Enlighten Me - podcast cover

Enlighten Me

Texas State Universitywww.txst.edu
Education is more than the accumulation of knowledge. It’s the growth we experience when digging deep into the topics, systems, and ways of thinking that give flavor to life. Enlighten Me is dedicated to bringing listeners into the world of the unknown and providing meaningful insights into issues that affect us all. In each episode, we bring in researchers and experts from a wide range of fields to discuss a topic and how it relates to their industry. Part of the TXST Podcast Network: https://www.txst.edu/podcast-network.html
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Episodes

Man Enough: Rethinking Men’s Health

In this powerful episode, we dive into the topic of men's health. Exploring men's physical and mental health, and the importance of creating space for them to find support, this conversation shows how we can all make a difference. Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey or supporting someone else's, this episode is a reminder that being a man doesn't mean being silent.

May 22, 202548 minSeason 2Ep. 6

Growing Pains: Population, Transit, and Economics in Texas

From 2000 to 2022, Texas gained more than 9 million new residents. This population boom is reshaping nearly every aspect of life in the state—from housing and the economy to infrastructure and transportation. In this episode, we talk with TXST's Dr. Haiyong Liu and Dr. Billy Fields about how to navigate this rapid growth and what it means for Texas’ future.

Apr 17, 202549 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Women in Sports

Across pro and college sports in America, women’s sports and athletes are enjoying a bigger spotlight than ever before. Is it just a trendy culture moment or is the playing field finally starting to level out? On this episode of Enlighten Me, we look at the past, present and future of women in sports on the field, in media and behind the scenes.

Mar 26, 202550 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Dating in the Digital Age

Are we swiping toward love or just doomscrolling for a glimpse of romance? Listen to our latest episode of Enlighten Me, where we talk with #TXST faculty member Jessica James about the realities of dating apps

Feb 20, 202541 minSeason 2Ep. 3

AI at TXST: From Research to Reality

Discover how artificial intelligence is being studied and embraced at Texas State. In this episode, we dive deep with university faculty and staff to explore AI research, how it's being used across the university, and how it's shaping the future of education and the Bobcat community.

Nov 19, 202436 minSeason 2Ep. 2

Yes, Your Vote Matters

Before you go to the polls in November, join us on Enlighten Me for a look how voting become the center of citizen participation in government. We’re looking at the roots of voting in America, how has voting changed since the Founders’ generation? How does voting work in other countries? And most importantly, does your single vote really matter? (It absolutely does!) With Paul Hart, Director of the Center for International Studies and Michael Faber, Associate Professor, Department of Political S...

Sep 24, 202444 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Food + Identity

Your relationship to food can reflect your values, celebrate your community, or even broadcast your worldview. This month, Enlighten Me explores how what we put on our plate can be an insight into what’s in our soul. Interviews with Dr. Deborah Harris (Professor, Sociology), Dr. Lauren Butler (Assistant Professor, School of Family & Consumer Sciences) and Lindsey Menge (Senior Lecturer, School of Family & Consumer Science).

Jul 30, 202448 minSeason 1Ep. 10

The Soundscape of Texas & Beyond

What is Texas music and how does it affect local and national culture? Dr. Joseph Kotarba discusses music experiences across the life course, Dr. Kevin Mooney talks music and identity, and Jason Mellard the importance of Texas music history. Listen to the songs mentioned, plus more Texas Music here !

Jun 25, 202453 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Then, Now & NEXT

On the next episode of Enlighten Me, we’re delving into the past, present, and future of Texas State to celebrate our 125th anniversary with Texas State Librarian Margaret Vaverek, TXST Chief Research Officer Shreek Mandayam, and Texas State President Kelly Damphousse. We’re retracing how we’ve grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of Texas through the decades and looking forward to see how Texas State is working today to shape our tomorrow. Explore more TXST history at https://125.txst.e...

May 28, 202443 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Deep in the Heart of Texas: Investigating Teacher Turnover

We delve into the pressing issue of teacher turnover in Texas. Hear from educators and researchers on the front lines as they explore potential solutions to this critical challenge facing education in the Lone Star State. We converse with TXST's Dr. Millie Cordaro, Dr. Priscilla Goble, and Dr. Michael O'Malley.

Apr 30, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Let’s Play: Why Do We Love Sports?

This month on Enlighten Me, we’re shining the light on what humans get out of our obsession with sports of all kinds, from looking at the re-invigorated fan culture at Texas State sparked by our football team's first bowl winning season, to the social and economic impact of sports fandom across our global culture, and how communities built around sports can be healthy for humans.

Feb 27, 202440 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Mind, Body, Spirit: Navigating Wellness in 2024

In this episode of Enlighten Me, we connect with TXST faculty to discuss the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, especially as we enter the new year.

Jan 30, 202449 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Healthy Nurses, Healthy You

Nurses are often the faces, and the literal hands, of hands-on healthcare. This month on Enlighten Me, we talk to nurses and other care providers about how the last three years have impacted the way they approach their work, and they reveal some the ways they help keep our communities healthy every day.

Nov 28, 202348 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Without a Trace: The Ghosting Phenomenon

We delve into the haunted world of ghosting, where relationships fade away like spirits in the night. Join us as we explore the phenomena of these sudden disappearances.

Oct 31, 202353 minSeason 1Ep. 3

A Jury of Your Peers

Trial by jury of your peers…it’s one of the pillars of our legal system, a fundamental American right. But what exactly do those words mean? Is jury duty a burden, an obligation or a privilege? Let’s shed some light on how the jury system works!

Sep 26, 202358 minSeason 1Ep. 2

Ripples on the Water

The Hill Country Studios is coming to San Marcos — what does this mean for the community and our beloved river? TXST experts weigh in on the ripple effects this growth can have on San Marcos and beyond.

Aug 29, 202344 minSeason 1Ep. 1

Introducing the TXST Podcast Network

The TXST Podcast Network . Real stories from our expert faculty and amazing students, exploring important ideas for Texas and sharing how we’re shaping what comes NEXT. New episodes released weekly.

Jun 29, 20232 min
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