Forever Curious: An Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Podcast

OLLI - UW

Does learning just stop when you hit 22 or 25? Of course not! So why should it stop at 50 or 70 or ever? The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington is for people who are truly lifelong learners. For those who are forever curious about the world around us, past, present, and future. This podcast, Forever Curious, will be full of discussions with experts, free lectures, conversations with OLLI-UW members and more. We hope you'll join us here, as we listen to lectures and go deep with our experts about academic areas of interest such as literature, science, ethics, and history. Learn for the joy of learning.

  1. 03/03/2025

    Episode 16: Understanding AI with George Liu

    The idea of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around for quite a while, but lately, AI seems to be all anyone can talk about. And not all the talk is positive: is it taking jobs, endangering privacy, and stealing creative work? Or is it a faithful and diligent servant, able to take the drudgery out of life and allow us to enjoy life more fully? AI is already so deeply woven into our modern lives, and it became part of the daily fabric of life without most of us really understanding how it was happening. This has left many people nervous and reluctant to embrace what might become a very useful and powerful tool. And that's too bad, says George Liu. George Liu is a former Boeing exec and CMO of Hong Kong Airlines. Since retiring, he's focused on developing expertise in subjects that intrigue him, like AI. In January of 2025, he delivered a popular lecture on AI for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington. In this episode, hear some of that lecture, followed by his conversation with host Charlene Joy of Forever Curious. Together, they explore not only the history of AI but also how AI can impact healthcare, communication, even movement and aging. AI may have some particular benefits for us as we age, making it even more interesting for seniors. George and Charlene also look into some of the privacy and ethical concerns that have been raised about AI and how we can all stay informed on how AI works and how it is (or isn't!) regulated.  We hope you'll take a listen and consider enrolling in a course that's of interest to you! Learn more about the University of Washington's OLLI program at www.osher.uw.edu.

    Episode 16: Understanding AI with George Liu

  2. 02/03/2025

    Episode 15: Exploring Untold Histories with Ross Coen

    Ready for a fascinating journey through time and place? In this episode of Forever Curious, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) welcomes a history instructor who's mastered the art of making history come alive. From intriguing tales of the Pacific Northwest to unraveling the rich past of Alaska, Ross Coen brings history into focus in ways that are anything but boring.  Ross Coen's path to becoming a beloved history instructor is as compelling as the subjects he teaches. Growing up in a small farming community in North Dakota, his early experiences shaped a lifelong curiosity and sense of adventure.  Over the years, he pursued academic and personal endeavors that eventually led him to the University of Washington, where he earned his PhD in History. Now, through OLLI, he brings his passion for storytelling to learners of all ages, making history accessible and exciting. In this episode, you'll hear Ross talk about the unique cultural and historical narratives of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, the stories behind his books, and his approach to teaching complex historical events. Get ready for new perspectives, some incredible stories to share, and maybe even a deeper appreciation for history's ability to connect us to the world around us.  You can enjoy the Brain Health lectures at the UW-OLLI website: www.osher.uw.edu/brain-health. We hope you'll take a listen and consider enrolling in a course that's of interest to you! Learn more about the University of Washington's OLLI program at www.osher.uw.edu.

    Episode 15: Exploring Untold Histories with Ross Coen

  3. 01/24/2025

    Episode 14: Discovering Brain Health and Lifelong Learning with OLLI-UW

    In this episode of Forever Curious, Natalie Lecher and Charlene Joy join Murray Urquhart for  a conversation on brain health. Together our panel explore how OLLI is making brain health education and lifelong learning accessible to everyone, no matter their age or background. Natalie shares the behind-the-scenes story of OLLI's popular Brain Health series, inspired by Dr. Eric Chudler's engaging lectures on how the brain works. Charlene offers a personal perspective, recounting her experiences attending these lectures and how they've sparked her curiosity and passion for learning. Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) aims to connect people with cutting-edge research and practical tools for maintaining brain health while fostering community and social engagement.  Learn about free lectures, resources, and the joy of continuous education—all designed to keep your mind sharp and your curiosity alive.  We hope you'll tune in, share this episode with someone, and consider enrolling in a course to benefit from the magic of lifelong learning! You can enjoy the Brain Health lectures at the UW-OLLI website: www.osher.uw.edu/brain-health. Learn more about the University of Washington's OLLI program at www.osher.uw.edu.

    Episode 14: Discovering Brain Health and Lifelong Learning with OLLI-UW

  4. 01/13/2025

    Episode 13: Unlocking Brain Health: Neuroscience, Education, AI, & Lifelong Learning with Dr. Eric Chudler

    Welcome back for another season of Forever Curious! At the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), it is our goal to keep you forever curious (and forever neuroelastic!) by offering free resources on brain health. These are accessible to the public and supported by a partnership with the UW Department of Bioengineering and the Dana Foundation. Thanks for joining us! In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Dr. Eric Chudler, Executive Director at UW's Center for Neurotechnology. In this fascinating chat with host Murray Urquhart, we hear about neuroscience education and its impact on lifelong learning. Dr. Chudler takes us on a journey through his groundbreaking work in neuroscience education, focusing on how older adults can benefit from accessible and engaging learning resources.  Dr. Chudler shares surprising findings from focus groups, offers a glimpse into the future of brain health lectures, and highlights the importance of reliable information in a world full of noise. He also gives listeners a peek into his collaboration with Tibetan Buddhist monks in India and discusses the exciting potential of AI in neuroscience. Understanding brain health can enhance our lives, and initiatives like the ones at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute can be so impactful. This episode provides practical knowledge, a deeper appreciation for the brain, and a fresh perspective on how science and technology are shaping our future.  Watch the lectures! You can find Dr. Chudler's talk and more Brain Health lectures at the UW OLLI website: https://www.osher.uw.edu/brain-health.  We hope you'll share this episode and consider enrolling in a course that's of interest to you! Learn more about the University of Washington's OLLI program at www.osher.uw.edu.

    Episode 13: Unlocking Brain Health: Neuroscience, Education, AI, & Lifelong Learning with Dr. Eric Chudler

  5. 09/25/2023

    Episode 12: Equity, Justice, & Climate Change with Heather Price

    In the first half of this episode, our host Charlene and Dr. Heather Price, Chemistry Faculty and Climate Scientist at North Seattle College and co-PI of a National Science Foundation Climate Justice in Undergraduate STEM Incorporating Civic Engagement (C-JUSTICE), discuss the arc of climate justice as a focus of climate activism and why people who are retired or heading into retirement should care about climate change.  Dr. Price explains that climate justice is both intra and inter-generational. Elders now, as part of the intra-generational equation, have significant power to alter the course of climate change by supporting organizations, letting elected officials know they care, and discussing climate change with friends and family.  To find ways to support both climate change and climate justice, Dr. Price suggests advocating for the electrification of systems and supporting organizations such as Front and Centered and 350 Seattle – two examples of climate activists who work on climate action through a lens of social justice.  In the second half of our episode, Dr. Price outlines actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint in daily life that address both climate change and climate justice, such as transportation choices, choosing different appliances, composting, supporting climate action litigation, and voicing support for improved building standards.   These actions support both an individual's need for an improved climate as well as the collective needs of the rest of the world.   Dr. Price offers listeners a list of organizations that are taking on climate action and that listeners can learn from, get involved with, and support.  Dr. Price is a climate scientist, climate justice activist, chemistry professor and researcher. She did her postdoctoral research with the UW Program on Climate Change. Dr. Price's current research focuses on improving undergraduate STEM education through the integration of climate justice, equity, and civic engagement across the college curriculum. She is co-founder of TalkClimate.org and on the leadership team for Seattle's 500 Women Scientists organization.  Links:  NSC Awarded $300,000 STEM Grant | News Center (northseattle.edu)  Climate Justice Project | North Seattle College  Heather Price, PhD | LinkedIn  Seattle 500 Women Scientists (sea500womensci.org)  Front and Centered  350seattle.org  Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility (wpsr.org) Climate Changemakers  Juliana v. United States — Our Children's Trust (ourchildrenstrust.org) Institutional Climate Action (ICA) - Action Network Climate Action Families – Protect the People and Planet We Love! This Is Zero Hour Fridays For Future  Sunrise Movement - We Are The Climate Revolution Talk Climate

    Episode 12: Equity, Justice, & Climate Change with Heather Price

  6. 08/28/2023

    Episode 11: Tikkun Olam

    The Hebrew phrase "tikkun olam" translates to "repairing the world" and is a fundamental value to Bernard Osher, leader of the Osher Foundation. In the first half of this episode, Kelly Jane Rosenblatt, Program Director at the Bernard Osher Foundation, and Steve Thaxton, Executive Director at the National Resource Center for Osher Institutes, talk with our host and OLLI-UW Director, Natalie Lecher, about the foundation at the center of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) network. There 125 OLLI programs all over the United States, with at least one in each of the 50 states. The program began in 1977 when Bernard Osher decided to practice tikkun olam — not for the first time, nor the last — in a major way.  As Kelly Jane Rosenblatt tells us, Osher has always been a supporter of education, first giving away scholarships. When this wasn't enough to satisfy his philanthropic leanings, he and his wife began establishing lifelong learning programs. To keep the many scattered OLLI programs linked, they also created a National Resource Center which connects the many Osher chapters and provides them with resources. At 95, Bernard Osher is still an active participant in OLLI. Though a modest man, Osher believes it's important to encourage others to be involved in philanthropy, so he speaks often on the subject of giving back. The National Resource Center is now located at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. Director Steve Thaxton, who moved with the center when it moved to Chicago in 2014, says the Osher NRC is about helping the chapters thrive and grow.  With over 150,000 people taking courses with Osher programs, the world repair is ongoing. And the Osher Foundation does more than OLLI  — but you'll have to listen to the episode to hear about their other endeavors. In the second half of our episode, students of an Osher class in podcasting give their thoughts on why OLLI is so valuable to them. We hope you'll take a listen and consider enrolling in a course that's of interest to you! Learn more about the University of Washington's OLLI program at https://www.osher.uw.edu/.

    Episode 11: Tikkun Olam

  7. 07/24/2023

    Episode 10: A Taste of OLLI

    In this very special episode of Forever Curious, we're giving you a "taste" of OLLI!  The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute truly is for the forever curious, and that's on both sides of the teacher's desk. What curiosity drives our instructors to gain the knowledge and life experience they share with their students?  Hosts Charlene and Murray are chatting with several instructors in this "flight," so get ready to swirl ideas around in your head, sniff the rich bouquet of knowledge, and choose which flavors you might want to experience more deeply! David Fenner is the winner of the University of Washington's 2021 Distinguished Contributions to Lifelong Learning award and is an affiliate faculty member at the Jackson School of International Studies. An expert on the Middle East, David has been a traveler and teacher his entire adult life. He shares his adventurous spirit with students, further inspiring a love of learning and curiosity about the lives of others. If you want to understand a place, Deborah Leblang can give you the full picture, inside and out. With a double interest in art history and architectural history, and an understanding of teaching via storytelling, Deborah's classes give students insight into all the works of art, but also the  "frames" they sit in and the choices the artists and exhibitors make. Ellen Berg has taken sociology "around the world," as she says to host Charlene. With a fresh PhD in her 40s (as well as a recent divorce), Ellen found herself ready to start a new life. She began teaching, helping students find the connections between literature and film and sociology. Her low-pressure classes are a great way for students to learn more about their own culture from a new and creative perspective.  Art historian Rebecca Albiani has been giving lectures at the Frye Museum for more than two decades. Rebecca is passionate about world art masterpieces, and her enthusiasm and expertise bring students in, giving them new ways of looking at art and deeper understanding of the pieces, the artists, and the contexts the works exist in.  Sean Taylor started teaching with OLLI in 2010 — with Beowulf. Nothing like starting slow and easy, right? Telling and critiquing heroic stories are something of a theme for Sean; how do we define heroes? Who is a hero, and is that role appropriate for everyone? There's still so much to learn, even from legends that are hundreds of years old, and Sean is a terrific tour guide through the "heroes" journeys.  If you're in the Western Washington area, be sure to check out these instructors and others at UW-OLLI and hear more episodes of Forever Curious at www.osher.uw.edu.

    Episode 10: A Taste of OLLI

  8. 06/26/2023

    Episode 9: Telescope Technology––Learn about the Webb

    Dr. Bruce Balick's long and distinguished history at the UW doesn't go back quite as far as the Big Bang, but his impact on the University's astronomy program is nearly as significant! In this episode of Forever Curious, we have the enormous pleasure to present Bruce Balick, Professor Emeritus in Astronomy at the University of Washington. In the first part of the episode, he chats with host Charlene about his path to a career that meant spending his life with his head in the stars. In the second part of the episode, we hear Dr. Balick's lecture on the James Webb telescope and how our knowledge and expertise has increased since the early days of the Hubble. Be sure to listen to this fascinating discussion on telescopes, astronomy, and the power and joy of scientific curiosity.  Dr. Balick joined the UW Astronomy Department in 1975. He eventually served as its chair, became active in faculty governance, and participated in the design of new instrumentation for Hubble.  Since his retirement in 2014, Dr. Balick continues to publish research papers using data from the Hubble Space Telescope and to supervise astronomy undergraduates in research and public outreach. He is a coauthor on a research paper based on one of the newly released images from the James Webb telescope. And fortunately for us, he also gives lectures for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington! Learn more about the UW's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at our website, www.osher.uw.edu. If you're not in western Washington, there may be an OLLI near you. Find an OLLI on The Bernard Osher Foundation website: osherfoundation.org.

    Episode 9: Telescope Technology––Learn about the Webb
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Does learning just stop when you hit 22 or 25? Of course not! So why should it stop at 50 or 70 or ever? The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Washington is for people who are truly lifelong learners. For those who are forever curious about the world around us, past, present, and future. This podcast, Forever Curious, will be full of discussions with experts, free lectures, conversations with OLLI-UW members and more. We hope you'll join us here, as we listen to lectures and go deep with our experts about academic areas of interest such as literature, science, ethics, and history. Learn for the joy of learning.

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