You're probably familiar with some pesky species, whether you want to be or not…   Abby is joined by Naturalist with the National Wildlife Federation David Mizejewski for a lesson about invasive species.   David breaks down the qualifications that need to be met for a non-native species to be considered invasive to an ecosystem. He discusses the negative consequences that invasive species can have on the environment, humans, and even the economy. Abby asks David how we can combat the spread...

This week's lesson is about decisions from the high court!   Abby is joined by Anchor of FOX News Sunday and Host of the Livin' The Bream Podcast Shannon Bream for a lesson about the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action programs.   Shannon provides context to the role that affirmative action played in college admissions programs up until June of this year, when the Supreme Court voted in a 6-3 decision to strike it down. She breaks down how the Justices sided in the rulings and...

Today's lesson is about the three letters that have dominated NCAA programs. Abby is joined by Brand Protection Attorney at Venable LLP Sharoni Finkelstein for a lesson about name, image, and likeness protections. Sharoni breaks down the differences between the right to privacy and the right to publicity and explains how both relate to one's name, image, and likeness. She discusses the NIL controversy at the center of various college athletics programs. Later, Sharoni shares how technological...

We're taking this lesson out on the putting green! Abby is joined by Sports Reporter for the Wall Street Journal Andrew Beaton for a lesson about the PGA Tour-Liv Golf merger! Andrew discusses the differences in the structure and gameplay between the two tours. He breaks down the bipartisan criticism of the merger, as well as the Department of Justice's ongoing antitrust investigation into the PGA Tour. Later, Andrew highlights the controversies surrounding the Saudi-backed LIV Golf and...

Out with the old but in with the familiar?   Abby is joined by Lecturer of Marketing at Coastal Carolina University, Matthew Gilbert for a lesson about the latest social media app, Threads.   Matthew provides an overview of Threads and explains how the social media platform works. He discusses the app's explosive launch and dives into why some are calling it the 'Twitter killer.' Later, Matthew explains what's needed for a social media platform to be successful and overviews cautionary tales...

This one's for the girls!   Abby is joined by Historian and Author of Why They Marched, Susan Ware, for a lesson about the women's suffrage movement!   Susan explains the political and cultural factors within the United States that led to the foundation of the women's suffrage movement. She discusses both famous and hidden figures within the movement and sheds light on the various ways in which the suffragists protested. Later, Susan reflects on the obstacles women faced with their activism...

What are you afraid of? Abby is joined by Professor and Chair in the Department of Psychology at Toronto Metropolitan University, Dr. Martin Antony, for a lesson on the psychology behind phobias. Dr. Antony begins by explaining how a phobia is different from a fear and discusses how they're diagnosed. He explores factors that can cause phobias, including evolution, genetics, and trauma. Later, Dr. Antony shares different treatment strategies available to people who suffer from phobias. Learn...

Abby takes us out for a lesson on the pickleball court! Director of Communication & Content at USA Pickleball Melissa Zhang joins Abby for a lesson about the gameplay and popularity of pickleball. Melissa shares a deep dive into the history and rules of pickleball and explains what listeners can expect if they want to try playing. She discusses what led to pickleball's surge in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic, stating both the physical and social benefits of the sport. Later,...

It looks like we won't be back to our regularly scheduled programming for a while! Abby is joined by Media and Entertainment reporter for The Wall Street Journal, Joe Flint for a lesson about the Hollywood writers' strike.   Joe breaks down the demands being made by the Writers Guild of America after they were unable to strike a contract deal with major studios. He explains what kinds of content platforms and shows are being affected by the strike, as well as how it's impacting other...

This lesson is dedicated to all the amazing dads out there. Joining Abby in the classroom is her father, Jeff Hornacek, for a Father's Day celebration! Jeff gives listeners a glimpse into his life growing up and even shares some stories of the jobs he worked prior to his notable basketball career. Abby surprises her dad with a round of rapid-fire questions, where he answers once and for all who his favorite child is! Later, Jeff reflects on what being a dad means to him in a special Father's...

Joining Abby in the classroom is Retired FBI Special Agent John Iannarelli for a lesson about the duties and organization of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. John provides an overview of the history of the FBI and explains why the bureau was founded. He explains what a typical day at the FBI could look like and provides insight into what kinds of cases agents will investigate. Later, John shares stories from some of the unusual cases he encountered as a Special Agent. Learn more about...

What is Juneteenth? Abby revisits a lesson with Herbert G. Ruffin, Department Chair of African American Studies at Syracuse University, for a lesson on the holiday. Professor Ruffin explains the history of Juneteenth, how the holiday was honored by early freedmen, and how the celebration of this date has evolved through United States history.  Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Time for a history lesson dedicated to the bravery of the Allied troops!   Abby sits down with Military Historian at the Jenny Craig Institute for the Study of War and Democracy at the National World War II Museum Dr. John Curatola for a lesson about the events that unfolded on D-Day.   Dr. Curatola overviews the pivotal moments of World War II and explains the state of the United States military leading up to the attack on D-Day. He details the planning and preparation that went into D-Day...

Time for a lesson on one of the most iconic family feuds in history!   Abby is joined by Hatfield family descendent Amber Bishop, and McCoy family descendent Courtney McCoy-DeProspero for a lesson about the historic feud between the two families.   Amber and Courtney look back into history to explain the context of the bitter rivalry between their two families. The duo also explains how blood ties and local politics brought the familial dispute all the way to the Supreme Court. Later, Amber...

Who was behind the college admissions scandal?   Abby is joined by Wall Street Journal Higher Education Reporter and Co-Author of Unacceptable: Privilege, Deceit & The Making Of The College Admissions Scandal, Melissa Korn for a lesson on the “Operation Varsity Blues” scandal.   Melissa explains how college admissions counselor Rick Singer orchestrated the conspiracy that allowed wealthy parents to pay for their children to be accepted into elite schools. Melissa looks at the high-profile...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Abby revisits a lesson with one of the founders of Power Yoga, Bryan Kest on "Mindfulness." Bryan helps define mindfulness, the development of muscle focus, and the benefits of meditation. Later, Bryan and Abby discuss plans and processes for people just beginning to start practicing mindfulness. Keep up with Abby after class on Twitter: @AbbyHornacek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take me out to the ball game! Sports journalist, Lindsay Berra joins Abby for a lesson about the life and legacy of the iconic Yankees player and her grandfather, Yogi Berra. Lindsay shares memories of growing up with her Grandpa Yogi and discusses details about his service in the Navy during WWII. She also provides stories from his exceptional baseball career and the legacy of humility he leaves behind. Later, Lindsay discusses what it was like to create the new documentary on her...

This week’s lesson is about King Charles III's coronation! Co-host of TMZ’s Spilling The Royal Tea Podcast, Sean Mandell joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson about the purpose of a coronation. Sean looks back at some of the British royal family's past coronations and explains what viewers can expect from King Charles III's crowning. Later, he shares some of the drama surrounding the coronation, and what the role of the monarchy looks like in the United Kingdom today. Keep up with Abby...

This week’s lesson is on the economy! Director of Economic Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center, Shai Akabas joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on the debt limit. Shai dives into the history behind the federal debt limit to explain why it was enacted, and how it's evolved throughout the years. Later, he discusses the politics behind the economic health of the country, and what taxpayers can expect as the default deadline approaches. Keep up with Abby after class on...

How does genetic genealogy aid criminal investigations? Genetic genealogist, CeCe Moore joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on genetic genealogy.   CeCe dissects how autosomal DNA has been used to aid criminal investigations, citing the November 2022 Idaho murders investigation. Later, CeCe reveals the limitations to genetic genealogy in criminal and familial research, while also highlighting how the science has evolved throughout the years. Keep up with Abby after class on...

What is the future of A.I.? Abby looks back at a conversation with the Senior Fellow of Center Tech Innovation, Darrell West Abby in the classroom to help explain Artificial Intelligence. Darrell examines the origins of Artificial Intelligence, as well as the pros and cons of this technology. He also answers a question on the possibility of A.I. technologies developing morals and empathy as science advances. Later, Darrell reveals to Abby examples of artificial intelligence that we may not...

Why do the United States and China care so much about Taiwan? Former faculty fellow in National Security at the United States Department of Defense, Dr. Michael Beckley answers this as he joins Abby for a lesson on the One-China policy. Dr. Beckley illustrates a timeline of the United States' conditional yet tumultuous relationship with China. He also reveals the reason why the United States has a commitment to militarily support Taiwan in times of crisis. Later, Dr. Beckley provides insight...

This week, Co-founder of the Impostor Syndrome Institute, Dr. Valerie Young joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on Impostor Syndrome. Dr. Valerie provides insight on how to identify if you're experiencing symptoms of impostor syndrome. She also examines the difference between "humble realists" and impostors and why people often conflate the two. Later, Dr. Valerie and Abby discuss the origins of impostor syndrome and the various types of "impostors." Keep up with Abby after class on...

This week, the Anchor of FOX News Sunday and Host of Livin The Bream podcast, Shannon Bream joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on the love stories of the Bible. Shannon reveals the inspiration behind her latest book The Love Stories of The Bible Speak and why she chose to highlight not only romantic love stories but platonic and familial love stories as well. She also provides insight from her theological studying of the Bible on what these biblical stories teach us about God’s...

This week, FOX Business Anchor and Host of The Fearless and Proud Podcast, Gerri Willis joins Abby in the classroom for a lesson on women of the Civil War. Gerri shares the inspiring stories of several women who were undercover soldiers, spies, and military recruiters during the Civil War and how they managed to serve their country, often without sparking suspicion. She also emphasizes how imperative it is to share and spotlight the stories of these iconic women to showcase how they’ve...