The Portable Humanist Podcast Series
Listen to Vermont Humanities talks and learn when you’re on the go.Episodes
Meg Mott on “The Glorious Occupation” of Citizenship
We speak with Meg Mott—political theory professor, constitutional scholar, and the moderator at Putney’s town meeting—about the ongoing threats to Vermont’s town meeting tradition.
Let’s Talk Antiracism
Dr. Laura Jiménez joins Vermont State Librarian Jason Broughton to examine ways to lead effective discussions centered on diversity and antiracism.
Author Tim Wise on “Our Nation’s Blinkered History of Itself”
Tim Wise, one of the leading anti-racist writers and educators in the country, gave a stirring keynote presentation at the St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Burlington for a ceremony remembering the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Pulitzer Winner David Moats on Marriage Equality and Reporting in Vermont
Yvonne Daley interviews David Moats, her former colleague from the Rutland Herald, about Moats’ series of Pulitzer Prize-winning editorials on the divisive issues arising from civil unions for same-sex couples.
A Conversation with Katherine Paterson about “My Brigadista Year.”
Katherine Paterson, the author of “Bridge to Terabithia,” “The Great Gilly Hopkins” and other beloved books, joins Vermont Humanities Executive Director Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup to talk about her trips to Cuba and her 2017 Young Adult novel, “My Brigadista Year.“
Meg Mott on the 19th Amendment
To kick off our Fall Conference 2020, professor Meg Mott considers two visions for the women’s suffrage movement, and describes the path to the 19th Amendment.
Words in the Woods with James Crews
Poet James Crews reads and discusses his poetry at Jamaica State Park for our Words in the Woods series. He offers several writing prompts for those inspired by his words.
Tips for Making Friends as an Adult
Ryan Kriger, author of “How to Make Friends as an Adult,” describes the approach he used to develop a group of friends after moving to Montpelier from New York City. He also shares advice for maintaining friendships, even during a pandemic.
Words in the Woods with Geof Hewitt
Poet Geof Hewitt reads and discusses his poetry at Elmore State Park for our new Words in the Woods series.
The Surprising History of Common Garden Vegetables
Science and history writer Rebecca Rupp discusses the stories behind many of our favorite garden vegetables, including Vermont’s own Gilfeather turnip and Early Rose potato.
How to Boost Your Psychological Resilience in a Crisis
Audio: Amherst College psychology professor Catherine Sanderson examines what research in psychology tells us about how adverse events – such as a global pandemic – can lead to some positive outcomes.
Politics and Proverbs from Mud Season
We’d like to share this “Mud Season” episode about politics and proverbs, which features Wolfgang Mieder, a professor of German and folklore at UVM. Wolfgang is the author of several books about proverbs, including one on Vermont proverbs in particular: “Talk Less and Say More.”
Writing the Life of Frederick Douglass
David Blight is one of the foremost authorities on the Civil War and its legacy. In 2019, he won the Pulitzer Prize for History for his biography “Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom.” Here he discusses Douglass’s life and explains why he calls him “The prose poet of American democracy.”
Katherine Paterson on Bridge to Terabithia
Katherine Paterson is the author of more than 30 books, including 16 novels for children and young people. She has twice won the Newbery Medal, for “Bridge to Terabithia” in 1978 and for “Jacob Have I Loved” in 1981. In this episode, she discusses and reads from “Bridge to Terabithia.”
We Are All Fast Food Workers Now: A Conversation with Annelise Orleck
Labor historian and Dartmouth professor Annelise Orleck is the author of “We Are All Fast Food Workers Now,” which provides a close look at globalization and its costs. She interviewed berry pickers, fast food servers, garment workers, hotel housekeepers and others who are fighting for respect, safety, and a living wage.
Daybreak Express: Reuben Jackson on Duke Ellington
Many Vermonters know Reuben Jackson as the host of Vermont Public Radio’s Friday Night Jazz. In this episode, Jackson shares some evocative Duke Ellington recordings, and discusses Ellington’s love for trains. He also describes the Ellington orchestra’s work in the segregated United States.
How the Great Migration Changed American History
In the early 20th century, black southerners fled racial violence and sharecropping for steady work in northern cities like New York and Chicago. But these migrants still faced challenges once they arrived. In this talk, Dr. Harvey Amani Whitfield explores the Great Migration and its great influence on American history.
Making Rumble Strip in My Closet
Erica Heilman’s podcast Rumble Strip covers a range of Vermont-related topics, from mental health, hunger, and homelessness to deer hunting, cheerleading, and donut shops. In this talk, Heilman discusses the interview process and shares stories from her podcast, which she describes as “extraordinary conversations with ordinary people. Or that’s the goal.”
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