Interoception is how we feel and understand internal sensations like hunger, pain or heart rate. Associate Professor April Smith is developing a new tool that targets interoception as an avenue to improve mental health. Her online intervention, Reconnecting to Internal Sensations and Experiences (RISE), has already shown success in active-duty service members and clinical patients and is currently being tested in college students and veterinarians.

In this yuletide adventure, Brandon and Dr. Ferguson unwrap the layers of Christmas traditions, from the fascinating tales of Santa Claus's evolution to the unexpected global impact of this beloved holiday. Dr. Ferguson shares heartwarming childhood memories and the inspiration behind his research on Christmas around the world.

Discover the surprising stories behind the Christmas truce during World War I, where enemies laid down their arms and shared moments of peace and camaraderie. Delve into the diverse celebrations across the globe, from the secular festivities in Japan to the religious traditions in Russia and the unique Christmas customs in Trinidad.

Explore the commercialization paradox of Christmas, where the fear of secularization led to the creation of products aiming to preserve the religious essence of the holiday. Unpack the historical tensions between Christianity and commerce, revealing how publishers and manufacturers contributed to the commercialization while trying to combat its effects.

And, of course, no Christmas episode would be complete without sharing favorite Christmas movies and traditions. 

How did the Nutrition Facts label come to appear on millions of everyday American household food products? Associate Professor of History Xaq Frohlich’s book, “From Label to Table: Regulating Food in America in the Information Age,” explains the political, scientific and economic power struggles that led to the ever-present food label.