In Part 2, Jason Riddle Walks us through some of the changes in US administrations that impacted his military career at the air force. Jason shares with many stories – some are serious, and some are quite hilarious.
Category: Podcasts
Welcome to Touching Concrete!
Join your devilish host DJ Crush as they interview TikTok sensation bedrumor, a sensational jazz-influenced band from right here in North Carolina
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Pretty Crimes
An interview with the “genre-fluid” band Pretty Crimes about their creative process, ideas, experience as a band, and of course their music.
In this episode, The Nubian Message’s Aiyanna Moore, Senait Richmond, Olivia Henson, and Johnathan Lee kick off a new weekly segment, “The Nubian Minute,” where they take a closer look at the headlines and unpack the issues that are making an impact on Black students and minority communities at NC State. Later, host Emilia Rivadeneira sits down with Richard Bedlack, founder of Duke University’s ALS Clinic and Professor of Neurology at Duke, and Sam Pearce, Assistant Professor of the Practice at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. They discuss their exciting collaboration, where Bedlack partners with NC State design students to create stylish, accessible clothing for people living with disabilities, such as ALS.
Jim Lawler, a former CIA officer, walks us through his days in the agency and his recruitment of foreign spies. Mr. Lawler shares with us many insights about human nature and what it takes for someone to betray a trust and commit treason. In addition, Mr. Lawler and I discuss the pagers’ attack conducted by Israel against Hezbollah, and devote the last bit of our conversation to his espionage novels. Links to these novels are attached below. Be sure to also attend Mr. Lawler’s book talk, where he will be discussing his third novel, The Traitor’s Tale. Time and place are attached below.
Living Lies
In The Twinkling of an Eye
Book Talk on The Traitor’s tale:
the American Legion Hall, 111 The Plains Road, Middleburg, VA 20117 at 6:00PM on Tuesday 18 February. Hosted by former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell
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EOT 413 Elections & Holidays
In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira sits down with Amy Sentementes, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Queens University of Charlotte, to explore how election season can impact relationships and conversations with family during the holidays. Sentementes shares practical tips to help students navigate challenging discussions with loved ones who hold opposing views. Additionally, Alianna Brooks, Editor-in-Chief of The Nubian Message, provides a semester news roundup, highlighting the publication’s standout coverage and stories. Visit The Nubian Message’s website to read more.
In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira speaks with Robert Scheller, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University, about the causes behind the recent L.A. wildfires that erupted on January 7. Scheller discusses the broader implications of these fires, including their potential effects on the East Coast, and delves into the connections between climate change and global warming. Acknowledging how overwhelming climate news can feel, Scheller concludes the episode with an inspiring message of hope and practical strategies listeners can adopt to tackle these challenges.
As the holiday season sparkles to life and the clock inches closer to a new year, this episode is a warm toast to traditions, laughter, and the magic of festive customs. I’m joined by Lucas Ciscato, who brings stories of Italian Christmas dinners, the whimsical La Befana, and the symbolic ritual of burning away the old to welcome the new.
We wander through snowy German Christmas markets, savor Dutch “oliebollen,” and marvel at Russian New Year’s traditions involving champagne glasses and ashes of wishes—a quirky nod to hope and good fortune. Along the way, we laugh about group Halloween costumes and ponder how traditions shape not only our holidays but also our identities.
Through these tales, I reflect on the joy of connecting with loved ones, the meaning of home during the holidays, and the fun of quirky customs—like sitting in red underwear for good luck or scribbling your dreams on paper before midnight.
As 2025 approaches, let this episode be your cozy companion, filled with good vibes, gratitude, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. Thank you for an incredible semester and for being part of “The Identity Library”! Here’s to your New Year’s resolutions, a festive break, and all the champagne glasses brimming with possibilities. May we see each other next semester again.
What happens when you venture deep into the Everglades, armed with nothing but curiosity, a love for nature, and a resilient spirit? For Josie Houchard, it marked the start of an adventure that would change her life.
In this episode, Josie takes us on a journey through wetlands, rivers, and the winding paths of self-discovery. From growing up as the youngest in a bustling North Carolina family to finding her calling in the lush Everglades, her story is one of grit, humor, and an unshakable connection to the environment. Along the way, we explore her dream of reclaiming wetlands and managing stormwater—transforming her passion into purpose.
But the heart of our conversation lies beyond the wetlands. Josie opens up about what it means to find home, not just in a place, but within us. She reflects on the challenges of being an extrovert, balancing her bold personality with the desire for connection, and learning to stay true to who she is despite life’s pressures.
This is more than a story about wetlands; it’s a story about resilience, authenticity, and the courage to take up space in the world. Join us as we wade through the waters of identity, adventure, and the beautiful mess of being human.