Best Thinknd University Of Notre Dame Podcasts (2025)

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Our Universe Revealed, Part 1: New Light on Old Stars 59:03

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8d ago59:03

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Episode Topic: New Light on Old Stars The chemical diversity of the universe that makes our own existence possible is owed to multiple generations of stars that converted the primordial soup of hydrogen and helium into the periodic table we know today. To understand this process, Roman Gerasimov looks for the oldest objects in our galaxy that forme…

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True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture, Part 5: Rethinking Complementarity 41:36

8d ago41:36

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Episode Topic: Rethinking Complementarity “Rethinking Complementarity,” was presented by Abigail Favale, Ph.D. This discussion took place at the McGrath Institute for Church Life conference True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in March 2025. The conference was developed by Favale, who is Professor …

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Restoring Reason, Beauty, and Trust in Architecture, Part 17: Architecture, Representation, & Politics 1:07:57

8d ago1:07:57

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Episode Topic: Architecture, Representation, & Politics Caspar Pearson, director of studies and reader in Art History 1300-1700 at the Warburg Institute in London, shares his work on Leon Battista Alberti, the early Renaissance humanist scholar and architect, and one of history’s most influential writers and thinkers on art and architecture. Featur…

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Virtues & Vocations, Part 21: Meaningful Work with Guru Madhavan and Chris Higgins 54:56

8d ago54:56

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Episode Topic: Meaningful Work Kick off the 2025-2026 series with a conversation with two contributors from the August 2025 issue of the Virtues & Vocations magazine, focused on meaningful work. Guru Madhavan is the Norman R. Augustine senior scholar and senior director of programs for the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. Chris Higgins is the …

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Catholic Imagination, Part 1: Newman and Interrogating Catholic Imagination - Audio 1:18:29

8d ago1:18:29

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Episode Topic: Newman and Interrogating Catholic Imagination Take a deep dive with theologian and Catherine F. Huisking Professor of Theology Cyril O'Regan into the worldview of St. John Henry Newman, one of the greatest Catholic thinkers and educators in history. Consider Newman's ideas about the Catholic university, the Catholic imagination, and …

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Aquinas at 800, Part 8: The Christology of Demons 1:01:59

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Episode Topic: The Christology of Demons What can be known about Jesus Christ intellectually when one doesn’t believe in Him? What exactly did the demons in the Gospels know about Jesus’ identity? Did they see Jesus as a prophet or as a promised Messiah? Consider the case of demons, as St. Thomas Aquinas did, to gain a better understanding, by way …

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Evidence Matters, Part 3: Transforming Child Care 46:42

25d ago46:42

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Episode Topic: Transforming Child Care Listen in to a conversation on the current state of child care in the United States and the innovative work being done in local communities to create a thriving sector that equitably values children, families, and workers. Featured Speakers: -Chloe Gibbs '00, University of Notre Dame -Carrie Cihak, King County…

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Revolutions of Hope, Part 1: Cultivating Hope in Ukraine 1:46:29

25d ago1:46:29

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Episode Topic: Cultivating Hope in Ukraine Join Archbishop Borys Gudziak, who is Metropolitan-Archbishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Archeparchy of Philadelphia and President of Ukrainian Catholic University, to discuss how to build hope in Ukraine. He is joined in conversation by Rory Finnin, professor of Ukrainian Studies from the University of Cam…

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Indigenous Voices, Part 6: In Rez-idence 52:36

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Episode Topic: In Rez-idence “What is peace, and what does it have to do with poetry, language, stories?” Listen in to a conversation with Aniyunwiya/Cherokee Nation poet, scholar, author, and artist Jessica Doe about her creative journey and her time as the first-ever Indigenous fellow at the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies. Feature…

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Aquinas at 800, Part 7: The Law of Love 1:32:13

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Episode Topic: The Law of Love How is love at work in our lives in a practical way? Contemplate Thomas Aquinas’ thoughts on love, why charity is not just love of God, but also a profound form of friendship, and why the key to understanding love is understanding justice. Featured Speakers: Therese Cory, director of the Jacques Maritain Center and th…

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Restoring Reason, Beauty, and Trust in Architecture, Part 15: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris 1:04:28

2M ago1:04:28

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Episode Topic: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris Prof. Toshiyuki Kono explores the rich history of Notre-Dame de Paris, the challenges faced during its restoration following the 2019 fire, and the pressing questions that arose throughout the process. Featured Speakers: -Toshiyuki Kono, emeritus professor of private international law, Kyushu University …

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Letras Latinas, Part 14: A Conversation with Brenda Cardenas 56:32

2M ago56:32

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Episode Topic: A Conversation with Brenda Cardenas Listen in to an oral history conversation with award-winning Poet Laureate of Wisconsin Brenda Cárdenas, interviewed by writer and poet Maria Kelson, who at the time (as Maria Melendez) was an associate professor of English at St. Mary’s College, and was teaching a course on Chicana literature. Bre…

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Minding Scripture, Part 2: The Historical Jesus 43:50

2M ago43:50

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Episode Topic: The Historical Jesus What can truly be known about Jesus, and how can we read accounts about him in a reasonable way? Does a critical understanding of the historical Jesus complicate or nourish one’s faith? Gabriel Reynolds and Tzvi Novick from the University of Notre Dame engage in a conversation on the Gospel narratives and on the …

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True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture, Part 4: Called to be Woman: Mary's Genius and Ours 47:04

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Episode Topic: Called to be Woman: Mary's Genius and Ours “Called to be Woman: Mary’s Genius and Ours,” presented by Sr. Ann Astell, took place at the McGrath Institute for Church Life conference True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in March 2025, developed by Abigail Favale, Ph.D., Professor of th…

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Restoring Reason, Beauty, and Trust in Architecture, Part 14: Roadmap for Sustainability 1:21:57

2M ago1:21:57

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Episode Topic: Roadmap for Sustainability (https://go.nd.edu/54b4f4) Michelle Addington, a leading voice in sustainability and architectural design, challenges traditional net-zero approaches and advocates for systemic change in the built environment. Drawing on her experience at NASA, E.I. DuPont, Yale, and UT Austin, she offers practical strategi…

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Reunion 2025, Part 6: Explore ND, Crucifixes from Around the World 42:27

3M ago42:27

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Topic: Explore ND, Cruicifixes from Around the World The crucifix is a powerful symbol of suffering, sacrifice, love, hope, and redemption. You are invited to learn about the University’s unique crucifix collection directly from the curators. They will share their fascinating stories selecting these religious artifacts from different continents and…

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Reunion 2025, Part 5: Faith or Reason? Nope! Faith AND Reason 1:02:04

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Episode Topic: Faith and Reason If you’ve ever struggled with the relationship between science and faith, this is your chance to get it answered by the experts! From AI and space to the Care for Our Common Home, faith and reason can not only coexist within each of us, but both can serve as a foundation for how we understand our world. Featured Spea…

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Reunion 2025, Part 4: Finding Friendship 53:33

3M ago53:33

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Episode Topic: Finding Friendship Explore friendship in the era of social media. Friendship can seem harder–and maybe weirder–than ever, science tells us there is an inextricable link between friendship and our well-being. Uncover the ways to create and cultivate the life-giving friendships we all need to thrive. Featured Speakers: -Fr. Nate Wills,…

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Aquinas at 800, Part 6: The Sensory and Beyond 1:27:22

3M ago1:27:22

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Episode Topic: The Sensory and Beyond (https://go.nd.edu/754c19) What do we and how can we know beyond what we can sense in the physical world? Contemplate Aquinas’ thoughts on why the philosophical limit of our sensations is cause for optimism, whether slothfulness might actually be a virtue, and how suffering is foundational to the development of…

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Reunion 2025, Part 3: ND Network for Life, Value & Impact 2.0 56:39

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Episode Topic: ND Network for Life, Value & Impact 2.0 For 25 years, these fellow alumni have stayed connected to Notre Dame — whether through business ventures, leadership service to the university, sporting events, and social connections. Their stories illustrate the value and reach of the global Notre Dame network. Join the conversation to spark…

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Reunion 2025, Part 2: Father Ted Said, Bridge Builders 59:53

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Episode Topic: Bridge Builders Around the world, many observers are concerned about losing a sense of community as fewer and fewer people feel a responsibility to care for others. With a growing and often welcome emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, how should we—individually and collectively—think about our responsibilities to one another? …

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True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture, Part 3: Modern Heresies about Women 1:22:02

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Episode Topic: Modern Heresies about Women Dig into the distorted narratives about women coming from different sectors in our culture within and outside of the Church. The panel discussion features Erika Bachiochi, Rachel Coleman, Angela Franks, and Leah Libresco Sargeant, and was moderated by Abigail Favale. Featured Speakers: Abigail Favale, Univ…

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Aquinas at 800, Part 5: Human Dignity 1:34:18

3M ago1:34:18

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Episode Topic: Human Dignity How can Thomas Aquinas continue to influence the way we think about human dignity, even today? In a world more deeply in need than ever, contemplate Aquinas’ thoughts on the connection between human dignity, compassion, disabilities, and the sacraments. Featured Speakers: Carlos A. Casanova, Visiting Professor at the Ha…

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Reunion 2025, Part 1: ND Perspectives, Policy Impacts From Campaigns to Capitals 1:00:35

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Episode Topic: Policy Impacts From Campaigns to Capitals The country’s leaders are governing from the White House and Congress to state capitals. How are they progressing six months post-inauguration as they do the people’s business? Our experts discuss key legislation, policy direction, implementation, and more. Featured Speakers: -Mary Thompson ’…

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Restoring Reason, Beauty, and Trust in Architecture, Part 13: The Case of the Flat Arch 1:03:07

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Episode Topic: The Case of the Flat Arch New fieldwork at the Sanctuary of the Great Gods on Samothrace reveals flat arches in the Doric frieze of the Stoa, a structure built in the second quarter of the 3rd century BCE. Sam Holzman, Assistant Professor of Art and Archaeology at Princeton University, examines these keystone friezes, which predate s…

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Ten Years Hence: Innovation, Part 5: Why Well-Run Companies Will Continue to Fail 1:17:24

3M ago1:17:24

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Episode Topic: Why Well-Run Companies Will Continue to Fail Join Alex Slawsby, Chief Growth Officer at InnoLead in Boston MA, for a discussion about why employees' fear of speaking up is the single greatest obstacle to success when companies innovate. Featured Speakers: Alex Slawsby, InnoLead Read this episode's recap over on the University of Notr…

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Letras Latinas, Part 13: A Conversation with Oliver Baez Bendorf 56:08

4M ago56:08

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Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your ca…

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Game Changers, Part 3: Unlock Your Career Playbook 53:24

4M ago53:24

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Join the University of Notre Dame’s Alumni Association for our virtual series: Game Changers: Unlock Your Career Playbook, powered by IrishCompass and co-sponsored by Notre Dame Athletics. We invite you – regardless of career stage, industry, or profession – to learn from inspiring leaders. Join us for an engaging talk with successful Notre Dame co…

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Caregiving with Dignity, Part 3: Navigating Financial, Legal, and Emotional Challenges 1:07:04

4M ago1:07:04

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Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre Dame's online learning community. We connect you with videos, podcasts, articles, courses, and other resources to inspire minds and spark conversations on topics that matter to you — everything from faith and politics, to science, technology, and your ca…

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Forging a Future for Haiti, Part 3: Sustainability Through Action 33:59

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Episode Topic: Sustainability Through Action Join Kate Schuenke-Lucien, Director for Haiti and Senior Associate Director for Strategic Planning, Fr. Herald Jean from University of Notre Dame Haiti-Hinche, and Chip Wirth, the GC-DWC’s Senior Advisor of the Social Enterprise Initiative, as they conclude this three-part series with a conversation abou…

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Aquinas at 800, Part 4: Applied Ethics 1:16:28

4M ago1:16:28

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Episode Topic: Applied Ethics Can we make a case for Aquinas as a model of reform when it comes to ecological virtues, bioenhancement, or even death with dignity? Contemplate Aquinas’ thoughts on souls, integral wholes, and the conditions and acts necessary for the expression of virtue in our lives. Featured Speakers: Heather Foucault-Camm, PGCE, M…

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True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture, Part 2: The Feminine Genius and Catholic History 44:08

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Episode Topic: The Feminine Genius and Catholic History “The Feminine Genius & Catholic History,” presented by Bronwen McShea, took place at the McGrath Institute for Church Life conference True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture at the University of Notre Dame in March 2025, developed by Abigail Favale, Ph.D., Professor of the Prac…

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Minding Scripture, Part 1: Adam 42:47

5M ago42:47

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Episode Topic: Adam In Jewish tradition, Adam is the archetypal human being; in Christianity he is the forerunner to Christ, and in Islam he is the precursor of the Prophet Muhammad. Featured SpeakersReynolds, professor, University of Notre Dame Francesca Murphy, professor, University of Notre Dame Tzvi Novick, professor, University of Notre Dame M…

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Ten Years Hence: Innovation, Part 4: A Brief History of the Future 1:15:52

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What will the process of creation and renewal look like by 2035? How will we leverage innovation to meet the challenges of the future in areas from our power grid and collaborative intelligence to community health and resilience building? Explore questions, ideas, and trends likely to affect business and society over the next decade. Let these idea…

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Restoring Reason, Beauty, and Trust in Architecture, Part 12: Words and Images 57:20

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Arduino Cantàfora, born in Milan in 1945, is a renowned painter and architect whose work bridges the realms of art and architecture. Initially trained as a copyist of Caravaggio, Cantàfora mastered the technical aspects of oil painting, blending his fascination with anatomy and organic forms with his architectural studies at the Politecnico of Mila…

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Soc(AI)ety Seminars, Part 7: AI at the Molecular Level 42:14

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Explore the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) in scientific discovery, with a focus on early-stage molecular design and synthesis. Uncover an overview of recent advancements in AI applications that are shaping how we approach molecular discovery—highlighting both their transformative potential and the important considerations around du…

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Shakespeare & Possibility, Part 10: Pioneering the Shakespeare in Prisons Movement 1:12:13

5M ago1:12:13

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Episode Topic: Pioneering the Shakespeare in Prisons Movement Listen in to a conversation between prison theatre practitioner and activist Jean Trounstine and Mary Irene Ryan Family Executive Artistic Director of Shakespeare at Notre Dame Scott Jackson. Jean’s work at the MCI Framingham Prison for Women in Massachusetts during the 1980’s and 90’s r…

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FiresideND, Part 12: Adm. Christopher Grady '84 Commencement Address 2025 21:41

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Notre Dame celebrated its 180th Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18, at Notre Dame Stadium. Adm. Christopher Grady ’84, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was the principal speaker and received an honorary degree. Upon announcing him as a commencement speaker, Notre Dame President Rev. Robert A. Dowd, C.S.C. said of Adm. Grady, “A …

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True Genius: The Mission of Women in Church and Culture, Part 1: The Church's Vision for Women 39:47

5M ago39:47

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Episode Topic: The Church's Vision for Women Thirty years ago, in both Evangelium Vitae and his Letter to Women, Pope John Paul II issued a clear call for the genius of women to be “more fully expressed in the life of society as a whole, as well as in the life of the Church” (Letter to Women 10). Throughout his papacy, in fact, he emphasized women’…

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Aquinas at 800, Part 3: Self Knowledge and Consciousness 1:27:12

5M ago1:27:12

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What is the role of psychology and anthropology in the writings of Thomas Aquinas? Contemplate Aquinas’ thoughts on the soul’s habitual knowledge, psychological continuity without personhood, and how we encounter the world through concrete particulars. Thanks for listening! The ThinkND Podcast is brought to you by ThinkND, the University of Notre D…

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Letra Latinas, Part 12: A Conversation with Aleida Rodríguez 59:02

5M ago59:02

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Episode Topic: A Conversation with Aleida Rodríguez Listen in to an oral history conversation with award-winning poet Aleida Rodríguez, interviewed by Karla Yaritza Maravilla Zaragoza, English Ph.D. student and a Joseph Gaia Distinguished Fellow in Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Aleida discusses how a fortuitous 1973 call from a pa…

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Ten Years Hence: Innovation, Part 3: A (different) Innovation Journey 1:15:29

6M ago1:15:29

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Episode Topic: A (different) Innovation Journey Join John chroeder, Executive Vice President of Retail, Foodservice and Water Groups at Marmon Holdings, for a discussion about how companies with a wide variety of brands and businesses functioning under one umbrella like Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. can innovate better by bringing entirely new things in…

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Women's Work, Part 5: Lessons in Chemistry 49:32

6M ago49:32

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Episode Topic: Lessons in Chemistry Have you read Bonnie Garmus’s bestselling novel Lessons in Chemistry (2022)? Are there elements of the novel – say, Elizabeth Zott’s headstrong character, the “mysterious benefactor” plot line, or the book’s treatment of religion – that you’d like to learn more about? Join Notre Dame professor and assistant direc…

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Restoring Reason, Beauty, and Trust in Architecture, Part 11: The Elusive Genius of Borromini 1:18:47

6M ago1:18:47

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One of the most imaginative architects in history, Francesco Borromini (1599-1667), came out of the quarries of Switzerland to transform the face of Baroque Rome. Masterpieces like San Carlo alle Quattro Fontana and Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza have long entered the canon of architectural history. This master builder, pioneer of the graphite revolution i…

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The New AI, Part 8: Trust, Talent, and the AI Colleague 55:03

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Episode Topic: Trust, Talent, and the AI Colleague (https://go.nd.edu/7d5af7) In this episode of The New AI, Accenture Managing Director and Notre Dame alum Jen Hall '98 joins student hosts for a conversation abput how generative AI is reshaping the workplace. Hall discusses the shift from experimentation to scaled implementation, highlighting key …

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Indigenous Voices, Part 4: Personal Narratives in a Public Space 1:23:47

6M ago1:23:47

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Episode Topic: Personal Narratives in a Public Space Join the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art to experience recordings from Indigenizing Museums, a two-day symposium amplifying the voices of Indigenous artists and curators, made possible by generous funding from the Terra Foundation for American Art. “Personal Narratives in a Public Space,” the final p…

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Forging a Future for Haiti, Part 2: Empowering Families, Transforming Futures 36:20

6M ago36:20

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Episode Topic: Empowering Families, Transforming Futures The University of Notre Dame’s Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child works to create pathways out of adversity for the world’s most vulnerable children in 25 countries around the world, leveraging evidence-based innovations to develop effective Whole Child Development (WCD) app…

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Powerful Conversations, Part 3: From Champions to Leaders 58:21

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Episode Topic: From Champions to Leaders What does it look like when the champions of years past become the leaders of today? Angela Logan, Ph.D., St. Andre Bessette Academic Director of the Master of Nonprofit Administration Program at the Mendoza College of Business, sits down for a fireside chat with Danielle Green ‘99, former ND Women’s Basketb…

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Women's Work, Part 4: What Makes Work Meaningful (A Feminist Intervention) 1:03:46

6M ago1:03:46

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Episode Topic: What Makes Work Meaningful (A Feminist Intervention) Why does care work feel fulfilling on some days, and infuriating on others? What could success look like if we divorce it from individualism and achievement? In this episode, listen in to a conversation with Paul Blaschko '19 Ph.D., Director of the Sheedy Family Program and assista…

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Shakespeare & Possibility, Part 9: Utopia and Sustainability 33:19

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Episode Topic: Utopia and Sustainability Uncover the connection between Shakespeare and the messy realities of building sustainable communities, utopias, and environmental futures. Listen in to a pre-show event from the August 31, 2024 performance of As You Like It, featuring Westin Smith, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Romance Languages and …