W&L After Class, the Lifelong Learning Podcast

Harvey Markowitz is an emeritus professor of anthropology. Before arriving at W&L in 2003, Harvey taught in South Dakota at Sinte Gleska University, a tribal college on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Later he spent nine years as associate and acting director of the D'Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian and Indigenous Studies at the Newberry Library in Chicago. His research interests include...

In this conversation with Caleb Dance, associate professor of classics, we explore the impact of humor, improvisation and “sprezzatura” (studied carelessness) on his research and teaching. He also shares the story of his journey into classics, the importance of studying abroad and his musical endeavors, including the work he does with the nonprofit MIMA.

Professor Amanda Bower, the head of the Business Administration department and the Charles C. Holbrook, Jr. '72 Professor of Business Administration, is widely known for her popular "AdClass.” She also started the AdLib Conferenceon W&L's campus.

Rich Bidlack, the Martin and Brooke Stein Professor of History, has spent decades studying Russia and Soviet History. He shares what first sparked his interest in Russia, his research over the decades, and the direction his research will take upon his retirement.  

Megan Hess, associate professor of accounting at W&L discusses her passion for teaching, how she grew to love accounting, and what it’s like to investigate corporate fraud.

Associate professor of theater Stephanie Sandberg tells the story of social justice theater, and why theater and a liberal arts education go hand-in-hand.    

Assistant Professor of Computer Science Taha Khan, discusses his research that focuses on computer security, privacy, and human-computer interaction, including cybercrime.

George Bent, the Sidney Gause Childress Professor of the Arts at W&L, talks about what inspired his love of art history, why he loves teaching it, and how he has engaged students in a remarkable digital history project, "Florence As It Was," that is reconstructing the Italian city the way it appeared at the end of the 15th century.

Nadia Ayoub, associate professor of biology at W&L, weaves a fascinating lesson about her research into the genetics of black widow spider silk – and explains the wide-reaching implications of understanding these amazing arachnids. 

Tyler Lorig, professor emeritus of cognitive and behavioral science at Washington and Lee University, has spent decades studying the olfactory system and its impact on everyday life. After listening to him explain this crucial sense, you'll never think about odor the same way again. 

Elizabeth Knapp '90, professor of geology and director of the Johnson Program in Leadership and Integrity, discusses falling in love with rocks, the landscape of Rockbridge County and how the Johnson Program transforms campus and student lives.

W&L’s first female Athletic Director discusses the important distinction between an athlete and student-athlete, the changes to make W&L’s renowned swim test more equitable, and what it’s like to be a woman in a male-dominated profession.

The director of the Lenfest Center for the Arts shares his infectious love of musical theater and how musicals have been reinvented over time to correct their flaws. We’ll also discuss his time spent in Alumni Engagement and the joy in connecting current students with alumni.

Brian Murchison, director of the Roger Mudd Center for Ethics at Washington and Lee University and Rowe Professor of Law at the W&L School of Law, examines the First Amendment and interprets the founding fathers' intentions in light of today's application of the law.

Thinking Creatively about Life and the Mathematics within it with Sybil Prince Nelson Join us for a truly unique conversation with Assistant Professor of Mathematics Sybil Prince Nelson ('01). Together, we discuss her path through W&L as a Math and Music major; her current careers as a statistician, author and professor; and why she dubbed herself a "statistic improbability."

A Discussion of Dali, Curating and Surrealism's Lasting Impact with Elliott King The associate professor of art history dives into the subconscious world of Surrealism, unpacking the work of Dali and explaining just how important his long-lasting career was. Professor King also shares how his journey with Dali and other Surrealist artists has deepened through his curatorial work and his courses wi...

Things Get Political with Mark Rush The Waxberg Professor of Politics and Law and Director of W&L’s Center for International Education joins the podcast to discuss the importance of understanding our political system ahead of the 2020 election (and any election). With host Ruth Candler, Professor Rush also explores his career in international education, from W&L to Dubai and beyond. Airs O...

Mikki Brock Delves into the Work of the Devil and Witches Throughout History Professor of History Mikki Brock talks witches, witch hunts, the Devil, and the "why" behind them in our latest episode, out just in time for you to enjoy it with a fall chill in the air. With Halloween just around the corner, listen at your own risk...

An Inside Look at Poverty and Its Many Causes with Howard Pickett The Director of the Shepherd Program, Assistant Professor of Ethics and Poverty Studies and Adjunct Professor of Law talks with us about poverty in America. In this episode, Pickett focuses not only on what "poverty" means but also on how we can creatively look at issues surrounding poverty and people affected by it.

Talking Candidly About Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination with Julie Woodzicka The Abigail Grigsby Urquhart Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science explains concepts like stereotyping and bias. More importantly, Professor Woodzicka illustrates the impact of these human behaviors. Guests will also hear from W&L student Enuma Anekwe-Desince '22 and alumna Murray Shortall '03.

Finding Fulfillment with Karla Murdock Professor of Cognitive and Behavioral Science, Karla Murdock, teaches us about the most important thing in life: happiness. From marriage “advice” to smartphone technology, Karla provides insight into her research and the research of other scientists who have studied happiness, positive and negative affect and much more. 

A Taste of Tea with Janet Ikeda The professor of Japanese sheds light on the importance of Japanese tea culture and how this peaceful yet precise process can prepare students (and just about anyone) for the next step in their lives. A fresh cup of tea is suggested to accompany this podcast!

A Meeting of Microbial Minds with Bill Hamilton The biology professor regales us with anecdotes from his Spring Term trips to Yellowstone, his long history as a brewmaster in Lexington, and how he's helping make W&L a more sustainable campus. You'll learn more about the microbes that make your beer – and your garden – delicious.

A Conversation About Justice with Johanna Bond W&L Law's Sydney and Frances Lewis Professor of Law, dives into the world of human rights, highlighting the justice reforms achieved by nonprofits with which she works. She explains some of the common threads linking violence against women around the world, how social justice compares to other forms of justice, and what work needs to be done to he...

A Literary Chat with Marc Conner The university provost and Jo and James Ballengee Professor of English talks Ralph Ellison and the writer's views on America's complex history. Conner discusses Ellison scholarship at W&L, how he came to co-edit a book of his letters, and how Ellison's personality emerges in the thousands of his letters preserved in the Library of Congress.