Bergen Banter

Bergen Community College

The official podcast of Bergen Community College features insight from the institution’s renowned faculty and staff on the most important and interesting topics in our world, including the arts, science and history. Guided by host Dr. Larry Hlavenka, the architect of award-winning initiatives such as Studio Bergen and Inside Bergen Community College, Bergen Banter brings wisdom without bias through an incredible roster of encyclopedic experts providing commentary on the things they know best.

Episodes

  1. May 21

    Bergen Banter - "Frozen Fruit" - Season Finale

    A harsh winter. A heat wave. A hard freeze. A recipe for disaster for regional agriculture. Professor Charles Sontag discusses the science behind a series of unfortunate events that decimated crops this spring that will inevitably lead to economic hardship, increased costs and supply shortages. With the changing climate increasing the frequency of these “agricultural apocalypses,” can researchers unlock strategies to ensure fresh produce remains on our kitchen tables? Listen to find out.

    32 min

  2. Mar 26

    Bergen Banter – Making the Case

    The circumstances surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie have vexed the public and law enforcement alike. As the news cycle drives the case further out of view and leads have seemingly resulted in dead-ends, criminal justice Professor Frank Corrigan explains how investigators approach a missing person case, the challenges they face and the tools they use to bring someone home - including Nancy Guthrie.

    42 min

  3. Feb 18

    Bergen Banter - No Time for Downtime

    We have come to rely on the stability of our digital systems. From banking to traveling and even the delivery of higher education, interconnected technology has revolutionized our way of life. But what happens when a link in the chain breaks? Join Professor George Liluashvili for this conversation on the sometimes fragile architecture behind our digital lives, cybersecurity and how consumers can protect themselves.

    35 min

  4. Jan 15

    Bergen Banter - Vetting Venezuela

    The stunning U.S.-led capture and arrest of Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro shocked the world two weeks ago due to its suddenness. Join Professor Dr. Ilan Ehrlich as he takes a deep dive on the country, its history, economics and its path forward while discussing the U.S. intervention, regime change and the impact on the greater Latin American community.

    38 min

  5. 11/10/2025

    Bergen Banter - Keeping the Faith

    Americans identifying as religious, specifically as Christian, has steadily declined by nearly a third during the past 50 years. However, recent data indicate the trend may have bottomed out. In the season two premiere of Bergen Banter, philosophy and religion Professor Dr. Clemens Reinke discusses the current state of religious affiliation in the United States, while providing a historical context and a window into the future faithful.

    33 min

  6. 05/27/2025

    Bergen Banter - Life Finds a Way, Part 2 - The Ethics

    In part two of the Bergen Banter season one finale, Professor Dr. Kevin Olbrys continues the conversation on de-extinction by providing a philosophical perspective on the relationship between science and ethics, potential unintended consequences and “the greater good.”

    26 min

  7. 04/28/2025

    Bergen Banter - Life Finds a Way (Part 1)

    In part one of Bergen Banter’s season finale, biotechnology professor John Smalley explains the science behind the concept of “de-extinction” popularized by companies such as Colossal. Is running from a T-Rex far behind? Watch for part two of the season finale in May - a conversation on the ethics of this work.

    33 min

  8. 03/26/2025

    Bergen Banter - The Friendly Skies

    A series of highly visible incidents have placed a spotlight on air travel, the airline industry and federal regulations. Retired airplane pilot Professor William Klappert analyzes the recent headlines and discusses what must occur to ensure public confidence and safety.

    28 min

  9. 02/04/2025

    Bergen Banter - Shake, Shake, Shake

    After a 2.4 magnitude earthquake with an epicenter in Paramus rattled nerves a few weeks ago, Professor Dr. Fred Marton digs into seismology and answers if New Jersey could ever experience "the big one."

    37 min

  10. 01/23/2025

    Bergen Banter - Seeing Green(land)

    The latest episode of Bergen Banter features Professor Keith Chu, who discusses three items of geography - the Panama Canal, Greenland and the Gulf of Mexico - suddenly thrust into the public consciousness by President Donald Trump.

    31 min

  11. 12/10/2024

    Bergen Banter - Seeking Clarity on Korea

    Join history professor Dr. Kil Yi as he analyzes Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's abrupt - and brief - imposition of martial law, the subsequent attempt to impeach him and how democracy endured in spite of the president's actions on the latest episode of Bergen Banter.

    38 min

  12. 11/19/2024

    Bergen Banter - Girl Power? Women as Heads of State

    In the series premiere of Bergen Banter, the official Bergen Community College podcast, history and women’s studies professor Dr. Christine Eubank provides a historical context on the complexities of gender and state leadership and why the glass ceiling remains, generally, intact.

    38 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

The official podcast of Bergen Community College features insight from the institution’s renowned faculty and staff on the most important and interesting topics in our world, including the arts, science and history. Guided by host Dr. Larry Hlavenka, the architect of award-winning initiatives such as Studio Bergen and Inside Bergen Community College, Bergen Banter brings wisdom without bias through an incredible roster of encyclopedic experts providing commentary on the things they know best.

Information

  • Creator
    Bergen Community College
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bergen Community College
  • Show Website
    Bergen Banter