Discovering Academia

Why do humans everywhere tell stories, make music, and believe in the unseen? Professor Manvir Singh, an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at UC Davis, dedicates his research to understanding why human societies around the world develop such recurring traditions – from shamanism and religion to music and legal systems.

In this episode, join us on a journey through the heart of human culture as Professor Singh shares insights from his immersive fieldwork with the Mentawai people of Indonesia. We dive deep into his investigations into shamanism, exploring how these ancient practices help people create order out of chaos, and uncover the complex and significant role altered states of consciousness and psychedelics have played in human societies for millennia. Tune in to explore what makes these traditions stick and how these powerful experiences have profoundly shaped what it means to be human!

For more information, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/manvir-singh

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

Today we talk with Anita Oberholster, cooperative extension specialist in enology at UC Davis. Her research focuses on viticulture practices, environmental factors, and how the process of wine making impacts wine composition and quality. In this episode, we start off with a brief overview of wine and the industry before diving deeper into how smoke and wildfires impact grapes. We explore all things smoke taint – what it is (both at a molecular and sensory level), how it gets into wine, and what can be done to prevent it.

For more information, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/anita-oberholster

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

#083 - Homa Bahrami: Super-Flexibility, Agile Organizations, & The Evolution of Silicon Valley

In this episode, we talk with Homa Bahrami, Senior Lecturer at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, about how leaders and organizations can thrive in constant change. We explore her concept of super-flexibility—the ability to balance stability with adaptability—through insights drawn from decades of research in Silicon Valley.

From the dot-com boom to the AI revolution, Homa breaks down what it takes to lead in a fluid world. Whether you're launching a startup or navigating a corporate career, her advice on mindset, mentorship, and agility is timely and actionable.

For more information about this episode, see our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/homa-bahrami

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

Today we talk with Jodie Sun, Senior Lecturer in Modern African and Global History at Fudan University and Visiting Scholar at Stanford University’s Center for African Studies. Her research focuses on international relations history between Africa and China, particularly Kenya and Zambia during the Cold-War era. In this episode we discuss the origin of China’s relationship with Africa and how that dynamic has evolved over the decades. We also compare the United States’ approach to foreign aid in Africa and examine the “new scramble” for political influence and resource access in Africa.

See more information and resources on our website: https://www.discoveringacademia.com/episodes/jodie-sun

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.

Explore the fascinating world of marine science in our latest podcast episode featuring Professor Tessa Hill. She takes us on a journey through coastal areas, highlighting the significance of studying the ocean's depths and mapping the ocean floor. Tessa's research delves into the impact of climate change on our oceans, particularly focusing on ocean acidification caused by rising CO2 levels.

Dive into the techniques and methods her team employs to understand these changes and their effects on shell-building organisms and seagrass meadows. Tessa sheds light on the challenges of managing vast data sets, touching on funding and logistical hurdles while emphasizing the importance of industry-academia collaboration.

Join the conversation as we uncover the far-reaching consequences of climate change on ecosystems like coral reefs and coastal estuaries. Learn about the importance of preserving habitats like seagrass meadows and salt marshes. Plus, gain insights into how we can all make a difference through education, outreach, and local engagement. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of our oceans and take action for a brighter, more sustainable future!

This presentation is a service of Discovering Academia, and all information presented is for commercial and informational purposes only. Discovering Academia provides no assurances as to the accuracy or completeness of the information presented and possesses no actual knowledge of any topic presented. Any opinions expressed in this presentation are solely attributed to each individual asserting the same and do not reflect the opinion of Discovering Academia.