The Scholars & Storytellers Podcast

What would Leslie Knope do?

This teen-focused episode about civic engagement in media features a conversation with Michael Schur, Dr. Pamela Hieronymi, and Navia Robinson, moderated by Maira Karan. Michael Schur is the creator of “The Good Place” and co-creator of “Parks and Recreation.” Dr. Pamela Hieronymi is a professor of philosophy at UCLA and consulted on “The Good Place.” Our teen guest, Navia Robinson, is an actress in Disney Channel’s “Raven’s Home” and Netflix’s “Free Rein.” Our moderator, Maira Karan, is a Ph.D. student at UCLA and a CSS Junior Fellow.

Animation Nation: Finding Hope After Loss in Children's Media

This episode about finding hope after loss in children's media features a conversation with Justinian Huang and Dr. Bridget Callaghan, moderated by George Huang. Justinian Huang is the head of development at Pearl Studio. Dr. Bridget Callaghan is an assistant professor of psychology at UCLA. George Huang is a screenwriter, director and professor in the school of theater, film, and television at UCLA. Brought to you in partnership with CAPE. 

Learning from Home: How Can Storytellers Play a Part in this New Normal?

This episode of The Scholars & Storytellers Podcast is about Learning from Home: How Can Storytellers Play a Part in this New Normal? with Halle Stanford and Dr. Roberta Golinkoff. Halle Stanford is the President of Television at the Jim Henson Company. Dr. Roberta Golinkoff is the Unidel H. Rodney Sharp Professor of Education, Psychological and Brain Sciences, and Linguistics and Cognitive Science at the University of Delaware and director of the Child’s Play, Learning, and Development Laboratory. 

Youth Council Episode 3

This is part 3 of a special series of episodes of the Scholars & Storytellers Podcast. We interviewed students from our CSS Youth Insights Council. They are a fantastic group of students interested in the intersection of psychology and entertainment. We asked them some pretty difficult questions, but they are truly wise beyond their years. We hope you enjoy!

Youth Council Episode 2

This is part 2 of a special series of episodes of the Scholars & Storytellers Podcast. We interviewed students from our CSS Youth Insights Council. They are a fantastic group of students interested in the intersection of psychology and entertainment. We asked them some pretty difficult questions, but they are truly wise beyond their years. We hope you enjoy!

Youth Council Episode 1

This is part 1 of a special series of episodes of the Scholars & Storytellers Podcast. We interviewed students from our CSS Youth Insights Council. They are a fantastic group of students interested in the intersection of psychology and entertainment. We asked them some pretty difficult questions, but they are truly wise beyond their years. We hope you enjoy!

Talking About Race: How Storytellers Can Facilitate Important Conversations

This episode of The Scholars & Storytellers Podcast is about Talking About Race: How Storytellers Can Facilitate Important Conversations with Koyalee Chanda and Dr. Allison Briscoe Smith. Koyalee Chanda is the VP of kids and animation at Hello Sunshine. Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith is a child clinical psychologist and the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Wright Institute. 

Media and Early Childhood Learning

This episode about Media and Early Childhood Learning features a conversation between Vicki Ariyasu and Diane Ikemiyashiro. Vicki Ariyasu's title is: is Vice President, Disney Channels Worldwide Diversity & Inclusion, Disney Junior Education Resource Group. Diane Ikemiyashiro's title is: is Executive Director, Original Programming, Disney Junior. 

Representation of Race and Gender in Theatre for Young Audiences

This episode about the Representation of Race and Gender in Theatre for Young Audiences features a conversation between Michael J. Bobbitt, Pearl Cleage, Benj Pasek, and Dr. Yalda T. Uhls. Michael J Bobbit is the Artistic Director of the New Repertory Theatre. Pearl Cleage is a Distinguished Playwright in Residence at the Alliance Theatre. Benj Pasek is an Oscar, Grammy, Tony, and Golden Globe Award-Winning Songwriter. Yalda T. Uhls is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers. 

Representation of Boys and Men in Media

This episode about the Representation of Boys and Men in Media features a conversation between Dr. Caroline Heldman and Sascha Paladino. Dr. Heldman is the Executive Director of The Representation Project and the Senior Research Advisor for the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Sascha Paladino is the executive producer of Disney's "Mira, Royal Detective," and creator of Disney's "Miles From Tomorrowland." This episode was recorded on February 14, 2020.