Office Hours (Unplugged)

Natalia Fleischmann

Think of this as your professor’s office hours — but way more fun. Office Hours (Unplugged) invites Vanderbilt University's faculty to talk about their research, their history, and even what they like to do in their free time. It’s a relaxed space where learning meets curiosity. 

Episodes

  1. 13 JAN

    Language, Translation, and Living Between Cultures: A Conversation with Dr. Steven Wenz

    Today, I am joined by Dr. Steven Wenz, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Spanish and Portuguese. Dr. Wenz talks about his path into language and literature, his years living in Buenos Aires, and how that experience shaped both his academic work and his personal connection to Spanish. We dive into the challenges of translation (especially humor and tone), what modern translations of Don Quijote can gain and lose, and how he creates a classroom environment where students feel confident taking risks and making mistakes. Plus, Dr. Wenz shares advice for students who want to study abroad, and a few Argentine traditions that never really left him.

    28 min

  2. 12/11/2025

    Power, Politics, and the Future of War: A Conversation with Dr. Juan Andrés Gannon

    Today I’m joined by Dr. Juan Andrés Gannon, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Vanderbilt University, whose research examines the political origins of military power, how states build and use technology, and what that reveals about global security and cooperation. A former fellow at Harvard’s Kennedy School and the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Gannon shares insights on the evolving nature of warfare, the role of data and AI in studying conflict, and how he brings these complex topics to life in the classroom.

    21 min

  3. 28/10/2025

    Bridging Sociology, Education, and Mental Health: A Conversation with Dr. Whitney Frierson

    Today I’m joined by Dr. Whitney Frierson, a lecturer in Sociology whose work explores race, gender, education, and mental health. She is published in journals like Sociological Focus and Society and Mental Health, and her research sheds light on how discrimination impacts the well-being of Black students in higher education.

    36 min
  • 3 Episodes

About

Think of this as your professor’s office hours — but way more fun. Office Hours (Unplugged) invites Vanderbilt University's faculty to talk about their research, their history, and even what they like to do in their free time. It’s a relaxed space where learning meets curiosity. 

Information

  • Creator
    Natalia Fleischmann
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Natalia Fleischmann
  • Show Website
    Office Hours (Unplugged)