Having a criminal record can impact nearly every part of a person’s life. Obtaining housing, getting a job — you name it. In this episode, we talk with two Ohio State experts and one woman with lived experience about how criminal records create barriers — barriers that new programs and second chances are helping people overcome.

Children with autism experience myriad struggles. Often, one of them is simply being invited to play. Have fun. Because if you think those with autism don’t want to be social and creative, you’re wrong. In this episode, we’ll see how the Ohio State Shakespeare and Autism project provides an outlet. Through a series of games and activities, this project aims to improve the lives of children with autism — all while they’re having fun.

Money and personal finance are incredibly complex topics. How to invest, how to save, where to even begin can be overwhelming. In this episode, we talk with two experts who help break down the complexities of finances, home ownership, growing your savings and investing in not only your future, but the future of your family.

In the already confusing and convoluted world of healthcare, women face an even more complicated and unfair level of prevention and care. Thankfully, there are people out there tirelessly working to fix these inequities. In this episode, we talk with two experts about the disparities in the healthcare industry affecting women, what’s being done to mitigate these issues and how we all can work towards a more equal and compassionate healthcare system for all.

Ohio State is on the forefront of the next generation of space research. And yes, some of that research does involve growing cosmic plants. In this episode, we talk with two experts who are helping pave the way for a new era of space exploration and discovery — and how those findings are improving our lives down here on planet Earth.

Batteries have come a long way from simply powering our flashlights and our toothbrushes. They’re now in cars, drones, planes, busses — powering the mobility of our communities. In this episode, we talk with researchers and innovators who are harnessing the potential of the battery to improve our world and help us achieve a more sustainable society.

Whether we see it firsthand or not, food insecurity is still a major issue in our society. There are so many out there who continually go to bed hungry. Wake up hungry. Stuck in a terrible cycle. In this episode, we talk with two experts who are working and researching in our communities to fight this problem and help ensure access to nutritious food for those in need.

After a stressful day, many of us turn to the television as a way to cope. A way to escape and connect with our favorite characters. And which shows we choose to watch provides insight into our minds. In this episode, two experts break down why we choose the shows we choose, why we like the characters we like and what those choices mean.

Voter distrust, media consumption, disinformation growing everywhere — these have had a drastic impact on our elections. In this episode, we talk with two experts about how as our society changes, so do our presidential elections, and how we can turn back the tide of disinformation and low voter turnout.

For many of us, getting from point A to point B is as simple as getting in the car and going. Yet there are large populations out there who don’t have the same luxury of mobility. In this episode, we talk with those in our communities striving to connect us better to one another, removing mobility hardships and making accessible transportation something everyone has access to.

When we hear the word “concussion,” many immediately think of sports injuries. But many who work in law enforcement are at a severely high risk of receiving a traumatic brain injury. And many of them go unreported and untreated. In this episode, we talk with two people who are working together to bring this underserved community the help and treatment it needs.

GPS, the global positioning system, is so heavily ingrained in our lives it’s practically invisible. We use it to navigate our streets, fly our planes, even monitor crops and wildlife. And yes, it’s fundamental to our military. Unfortunately, we’re so reliant on GPS that they’re the perfect target for hackers. In this episode, we talk to two experts about the critical role GPS plays in our lives and how it’s being made resilient should cyber attackers strike.

There has been a large influx of mental health issues in our agricultural communities, but there are those out there looking to turn back that tide. In this episode, we talk to two experts on the crisis that’s gripping these communities, what’s been causing it and what’s being done to get help to those in need.

Tornadoes — a phenomenon both fascinating and terrifying. In this episode, we delve into the mesmerizing science of these storms and the bravery of those who study and respond to them. Discover how tornadoes form, their devastating impacts and the crucial work of researchers and emergency responders who face these storms.

In Newark, Ohio, hidden among homes, restaurants and stores sits something spectacular. And that something spectacular is the Newark Earthworks — an architectural wonder built by American Indians 2,000 years ago. In this episode, we talk with experts and activists dedicated to this World Heritage Site, and we explore the history and meaning of this marvel.

Gene Smith’s impact on Ohio State athletics is overwhelming, to say the very least. Not to mention his impact on the NCAA and the Big Ten in general. In this episode, we sit down with Gene to discuss his long and impactful career, the lasting impressions he’s made and how putting people first — helping others — is what truly counts.

When many people think of virtual reality, or VR, they think of video games, movies — general entertainment. But the truth is, VR can be leveraged to be a very powerful teaching tool, especially in the nursing field. In this episode of Now at Ohio State, we talk to both educator and student about the impact VR is having in the college classroom.

Lake Erie is vital to Ohio. From fishing to vacationing, drinking water to the economy, this great lake is essential — and the students and researchers at Stone Lab are dedicated to its health. In this episode, we take a trip up to Stone Lab to discuss their work, how Lake Erie ties into all of Ohio and how the lab is an incredible resource for undergraduate student research.

On April 8, a total solar eclipse will be crossing the United States, and Ohio has a front row seat to the celestial show. In this episode, we talk with two experts about the upcoming eclipse and eclipses in the past. They discuss scientific definitions, how eclipses have changed our society, and most importantly, how you can view the cosmic event safely.

From the little things that add up to major, life-altering events, trauma is a distressing fact in many of our lives. Thankfully, there are people out there striving to improve treatment methods for those who need it.

When you think of college music courses, do you think about classical? Jazz? Rock ’n’ roll? If you don’t consider hip-hop to be a part of that list, our guests might convince you otherwise. In this episode, we talk to two professors at Ohio State’s School of Music about the history of hip-hop, the culture, how it’s changed our world and how it’s changing academia.

Whatever the reason, depression and suicide are still considered taboo topics. And our collective silence on the matter only makes this problem worse. In this episode, we talk with a doctor of psychology and a suicide survivor about research findings, their experiences, and how, together, we can break the stigma surrounding these topics to help save lives and heal people.

Reading and comprehension are vital to a child’s future success. The earlier literacy skills are acquired, the better. But unfortunately, we might be falling behind in teaching language and comprehension to children. In this episode, we speak with two experts about the ways children learn to read, what can be done to improve comprehension, the toll the pandemic has taken on early learning and more.

Addiction has touched so many lives. More than 46 million people struggled with substance use in 2021. And college, in particular, can be a challenging environment for students who have dealt with this issue. But more and more people are starting to take a different path. In this episode, we talk with two Ohio State experts about addiction, sobriety on campus and how to evaluate your own relationship to alcohol and other substances.

From public parks to sports stadiums and even battlefields, drones are becoming more and more popular. And while there are rules for when and where they can be used, many people are unaware of the laws governing their use. In this episode, we talk with three experts about the intrigue of drone technology — where it’s been, where it’s going and what sorts of problems drones can solve.

In today’s hyper-partisan political environment, many people refuse to listen to any perspective that doesn’t reflect their own views. Is it even possible to imagine a world that runs on civil discourse? A place where uncomfortable conversations or maybe even heated arguments around the Thanksgiving table don’t exist? In this episode, we talk with two experts who are working to bring about a world where calm, insightful discussion is the productive norm.

Supply chains. While you may not think about them all that much, they’re the backbone to our modern society. That means when something goes wrong, there’s an enormous ripple effect. In this episode, we talk with two experts about the importance of supply chains, how COVID has changed things and what we can do to make sure things keep running smoothly.

Read any newspaper or look at any website, and it’s clear that things are tense across the world. And national security is on the top of many people’s minds. But what is this concept of national security, and does it actually keep us safe? In this episode, our experts weigh in on the history of national security, where it’s going, and what we can all do to feel safer.

Many of us do a good job of making the effort to give back to our communities, pay forward, do good for others. While there are others out there who make these tenets their life’s mission. In this episode, we talk to two social entrepreneurs who have decided to dedicate their efforts to doing good, making a difference and propelling our world forward.

Resilience is vital. Not only to individuals—but also for whole communities. So it’s a good thing there are people out there teaching others how to grow and hone their resilience. In this episode, we talk with an award-winning author and fascinating researcher about resiliency, what it means to them, how it can be nurtured and how it impacts our world.

Does it actually take a village to raise a child? Turns out, it does. Infant mortality is a heartbreaking subject. It’s also not disappearing, especially in the Black community. In this episode, we look at one of the solutions: Moms2B. An Ohio State program that helps babies reach their first birthdays. Hear from a mother who successfully completed the program and the doctor who runs it.

Can caring for the soil beneath our feet improve crop yields, sustainability and overall earth health? In this episode, we talk with two experts about no-till farming practices. They discuss the pros and cons of no-till farming and how these methods are reshaping the health and quality of crops but also the health and quality of the soil itself.

Family. A complex topic. From birth to adulthood, the definition of family — and the relationships therein — are constantly changing. In this episode, we take a look at family dynamics. How these bonds are built and broken, how they ebb and flow, and how we all have the power to shape what they look like.

Mindfulness is having a bit of a moment right now. From meditation to breathing exercises to acts of kindness, many are turning to these means to alleviate stress and anxiety from their lives. But does it actually work? In this episode, we talk with two experts who both say, “absolutely yes.”

When you think about the world of manufacturing, it might not register as the most exciting thing. Dull assembly lines, flickering lights, bored workers, the works. Well, not anymore. In this episode, we talk with two Ohio State experts about the current state of manufacturing in the United States. They discuss how it’s vastly different from the past, how it’s improving, and where we need to go to catch up to the rest of the world.

Having a mentor can be a powerful thing. Someone who believes in you, inspires you — someone who shows you a path when you’re lost. In this episode, we talk with an Ohio State student and faculty member about the power of mentorship, what they learned, and how relationships like theirs have the power to change lives.

Creativity comes in many forms and can impact our lives in myriad ways. And, despite what some people think, everyone has the power to be creative. In this episode, we talk with two Ohio State experts about nurturing your own creativity — and how creativity helps us change our society and our world.

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is having a moment right now. From chatbots to image and music production and more, it’s changing how we work and how we think. In this episode, we talk with two Ohio State experts about AI’s current state, how we can harness and improve it and what the future holds.