View of an ongoing hallway

Future visions, past reflections

How do we think about the future in precarious, uncertain times? Can we garner insights from the past, drawing on the realms of religion, art and technology?

Host Mary-Charlotte Domandi speaks to Jeffrey Cohen, ASU dean of humanities, about his study of Noah’s Ark. She then talks about Shakespeare and race with Ayanna Thompson, ASU professor of English and president of the Shakespeare Association of America, and ASU Professor Andrew Maynard, who directs the Risk Innovation Lab and studies the future of innovation.

All Thought Huddle

Episode 19

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The necessity of trust in democracy

Many of life’s daily interactions depend on trust.

Episode 18

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Fragmenting society, with disinformation

The rise of advanced information technologies has resulted in sophisticated efforts to fragment American society — from foreign actors like Russia,

Episode 17

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Democracy’s roots: Equality, freedom and inclusion in ancient Greece

Democracy flourished in Athens 2500 years ago — but lasted only about a century.

Episode 16

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How America was built on slavery: Those roots can still be felt today

American capitalism was built on the backs of slaves and the slave economy — and not just in the South.

Episode 15

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On lynching and racial oppression: How white violence denies black innocence

The practice of lynching was originally used against British loyalists.

Episode 14

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Crises of their own: How nonprofits are creatively confronting COVID-19

Organizations serving the public during the crisis of COVID-19 are facing their own challenges.

Episode 13

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Love Sickness: Shakespeare, medicine and metaphors in a world of plague

Romantic love was long considered an illness — with some bizarre and harrowing treatments.

Episode 12

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The most vulnerable among us: How the pandemic reveals inequities in health care and beyond

Poor and minority communities were at a disadvantage before COVID-19, but they are getting hit hardest now. Can the U.S.

Episode 11

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Testing is key: Attacking the virus with rapid response, robots and reliability

Reliable and fast testing is needed all over the U.S. to confront the spread of COVID-19. We talk with Dr.

Episode 10

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Conditions of contagion: The fears we face

In 18th-century England, viruses and bacteria were not understood — but the idea of contagion was part of the social fabric.