Overuse of media devices might impact white matter in developing brains, research shows. But it’s less about screens and more about the interactions that young children aren’t receiving.    Link to transcript

Repeating cycles in the United States could serve as lessons for a better future, if we first recognize them.   Link to transcript

Birth rates are declining. Ohio State researchers study possible reasons, economic solutions and discuss the scrutiny of another aspect of reproductive choice   Link to transcript

Chatbot technology can boost learning motivation and student engagement. But first, educators must put parameters in place.   Link to transcript

America is aging. How does mistreatment of our oldest members reflect our ageist attitudes? Research indicates how to fight the least-recognized form of abuse.    Link to transcript

In America’s schools, Latine children make up nearly a third of students. Are we teaching them in ways that ensure their future, and ours? Latine literature shows a path forward. Link to transcript  See our experts' top picks for Latine children's and young adult books.

If you think you can’t be duped by internet and phone scammers, you’re the victim they’re looking for. Here’s how fraudsters get inside your head and swindle people who think they can’t be “had.” Link to transcript

Three “science of reading” researchers push back on the idea that teaching phonics alone will cure America’s literacy problems. Comprehension is the next big hurdle.   Link to transcript here

Driven by curiosity, young children recall details that adults miss. Discover why exploration is critical for learning and innovation, but in excess could lead to social turmoil Credits: YouTube, Stanford; YouTube, DC Public Library; WXIA-TV; Woody Guthrie; video by Lindsay Rice  Link to transcript    

Once rare, Black youth suicide spiked in recent years. Indigenous youth have struggled with the trend for decades. Can instilling community and culture reverse a heartbreaking phenomenon for us all?   Link to transcript Read Theory into Practice: Homeplace and Black Joy in K-12 Education. Also, see tips on suicide prevention.

Science is now uncovering the myriad ways that exercise impacts the brain. For less stress, improved cognition and a “feel-better” effect, there’s nothing quite like movement to boost mental health.   Link to transcript   Read expert tips on how best to stick with your exercise routine.

The monthly Inspire Podcast asks Ohio State’s Education and Human Ecology experts — and everyday heroes — about the issues that people encounter in life: mental and physical health, inequity, lifelong learning, raising and teaching children. To discover why ... and why not? Because hidden in our dilemmas and most complex problems are exquisite solutions.

The provocative and high-powered music genre that turned 50 this year can be used to teach almost anything — if you first embrace its cultural relevance    Listen to playlists of hip-hop songs recommended by Assistant Professor Jason Rawls and Professor Elaine Richardson, and those that appear in this episode: ⁠YouTube or Spotify Credits: GloRilla, FSG Rell, Naz, Elaine Richardson, Kendrick Lamar, Skepta feat. JME, Megan Thee Stallion, feat. Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, Ray Wimley, Sa-Roc,...

Young people need stories that reflect their lives, experts say. Using censorship to deny that representation can have dangerous consequences.   Link to transcript. Read a National Council of Teachers of English article about continuing efforts to preserve intellectual freedom.

Noah and Asho scaled incredible obstacles just to make it to college. Somehow, they never gave up. How two students beat the odds, and the people who helped them believe in possibilities.   Link to transcript

One elusive emotion reveals that individuals aren’t the center of the universe. Then, it makes us feel calmer, more connected and happier Link to transcript   See a playlist of songs that Education and Human Ecology faculty and staff find awe-inspiring, or read why listeners like the selections and watch the music videos. Photo by Marek Piwnicki

Why do some people — especially kids — fiddle with, wince at and despise the very foods that science tells us are most healthful? Here's how to get finicky types to give meatloaf and other 'yucky' foods a chance   Link to transcript

Students say they’re learning about sex from a variety of places — but not where they should be. There’s a better way to teach American youth, researchers say Caution: This podcast episode mentions suicide.  Read about Ohio State research detailing questions middle-schoolers asked about sex.   Link to episode transcript

College students shape and strengthen their beliefs by interacting with peers from different faith backgrounds. That’s a very good thing, research shows.  Click here to see a list of Ohio State University prayer and meditation spaces. Link to transcript and notes

Hope. School belongingness. More trained professionals. We know how to fix the mental health challenges facing American youth. So why aren't more schools putting those strategies to work? Credits: CBS News; National Public Radio Notes: Partnering with Families to Support Mental Health: Research-based Strategies for Educators by the College of Education and Human Ecology’s Center on Education and Training Employment. Click through to tables of evidence-based protective factors, proven to help...

Young consumers mean serious business when they shop resale, and their eclectic, eco-minded style is anything but cliché. Ohio State students and Fashion Retail Studies faculty offer tips for scoring big in thrift stores.  2023 Fashion Production Association Show    Link to transcript

Science quantifies the need for love, caring relationships and belonging. It could be the cure to a hurting world. But who knew that giving a little kindness could also heal the giver? Link to transcript

Sports have for decades been a platform for social activism. Today, athletes from the WNBA to college campuses are speaking out more than ever against the injustice they and others face.   Link to transcript   Credits: BBC TV, NBA on TNT, CNN, TIME, 12News KPNX-TV, Ohio State football, History, Democracy Now!, NBC, ABC, Gatorade, USA Today, NPR.

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities face an uncertain future when they graduate from high school. How can families and individuals navigate the next steps? Experts and adults with IDDs weigh in.Materials contained within this podcast are copyrighted property of The Ohio State University.   Link to transcript