The Torch: The Great Courses Podcast

Latest Episodes:

The 50th Edition of the Torch: History, Literature, and Lightning! Jul 25, 2016

Show notes

This is our 50th episode of The Torch, hosted by Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer for the Great Courses, and our podcast continues to entertain, inform, and provide our audience with more ways to continue their passion for lifelong learning. This milestone edition examines how music has reflected and affected major milestones in history, delves into the defining moments of Irish culture, and embarks on an exciting adventure into the science of extreme weather. First you’ll explore how history isn’t just dates and names. Great moments in history impact our culture, our views, and our art; applying the lens of music to the study of history provides you with a much deeper understanding and appreciation for both subjects. There is no better professor to present this scope than Great Courses favorite Robert Greenberg, renowned musicologist and Music Historian-in-Residence with San Francisco Performances. We all understand how the Italian renaissance resulted in a plethora of amazing art and music, and also helped define the Italian culture. Lesser known is the Irish Renaissance, which gave birth to not only a number of timeless works of literature, but helped generate and foster a revolution, calling for independence and establishing an Irish identity. Professor Marc Conner, Professor of English at Washington and Lee University, discusses this vibrant period of time where conflict, unrest, and a cultural explosion came together to capture and help to create a nation. Lastly, join Professor Eric Snodgrass, a storm chaser and Director of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois, to better understand the different facets of extreme weather and how we use science and nature to predict storms and climate change in general.

New Views on the Present, the Past, and Future Jun 27, 2016

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Learn the benefits of writing personal essays, examine the Bible as a work of literature, and explore what effects the future will have on your mind in this exceptional episode of The Torch, hosted by Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer for the Great Courses. Begin by looking at a fantastic and flexible outlet for sharing your personal experience with the world: the essay. Dr. Jennifer Cognard-Black, Professor of English at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, reveals the simplicity and ultimate gratification of writing personal essays, along with some fascinating insights and tips. Then, step into the past by looking at the many authors, varied viewpoints, and numerous interpretations of the Bible. Learn how these invaluable words of the past are viewed through the lens of literature with Professor Craig R. Koester of Luther Seminary. Lastly, look ahead to see what’s in store for your brain as you age. While getting older is inevitably in everyone’s future, declining mental faculties are not a given, as explained by Professor Thad A. Polk from the University of Michigan.

Change Your Perceptions May 31, 2016

Show notes

Join host Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer of The Great Courses, to discover insights into what we are communicating before we even open our mouths, examine the fascinating world of a real archaeologist, and separate fact from fiction when it comes to fitness and nutrition all in this edition of The Torch! First, examine the nuances of nonverbal communication with Professor Mark Frank of University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, as he provides some illuminating insights into how we communicate. You’ll learn about personal space bubbles, discover some nonverbal signals which are reliable indicators of what a person truly intends, and learn why building rapport is often more effective than torture when it comes to interrogations. Next, spend time with a real-life Indiana Jones as Professor Eric Cline of The George Washington University discusses how the realities of being an archaeologist are far different, yet just as exciting as the movies (although Dr. Cline does own a fedora). He also explains the many steps an evacuation takes, how to determine when it’s safe to remove an artifact from a site, and what a space archaeologist is. Last, Professor Michael Ormsbee of the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine in the College of Human Sciences at Florida State University will provide eye opening facts about the science behind weight loss and provide the truth around common misconceptions such as: Can too much protein hurt you? Will you burn more fat working out at a faster pace? Is breakfast the most important meal of the day? This information-packed edition of The Torch is going to change your perceptions about the things you thought you knew!

Change the Way You Think May 02, 2016

Show notes

Join host Ed Leon, Chief Brand Officer of The Great Courses, to discover Mayo Clinic’s approach to wellness and healing, examine the rich and complex history of India, and learn how computer programmers think by exploring the language of Python - all in this edition of The Torch! Start by learning what Dr. Brent Bauer of Mayo Clinic has discovered about the benefits of complementary and integrative medicines. By looking at the science and research behind treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, or dietary supplements, you will be better prepared to work with your doctor on a holistic approach to your wellbeing. Next, explore the multifaceted and vital cultures of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh with Professor Michael Fisher of Oberlin College. The South Asian subcontinent contains 20% of the world’s population and is a thriving center for global business, so it is becoming vitally important to understand the history of this region. Last, Professor John Keyser, from Texas A&M University, reveals the secrets of a new language, Python, used to program computers, and see how learning how to command computers also teaches you how to organize your tasks and thought processes in a logical and methodical manner.

Take Your Knowledge to the Next Level Apr 05, 2016

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Improve your ability to win an argument, learn how to keep your kids safe from disease, and discover how a master photographer is creating an award-winning project on endangered animals all in this edition of The Torch! Join host Ed Leon as he chats with Professor Steven Gimbel, Dr. Roy Benaroch, and National Geographic Photographer Joel Sartore about their exciting new courses. In this information-packed podcast: You'll learn how to apply formal logic to win an argument, solve a problem, or answer a question. You'll discover how pediatricians diagnose and resolve both serious and everyday illnesses and issues in babies, children, and teens and get some valuable advice that all parents can use. You'll hear Joel Sartore discuss his mission to photograph endangered animals all over the globe, as well as provide master-level photography tips from real-world experiences to help you elevate your own photography skills. If you have previously followed any of these courses or professors, or if you simply enjoy these topics and want to learn more about them, don’t miss this podcast!

The Facts Behind Apple vs. the FBI Mar 18, 2016

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You may think you know all the details about the current debate over privacy vs. security: Superficially, the FBI and Apple are locking horns about a locked phone that belonged to a suspected terrorist. However, this is a small part of a much bigger issue. Dr. Paul Rosenzweig, a Professorial Lecturer in Law at The George Washington University Law School, breaks down both sides of this debate, and you'll discover that the nuances of this story have potentially far-reaching consequences. Join Ed Leon of the Great Courses and Professor Rosenzweig as they discuss the questions this case has brought to light: Does Apple have the capability to modify the operating system of the iPhone? Should Apple eliminate the failsafe protection allowing all the data to disappear after ten failed tries to crack the passcode? Is Apple protecting their users or their corporate interests? Is this a slippery slope to a legally sanctioned elimination of privacy? Ultimately, where do we draw the line between protection of the people and protection of our privacy? This hot-button topic is about to head to court, so don’t miss this compelling discussion of the vital facts and potentially game-changing consequences of this case.

Who Will, and Should, Pick the Next Supreme Court Justice? Mar 16, 2016

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With the recent passing of Justice Antonin Scalia, the current state of the Supreme Court is surrounded by chaos, confusion, and conflict. A divided government defines the current political environment, and increasing tension surrounding the upcoming election means this Supreme Court nomination is going to be a political battle royale.
As President Obama attempts to confirm his selection-Merrick Garland, Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit-and winds down his presidency, a campaign to block his nomination so the next elected president will make this selection instead continues. Both sides of this debate cite everything from relevant precedent to the U.S. Constitution. Who will, and who should, pick the next Supreme Court Justice?
Join Ed Leon of the Great Courses along with Dr. Peter Irons, Emeritus Professor of Political Science and Professor of The Great Courses’ History of the Supreme Court, as they examine the legalities and practices behind the Supreme Court nomination process and the potential ramifications of this vital decision.

Thoughtful Topics across the Past, Present, and Future Mar 09, 2016

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Probe three powerful topics ranging from an ancient language to questions and concerns we ponder now, and will continue to think about in this time-traveling edition of The Torch. Join Ed Leon of the Great Courses along with three notable professors as they first examine the legalities of a question that has been debated for centuries and is even more relevant today: Should you sacrifice your privacy in exchange for your security? Then look at the past, present, and future of how, where, and why we use energy to power our lives. Lastly, spend some time learning why Ancient Greek is just as vital in the modern world if you truly want to understand great works of literature and philosophy. All of this, and more, in this exciting new edition of The Torch.

The Astonishing Observation of Gravitational Waves Feb 19, 2016

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On its 100th anniversary, Einstein’s prediction about his theory of relativity has been validated. Just this month, two facilities in the U.S. recorded gravitational waves resulting from the merging of two black holes that happened 1.3 billion years ago. These ripples are so small — only a fraction the size of an atom – that capturing them was a seemingly insurmountable task. It was a feat that, although Einstein predicted, he never believed we would be able to confirm. In this special episode of The Torch, join Ed Leon of the Great Courses and Dr. Joshua N. Winn, Associate Professor of Physics at MIT, to learn how this cutting-edge discovery pushes the frontiers of knowledge and technology.

Learn The Truth about the Alarming Zika Virus Outbreak Feb 15, 2016

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With reported cases in the U.S. and a travel advisory out from the CDC, there has been a lot of confusion around what the Zika virus is, how it spreads, and who is at risk. Join Ed Leon of The Great Courses and Dr. Barry Fox, Clinical Professor of Infectious Disease, as they separate fact from fiction, put to rest the rumors, and examine the true nature of this virulent and alarming disease.