What Are You Going to Do with That?

by Scott Muir

This podcast from the National Humanities Alliance explores everyday folks’ decisions to study the humanities as undergraduates and their pathways to fulfilling careers. It is designed for students drawn to study the humanities in college who might be concerned about what that might mean for their career. It's also for those who advise such students, whether as parents or professionals. The stories in this podcast debunk wid ... 

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Podcast episodes

  • Season 2

  • Make a Life and a Living

    Make a Life and a Living

    In this episode, Walter Cabal shares how studying philosophy helped him to forge his own path and build a career that integrates passions for writing, design, and craft. After college, Walter built his own craft leather goods business while continuing to hone his writing skills through a variety of freelance assignments. Today, he works as a university communications editor to convey the value of higher education while continuing Cabal Crafted. Walter credits his philosophical education not only with providing the skills to advance along these parallel paths, but the courage and confidence to persevere through challenges and build a meaningful life that is all his own. You can access a transcript of this episode here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jsdu8DQE7t23MpKZQCqsio-smEG4jKLz/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110878728063507102512&rtpof=true&sd=true

  • Provide Culturally Competent Care

    Provide Culturally Competent Care

    In this episode, emergency medicine physician Tom Grosheider describes how he draws on his humanities background every day as he provides culturally competent care to members of the Navajo and Hopi tribes at Tuba City Regional Hospital. Tom’s story shows how a strong background in the humanities helps doctors to empathize with patients and adjust their communication and treatment to better address systemic inequalities. You can access a transcript of this episode here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CWsxk7fp-0v83rRbAJQJ4Rf3imngOvO9/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110878728063507102512&rtpof=true&sd=true

  • Cultivate Community Amidst Disaster

    Cultivate Community Amidst Disaster

    Meet Emma Haberman, Director of Special Projects at World Central Kitchen, a non-profit that mobilizes a vast network of chefs and volunteers to provide quality meals to communities in the wake of various disasters. Emma shares how studying art history and French in college honed her curiosity and ethical sensibilities and ultimately led to a fulfilling career forwarding causes she believes in. Learn how Emma draws on her humanities background as she works with resourcefulness and hospitality to respond to the human suffering brought on by the increase in catastrophic events resulting from climate change. You can access a transcript of this episode here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-2LvK895_DEY1ySnO4ZxuyIBwgy3aQtl/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110878728063507102512&rtpof=true&sd=true

  • Combat Structural Racism

    Combat Structural Racism

    In this episode, Brandon Williams describes how his African American studies major and English minor opened up new possibilities for his life and career. His story shows how deep reflection on the legacy of racism in the United States in humanities classrooms can prepare you to play a role in building a brighter and more equitable future. Learn how Brandon is applying the knowledge and skills he gained in college to make positive change in his community and beyond as a consultant for Frontline Solutions. You can access a transcript of this episode here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ASBr_avld38cpiLlJYNii-4bLoKTOh1T/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110878728063507102512&rtpof=true&sd=true

  • Elevate Cultural Institutions

    Elevate Cultural Institutions

    Meet Hannah Hethmon, founder of Better Lemon Creative Audio and creator of more than a dozen podcasts that make the crucial work of cultural organizations come alive. Hannah describes how pursuing her love of literature and history cultivated the passion, skills, and drive necessary to build a successful and fulfilling enterprise, one that elevates the work of organizations she cherishes. Her story shows how studying the humanities positions you to seize unanticipated professional opportunities as they emerge. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h7UwAQJJkqQc3tB05_NJCNz1NPGqU-cw/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110878728063507102512&rtpof=true&sd=true