The Good: Recent Episodes

Dickinson College

The Good from Dickinson College shares stories about students, professors and alumni. Each month, we'll hear from college interim President John E. Jones III, stretch your mind with a brain teaser and connect with what's good at Dickinson.

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We’ll talk with Tony Boston, Dickinson’s inaugural Chief Diversity Officer. “Diversity, equity and inclusion work is for everyone,” Boston says. “I want to invite as many voices into this conversation as possible because we all have stories to tell and experiences and backgrounds to contribute to this work.”

Plus, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Data Analytics Jeff Forrester brings us a new puzzle question, and President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 discusses the latest leg of the Dickinson Forward tour.

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We visit Dickinson’s recent International Climate Symposium, where hundreds of students engaged in meaningful sessions with world-class experts on climate science and policy, including authors from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The event is part of Dickinson’s annual Rose-Walters Prize for Environmental Activism, which honored the IPCC this year.

Plus, the puzzler returns with a new question, and President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 discusses the Dickinson Forward tour and his message to Dickinsonians near and far.

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We take a trip to the roof of Tome Hall, where Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Allyssa Decker and Riley Kuehn ’23 (environmental science) have installed a small green roof pilot project.

Plus, President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 reflects on his recent inauguration and discusses what’s next for the college.

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We meet Erin Lowe ’23, the first Dickinsonian to earn a prestigious Truman Scholarship, which supports the next generation of public service leaders.

Plus, we’ll head to the theater to find the answer to puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester’s latest puzzler.

Also, President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 reflects on the Class of 2022’s Commencement.

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We visit Dickinson College Farm Works, a new store that brings education, entrepreneurship and farm-to-table food from Dickinson’s organic College Farm directly to downtown Carlisle, Pa.

Plus, we’ll reveal the mystery place from our last episode, and puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester has a new theatrical clue. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag!

Also, President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 tells us how the college’s recent successes keep stacking up, and how he plans to keep the momentum going.

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We chat with the Rev. Yvette Davis, the director of Dickinson College’s Popel Shaw Center for Race & Ethnicity. We’ll hear about her leadership background in diversity, equity and inclusion work and her vision for sharing that expertise at Dickinson.

Plus, Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s question and has a new poetic puzzle looking for a place. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag!

Also, President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 discusses his vision for the college, including its new strategic plan, and how he plans to connect with alumni.

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In this episode, we meet Dickinson students Katya Egorova ’22 and Pamela Ortiz ’22, computer science majors who brought Girls Who Code to campus. We’ll hear how the group that aims to close the gender gap in tech is thriving by offering technical know-how, support and a unique space for women in STEM.

Plus, Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s question and has a new puzzle that will have you hunting for a trailblazer. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag!

Also, interim President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 updates us on The Campaign for Scholarships: Change a Life—Change the World and the college’s new All Devils Rise campaign in support of our student-athletes.

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In this episode, we tag along with Sunrise Movement co-founder Varshini Prakash during her three-day residency as part of The Sam Rose ’58 and Julie Walters Prize for Environmental Activism. We’ll hear how her grassroots organizing skills are inspiring others to combat climate change across the country.

Plus, Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s question and has a new puzzle about a game of chance. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag!

Also, interim President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 discusses The Campaign for Scholarships: Change a Life—Change the World and the college’s renaming of two facilities.

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We dive into Data Analytics, Dickinson’s newest academic program. We’ll explore how the major brings Dickinson’s unique liberal-arts approach to this blend of math, computer science, economics and philosophy. Hear from students, professors and an alumnus who is helping highlight the new program.

Plus, Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s poetic question and has a new puzzle guaranteed to fight bad breath. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag!

Also, interim President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 discusses the Reynolds Leadership Scholar Program and his recent trip to the Eradicate Hate Global Summit.

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We go inside the Knowledge for Freedom program through Dickinson’s House Divided Project. The unique summer residential program, funded by a grant from the Teagle Foundation, is giving traditionally underserved high school students a head start on college while exploring the history of freedom and democracy through the fight against slavery.

Plus, Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s question and has a poetic inquiry for you. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag!

Also, interim President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11 discusses his return to Carlisle and the Dickinson Forward initiative.

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We’ll discuss the transition of leadership from Dickinson College President Margee Ensign to incoming Interim President John E. Jones III ’77, P’11. Ensign will be returning to the presidency of the American University of Nigeria, while Jones will resign from the bench as chief judge of the U.S. Middle District of Pennsylvania. He will also leave his position as chair of Dickinson’s Board of Trustees to become interim president.

Plus, leaders of Carlisle’s Community Action Network, or CAN, share the impact President Ensign has had on the local community. You can listen to our podcast about CAN’s public health initiative during the height of the pandemic.

Also, Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s question and sends you looking for an “American Picker” in his latest puzzle, and members of the Class of 2021 share what they’ll be doing post-Commencement.

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Hear about Dickinson’s unique approach to career development that starts before students even set foot on campus. We’ll explore the strength of Dickinson’s alumni network and hear career launch stories from a current student and a recent graduate.

Plus, Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s question and gears up for a bicycle race in his latest puzzle, and President Margee Ensign shares information on the college’s Commencement plans.

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In the second of a series of features with you alumni journalists, we talk with Fabiola Cineas ’12, staff writer at Vox covering race. We’ll discuss her reporting on one of the most important and sensitive beats in America, and we’ll dive into her career journey, which has included stops as a magazine business editor and language arts teacher. Dickinson’s English Department recently named her the 2021 Cogan Alumni Fellow.

Also in this episode: Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s question, and sets you on a hunt down the road less traveled. Plus, President Margee Ensign shares what makes her hopeful this spring. And, in a bonus segment, Dickinson Professor of Creative Writing and Poet-in-Residence Adrienne Su reads from her latest published collection.

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In the first of a series of features with alumni journalists, we talk with Siobhán O’Grady ’13, who was recently named Cairo bureau chief for the Washington Post.

Also in this episode: Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals why you should watch your step on campus, and his latest question takes us to the college solar farm. Plus, President Margee Ensign discusses Dickinson’s role in COVID vaccine rollout.

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We talk with Professor of Psychology Marie Helweg-Larsen and alumnae Laurel Peterson ’06 and Sarah DiMuccio ’15 about their research into what predicts coronavirus risk perceptions. Peterson is an associate professor of psychology and Bryn Mawr College and DiMuccio is pursuing her doctorate at NYU.

Also in this episode: Puzzlemaster and Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester returns with a new question. President Margee Ensign discusses Dickinson’s new master’s program in managing complex disasters and reopening at the start of the spring semester.

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Hear how Dickinson and the Carlisle Community Action Network founded by President Margee Ensign are leading a new public health initiative to fight the spread of COVID-19. Plus, President Ensign updates us on Dickinson’s 2021 plans.

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We chat with Dickinson alumni and Baltimore Orioles baseball broadcasters Brett Hollander ’07 and Geoff Arnold ’10, who share tales of their journey from calling Red Devils games on WDCV to the big leagues. Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s puzzler and has a new question involving academic integrity. And, President Margee Ensign updates us on Dickinson’s 2021 plans and discusses the college’s recent sustainability accolades, including an EPA grant for the College Farm.

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We explore the Dickinson Antiracism Project and its goals. Plus, our puzzler is back! Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester has a new challenge to start the school year. And, we’ll hear from President Margee Ensign about Dickinson’s new test-blind admissions policy. and preliminary plans for next semester.

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We’ll hear from President Margee Ensign about Dickinson’s decision to pursue remote instruction for the fall semester and the college’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll also explore the Center for Civic Learning and Action’s Civic Action Internship program to hear how Dickinson students have been helping the Carlisle community all summer long.

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We begin this episode with a special message from President Margee Ensign and Provost and Dean of the College Neil Weissman regarding Dickinson’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ll also pull back the curtain on “Decision Release Day,” the moment prospective students learn they’ve been accepted to Dickinson. And Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the highly logical answer to last episode's puzzler while keeping you on your toes with a new question. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu by April 13, 2020, for a chance to win Dickinson swag.

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In this episode, we explore competition in the performing arts by visiting with the Dickinson theatre & dance and music programs. Plus, Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals Caesar’s connection to last episode’s puzzler and tests your logic circuits with his latest question. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu by March 9, 2020, for a chance to win Dickinson swag. Plus, President Margee Ensign joins us to chat about Dickinson’s recognition for community engagement work.

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Many of us aspire to take better care of our financial lives. In this episode, we look at how Dickinsonians are charting a course for a financially fit future with International Business and Management Lecturer Joy Middaugh’s unique first-year-seminar called “Paying the Game of Life.” Then, Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s puzzler, and you may have to break out your salad fork to answer his latest question. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu by Feb. 10, 2020, for a chance to win Dickinson swag. Plus, we discuss paying for college with Director of Financial Aid Leah Young.

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We join Dickinson College ROTC Cadets in the Blue Mountain Battalion on a training exercise, and we learn how ROTC deepens the liberal-arts experience. Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s puzzler, and his new question asks you to “rise to the challenge.” Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu by Dec. 31, 2019, for a chance to win Dickinson Swag. Plus, President Margee Ensign tells us about Dickinson’s leadership in fostering civilian-military cooperation.

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We hear how behavior change can impact climate change during a visit to the BE.Hive On Campus summit at Dickinson. Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the answer to last episode’s puzzler, and his new question takes us into the world of ideas. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu by Nov. 4, 2019, for a chance to win Dickinson Swag. Plus, President Margee Ensign tells us how three recent happenings underscore Dickinson’s leadership in global education.

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Meet Rabbi Marley Weiner, the first full-time director of Dickinson’s Milton B. Asbell Center for Jewish Life. Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester unveils the “giants” we were looking for in last episode’s puzzler, and he has a new question involving cash and a comic book. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu by Oct. 7, 2019, for a chance to win Dickinson Swag. Plus, we check in on the Revolutionary Challenge as we ask a Dickinson alumnus innovator how ideas grow.

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Dickinson's Pre-Orientation Adventures are two-and-a-half-day, theme-intensive experiences for groups of 8 to 15 incoming students. We talk with a student adventure leader and with the program's organizer to find out what the class of 2023 is doing in its first days on campus. Plus, we meet the Dickinsonian who composed our podcast's new theme song. Also in this episode: Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals the "secret identity" of last episode's puzzler, and he has a new trivia question. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. Plus, President Margee Ensign reflects on a busy summer and the value of global education.

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Ed Ricourt recently visited campus for the annual Poitras-Gleim Lecture. We caught up with the award-winning screenwriter during his time in Carlisle to discuss how an independent study course with Professor of Theatre Todd Wronski led to his career. Plus, Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester reveals last month's trivia answer, and he has you looking for a "mystery man" in the latest quiz question. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. President Margee Ensign reflects on Dickinson's recent Fulbright success. And members of the Class of 2019 tell us what they'll be doing in Life Beyond the Limestone.

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We travel to the snowy mountains of Colorado where a team of Dickinson researchers is learning more about rattlesnake dens using ground-penetrating radar. Plus, Prof. Jeff Forrester reveals last month's trivia answer, and he has a new question about who gets the "last word" at commencement. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. And, President Margee Ensign has a challenge for all Dickinsonians.

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In this episode, we meet students researching the college's connections to American slavery and hear some of the stories they've uncovered through the Dickinson & Slavery exhibit at the House Divided Project. Plus, Prof. Jeff Forrester reveals last month's trivia answer and has a "cool" new question. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. And, President Margee Ensign discusses Dickinson's latest international accolade.

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We talk with media mogul and finance titan Amy Nauiokas '94 about how her time at Dickinson prepared her for success on Wall Street and in Hollywood. Plus, we find out who Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester was looking for in last month’s trivia segment – he’ll serve up a new question, too. Email your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag.

Plus, President Margee Ensign reflects on Dickinson’s Fulbright Scholarship success.

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We visit a practice session with the Dickinson College men's and women's squash teams as the program marks its fifth season and welcomes a new coach. Also, math professor Jeff Forrester is looking for a certain group in this month's puzzle. Email your guess to thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. Plus, President Margee Ensign explains why she loves sports and tells us what she's looking forward to in 2019.

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We talk with Dickinson College student Sophie Kivlehan about her involvement in a landmark federal lawsuit over climate change. Also, Associate Professor of Mathematics Jeff Forrester serves up a breakfast beverage brain buster. (Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag.) And, President Margee Ensign reflects on the importance of civic engagement on campus and beyond.

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We ride along with a Dickinson College admissions staff member on a visit to prospective students. Plus, the dean of admissions offers tips for "finding your fit" at college. Prof. Jeff Forrester has a new brain teaser - it's a real "toss-up." Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. And, President Margee Ensign has a challenge for alumni.

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We travel to Iceland with Dickinson College researchers who've earned the title "National Geographic Explorers" while working on a climate change investigation. Plus, we reveal the answer to last season's trivia question that sent you looking for a star athlete with a Carlisle connection. Prof. Jeff Forrester has a new brain teaser for bookworms. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. And President Margee Ensign discusses student-faculty research and the college's recent sustainability accolades.

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Join us for a conversation with TV comedy writer and Dickinson alumna Lauren Ashley Smith ’06. Smith was head writer for “The Rundown with Robin Thede” on BET. She has also written for shows on VH1 and Bravo. Plus, we unveil last season’s trivia answer and get a new brain teaser from Prof. Jeff Forrester. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. And President Margee Ensign discusses Dickinson student internships and how alumni are helping make internships happen.

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We travel to the campus of Northwestern University for a conversation with renowned chemist, nanotechnology pioneer and Dickinson alumnus Chad Mirkin ’86. We unveil the answer to last month’s brain teaser and Prof. Jeff Forrester serves up a riddle for this month’s question. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. Plus, we hear what some members of the class of 2018 are doing after Commencement. And, President Margee Ensign discusses the value of a Dickinson degree.

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In this episode, we join Dickinson College students using ground-penetrating radar to search for unmarked grave sites. The project combines science, history and civic engagement. Then, our trivia segment sends you on a treasure hunt for a connection between Dickinson's founder and a U.S. president. Send your answer to thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. Plus, President Margee Ensign discusses how alumni can support current Dickinson students.

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We discuss baseball, leadership and more with Dickinson College alumnus and Philadelphia Phillies President Andy MacPhail. Then, we stretch our minds with a brain teaser from math & computer science professor Jeff Forrester. Know the answer? Email thegood@dickinson.edu for a chance to win Dickinson swag. Plus, President Margee Ensign joins us, as she will each episode.

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Listen to “The Good” from Dickinson College. Our monthly podcast shares stories from students, professors, alumni and friends of Dickinson. We’ll stretch your mind with a brain teaser, and we’ll sit down regularly with Dickinson President Margee Ensign. Subscribe to “The Good” where you get podcasts, and hear what’s good at Dickinson.