Tartan Talks Christopher LaFuria

According to Forbes magazine, legal sales of cannabis in the U.S. hit a record $17.5 billion in 2020. With job growth projected to increase 161 percent by 2029, there’s a clear need for educated employees to work in a variety of cannabis-related fields.

That’s why Edinboro University professor Dr. Sam Claster, from Sociology, has worked tirelessly over the past few years to develop a new certificate program in Cannabis Science. In today’s episode, we talk about some of the truths and myths behind the cannabis industry and how it can revolutionize the modern American economy.

We’ll also chat about the new program, which combines the science of medical cannabis with the science of growing and manufacturing of the product and critical policy and compliance issues that the industry faces.

Recent government data show that nearly three out of every four children under the age of 18 participate in some sort of youth sport. With those numbers remaining steady through 2021, some professionals are taking a closer look at youth sport safety.

As professional leagues such as the NFL and NBA become more physical and oftentimes aggressive, some parents have noticed youth athletes adapting to more advanced playing style. And that concerns athletic training professionals like Dr. Amy Eperthener from Edinboro Athletics – whose career is based on keeping athletes safe and healthy.

In today’s episode of “Tartan Talks” we discuss issues and advancements in youth sports safety and where we go from here.

Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

In one year, Dr. Jim Roberts ran 7 marathons. He once completed marathons on 3 consecutive days. He has run a marathon in all 50 states – 49 of which he finished in less than 4 hours.

Only one question comes to mind when chatting with a seasoned marathon runner like Dr. Roberts: Why?

Whether it’s a test of personal perseverance or a hobby with friends, Dr. Roberts has found several reasons to complete the 26.2 mile race over and over again. On today’s episode, we discuss the reason he started running and how he trains and prepares himself for the grueling race.

Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you’re an artist, sometimes looking back on your earliest work can be – well – somewhat embarrassing. But as Edinboro University professor Karabo Legwaila explains in today’s episode of “Tartan Talks,” that’s one of the best ways to improve as an artist.

Karabo Legwaila joined the Art Department in the fall of 2016 as a professor of Computer Animation. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a lead technical animator and dynamics specialist. Originally from Botswana, Karabo received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Computer Animation at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

He discusses what it’s like seeing your work in front of millions of people and how the field of animation has come a long way with inclusive culture.

Hear the entire episode at www.edinboro.edu/tartantalks or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Information is out there. Look no further than the mobile device in your hands. In an instant, you have access to news stories and scientific research about topics from climate change to virus pandemics. But what happens when we encounter science and research that doesn’t fit with our own beliefs or preconceptions? Are we rigid to change? What will it take to reconsider our own opinions when presented with new information?

Dr. Peter McLaughlin, from Edinboro’s Psychology Department, teaches critical thinking and research among his many classes for undergraduate students. He joins us today to discuss why some folks refuse to believe science and why some simply don’t know how or where to find reliable sources. He also gives us some advice on how to think critically about ideas that are presented to us.

We all have our hobbies. Some of us enjoy music and writing, others partake in woodworking or fashion. A growing percentage of Americans spend their downtime playing games on video gaming systems, computers and mobile phones. For nearly 10% of these gamers, the hobby has become more than recreation – it’s become an addiction.

Dr. Stephanie Diez-Morel, from Edinboro’s Social Work Department, joins us to discuss how we can identify and assess gaming disorders and how we can maintain healthy screen habits in a screen-dependent societyt. In addition to her work at Edinboro, Diez-Morel also owns and operates Reboot & Recover – a public charity dedicated to lessening the negative impact of technology in society. Learn more at https://rebootandrecover.org.