Shows
The Ivory AtticTickling the IvoriesIn this on-location episode, we join Professor Jocelyn Swigger in her piano-filled office. Jocelyn is Professor of Music and Coordinator of Keyboard Studies for the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College. Jocelyn introduces us to a wonderful composer few have heard, Agnes Tyrrell. She also talks about what it is like teaching piano in a conservatory at a small liberal arts college. In our fashion segment, we find out why musicians wear black in concerts—and why Jocelyn chooses differently when out and about on campus. Finally, the three of us raise a glass in honor of Agnes Ty...2025-07-1457 min
The Ivory AtticU.S. Politics Haven't Changed at All!In this episode, we speak with Bruce A. Larson, Professor of Political Science at Gettysburg College. Bruce speaks to us about his work on campaign finance issues in the U.S. government and how it is definitely super easy to fix. Bruce also takes us on a winding journey through his path to academia—a route marked by romantic pursuits and rock bands—and reflects on how, given the state of things these days, staying in the band might’ve been the better choice. As usual, we quiz him on his political science knowledge and in our fashion segment ask hi...2025-06-1052 min
The Ivory AtticI(a)n the TrenchesNow with fewer hosts! In this episode, Ian switches sides of the Attic to talk with Kurt about his new book, The Battalion: Citizen Soldiers at War on the Western Front,. They kick off the new season by talking about how defeat can sometimes look a lot like victory, why writing about war during a global pandemic might not be the best way to pass the time in quarantine, and about Ian’s love of playing with toy soldiers. From there, the conversation turns to military fashion, as Kurt tries his best to get Ian to name hi...2025-03-211h 03
The Ivory AtticThe Healing Episode 2: Water of LifeIn case our previous episode did not provide solace, we have a backup plan. Join Kurt and R.C. Miessler as they talk about how to go about enjoying whiskey! Sometimes words help and sometimes it’s a quick tipple that makes life a bit more bearable. So grab a finger or two of your favorite brown liquor and join us for a tasting! 2024-12-201h 02
The Ivory AtticThe Healing EpisodeIn this episode, we try to recover from some recent unpleasantness. We asked previous guests of the show to read inspirational passages, poems, speeches, make their own comments, and simply give whatever message they thought that we all needed right now. As usual, our guests did not disappoint. We hope you enjoy this collection of calls to action, thoughts on our current political situation, and reflections on how one moves forward in darker times. Perhaps these thoughtful words from amazing people can contribute a bit of brightness in a dark time.2024-12-0153 min
The Ivory AtticButchin'In this episode, we speak with Amy Tooth Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Oral History at Royal Holloway, University of London. Amy talks to us about her oral history research on butch culture and why, despite the fact that most people can recognize someone who is butch, it still takes academics years to figure out what “butch” means. She also explains why listening is something that actually takes practice and is hard to do. (Don’t Ian and I know it!) We then quiz her in a new rapid-fire format and geek out with her about our shared love of tweed...2024-11-011h 17
The Ivory AtticThe Essence of the ClownIn this episode, we speak with Professor Christopher Kauffman, Adams Professor in Theatre Arts at Gettysburg College. Chris talks about the serious side of clowning and why nobody should ever try to be funny. He also explains why having a mean French man call you a “double-zero” is a great way to be funnier and explains the new “Muppet-core” fashion movement. Finally, we make our noses red both figuratively and literally by sipping on a cocktail. We promise this will only be the third worst thing you have ever heard! Call us Natalie!2024-10-011h 17
The Ivory AtticTotal ChaosIn this episode, we speak with Professor of Mathematics at Gettysburg College, Ben Kennedy. Ben talks about why anyone would want to do math, what is interesting about chaos, and why it doesn’t matter if the thing you are discovering is important. He then (for some reason) answers a truly awful set of quiz questions and talks about how he has stopped screaming at colleagues during meaningless basketball games. Finally, we share a whiskey together that was made by two very special people (at least partially).2024-09-011h 06
The Ivory AtticThe Graduation Special: It’s Just Putting Clothes on PeopleIt’s our special Graduation Episode! In this episode, we talk with special guest Juls Buehrer, Gettysburg College’s Costume Designer-in-Residence and Gettysburg College’s Costume Shop Manager and Gettysburg College’s Scenic Artist. Despite doing more work in a day than Ian and I do in a year, Juls managed to carve out a little time to tell us about the amazing history of Academic Regalia. She also explains her affinity for Fairy dress and Ian tells the sad story of his own college graduation outfit. Finally, to recover, we all drink a purple-hued cocktail to celebrate the graduati...2024-05-171h 15
The Ivory AtticBreaking the Iron CageIn this episode, we talk with Craig Lair, Chairperson and Associate Professor of Sociology at Gettysburg College. We learn how his joy of skateboarding led to his Ph.D. and why the three of us might have Ph.D.’s from Harvard University in the near future. We also consider writing letters to each other without any work and learn why chickens are great economic sociology teachers. Finally, an old guest quizzes Craig, we talk a little bit of fashion, and we drink to escape capitalism. We didn’t hold back in the beginning of the 2nd season and neit...2024-03-1558 min
The Ivory AtticTweed Camouflage and Lost BarmaidsIn this episode, we talk to Kerry Wallach, Chairperson and Associate Professor of German Studies at Gettysburg College. She talked to us about her new book, Traces of a Jewish Artist: The Lost Life and Work of Rahel Szalit, and what it is like to search for things that aren’t there. Kerry also talks about her shared love of tweed a la Walker Slater and makes a pitch for her a new movie based on her research. Finally, we all share a punch-related drink celebrating a lost work by artist Rahel Szalit. Why decide? 2024-02-051h 20
The Ivory AtticThe New Year’s Cocktails Special!In this run up to the New Year, Ian invites Kurt to talk about his cocktail book, Ten Cocktails Adults Should Know. We discuss all things cocktails, from which ones are easier, which ones are harder, and which ones you can set on fire. Finally, Kurt makes not one, but two cocktails for Ian to drink to ring in the New Year! So pour yourself something bubbly and join us in the Attic. You can find “Ten Cocktails Adults Should Know” by searching Amazon, or using the link: https://a.co/d/gav1FJw2023-12-2940 min
The Ivory AtticThe Gratitude SpecialIt is the holiday season! During this time, we think it is important to talk about what we are thankful for, so we gathered a bunch of our previous guests and asked them to share their thoughts. Strangely, only one of our guests mentioned this great podcast! To wrap it all up, Ian and Kurt talk holiday fashion and Kurt makes Ian try a cocktail that looks and tastes a little too much like gravy. In hindsight, it was terrible, but at the time Ian said way too politely ‘I don’t hate it.’ Hopefully it will all get you in...2023-12-0859 min
The Ivory AtticBlack Superheroes and Unpronounceable Literary TermsIn this episode, we talk with the inaugural Kermit O. Paxton and Renee A. Paxton Endowed Teaching Chair at Gettysburg College, Dr. McKinley Melton. McKinley talks to us about his research in spirituality among enslaved Africans in America as well as his new project investigating contemporary spoken-word African-American poets. He also explains why Ian’s “flexibility” is a superpower and describes his large collection of fleeces. Finally, we all share a delicious fall drink while two of the three attic occupants mock one of the host’s inability to say a word that looks nothing like how it is pronounc...2023-11-011h 07
The Ivory AtticInterdisciplinary Shenanigans and CigarsWe’re back, baby! In this episode, we have a poolside chat with Vern Cisney, the Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies at Gettysburg College. This is a spicy one! We discuss why an Independent Major might actually get you a job; Ian and Vern fix the “crisis in the humanities”; Kurt waxes fondly on his love of creative writing; and we figure out which philosopher/natural philosopher is Ringo. Our guest even coins a hot new fashion phrase. Finally, we end things with a hedonistic cocktail and cigar.2023-10-011h 04
The Ivory AtticChatting with Dean ChatIn this episode, we start with a discussion about what professors actually do in the summer. This is followed by our first recurring segment, Notes from the Natural World, wherein naturalist Ian Clarke discusses the subtleties of birding without getting shot. Finally, we land an amazing interview with world-renowned Dean Chat who tells us that the academy is actually in pretty good shape after all! We definitely needed a drink after that!2023-07-011h 07
The Ivory AtticGlorious 18th Century LiteratureIn this episode, we speak with Dr. Joanne Myers, Associate Professor of English at Gettysburg College. We discuss 18th century British literature, the cultural history of miscarriage, and religious vocation. We also discuss which 18th century writer we would want to drink with and good thrift shops. Finally, we drink a milk punch which may have the largest difference between how delicious it tastes and how bad it looks when you are making it. Content Warning: miscarriage. 2023-06-011h 07
The Ivory AtticX-Rays and Large TricyclesIn this episode, we speak with Nozomi Ando, Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Cornell University. We discuss better names for sciencey stuff, how to get cheap hot dogs, ways to alleviate exhaustion in the lab, and the appropriate number of shoes for a scholar. Finally, we sip on a cocktail guaranteed to give you pep as you race large tricycles inside of a multi-million-dollar science facility. 2023-05-0146 min
The Ivory AtticProtest Music and Educating EducatorsIn this episode, we speak with Dr. Dave Powell, former professor of education and current professor of public policy about teaching teachers, protest music, naming dogs, and the value of a good mustache. We also will serve up 2 cocktails, one based on a famous education philosopher and another on a mid-20th century folk singer.2023-04-011h 03
The Ivory AtticCo-Curriculum: The Saint Patrick’s Day SpecialIt’s our first ever co-curriculum episode! To thank everyone for the great reception the podcast has received so far, we created a St. Patrick’s Day special. In it, we will interview Dr. Jeff McHugh about being a post-doc, running in Paris, and his opinions on box-chain store St. Patrick’s Day t-shirts. Our co-hosts will also discuss (and drink) the perfect Irish Manhattan (which, it turns out, is not a “perfect” Manhattan). 2023-03-1556 min
The Ivory AtticThe Self-Indulgent BeginningIn this episode we introduce the podcast, spend a bit too long talking about ourselves, and at the end finally describe what this podcast will be about. Don’t worry - we’ll get better at this.2023-02-2645 min