On November 11, 2024, we were joined by Christopher Mark Jones, Professor Emeritus of French & Francophone Studies at Carnegie Mellon University, and Marcie Persyn, Assistant Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Classics Department of The University of Pittsburgh, for a fascinating discussion of language and culture. Since the conversation went on for over an hour, we present it in two episodes of Forbes Avenue.

In Part 1 of our discussion, we talk about language learning issues, translation of artistic works, Americans’ aptitude for learning other languages, ancient Greek and Roman interactions as shown by their languages (Greek & Latin), and the interaction of language and thought. Along the way, you’ll learn what the Roman poet Lucretius really thought of Latin, and how Prof. Jones learned Portuguese in an unusual way.

The entire conversation is spirited and enjoyable: our guests, Prof. Jones & Prof. Persyn, provide valuable insight into how language and cultures interact with each other. Tune in! You’ll be glad you did!

Listen to the interview: Christopher Jones & Marcie Persyn, Part 1

Credits:
Riona Duncan, co-host, co-researcher
Richard Gordon, co-host, co-researcher, audio engineer, audio editor
Recorded November 11, 2024; WRCT debut December 3, 2024

We recently caught up with Heather Pierson, a singer, pianist, guitarist, and songwriter from Conway, NH, after she performed at a house concert in Steubenville, OH.

We patched three tracks from some of Heather’s recent recordings into the broadcast interview: “Dusty House Blues” and “Back To The Light” from Back To The Light (2024), and “May Peace Prevail Upon Earth” from Heather Pierson and Bernice Martin: Heart Songs and Circle Songs (2018).

Heather talked about her music, her songwriting, and how New Orleans jazz has informed her musical career. In addition, she told us what life is really like for an indie musician; she defines a successful musical career differently than, say, a Billboard artist might. You’ll also enjoy her points about live music’s ability to bring people together and singing together as a spiritual practice. A lovely and thought-provoking conversation!

Listen to the interview: Heather Pierson

Credits:
Richard Gordon, host, researcher, audio engineer, audio editor
Recorded September 15, 2024; WRCT debut November 26, 2024

We had a great conversation with Jody Bechtold, CEO of the Better Institute and a globally recognized expert in gambling addiction.

Jody talked about some of the trends she’s seen in recent years, including the impacts of regulatory upheaval that has legalized sports betting across much of the country. We get an inside look into the often stigmatized issue, and there’s nobody better to educate us on gambling addiction than Jody. While it’s clear that gambling addiction is a much bigger problem than many might realize, we also get a view of what people like Jody are doing to combat the issue through treatment, as well as potential movements to increase consumer protection against predatory practices in the gambling industry. We thought this was a particularly informative interview!

Listen to the interview: Jody Bechtold

Credits:
Archan Das, host, researcher, audio engineer, audio editor
Recorded October 22, 2024; WRCT debut November 19, 2024