Being Modern, Being Human: Recent Episodes
Inna Logunova
Being Modern, Being Human is a podcast about the world we live in and its transformations: from the eternal questions of human existence and current social challenges to artificial intelligence and the mysteries of nature. Writer and journalist Inna Logunova explores the spirit of our times together with inspiring minds and deep thinkers: philosophers, sociologists, journalists, artists, writers, scientists, and many others.
How do the mechanisms of racial inequality adapt and persist in social media and other aspects of virtual communication? What are the ways to resist racism online? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Rob Eschmann—a writer, educator, filmmaker, and scholar from the University of Chicago, whose research centers around racism and inequality online. We discuss his recently released book, 'When the Hood Comes Off: Racism and Resistance in the Digital Age.”
To learn more about Dr. Rob Eschmann:
https://www.robeschmann.com/
Born in Saudi Arabia, Mashael Alanizi has been living in the UK for many years. Coming from a family of doctors and has medical training herself. Together with her sister, she runs Wisal, a London-based company that focuses on creating cultural awareness in healthcare, helping patients from the East and doctors from the West connect better and mutually benefit from it.
In this episode, we sit down with Mashael to discuss some common sources of misunderstanding between cultures, ways to improve cultural competency, and the difference between understanding and tolerance.
To learn more about Mashael Alanizi and Wisal:
https://www.wisal.co.uk/
https://www.instagram.com/wisalconnect/
How can fashion become more sustainable? What obstacles do independent designers wishing to adopt sustainability face? Can big brands truly embrace sustainability? In this episode, we explore the intersection of style, society, and the environment with Liberty Imhoff, the founder of Manic Metallic, a fashion media company built around the ethos of respecting fashion as an art, discipline, and societal force for change.
To learn more about Liberty Imhoff and Manic Metallic:
https://manicmetallic.com/
Instagram: @liberty.imhoff
This episode started with a conversation about modern dating and romantic relationships but organically turned to broader issues of contemporary society, such as inequality and the growing role of artificial intelligence.
This is the second episode with award-winning author Gerald Everett Jones, from what turned out to be a mini-series of “Talks with a Writer.”
In our previous interview, we discussed the phenomenon of stardom and the intricacies of showbiz. Check it out here:
Episode #23 “The journey to stardom: Exploring showbiz, Hollywood, and the art of storytelling”
https://shorturl.at/hiuDJ
To learn more about Gerald Everett Jones and his books:
https://geraldeverettjones.com/
Connect with “Being Modern, Being Human”
inna@innalogunova.com
Anarchy as a family lifestyle? In this episode, Lainie Liberti–a best-selling author, international speaker, and advocate for alternative education–shares her personal journey of schooling her son and mentoring other children outside the conventional educational framework. We explore the concepts of 'unschooling' and 'worldschooling' and discuss how to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships between parents and their teens and tweens.
To learn more about Lainie’s projects:
https://projectworldschool.com/
https://transformativementoringforteens.com/
Connect with “Being Modern, Being Human”
inna@innalogunova.com
In this episode, we step behind the scenes of showbiz and the entertainment industry. What sacrifices one has to make on their journey to fame? How does Hollywood operate? Where is the line between the constructed public image and the real person? We explore these questions and more with award-winning author Gerald Everett Jones whose recent novel, “Mick& Moira & Brad,” inspired this conversation.
This interview is filled with real-life anecdotes, curious details, and plenty of insights about life, love, and the art of storytelling.
To learn more about Gerald Everett Jones and his books:
https://geraldeverettjones.com/
How is the diversity of Jewish communities around the world reflected in Judaica art? How have contemporary artists adapted traditional forms? In this episode, we delve into the history, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of Jewish art. Harrison Schley, a member of the International Society of Appraisers and a specialist in fine and decorative Asian art and Judaica, reflects on the past, the present, and the ways they are tied together.
This is the second episode in our mini-series with Harrison. In our previous conversation, we discussed the art and culture of the Edo period in Japan.
To learn more about Harrison Schley:
https://schleyappraisals.com/
When we think of pre-20th century Japan, the tea ceremony, Japanese porcelain, and woodblock prints come to mind. The Edo period, spanning from 1615 to 1868, left a rich artistic legacy that is popular among collectors and recognizable even by non-experts. In this episode of "Being Modern, Being Human," we explore one of the most fascinating epochs in Japan's history with Harrison Schley, Ph.D., a specialist in fine and decorative Asian art, Judaica, and a member of the International Society of Appraisers. We discuss the relationship between Japanese art and society, how to start a collection of Japanese art, and how studying different cultures makes us more human.
This episode is the first in a two-part mini-series. In the next episode, we will delve into Judaica art.
To learn more about Harrison Schley:
https://schleyappraisals.com/
The twists and turns of history leave behind many unexplained puzzles, such as the similarities between the Scripture and the Kyrgyz legendary epic, Manas.
Richard Hewitt spent twenty years in Kyrgyzstan, living with a rural Kyrgyz family in the Tian Shan Mountains. He was given the Kyrgyz name Risbek during his time there. In this episode, we discuss Risbek’s experiences in Central Asia, his research on the ancient texts, his fascinating discoveries, and the commonalities that underlie our shared human heritage.
To learn more about Richard Hewitt’s research:
https://tinyurl.com/yc8f3rpv
How do posture and body language impact our mood, energy levels, and overall well-being? In what way are technology and modern lifestyle affecting our anatomy and physiology? Most importantly, how to notice negative transformations and take action to improve your physical and mental health?
We will delve into the history and science behind posture with Aesha Tahir, exercise physiologist, coach, author, and speaker. As a wellness consultant, she helps her clients enhance their quality of life and achieve professional success by improving their posture and body language. Her book, “Unhunched: Discovering Wellness Through Posture” is set to release in May 2023.
To learn more about posture, get a sneak peek into the book and contact Aesha Tahir:
Website: https://toneandstrengthen.com
Book: https://aesha-tahir.presale.manuscripts.com
Instagram: @tone_and_strengthen
How different are art and science from each other? What kind of mindset defines artists and scientists? What mental process is behind creative insights? In this episode, we discuss these questions with Arseniy Seroka, a founder of a successful software development company, Serokell, and an aspiring filmmaker with two short films in his portfolio.
Serokell’s website:
https://serokell.io/
Creativity is the new gold of the 21st century. I invite you to get inspired, dive into the world of innovation and creativity, and take a closer look at their subtle interplay. In this episode, we speak with motion designer Leeanne Brennan, who specializes in creating illustration, animation and video for the innovation industry. She is also the host of The Epic Bones podcast, where she explores the nature of creativity and shares her insights on how to connect with it.
To learn more about Leeanne Brennan:
https://leeannebrennan.com/
https://www.epicbones.com/
Russian journalist Anastasia Chernikova moved to New York City six years ago, driven by the desire for a life and career change. Since then, she has established her own media platform Vivid Minds and become a successful and frequent contributor to quality US publications such as Entrepreneur Magazine, Business Insider, Quartz, and Esquire. In this episode, we discuss starting a career from scratch as an immigrant, the challenges and benefits of writing in a foreign language, the creator economy, mental health, and much more.
To learn more about Anastasia:
https://achernikova.com/
https://thevividminds.com/
How can silence turn into music? What is the composer’s mindset, and how do you become one? How are our listening patterns changing today, and is the decrease in attention span that bad? In this episode, I’m sitting down with composer Jordan Nelson to speak about the mystery and routine of creating music.
To learn more about Jordan Nelson and explore his music:
http://jordannelsonmusic.com
Mac Scotty McGregor is a transgender man, author and founder of the nonprofit Positive Masculinity, which helps men understand and cope with the societal pressures they face. We talk about his experiences with both genders, toxic stereotypes that prevent us from being ourselves, and ways to break down patriarchal behavioral patterns.
To learn more about Mac Scotty McGregor:
https://www.positivemasculinitynow.org
How is our digital identity different from our real-world identity? What does the newly emerged discipline of digital sociology explore? Should creatives jump on the NFT bandwagon - and if so, how? How is the Metaverse likely to change our daily lives? In a new episode, we discuss these issues with Ernestina Zhu, an artist and Ph.D. researcher in NFT and digital sociology.
To learn more about Ernestina:
https://ernestinazhuart.wixsite.com/artist
What are the challenges of artificial intelligence for diversity and inclusion in organizations? How to understand that your organization is truly diverse and not just perceived as such? What methods can you use to evaluate the effectiveness of DEI practices? In this episode, we discuss these questions with Joe Santana, a published author and founder of The CDO PowerCircle, an association that helps organizations develop diversity leaders.
To learn more about Joe Santana:
http://joesantana.com/
Roberto Dutesco is an acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and environmentalist. He has worked in the fashion industry and traveled extensively around the globe, capturing the beauty of nature and people. His influential project at the intersection of art and ecology, The Wild Horses of Sable Island, has been running for nearly thirty years. By photographing and filming a small herd of wild horses living on an uninhabited island off the East Coast of Canada, Roberto has managed not only to raise awareness about the unique animals and the place but also to contribute to its conservation. Recently, his environmental activities have expanded to another large-scale project, IAMWILD.
In this episode, we talk about how art and beauty can save the world and how they are already doing it. Also in the interview: a meeting with the Dalai Lama and what it takes to become a prominent photographer.
To learn more about Roberto Dutesco and his art:
https://dutescoart.com/
Selected photos from The Wild Horses of Sable Island project:
https://dutescoart.com/wildhorsessableislandcollection/favorites.html
IAMWILD Foundation:
https://iamwild.org/
What is participatory art making? What place do rituals and symbolic magic have in modern life? In this episode, we talk with multidisciplinary artist Sarah Dixon about her exciting journey working in the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Hindu Kush, studying art forms from Orthodox icon painting to corporate design, exploring feminism through intuitive painting, and much more.
To learn more about Sarah Dixon:
https://sarahdixon.studio/
Joe Gonzalez is the founder of The Project Solution, a nonprofit organization that funds small infrastructure projects in countries around the world. Its focus is on water, sanitation, health and education. Since its inception in 2009, The Project Solution has funded nearly 50 projects in 12 countries and helped approximately 30,000 people worldwide. In this episode, we talk with Joe Gonzalez about what it takes to start and run an NGO, why making a small difference matters, and what it brings on a personal level.
To learn more about The Project Solution:
http://theprojectsolution.org/
Michelle Steiner has a learning disability that involves difficulties in math, visual perception, manual dexterity, and executive functioning.
In this episode, we talk about the challenges of having a learning disability, how to overcome them, and how we can help people with learning disabilities better integrate into society.
To learn more about Michelle Steiner's world:
https://michellesmission.blog/
How do modern archaeologists work? What is community-based archaeology, and how does it relate to the postcolonial paradigm? What approaches do museums adopt to engage with their audiences today? We talk about these issues with Dr. Michele Koons, curator of archaeology at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, lecturer on "Museums in the 21st Century" at the University of Colorado, and an active field archaeologist.
To learn more about Dr. Michele Koons’ projects:
http://www.drmichelekoons.com/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.michele.koons/
In the fast-paced age of social media, breaking news, and instant messages, many find it challenging to consume "high literature." English professor Jason Gulya believes that pop culture is also a form of literature. In his classes, he uses films and video games to explain literary concepts. In this episode, we are talking about the transformations of modern storytelling, its current role and status, and the reasons to learn writing in the 21st century.
How does migration shape humanity? What is the impact of the increase or decrease in mobility for work? In what ways does migration influence the perception of cultural identities? We discuss these questions with Neha Chatwani, an independent researcher in organizational psychology and integration ambassador for youth with migrant backgrounds in Austria.
To learn more about Neha Chatwani and her work:
https://theworkplaceatelier.com/
Why do we need space exploration? What does it take to be a space explorer? When will we see affordable commercial space flights? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Haider I Mohsin, a senior scientist at NASA. He works on the Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon in preparation for missions to Mars.
Official website of the Artemis program:
https://www.nasa.gov/artemisprogram
What can the world's religions do to address pressing ecological issues? What steps are they already taking? How is environmental discourse being integrated into the religious narrative? We discuss these questions with Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim, founders of the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology and researchers at Yale's School of the Environment.
To learn more about The Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology:
https://fore.yale.edu/
More about Mary Evelyn Tucker and John Grim
https://fore.yale.edu/About-Us/Who-We-Are/Our-Team
How are our coffees related to climate change, civil wars, and migration? In this episode, we talk with James Harper – the author of Filter Stories, a critically acclaimed documentary that helps coffee drinkers understand how their morning cup of coffee impacts tens of millions of people around the world.
To learn more about one of the world's most popular drinks, check out James Harper's podcasts:
https://filterstories.org/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-history-of-coffee/id1553744133
What is artificial intelligence? What should we be wary of as we develop and adopt this technology? In the first episode of Being Modern, Being Human, we discuss the current state of AI and the changes it is bringing to our society with Maura Declercq-Mindrila – a Belgian mergers and acquisitions lawyer turned entrepreneur and CEO of the deep tech company ID Legacy.