Question: What’s your favorite example of evolution? Christine Parent (go.uidaho.edu/3WOPJtz) is a professor in the College of Science (go.uidaho.edu/4oJww8r) who studies the evolutionary biology of snails. In this episode, she shares how she earned the nickname “Snail Hunter,” what it’s like tracking these tiny creatures across the rugged landscapes of the Galápagos and what they can teach us about how life evolves. She’ll even drop a few fun snail facts that might just change the way you think about them. Learn more about the snail hunters — and watch a short film about their adventures — at go.uidaho.edu/snailhunters. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu.  Music  “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).  “Lemonade and Lollipops” (go.uidaho.edu/49o1E8Y) by Matthew Trent Cropper via Amphibious Zoo.

Question: What is your favorite horror movie? Meet Russ Meeuf (go.uidaho.edu/4nj1jI2), professor in the School of Journalism and Mass Media (go.uidaho.edu/48I6Wfb) at University of Idaho — and a scholar who knows monsters better than most. What makes a monster truly terrifying? What do these creatures reveal about our deepest fears, our society and ourselves? And why do monsters evolve as our cultural anxieties change? Russ will guide us through the haunted corridors of horror cinema, showing how monsters are more than just nightmares — they’re mirrors. So, grab your flashlight, lock the doors and tune to our Halloween episode...if you dare. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu.  Music  “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).  “Dark Undercurrent” by Harold Schenk (go.uidaho.edu/3LoVlI8) via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters (0:00) Favorite horror movie? (3:50) Getting to know Russ Meeuf (5:40) What makes a good movie monster? (7:51) Two sides to every monster (12:49) What does a director or writer bring to a monster? (17:19) What do monsters reveal about ourselves? (20:06) Do monsters evolve over time? (25:08) Final thoughts

Question: Do you have a favorite myth? Rochelle Smith (go.uidaho.edu/3WaYWMi) is the humanities librarian for the U of I Library (go.uidaho.edu/48ru5Cx). In this episode, she discusses the surprising ways gods, goddesses and other beings across cultures are connected to crafting and making. She also shares why these stories still matter today and what they reveal about human creativity and imagination. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu.  Music  “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).  “Daybreak Musing” (https://go.uidaho.edu/3LdpH0b) by Christian Richard Lloyd via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters (0:00) Do you have a favorite kind of myth? (4:50) Getting to know Rochelle Smith (5:55) Gods and their hobbies (7:45) What myths say about humanity (18:37) Smith’s favorite myths (21:20) Myths more people should know about (24:13) Engage with the past (27:23) Final thoughts

Meet Tyler Bland (go.uidaho.edu/3Vt7q0W), clinical assistant professor in the School of Health and Medical Professions (go.uidaho.edu/4nJgRFM). Medical students struggle to learn and retain the fire hose of information they need to become doctors. Bland explains how he is using ingenuity, imagination and AI to create Pokémon-esque monsters and medically-themed movies to help his students learn. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Reach” by Sam Cardon (go.uidaho.edu/46LpVUE) via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters (0:00) Have you used mnemnic devices (2:36) Getting to know Tyler Bland (3:43) Medical education challenges (7:42) Introducing Medimon (13:01) Medimon video games (15:45) Case studies become AI movies with Hollywood stars (17:45) Shattered Slippers with Selena Gomez (21:48) Malaria through Alien (25:28) Are the students learning better? (28:34) Final thoughts

Question: Have you ever repaired clothing? Chelsey Byrd Lewallen (go.uidaho.edu/4gZXuWQ) is a senior instructor in the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences (https://go.uidaho.edu/3KrkCRR) at U of I and a sewist who’s rethinking the way we wear, care for and keep our clothes. In this episode, she discusses her new book, “Clothing Alterations and Repairs: Maintaining a Sustainable Wardrobe” (go.uidaho.edu/4o7syGp) and shares how small choices — like repairing instead of replacing and buying better garments from the get-go — can make a big impact on our closets, our wallets and the planet. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu.  Music  “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).  “Bicycles And Backpacks” by Michael Dowdle (go.uidaho.edu/4o8Qx8d) via Amphibious Zoo.   Chapters (0:00) Have you ever repaired clothing? (2:55) Getting to know Chelsey Byrd Lewallen (3:55) On writing a book (5:55) Clothing manufacturing 101 (12:44) Building a sustainable wardrobe (17:44) Clothing repair basics (20:26) Building a sustainable mindset (24:32) Pick one small change (26:18) Final thoughts

Do you know where your water comes from? Meet Liz Bageant (go.uidaho.edu/46eWQ3X), economist with James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public Policy Research (go.uidaho.edu/4pvdeEZ). Liz is going to discuss how Idaho’s growing population, its aging infrastructure and regulations affect the future of drinking and waste water (go.uidaho.edu/4mlmnNt) in the Gem state and the jobs that this industry supports. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Rhythm and Light” by Alin Oprea (go.uidaho.edu/46eXsXj) via Amphibious Zoo. H3: Chapters (0:00) Where does your water come from? (3:47) Getting to know Liz Bageant (4:23) What are Idaho’s water needs? (6:16) How does our water system work? (9:36) How does population affect water needs? (12:22) How does aging infrastructure and regulation affect our water? (14:46) Message to Idaho (18:06) Financing water (21:15) The people bringing us water (25:03) Final thoughts

A new season of "The Vandal Theory" kicks off Monday, Sept. 29, with a lineup as curious and wide-ranging as ever. From teaching medical students through Pokémon, to exploring the future of Idaho’s water systems, to rethinking what it means to dress sustainably, season 10 is packed with discoveries. You’ll also hear unexpected twists in world mythology — plus a Halloween episode that brings monsters to life. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).

Alistair Smith (go.uidaho.edu/4mbiISI) is a professor and department chair in University of Idaho’s Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences (go.uidaho.edu/419qiFi). He’s working with power companies across the globe to identify which types of vegetation are most likely to ignite — and what can be done to stop wildfires before they start. At U of I’s combustion lab, his team tests how vegetation burns under different conditions, helping utilities make informed decisions about the fuels growing beneath their power lines. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:00) Identifying flammable vegetation (01:45) Combustion lab (02:32) Helping power companies prevent fires (05:18) Why do power companies care now? (06:38) Why do we care? (07:48) Immediate impacts

Feng Li (go.uidaho.edu/3UdtdZK) is the Micron Endowed Professor of Microelectronics at University of Idaho and director of the Next Generation Microelectronics Research Center (go.uidaho.edu/44MLoKG). He’s helping shape the future of semiconductors — not just through research, but by training the next generation of skilled workers Idaho’s tech industry needs. Li studies high-temperature devices that can withstand the extreme heat of space missions, geothermal systems and supersonic flight, while giving students hands-on experience in microchip fabrication and clean room technology. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). Chapters (00:00) Introduction (01:28) High-temperature electronics (02:25) Implications of high-temp tech (03:35) Working with Micron (05:36) Building a high-demand workforce

Dev Shrestha (go.uidaho.edu/3Gnw3s3) is a University of Idaho engineering (go.uidaho.edu/44k6BNk) professor exploring the future of farming, starting with the soil beneath our feet. He’s developing affordable soil sensors and studying the power of biochar to help farmers conserve moisture, increase yields and build a more resilient, sustainable future for Idaho agriculture. In this episode, he shares how improving soil health on the Palouse could transform the way we grow food. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). Chapters (00:00) Introduction (00:52) What is biochar? (03:34) Making a sustainable solution more affordable (06:25) Innovative soil sensors (08:10) Building a biochar industry

Kendra Kaiser (go.uidaho.edu/3GtiU0n) is the director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (go.uidaho.edu/3I8jscN). In the first episode of a special summer season of “The Vandal Theory,” she shares how the institute is identifying and filling critical water research gaps across Idaho. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu.  Music  “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5).  Chapters (00:00) Introduction (00:46) What is IWRRI? (02:15) Identifying water needs (03:50) Community outreach (05:26) Importance of water research

Question: When you were growing up, did your parents ever let you do anything without their supervision that many parents today would be alarmed by? David Pimentel (go.uidaho.edu/448DQDo) is a professor in University of Idaho’s College of Law (go.uidaho.edu/3E4HZh8). His work explores the intersections of law, history and culture, and in the final episode of this season of “The Vandal Theory,” he discusses lessons from his work in international justice reform, the balance between risk and autonomy in parenting and the power of music in changing the world. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Bad Bourbon” (go.uidaho.edu/3YbdPj0) by Michael J. Dowdle, via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (00:53) Kids these days (02:46) Getting to know David (03:45) Truth vs. justice (11:26) Free-range parenting (19:26) Societal attitudes and the Blues (24:12) Stay humble (26:22) More than one way to do things

Question: What is your favorite African animal? Meet Ryan Long (go.uidaho.edu/4l9hrvI), an associate professor of wildlife sciences in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences (go.uidaho.edu/44dwZIK) at University of Idaho. In Disney’s “The Lion King,” all the regional animals show up to honor Simba’s birth. Now that’s obviously fictitious, but lots of large animals do live alongside each other in Africa. Long is working to understand how that works and how those animals interact with humans. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Time stamps (0:00) Introduction (1:01) What is your favorite African animal? (1:52) Meet Ryan Long (2:53) Why large mammals? (3:41) Why Africa? (4:24) Gorongosa National Park history (6:24) Spiral-horned antelope (14:55) Tuskless elephants (20:55) Crop-raiding elephants (26:51) Curiosity and observation Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Find The Good” by Zach Sundwall (go.uidaho.edu/4jcr1fw) via Amphibious Zoo Music.

Question: What drives people to the polls? Markie McBrayer (go.uidaho.edu/43rzyqw) is an assistant professor of political science in the Department of Politics and Philosophy (go.uidaho.edu/423Gc3F) at University of Idaho. Her research focuses on American politics and policy with a focus on political institutions, representation and social inequality. Today she’s discussing takeaways from the recent presidential election, polarization and what to do if you’re overwhelmed by the news. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Apprentice” (go.uidaho.edu/4hRKKjR) by Darwin Music, via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (00:56) On politics (02:55) Getting to know Markie (03:44) 2024 election takeaways (09:40) Did Kamala lose because she’s a woman? (12:52) Women’s impact on policy (16:29) The need for better data (19:12) What to do about polarization (23:38) Subscribe to a newspaper and pet a dog (27:57) Conclusion

Question: Do you use ChatGPT or another AI program? Meet Barrie Robison (go.uidaho.edu/3E34kvn), a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences (go.uidaho.edu/4kwcihb) and director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences (go.uidaho.edu/43TLX6C) at University of Idaho. Artificial intelligence seems to be infiltrating all aspects of our lives. Robison will discuss the ways U of I is supporting its researchers, including a story of translating old educational texts, and how he hopes his team can improve how the university is run. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Time stamps (0:00) Introduction (1:02) Have you used AI? (2:07) Meet Barrie Robison (4:34) What is AI? (7:49) What assumptions do people make about AI? (9:17) Translating a German cello book (13:42) AI for research administration (19:07) Finding a professor (23:36) Making the arts searchable (26:53) U of I on the AI frontier Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Andromeda Spiral” by Matthew Robert Mateau and Jeremy Robert Chatelain (go.uidaho.edu/42eqUdI) via Amphibious Zoo music.

Question: Have you ever had a problem you just lived with because you assumed it couldn’t be fixed? John Crepeau (go.uidaho.edu/41ufl0H) is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (go.uidaho.edu/4iSt4oS) at University of Idaho who has had a hand in making all sorts of things, from a nuclear-powered Mars hopper to reimagined medical equipment. In this episode, he talks about his experiments and the role he’s playing in the future of sustainable jet fuel. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Fun and Games” (https://go.uidaho.edu/41TxhBS) by Darwin Music, via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (03:51) Getting to know John (07:27) Mars hopper (10:55) Medical devices (15:55) Stefan problem (17:35) Sustainable jet fuel (23:00) Joys of academia (24:25) Conclusion

Question: Have you ever butchered animals, such as while hunting or at a farm or ranch? Meet Phil Bass (go.uidaho.edu/3XubJdD), associate professor of meat science in the Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences (go.uidaho.edu/4kpnzjc) at University of Idaho. Whether as hamburger, filet mignon, ribeye or T-bone, beef is a staple on many American dinner tables. Listen as Bass discusses the growing size of cattle, the creation of dry-aged beef and the impact of the meat industry on the economy. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Drive ’Em” by Sam Cardon (go.uidaho.edu/4hgikzn) via soundstripe. (0:00) Introduction (1:18) Have you butchered an animal? (1:37 Introduce Phil Bass (3:35) Why beef? (4:15) What is meat science? (7:36) Cows have gotten bigger (12:28) Dry aged beef (17:37) Meat economics (22:45) Why go into meat science?

Question: Have you ever gone hiking and got a tick? Janet Rachlow (https://go.uidaho.edu/43lwo7B) is a professor of wildlife ecology in the College of Natural Resources (https://go.uidaho.edu/3QOqHr7) at University of Idaho. She has studied mammals both large and small, and in this episode, she discusses two on opposite ends of the size spectrum. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Good Vibes Everywhere” (uidaho.edu/4h50RKs ) by Darwin Music, via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (3:30) Getting to know Janet (4:00) Pygmy rabbit survival techniques (14:46) Moose's tick troubles (25:10) Implications for conservation (26:48) Conclusion

Question: Growing up, did you ever ride horses? Meet Rebecca Scofield (go.uidaho.edu/414paCk), chair of the University of Idaho’s Department of History (go.uidaho.edu/418fGpC) specializing in American history. Bicycles, horses, mechanical bulls and dragons — Scofield brings new insights to the visuals of women riding astride beasts and machines throughout history and how that informs our current economy. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Riding Out” by Magnum Opus Music Library (go.uidaho.edu/4kh15ku) via Amphibious Zoo. (0:00) Introduction (1:32) Do you ride? (2:14) Introduce Rebecca Scofield (3:29) What intrigues you? (5:36) Suffragettes (10:10) Horse girls (13:41) Mechanical bull riding (16:24) Dragon riders (24:04) Why is women’s history important? (26:37) Culture is important

Question: Can you tell us about your first huckleberry hunt? Steve Cook (go.uidaho.edu/3O6hc5u) is the head of the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology (go.uidaho.edu/3UKfCKj) at University of Idaho. He researches huckleberries and today he’s going to discuss why they’re so hard to domesticate and what he and his team are doing to solve that problem. If we’re lucky, he might give us some huckleberry hunting tips as well. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. More U of I stories Professor brings mindfulness home (go.uidaho.edu/3AEVaDE) A career of thrills (go.uidaho.edu/4hNLQ0X) Girls who invest (go.uidaho.edu/3Z2BGCj) Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Happy Go Chillin’” (go.uidaho.edu/40JbnCj) by Matthew Trent Cropper via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters Question: Can you tell us about your first huckleberry hunt? Steve Cook (go.uidaho.edu/3O6hc5u) is the head of the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology (go.uidaho.edu/3UKfCKj) at University of Idaho. He researches huckleberries and today he’s going to discuss why they’re so hard to domesticate and what he and his team are doing to solve that problem. If we’re lucky, he might give us some huckleberry hunting tips as well. Visit our website uidaho.edu/vandaltheory. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu. Learn about Idaho’s premier research university, University of Idaho, at uidaho.edu. More U of I stories Professor brings mindfulness home (go.uidaho.edu/3AEVaDE) A career of thrills (go.uidaho.edu/4hNLQ0X) Girls who invest (go.uidaho.edu/3Z2BGCj) Music “Young Republicans” by Steve Combs (go.uidaho.edu/3U3MNHs) via freemusicarchive.org, not modified (go.uidaho.edu/3Q6LeY5). “Happy Go Chillin’” (go.uidaho.edu/40JbnCj) by Matthew Trent Cropper via Amphibious Zoo. Chapters (00:00) Introduction (4:06) Getting to know Steve (5:38) Taming huckleberries (14:13) Pest control (19:05) Huckleberry hunting tips (21:00) Huckleberry species (21:55) Best huckleberry foods (22:35) Huckleberry frustrations (24:32) Conclusion