WXVU’s ProfCast Podcast Series

ProfCast is a new podcast series where WXVU will shine a light on the outstanding research efforts put forth by faculty at Villanova University, brought to you by our student staff members who have first-hand experience with the professors.

In the inaugural episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, Business Director Ryan Dery interviewed Markus Kreuzer, Ph.D., an Associate Professor in the Political Science department at Villanova and former department chair.  Ryan, a Political Science major himself, enjoyed a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Kreuzer.

In the second episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, Business Director Ryan Dery interviewed Ryan Weldzius, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Political Science department at Villanova.  Dr. Weldzius received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles, his M.Sc. in Economics and Management Science from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, M.A. in Politics from New York University, and his B.A. in Political Science from DePaul University.

In the third episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, Business Director Ryan Dery interviewed Theodore Arapis, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Public Administration department at Villanova. Dr. Arapis received his Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy from the Auburn University, his M.P.A. from Kennesaw State University, and his B.S. in Economic Science, University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, Greece.

In the fourth episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, Business Director Ryan Dery interviewed Delia Popa, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Philosophy department at Villanova. Dr. Popa completed her Ph.D. at Côte d’Azur University in France. Dr. Popa’s teaching areas include phenomenology, philosophy and psychoanalysis, philosophy and film, and philosophy and literature. Dr. Popa discusses her Ph.D. thesis, the intellectual environment in France, the classes she teaches at Villanova, and much more in the conversation.

In the fifth episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Station Manager Allison Bajada interviewed Heidi Rose, Ph.D., the Chair of the Communications Department at Villanova, and a Professor in Performance Studies. In a wonderful conversation, Dr. Rose talked about her Ph.D. Thesis at Arizona State University, her research on ASL (American Sign Langauge) and influence from her advisors, and her experience at Gallaudet University. Dr. Rose talked about her journey to Villanova and the classes she has taught, and reflected on her time in the Communications department as Chair for the past six years. She also talked about her work with the new Disability and Deaf Studies Minor at Villanova.

In the sixth episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Station Manager Allison Bajada interviewed Ed Sobel, MFA, an Associate Professor and Resident Director in Villanova’s Theater department. In an engaging interview, Allison talked with Ed about his MFA in directing from Northwestern University, his background prior to Villanova, insight into the directorial process, and how the arts have grown at Villanova over the last several years. Ed also detailed the classes he teaches and more on his theater work.

In the seventh episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Business Director Ryan Dery interviewed Eugene McCarraher, Ph.D., a Professor of Humanities and History at Villanova. In the enlightening conversation, Dr. McCarraher talked about his book, The Enchantments of Mammon, which we highly recommend and it will be available on paperback soon! Ryan also asked Dr. McCarraher about the Villanova courses he teaches and various areas of interest, including the history of Capitalism, Calvinism, aspects of religion, and much more.

In the eighth episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU business director Ryan Dery interviewed Alli Bienas, an ASL professor at Villanova in the department of communications. In a wonderful conversation, Ryan and Alli discusses her Master’s thesis, the classes that she teaches, Deaf jokes, and what she likes about Villanova.

The audio version you are hearing on WXVU’s podcast feed is the voiced over version of an interview Ryan did with Professor Bienas in ASL. WXVU’s Allison Bajada provided the VoiceOver for Professor Bienas. We highly encourage you to watch the YouTube version of the interview Ryan did with Alli in ASL to get the full experience! It is complete with captions.

In the ninth episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Station Manager Allison Bajada interviewed Gerald Long, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus in the Psychology department at Villanova, and has been teaching at Villanova since 1978. In a lively, spirited chat, Dr. Long took us back to his Ph.D. research at Stanford University, and also explained his methodology to teaching the General Psychology course. Allison also elicited some fascinating responses from Dr. Long about his Paranormal Psychology class. He also gave us some details of his time as the Chair of the Psychology department.

In the tenth episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Station Manager Allison Bajada interviewed Chelsea Phillips, MFA, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Associate Director for Villanova Theatre. Dr. Phillips’ research interests include women, Shakespeare, and the eighteenth-century theatre.

You can purchase Dr. Phillips’ book, Carrying All Before Her: Celebrity Pregnancy and the London Stage, 1689-1800, at https://udpress.udel.edu/book-title/carrying-all-before-her/

In the 11th episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Station Manager Allison Bajada interviewed Brett Wilmot, Ph.D., Associate Director of the Ethics Program at Villanova. Dr. Wilmot’s area of expertise includes religion and politics, philosophical ethics, and theological ethics. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in 2002.

In the 12th episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Station Manager Allison Bajada interviewed Stephen Napier, Ph.D., an Associate Professor in the Philosophy department at Villanova. In a very engaging conversation with Allison, Dr. Napier talked about his thesis work and time as a doctoral student, and his background in bioethics. Dr. Napier also described his Villanova curriculum, and the value of philosophers.

In the 13th episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Business Director Ryan Dery interviewed Paul Camacho, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Humanities at Villanova. Ryan talked with Dr. Camacho about his doctoral thesis from Villanova, the role of his advisor with Dr. Camacho’s thesis work, and his research areas, including the Philosophy of Love.

In the 14th episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Station Manager Allison Bajada interviewed Deena Weisberg, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Villanova. Dr. Weisberg earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Yale University, and her BS in Symbolic Systems from Stanford University. Dr. Weisberg discussed her doctoral research, her focus areas, including Developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and cognitive science, her Villanova curriculum, and much more in her conversation with Allison.

In the 15th episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU’s Nick Langan interviewed Stephen Strader, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor in the Geography and the Environment department at Villanova, and the Geography Program Director. As both a hazards geographer and atmospheric scientist, Dr. Strader has been recognized nationally for his research efforts in severe weather hazards, including mobile and manufactured home vulnerability in tornadoes, as well as how the recent upward trend in disasters is predicated on increasing exposure and vulnerability of populations.

Nick discussed these research areas with Dr. Strader, along with Dr. Strader’s M.S. and Ph.D research at Northern Illinois University. They also talked about the recent uptick in tornadic activity that has taken place in the Delaware Valley since 2019, and whether or not it should be attributed to climate change. Dr. Strader also discussed his course curriculum at Villanova, and what drew him to the university to conduct his research. It was a fascinating conversation that will captivate both those interested in weather and atmospheric hazards, and those just wanting to learn about some of the most cutting edge research taking place at Villanova right now. More information on Dr. Strader’s research can be found at https://www.stephenmstrader.org/

In the 16th episode of WXVU’s latest podcast series, ProfCast, WXVU Business Director Ryan Dery interviewed Ian Clausen, Ph.D., Assistant Teaching Professor and Editor within the Theology department at Villanova. Ryan talked with Dr. Clausen about his doctoral thesis in Theology from the University of Edinburgh, his Villanova curriculum, his areas of research, and much more.