169. Ian F. McNeely, Historian of Knowledge and Dean

169. Ian F. McNeely, Historian of Knowledge and Dean

Show Notes: Ian McNeely talks about his academic path, including a PhD in History from the University of Michigan and a position in the Society of Fellows at Harvard. He met his wife at Harvard, and they both found work at the University of Oregon where they became professors. They raised a family and lived there for 24 years. In 2024, Ian moved to UNC Chapel Hill, where he continues as a professor of history and oversees undergraduate education. The Society of Fellows When asked about the Society of Fellows, Ian explains that he thought of it as a mystique during his undergraduate years. The Society was conceived in the 1930s as an alternative to the PhD, offering young men (later women) a three-year fellowship with no academic requirements. Ian attended lavish dinners and lunches with other fellows, including senior fellows from Harvard faculty. He met his wife at the Society, and the fellowship allowed him to convert his dissertation into a book, which was crucial for his tenure. Exploring the History of Knowledge Ian explains how he and his wife co-wrote a book on the history of knowledge, covering various institutions like libraries, monasteries, and universities. He describes the different definitions of knowledge across these institutions, from written debates in libraries to scientific experiments in laboratories. Ian emphasizes the importance of institutions in defining what counts as knowledge. He discusses the role of vernacular knowledge and how it has been institutionalized over time. A Fellow's Activities Ian talks about his activities as a fellow. He describes his monastic approach, focusing on conversations with people outside his field. Ian interacted with particle physicists, art historians, and other disciplines, which broadened his perspective. He bonded with his wife, who is a medieval historian, over their mutual disdain for the Renaissance. Ian values the diverse group of equals in the Society of Fellows and the opportunity to explore various aspects of knowledge. The Politicization of Higher Education The conversation turns to Ian's current role as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at UNC Chapel Hill. He discusses the politicization of higher education and the challenges of the proliferation of knowledge. Ian emphasizes the importance of helping students diversify their intellectual portfolios to hedge against unpredictability, and he expresses optimism that AI will be a force multiplier rather than a replacement for human judgment and expertise. The Impact of AI on Undergraduate Education Ian believes AI will not replace human judgment but will be a force multiplier for routine tasks. He stresses the importance of communication skills, teamwork, ethical judgment, and aesthetic judgment in the face of AI. Ian advises students to use AI as a refinement tool after doing cognitive heavy lifting themselves. He emphasizes the importance of preserving curiosity-driven knowledge alongside applied knowledge, and he states that rote-type learning will not be needed while high-level skills will be sought by employers. The Changing Definition of Knowledge Ian explains that, over the past two decades, the shift towards justifying knowledge in economic or scientific terms, especially in the United States. He talks about the value of interpretation and judgement, and how he is concerned that students are losing the ability to do the cognitive heavy lifting of assessing research and determining the gaps in information. Ian's administrative career reflects his efforts to balance these two aspects of knowledge. Ian advises students to use AI as a refinement tool after doing their own cognitive heavy lifting, but he stresses the importance of taking time in nature to write by hand and give the mind time to think. The Meeting of Medieval and Modern History Ian talks about the difference between his wife's studies in medieval history to his own. Creative thinking plays a role in the study of medieval history where there are gaps in knowledge and errors of interpretation; this contrasts with Ian's field of study which drew research from a high level of bureaucracy. He explains why he structured their book, Reinventing Knowledge, to combat information overload. Ian shares his experience of empowering others in his professional life and giving up the desire to control outcomes. Ian also reflects on the importance of humility and the value of learning a new language to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures. Harvard Reflections Ian mentions Math 25 with Mark McConnell, which taught him rigorous thinking and precision, and he highlights a course on European Political development 1850 to 1950 by Peter Baldwin, which inspired him to become a European historian. Ian states that he values the bridge between the arts and sciences provided by these courses. Timestamps: 02:09: The Society of Fellows at Harvard 04:07: Ian's Research and Book on the History of Knowledge 09:43: Ian's Experience as a Fellow and Interactions with Other Disciplines 11:21: Ian's Role as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education at UNC Chapel Hill 12:11: The Impact of AI on Higher Education 23:29: Ian's Perspective on the Evolution of Knowledge 28:17: Ian's Personal Reflections and Recommendations 32:56: Influential Courses and Professors at Harvard Links: Book: https://www.amazon.com/University-Unfettered-Public-Education-Disruption/dp/0231220588 [https://www.amazon.com/University-Unfettered-Public-Education-Disruption/dp/0231220588] Book: https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-Knowledge-Alexandria-Ian-McNeely/dp/0393337715 [https://www.amazon.com/Reinventing-Knowledge-Alexandria-Ian-McNeely/dp/0393337715] Contact: https://history.unc.edu/person/ian-f-mcneely/ [https://history.unc.edu/person/ian-f-mcneely/] This episode on The 92 Report: * AI generated show notes and transcript

168. Peter Schmidt, From Math to Neuroscience

Show Notes: Peter Schmidt talks about his senior year during the Iraq War, and how the news on the problem of jobless recovery led him to consider graduate school. The Journey from Student to Dean Peter studied biomechanics at Cornell, focusing on the mathematics of biological systems and modeling clinical trials in orthopedics. He was admitted into a fellowship program in New York at an orthopedic hospital where he worked on total joint replacement. His career path led him to neuroscience, where he led clinical research and worked for a nonprofit before becoming the vice dean of a medical school. He then moved on to running clinical trials and drug development. A Focus on Parkinson's Disease Pete shares his interest in Parkinson's disease and explains that Parkinson's affects a tractable part of the brain, the basal ganglia, which is easier to model mathematically. He enjoys thinking about neuronal signaling and the microstructure of the brain, which helps in understanding the macro structure. Pete's PhD work involved modeling bone at the cellular level, and he applies similar thinking to the basal ganglia in Parkinson's disease. Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases Pete discusses the challenges in determining whether a question in neurodegenerative diseases is a question of science or engineering. He explains the historical focus on stem cells and extracellular proteins as solutions for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Pete emphasizes the need to understand the role of extracellular proteins and the importance of scientific inquiry. He mentions the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of prion diseases and the subsequent focus on characteristic proteins in neurodegenerative diseases, which led to initiatives focused on proteins. The Brain's Micro and Macro Structures Pete discusses the current focus on extracellular proteins and the challenges in proving their role in diseases like Parkinson's. He mentions the drug Lecanemab for Alzheimer's, which slows the disease but does not reverse it. Pete predicts that future research will focus on intracellular proteins and the need to restore lost cells in the brain. He highlights the importance of understanding the microstructure to inform the macro structure of the brain. The Logistics of Running Clinical Trials Pete explains that success in clinical trials is more about logistics than science, with 90-95% of the work being logistical. He discusses the challenges of recruiting subjects and the importance of working with academic medical centers that have a high volume of patients. Pete emphasizes the need for fast-moving ethics boards and efficient contracting to ensure the success of clinical trials. Incentives for Physicians When asked about the incentives for physicians to participate in clinical trials, Pete explains that most physicians are driven by scientific interest rather than financial incentives. He mentions the importance of academic leaders who can influence the participation of residents and fellows in trials. Pete highlights the passion of physicians in diseases like Huntington's and cystic fibrosis, which drives their engagement in research. The Role of Pharma Companies in Clinical Trials Pete talks about his role at East Carolina University where he oversaw clinical care and research at the medical school. He discusses the changing role of pharma companies in running clinical trials. He explains that many drugs are now discovered in labs, leading to a shift in the need for pharma companies to own their data. Pete mentions the issue of trial fraud, where fake patients are used to inflate data, and the importance of tighter control over trial data. He shares his experience of rescuing a trial from fraudulent data and the challenges of identifying such issues. Life on the Family Farm The conversation turns to Pete's family life, and Pete shares that his youngest child recently went to college, and he inherited a family farm that has been in his wife's family for 200 years. He enjoys working with his hands, doing woodworking, and using a skid steer for various tasks on the farm. Pete describes his role as the farm handyman, fixing things and maintaining the farm equipment. Harvard Reflections Pete mentions taking a quantum mechanics course and a material science class with X-ray interferometry. He highlights the impact of a physics class on fits and tolerances, which taught him about the importance of clearance and interference fits. Pete also shares his experience taking a folklore course with his roommate, which was his only pass/fail course at Harvard. Pete explains the concept of fits and tolerances in engineering. He discusses the importance of understanding whether a fit needs to be tight or loose and planning accordingly. Pete uses examples from finance to illustrate the principle of having a cushion in budgeting. He emphasizes the need to know the target fit (tight or loose) to optimize engineering and design solutions. This episode on The 92 Report:https://92report.com/podcast/168-peter-schmidt-from-math-to-neuroscience/ [https://92report.com/podcast/168-peter-schmidt-from-math-to-neuroscience/] Timestamps: 02:40: A focus on Parkinson's Disease 05:10: Challenges in Neurodegenerative Disease Research 09:50: The Role of Extracellular Proteins and Future Directions 17:34: Running Clinical Trials and Logistics 27:58: Incentives for Physicians to Participate in Clinical Trials 32:16: Pharma Companies and Clinical Trial Data 38:53: Personal Life and Farming 42:30: Reflections on Harvard Courses 46:23: Fits and Tolerances in Engineering Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pnschmidt https://www.instagram.com/pnschmidt [https://www.instagram.com/pnschmidt]

167. Lauren Messmore, From Banks to Boards

Show Notes: From Hiking to River Cruises Lauren Messmore opens the conversation by sharing her experience of hiking Hadrian's Wall in England with her husband, which she describes as a highlight of her international travels. She explains that her husband, an anglophile, had the idea and that she enjoyed the travel and training for the hike, and that she had also lived in England for a few years in the '90s. Lauren details her training routine, including walking six to seven miles two to three times a week and using hiking sticks. They used a service called Mac Adventure for the hike, which provided luggage transport and accommodations. Lauren mentions that after the hiking adventure, she and her husband have shifted to less arduous travel, such as river cruises. She describes a river cruise on the Danube, ending in Budapest, and an upcoming trip to France and Normandy. Starting a Career on Wall Street After graduation and a brief backpacking trip to Europe, Lauren launched into her career as an investment banking analyst on Wall Street. She talks about the challenges and excitement of her first day on the job. She contrasts the investment banking culture with her academic experience at Harvard, noting the strict adherence to rules and lack of creativity in the banking world. Lauren discusses her experience working in London and Madrid, including the unique challenges of being an American woman in a male-dominated field. A Career Shift to M&A in Madrid Lauren describes the transition to Madrid, where she worked on a mix of mergers and acquisitions and capital markets transactions. Lauren highlights the millennium bug and the subsequent acquisition of her office by Citigroup, which led to her move to Spain. She shares her experience of learning Spanish on the job and the importance of being fluent in English for international transactions. She also talks about the cultural and personal differences she experienced in business transactions and expectations while working at Citigroup and the difficulties she faced when she decided to leave Citigroup. Launching an Investment Banking Boutique Lauren talks about starting her own investment banking boutique in 2002. She explains the challenges of working in a small market like Spain and the cultural clash with the American banking model. Lauren describes the success of her boutique, which focused on private equity clients and independent advisory work. She mentions the financial crisis of 2008 and the impact on her business, leading to a liquidity event and her return to the United States. Returning to the U.S. Lauren talks about her return to the United States and the financial crisis's impact on her business, including the divestment of her solar farms. She describes the decision to cash out and the subsequent reinvention of her career in Boston. Lauren took a year off to recharge and plot a new course, eventually finding a strategic consultant role at a community bank. She became the CFO of the bank, which underwent a significant acquisition and went public, marking a shift from advisory to operational roles. The Current Career Path Lauren explains her current career path, focusing on creating a portfolio of Board of Directors positions. She describes the process of building this portfolio over three years and the satisfaction of having a busy but less demanding workload. Lauren emphasizes the importance of taking time off to recharge and plot a new course, especially after significant life changes. She shares her approach to setting New Year's resolutions, focusing on easy but impactful habits like daily flossing, drinking two cups of water, and daily stretching. Harvard Reflections When asked about a compliment she has never forgotten, Lauren shares a memory of being told she was a leader, which changed her self-perception. She emphasizes the importance of betting on oneself and encouraging others to do the same. She shares a few simple New Year's resolutions and reflects on the importance of small, repetitive routines and their cumulative impact over time. She mentions taking Spanish at Harvard, which turned out to be the most useful course for her career. Timestamps: 03:52 Lauren's Journey and Hiking Adventures 08:45: River Cruises and Early Career 13:14: Experience in London and Madrid 21:15: Starting Her Own Investment Banking Boutique 25:25: Return to the United States and New Career Path 32:51: Current Career and Board of Directors Positions 33:19: Offbeat Questions and Final Thoughts Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-messmore/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-messmore/] Solar farm video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kI_s7NntQg [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kI_s7NntQg] This episode on The 92 Report: *AI generated show notes and transcript

166. Miguel Sancho, Executive Producer, Showrunner, & Author

Show Notes: Miguel Sancho shares his background, mentioning his small-town roots in eastern Kansas and his education at Harvard and Phillips Andover Academy where he studied government and history. He discusses his initial plan to pursue a PhD and become an academic but instead moved to New York City to try his hand at music. Miguel transitioned from music to journalism, starting in 1993, and worked in various roles, including as an investigative journalist for Inside Edition, and 20/20 a prime time show on ABC News, and CBS News. Launching a Production Company Miguel talks about his personal life, including his marriage, children, and the challenges of raising a son with a rare immune deficiency. He describes the six-year journey to find a bone marrow transplant for his son, which ultimately succeeded at Duke University Hospital. Miguel left ABC News to start his own production company, working on specials and series for various networks, including A&E and News Nation. He mentions his book More Than You Can Handle, published in 2021, and his new book Evidence of the Extraordinary, set to be released soon. Exploring Evidence of the Extraordinary Miguel discusses his new book, Evidence of the Extraordinary, which explores unexplained phenomena like UFOs, legendary creatures, and miracles. It was derived from one of the television shows Miguel produced. He explains how the COVID-19 pandemic led him to take on a show on the History Channel called The Proof is Out There, which investigates anomalous phenomena. Miguel shares his initial skepticism about the paranormal but acknowledges the importance of investigating these phenomena with a journalistic approach. He talks about some of the most extraordinary unexplained phenomena, including deep-sea discoveries, and the Havana Syndrome. He highlights the challenges of balancing skepticism with the possibility of rare, unexplained events, and the importance of humility when addressing what we think we know. Undercover Journalism at Inside Edition Miguel describes his experience at Inside Edition, where he wore hidden cameras to investigate corrupt and criminal organizations. He shares specific cases, including infiltrating a pit bull fighting ring and a drug-dealing carnival worker. Miguel discusses the legal and ethical considerations of undercover journalism, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and planning. He reflects on the skills required for undercover work, such as acting stupid and eliciting information from subjects, and how the public's cognitive dissonance plays a role in limiting detection. Challenges of Working in Television Miguel talks about the transition from being an employee at networks to running his own production company. He explains the process of setting up an SCorp and the responsibilities of managing a production company, including pitching shows and maintaining client relationships. Miguel describes the development process of selling a show to a network, including creating detailed pitch documents and securing talent. He discusses the challenges of the evolving TV industry, including the rise of streaming platforms and the need for scalable content. Life Altering Challenges Miguel shares the personal story of his son's rare immune deficiency and the journey to find a cure. He describes the emotional and practical challenges faced by his family, including the impact on their mental and physical health. Miguel highlights the importance of medical research and the role of institutions like the National Institutes of Health and Duke University Hospital in providing life-saving treatments. He reflects on the broader implications of rare disease diagnoses on families and the need for support and understanding. Harvard Reflections Miguel reminisces about his time at Harvard, mentioning influential professors like Bernard Bailyn, Elaine Scarry, and Judith Shklar. He discusses the impact of Judith Shklar's teachings on individual rights, group rights, and the importance of avoiding cruelty. Miguel shares his experience of reading E.O. Wilson's "On Human Nature" years after his course with Wilson, which led to a new appreciation for Wilson's work. He reflects on the lasting influence of these professors on his professional and personal life. Current Projects Miguel talks about his current projects, including a new show in development and his ongoing work with News Nation. He discusses the potential of prediction markets and interactive elements in future TV content to engage younger audiences. Miguel reflects on the evolving landscape of the TV industry and the importance of adapting to new technologies and platforms. Timestamps: 02:02: Personal Challenges and Professional Pivots 04:26: Investigating Unexplained Phenomena 18:28: Investigative Techniques and Notable Cases 33:43: Transition to Independent Production 41:42: Impact of Rare Diseases on Families 42:21: Influence of Harvard Professors Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-sancho-b7aa37a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miguel-sancho-b7aa37a/] More than You Can Handle: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/611475/more-than-you-can-handle-by-miguel-sancho/ [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/611475/more-than-you-can-handle-by-miguel-sancho/] Evidence of the Extraordinary: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Evidence-of-the-Extraordinary/Miguel-Sancho/9781668085455 [https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Evidence-of-the-Extraordinary/Miguel-Sancho/9781668085455] *AI generated show notes and transcript

165. Bridget A. Lyons, Author, Adventurer, and Artist

Show Notes: In this conversation, Bridget Lyons describes her experience with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), which led her to a three-month course in Alaska. She shares her initial struggle with the urban environment of Cambridge after her wilderness experience. Bridget discusses her involvement with the Harvard Outing Club and her decision to teach in Marin County, California. From Teaching to the Tetons Bridget explains her transition from teaching to working full-time with NOLS, teaching various outdoor activities. She describes her lifestyle during this period, including living out of her truck and in storage units. Bridget mentions her eventual move to the Tetons, where she continued her outdoor activities and owned a yoga studio. She discusses her move to Santa Cruz and her focus on writing, particularly about her adventures and encounters with wildlife. The Evolution of Entwined Bridget talks about her book "Entwined: Dispatches from the Intersection of Species," published by Texas A&M Press. She explains the braided narrative technique used in the book, which combines personal experiences, science, and ethical considerations. Bridget shares that about half of the essays in the book were previously published in literary magazines. She describes the evolution of her writing from individual essays to a compendium focused on non-human creatures. Cover Art and Woodblock Cuts Bridget reveals that she illustrated the book herself, using her long-time hobby of making woodblock prints. She explains the process of creating the cover art, which combines elements from different essays. Bridget reads a passage from the first essay, "Tangled," about kelp and her experiences as a surfer. She discusses the importance of valuing non-human creatures for their own sake, not just for their ecological services. The American Chestnut Tree Bridget shares her father's involvement in conservation efforts, particularly the American Chestnut Tree. She discusses the tension between her father's expectations and her own choices, including her decision to remain child-free. Bridget reflects on the common ground they have found in their shared interest in nature and conservation. She mentions her father's respect for her outdoor achievements and his interest in her adventures. Lessons from Nature Bridget talks about the transformative experiences of students on her Knowles courses. She highlights the importance of practical life skills, such as cooking and taking care of gear, which students often lack. Bridget emphasizes the significance of teaching students the consequences of their actions in the wilderness. She shares feedback from students who continue to apply the lessons learned in their daily lives. Tapping into the Transcendent Bridget describes her daily practice of seeking transcendent outdoor experiences, such as trail running and encountering non-human creatures. She recounts a memorable encounter with an ibex in the Alps, which she had longed to see. Bridget reflects on the historical context of the ibex population and its preservation. She shares her appreciation for the beauty and magic of the Alps, which she experiences during her outdoor adventures. From Journaling to Writing Bridget explains how her writing started with journals and evolved into formal writing and editing. She describes her transition from administrative work to writing and editing for various clients. Bridget shares her experience of gaining confidence and qualifications through an MFA program. She discusses the reciprocal relationship between her editing work and her own writing. Harvard Reflections Bridget reflects on her decision to major in anthropology and its relevance to her current work. She discusses the study of human interaction with the environment and its implications for conservation. Bridget highlights the importance of understanding human evolution and the impact of our actions on the planet. She connects her anthropology studies to the broader questions of how humans should live in the context of biodiversity crisis and climate change. Timestamps: 03:37: Transition to Full-Time Outdoor Education 06:08: Publication of "Entwined" and Writing Process 09:40: Illustrations and Personal Connection 19:13: Family Dynamics and Conservation Efforts 22:27: Impact of Outdoor Education on Students 28:26: Personal Transcendent Moments in the Wilderness 34:23: Transition to Writing and Editing 38:57: Influence of Anthropology Major Links: Entwined: Dispatches from the Intersection of Species: www.entwinedbook.com [https://www.entwinedbook.com] Website: www.bridgetalyons.com [http://www.bridgetalyons.com] This episode on The 92 Report: https://92report.com/podcast/episode-165-bridget-a-lyons-author-adventurer-and-artist/ [https://92report.com/podcast/episode-165-bridget-a-lyons-author-adventurer-and-artist/] *AI generated show notes and transcript