Shows
Learning & LaborEpisode 15 - Who is J.B. Pritzker?This episode explores the life of J.B. Pritzker, focusing on his life prior to becoming Governor of Illinois. For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2025-09-2541 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 14 - International Attacks on Higher Education w/ Prof. Janet FullerThis episode explores international attacks on higher education, including discussion of the US and the Netherlands, xenophobia, immigration and more. We are joined by Prof. Janet Fuller, who provides insight into the conditions on both sides of the Atlantic.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast:https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2025-07-1253 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 13 - What Will be the New Illinois State Flag? w/ Malachy CostelloIn this episode, Niko and Malachy talk about the importance of symbolism, why the current Illinois Flag is a bad one, and the many options that are being presented for a new flag by the Illinois Flag Commission.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2025-01-021h 42
Learning & LaborEpisode 12 - 2024 Election Autopsy w/ Talique TaylorIn Episode 12 we analyze the results of the 2024 election, discussing its implications for the Midwest and where we go next.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-11-2851 min
Learning & LaborBONUS - Why does Trump want to go back to the 1890s?Bonus episode responding to Trump's recent comparisons to 1890s politics, including tariffs, President McKinley, and the income tax.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-11-0124 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 11 - The Changing Politics of the Midwest w/ Nomadic Warriors for PritzkerFor Episode 11 we are joined by Trip, who runs the Nomadic Warriors for Pritzker account on social media. Along with the story behind his account, we discuss “good governance liberalism” of some Midwestern Democrats, their Republican opponents, and the overall state of politics in the Midwest.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast:https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-10-121h 23
Learning & LaborEpisode 10 - Workers' Rights in the State Capitol w/ Brady from the ILSAThis Labor Day episode covers a story crucial to Illinois politics today. In an interview with Illinois Legislative Staff Association Organizer Brady Burden, we go over the context, recent history and current situation for legislative workers in Springfield.CORRECTION: Democrats control 78/118 of the IL House seats, or about 66%. 60 votes is a majority and 60% is a supermajorityFor sources, citations, and more information on the podcast:https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-09-021h 01
Learning & LaborBONUS - The Future of Learning & LaborThis BONUS episode discusses the future of the Learning & Labor Podcast.Fill out the audience feedback form: https://forms.gle/JpNgRbgryseiscD26For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-08-2105 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 9 -The 1992 Latine Student Movement w/ Rey Camas & JackieEpisode 9 of the Learning Labor Podcast is a discussion on the 1992 Latine student movement protests at the University of Illinois. For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-08-141h 10
Learning & LaborEpisode 8 - The Anti-Apartheid Struggle w/ Prof. Terri BarnesToday, we dive into the history of the anti-apartheid struggle, with a focus on UIUC’s movement for divestment from South Africa. I was lucky to be joined by Professor Terri Barnes in this episode to discuss the background and implications of this international movement against oppression that has increasing relevance today.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast:https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-05-281h 15
Learning & LaborEpisode 7 - Illinois & Latin America w/ Prof. Sin & Prof. AndradeFor this episode I was able to speak to Prof. Gisela Sin, Director of the Center for Latin America and Caribbean Studies (CLACS), and Prof. Flavia Cristina Drumond Andrade, Acting Director of the Lemann Center for Brazilian studies about UIUC’s connections to Latin America. We were touched on figures from Jorge Paulo Lemann and Werner Baer to Rafael Correa, and discussed the many ways that our university plays a role in the region.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-05-071h 16
Learning & LaborEpisode 6 - UIUC Statues Tier ListIn this episode me (Niko) and my friend Justin rank a bunch of statues on or near the UIUC campus. While somewhat informative, this is more of a fun episode. There is a video version available on Youtube as well!**ALSO GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY IS IN DC I MISREAD MY NOTESFor sources, citations, and more information on the podcast:https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-04-2650 min
Learning & LaborBONUS - How a Landmark Tells a StoryThis BONUS episode tells the story of a campus landmark whose history connects developments in public transport, the expansion of cars, and Roger Ebert, yet is relatively unknown. Listen to learn this fascinating story about the Halfway House.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast:https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-04-0908 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 5 - The Privatization of Public Universities w/ Prof. David JohnsonOur first podcast guest is Professor and Union Activist David Johnson, who discusses the crisis that modern higher education is going through, based on his own experiences in the labor movement and as a professor at a regional research university.For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast:https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-03-291h 08
Learning & LaborEpisode 4 - The Changing Story of UIUC’s Student KKKCONTENT WARNING: Discussion of Racism and Violence Episode 4 of the Learning Labor Podcast tells the story of the early 1900s student organization that took the name “Ku Klux Klan”, and the ways in which its story has been told over time - included recent changes prompted by this podcast’s investigations,For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast:https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2024-03-061h 25
Learning & LaborEpisode 3 - The UIUC History IcebergEpisode 3 tells some of the most well-known and obscure stories from the history of UIUC, through the UIUC History Iceberg.Apologies for the minor sound issues on this one, there's a few things that messed it up but I've tried my best to correct what I can.For the Youtube Video, full iceberg graphic, sources, citations, and more information on the podcast go to: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2023-11-2643 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 3 - The UIUC History IcebergEpisode 3 tells some of the most well-known and obscure stories from the history of UIUC, through the UIUC History Iceberg. It can also be viewed on Youtube.Apologies if there are any sound issues on this one, I was at home for Thanksgiving and working in different conditions. Will be back to normal after this!For the iceberg graphic, sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2023-11-2544 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 2 - Altgeld, Eagle Forgotten | Part 2Episode 2 tells the story of John Peter Altgeld, namesake of Altgeld Hall. This is part 2 of the episode, and goes through his accomplishments as Governor, including with respect to UIUC and higher education, and the rest of his life.As I mention at the end of this episode, I encourage listeners to support a ceasefire in Gaza: https://ceasefiretoday.com/For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2023-11-101h 05
Learning & LaborEpisode 2 - Altgeld, Eagle Forgotten | Part 1Episode 2 tells the story of John Peter Altgeld, namesake of Altgeld Hall. This is part 1 of the episode, and goes through his early life until his most consequential act as Governor of Illinois.As I mention at the end of Part 2, I encourage listeners to support a ceasefire in Gaza: https://ceasefiretoday.com/For sources, citations, and more information on the podcast: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2023-11-1047 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 1 - A Land Grab InstitutionThis episode covers the story behind UIUC's founding - specifically the Morrill Act and the land grant system which was predicated on the theft of indigenous land. For sources, citations and more information about the podcast go to: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2023-10-0549 min
Learning & LaborEpisode 0 - Learning & LaborThis introductory episode is a brief introduction to the Learning & Labor podcast. Sources and more available here: https://linktr.ee/learninglabor
2023-10-0105 min
Strong Songs"Cameo Lover" by KimbraOpen up your heart! Open up your heart! Open up your heart, let Kimbra pull you out!On this episode, Kirk goes for a swim in the extra-buoyant waters of Kimbra's 2011 pop stomper "Cameo Lover." It's an intricate musical narrative told through shifting time-feels, retro drum beats, leaping vocals, and sneaky key changes, and it's just the song to raise our spirits after a long, dark winter.Written by: Kimbra JohnsonAlbum: Vows (2011)Listen/Buy via Album.LinkALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:“Somebody That I Used to Know” by Goty...
2021-03-2455 min
Strong Songs"Hyperballad" by BjörkIt's early in the morning; no one is awake. From the top of the mountain, the soft light of dawn comes into view. You take a deep breath, and prepare for a journey with the great genius of musical travel.On this episode, Kirk dives into Björk's 1995 electro-pop masterpiece "Hyperballad," paying special attention to how carefully she weaves together music and lyrics to create a sense of space, and thus a feeling of travel.Written and produced by: BjörkCo-produced by: Nellee HooperAlbum: Post (1995)Listen/Buy vi...
2020-09-3048 min
Strong Songs"The Chain" and "Dreams" by Fleetwood MacThunder only happens when it's raining, and Strong Songs only crams two songs into an episode when it's super warranted.This episode warrants just such a pairing, with a focus on two tunes by the great Fleetwood Mac. First there's the collaboratively written group-sing stomper "The Chain," and then comes Stevie Nicks' heartbeat anthem "Dreams." Both were featured on the band's classic 1977 album Rumors, and both have more than stood the test of time."The Chain" was written by Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, and John McVie."Dreams" was written...
2020-09-0258 min