In 2021, there were over 44,000 listens to the 98 episodes of the Michigan Minds podcast. The podcast, now in its fifth season, provided important educational insights into a wide array of topics, answered some of the most pressing questions facing our communities, and explored world-leading research taking place at the University of Michigan. From the role and responsibilities of social media to drug therapies that can kill the SARS-CoV-2 virus to racism and mental health, U-M faculty from across the institution joined the podcast to share their expertise and analyses. 

Through brief and informative episodes on the most relevant topics, Michigan Minds provides faculty an opportunity to amplify their work to a broader audience and connects listeners across the U-M community to the university. 

Listen to some of the most popular episodes of the Michigan Minds podcast in 2021: 

INFLUENCING AN INSURGENCE: THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media’s impact on how we connect, communicate, and consume information is undeniable. Initially a catalyst for bringing people together, as these platforms have matured, they’ve also played a prominent role in sowing misinformation and division. Libby Hemphill, Associate Professor of Information and Associate Director of the Center for Social Media Responsibility, discussed the role that social media played in the events that unfolded at the US Capitol, their responsibility as gatekeepers of public information, and the evolution of online connectivity.

RACISM AND MENTAL HEALTH
Riana Elyse Anderson, assistant professor at the School of Public Health, joined to talk about health disparities in Black communities and how racism affects the mental health of African Americans. Acknowledging the negative impacts of racism and discrimination on the mental health and overall well-being of Black children and families, Anderson’s research focuses on how to intervene and eliminate these disparities. She reflects on the past year and how in the spring of 2020 it became increasingly apparent to her that, due to stark racial disparities, the fabric of the United States was starting to unravel.

DISCOVERY OF DRUG THERAPIES THAT KILL SARS-COV-2 IN CELLS
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent COVID-19 infection, but what about a therapy for those who do get the virus? For 18 months, researchers from around the world have been seeking ways to treat the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. Now, according to a groundbreaking study from University of Michigan researchers, there are several drug contenders already in use for other treatments that could be the next therapy to reduce or kill SARS-CoV-2 infections. Assistant professor of internal medicine and of medicinal chemistry Jonathan Sexton, PhD, senior author of the study, joined Michigan Minds to explain the process of testing FDA-approved drugs, the findings and what they mean for treating the virus, and how drug therapies could help combat this pandemic. 

EXPLORING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HOW PEOPLE LEARN AND THE ACTIONS THEY TAKE
Angela Calabrese Barton and Leslie Rupert Herrenkohl, professors in science education and the learning sciences, discussed their research examining the information people learn about COVID-19 and how that information impacts the actions they take with respect to COVID-19 and justice-related concerns. 

FIREARM INJURY PREVENTION: DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES, COMMON GOALS
U-M Vice President for Research Rebecca Cunningham joined the Michigan Minds podcast as a part of the Firearm Injury Prevention Research Series to discuss her research, the new U-M Institute for Firearm Injury Prevention, and the university’s growing breadth of expertise and thought leadership in this area. Throughout her career, Cunningham has conducted extensive research on injury prevention, opioid overdose, and substance misuse prevention, predominantly among adolescents and young adults. As an emergency medicine physician, she saw firsthand the many victims of gun violence and the injuries plaguing the community, which led her to focus on the opioid epidemic and firearm violence.

UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF SUGAR ON EATING BEHAVIOR
Monica Dus, assistant professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, discusses her research to understand why some foods change eating behaviors. She also talks about the podcast she hosts to promote researchers and their work, and reveals some of the best ways to encourage more women to pursue work in science-related fields. In her lab, Dus and colleagues are working to uncover why foods like french fries, pizza, and cupcakes make people eat more than they should. 

ADDRESSING DISPARITIES IN HEALTH RESEARCH FUNDING
Lola Eniola-Adefeso, University Diversity and Social Transformation Professor of Chemical Engineering at the College of Engineering, discusses a paper she recently co-authored examining the disparities in health research funding between white and Black researchers of similar academic achievement and recommending how to eliminate that disparity. 

STUDYING SOCIAL INEQUITIES AFFECTING STEM PROFESSIONALS
Erin Cech, assistant professor in the department of sociology in the College of Literature, Science, & the Arts, explains her research examining cultural processes of inequality. She also explores the importance of studying inequities in STEM, and her recent research into the disparities that affect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) STEM professionals. Cech explains that while some researchers focus on structural processes like government and economic issues, her focus is on the underlying beliefs that can be problematic.

PRESIDENT EMERITA MARY SUE COLEMAN ON STEPPING UP, TAKING CHANCES, AND ENCOURAGING WOMEN TO LEAD
In honor of Women’s History Month, Mary Sue Coleman, president of the University of Michigan from 2002–2014, joined Michigan Minds to discuss what it was like to be the “first female” in a variety of leadership roles, defining moments in her career, and her advice for young women.

THE IMPACT AND ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AT THE OLYMPICS

Scott Campbell, PhD, Communications and Media Department Chair and Constance F. and Arnold C. Pohs Professor of Telecommunications, outlined the impact and role of social media at the Tokyo Olympics. He also talked about the presence that newer technologies like 5G and augmented reality would have on spectator events, and how the Olympics is continually evolving through communications.