What are you afraid of? Abby is joined by Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Martin Antony, for a lesson on the psychology behind phobias. Dr. Antony begins by explaining how a phobia is different from a fear and discusses how they're diagnosed. He explores factors that can cause phobias, including evolution, genetics, and trauma. Later, Dr. Antony shares different treatment strategies available to people who suffer from phobias. Learn mor...
Jul 09, 2023•37 min
Abby takes us out for a lesson on the pickleball court! Director of Communication & Content at USA Pickleball Melissa Zhang joins Abby for a lesson about the gameplay and popularity of pickleball. Melissa shares a deep dive into the history and rules of pickleball and explains what listeners can expect if they want to try playing. She discusses what led to pickleball's surge in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating both the physical and social benefits of the sport. Later, Melissa...
Jul 02, 2023•31 min
It looks like we won't be back to our regularly scheduled programming for a while! Abby is joined by Media and Entertainment reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Joe Flint for a lesson about the Hollywood writers' strike. Joe breaks down the demands being made by the Writers Guild of America after they were unable to strike a contract deal with major studios. He explains what kinds of content platforms and shows are being affected by the strike, as well as how it's impacting other behind-the-sc...
Jun 25, 2023•34 min
This lesson is dedicated to all the amazing dads out there. Joining Abby in the classroom is her father, Jeff Hornacek, for a Father's Day celebration! Jeff gives listeners a glimpse into his life growing up and even shares some stories of the jobs he worked prior to his notable basketball career. Abby surprises her dad with a round of rapid-fire questions, where he answers once and for all who his favorite child is! Later, Jeff reflects on what being a dad means to him in a special Father's Day...
Jun 18, 2023•39 min
Joining Abby in the classroom is Retired FBI Special Agent John Iannarelli for a lesson about the duties and organization of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. John provides an overview of the history of the FBI and explains why the bureau was founded. He explains what a typical day at the FBI could look like and provides insight into what kinds of cases agents will investigate. Later, John shares stories from some of the unusual cases he encountered as a Special Agent. Learn more about your a...
Jun 11, 2023•35 min
What is Juneteenth? Abby revisits a lesson with Herbert G. Ruffin, Department Chair of African American Studies at Syracuse University, for a lesson on the holiday. Professor Ruffin explains the history of Juneteenth, how the holiday was honored by early freedmen, and how the celebration of this date has evolved through United States history. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 10, 2023•29 min
Time for a history lesson dedicated to the bravery of the Allied troops! Abby sits down with Military Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the National World War II Museum Dr. John Curatola for a lesson about the events that unfolded on D-Day. Dr. Curatola overviews the pivotal moments of World War II and explains the state of the United States military leading up to the attack on D-Day. He details the planning and preparation that went into D-Day and expl...
Jun 04, 2023•35 min
Time for a lesson on one of the most iconic family feuds in history! Abby is joined by Hatfield family descendent Amber Bishop, and McCoy family descendent Courtney McCoy-DeProspero for a lesson about the historic feud between the two families. Amber and Courtney look back into history to explain the context of the bitter rivalry between their two families. The duo also explains how blood ties and local politics brought the familial dispute all the way to the Supreme Court. Later, Amber and Cour...
May 28, 2023•42 min
Who was behind the college admissions scandal? Abby is joined by Wall Street Journal Higher Education Reporter and Co-Author of Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit & The Making Of The College Admissions Scandal, Melissa Korn for a lesson on the “Operation Varsity Blues” scandal. Melissa explains how college admissions counselor Rick Singer orchestrated the conspiracy that allowed wealthy parents to pay for their children to be accepted into elite schools. Melissa looks at the high-profile univer...
May 21, 2023•45 min
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Abby revisits a lesson with one of the founders of Power Yoga, Bryan Kest on "Mindfulness." Bryan helps define mindfulness, the development of muscle focus, and the benefits of meditation. Later, Bryan and Abby discuss plans and processes for people just beginning to start practicing mindfulness. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 20, 2023•30 min
Take me out to the ball game! Sports journalist, Lindsay Berra joins Abby for a lesson about the life and legacy of the iconic Yankees player and her grandfather, Yogi Berra. Lindsay shares memories of growing up with her Grandpa Yogi and discusses details about his service in the Navy during WWII. She also provides stories from his exceptional baseball career and the legacy of humility he leaves behind. Later, Lindsay discusses what it was like to create the new documentary on her grandfather’s...
May 14, 2023•33 min
This week’s lesson is about King Charles III's coronation! Co-host of TMZ’s Spilling The Royal Tea Podcast, Sean Mandell joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson about the purpose of a coronation. Sean looks back at some of the British royal family's past coronations and explains what viewers can expect from King Charles III's crowning. Later, he shares some of the drama surrounding the coronation, and what the role of the monarchy looks like in the United Kingdom today. Keep up with Abby after ...
May 06, 2023•38 min
This week’s lesson is on the economy! Director of Economic Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, Shai Akabas joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on the debt limit. Shai dives into the history behind the federal debt limit to explain why it was enacted, and how it's evolved throughout the years. Later, he discusses the politics behind the economic health of the country, and what taxpayers can expect as the default deadline approaches. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek...
Apr 30, 2023•33 min
How does genetic genealogy aid criminal investigations? Genetic genealogist, CeCe Moore joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on genetic genealogy. CeCe dissects how autosomal DNA has been used to aid criminal investigations, citing the November 2022 Idaho murders investigation. Later, CeCe reveals the limitations to genetic genealogy in criminal and familial research, while also highlighting how the science has evolved throughout the years. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHorn...
Apr 23, 2023•50 min
What is the future of A.I.? Abby looks back at a conversation with the Senior Fellow of Center Tech Innovation, Darrell West Abby in the classroom to help explain Artificial Intelligence. Darrell examines the origins of Artificial Intelligence, as well as the pros and cons of this technology. He also answers a question on the possibility of A.I. technologies developing morals and empathy as science advances. Later, Darrell reveals to Abby examples of artificial intelligence that we may not alway...
Apr 22, 2023•28 min
Why do the United States and China care so much about Taiwan? Former faculty fellow in National Security at the United States Department of Defense, Dr. Michael Beckley answers this as he joins Abby for a lesson on the One-China policy. Dr. Beckley illustrates a timeline of the United States' conditional yet tumultuous relationship with China. He also reveals the reason why the United States has a commitment to militarily support Taiwan in times of crisis. Later, Dr. Beckley provides insight int...
Apr 16, 2023•28 min
This week, Co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, Dr. Valerie Young joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on Impostor Syndrome. Dr. Valerie provides insight on how to identify if you're experiencing symptoms of impostor syndrome. She also examines the difference between "humble realists" and impostors and why people often conflate the two. Later, Dr. Valerie and Abby discuss the origins of impostor syndrome and the various types of "impostors." Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter...
Apr 09, 2023•40 min
This week, the Anchor of FOX News Sunday and Host of Livin The Bream podcast, Shannon Bream joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on the love stories of the Bible. Shannon reveals the inspiration behind her latest book The Love Stories of The Bible Speak and why she chose to highlight not only romantic love stories but platonic and familial love stories as well. She also provides insight from her theological studying of the Bible on what these biblical stories teach us about God’s influence o...
Apr 02, 2023•26 min
This week, FOX Business Anchor and Host of The Fearless and Proud Podcast, Gerri Willis joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on women of the Civil War. Gerri shares the inspiring stories of several women who were undercover soldiers, spies, and military recruiters during the Civil War and how they managed to serve their country, often without sparking suspicion. She also emphasizes how imperative it is to share and spotlight the stories of these iconic women to showcase how they’ve inspired ...
Mar 26, 2023•28 min
This week, Senior Writer for The Wall Street Journal, Jon Hilsenrath joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on how banks fail. Jon explains the red flags that alert to the possibility of bank failures and the relationship between the FDIC and the banking industry. Later, Jon emphasizes the negative impact of societal panic during the beginning stages of financial crises. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 19, 2023•29 min
This week, President and CEO of the National Constitution Center, Jeff Rosen joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on the Supreme Court. Jeff explains why and when SCOTUS was established and the roles of Chief Justice and Associate Justice. He also provides insight on landmark Supreme Court cases and cases to watch as opinions will begin being released in the late Spring of 2023. Later, to commemorate Women’s History Month, Jeff highlights the legacies of Justices, Sandra Day O’Connor and Rut...
Mar 12, 2023•37 min
This week, Abby revisits a lesson with the Anchor of FOX News Sunday and Host of the Livin The Bream podcast, Shannon Bream, on the women of the Bible. They discuss Shannon's book "The Women Of The Bible Speak" and what we can learn from the courageous and faith-filled stories of the women in the bible. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 11, 2023•31 min
This week, Chief Executive Officer of the National Academy of Social Insurance, Bill Arnone joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on social security. Bill discusses why social security was established and who is eligible to receive the benefits. He also reveals why the concern over the sustainability of social security benefits is discussed at the start of a new Congressional class. Later, Bill shares his thoughts on the future of social security. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @Ab...
Mar 05, 2023•34 min
This week, Fordham Law School professor and Author of The People's Courts, Jed Shugerman, Ph.D. joins Abby in the classroom to explain the role of the Department of Justice. Jed shares why the DOJ was established and the role it plays within the United States government. He also answers a question on the appointing of a special counsel and the role of the U.S. Attorney General. Later, Abby and Jed unpack how the DOJ holds the Executive Branch accountable for any evidence of corruption and the mi...
Feb 26, 2023•40 min
This week, the Author of With Billie: A New Look at the Unforgettable Lady Day, Julia Blackburn joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on the iconic Billie Holiday. Julia shares insight on the inspiration behind Lady Day's decision to go by the stage name Billie Holiday and the many ebbs and flows in her life and music career. Later, Abby asks Julia about Billie Holiday's song 'Strange Fruit' and how her legacy lives on today. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek Learn more ...
Feb 19, 2023•37 min
This week, Abby revisits a lesson with New York Times bestselling co-author of the graphic memoir series March, Andrew Aydin on the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis (D-GA). Andrew breaks down the many identities of Rep. John Lewis, from student, activist, and Congressman to legendary Civil Rights Movement leader. Later, Abby and Andrew discuss Rep. Lewis' involvement in The March on Washington and SNCC and what it means to cause "good trouble." Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: ...
Feb 18, 2023•44 min
This week, Author of the NY Times Best-selling series Who Were the Tuskegee Airmen? Sherri Smith joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on the heroic and valiant Tuskegee Airmen. Sherri reveals how the Tuskegee Airmen were formed and the origin of their nickname, the “Red Tail Angels.” Then, Abby asks Sherri a question on the validity behind claims that the Tuskegee Airmen encountered and investigated UFOs. Later, Sherri reflects on how the legacy of the first Black military aviators in the U....
Feb 12, 2023•41 min
This week, Astrophysicist and board member of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Robert Rosner joins Abby in the classroom to help explain the Doomsday Clock. Robert reflects on the origins of the Doomsday Clock and how the time is reevaluated at the beginning of every year by members of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists. Later, Robert emphasizes that the Doomsday Clock operates as a warning, not a confirmed countdown, to the ultimate human catastrophe. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitt...
Feb 05, 2023•34 min
This week, FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent, Chad Pergram joins Abby in the classroom to help explain the role of The Speaker of the House of Representatives. Chad reflects on why this past Speaker election was historic and the legislative need for a Speaker to govern over the 435 diverse members of Congress. Later, Chad explains to Abby the Speaker of the House's immense political influence within the chamber walls. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek Learn more a...
Jan 30, 2023•44 min
This week, the CEO of The Outloud Group, Brad Hoos joins Abby in the classroom to help explain the role of Influencers. Brad reveals why he believes influencers have been able to gain and sustain the trust of their audience. He also shares the importance of continuity and specificity in content creation. Later, Abby asks Brad what he perceives to be the greatest challenge to influencers as popularity for that career expands. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek Learn more abou...
Jan 22, 2023•44 min
