Through the two possible journeys of an Aloha Shirt, Tead Count tells the story of the true cost of fast fashion. Music from Blue Dot Sessions. Interviewees: Barchi Gillai, Associate Director Value Chain Innovation Initiative,https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/labs-initiatives/vcii Lila Temple, Stanford FashionX, https://www.stanfordfashionx.com/ Research:a. https://www.sgs.com/en-be/news/2023/10/cc-q3-2023-profitability-and-textile-durability-in-the-circular-economyb. https://www.roadrunnerwm.com/blog/textile-waste-environmental-crisisc. theguardian.comd. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/fashion-and-the-circular-economy-deep-divee. https://cottonique.com/blogs/articles/how-long-will-it-take-for-fabrics-to-decompose?srsltid=AfmBOoqh10_PyQpTbPI-XzlMYGUo2dN1DVejdaOfczf7fPLVzUfVWJVhf. https://www.unep.org/technical-highlight/sustainable-fashion-take-centre-stage-zero-waste-day

I Speak for the Trees is a podcast that explores the consequences of land use change. Join us as we investigate the parallels between The Lorax and the real world in order to address the issue of sustainable land use change. From local land clearing in Wisconsin, restoration of overgrazed ranchland in Texas, to green space implementation in Chicago, we highlight how technology, policy, education, and community action can come together to reshape the way we think about and interact with our land. Music and Sound: Music and sound effects from Descript Library other than McCarthy (Blue Dot Sessions)Quantum Jazz - Passing Fields (Blue Dot Sessions) First Results (Blue Dot Sessions),Basketliner (Blue Dot Sessions) Borough (Blue Dot Sessions) Lakal (Blue Dot Sessions) andDelamine (Blue Dot Sessions). David Bamberger speaking clips from National Geographic’s “50Years Ago, This Was a Wasteland. He Changed Everything | Short Film Showcase” YouTubeDocumentary. The Lorax by Dr. Suess, audiobook read by Ted Danson   Interviewee Bios:Dr. Diana Moanga is a Lecturer and the Manager of the Spatial Analysis Center in the StanfordDoerr School of Sustainability. Her research includes studying land use land cover changeprocesses using remote sensing and spatial analysis, focusing on the effects of environmental andanthropogenic stressors on coastal socio-environmental systems. She is particularly passionateabout furthering our understanding of climate equity for coastal communities and mappingcoastal hazards at various scales. She has a Ph.D. in Environmental Science Policy andManagement from UC Berkeley in 2020. Her dissertation research used geospatial techniques tostudy land use and land cover changes across California. Specifically, her research exploredmanagement impacts on California’s coastal lands, agricultural transitions in the Central Valley,and wildfire activity under future climate regimes. Diana also earned a Master’s in Science inMarine Affairs and Policy from the University of Miami in 2015. For her master's research sheexamined the spatial and temporal characteristics of harmful algal blooms and studied coastalzone management and coral conservation.Scott Stortz is the elected Village President of Slinger, Wisconsin, where he leads efforts to fosterthoughtful growth and community development with an emphasis on quality of life, controlledtaxes, and business development. He’s held the position of Village President since 2021, and isalso the president of Star Properties, Inc, a real estate firm specializing in residential sales inWashington, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Fond Du Lac, Dodge, Waukesha and Milwaukee counties.He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cardinal Stritch University with a Bachelor of Scienceand a minor in Sales & Marketing.   David Bamberger is the Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Selah Ranch in Blanco County,Texas, in the heart of the Hill Country. Born into poverty, he created a successful career inentrepreneurship, which allowed him to fund the purchase of Selah Ranch in 1969. Over thecourse of the next quarter century, Bamberger and his team restored what was the “‘sorriest pieceof land’” in Blanco County. Through a myriad of methods–including the selective thinning ofAshe Juniper trees–and countless difficulties, their efforts have resulted in a thriving ecosystemand the rejuvenation of formerly-dry springs. In addition to being a steward of the land, Mr.Bamberger has made tremendous efforts to share his wisdom with the next generation, hostingfield trips to Selah Ranch, and developing curriculum on topics such as groundwater infiltration.Research:● Importance and prevalence of cities in the futureNeil Khor, et al. (2022). World Cities Report 2022, Envisioning the Future of Cities, UNHabitat https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/2022/06/wcr_2022.pdf● Maggie Daley Park construction processTarantino, J. (2024). Explore Maggie Daley Park: Chicago’s Urban Wonderland. TheEnvironme

Join Natalia, Iamanni, and Marjorie on a journey of investigating the connection of health inequity and sustainability in diabetes treatments! 

"Reimagining the Road Ahead" delves into the concept of car-free days, especially their implementation in Bogotá and Paris, the political and practical challenges to their widespread adoption, and the broader push to re-imagine urban spaces with fewer cars. Interviews:Enrique Peñalosa is a Colombian politician and urban strategist who served as mayor ofBogotá (1998–2000, 2016–2019). He is known for championing sustainable urban mobility,including Bogotá’s TransMilenio bus system and the city’s first Día Sin Carro (Car-Free Day), abold initiative that reshaped public attitudes toward transportation and urban space. His policiesprioritized pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, aiming to create a more equitable andaccessible city.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrique_Pe%C3%B1alosaDaniel Rich is a former local government manager with over 30 years of public sectorexperience. He served as Mountain View’s City Manager from 2011 to 2019, overseeingcomplex land use projects and regional planning efforts. Earlier in his career, he held leadershiproles in Sunnyvale, Belmont, and Campbell, as well as working for members of Congress. Sinceretiring, he has been a lecturer at Stanford University, teaching courses on public policy andlocal governmenthttps://urbanstudies.stanford.edu/people/daniel-h-richDehan (Danno) Glanz is an urban designer and planner with expertise in transit-orienteddevelopment. His work spans large-scale village design, architectural prototypes, andmixed-use neighborhoods that integrate sustainable transportation. He has contributed toprojects such as the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard Re-Use Plan and the Richmond BARTTransit Village. Glanz holds a BA in Urban Studies from Stanford University and a Master ofArchitecture from UCLA. (Though not in our podcast, his interview helped our group refine ourscope early in production).https://urbanstudies.stanford.edu/people/dehan-danno-glanz   MusicArtist | Song Title | Source (in order of appearance)Carlos Vives | Ella Es Mi Fiesta | YouTubeGreenfire | False Records | Blue Dot SessionsJon Presstone | The Nature of Curiosity | YouTubeDesjardins | The Maison | Blue Dot SessionsAzalai | Taoudella | Blue Dot SessionsBodytonic | Thannoid | Blue Dot SessionsMaurice Larcange | Traditionnel musette | YouTubeStromae | Alors on danse | YouTubeGlass Obelisk | First Results | Blue Dot SessionsEltham House | Delicates | Blue Dot SessionsThe Fence | Bivly | Blue Dot Sessions ReferencesAtlas of Urban Expansion - Los Angeles. (n.d.).http://www.atlasofurbanexpansion.org/cities/view/Los_Angeles This online resource provides detailed spatial and statistical data on the urban expansion of Los Angeles, emphasizing the city's extensive growth and sprawling roadnetworks. It highlights how urban development patterns have shaped car-centric land use and transportation infrastructure.Chrisafis, A. (2015, September 27). All-blue skies in Paris as city centre goes car-free for firsttime. The Guardian; The Guardian.https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/sep/27/all-blue-skies-in-paris-as-city-centre-goes-car-free-for-first-time This news article reports on Paris’s first car-free day, describing the environmental and social impact of the initiative, including improved air quality and public reception. It serves as a case study demonstrating the short-term benefits of restricting car access in urban centers.Glazener, A., Wylie, J., Van Waas, W., & Khreis, H. (2022). The impacts of Car-Free Days andevents on the environment and human health. Current Environmental Health Reports,9(2), 165–182. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-022-00342-yThis peer-reviewed study reviews global evidence on how car-free events affect air pollution levels and public health, with findings that support reduced vehicular traffic as a means to improve urban environmental conditions. The authors also explore limitations and recommendations for future policy design. Identifying the amount of urban space occup

The United Nations have called climate change the challenge of our generation. A growing body of environmental storytelling is bringing clarity to complicated climate conversations by casting a vision for a better future, and providing compelling, actionable climate change solutions. In this course, students have the opportunity to contribute to that conversation by creating a 10 to 15-minute narrative podcast episode that entertains, challenges, and moves your audience. 

Follow Jacob, Miles, and Victor through a story about musical exploitation, globalization, and hope, starting with the creation of Jazz and concluding with the future of Afrobeats.    Names: Jacob Matlof, Miles C. Selles, and Victor Chen Interviewees: Bolaji Oyedepo  Bolaji Oyedepo is an Nigerian American musician from Houston, Texas, paving his own way in the modern music industry with the fusion of Afrobeats with hip hop and R&B. He’s known for his primarily afrobeats song “OWO!”. Viranshi Vira Viranshi Vira is a student at Case Western University. Raised in Los Angeles, Vira found her love for K-pop during the pandemic and has been fascinated by the industry ever since. However, she’s also aware of the forces that shape the K-pop industry. Dr. Pheaross Graham - music.stanford.edu/people/pheaross-graham Dr. Pheaross Graham is a Mellon Fellow at the Stanford Humanities Center and Lecturer in the Department of Music at Stanford University. He is a musicologist and concert pianist with expertise in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Western art and African American music.  Research: No research was explicitly cited in the episode. However, the following resources were consulted during the development of the podcast: The Origins of Jazz - Jazz Observer Elvis Presley’s ‘Hound Dog’: Big Mama Thornton’s Influence – Rolling Stone Little Richard: I Am Everything Documentary Review – Rolling Stone Studs Terkel Radio Archive - Jazz Topics Forum Discussion on Record Label Hopping in the 50s and 60s Big Mama Thornton – Wikipedia Hound Dog (Song) – Wikipedia WhoSampled - Elvis Presley's ‘Hound Dog’ Covers Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller – Wikipedia Fela Kuti – Wikipedia Fela Kuti Official Website Is K-pop Afrobeats Here to Stay? – JoySauce   Music Acknowledgements: “Hound Dog” by Big Mama Thornton, Youtube  “Hound Dog” by Elvis Presley, Youtube “Tutti Frutti” by Little Richard, Youtube “Money” by Pink Floyd, Youtube “Shakara” by Fela Kuti, Youtube “OWO!” by Bōlají, Provided by Artist, Deezer “Smart” by Le Sserafim, Youtube “Dynamite” by BTS, Youtube 

Katie Cheng, Lela Hanson, Reyna Duffy, and Will YuThis is a story about a girl named Katie who suddenly discovers that her seeminglystraight-laced, engineer dad used to lead a secret life as a graffiti artist. Fueled by curiosity andwonder, she sets out on a journey to learn more. From exploring hidden graffiti tunnels withfriends to having an eye-opening conversation with her dad, Katie uncovers surprising truthsabout his past—and gains a new perspective on her own.Interviewee:Dave Cheng - Katie’s FatherDave is a key character in our podcast being the spark that ignited Katie’s personal journey. As aproduct of his environment, Dave turned to graffiti during his teenage years, quickly becoming afairly well-known graffiti artist in San Francisco. Through his graffiti years, we highlight themotives behind graffiti and use his story to reflect on the theme of “growing up.”Music Acknowledgements:From Blue Dot Studios● Order of Entrance● Bauxite● Borough● Small World Reveals● Hardboil● Gene’s Waltz● Lakkalia● Curious Kepler● Mood Unit● One Quiet Conversation● Dorica ThemeKevin Macleod● Limit 70● I Got a Stick Arr Bryan TeohLeonard Rosenman● Star Trek IV Opening Titles, via Cpt. Cybernaut on YouTube    

How can supposedly green initiatives, such as battery recycling, still result in dirty outcomes?Community members in Vernon, California, fight to shut down a local battery recycling plantbecause its toxic waste is polluting their air, water, and soil. The company and governmentalagencies that are supposed to be responsible fail to listen and act, forcing the community to takeever more dramatic action. This episode examines their fight for environmental justice andhighlights the distinction between policy-driven environmentalism and the real-worldconsequences that disproportionately harm minority communities. Episode AuthorsSamuel Desai, Alice Heiman, Ian BriskiInterviews:Rossmery ZayasCommunity organizing since the age of 14, Rossmery Zayas is now a South East Los Angeles(SELA) Youth Organizer at Communities for a Better Environment (CBE). She works extensivelyin grassroots activism, and has participated in several campaigns, including shutting down thetoxic battery recycling plant facility owned by Exide Technologies (one of the world’s largestproducers and distributors of batteries) in Vernon, California. Rossmery Zayas majored inCommunication Studies and studied at Humboldt State University, East Los Angeles College, andCal State LA.Organization link: https://www.cbecal.org/Dr. Jenna ForsythDr. Jenna Forsyth is a research scientist affiliated with the School of Medicine, Woods Institutefor Environment, and King Center for Global Development at Stanford University. Dr. Forsyth’swork addresses the global environmental health problems stemming from contaminants in air,water, soil, and food. Her recent work revolves around lead pollution in South Asia, where shechampioned getting lead out of turmeric in Bangladesh.Website link: https://jennaforsyth.com/Mari Rose TarucMari Rose Taruc is a Filipino-American artist and activist in Oakland, CA. She has been advancinglocal, state, national, and international environmental justice campaigns for clean air, affordablehousing, renewable energy, and climate solutions for over 28 years. Before her role at CaliforniaEnvironmental Justice Alliance (CEJA), she held various environmental justice roles at theSouthwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice (SNEEJ) and Asian PacificEnvironmental Network. Inspired by Hurricane Katrina, she founded a neighborhood group inOakland, where she has lived for over two decades, to fight gentrification, promote affordablehousing, redefine community safety, and actively engage in elections.Website link: https://environmental-professionals-of-color.yale.edu/person/taruc-mari-rose     References and Further Reading● Barboza, T. (2015, December 21). Story So Far: How a battery recycler contaminated L.A.-area homes for decades. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-exide-cleanup-story-so-far-20151121-story.html● Barboza, T. (2020, October 16). Court approves abandonment of Exide plant and toxiccleanup. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-10-16/exide-bankrtuptcy-decision-vernon-cleanup● Briscoe, T. (2024, July 11). Exide site on the verge of getting Superfund designation. LosAngeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2024-07-11/la-county-battery-recycler-on-the-verge-of-becoming-california-next-superfund-site● CA.gov. (2016, November 4). Governor Brown Issues Statement on Paris ClimateAgreement Milestone | Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. Retrieved March 1, 2025 fromhttps://archive.gov.ca.gov/archive/gov39/2016/11/04/news19592/index.html● California Department of Toxic Substances Control. (October, 2020) The State’s PoorManagement of the Exide Cleanup Project Has Left Californians at Continued Risk ofLead Poisoning. https://information.auditor.ca.gov/pdfs/reports/2020-107.pdf● CDC. (2024, October 31). Exide Contamination Information and Resources. CommunityStress Resource Center. Retrieved March 1, 2025 fromhttps://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/community-stress-resource-

In an unprecedented political, social, and cultural climate where executive orders are being issued to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives nationwide, especially in educational institutions, three college-aged students from diverse racial backgrounds reflect on their experiences with racial discrimination and exclusion in K-12 education. In sharing their stories, they engage in thoughtful interviews and discussions that demonstrate the interconnectedness of the exclusion they faced based on their identities and the importance of DEI efforts in educational settings—a gift of support that could have greatly benefited their younger selves during those challenging times. Produced by Madisyn Cunningham, Glenn Kleiman, Emily Lim, and Rocio Sanchez Salcido Research: Using research was the antithesis of IncludEd’s intentional demonstration of how research falls short in capturing students' lived experiences facing racism when discussing DEI. IncludEd’s research is through the sourcing and storytelling of Emily’s, Madisyn’s, and Rocio’s lived experiences with exclusion in schools.  Music Acknowledgements: - Blue Dot Sessions: Column and Law (Dorica), Fissure Forming (Trailhead), Line Exchange (Marble Run), Toadstool Runner (Fabulist), Waypost (Desert Kalimba) - Freesound: Low Synth Note Atmosphere (Synthetic Sounds), TV Switching Sound - TV Sound Effects (AltF4)

How exciting would it be if you actually tuned into that little voice in the back of your head? The one telling you to go for the thing you really want, even if it’s probably, most likely, definitely not what’s expected of you? Aren’t you curious how a girl can go from making pancakes in the kitchen with her mom one day to suddenly winning MasterChef Junior—only to lose her passion for cooking, then find her way back to it again? Let’s dive into the story of Jasmine Stewart, who actually did listen to that tiny voice, took an unexpected detour, and found out where it would lead her.   Produced by Aaryan Harshith, Christina Ademasu, and Jenny Huynh Interview w/ Jasmine Stewart, first African American to win Master Chef Jr. Bio: Jasmine Stewart, the Season 5 winner of MasterChef Junior, made history as the first African American champion of the competition. At just 12 years old, she not only claimed the title but also became the only contestant in the show's history to win after being previously eliminated. Today, Jasmine continues to break boundaries, pursuing an individually designed major in Black Food and Multimedia Studies at NYU’s Gallatin School.   Acknowledgments for music: 1. 2. 3. 4. King Billy by Blue Dot Sessions Tell What You Know by Blue Dot Sessions Castillo by Blue Dot Sessions The Cornice by Blue Dot Sessions

Sound Stories is a Stanford class for students interested in creating audio stories for radio, podcast, and other forms of sonic narrative. Students examine the craft elements of the audio form, popularized by programs such as This American Life, Radiolab, and Serial including skills for interviewing, scoring, and audio editing, and then work in small groups to create and produce a 10-15 minute narrative podcast episode. Here's what the students from the 2025 class had to say about the experience.   The 2025 Sound Stories class was taught by Laura Joyce Davis.

In this episode, Nathan, Ana, and Nia explore the importance of sustainable food practices, and how alternative, truly healthy food practices are not necessarily the most commercially produced and advertised ones. The episode aims to broaden the horizon of viewing food practices in a context beyond just your own plate. This episode was produced by Nathan Elias, Ana Nguyen, and Nia Patton, with support from Laura Joyce Davis and the Stanford Storytelling Project's course "Stories to Save Our Planet." Complete show notes at storytelling.stanford.edu.

A story of the rise of electric vehicles and their promise to make a more sustainable planet. Yet this promise has proven to be detrimental to the quality of life for the people in the Congo. Sustainability Paradox pulls back the curtain on the realities of the electric car industry, and the promising solutions that might offer real, meaningful change. Produced by Sydney Davis and Jana Gomri with support from Laura Joyce Davis and the Stories to Save Our Planet class, a part of the Stanford Storytelling Project. Asu Kulu - Undergraduate Congolese Student at Stanford, Anonymous Congolese Miners via Friends of the Congo https://friendsofthecongo.org/ Links to an external site. Link to References https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GcK2hsyt8L_VyogsNTaPxsf5AgtizYzm1F9uJHLYzxM/edit?usp=sharing Links to an external site. All music by Blue Dot Sessions

What can you expect from Sound Stories? The 2024 class weighs in. Taught by Laura Joyce Davis through the Stanford Storytelling Project, this hands-on, workshop-oriented course is designed to teach you the fundamentals of podcast storytelling. Class work will include pitching, interviewing, scriptwriting, narration, audio editing, and sound design. You’ll learn time-honored principles for strong storytelling in any medium, as well as strategies specific to storytelling in sound. Though we focus on audio stories, the craft skills you learn here are transferable to making stories for any medium, from print and performance to film and games. By the end of the course, you will have crafted both a narrative essay and a 10-minute podcast episode that entertains, challenges, and moves your audience. All fully produced student pieces will be published in the Stanford Storytelling Project Soundings podcast. Course info: https://shorturl.at/eLOR0

Living Memory by Stanford Storytelling Project

Stories to Save the Planet is a podcast about the stories behind climate change solutions. The United Nations have called climate change the challenge of our generation. A growing body of environmental storytelling is bringing clarity to complicated climate conversations by casting a vision for a better future, and providing compelling, actionable climate change solutions. All work is produced by Stanford students, who learn the entire process of narrative podcast production in just 10 weeks, research a climate change challenge and solution of their choice, and work together to create a narrative episode. The class it taught by Laura Joyce Davis and the Stanford Storytelling Project.

Have you ever felt like your cell phone is controlling your life, or that of someone you know? I’m sure you’ve asked yourself, “Why is it so addictive?” and then just scrolled once again. In this episode, dive into the new yet familiar world of TikTok as three Stanford students uncover the dangers of data collection, addiction, and algorithmic manipulation, shedding light on the impact of social media on privacy and mental well-being.

Have you ever felt like an outsider in a new place, not sure how to act? In this podcast, we delve deep into how Hawai’i has changed over the past 2000 years as a result of different groups of outsiders, from the military to tourists to scientists. Along the way, we might just discover how we all can be better outsiders to wherever we may visit.

Have you ever wondered how seemingly ordinary people are able to accomplish extraordinary feats? In this episode of Soul Searching, we explore this question and attempt to find the common threads between rowing across the Atlantic ocean, founding a start-up venture, and raising thousands of dollars for charity. Listen now to hear three amazing stories from some incredibly accomplished Stanford students, learn about their motivations, and difficulties, and glean transformational takeaways from their experiences.

Sometimes you have to climb mountains to go on an adventure, other times the adventure is hidden right in front of you. Join us as we uncover a campus mystery in real time, one where the writing was on the walls the whole time. Are all of Stanford’s stories set in-stone?