadan. Baig is Muslim and actively practices her faith. She talks about her connection to Islam as well as her relatively recent decision to start wearing a hijab. Baig also discusses what Ramadan means to her and how fasting helps her focus on things that really matter to her.

Smelling Skulls & Licking Eye Infections

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 16:00:00 -0700

SIAS Dean Natalie Eschenbaum studies disgust, specifically disgust in early modern English literature. In this episode, we hear about poems that feature maggots and eye infections. The poems are gross and important. We'll talk about the role of disgust in these poems and in other works. We'll also talk about the role of disgust in our lives including why a lack of disgust might be a sign of love. Finally, Eschenbaum tells us why disgust as an area of study has become popular in recent years.

Working at Home

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 17:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Associate Professor Danica Miller and UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Sara Eccleston are both members of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. UW Tacoma is situated on the ancestral homeland of the Puyallup. In this episode, Miller and Eccleston talk about the role of education in their lives. For both women, education didn't just happened in the classroom, it also happened in their community. The pair also discuss the challenges they've faced as Indigenous women in higher education. Finally, Miller and Eccleston talk about what colleges and universities need to do to attract and retain Native and Indigenous students.

Reliving the Dead

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:00:00 -0700

In this episode, a conversation about death with UW Tacoma Assistant Teaching Professor Sarah A. Chavez. Chavez studies the performative aspects of death, namely the elegy, eulogy and obituary. During the episode, Chavez talks about how she got interested in these forms, why they're important and the attributes of each. She also discusses what makes a "good" elegy, eulogy or obituary. Finally, Chavez ponders how she would like to be celebrated after she passes.

Rock of Ages Part II

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0700

Part II of our behind-the-scenes look at the process of bringing Rock of Ages to the stage. In this mini-episode we hear from four UW Tacoma students who have roles in the show. The group talk about their experience as well as their interest in performing.

Rock of Ages

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 12:00:00 -0800

Get ready to rock! In this episode we go behind the scenes of "Rock of Ages." UW Tacoma's theater program and the Tacoma Little Theatre collaborated to bring the jukebox musical to the local stage. The show's director Maria-Tania Bandes Becerra Weingarden as well as the show's musical director Kim Davenport, agreed to record a series of audio diaries from the first week of rehearsal to the last. The pair discuss the ups and downs of putting together a large-scale musical. They talk about everything from COVID to forgetting to block a scene to stripper poles.

Filling the Cup

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 20:00:00 -0800

In this episode we talk with a group of five UW Tacoma alumni. The five work at Tacoma's Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center. The center provides a range of services including early learning and childcare. The group talks about what drew them to the work. They also talk about the ups and downs of the job. Finally, the five discuss the impact education had on their lives.

Peace & Patience

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 12:00:00 -0800

Annie Nguyen's parents fled Vietnam in 1975 and ultimately ended up living in Alabama. Growing up, Nguyen says she tried hard to fit in with everyone around her, and that meant suppressing her Vietnamese heritage. In this episode, Nguyen reads from an essay where she talks about embracing her heritage including learning how to celebrate the Lunar New Year.

Indigenous Identity & The Natural World

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma Associate Professor Michelle Montgomery joins us in this episode of the podcast. Montgomery is here to talk about the book, "Re-Indigenizing Ecological Consciousness and The Interconnectedness To Indigenous Identities." Montgomery served as the book's editor. The book contains a number of essays written by Indigenous scholars. The authors write about different topics including Indigenous identity, nature, history and decolonizing education. We'll talk about the book and the process of putting it together. We also talk with what it means to decolonize education. Finally, Montgomery discusses her work with the School of Education's Muckleshoot Ed.D. cohort. That cohort is scheduled to complete their doctoral degrees in the spring.

More information about the Indigenous Speaker Series.

Building Worlds & Community

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 14:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma alumnus Peter Jung uses the board game Dungeons & Dragons to connect with neurodivergent kids. Jung was bullied as a kid and often felt isolated. He says gaming changed his life and helped him find a community. Jung is autistic and sees games, especially D & D as a great way to help build skills and relationships.

Behind the Mic

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0700

KNKX News Director Florangela Davila stopped by the studio to talk about her experience in the news industry. Davila and the KNKX team recently launched an eight-part podcast series called "The Walk Home." The series details the life and death of Manny Ellis, a Tacoma man who died in police custody in 2020. We'll talk about the podcast, we'll also talk about the push to tell a more diverse range of stories as well as
the challenges of reporting the news. Finally, we discuss the future of journalism as well as what students need to do to prepare themselves for a career in the industry.

Students Helping Students Succeed

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Paw’d Defiance where we don’t lecture but we do educate. I’m Eric Wilson-Edge. In this episode we hear from UW Tacoma Advisor Isabella Webb. Besides advising students, Webb runs the Husky Success Series which helps new students connect to campus. We’ll also hear from three UW Tacoma students who are part of the Husky Success Series. Eliza Gines, Kara Peterson and Jake Detert will talk about their experience in college, including their choice of major and challenges they’ve faced. They’ll also share some words of wisdom for future students.

Indigenous Motherhood in the Academy

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 11:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Associate Professor and Ed.D. Director Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn has collaborated on a new book called "Indigenous Motherhood in the Academy." The book is a collection of short essays written by Indigenous mothers who work in higher education. The stories from these mothers are honest, and at times, difficult. We'll talk about the book, the process of putting it together as well as the challenges facing Indigenous mothers in academia. We'll also talk about the process of writing a book during the pandemic as well as the pandemic's impact the contributors personal and professional lives.

Muckleshoot cohort:https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/soe/EdD/muckleshoot-cohort

Being Themself

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Vern Harner recently completed their doctorate in social welfare and will begin teaching on campus this fall. In this episode Harner talks about their interest in social work. They also discuss the importance of having trans researchers conduct research about the trans community. Harner is trans and played an important role in getting the University of Washington to change its diploma name policy. Until recently the university only allowed full legal names on diplomas. Harner got involved with the issue after a few of their trans students expressed concern about the policy. We'll talk about that and Harner's long history of activism.

School of Social Work & Criminal Justice
CEI

A Sense of Being Other

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 16:00:00 -0700

Isabella Webb was born and raised in Australia. For years she tried to hide her Aboriginal heritage. In this episode, Webb talks about how higher education and travel helped her embrace her heritage. Webb earned a bachelor's, master's and is currently working on a doctorate. We also discuss Aboriginal history including the Australian government's attempt to eradicate the Aboriginal way of life. Finally, Webb talks about her role as an academic advisor including how she empowers students to embrace their journey and succeed in college.

Mass Shootings and the United States

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 17:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Associate Professor Eric Madfis is an expert on mass shootings and has been quoted in numerous publications including the New York Times, Politico and the Washington Post. Madfis has also written four books about mass shootings. His latest book “All American Massacre: The Tragic Role of American Culture and Society in Mass Shootings” comes out in the fall. In this episode we talk with Madfis about mass shootings in the United States. We talk about how access to guns along with gun culture contributes to gun violence. We also discuss the idea that "the only way to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good good with a gun." Finally, the discussion turns to ways to prevent school shootings. Research suggests a positive school environment might be a more effective way to stop school shootings before they start.

The Puyallup Assembly Center Part II: “They Didn’t Know What Had Happened in Their Community”

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 15:00:00 -0700

In this episode we talk to Cho Shimizu and Eileen Yamada Lamphere about the forced incarceration of Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II. Shimizu was a small child when both he and his family were forced to leave their family farm and move first to the Puyallup Assembly Center and later to the Minidoka War Relocation Center. Lamphere's mother was also held at the Puyallup Assembly Center. Her parents later met at Minidoka. In these two episodes, Shimizu and Lamphere discuss what life was life for Japanese and Japanese Americans living in the South Sound prior to the start of World War II. They will also talk about conditions at places like the Puyallup Assembly Center and the impact this experience had on their families and on themselves. Finally, Shimizu and Lamphere talk about the importance of remembering this history and the vital role education plays in ensuring this happens.

Part I: https://www.buzzsprout.com/265902/10766712-the-puyallup-assembly-center-part-i-treated-like-an-enemy

The Puyallup Assembly Center Part I: "Treated Like an Enemy"

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode we talk to Cho Shimizu and Eileen Yamada Lamphere about the forced incarceration of Japanese and Japanese Americans during World War II. Shimizu was a small child when both he and his family were forced to leave their family farm and move first to the Puyallup Assembly Center and later to the Minidoka War Relocation Center. Lamphere's mother was also held at the Puyallup Assembly Center. Her parents later met at Minidoka. During the next two episodes, Shimizu and Lamphere discuss what life was life for Japanese and Japanese Americans living in the South Sound prior to the start of World War II. They will also talk about conditions at places like the Puyallup Assembly Center and the impact this experience had on their families and on themselves. Finally, Shimizu and Lamphere talk about the importance of remembering this history and the vital role education plays in ensuring this happens.

Part II: https://www.buzzsprout.com/265902/10767528-the-puyallup-assembly-center-part-ii-they-didn-t-know-what-had-happened-in-their-community

Like Mother, Like Son

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 11:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the podcast we hear from UW Tacoma senior Andre Henderson and his mother Renay Henderson. Andre graduates on June 13 with a degree in social welfare. Andre’s journey has been a difficult, but no matter what he always had the support of his family, including his mother. Renay earned a degree in human resources back in the early 2000’s, while raising three children and working full-time. Andre and Renay discuss their experiences in higher education and why they decided to attend college. Finally, mother and son talk about what it means to them to see each other succeed.

Home/Office

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the podcast we take a tour of Professor Mike Honey’s office. Honey is a founding faculty member of UW Tacoma. He started in 1990 and moved into his current office in 1997. The office overlooks Pacific Avenue which runs right through the heart of downtown. Honey’s office is lined with books and posters. Research material and graded papers are stuffed into accordion file folders. There are at least two guitars and a banjo in the space. There are also records, cassettes and VHS tapes. The carpet is faded and worn from use. Honey has spent countless hours here. It is, in many ways more than just an office; it’s a home, a library and a gathering place. In this office Honey has conducted research, and written articles and books. He’s also met with students, community members and civil rights and labor leaders. Honey is retiring from teaching in July and will hand over the keys to his office, eventually. Honey may be retiring from teaching, but that doesn’t mean he’s done working.

Growing Mangos in the Desert

Fri, 20 May 2022 15:00:00 -0700

In this episode UW Tacoma Professor Katie Baird talks about her new book "Growing Mangos in the Desert." The book chronicles Baird's experience in the Peace Corps. The then twenty-something was sent to Mauritania to teach farmers there how to grow rice. Baird had very little training and couldn't speak the local language. Needless to say things didn't go as planned. Baird talks about her experience in Mauritania, how the transition to rice upended Mauritanian culture and whether or not the project worked. She also talks about the friendships she made and what the experience taught her.

Still Doing Life

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 15:00:00 -0700

In 1996 Howard Zehr published "Doing Life." The book features photos and stories of men and women serving life sentences in Pennsylvania prisons. Years later, Zehr partnered with UW Tacoma Associate Professor Barbara Toews on a follow up book. "Still Doing Life, 22 Lifers, 25 Years Later." In "Still Doing Life," Toews and Zehr talked with some of the same men and women featured in the original book. In this episode we talk about the books and the stories of men and women who have spent decades in prison. We also discuss life sentences, restorative justice and how "lifers" keep going and find meaning.

Women in Engineering: Breaking Down Barriers, Building Community

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 18:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Professor Heather Dillon and a group of students worked together to get a campus chapter of The Society of Women Engineers at UW Tacoma. Dillon and the students - Anna Wen, Jasmine Davis and Sophia Elmobdy - talk about the importance of having a SWE chapter on campus. The group also discusses the barriers women in engineering face. Finally, the conversation turns to why each student decided to pursue a degree in engineering and how they're hoping to build a welcoming environment at UW Tacoma for women considering a career in engineering.

The War Back Home

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 10:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma junior Illia Meserenko is an international student from Ukraine. In this episode Meserenko talks about the war between Russia and Ukraine. Meserenko's mother, father and grandmother are still in Ukraine. His mother and grandmother fled Kyiv but his father stayed behind. Meserenko talks about how they're doing and the impact that war has had on him. Finally, he talks about his decision to attend college in the United States and how he plans to use his education to help Ukraine.

Ukrainian Association of Washington

Keeping It 100

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:00:00 -0700

This is the 100th episode of Paw'd Defiance! We wanted to do something a little different, so we handed over the microphone to alumna Jazmyn Pratt and asked her to interview UW Tacoma Chancellor Sheila Edwards Lange. The two had never met prior to recording, but you'd never know it from the conversation. The pair sound like old friends as they talk about their individual college experiences as well as the role higher education has played in their lives. Chancellor Lange also talks about her first six months on campus as well as her vision for UW Tacoma.

Living With Long COVID

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0700

We're now in year three of the COVID-19 pandemic. Case counts are declining and while we don't know what the future holds, it felt like a good time to stop and reflect on what we've experienced. This is the first in a series of episodes where we ask members of the UWT community to talk about the last two years and the impact it's had on them. First up, UW Tacoma Associate Teaching Professor Cynthia Howson. Howson has been dealing with long COVID since being diagnosed in October of 2021. She'll talk about that experience including what she sees a silver lining and how Young Adult Fantasy Fiction is helping her get through.

A Variation on Very Asian

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 13:00:00 -0700

Television journalist Michelle Li went viral for a tweet she posted to social media. The tweet showed Li reacting to a message from a viewer who said Li was "being very Asian" during a segment about traditional New Year's Day foods. #VeryAsian became a global sensation and attracted attention from the media, including Ellen DeGeneres. Li used the incident to launch the Very Asian Foundation. In this episode we talk with Li about her tweet and the impact that had on her life. Associate Professor JaeRan Kim also joins us. Both Li and Kim were adopted by white parents. They talk about their struggle with identity and feeling like an imposter. They also discuss how they made their way in fields that have historically not been open to Asian women. Finally, the pair discuss what they think it means to "be very Asian."

UW Tacoma Asian American and Pacific Islander Impact Endowment

The Only Way Out Is Through: A Conversation about Grief

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 16:00:00 -0800

Grief is about more than just death. Grief is a way of expressing loss. We may grieve over the loss of a job or we may grieve when a friend moves across the country. Loss and grief are an important part of the human experience. In this episode we talk with UW Tacoma Professor Charley Emlet. Emlet researches aging, particularly in vulnerable communities. For the past several years he's also taught a course on grief. Emlet talks about why grief is important. We'll also discuss how the act of grieving varies across cultures as well as how COVID impacted how we grieve. Finally, Emlet talks about his decision to retire from teaching and how we plans to grieve that loss.

Sexism, Feminism & Library History

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 14:00:00 -0800

Early libraries in the United States were private and available to only a few. Women played an important role in transforming libraries and turning them into public spaces that can be enjoyed by everyone. UW Tacoma Library Director Annie Downey talks about this history and the racism/sexism these librarians faced. Downey also discusses the overlap between libraries and the feminist movement.

Judaism & Anti-Semitism

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 12:00:00 -0800

In this episode we talk with Rabbi Bruce Kadden and Associate Professor Bonnie Becker about what it means to be Jewish. Our conversation includes a brief overview of some of the basic tenets of the religion. We also discuss anti-Semitism, its history and why this hatred of Jewish people persists to this day. Finally, Dr. Becker tells us why she decided to publish an op-ed about the Whoopi Goldberg controversy.

The Crisis in Children's Mental Health

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 15:00:00 -0800

In October of 2021, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other medical organizations declared a national emergency in children's mental health. In this episode we're joined by Ashley Mangum, Program Manager of Pediatric Mental Health at Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, Kianna Carter, Youth Engagement Services Behavioral Health Clinician at Mary Bridge and Chris Barrans, Director of Field Education/Assistant Teaching Professor at UW Tacoma's School of Social Work & Criminal Justice. The three discuss how the issues we're seeing now with children's mental health started long before the pandemic. We'll also talk about how the pandemic exacerbated theses issues. We'll also hear about the resources available to children, their parents and caregivers.

Kids Mental Health Pierce County
YES Tacoma

Tacoma's Guaranteed Income Program

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:00:00 -0800

Tacoma recently launched Growing Resilience in Tacoma (GRIT). The guaranteed income program will distribute $500 a month for a year to 110 Tacoma residents. UW Tacoma alumna Abigail Lawson serves as Program Director for GRIT. In this episode we'll talk about guaranteed income, universal basic income and the difference between the two. We'll also talk about GRIT, including how it works and who it benefits. The program has funding for a year. Lawson will discuss program goals and what the next steps will be once GRIT ends.

Tell Us A Joke

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0800

We're nearing the end of year two of the pandemic and the news isn't great. The omicron variant is disheartening. Needless to say, many of us are tired and stressed out. We wanted to do something to help lift everyone's spirits. So, we asked a group of UW Tacoma students, faculty, staff and alumni to tell us a joke, preferably a "dad joke." You know what these are, these are the jokes that make you groan and also make you laugh. Have a listen. We hope the next ten minutes will bring you some joy and a few giggles.

The Labor Solidarity Project Part II: Enough is Enough

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 14:00:00 -0800

Part two of our conversation about the Labor Solidarity Project with UW Tacoma Assistant Teaching Professor Alex Miller, Assistant Professor Sonia De La Cruz and alumna Teresa Dennerlein . In this episode we talk about the pandemic's impact on work including the "Great Resignation." We also discuss the changing nature of work as well as what it's like to work in higher education during COVID.

Listen to The Labor Solidarity Project Part I.

The Labor Solidarity Project Part I

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 12:00:00 -0800

The Labor Solidarity Project at UW Tacoma consists of faculty and students working to highlight labor studies in the curriculum, in research, and through community outreach. In this episode, the first of two parts, we talk with UW Tacoma Assistant Teaching Professor Alex Miller, Assistant Professor Sonia De La Cruz and alumna Teresa Dennerlein about the LSP, its mission and why an understanding of labor history and current labor issues is important.

Listen to The Labor Solidarity Project Part II.

Aboard the Adventuress

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0800

The 133 foot schooner Adventuress has been to the Artic and was used by San Francisco Bar Pilots to transfer pilots to and from cargo vessels near the Farallon Islands. Today Adventuress is operated by the non-profit organization Sound Experience, as a platform for environmental education about the Puget Sound. In this episode we board the Adventuress with Associate Teaching Professor Julie Masura as well as a group of current UWT students and recent grads. Masura and Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Cheryl Greengrove teamed up with Sound Experience to provide students with a chance to do some field work.

A Veteran's Story

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0800

In this episode UW Tacoma student Ashley Young tells her story. Young struggled in high school. After graduation she attended community college for a year but eventually left school and moved to Florida. She got a job selling sport bikes. The 2008 financial crash lead Young to move back to Washington where she eventually decided to join the Air Force. Young talks about her experience in Afghanistan including the injury she sustained. She also talks about life after the military and how she regained a sense of purpose by going back to school and by playing women's tackle football.

Right to Counsel

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0700

The Tacoma-Pierce County Housing Justice Project provides free legal aid to low-income Pierce County residents who are facing eviction. In this episode we talk about the status of the eviction moratorium in Washington state. We also discuss the changes to state housing law. Among the changes, providing representation to tenants facing eviction as well as creating fair repayment plans to tenants who have fallen behind on their rent.

Rental Assistance in Pierce County: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/7142/Rental-Assistance

In Community With One Another

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0700

For the first time in 18 months, the UW Tacoma community gathered on campus as part of the annual back-to-school celebration called Convocation. In this episode we'll drop in on the event and hear from some of the speakers including new Chancellor Sheila Edwards Lange. We'll also listen as new and returning students talk about life during the pandemic and how they feel about coming to campus, some for the first time.

Returning to Campus

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0700

Most of UW Tacoma's students, faculty and staff have been working, teaching and learning remotely for the past 18 months. In this episode we hear from the campus community as the university pivots back to an in-person model of instruction. Students, faculty and staff share their concerns as well as their hopes about returning to campus. They also discuss how the pandemic has changed them and how they'll think about this time years from now.

Living History: Part II

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0700

In this episode we talk about the role students play in getting people vaccinated against COVID-19. We also talk about what life has been like for healthcare professionals during the pandemic and how the healthcare field can address vaccine hesitancy. We're joined by Carol McFarland, Assistant Dean, Strategic and Community Partnerships at Seattle Pacific University and Briana Sanger, Nursing Staff Development Coordinator at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Ms. Wheelchair USA

Tue, 27 Jul 2021 13:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma alumna Erica Myron has been crowned Ms. Wheelchair USA 2021-2022. In 2003 the then-20-year-old was shot four times. A bullet lodged in one of the vertebrae in her lower back and left her paralyzed from the waist down. Myron talks about her life and how competing in pageants helped her find her voice. Myron plans to spend her time as Ms. Wheelchair USA advocating for things like accessible playgrounds and increased representation in the media for people with mobility issues.

Living History

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma alumni Dana Malick and Lyndsey Conway work in the healthcare field at a time that is unparalleled in recent history. Malick recently completed her master of nursing and Conway received her degree about a year ago. Over the last few months Malick has been working at a vaccine clinic at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Conway is a program supervisor at the Cancer Care Alliance. The two will talk about why they went into nursing. We'll also hear about the challenges of working in healthcare during a global pandemic and what it's like to be on the frontlines of history.

Two Chairs and a Microwave

Fri, 02 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0700

A friend encouraged Jeffrey Bantay to come to a meeting of the Tacoma Community College student veteran's club. There Bantay met Thomas Di Giorgio. The two developed a bond. They regularly met at the small space reserved for the veteran's club. The space consisted of some chairs, a table and a communal microwave. Here Bantay and Di Giorgio got to talking about their experience in the military and the difficult transition to civilian life. In this episode, the two men talk about their friendship and how it helped them get through some challenging times. They also talk about their decision to join the military and what it meant to have a space at TCC and UW Tacoma for student veterans.

Celebrating the Class of 2021

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 15:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the podcast we hear from three members of the Class of 2021. Rachel Moyer, Raelynne Woo and Dennis Adjetey talk about their time at UW Tacoma including how they've changed during their time on campus. We'll also hear messages of congratulations from friends, family and colleagues of the Class of 2021.

El Grupo de Trabajo de Vacunas Husky

Sat, 29 May 2021 06:00:00 -0700

Hoy en la cápsula, ayudando a las personas en el condado de Pierce a vacunarse con Emily López y Juana Gallegos. López y Gallegos son miembros del Grupo de Trabajo de Vacunas Husky. Hablaremos sobre la misión del grupo, incluidos sus esfuerzos para llegar a las comunidades de BIPOC, así como a aquellos que son reacios a vacunarse.

The Husky Vaccine Task Force

Wed, 26 May 2021 14:00:00 -0700

A group of UW Tacoma Healthcare Leadership students is working to get Pierce County residents vaccinated. The students created the UWT Husky Vaccine Task Force. The group recruits volunteers to work at vaccine clinics and it's also doing outreach to different communities to raise awareness and provide information about the vaccines. In this episode we talk with Task Force members Emily Lopez and Anatoliy Voznyarskiy.

Vaccine Hesitancy

Mon, 24 May 2021 16:00:00 -0700

In this episode we speak with Kathleen Shannon Dorcy about vaccines. Shannon Dorcy is an Associate Teaching Professor at UW Tacoma. She’s also the Director of Research, Education and Clinical Practice at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance as well as a staff scientist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Shannon Dorcy discusses how vaccines work including how they work once inside the body. She also talks about the FDA approval process and why/how the COVID vaccines were developed so quickly. Finally, Shannon Dorcy addresses some of the concerns expressed by those who are on the fence about getting vaccinated.

We Hereby Refuse

Fri, 07 May 2021 15:00:00 -0700

There's a persistent myth that Japanese Americans willingly went along with the U.S. government policy during World War II. Frank Abe and Tamiko Nimura's new graphic novel "We Hereby Refuse: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration" tells the real-life stories of Japanese Americans who pushed back against forced removal and relocation. In this episode, Nimura talks about how anti-Japanese sentiment started long before Pearl Harbor was bombed. Nimura also discusses the role of the Japanese American Citizens League in directing U.S. policy as well as the little known Supreme Court case that helped close down interment camps.

Go Far, Quickly

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 13:00:00 -0700

As part of Earth Day, we reached out to students, faculty and staff across all three University of Washington campuses. We specifically wanted to know about how the pandemic impacted their ability to be sustainable. We asked participants the same three questions. Their responses are both deeply personal, insightful and offer us a way to think about sustainability in a post-pandemic world.

Giving Garden
CCUWBee Research Initiative
Sustainability Map

Her Own Identity

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0700

Naomi Wilson is a University of Washington alumna. She lives in Tacoma and works at the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Wilson is also Korean American. In this episode, she talks about the tragedy in Atlanta that left eight dead, including six women of Asian descent. Wilson discusses how Asian women are stereotyped in the media and how that has impacted both her life and the life of her children. Wilson also talks about working at the health department during a pandemic and what has brought her joy during these difficult times.

Disturbing, Unsettling, but Not Surprising

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 14:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma School of Education Dean Rachel Endo returns to the podcast for a follow-up discussion. Endo came on the show in June of 2020 to talk about anti-Asian and anti-Asian-American sentiment during the pandemic. In this episode, Endo talks about the mass shooting in Atlanta that killed eight, including six women of Asian descent. We also talk about the idea that the alleged shooter was "having a bad day" and how the language used in the media informs our understanding.

Dismantling Systems of Oppression

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 21:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Professor Laura Feuerborn joins us about race, equity and K-12 education. Feuerborn researches social emotional learning. This model focuses on a student's individual needs, feelings and emotions while shifting away from a more punitive approach to school discipline which has historically lead to disproportionally higher rates of suspension and explosions for BIPOC students. Feuerborn also discusses the new Education Specialist in School Psychology program at UW Tacoma and how it's training the next generation of school psychologists to be more equity-minded.

Creating a Culture of Innovation

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0700

The Center for Business Analytics at the Milgard School of Business is creating a culture of innovation through the strategic use of data and analytics. In this episode, we talk with the CBA's Director Haluk Demirkan and the CBA's Assistant Director Michael Helser. We'll talk about big data and the role it plays in business. We'll also discuss how CBA students are helping organizations solve real-world problems. Finally, Demirkan and Helser discuss the CBA's efforts to graduate students who are both job seekers and job creators.

Loving Hilltop

Thu, 11 Mar 2021 08:00:00 -0800

Hilltop Action Coalition President Brendan Nelson has spent most of his life living in or near Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. Nelson serves in a volunteer position with the Hilltop Action Coalition. In his regular job, Nelson works for Tacoma's Peace Lutheran Church. In this episode, Nelson talks about his love of the Hilltop. He also discusses the issues facing the neighborhood including lack of affordable housing, rising home prices, and gentrification.

More information:
Hilltop Action Coalition
UW Tacoma's Master of Arts in Community Planning

Violence, Sexuality and Black Women

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 18:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma Professor Carolyn West has spent her career looking at issues affecting Black women. In her early career, she focused on domestic violence and how larger forces like historical trauma play a role in domestic violence perpetrated against Black women. In this episode, we talk about West's research into intimate partner violence. We also talk about her work as an expert witness in court cases involving intimate partner violence. Finally, West talks about how Black women are portrayed in the media and what impact these tropes and stereotypes have on Black women and on society as a whole.

Three Questions

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 16:00:00 -0800

This mini-episode is part of a much longer episode we plan on airing during Earth Week in April. We asked faculty, students, and staff at all three University of Washington campuses to answer some questions related to sustainability. First, we asked folks to give their definition of sustainability. Next, how has the pandemic impacted their ability to be sustainable? And finally, in what ways are they practicing sustainability in their day-to-day lives. We’ll hear everyone’s responses in full during our Earth Week podcast in which we explore sustainability and the challenges of being sustainable during a pandemic.

The Black Student Union at UW Tacoma

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0800

Black Student Unions took root on college campuses across the country in the mid to late 1960s. These student organizations provided connection but they were also a potent force in the push to reform higher education. Students in Black Student Unions held sit-ins and protests to demand greater representation both in the classroom and in the curriculum. In this episode, we hear about the founding of UW Tacoma's Black Student Union through a collection of oral histories. These stories were collected by the UW Tacoma library as part of its UW Tacoma Oral History: Founding Stories project. Founding Stories is a growing collection that captures the first-hand accounts and perspectives of individuals who played significant roles in the shaping of the campus community and identity.

All the World's a (Virtual) Stage

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 12:00:00 -0800

"The Book of Andy" by playwright Michael J. Mejia is UW Tacoma's first virtual theater performance. The play will be presented as chapters on successive Saturdays starting on February 13. In this episode, five cast members, including four UW Tacoma students, talk about what it's like putting together a virtual performance. The group discusses the challenges and opportunities that come when the stage is also one's home. The performances are free and open to the public but you'll need to register via the Tacoma Arts Live website: https://www.tacomaartslive.org/events/calendar/eventdetail/1772/9/the-book-of-andy?filter_reset=1

The Longest Year: Part III

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0800

This is the last in our series of reflections about 2020. In this episode, we’ll hear from UW Tacoma’s Lorraine Dinnel, Joel Larson, and Maria Tania Bandes B. Weingarden as they discuss everything from remodeling a home to building a home office, to organizing a virtual theater performance and completing a doctorate.

Becoming Nisei

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:00:00 -0800

In this episode, we discuss the thriving Japanese community that lived in Tacoma prior to World War II with UW Tacoma Professor Lisa Hoffman and UW Tacoma Associate Professor Mary Hanneman. Hoffman and Hanneman have written a new book called Becoming Nisei: Japanese American Urban Lives in Prewar Tacoma. The book is a result of a years-long project to document and preserve the experience of Japanese immigrants and their descendants in Tacoma. We’ll talk about what brought immigrants from Japan to Tacoma, what life was like for their children, and how their history was almost erased both during and after World War II.

Racism, Medicine and the COVID-19 Vaccine

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0800

Medicine has played a key role in the development of racist ideas, policies, and practices. Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus developed a system of organizing plants and animals known as taxonomy. Linnaeus and other scientists used taxonomy to disseminate racist ideas about those who weren't white. In this episode, we talk about Linnaeus with University of Washington Assistant Dean Edwin Lindo. We also talk about other historical examples of medical racism and how these ideas still impact medicine and the larger society. Finally, we discuss how this history impacts the current effort to vaccinate members of Black and Brown communities against COVID-19.

2020: The Course

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0800

2020 is over, but the impact of the chaotic, stressful, and challenging year remains. The University of Washington did something unique. Vice Provost and Dean of Academic Affairs Ed Taylor pulled together a course about 2020 that allowed students to analyze the year in real-time. The course was offered in the fall across all three campuses and featured lectures from UW Tacoma faculty. Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Success Bonnie Becker participated as did Assistant Professor Sharon Laing, and Professor Carolyn West. In this episode, Becker and Laing talk about the course and how 2020 impacted both their personal and professional lives.

The Longest Year: Part II

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 14:00:00 -0800

2020 is over, but many of the issues we faced last year remain with us. In this episode, members of the UW Tacoma community reflect on their 2020. They talk about loss and loneliness but they also tell us about starting a new job, growing a garden, and reconnecting with friends and family.

The Longest Year: Part I

Thu, 31 Dec 2020 16:00:00 -0800

We're devoting the next few episodes to 2020. This has been a challenging year and we wanted to spend some time thinking about what we experienced during the past 12 months. In this episode, we hear from UW Tacoma Completion Coach TeyAnjulee Leon. Leon is frank in her assessment of 2020. She calls this the "hardest year of her life." Leon recounts with blunt honesty her struggle with anxiety and depression. She also discusses her experience as a
Black woman and mother of two small children.

Yoga, Meditation and Representation

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 14:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma alumna Hien Hong teaches yoga and meditation in the Tacoma area. Her courses are geared toward members of the BIPOC community. We’ll talk with Hong about the lack of diversity in the wellness community. We’ll also talk about how she’s tackling these issues head-on through the courses she offers.

The Sacred and Deeply Personal Act of Voting

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 13:00:00 -0800

In this episode members of the UW Tacoma community talk about why they vote and why they think voting is important. For some, it's civic duty, while for others voting is a way to honor those who've gone before. Their stories take us to North Korea and to the Jim Crow era South and serve to remind us why voting is so important.

UWT Reads The Raven

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the pod, "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe. This relatively short piece, it’s only 100 lines, of narrative poetry was first published back in 1845. "The Raven" was the 19th century equivalent of a viral sensation. There are stories that children would follow Poe around and flap their arms like wings until he turned and exclaimed “Nevermore.” The poem remains popular today. "The Raven" has been referenced in "The Simpsons" and there’s even an NFL team named after it. Well, we’ve decided to put our own spin on this classic tale of loss, grief, and possible descent into madness. A group of 18 UW Tacoma faculty, staff, and alumni came together to read sections of "The Raven."

Read by:
Maria-Tania Bandes-Becerra Weingarden
Patricia Sully
Isabell Murray
Joel Larson
Kim Davenport
Dayna Childs
Tony Perone
Maria Crisostomo
Ingrid Walker
Annie Nguyen
Amora Lenzi
Katherine Felts
Randy Nichols
John Burkhardt
Josh Knudson
Jutta Heller
Dustin Annis
Tessa Coleman

Music:
For the Fallen, by Edward Elgar, played by John Burkhardt

Ashley Walker is Enough

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0700

In this episode of the podcast, we discuss identity, perfectionism, and higher education with UW Tacoma Academic Advisor Ashley Walker. A self-described, "multi-racial mother of two," Walker holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree from UW Tacoma. Her success wasn't easy. Walker had to overcome societal expectations and lingering self-doubt to get to where she is today.

The Monstrous

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 14:00:00 -0700

From villains with razorblade gloves to mad scientists and everything in between, the monstrous, or monsters, are big business. The horror genre is very popular but behind the jump-out-of-your-seat scares and the gore lies something else. In this episode, we'll talk about the monstrous with UW Tacoma Associate Professor Ingrid Walker and UW Tacoma alumnus Dustin Annis. Walker teaches a course called "Monstrous Imagination." We'll delve into what monster stories say about us as individuals and as a culture. We'll also discuss what these stories can teach us.

Misinformation & The Election

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0700

The 2020 election is fast approaching. As the race heats up, so too does the level of disinformation. In this episode, we talk with Jevin West. West is the director of the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public. West and his team study misinformation. We'll discuss the misinformation surrounding mail-in voting. We'll also talk about deep fakes and the very real possibility that it may take a while to determine who won the presidential election and how bad actors might take advantage of this situation to undermine the results. Finally, we talk about the corrosive role misinformation plays in society.

In the Vanguard

Sat, 29 Aug 2020 14:00:00 -0700

Katrina Johnson planned on becoming a nurse. Instead, she's become a public figure in the movement to bring more accountability to policing. In 2017, Johnson's cousin Charleena Lyles was shot and killed by Seattle Police who were responding to a burglary call made by Ms. Lyles. The shooting prompted Johnson to get involved in police reform. In this episode Johnson talks about her role in helping turn Initiative 940 into law as well as her role on Governor Jay Inslee's task force. Johnson also talks about how her life has changed in the last three years and what life is like in the spotlight.

Changing the Narrative

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 18:00:00 -0700

Omari Amili earned a bachelor's and a master's degree from UW Tacoma. He's the author of three books - a memoir and two children's books. Amili is a sought after speaker and reguarly gives talks through Humanities Washington. Amili grew up in poverty. His parents struggled with drug addiction. The young Amili bounced around from place to place. He attended 15 different schools before dropping out. Amili got involved with a check cashing scheme and ended up serving time in prison. In this episode we talk about Amili's childhood, his books and how he found success post incarceration. We'll also discuss his love of basketball, including a time Charles Barkely bought him dinner.

"Racism is a Public Health Crisis": Part II

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 13:00:00 -0700

The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the inequities built into the U.S. healthcare system. In this episode of the podcast we continue our conversation with UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Sharon Laing and UW Associate Profesor Wendy Barrington. We talk specifically about how the pandemic has disproportionately impacted communities of color. Laing and Barrington also discuss the health impacts of racism and why racism should be deemed a public health crisis.

Listen to Part I: https://www.buzzsprout.com/265902/4900661-racism-is-a-public-health-crisis-part-i

"Racism is a Public Health Crisis": Part I

Fri, 07 Aug 2020 12:00:00 -0700

On this episode of the podcast we talk about the social determinants of health with UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Sharon Laing and UW Associate Professor Wendy Barrington. Laing and Barrington research how different factors, including racism, impact a person's health. We'll talk about how racist policies and practicies negatively impact health outcomes for people of color. These outcomes include higher instances of certain diseases and a lower average life expectancy.

Listen to Part II: https://www.buzzsprout.com/265902/5067431-racism-is-a-public-health-crisis-part-ii

For the Good

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 12:00:00 -0700

Pro Bono means 'for the good.' In this sense we're talking about the public good or the common good. In this episode of the podcast we talk UW Tacoma Legal Pathways Director Patricia Sully and Tacomaprobono's Ashley Duckworth. Tacomaprobono provides free legal services to Pierce County residents. We'll talk about those services and as well as the different career opportunities within the legal field. We'll also address the pandemic and the looming eviction crisis as states across the country, including Washington, lift moratoriums on evictions.

*Note: This episode was recorded before Governor Inslee extended the eviction moratorium until October 15.

Mindfulness

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 14:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Associate Professor Jane Compson joins us to talk about mindfulness. Compson researches mindfulness and has created a program to help caregivers manage stress. We'll talk about her work and her efforts to incorporate mindfulness into the classroom. Compson will also walk us through a short mindfulness meditation.

Make Black Count

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0700

The Tacoma Urban League has been serving the Grit City for more than 50 years.The Urban League's mission is "to assist African Americans and other underserved urban residents in the achievement of social equality and economic independence." In this episode we talk with the Urban League's President & CEO T'wina Nobles about differrent programs and services the organization offers. We also discuss the Black Lives Matter Movement, the effort to Make Black Count and how Nobles overcame homelessness and hardship to get to where she is today.

'Where Was I Gonna Go?'

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 14:00:00 -0700

Harold Moss is a local icon. The civil rights advocate and businessman became Tacoma's first African-American mayor in 1994. Moss recently sat down with UW Tacoma part-time lecturer Kim Davenport to talk about his life, including his experiences with racism in Tacoma and the death of George Floyd.

Cause for Celebration?

Sat, 13 Jun 2020 10:00:00 -0700

In this episode we hear from three members of the class of 2020. Raihab Baig, Aaron Johnson and Stacey Fernandez reflect on their time at UWT. They also discuss the challenges of this past quarter as COVID-19 forced all instruction to go online. Finally, the three talk about graduating from college at a time of so much uncertainty.

Congratulating the Class of 2020

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 13:00:00 -0700

This is a special episode of the podcast. We asked the UW Tacoma community to help us congratulate the class of 2020. A number of faculty, staff and even some parents responded with their messages. Enjoy!

'Talking About the Hard Stuff'

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 15:00:00 -0700

The COVID-19 pandemic brought out the best in people and the worst. In this episode we talk about racism directed at members of the Asian American community. We spoke with students, faculty and staff at UW Tacoma to get their perspectives on racist insults and attacks targeting Asian Americans. Rachel Endo, the Dean of UW Tacoma’s School of Education helps put what we’re seeing now into a larger historical perspective. Staff Psychologist and avid runner Paolo Laraño discusses racism he’s experienced while out for a jog. He also discusses the murder of fellow runner Ahmaud Arbery. Finally, UW Tacoma students Melissa Atienza and Joseph Daynot provide insight into their everyday experiences as Asian Americans.

Archiving The Sounds of The American West

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 20:00:00 -0700

Jeff Rice is the Managing Editor at the Puget Sound Institute at the University of Washington Tacoma. As a wildlife sound recordist, he serves as the program director for the Acoustic Atlas, one of the largest online archives of sounds of the American West. Rice has a background in journalism and public radio, as well as an MFA in Electronic Music and Recording Media. Rice has successfully found a way to marry his love for nature, storytelling and audio engineering in his work while also making an impact on the world around him.

Sounds and Music from this podcast were used with permission, courtesy of Jeff Rice.

Acoustic Atlas - www.acousticatlas.org
Puget Sound Institute - www.pugetsoundinstitute.org
Jeff Rice's website - www.ecosystemsound.com

Survival Dating

Fri, 29 May 2020 17:00:00 -0700

In this episode we chat with Riki Thompson. Thompson is an Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Writing Studies at UW Tacoma. We talk with Thompson about her research into online dating, specifically what makes a "good" profile as well as the differences between how men and women use online dates sites and apps. In the second part of the conversation we talk about how "survival dating" during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finding a Silver Lining Part 2 - COVID Connections

Fri, 15 May 2020 16:00:00 -0700

A follow up to the episode "Finding a Silver Lining In a Time of Pandemic," host Sarah Smith reconnects with friends overseas in Spain, Australia and Norway again to find out what's changed in their country, how they've adapted to life during a pandemic, and their perceptions of what's happening here in America.

A big thanks to Nick Roden, Ph.D., Leslie Ihnot, Raul Moran and Anne Chappel for their contributions to this podcast.

Crowded Isolation

Thu, 14 May 2020 14:00:00 -0700

Like a lot of people, UW Tacoma Lecturer Maria-Tania Bandes-Becerra Weingarden is working from home right now. And, like a lot of us, Bandes-Becerra Weingarden is figuring out how to find a work-life balance when work and life happen all in the same space. In this episode she talks about living in a house with six other people. Bandes-Becerra Weingarden also discusses her thoughts about the future of theater, concerns for her mother in Nicaragua, the mental ups and downs of life in a pandemic and, finally, a never ending pile of laundry that threatens to consume all of her time.

Misinformation & COVID-19

Tue, 05 May 2020 10:00:00 -0700

The COVID-19 pandemic has created what the World Health Organization calls an "infodemic." Technology has made it possible for information to travel quickly around the world. Combine that with a virus that isn't fully understood and you get a information ecosystem where it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction. In this episode we talk with Dr. Jevin West. West is the Director of the University of Washington's Center for an Informed Public. The center studies misinformation and works to promote an informed society while strengthening democratic discourse. West talks about the role misinformation has played in our current public health crisis. He also discusses conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19 as well as advice on how to judge whether a source is reliable or not. This episode also features a commercial for the different funds UW Tacoma has created to help students during this crisis.

Keep Giving & Loving

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 13:00:00 -0700

In this episode we hand over the microphone to UW Tacoma Lecturer Tony Perone and his mom Magda. Madga is a nurse in Yonkers, New York. She's spent the past few months helping patients with COVID-19. The conversation between mother and son is, at times, sad but it's also loving and even joyful. Magda talks about what it's like to be with a person during their final hours and she reflects on her decision, at age 40, to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse.

Environmental Justice in the Time of COVID-19

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 12:00:00 -0700

On this episode of the podcast with UW Tacoma Associate Professor Robin Evans-Agnew. Evans-Agnew researches asthma and environmental justice. He's part of a project along with Assistant Professor Christopher Schell called Voices Unbound. Voices Unbound uses different methods, including post cards and podcasts to get input about environmental issues from groups that are often ignored by policymakers. In this episode Evans-Agnew talks with People for An Environmentally Friendly Kenmore (PERK) about an asphalt plant on Lake Washington. PERK maintains the plant impacts air quality in the area and has been working for years to fix the situaton. Governor Inslee's stay at home order and the closure of non-essential businesses opened up a new front in their efforts to improve air quality in the Kenmore area.

Finding a Silver Lining In a Time of Pandemic

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 17:00:00 -0700

Over the past few weeks, we've collectively experience a pandemic that's required a strength and resourcefulness many of us didn't know we were capable of. We've made sacrifices, moved our lives indoors, and we're still unsure of what's to come.

"Since I started at UWT, life has become busier, and as a result, I've lost touch with some friends. But when the realities of life with COVID-19 started to sink in, I thought about all those people, and I was worried about them. Especially my friends overseas. I wondered, what was it like where they lived? Could they still go outside? Were they having shortages in their grocery stores? Could they find toilet paper? But most importantly, were they safe and well?

"I decided to reach out and give them a call. Actually, a Zoom call that I recorded."

Raul lives in Madrid, Spain - a city that's been hit hard by the coronavirus. Nick and Leslie live in Bergen, Norway, a city that's a few weeks behind our timeline in the U.S. Anne lives in Adelaide, Australia and shares a story from her family's history of living through the flu pandemic in 1919. We wanted to share these conversations to inspire our UW Tacoma community to reconnect with their loved ones and find the silver lining in a time of pandemic, because we're all in this together.

Lift as You Climb

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 10:00:00 -0700

Rosa Franklin is a local icon. She was the first black woman elected to the Washington State Senate, serving the 29th Legislative District in the Tacoma area. Born in the Jim Crow era South, Franklin moved to Tacoma in the 1950s. Franklin holds bachelor's degrees in biology and English and a master's in social science and human relations. She worked as a nurse for 40 years before joining the Washington State Legislature in 1990. Franklin recently teamed up with local historian Tamiko Nimura on a new book, an oral history called: Rosa Franklin — A Life in Health Care, Public Service, and Social Justice.

In this episode we'll talk with Franklin and Nimura. We'll discuss Franklin's life growing up with her aunt and uncle in South Carolina as well as her career in nursing and why she decided to run for office. We'll also talk about the housing discrimination Franklin faced when she first moved to Tacoma. Finally, Nimura tells us about what drew her to this project and why oral histories are so important.

Indigenizing Higher Education

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 15:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma Ed.D. Director Robin Starr Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn (Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, Apache, Nez Perce, Umatilla and Assiniboine) recently wrote an article for Higher Education Today where she discussed ways colleges and universities can better meet the needs of its Indigenous students. We'll talk about her recommendations. We'll also discuss a paper Minthorn co-wrote about a theoretical campus tour that provides a fuller understanding of an institution's history. Finally, Minthorn discusses a new agreement between UW Tacoma's School of Education and the Muckleshoot Tribe.

Movies!

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -0800

We're joined by UW Tacoma Associate Professor David Coon and Destiny City Film Festival's Executive Director Emily Nakada-Alm to discuss how movies play a part in shaping our culture, and the way our social identities are reflected in and affected by the movies we watch. We'll also talk about film festivals as an important format for storytelling outside of the media industry, as well as what makes a movie "good."

Motherhood Part II

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 15:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma Associate Professor Natalie Jolly and Assistant Professor Sarah Hampson join us to talk about their research. Both Jolly and Hampson have looked into life in the military for mothers. We'll discuss their work and we'll also get into a conversation about motherism, the wage gap, the new Paid Family & Medical Leave act in Washington State and the possibility of having the Equal Rights Amendment added to the United States Constitution.

Novel Idea

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 14:00:00 -0800

A common book is used by colleges and universities to get students on the same page - literally. The idea is to have students in different classes read the same book. UW Tacoma used to employ common books but shelved the idea a few years ago. The project has been revised with a particular emphasis on creating community. Indeed, the renewed effort is referred to as the "community book." In this episode we'll talk with UW Tacoma Lecturer Annie Nguyen about this year's community book "Washington Black" by Esi Edugyan. We'll discuss why this book was chosen and plans to host the book's author on campus.

What to Inherit, What to Leave Behind

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 16:00:00 -0800

The importance of the U.S. Census, how cities are built and life growing up in Iran are just some of the topics covered during this episode with UW Assistant Chancellor for Community Engagement Ali Modarres. Modarres is well-known in the Sound Sound. Besides being an assistant chancellor, Modarres serves as Director of the School of Urban Studies at UW Tacoma. Modarres is an expert on cities, specifically how they're built and who they're built for. He has focused a significant portion of his public scholarship on economic development through an equity lens. Modarres is also on the board of the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation and has been active in helping that organization spread the word about how the census impacts Pierce County.

Dawg Tales - Tradition

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 15:00:00 -0800

A Thanksgiving dinner gone awry, a homemade game of Jeopardy devoted to better understanding one's family and an ornament collection that's been growing steadily for nearly 30 years. These are just some of the stories told to us by UW Tacoma students, faculty and staff. Everyone now and then we're going to hand over the microphone and ask you to tell us a story around a certain theme. We're calling this series Dawg Tales. For this first episode in the series we decided to focus on stories about tradition.

Finding a Spot: Parking at UW Tacoma

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 11:00:00 -0800

In this episode we talk about parking in and around UW Tacoma with Associate Director of Maintenance & Operations Tessa Coleman, Program Operations Manager James Sinding and ASUWT President Vincent Da. UW Tacoma's urban setting presents different challenges and limitations when it comes to parking. We'll talk about those. We'll also discuss a new parking lot that is scheduled to open in the spring along with other possible solutions that could help open up spots on campus. Finally, we'll chat about a new transportation survey that students, faculty and staff are encouraged to complete.

Motherhood Part I

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 14:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma Associate Professor Natalie Jolly and UW Tacoma Lecturer Annie Nguyen talk about the role of motherhood in the United States. Jolly and Nguyen are both mothers. They'll talk about their experiences as working mothers. They'll also discuss how motherhood is viewed in the Amish community and in other parts of the world. Finally, Jolly and Nguyen will address what changes need to be made to better support mothers and parents in general who are either working or going to school.

Arsenic and Old Lakes

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 16:00:00 -0800

The Asarco smelter shutdown more than 30 years ago but the plant's legacy is still being felt. Lead and arsenic emitted from the smelter's smokestack contaminated the soil and found its way into local lakes. UW Tacoma Associate Professor Jim Gawel joins us to discuss his work. Gawel and a team of researchers is examining arsenic in local lakes including Lake Killarney in Federal Way. Gawel will also talk about the importance of getting students into the field and the chair in his office that's so nice no one will sit in it.

The Susan Lucci of Pies

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma's pie day started back in 1997 as a way for faculty to thank staff. Each year since then faculty make pies and bring them to campus for staff to enjoy. Over time this event has turned into a friendly competition whereby people vote on their favorite pies. UW Tacoma Associate Professor Jim Gawel has been participating in pie day for more than 20 years but has one only once, hence his nickname-the "Susan Lucci of Pies" During this episode we go to Gawel's kitchen as he prepares a pumpkin mousse pie for this year's event. This is a field recording so you'll hear sounds from the kitchen.

The Scholar Activist

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 11:00:00 -0800

UW Tacoma Senior Lecturer Ellen Moore studies how the environment is discussed in the news and the larger world of pop culture. Moore is active on campus with the sustainability committee and is involved with environmental issues in the South Sound.

Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 16:00:00 -0800

Warmer temperatures and rising sea levels are only part of the story when it comes to climate change in the Pacific Northwest. Decreased mountain snow pack could lead to drought and more wildfires. On the flip side, heavy rains may lead to more frequent and intense flooding. We'll talk about the local impact of climate change and climate resiliency
with the University of Washington's Amy Snover. Snover serves as both director of the Climate Impacts Group and university director of the Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center. She is also an affiliate associate professor. Joining us in the conversation is UW Tacoma Senior Lecturer Ellen Moore.

Learning Lushootseed

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 15:00:00 -0700

The Lushootseed Language Institute (LLI) is a collaboration between the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and UW Tacoma's Professional Development Center. The LLI is one part of the Puyallup Tribe's larger effort to revitalize Lushootseed. Up until the early 1800s, Lushootseed was the only language spoken by indigenous peoples living in an area from present day Olympia in the south to Skagit Valley in the north. The Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains provided the eastern and western borders. In this episode we hand over the microphone to UW Tacoma student and Puyallup Tribe member Shelby Cross as she works her way through the LLI. We'll hear her struggles and successes as well as her personal reasons for wanting to learn Lushootseed.

Water is Life

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 11:00:00 -0700

On this special episode of Paw'd Defiance we hand over the microphone as students and staff in UW Tacoma's Math Science Leadership program explore Mt. Rainier. MSL serves youth in grades 7-12 that are historically underrepresented in STEM. The program works to connect students to different STEM fields through activities and field work. MSL is traditionally held over a three week period in the summer. This year is a bit different. Students spent a week on campus and at different locations around the area exploring the idea that "water is life." They will return to this idea during two day sessions in the winter and spring. Note: this is a field recording so expect to hear some wind and other natural sounds in the background.

It's All Happening at the Zoo!

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 11:00:00 -0700

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium's Alan Varsik and Karen Povey stop by the show to talk about conservation and sustainability. Varsik and Povey also discuss misconceptions people have about zoos. Varsik weighs in on recent changes to the Endangered Species Act and Povey provides background information the Grit City Carnivore Project. The project is a collaboration with UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Chris Schell.

A Green Cookie Monster?

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 13:00:00 -0700

Think back to your childhood or a time in your life you really enjoyed. What do you see? Chances are your memories of that particular time are attached to a song, movie, product, etc. Nostalgia can be a powerful feeling which is why companies use it in their advertising. UW Tacoma Professor Altaf Merchant studies nostalgia. He'll discuss how it works and how study participants responded to the idea of a green Cookie Monster.

The Language of Genocide

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 16:00:00 -0700

Language that surrounded the concept of genocide began in the 1940s—how did it become such a well-known term that can be found today in news media, the Avengers movies, and history books? In this podcast extra, UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Ben Meiches talks about his new book, The Politics of Annihilation. Meiches seeks to analyze the language and concept of genocide as a whole, and explains how the definition we have today has been narrowed over time.

Room for Debate

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 16:00:00 -0700

A conversation about debate with UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Ben Meiches. Meiches is a former national debate champion. Meiches along with UW Tacoma junior Zaira Rojas and UW Tacoma alumnus Eric Ballentine talk about the importance of debate in terms of skill development and how they're working to break down barriers in a space that has historically excluded people of color. Rojas and Ballentine will also the settle the age old argument about which is better: dogs or cats.

Grit City Music History

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 16:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Lecturer Kim Davenport takes us on a magical history tour of music in the City of Destiny. Davenport is a professional musician who has written articles and books about different aspects of Tacoma's history, including music. We'll hear some original recordings of Tacoma booster songs which were designed to bring people to the city. Davenport will also discuss different artists who lived in Tacoma as well as famous artists who played here.

Hair That Won't Be Quiet

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 16:00:00 -0700

The history of Black hair in the United States with Temple University Associate Professor Lori Tharps. Tharps co-wrote the book Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America with Ayana Byrd. Tharps' work has been featured in the New York Times, Ebony.com, The Columbia Journalism Review and Time Magazine.She also hosts the podcast My American Meltingpot. Tharps and guest host Katherine Felts discuss the importance of hair in African communities prior to contact with Europeans. Slavery and institutional racism in the United States transformed what it meant to have Black hair. The cultural revolution of the 1960s ushered in a new era of pride in Black hair. Tharps and Felts discuss this and the current natural hair movement.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fire and Fall

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 14:00:00 -0700

Wildfire season is here. During each of the past two summers a thick blanket of smoke from wildfires covered large parts of Western Washington. Thousands of wildfires in the American West and Canada burned millions of acres. UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Maureen Kennedy talks about how climate change has contributed to a prolonged fire season. She'll also talk about the role of fire in forests and how fire suppression practices that were created to protect forests lead to larger and more destructive wildfires.

Using a Robot to Measure Stress in Teens

Tue, 21 May 2019 15:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Assistant Professor and UW Tacoma student Christina Nelson discuss Project EMAR, a social robot designed to help address teen stress. Project EMAR (Ecological Momentary Assessment Robot) is a cross campus partnership between UW Tacoma and UW Seattle. Rose and Nelson will talk about why they decided to use a robot to help with teen stress and how they are involving teens in the design process.

Puzzles, Puzzles Everywhere!

Wed, 15 May 2019 14:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Senior Lecturer Julie Masura discusses her love of puzzles. Masura has a garage full of puzzles that she's completed and attached to the walls.

Microplastics in the Water

Wed, 15 May 2019 14:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Senior Lecturer Julie Masura along with student researchers Tracie Barry and Abby Deaton talk about their work with microplastics in the waters of the Pacific Northwest. Masura's work in this area began a few years ago. She helped pioneer a method for collecting and analyzing microplastics that is used around the world. Masura also discusses the role students play in advancing research at UW Tacoma.

Building a Prison to College Pipeline

Fri, 10 May 2019 14:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Chris Beasley and UW Tacoma alumnus Omari Amili talk about their experience with incarceration. Beasley and Amili turned their lives around and are now working to build a prison to college pipeline. They discuss the challenges formerly incarcerated people face. Beasley and Amili also talk about the challenge of making college more accessible to those who served time in jail or prison.

Credible Fear

Wed, 01 May 2019 11:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Professor Marian Harris and graduate student Zea Mendoza spent a week helping women and children held at an immigrant detention center in Dilley, Texas prepare for their credible fear hearings. Harris and Mendoza talk about their experience at the facility including what they saw and heard. They also talk about how the work impacted them on a personal level.

Constructores de la Comunidad

Sun, 28 Apr 2019 11:00:00 -0700

Durante el año pasado, un grupo de estudiantes de UW Tacoma trabajó para organizar una conferencia de inmigración. El resultado es "Nuestra historia de Tacoma: Educación, defensa y construcción de comunidades”. Entre otras cosas, el evento de dos días comienza con un taller legal en donde los participantes pueden hablar con un abogado de inmigración sobre sus asuntos inmigratorios. También habrá un panel que presentará al Juez del Tribunal Supremo del Estado de Washington Steven González y la senadora Claire Wilson. Durante este episodio, Karla Michelle Vargas, estudiante de UW Tacoma, hablará sobre sus razones personales para querer organizar esta conferencia y lo que espera que la comunidad saque de ella.

Community Builders

Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0700

During the past year a group of UW Tacoma students have worked to organize an immigration conference on campus. The result is "Our Tacoma Story: Education, Advocacy and Building Communities". Among other things, the two day event will feature a legal clinic where participants can speak with an immigration attorney. There will also be a panel featuring Washington State Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez and Senator Claire Wilson. During this episode UW Tacoma student Karla Michelle Vargas will talk about her personal reasons for wanting to host this conference and what she hopes the community will take from it. Assistant Professor Sarah Hampson offers insight into the budding law community on campus.

En español:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/265902/1060277-constructores-de-la-comunidad

Blame Edgar Allan Poe

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0700

Is your yard overrun by English Ivy? If so, you should direct at least some of your ire at Edgar Allan Poe. Late in his life, the famed writer penned a series of landscape tales about what trees and plant species make a yard or a property beautiful.

The Ultra-Marathon Educator

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 15:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Ellen Bayer has a passion for the outdoors. Bayer's love of nature guides her work both in and out of the classroom. She teaches literature courses at UW Tacoma and leads her students on excursions into the natural world. Bayer recounts the story of a student who'd looked at Mt. Rainier her entire life but had never actually seen the mountain up close. This experience lead Bayer to include field trips in her curriculum. Finally, Bayer discusses why she took up running in her mid-thirties and recounts the difficulties she faced while competing in her first 100 mile ultra-marathon.

A Podcast Episode 65 Million Years in the Making

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Assistant Professors Uba Backonja and Christopher Schell discuss their mutual love of the 1993 film Jurassic Park. Schell and Backonja credit the movie for cultivating their love of science. The pair also talk about their career paths and how students in college now can find inspiration in unlikely places. Oh, and there's at least one dinosaur impression.

Be the First

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0700

Amanda Figueroa, Director of Student Transition Programs, and Yanira Pacheco Ortiz, First Generation Student Initiatives Coordinator, talk about what it means to be a first-generation college student. Figueroa and Pacheco Ortiz relay their experiences as first-generation students and discuss ways in which universities can support students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Generous and Welcoming

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0700

UW Tacoma Assistant Professor Danica Miller and her father, Puyallup Tribe Vice Chairman Bill Sterud come to the studio to talk about the Indigenous history of the Tacoma area. Miller and Sterud provide context to our historical understanding of the area by discussing, among other things, the Medicine Creek Treaty and the Boldt decision. UW Tacoma sits on ancestral Puyallup land. Miller and Sterud talk about the campus' founding and how that revitalized the Downtown area.