Tartan Talks

According to Forbes magazine, legal sales of cannabis in the U.S. hit a record $17.5 billion in 2020. With job growth projected to increase 161 percent by 2029, there’s a clear need for educated employees to work in a variety of cannabis-related fields. That’s why Edinboro University professor Dr. Sam Claster, from Sociology, has worked tirelessly over the past few years to develop a new certificate program in Cannabis Science. In today’s episode, we talk about some of the truths and myths behind the cannabis industry and how it can revolutionize the modern American economy. We’ll also chat about the new program, which combines the science of medical cannabis with the science of growing and manufacturing of the product and critical policy and compliance issues that the industry faces.

Recent government data show that nearly three out of every four children under the age of 18 participate in some sort of youth sport. With those numbers remaining steady through 2021, some professionals are taking a closer look at youth sport safety. As professional leagues such as the NFL and NBA become more physical and oftentimes aggressive, some parents have noticed youth athletes adapting to more advanced playing style. And that concerns athletic training professionals like Dr. Amy Eperthener from Edinboro Athletics – whose career is based on keeping athletes safe and healthy. In today’s episode of “Tartan Talks” we discuss issues and advancements in youth sports safety and where we go from here. Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In one year, Dr. Jim Roberts ran 7 marathons. He once completed marathons on 3 consecutive days. He has run a marathon in all 50 states – 49 of which he finished in less than 4 hours. Only one question comes to mind when chatting with a seasoned marathon runner like Dr. Roberts: Why? Whether it’s a test of personal perseverance or a hobby with friends, Dr. Roberts has found several reasons to complete the 26.2 mile race over and over again. On today’s episode, we discuss the reason he started running and how he trains and prepares himself for the grueling race. Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you’re an artist, sometimes looking back on your earliest work can be – well – somewhat embarrassing. But as Edinboro University professor Karabo Legwaila explains in today’s episode of “Tartan Talks,” that’s one of the best ways to improve as an artist. Karabo Legwaila joined the Art Department in the fall of 2016 as a professor of Computer Animation. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a lead technical animator and dynamics specialist. Originally from Botswana, Karabo received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Computer Animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He discusses what it’s like seeing your work in front of millions of people and how the field of animation has come a long way with inclusive culture. Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Information is out there. Look no further than the mobile device in your hands. In an instant, you have access to news stories and scientific research about topics from climate change to virus pandemics. But what happens when we encounter science and research that doesn’t fit with our own beliefs or preconceptions? Are we rigid to change? What will it take to reconsider our own opinions when presented with new information? Dr. Peter McLaughlin, from Edinboro’s Psychology Department, teaches critical thinking and research among his many classes for undergraduate students. He joins us today to discuss why some folks refuse to believe science and why some simply don’t know how or where to find reliable sources. He also gives us some advice on how to think critically about ideas that are presented to us.

We all have our hobbies. Some of us enjoy music and writing, others partake in woodworking or fashion. A growing percentage of Americans spend their downtime playing games on video gaming systems, computers and mobile phones. For nearly 10% of these gamers, the hobby has become more than recreation – it’s become an addiction. Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel, from Edinboro’s Social Work Department, joins us to discuss how we can identify and assess gaming disorders and how we can maintain healthy screen habits in a screen-dependent societyt. In addition to her work at Edinboro, Diez-Morel also owns and operates Reboot & Recover – a public charity dedicated to lessening the negative impact of technology in society. Learn more at https://rebootandrecover.org.

For the last 20 years, we have been warned not to believer everything we see or read on the internet. Today’s “Tartan Talks” guests explores that concept in today’s deep dive. Dr. Larry Downey has taught mathematics at Edinboro University since 2012. But in his research, he developed a software program that can detect false or doctored images that appear on the internet and in academic research. Dr. Downey joins us to discuss the field of image forensics and provides some examples of viral images that have turned out to be 100% fake. To view the video portion of the podcast – and see these images up close – visit the link in the notes.

Although you can't tell because of the snow squalls and sub-freezing temperatures, we are quickly approaching spring in Northwestern Pennsylvania. And with the anticipation of warmer weather, birds chirping and leaves returning to trees, many of us hit the books to recall the words of our favorite nature poets. Dr. Bob Hass, from Edinboro University's English & Philosophy Department, joins us today to discuss his lifelong quest to understand Robert Frost, his penchant for living outdoors and writing about it, and his predictions for the future of poetry. Hass is the author of "Going by Contraries: Robert Frost’s Conflict with Science" and the poetry collection, "Counting Thunder". He is currently co-editing "The Letters of Robert Frost" with Edinboro colleague Donald Sheehy for Harvard University Press.

It's Black History Month, and we're delivering you a special episode from Edinboro University's Black History Month programming. Although the Civil Rights Movement resulted in monumental legal changes for a country just 100 years removed from slavery, African Americans continue to experience bias, discrimination and prejudice at all levels of society. LGBTQ African Americans often live at the intersection of racism. In 2020, there was an unprecedented number of murders of trans or gender non-conforming people - the majority of which were black transgender women. This presentation will explore the intersection of gender and race and the implications for the social justice movement. This chat features Dena Stanley (CEO & founder TransYOUniting), Dr. Will Koehler and Dalen Hooks (Central Outreach Advocacy) and Dr. Adrienne Dixon (Edinboro Counseling Department). Find more programming at www.edinboro.edu/bhm.

It's a new year and a new opportunity to reach our goals and meet our personal expectations. However, in 2021, we are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of individuals impacted by this virus are still climbing. Not only that, but people around the globe are facing increasing mental health issues like stress, anxiety and depression. Dr. Julaine Field, from Edinboro's Counseling, School Psychology and Special Education – and a licensed professional counselor, joined us for "Tartan Talks" to discuss these concerns and some of the coping mechanisms we can adopt to get through this pandemic together. Edinboro University students who would like to make an appointment with on-campus Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), visit www.edinboro.edu/caps or call (814) 732-2252.

Erie is much more than the fourth largest city in Pennsylvania. From the food to the entertainment to the small businesses, Erie possesses a certain charm that ignites the spirit of locals and piques the nostalgia of those who have moved away. Dena Rupp and Corrine Kraus, two Edinboro University graphic design graduates, started a business to capture this spirit – Flagship City Press. The pair of entrepreneurs joined us on "Tartan Talks" to discuss their stationary and gift business and what it means to be competitive in the current marketplace. To view their entire catalogue of products and to learn more about their story, visit https://flagshipcitypress.com.

Attention: Gear heads, military service members, public servants and curious entrepreneurs. We have an episode of "Tartan Talks" for you. Angela Ambrose, 2002 graduate of Edinboro University and VP of Government Relations and Communications for GM Defense joins us to chat about the new Infantry Squad Vehicle – which is set to roll out soon. GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, is celebrating the first delivery of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) – a light and agile all-terrain troop carrier intended to transport a nine-Soldier infantry squad and their equipment. Ambrose chats with us about more than just the vehicle's 186-horsepower, 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Much more than its prototype – the 2020 Chevy Colorado. She digs into how she landed the role with GM Defense and how she used her education and experience from Edinboro to check off her career milestones. And, yes, what it feels like to drive (and be an anxious passenger in) the ISV.

Tyler Waltenbaugh and Hunter Klobucar understand the issues in the outdoors. Plastic and garbage pollution. Waterways willed with discarded materials from anglers and outdoors visitors. Instead of ignoring the issues, these two Edinboro University students (Tyler graduated in May 2020, and Hunter will graduate in May 2021) decided to do something about it. And start a business in the process. The pair founded Fish Gods, LLC and are launching the Clean Earth Bag, a reusable bag made specifically for outdoor enthusiasts to pick up, contain, and recycle plastic and garbage pollution they encounter while in the outdoors. The Clean Earth Bag eliminates the problems that come along with using trash bags, grocery bags, or any other home remedy you’ve been using to collect outdoor waste.  Tyler and Hunter joined "Tartan Talks" today to chat about their venture and what they're doing to clean the waterways for outdoor enthusiasts and future generations.

Sherry Kuiper is a storyteller. Ever since her graduation from Edinboro University, she has changed careers and found new hobbies. But the one constant in her life is connecting a genuine story to a curious audience. And that's what she does for a living now as a communications specialist at Fort Meade – one of the largest military communities by population. She hosts "Fort Meade Declassified," which tells stories of servicemembers and gives updates on the community. She joined "Tartan Talks" for a podcast about podcasting and a communication about communicating. Check out "Fort Meade Declassified" wherever you listen to podcasts (When you're finished with "Tartan Talks," that is.)

“It’s less about the drug of choice now and more about drug abuse. It’s more of a drug epidemic than it is an opioid epidemic right now. They’ll take anything they can get.” Alan McGill is a Senior Supervisory Special Agent – who has previously worked as an undercover narcotics agent – within Pennsylvania’s Office of the Attorney General. Agent McGill has been a professional investigator for over 30 years with 23 years in law enforcement. Today he joins “Tartan Talks” to discuss his experience as an undercover agent and recovery advocate – and share his thoughts on the future of the opioid epidemic. With more than three decades of experience, McGill earned his bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University in 2020.

If you're listening to this podcast right now, chances are you're quite familiar with technology. Maybe you're streaming on your smart phone, or you're listening to it with headphones on your computer. Whether you've expected it or not (and if you like it or not), technology has changed our lives permanently. And with the COVID-19 pandemic impacting our methods of communication, one area of our lives might never be the same: Education. Dr. Camille Dempsey, from Edinboro University's School of Education – and an education technology expert, joins us on "Tartan Talks" today to discuss how to survive virtual learning and how technological advances could impact our future.

As the world addressed the global COVID-19 pandemic, the United States endured one of the most contentious summers since 1968. On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black American man, was killed in Minneapolis, Minn., during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. From there, the #BlackLivesMatter movement activated with protests occurring across the country. Edinboro University's Rhonda Matthews, Ph.D. (History, Politics, Languages and Cultures Department) and Professor Julie Barry, MSW, (Social Work) joined "Tartan Talks" to discuss what happened this summer, where we are now, and what the ramifications are for the future. Note: This audio was taken from a YouTube livestream from Edinboro University. For more videos, visit www.youtube.com/edinborou.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Edinboro University's campus visits have shifted to virtual experiences. This tracks will help guide you on your driving tour of campus. To review these locations, visit www.edinboro.edu/tour.

As the Secretary of Health for Pennsylvania, Dr. Rachel Levine has the been the face of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Each day, she addresses thousands of Pennsylvanians with advice and news related to the virus. In 2017, Dr. Levine received an honorary doctorate from Edinboro and delivered the commencement address. She discussed how to be fearless when making big life decisions. She also advised the Class of 2017 to dedicate their life to service of others. As we celebrate the Class of 2020 and recognize Dr. Levine for her hard work and dedication, let's look back to her keynote address on today's "Tartan Talks."

How can you possibly put into words the impact of a lifetime of service to the United States Armed Forces. That's what we're going to try and do today, with interviews of two Edinboro University administrators with nearly 30 years of military experience between them. Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Kavanagh and Major Andrew Matt join "Tartan Talks" today to talk about their "A-ha" moment in the military, what it was like during boot camp and how to maintain lifelong relationships. Military personnel and veterans comprise a giant percentage of faculty, staff and students at Edinboro – and these two individuals represent the best qualities of leadership, commitment and loyalty that makes us proud to celebrate their accomplishments.