Future Casting with Utah State

Utah Public Radio

The world, while always evolving, is currently shifting under our feet. From technological advances to societal changes, we need to plan for our future, and address issues that are relevant both now and in years to come. In this podcast, Utah State University Interim President Alan L. Smith speaks to leaders and experts on how USU can continue to serve our communities, deliver impactful research, and foster a sense of belonging.

Episodes

  1. 04/10/2025

    Navigating unity amongst national division

    In this episode, USU Interim President Alan Smith and Judge Thomas B. Griffith explore how the Constitution could be used as a tool to guide the nation toward unity.

    42 min

  2. 02/03/2025

    Teaming up for space and defense

    USU and WSU are collaborating to explore a Space and Defense Research Institute. Together, they are equipped to propel research in the space and defense fields to the next level.

    35 min

  3. 01/14/2025

    The impact of undergraduate research at Utah State

    Utah State University’s undergraduate research program is the 2nd oldest of its kind in the nation, and it turns 50 in 2025. To celebrate, USU has declared 2025 the Year of Undergraduate Research.

    45 min

  4. 12/05/2024

    Creating peace in the holiday season

    In this episode, Clair Canfield shares a new way of approaching conflict that could empower us to create the change we want to see in our relationships, family, workplace, and in our communities.

    47 min

  5. 10/09/2024

    Navigating the future of space exploration

    In this episode, USU President Elizabeth Cantwell talks to Dr. Jed Hancock, President of the Space Dynamics Laboratory about advancing research and education in the field of space exploration.

    42 min

  6. 09/11/2024

    The role of universities in advancing pluralism

    In our contentious and ideologically divided national climate, the ability of diverse groups to coexist and thrive is critical to democracy. In this episode, USU President Elizabeth Cantwell talks to Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America.

    43 min

  7. 07/29/2024

    The future of energy in Utah

    In this episode, USU President Elizabeth Cantwell discusses the future of energy in Utah with two prominent Utahns who are helping shape that future: Teresa Foxley and Jeff Hartley.

    44 min

  8. 04/18/2024

    Collaborative leadership in addressing sexual and domestic violence

    In this episode, USU President Elizabeth Cantwell discusses what it takes to successfully address sexual and domestic violence in our communities with Rachel Louise Snyder and Jill Anderson.

    41 min

  9. 03/19/2024

    Women's leadership and social change in Utah

    In this episode, President Elizabeth Cantwell talks to Susan Madsen, the founding director of the Utah Women and Leadership Project and the Karen Haight Huntsman Endowed Professor of Leadership in USU’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business.

    44 min

  10. 02/13/2024

    Healing division: Transforming conflict into conversation

    In this episode, USU President Elizabeth Cantwell is joined by author and leadership professor Irshad Manji and Allison Gerrard, managing director of the Moral Courage College. They emphasize how it is all of our responsibility to build common ground and be better listeners in order to overcome divisiveness.

    47 min

  11. 02/02/2024

    Higher education is the birthplace of innovation

    President Cantwell speaks to University of Utah President Taylor Randall on pivotal challenges of higher education today, such as redefining how their institutions can meet their missions and serve their communities, while offsetting the decline of public confidence.

    37 min
  • 11 Episodes

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About

The world, while always evolving, is currently shifting under our feet. From technological advances to societal changes, we need to plan for our future, and address issues that are relevant both now and in years to come. In this podcast, Utah State University Interim President Alan L. Smith speaks to leaders and experts on how USU can continue to serve our communities, deliver impactful research, and foster a sense of belonging.

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