The 92 Report

Will Bachman
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Conversations with the Harvard and Radcliffe Class of 1992, hosted by Will Bachman '92. Every member of the class has a story to tell, and the goal is to interview every one of them. There are 1,600 members of the class, so at a rate of one episode per week, this project will take 30 years. Register for email updates at 92report.com

  1. Aug 24

    181. Kath Mertens, Next Chapter: Animal Behavior

    Kath Mertens (Kath Ulman) reflects on her life stage, mentioning her 20-year-old son heading to college, her divorce, and her part-time work. She describes feeling on the cusp of a new life phase, similar to when she graduated from Harvard. Becoming a Veterinarian Kath shares her initial career aspirations of becoming a veterinarian and the challenges she faced due to the lack of a pre-vet focus at Harvard. Kath recounts her first post-Harvard job in Jackson, Wyoming, where she worked as a ski bum and later as a wrangler on a dude ranch. She rediscovered her passion for veterinary medicine while working on a dude ranch and decided to apply to veterinary school. Kath attended Purdue University for veterinary school, focusing on equine medicine. She discusses the cultural and philosophical split between large animal and small animal veterinary medicine. Interning at an Equine-only Practice Kath describes her first job in an equine-only practice in Portland, Oregon, where she had interned as a veterinary student. She faced challenges with her boss, who was not interested in mentoring her, leading to a difficult first year. Kath left the job and worked as a small animal vet for a year and a half, where she enjoyed surgery and surprised herself by enjoying the work. She faced further challenges with her second job due to her outspoken nature and eventually left under less than ideal terms. Running a Practice and Economic Decisions  Kath decided to open her own practice, despite her initial disinterest in business, due to the lack of equine job opportunities. She ran her own practice for about 22 years, which was profitable but not financially rewarding. Kath scaled back her practice four years ago to work part-time as a small animal vet for Banfield Pet Hospital. She explains the economic reasons behind her decision, including the higher efficiency and pay in small animal medicine. Training Non-domestic Animals Kath developed an interest in animal behavior and positive reinforcement training, which led her to attend the International Donkey Wellness Symposium. She learned about training non-domestic animals to participate in medical procedures through positive reinforcement. Kath has been dedicating time to retraining a horse using these methods and teaching others. She discusses the economic differences between equine and small animal medicine, highlighting the higher volume and efficiency in small animal practice. Women in the Veterinarian Field The conversation turns to the high percentage of women in veterinary school and asks Kath about the trend. Kath speculates that women might be more willing to work for less pay and that veterinary medicine might be more accommodating for women balancing work and family. She acknowledges the gender gap in pay equity and the challenges women face in various careers. Kath reflects on the importance of women entering the veterinary workforce and the positive impact it has had. Harvard Reflections Kath shares her fond memories of organic chemistry and her academic crush on the professor. She recalls advice from her varsity ice hockey team's athletic trainer to the team which was to surround yourself  with people who love you, which Kath dismissed at the time but has come to realise the importance of this advice and how it has helped her overcome imposter syndrome and negative self-talk. She emphasizes the value of having supportive people in one's life and how it has positively impacted her mental health and career. Timestamps: 02:46: Early Career and Veterinary School  07:11: First Job as a Veterinarian  16:29: Starting Her Own Practice  19:47: Interest in Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training 32:10: Gender Trends in Veterinary Medicine  35:58: Reflections on Harvard and Career Advice  Links: Website: https://mertensmammals.com/ Instagram: @mertensmammals *AI transcript and show notes

  2. Aug 17

    180. Kristen Fowler Garland, From Cambridge to Japan to Alaska

    Show Notes: Kristen Fowler Garland majored in East Asian Studies and Japanese at Harvard. She explains her decision to spend five years in Japan after graduation, including two years with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) program. She describes her experience with the JET program, teaching conversational English in Toyama, and her efforts to learn Japanese. Kristen shares her job search in Japan, landing a position with a foreign subsidiary in Tokyo, where she learned to use Excel in Japanese. Market Research and Field Hockey Kristen recounts her work in market research, tracking the shift from mainframe computers to networked PCs in Japan. She discusses her involvement in the field hockey club in Toyama, which helped her practice Japanese and immerse in Japanese culture. Kristen reflects on the overwhelming population density of Tokyo and her decision to return to the United States after five years. She mentions connections developed at a hiking club in Tokyo, which led her to move to Alaska. Moving to Alaska Kristen describes her move to Alaska, where she found a job at REI and fell in love with the state's open and supportive community. She explains her transition from market research to starting her own digital agency, focusing on SEO and tourism marketing. Kristen highlights the impact of the internet on Alaska's tourism industry, reducing the cost of customer acquisition for small businesses. She shares her experience of growing her business, including working with clients in the tourism sector and adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tips for Travelers to Alaska Kristen provides tips for traveling to Alaska, advising against cruises and recommending self-guided vacation packages. She discusses the different segments of travelers to Alaska, including fishermen, adventure travelers, and independent travelers. Kristen mentions the popularity of commercial fishing and the seasonal nature of tourism in Alaska. She reflects on her personal life, including her first marriage, raising a daughter in Alaska, and remarrying in 2022. Community Dynamics and Professional Achievements Kristen describes the close-knit and supportive community in Alaska, where people often know each other from various social and professional circles. She highlights the tourism industry's annual convention, which is a lively event where industry professionals let off steam and network. Kristen contrasts the community dynamics in Alaska with those in New England, noting the openness and lack of focus on professional achievements in Alaska.  Outdoor Activities in Alaska She shares her love for outdoor activities in Alaska, including cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking, and the accessibility of these activities in Anchorage. Kristen discusses her habit of moving her body every day, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and reducing pressure on herself. She reflects on her transition from running to walking, which has provided her with new perspectives and aerobic benefits. Harvard Reflections Kristen shares memories from her time at Harvard, including a guest lecture by B.F. Skinner on operant conditioning and his baby box experiment. She recounts a guest lecture on the Cultural Revolution, which had a profound impact on her understanding of historical events and personal stories. Kristen explains her decision to major in Japanese studies, influenced by a high school professor and her interest in medieval Japan. She reflects on the personal and academic challenges she faced at Harvard, including a transition from applied math to Japanese studies. Timestamps: 0:02: Kristen Fowler Garland's Journey to Japan  02:36: Market Research and Cultural Immersion in Japan  06:25: Life in Alaska and Business Ventures  10:40: Tourism in Alaska and Personal Life  15:20: Community and Outdoor Activities in Alaska  23:56: Personal Habits and College Memories  27:25: Career and Personal Growth Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/empowereddigitaltransformation/ Tonbo Digital Website: https://www.tonbodigital.com   *AI generated transcript and show notes.

  3. Aug 10

    179. Clare Scherrer, Investment Banker, CFO, Public Board Director

    Show Notes Clare Scherrer outlines her career journey in three main chapters: 25 years at Goldman Sachs in Investment Banking, a number of years as a public company Chief Financial Officer, and her current role as a director on two public company boards of directors. Clare also shares her life immediately post-graduation, including getting married and completing McKinsey's Business Analyst program in New York City. Love at First Blind Date Clare recounts her initial post Harvard plan to join the Foreign Service and how a blind date led to her getting engaged and pivoting her career path. She describes the decisive nature of her engagement and how it shaped her life and career.   McKinsey, HBS, & the Pivot to Investment Banking Clare reflects on her years at McKinsey, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and learning from her engagement managers. She also explains how her experience at McKinsey influenced her pivot to investment banking during her time at Harvard Business School. Relationship Building in Investment Banking Clare details her summer internship at Goldman Sachs and how it led to a 25-year career at the firm. She highlights the various roles she held at Goldman Sachs, including managing client relationships, co-leading a global team, and co-chairing the IPO committee.  Clare discusses the skills that contributed to her success, including work ethic, critical thinking, and building trust. She emphasizes the importance of running toward problems and the value of trust in client and colleague relationships. Clare shares her approach to communication, stressing the need for over-communication and the importance of truly understanding how critical business decisions are influenced and taken.   Becoming CFO of Smiths Group Clare recounts how a long time client approached her about the opportunity to become the CFO of Smiths Group, a global engineering company. She initially hesitated but was encouraged by her husband to embrace the opportunity. Clare describes the company's products and services when she was CFO; including energy efficiency, safety, and connectivity solutions. She highlights how much she valued the experience of being both the CFO and a board member, which gave her a deeper understanding of the importance of public company governance. Pursuing a Portfolio of Board Directorships Clare explains her decision to pursue a portfolio of board directorships after her tenure as CFO.  She currently serves on the boards of Legrand, a leading electrical and digital infrastructure company; and Shell, an integrated energy company. Clare also discusses that she sets aside some time to coach next generation finance executives in the US, drawing parallels to her experience developing talent at Goldman Sachs. She emphasizes the importance of developing and retaining talent, even outside of a full-time executive role. Returning to the U.S. Clare describes her typical work week, including the imperative to stay current on relevant financial markets, industry, and company developments. She also shares her current plans to move back to the U.S. after 15 years in London. Clare also reflects on the importance of consciously investing in personal growth and adopting habits that challenge as well as encourage reflection.   Harvard Reflections Clare recalls her most challenging course at Harvard, which was Russian, and how rewarding the class and learning process was, despite it not being directly linked to her career pursuits after Harvard. Clare also shares how energizing she finds her weekly tennis match. She encourages others to find a pursuit outside of work that is energizing and allows you to laugh at yourself and with others. Timestamps: 04:02: First Date and Early Career Decisions 07:03: McKinsey, HBS, & the Pivot to Investment Banking 13:38: Relationship Building in Investment Banking 19:39: Transition to CFO Role 26:06: Board Membership and Coaching 28:45: Personal Growth 36:25: Most Memorable Course and Personal Interests Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-scherrer-651396b1/   *AI generated transcript and show notes.

  4. Aug 3

    178. Mara (Beverwyk) Christine, Librarian, Teacher, Lawyer

    Show Notes: Mara Christine (formerly Mara Beverwyk) describes her circuitous path, starting with a job at the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) in Berkeley, followed by a role in the Oakland public library system. She pursued a library degree in Michigan and returned to New Mexico, where she worked as a school and research librarian. She transitioned to teaching at a Montessori elementary school, earning her certification, and later went to law school at age 46, becoming a prosecutor. A Career Move to Law Mara explains  what drew her to the law, and she cites her midlife crisis and the political climate under Trump as major factors. Mara was inspired by ACLU attorneys helping people affected by the Muslim ban and wanted to expand her impact beyond her Montessori school. She continued teaching while attending law school, commuting long distances, and eventually decided to focus solely on law due to the wear and tear on her truck. Passing the Bar and Working at a Nonprofit Mara describes her law school experience as energizing, with a supportive community and accessible professors. She initially focused on environmental justice but faced challenges, including a stroke and a toxic workplace, leading her to a role in disaster law with New Mexico Legal Aid. Mara discusses the challenges of passing the bar exam, including multiple failed attempts. She eventually passed the bar in 2022 and initially worked with an environmental justice nonprofit but found it a toxic workplace. From Disaster Law to District Attorney Mara transitioned to disaster law with New Mexico Legal Aid, helping communities affected by wildfires and other climate-related issues. She was laid off after 10 months due to funding fears under the Trump administration and faced a difficult job search in her 50s. A long-time friend encouraged her to apply for a position as a district attorney, which she found fulfilling and aligned with her passion for public interest law. The Expectations and Reality of being a Prosecutor Mara explains her role as a district attorney, focusing on helping communities with issues like violence, addiction, and domestic violence. She enjoys being able to support victims and perpetrators through rehabilitation programs and community services. Mara describes the differences between her expectations of being a prosecutor and the reality, noting the importance of constitutional rights and evidence. She also mentions her role in teaching police officers how to write better criminal complaints and ensure legal procedures are followed. Mara reflects on the importance of being a compassionate prosecutor and the support she receives from her colleagues. Life Lessons as a Librarian and Teacher Will asks how Mara's work as a librarian has shaped her legal career. Mara highlights the importance of information seeking and disseminating, which she learned as a librarian and teacher. She emphasizes the value of connecting people with resources and information, a skill she still uses in her legal work. Mara credits her teaching experience, particularly with sixth graders, for building her confidence and public speaking skills. She shares a story about a former student now interning with her, illustrating the long-term impact of her teaching. Knocking on Doors When asked what is one thing she thinks everyone should try, Mara suggests knocking on doors for a cause, describing it as a humbling and educational experience. Mara reflects on the importance of community engagement and learning about neighborhoods and causes through door-to-door campaigning, and sShe shares a compliment she never forgot. Harvard Reflections Mara recalls her freshman English literature survey course and a course on genocide. She fondly remembers her English professor, Helen Vendler, and a professor who shared his personal experience of surviving the Holocaust, both of which had a lasting impact on her. Timestamps: 00:02: Mara Christine's Career Journey  03:49: Transition from Librarian to Prosecutor  09:42: Challenges and Opportunities in Law School  13:58: Experiences as a District Attorney  19:56: Impact of Librarianship on Legal Career  21:52: Fun Questions and Reflections  Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-christine-49b550266/   *AI generated transcript and show notes.

  5. Jul 27

    177. Kiki Snyder, Assigned Karen at Birth

    Show Notes:  Kiki (formerly Karen) Snyder shares her 35-year journey since her breakdown at Harvard, which landed her in restraints at McLean Hospital during exams in 1991. She discusses being misdiagnosed as severely bipolar, the 32 years she lost to toxic psychiatric medications, and the self she rediscovered. "Karen was full of fear and anger. Karen wanted to speak to the manager. But Kiki's in charge now. I am the manager." Learn more about her transformation on Instagram at @assignedkarenatbirth and at assignedkarenatbirth.com. From Karen to Kiki Kiki elaborates on her transformation from Karen to Kiki. A massage therapist specializing in Somatic Experiencing taught Kiki that our brains lie to us, our bodies know the truth. Kiki's body clearly told her it was finally time to leave the zip code she'd lived in for 50 years. She describes the upheaval of uprooting from Northern Virginia to coastal North Carolina after her mother's passing, and the impact of that change on her emotional well-being. Facing Pain and Healing from Trauma Kiki discusses the debilitating effects of the psychiatric medications she was on for 32 years and her work to taper off them. She describes the emotional numbness and exhaustion she experienced while on these medications. Kiki explains how getting off the medications allowed her to process trauma and emotions, leading to a significant personal transformation. She emphasizes the importance of sharing her story to help others who may be going through similar experiences. A Career in Social Media  Kiki recounts her career in social media, including her role at AOL in the early days of the Internet.  She describes her work at VeriSign, where she first discovered Web 2.0, which became social media. Her perseverance in the face of resistance resulted in the founding of VeriSign's social media program. Kiki shares her regret at not even considering the offer to relocate to Silicon Valley when the program she founded was moved there. She now realizes that her fear of not being strong enough was fueled by medications and years of being told she was fragile and sick. She discusses her subsequent role at the Federal Aviation Administration, where she founded their social media program.  Layoffs and Life Changes Kiki shares her experience of being laid off from her dream job at a big ad agency on the same day she moved to coastal North Carolina in 2024. Her entire division was cut, an early wave of workers displaced by AI. She reflects on the impact of the layoff, leading to a significant life change. Spirituality and Synchronicity Kiki talks about her interest in spirituality, metaphysics, and Jung's concept of synchronicities. She talks about sharing her story with the world and the positive responses she has received from others. Kiki discusses her efforts to let go of control, a trait she inherited from her former self, Karen.  A Burner Phone and AI "Therapy" Kiki shares her tips for beating her phone addiction. She installed the BePresent app, which helps her limit wasted time on social media. She recommends Claude, the AI chatbot she uses as a sounding board and where she worked through the grief and anger of losing three decades. And most importantly, a second phone. Every night the real phone stays in the kitchen and the "burner" comes to the bedroom, holding only music, an alarm, and the chatbot. Her advice to anyone trying to put their phone down: Get another phone! Harvard Reflections Kiki reminisces about her favorite classes at Harvard, including Irv DeVore's human behavioral biology class and Helen Vendler's poetry class. She shares her fascination with language and culture, particularly the unique language of Gen Z. Kiki discusses her plans to create new content by translating Shakespeare's sonnets into Gen Z slang. She expresses her excitement about learning and exploring new topics, including spirituality and metaphysics. Timestamps: 04:40: Transformation from Karen to Kiki 08:31: Impact of Medications and Emotional Healing 12:43: Career in Social Media and Early Internet 17:07: Significant Moments in Social Media Career 21:23: Learning and Personal Growth 25:40: Current Life and Habits 30:06: Reflections on Harvard and Personal Interests Links: Instagram: @assignedkarenatbirth Website: https://assignedkarenatbirth.com/

  6. Jul 20

    176. Maya Browne, The Road Not Taken

    Show Notes: Maya Browne recounts her senior year at Harvard, including writing her thesis "Idealizing Vision" which was about how magazine editors, photographers, and designers had shaped the ideal female form in the 20th century, and additionally another was an article for Essence magazine about eating disorders. It was the first article of its kind that drew data from women of color, and it won an award called the Excellence in Media Merit Award (EMMA).   Writing, Modeling, and Playing Violin Maya describes her first job at Details magazine under James Truman, where she handled reader mail and sometimes made-up stories. She shares how she got her job at Conde Nast through a letter from Professor Martin Perez and a meeting with Andre Leon Talley in Paris. Maya describes her side job as a fit model and her transition to working for James Truman at Details. She recounts a call from Jonathan Newhouse offering her a job in London in sales, which she declined to pursue a career in editorial. She shares her involvement in the music industry, playing the violin in music videos and with various artists like James Brown and BB King. Missed Opportunities and Film Experience  Maya discusses her move to Heart & Soul magazine, a fitness and beauty magazine for women of color. She describes her transition to the advertising business in San Francisco and her marriage to Peter Brattander. Maya recounts a missed opportunity to play with Nine Inch Nails at the MTV Awards and her later involvement in the film Ray. She shares her experience of fame and the attention she received after Ray won six Oscars. She talks about her involvement in the film industry and why she left it to go back to business school.  Philanthropy and Transitioning to Business School Maya describes her mentorship at The Robin Hood Foundation, leading to her involvement in philanthropy and with Quogue Chamber Music.  She talks about her work on the board of The Door, a nonprofit for runaway and homeless youth. Maya shares her current work as an educational consultant and her plans to help kids at The Door in the future. She discusses her involvement in the film Brother Versus Brother and her ongoing interest in supporting various projects.  Rituals, Relationships, and Resources Maya updates on her current activities, including playing the violin, writing, and fitness. She shares her experience of meditating and journaling as part of her daily routine. Maya talks about interviewing the rising king of Hip Hop, Puffy Combs, and she recounts a recent experience at Bergdorf Goodman during the Knicks parade and the unexpected encounter with Basketball Wives. She reflects on the importance of rituals, relationships, and resources in her life. Harvard Reflections Maya found the majority of her courses and professors at Harvard hugely influential. She mentions Professor Martin Peretz and shares a memorable experience from a design class where she made up a story to avoid an F and played the violin instead. Maya talks about her current work with Brownstone as an educational consultant and her approach to helping students with college applications. She emphasizes the importance of early conversations about college goals and the sacrifices required for success. Timestamps: 03:59: Early Career in Media and Music  34:43: Transition to Advertising and Film 35:08: Involvement in Philanthropy and Education  35:26: Current Activities and Reflections 38:32: Impact of Harvard and Career Highlights Links: Instagram: @iammayabrowne  Maya's Podcast, Stories from the Brink: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-from-the-brink/id1552888806 D'Angelo "Cruisin'" Video: https://youtu.be/JAfuUZRou7g?si=TmizL6CpKE1Ub3Lk  Brownstone Tutors: http://www.brownstonetutors.com/ Quogue Chamber Music: https://quoguechambermusic.org/ The Door: https://www.door.org/ Interview on Sean Combs: https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/new-again-sean-puffy-p-diddy-puff-daddy-combs James Brown Video: https://tv.apple.com/us/episode/all-in-the-family/umc.cmc.4knzr9b4kg7gvg0r8zl4dc57w?showId=umc.cmc.30wl2femq05e35uf85r3eks06   *AI generated transcript and show notes.

  7. Jul 13

    175. Chana Gable Selmon, Medicine Without Borders

    Show Notes: Chana Gable Selmon explains she joined Harvard as a transfer student in 1990, overlapping two years with the class of 1992. She graduated in 1993 after completing science requirements due to her history concentration. Chana decided to go to medical school at Cornell, followed by an internship in Emergency Medicine at Bellevue NYU and residency at Harvard. Commuting between Jerusalem and New Jersey Chana had her first child in 2000 and continued working as an ER doctor. She describes her experience as a fourth-year resident at Brooklyn Hospital Center during 9/11. She later  moved to the suburbs with her husband and had four children. Chana and her husband decided to move to Israel for international experience, despite the challenges of practicing medicine in a different language. She commuted between Jerusalem and New Jersey for work until Covid, when she started working in a clinic in the West Bank. Working in the West Bank Chana describes her work in the West Bank as a general practitioner, dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. She emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives and the complexity of the Israel-Palestine situation. She shares her personal connection to the region through her family history and experiences.  A Complex Cultural Heritage  Chana talks about her family's complex heritage, including her grandfather's Yemeni Arab background and her mother's Ashkenazi Jewish roots. She describes the impact of her family's history on her perspective and her desire to connect with different cultures. Chana discusses the challenges of raising her children in Israel and the importance of transmitting her cultural heritage. She highlights the importance of understanding the region's history and the impact of her family's experiences.  Cultural Differences and Challenges Chana reflects on the cultural differences and challenges of living in the Middle East. She describes the warmth and support of people in the region, despite the chaotic environment. Chana discusses the practical considerations of living in Israel, including the impact of political instability. She expresses her pride in her children's dedication to public service and their ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Media Misinformation and Solomonic Problem Chana expresses her frustration with the misinformation spread through social media about the West Bank. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the small size and complexity of the region. Chana discusses the unsustainable nature of the current situation and the need for creative solutions. She calls for more informed discussions and less reliance on simplistic labels and slogans. Harvard Reflections Chana shares her experience as a transfer student from community college, facing opposition from her ultra-orthodox Jewish family. She describes the support she received from Professor Samuel Draper at Rockland Community College who helped her apply to Harvard. Chana mentions JJ Henkin at Harvard, and she discusses her involvement in the history department at Harvard and her participation in the curriculum committee. She also mentions CityStep with Trisha Perez Kennealy, and reflects on the impact of her Harvard education on her career and personal development. A Lifelong Commitment Chana reflects on her decision to stay in Israel despite the challenges and the support of her husband. She discusses the practical considerations of returning to the United States, including her children's education and her aging parents. Chana shares her ongoing interest in history and her commitment to lifelong learning. She expresses her willingness to connect with classmates and share her experiences. Timestamps: 02:32: Balancing Family and Career  06:38: Life in Israel and the West Bank  08:57: Family Background and Cultural Identity  10:44: Challenges and Rewards of Living in the Middle East  34:44: Educational Journey and Harvard Experience  44:13: Impact of Social Media and Misunderstandings  44:30: Personal Reflections and Future Plans  Links: Email:  cselmon@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chana-gable-selmon-2643907

  8. Jul 6

    174. Jenny Davidson, Professor of English & Comparative Literature

    Show Notes: Jenny Davidson describes her continued passion for literature, reading, and writing, her interest in primatology, adventures in Tanzania, and her new hobbies.  Form and Technique in Powerlifting  She details her fitness routine, including powerlifting, running, swimming, triathlon, and yoga. Jenny shares her experience with a longstanding injury affecting her ability to do high-volume aerobic training. Jenny explains the basics of powerlifting, distinguishing it from Olympic lifting. She describes her favorite lift, the deadlift, and the other two main lifts: squat and bench press. Jenny shares her powerlifting achievements, including her recent competitions and her current lifting numbers. She emphasizes the importance of proper form and technique in powerlifting. Health and Community through Fitness Jenny discusses the impact of her exercise routine on her mood and energy levels. She describes how exercise helps her maintain a schedule and provides a sense of community through fitness activities. Jenny shares her experience with yoga and how it has become a significant part of her life. She mentions her weekly private Pilates sessions for therapeutic purposes. A Career in Literature Jenny talks about her career in literature, starting with her graduate studies at Yale. She specializes in 18th-century British literature and has been teaching at Columbia for 25 years. She mentions several books, including Clarissa and Moby Dick. Jenny enjoys teaching a mix of introductory and specialized classes, including comparative European novels and single-author classes. She shares her enthusiasm for teaching complex literary texts and the unique challenges they present.  Recommended 18th Century Literature Jenny recommends Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels and his other prose satires as essential reading. She highlights Frances Burney's novel Evelina and Edward Gibbon's History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Jenny also recommends Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations and Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France. She mentions Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy and A Sentimental Journey as accessible entry points to 18th-century literature. The Rise of Literacy Jenny discusses the rise of literacy and popular print in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. She explains how books like Pamela by Richardson were shared among multiple readers, increasing their reach. Jenny notes the evidence of reading among both elite and working-class individuals. She highlights the importance of marginalia and letters in understanding the reading habits of the time. Reading Habits Jenny shares her unusual relationship with reading, being a very fast reader from a very early age. She describes her reading habits, including rereading books she teaches and reading modern novels for pleasure. Jenny mentions her book, Reading Style: A Life in Sentences, which explores her life as a reader. She reflects on the challenges of finding enough reading material during demanding times of the semester. Primatology in Tanzania Jenny discusses her recent trips to Tanzania and her interest in primatology and being influenced by Jane Goodall from a young age. She shares her experience learning Swahili and conducting oral history interviews with Tanzanian field assistants. Jenny plans to create an oral history digital repository at Columbia and potentially publish essays or a book on her findings. She describes her collaboration with a Tanzanian guide, Rama, and their efforts to revive a tree-planting education program. AI in Humanities Education Jenny discusses the potential and limitations of AI in humanities education. She expresses concerns about students using AI for assignments, viewing it as a form of cheating. Jenny shares her positive experience with using AI for transcription of oral history interviews. She emphasizes the importance of creating a quiet mind and immersive reading environments for deep learning. Harvard Reflections Jenny talks about classes with Barbara Johnson, Elaine Scarry, and Writing Narrative History with Simon Schama. She also mentions the class Judith Clara taught on political obligation, and a class called The Development of the Modern State taught by Stanley Hoffman, Peter Hall, and Tom Ertman. Timestamps: 02:21: Powerlifting and Technique  07:45: Impact of Exercise on Personal Life  10:17: Career in Literature and Teaching  13:00: Recommended 18th-Century Literature  13:15: Reading Public in the 18th Century  26:45: Jenny's Reading Habits  29:09: Tanzania Research and Oral History  35:39: AI and Humanities Education  Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/214744151893608/user/112738 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-davidson-a89a7b1b5   *AI generated transcript and show notes.

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About

Conversations with the Harvard and Radcliffe Class of 1992, hosted by Will Bachman '92. Every member of the class has a story to tell, and the goal is to interview every one of them. There are 1,600 members of the class, so at a rate of one episode per week, this project will take 30 years. Register for email updates at 92report.com

Information

  • Creator
    Will Bachman
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    180
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    The 92 Report

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