Humanity Matters Most

by University of Houston | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Tune in for conversations with powerful minds from the University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. In each episode, you will hear fascinating stories showcasing research projects that are preserving and empowering humanity.

Whether you're a scholar or just curious about how we study the human experience, this podcast will give you an inside look on projects impacting various aspects of society -- ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • How Do Childhood Experiences Impact College Students' Eating Habits?

    How Do Childhood Experiences Impact College Students' Eating Habits?

    In this episode of "Humanity Matters Most," researchers Sheila Katz and Cynthia Yoon, delve into how childhood experiences affect college students' eating habits. They explore the long-term implications of these findings and discuss future research directions, including the study of immigrant populations and acculturation stress.

  • Translating Humanity: Language, Culture and the Impact of Translation

    Translating Humanity: Language, Culture and the Impact of Translation

    In this episode of "Humanity Matters Most," experts Richard Armstrong and Max Rayneard discuss the challenges and impacts of translating Homer's epics. They explore notable translations like Emily Wilson’s "Odyssey," the publication of which coincided with the #MeToo movement, and JPJ Van Rensburg's 1954 Afrikaans prose adaptation, examining how these translations do more than change words—they shape how we see cultural identities. Tune in to learn about the complexities involved in translating ancient texts into modern languages and how these translations bridge the gap between historical legacies and current cultural contexts.

  • Featuring Center for Public History: Historians at Work

    Featuring Center for Public History: Historians at Work

    Check out the podcast from out partners at the Center for Public History, Public Historians at Work, where they explore how historians leverage the past outside of the university as artists, activists, and community members to help make the WORLD a better place. Season 3 of the podcast is dedicated to highlighting the innovative public-facing projects of UH faculty, students and staff. Check out their archive to hear more student-researched and written shows, including our new series, Immigrant Stories, which investigates the diverse peoples who have made Houston their home.

  • The Punishment Puzzle: Finding Dignity in Justice

    The Punishment Puzzle: Finding Dignity in Justice

    In this episode of "Humanity Matters Most," Jeffrey Church and Robert Tierney discuss the justice system. They explore the theory of punishment, focusing on retribution and its role in expressing the value of the victim relative to the offender. Tierney argues that punishment should counteract the criminal's message of domination, restoring balance and reaffirming the dignity of individuals within a community. The dialogue also addresses the practical aspects of the justice system, such as legal representation and procedural rights, and concludes with Tierney's aspirations to further develop his ideas into an article and examine the relationship between mercy and justice.

  • The Mystery of Communication Impairments Post-Stroke with Dean Dan O'Connor and Dr. Peggy Blake

    The Mystery of Communication Impairments Post-Stroke with Dean Dan O'Connor and Dr. Peggy Blake

    In this episode of "Humanity Matters Most," Dr. Peggy Blake discusses her research on the impact of strokes on speech and theory of mind. She explains the role of the brain's hemispheres in language and communication, and the challenges faced after a right-sided stroke, including issues with nonverbal cues and relationships. Dr. Blake's study focuses on how theory of mind deficits evolve over time and their relationship with communication impairments. The conversation also covers the difficulties in diagnosing and treating communication issues post-stroke, emphasizing the need for standardized approaches to address these complex challenges.