Fuse: Community, Conversation & Connection

Dr. Jean Strait and Joyce Jones Strait are educators in Minnesota who use restorative practices in classrooms and community. They are also leaders for the Foundation of the Advancement of Culture & Education, which offers teacher support and advocates for equitable education. They join us to chat about their perspectives, careers, and how they use "circles" to drive effective convers...

ILL-Abilities is an international crew of differently-abled breakdancers who use their incredible skills to entertain, motivate, and inspire. Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli (Canada), Jacob “Kujo” Lyons (USA), Jung Soo "Krops" Lee (South Korea), and Lucas "Perninha" Machado (Brazil) join us to discuss the breakdance industry, tenacity, optimism through struggle, and how they navigate...

Dr. Algerian Hart joins us to discuss inclusion on a college campus, institutional racism, defining ethnicity, and how students can find supporting resources. Originally recorded: September 30, 2022 Learn more about Fuse: Home | Fuse (fusecampaign.org)

Kenneth Elkins is a professor who specializes in teaching about spirituality, religion in America, World War II, and the Holocaust. He joins us to discuss how he approaches navigating topics that can often invite controversy.  Originally recorded: March 2023 Learn more about Fuse: Home | Fuse (fusecampaign.org)

Matt Scott is a counselor who primarily serves gay, lesbian, and gender-diverse clients. He brings his insight to the podcast, helping us define terms and develop effective methods for communicating on sex and gender topics. Originally recorded: April 21, 2023 Learn more about Fuse: Home | Fuse (fusecampaign.org)

Dr. Marjorie Shavers helps talk us through the connections between mental health and extremist violence, while also remembering the impact COVID-19 has had on all of us. Originally recorded: May 5, 2023 Learn more about Fuse: Home | Fuse (fusecampaign.org)

Dr. William Sandel is a criminology professor who researches police and citizen perceptions of use-of-force, police tactics, active shooter events, and hostage negotiations. He joins us to advise on how we can effectively define and discuss active shootings and how extremist activity impacts his research. Originally recorded: April 28, 2023 Learn more about Fuse: Home | Fuse (fusecampaign.org)

Over 20 years ago, Taj Suleyman came to America as a refugee from Lebanon. Now he is the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion for the city of Springfield, Missouri. He talks with us about how his personal experiences have informed the way he helps others and his strategies for dealing with racism.  Originally recorded: September 30, 2022 Learn more about Fuse: Home | Fuse (fusecampaign.org)

After fleeing a violent situation in her home country, Dr. Judith Martinez found a safe new life in the Midwest. But as her past still haunts her and tensions continue to build in America, she reflects on depression, anxiety, medication, and being open with her community. Originally produced: September 14, 2022 Learn more about Fuse: Home | Fuse (fusecampaign.org)

Mohammed Jubary came from war-torn Yemen to get an education and build a new life in Missouri. Now in Springfield, Missouri, he reflects on college, work, family and what it's like to navigate difficult questions in the Ozarks. Originally recorded: September 2022 Learn more about Fuse: Home | Fuse (fusecampaign.org)

In this episode of the Fuse podcast, Dr. Michael Suttmoeller rejoins us along with Dr. John Horgan, professor of Psychology at Georgia State University and published author. Dr. Horgan is one of the nation's leading psychologists in the area of terrorism and radicalization. They discuss the difference between deradicalization and disengagement, the process for deradicalization, the best way f...

In this episode of the Fuse podcast, Jared and Jordan are joined by mental health clinicians Jane Henke and Nia Morgan from Missouri State's Counseling Center. They provide a psychological and mental health perspective on why people spread misinformation and why people are drawn to conspiracies. Jordan and Jared cover the importance of digital literacy and provide several ways you can enhance...

In this episode of the Fuse podcast, Dr. Kimberly Martin and Wes Pratt from Missouri State University join us again to continue the discussion of the different ways white supremacy presents itself in our community. They dive into #BlackatMoState as well as other issues within the Springfield community, on Missouri State's campus, and within higher education nationwide. Learn more about Fuse:...

In this episode of the Fuse podcast, Jared and Jordan sit down with Dr. Kimberly Martin and Wes Pratt from Missouri State University to discuss the different ways white supremacy presents itself in our community. They dive deep into the history of white supremacy in Springfield and in higher education. They also discuss inequalities in education, unconscious bias and what it means to be a Primaril...

In this episode of the Fuse podcast, Jordan and Jared sit down with Dr. Stephen Spates,  professor of communication at Missouri State University. They discuss the topics of othering and bias which are the root of violent extremism. They share ways to become aware of and mitigate your own bias as well as communication strategies to intervene when you witness othering taking place.  Learn more about...

In this episode of the Fuse podcast, Jordan and Jared sit down with Dr. Michael Suttmoeller,  professor of criminology at Missouri State University. They discuss the topic of radicalization, warning signs and how to recognize them, and potential risk factors. They also discuss best practices for intervention, as well as the impact that isolation, conspiracy theories, and digital illiteracy can hav...