The Social Profs

Today’s guest on the Social Profs is Dr. Adwoa Onuora, an Associate Professor of Sociology and Founding Coordinator of the Black Studies Specialization at Trent Durham. She speaks with us about her work on Blackness, race, racial violence, and systems of oppression. She notes that these can be heavy topics, so she approaches them in an intentionally provocative way, with a dash of humour, to get p...

On today’s episode of the Social Profs, we sit down with Beatrice Anane-Bediakoh, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology at Trent University. We learn about how she uses a bridged trilogy approach to teaching, that combines academic work, community practice, and personal experience, to help students understand that they can talk about difficult subjects. By using this approach, Beatrice en...

On today’s episode of the Social Profs, we sit down to talk with Dr. Mandi Gray, an Assistant Professor in Criminology at Trent University. We learn about her studies into legal systems, sexual violence, and the historical problematic prioritizing of reputation. She talks with us about the challenges of teaching difficult topics online, the need to recognize there will be survivors in the room, as...

Today our guest on The Social Profs is Professor David Rapaport, whose research interests put him at the intersection of changing technology, work, and labour relations. We discuss the state of the world and how Trumpism is the world’s major political project right now. This episode was recorded on November 4 2025, the day of the historic New York City Mayoral election. David shares with us his ho...

Today on the Social Profs we sit down with Assistant Professor Greg Yeroshotis to learn about his interest in sports, health, and wellness. We discuss the conservative nature of sports, how he quote “geeks out on ethnography,” and his interest in NBA gossip. Who does Greg most hope he gets to sit next to on a plane? Keep listening to find out! Episode notes and transcripts are available here: http...

Welcome to another episode of the Social Profs! Today we sit down with Dr. Momin Rahman, a Professor in the Department of Sociology at Trent University. Momin discusses his research on queer Muslims, and how this represents an intersection of two demonized identities. We hear about why he loves teaching theory as a way to keep learning new ways of thinking about the world for his students and for...

In this episode of the Social Profs we speak with the ever-dapper Associate Professor Jim Cosgrave about his research on the rise of gambling as a legitimized business practice and activity. We discuss Jim’s love of teaching Intro Sociology, his musings on what Philosopher Nietzsche would bring to a potluck, and the real reason he loves watching scare-prank videos. This funny episode starts now! E...

Valerie Damasco is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Trent Durham. In this episode of the Social Profs she shares her family history and how it has led her to study issues related to immigration and labour, with a focus on Philippine-trained nurses working in Canada. We learn about her conversational approach to teaching challenging topics, how she feels students are most en...

For this episode of the Social Profs, we talked with Kadija Osei, a Tenure Track Lecturer in Criminology at Trent University. She spoke to us about how she uses story-telling as pedagogy, the ways she connects people inside and outside the classroom, and why she loves teaching qualitative methods. But Beware – her research theme song is sure to get stuck in your head! Episode notes and transcripts...

On October 25th 2024 the Citizen Advisory Committee in Peterborough is hosting a full day symposium on the stigmas and success stories of people re-entering the community following federal incarceration. Today we talk with keynote speaker, and Trent Assistant Professor of Social Work, Else Marie Knudsen. In this episode, we learn about her approach to researching and teaching difficult topics, why...

Dr. Eugena Kwon is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology, who studies and teaches about pressing social issues such as work and immigration. On this episode of the Social Profs, we talk with Eugena about the mentorship and support that has influenced her research, her love of cooking, and why she thinks BTS is a must-have on the guestlist of any dinner party. For transcripts and ep...

From Sociology alum to Statistics Canada analyst. Today we sit down with Rachel Tsitomeneas to talk about life after Trent, how she started working for the Federal Government, and why her best advice is to pay attention in research methods classes. For transcripts and episode notes, please visit: Social Profs, Season 1, Rachel Tsitomeneas

Join us today as we talk with Dr. Erick Laming, Assistant Professor of Criminology at Trent University. Professor Laming is often in the news discussing his research on police accountability, but who are his greatest influences in this work? We dig into these questions to learn more about his interests in Criminology, astronomy, aviation, and Emmylou Harris. For transcripts and episode notes, plea...

On this episode of The Social Profs, we sit down with Assistant Professor Mary Jean Hande to talk about her interests in studying – and reimagining – our health care system. We learn about health care activism, her renewed love of classical sociological theory, and why you will catch her playing boardgames on the weekend. For transcripts and episode notes, please visit: Social Profs, Season 1, Mar...

The Elizabeth Fry Society is a non-profit organization in Peterborough that provides gender-responsive community supports for people who have been – or are at risk of being – criminalized, while advocating for broader social change to prevent or provide alternatives to incarceration. On this episode of The Social Profs, we sit down with their Director of Operations, Annessa Stillman, to talk about...

Dr. Nadiya Ali is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at Trent University in Durham. In this episode we learn about the people who influence her and the experiences that have shaped her research interests in race and systems of oppression. Listen in as we ask Nadiya some thought-provoking questions and put her on the hot seat. For transcripts and episode notes, please visit: Soci...

On today’s episode we speak with Dr. Naomi Nichols. Canada Research Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at Trent University. We explore the people who have influenced her thinking and shaped her work, why you might someday see her on a tightrope, and the spirit of reinvention that comes with a career in academia. For transcripts and episode notes, please visit: Social Prof...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a career in policing? Today’s guest is Provincial Constable Alexa Vanderhorst, with the Ontario Provincial Police. In this episode, PC Vanderhorst speaks about the value of her education as a Trent Alum, with a Sociology degree and Specialization in Criminology and Socio-Legal Studies. We discuss the role of the police in helping citizens, conne...

Welcome to the first episode of the Social Profs Podcast, where we aim to turn teaching inside out. Today we introduce ourselves as the hosts of this podcast and let you know what is to come in the weeks ahead. Since we subject our guests to rapid fire questions, we figured it was only fair we start the season by doing some ourselves. The Social Profs, Season 1, starts now! For transcripts and epi...

Who is the glue who holds the Sociology department together? Who can you go to if you have questions? Who has a tardis tattoo and loves Dr. Who? Why, it’s Laura Strongitharm! Our department’s Academic Administrative Assistant. On today’s episode, we talk to Laura about how everyday bring something new, the supports and services you need to know about, and why she is hoping you will drop by OC 221....

Today we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Ehret, Assistant Professor of Criminology at Trent University, whose research examines interactions between Autistic people and the police. We talk with her about her research interests, the influence that Criminologist Barbara Hudson has had on shaping her work, the value of spending quiet time with a good paint-by-number, and why justice is not limited to the...

Deborah White is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at Trent University, but did you also know she is a big fan of Jazz? In this episode of The Social Profs, we talk with Deborah about her research, her interests, and the special dessert she has in mind for her next birthday. For transcripts and episode notes, please visit: Social Profs, Season 1, Deborah White