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OLLI at UNT Podcast

Education Podcasts

The official podcast of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of North Texas. Hosted by OLLI at UNT member Susan Supak, this podcast is a series of interviews with the faculty, staff, and members who make our program special. Learn more at https://olli.unt.edu/

Location:

United States

Description:

The official podcast of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of North Texas. Hosted by OLLI at UNT member Susan Supak, this podcast is a series of interviews with the faculty, staff, and members who make our program special. Learn more at https://olli.unt.edu/

Twitter:

@olliunt

Language:

English


Episodes

Episode 94: Audiology and Hearing Loss with Dr. Katherine Alsop

1/3/2024
In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Katherine Alsop, an Audiologist and Clinical Educator in UNT's Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology. They have a wide-ranging discussion about hearing loss and the importance of diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Dr. Alsop answers questions about hearing aids and shares some information about auditory training. Their conversation also covers some of the fascinating research into the relationship between hearing loss and health issues such as cognitive decline and fall risk. To learn more about the UNT Speech & Hearing Center, visit https://hps.unt.edu/aslp/aslp-clinics. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:35:04

Episode 93: Avian Ecology with Dr. James Bednarz

12/6/2023
In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. James Bednarz, Senior Avian Lecturer and Advisor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UNT. They discuss Dr. Bednarz’s current research projects on the breeding ecology of a local Painted Bunting population and the wintering biology of the American Kestrel. He explains the important role these birds play in our ecosystem and why the decline of their populations is a cause for concern. Susan learns about an exciting secret research project Dr. Bednarz once participated in and the two discuss some of the latest efforts involved in protecting bird populations. To read the Audubon Magazine article about Dr. Bednarz's research, visit https://www.audubon.org/magazine/spring-2023/the-perplexing-decline-american-kestrel. To learn more about Dr. Bednarz's research on the Painted Bunting, please visit https://www.facebook.com/UNTPaintedBunting. Information about the UNT Raptor Research Team that works with Dr. Bednarz on the American Kestrel, please visit https://www.facebook.com/UNTRaptorResearch. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, please visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:55:39

Episode 92: The Monuments Men and Women Foundation with Casey Shelton

11/1/2023
In this episode, Susan speaks with Casey Shelton, Senior Researcher at the Monuments Men and Women Foundation for the Preservation of Art. They discuss Casey's background and how she came to work for the Foundation, which is a not-for-profit organization created to raise worldwide awareness about the service of the Monuments Men and Women, honor them for their achievements, and complete their unfinished mission of returning missing art to the rightful owners. Casey explains the Foundation's history, speaks about several of the accomplishments of the Monuments Men and Women, and discusses the Foundation's ongoing work. To learn more about the Monuments Men and Women Foundation, visit https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/. Information about the Foundation's WWII Most Wanted Art playing cards is available at https://www.monumentsmenandwomenfnd.org/join-the-hunt/wwii-most-wanted. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:36:51

Episode 91: Aviation, U.S. History, and Ballroom Dancing with Tom Tweeddale

10/4/2023
In this episode, Susan speaks with Tom Tweeddale. They discuss his career in aviation, which included teaching at a private pilot ground school and 36 years as an airline pilot. Mr. Tweeddale explains how his passion for U.S. history has led him to give lectures for libraries, colleges, and OLLI at UNT. He also describes how he got his start as a dance instructor. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:41:58

Episode 90: Thomas Jefferson and the U.S. Constitution with Jim Bays

9/6/2023
In this episode, Susan speaks with retired corporate attorney Jim Bays. A graduate of Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia Law School, Jim has turned his passionate interest in Thomas Jefferson and the legal foundation of the United States into several OLLI courses. He talks with Susan about the life of Jefferson and the series of compromises that were involved in creating a working constitution for the country. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu/ or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:35:30

Episode 89: The Center for Human Identification with Dr. Michael Coble

8/2/2023
In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Michael Coble, Executive Director of the Center for Human Identification (CHI) at the UNT Health Science Center in Fort Worth. They discuss the important work done at the CHI, including the forensic DNA testing they conduct for criminal casework and missing persons identification. Dr. Coble explains some of the latest advances in forensic science and describes how he came to work on high profile cases such as the 9/11 attacks and the identification of the missing Romanov children. NOTE: This episode was recorded in February 2023. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu. To learn more about the Center for Human Identification, visit https://www.unthsc.edu/center-for-human-identification/.

Duration:00:45:24

Alumni Spotlight #16: 100 Years of CC Young Senior Living with Russell Crews

12/7/2022
Our 16th spotlight features host Susan Supak's conversation with Russell Crews, President and CEO of CC Young Senior Living. Crews, who earned his MBA degree from UNT, came to CC Young after working for many years in public accounting. He tells Susan what drew him to CC Young and explains why he enjoys serving residents within its not-for-profit structure. He also reflects on the latest developments in senior living as CC Young celebrates its 100th anniversary. OLLI at UNT recently signed a three-year Partnership Agreement with CC Young, bringing our courses to their facilities in Dallas. To learn more about CC Young, visit https://www.ccyoung.org/. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu.

Duration:00:32:16

Episode 87: Boosting Mind and Body Health with Dr. Nancy Little

11/16/2022
In this episode, Susan interviews Dr. Nancy Little, a licensed professional counselor, author, and public speaker who specializes in boosting mind and body health to enhance quality of life and overall wellness. They have a wide-ranging conversation that covers many aspects of health, including some strategies for increasing self-awareness, generating a proactive mindset, and releasing attachment to unhealthy habits. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:35:50

Retiree Spotlight #2: Early Music Studies at UNT with Dr. Lenora McCroskey

11/2/2022
The OLLI at UNT Retiree Spotlight Series is presented in partnership with the UNT Retiree Association. In this installment, Susan speaks with Dr. Lenora McCroskey, Professor Emeritus in the College of Music at UNT. Professor McCroskey taught organ and harpsichord at the university for nearly 30 years. She also served as Assistant Director of Early Music studies, teaching Baroque performance, continuo, and coaching chamber ensembles. She provides Susan with a brief history of the organ and harpsichord before tracing the path of her career. To learn more about the UNT Retiree Association, visit untra.unt.edu. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit olli.unt.edu.

Duration:00:45:19

Alumni Spotlight #15: A Speechwriter's Journey to the White House with Charlie Fern

10/5/2022
This alumni spotlight episode highlights journalist, speechwriter, and strategic communications consultant Charlie Fern, who served as speechwriter for First Lady Laura Bush. She discusses the important lessons she learned as a student at UNT and how that training prepared her to transition from journalism to speechwriting. Charlie came to work for Mrs. Bush after a formative stint with Governor Ann Richards and her career took her all the way to the White House, where she was during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:46:55

Retiree Spotlight #1: International Studies at UNT with Dr. Tom Hoemeke

9/7/2022
The OLLI at UNT Retiree Spotlight Series is presented in partnership with the UNT Retiree Association. In this first installment, Susan speaks with Dr. Tom Hoemeke, who came to the university in 1979 and directed the Office of International Studies and Programs for over two decades. He tells Susan about his office's efforts to consolidate the university's international studies efforts and grow its study abroad programs. Dr. Hoemeke reflects on some highlights from his career, which included traveling to Thailand with the One O'Clock Lab Band and presenting the king with an honorary degree. He also talks to Susan about his post-retirement roles with the UNT Retiree Association and OLLI at UNT. To learn more about the UNT Retiree Association, visit https://untra.unt.edu. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu.

Duration:00:40:42

Fall 2022 Catalog Preview

8/1/2022
In this episode, Communications Strategist Jordan Williams provides a preview of the OLLI at UNT Fall 2022 catalog, which is now available to download from olli.unt.edu/catalog.

Duration:00:13:20

Episode 83: The Future of UNT Astronomy with Ryan Bennett

4/20/2022
In this episode, Susan speaks with Ryan Bennett, Director of the Astronomy program at UNT. Ryan tells Susan all about the facilities the Astronomy program operates, including the Sky Theater planetarium, the Rafes Urban Astronomy Center, and the Monroe Remote Observatory. Although the pandemic and the 2021 ice storm have recently limited the program's activities, Ryan explains that there are now many opportunities for the North Texas community to take advantage of these scientific resources in their own backyard. He also gives Susan a preview of some exciting developments the program has planned for the next few years and shares some tips for beginning astronomers. To learn more about the UNT Astronomy program, visit https://astronomy.unt.edu/. Follow UNT Astronomy on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RUACatUNT/ and https://www.facebook.com/SkyTheater. The Stellarium Astronomy Software is available at http://stellarium.org/. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:34:54

Episode 82: World Literature and Postcolonial Studies with Dr. Masood Raja

4/6/2022
In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Masood Raja, an Associate Professor in the UNT Department of English who specializes in postcolonial literature. They discuss his humanist approach to teaching literature from various cultures across the globe and his belief that reading widely can help make us more empathetic toward others. Professor Raja explains how his service in the Pakistan army helped prepared him for a career of literary scholarship. He also reflects on his recent involvement in an initiative that brought Pakistani scholars to UNT through funding provided by the U.S. Department of State. Finally, Dr. Raja shares some resources for those who may be interested in deepening their appreciation of literature from around the world. Episode Notes: Dr. Raja's website, Postcolonial Space, can be found at https://postcolonial.net/. Dr. Raja's YouTube channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/c/Postcolonialism. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:35:27

Episode 81: Appreciating Art Museums and Local Artists with Francesca Romano

3/23/2022
In this episode, Susan speaks with award-winning artist and educator Francesca d'Atria Romano about her passion for inspiring the community to appreciate and create art. Before relocating to Texas, Francesca lived and worked in New York, where she taught high school art, worked as a docent at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and became renowned for her etchings. She discusses several highlights of her remarkable career with Susan, including her logo design for the Staten Island Ferry, the NOVA award-winning documentary that featured her high school art class, and the advice she gave to the panel of artists who designed the Tribute in Light memorial following the 9/11 attacks. She also previews some exhibitions she will be offering locally this year and encourages listeners to take time to visit the art museums in our area and wherever they may travel. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu, or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:38:43

Special Episode: Revolutionary Road with Dr. Andrew Torget

3/4/2022
In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Andrew Torget, Associate Professor in the UNT Department of History, about a special summer trip he is leading for OLLI at UNT members called "Revolutionary Road: Tracing the Landscape of the Texas Revolution." Professor Torget explains his inspiration for leading the trip and then describes the itinerary. Over the course of five days, he will lead members through a series of historic sites, describing the battles fought in the revolution and the impact of the war on the lives of people throughout the state and across the continent. Whether you're a lifelong Texan or a recent transplant, we guarantee you've never experienced Texas history like this! For full details of this trip, visit https://olli.unt.edu/revroad. This episode was recorded on Thursday, March 3, 2022.

Duration:00:31:49

Episode 79: The Psychology of Travel with Dr. Kim Williams

2/23/2022
In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Kim Williams, Chair of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Department in UNT's College of Merchandising, Hospitality, and Tourism. Professor Williams begins by explaining the relationship between an individual's personality type and their travel preferences. She also shares some tips for how people with different interests can travel well together. In the rest of this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Williams discusses her work at UNT, provides some insights into the hospitality and tourism industries, and reflects on how the pandemic has changed the way we travel. Episode Notes: - Take the travel personalities quiz: https://besttripchoices.com/travel-personalities/quiz/ - Learn more about The Club at Gateway: https://cmht.unt.edu/club To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:47:48

Episode 78: Winter Birding in North Texas with Scott Kiester

12/15/2021
In this episode, Susan speaks with retired geologist and Audubon Master Birder Scott Kiester. He tells Susan about some of the birds that can be found in North Texas during the winter and explains why so many different kinds of birds can be found in Texas. Scott also provides some helpful tips for those who are new to birding or are interested in going on a bird walk. Finally, he reflects on the importance of appreciating and preserving nature around us. To learn more about Scott's bird walks and other events of the Texas Master Naturalist Elm Fork Chapter, visit https://txmn.org/elmfork/events-calendar/.

Duration:00:40:59

Alumni Spotlight #14: The Importance of Giving Back with Frank Bracken

12/1/2021
In this Alumni Spotlight episode, Susan speaks with Frank Bracken ('63), former president of the Haggar Clothing Company, about his time as a student at UNT, his experiences in professional life, and his passion for community service. Frank encourages all listeners to dedicate themselves to serving those in need and shares some of the lessons he's learned from his experiences as a mentor. He and Susan also discuss some of the remarkable innovations of the Haggar Clothing Company. To learn more about the UNT Alumni Association, visit https://untalumni.com. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:42:57

Episode 76: The Importance of Comics Studies with Dr. Joanna Davis-McElligatt

11/17/2021
In this episode, Susan speaks with Dr. Joanna Davis-McElligatt, Assistant Professor of Black Literary and Cultural Studies in the Department of English at UNT. Although her primary area of research is in Africana Studies, Professor Davis-McElligatt's lifelong interest in comics eventually grew into a significant scholarly pursuit. She traces the evolution of the artform for Susan, from the "funny pages" to the underground comix associated with 1960s counterculture to the increasingly diverse representation found in present-day comics. Along the way, Dr. Davis-McElligatt describes how comics tell stories using their own unique graphic language, making them rich sources of meaning for scholars to mine. To learn more about OLLI at UNT, visit https://olli.unt.edu or email olli@unt.edu.

Duration:00:33:16