The Idealist.org Podcasts Idealist.org

Philosophy isn’t generally thought of as a cross-cultural tool, but for Peter Vernezze, who left a position as philosophy professor at a U.S. university to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer in China, philosophy is exactly that. 



Over the course of his two years of service in a Sichuan university, Professor Vernezze set up and took notes on philosophical chats among his students. From their discussions emerged a host of unique insights into the philosophical suppositions underpinning the values and concerns of contemporary Chinese students.



In this podcast, Idealist’s Amy Potthast chats with Professor Vernezze about what philosophy is, how philosophical thinking can re-contextualize different cultures, including one’s own, and why Chinese philosophy, in particular, is important. A former Peace Corps China Volunteer, herself, Amy’s own experience with Chinese thought yields a fruitful discussion with Professor Vernezze on what Westerners can learn from China.

A unique design for education is underway in Asheville, North Carolina and it takes its model from the vegetative part of a mushroom, mycilia.



Opening in 2013 the Mycelium School aims to cultivate social entrepreneurs and leaders in creating local change by enhancing social and environmental systems through a gap year educational program.



In this episode, Amy Potthast chats with the Mycelium School founder Matthew Abrams about the school’s design and theory, who stands to benefit, and exactly what prospective students might be like.  Along the way, the discussion touches on the history of Asheville and systems thinking. Not to be missed!

The Master of Social Work prepares students with the practice methods, ethical and social values, and scientific principles to work with populations-at-risk. Programs promote social and economic justice, strengths-based practice with diverse populations, and evaluation. Careers includes both direct service and organizational leadership roles in a wide array of issues.

In this Idealist Grad School Podcast series, Amy Potthast chats with admissions staff and an alumna from three social work masters programs:

This episode, Part Three, is on admissions and financial aid advice.
Find Part One, an overview of the degree and careers, at idealist.org/podcast.
Find Part Two, on course work, field work, and certificates at idealist.org/podcast.

The Guests:
Richard Sigg, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Washington University in St. Louis George Warren Brown School of Social Work and Public Health
Robert Sommo, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Services, New York University Silver School of Social Work
Erin Zimmer, Assistant Director for Student Services and Alumna, University of Michigan School of Social Work

Learn more:

Idealist Grad Fairs tour the United States every summer and fall, and feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Check out the directory of accredited social work programs from the Council on Social Work Education

The Master of Social Work prepares students with the practice methods, ethical and social values, and scientific principles to work with populations-at-risk. Programs promote social and economic justice, strengths-based practice with diverse populations, and evaluation. Careers includes both direct service and organizational leadership roles in a wide array of issues.

In this Idealist Grad School Podcast series, Amy Potthast chats with admissions staff and an alumna from three social work masters programs:

This episode, Part Two, is on course work, field work, and certificates.
Find Part One, an overview of the degree and careers, at idealist.org/podcast.
Find Part Three on admissions and financial aid advice at idealist.org/podcast.

The Guests:
Richard Sigg, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Washington University in St. Louis George Warren Brown School of Social Work and Public Health
Robert Sommo, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Services, New York University Silver School of Social Work
Erin Zimmer, Assistant Director for Student Services and Alumna, University of Michigan School of Social Work

Learn more:

Idealist Grad Fairs tour the United States every summer and fall, and feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Check out the directory of accredited social work programs from the Council on Social Work Education

The Master of Social Work prepares students with the practice methods, ethical and social values, and scientific principles to work with populations-at-risk. Programs promote social and economic justice, strengths-based practice with diverse populations, and evaluation. Careers includes both direct service and organizational leadership roles in a wide array of issues.

In this Idealist Grad School Podcast series, Amy Potthast chats with admissions staff and an alumna from three social work masters programs:


This episode, Part One, is an overview of the degree and careers.
Find Part Two, on course work, field work, and certificates at idealist.org/podcast.
Find Part Three on admissions and financial aid advice at idealist.org/podcast.

The Guests:
Richard Sigg, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, Washington University in St. Louis George Warren Brown School of Social Work and Public Health
Robert Sommo, Assistant Dean for Enrollment Services, New York University Silver School of Social Work
Erin Zimmer, Assistant Director for Student Services and Alumna, University of Michigan School of Social Work

Learn more:

Idealist Grad Fairs tour the United States every summer and fall, and feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
Check out the directory of accredited social work programs from the Council on Social Work Education

Public policy masters degrees emphasize analyzing and evaluating information to solve policy problems. MPP grads work across sectors with quantitative and qualitative information to develop, assess, and evauate alternative approaches to current and emerging issues.

In this Idealist Grad School Podcast series, Amy Potthast chats with admissions staff from two conflict resolution grad programs:


This episode, Part Three, is on admissions and financial aid advice.
Find Part One, an overview of the degree and careers, at idealist.org/podcast.
Find Part Two, on course work, field work, and certificates at idealist.org/podcast.

The Guests:
Martha Chavez, Assitant Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy.
Beth Soboleski, Associate Director, Student and Academic Services at the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy.

Learn more:

Idealist Grad Fairs tour the United States every summer and fall, and feature nonprofit management, public affairs, social work and other public service degrees — and they’re touring the country all fall. See the schedule and sign up here on Idealist.org.
APPAM is the Association of Public Policy, Analysis, and Management, a membership organization of policy people that fosters excellence in research, analysis and education.
NASPAA is the National Association of School of Public Affairs and Administration, and includes schools of public policy. Find a list of school members on the organization’s site.