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Family history can sometimes feel distant, irrelevant, or even risky. Why look back when the past may hold stories we’d rather not claim? In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore why learning about our ancestors matters—how their stories, traditions, and struggles can shape our identity and strengthen family bonds. We also wrestle with a harder question: what do we do when our history includes dark or painful truths? Together, we consider how facing the full story of our past can foster resilience, understanding, and growth. GUESTS Christopher Jones, BYU History Professor (https://christophercjones.com/) Libby Copeland, author of “The Lost Family: How DNA Testing Is Upending Who We Are” (https://libbycopeland.com/) Edward Di Gangi, author of “The Gift Best Given: A Memoir” (https://www.digangiauthor.com/) Gaynell Brady, owner of Our Mammy’s (https://ourmammys.com/) CHAPTERS (0:00) Family Reunion Memories (1:23) Discovering a Complicated Legacy (6:43) Teaching and Reconciling History (8:02) A Personal Family History Project (15:03) Adoption and Biological Roots (19:53) The Search for Biological Family (24:18) Unexpected Discoveries (26:15) Connecting with Ancestral Roots (27:59) A Dream Visit from Grandmother (28:31) Uncovering Family Tragedies (30:06) The Popularity of Genealogy (31:41) American Identity and Genealogy (39:02) African American Genealogy Challenges (48:56) Healing Through Genealogy (53:21) Conclusion Original airdate: August 29, 2022

Disgust is one of our most primal emotions—hardwired into the brain, yet shaped profoundly by culture, upbringing, and personal experience. While we often associate it with spoiled food or foul smells, disgust reaches far deeper into the human psyche. It influences how we judge others, how we draw moral boundaries, and even how we vote. In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore why we feel disgust and the surprising power it holds in shaping our lives. From an artist who uses revulsion to prompt deeper conversation, to a pioneering scientist studying the psychology of disgust, to a political scientist tracking its influence on policy preferences—and parents navigating everyday moments of discomfort and connection—we uncover why disgust deserves serious attention in a time marked by division and distrust. GUESTS Samuel West, co-founder of the Disgusting Foods Museum in Sweden (https://disgustingfoodmuseum.com/) Andrea Hasler, London-based sculptor (https://www.andreahasler.com/) Paul Rozin, retired professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania (https://psychology.sas.upenn.edu/people/paul-rozin) Samantha Aeschbacher, mother of two Cindy Kam, political science professor at Vanderbilt University (https://as.vanderbilt.edu/political-science/bio/cindy-kam/) Jane Andersen, mother of 4, Arizona State Director of Mormon Women for Ethical Government (https://www.mormonwomenforethicalgovernment.org/staff/jane-andersen) How sensitive to disgust are you? Try this quiz: https://www.idrlabs.com/disgust-sensitivity/test.php CHAPTERS (0:00) Introduction (1:00) Exploring Disgusting Foods (2:37) The Science Behind Disgust (4:16) Art and Disgust (8:46) The Fascination with Disgust (23:15) Disgust in Politics and Society (31:43) Overcoming Disgust (41:03) Conclusion

What if the world believed you couldn’t understand it—while inside, your mind was full of thoughts, poetry, and frustration you had no way to express? In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose sits down with Emily Grodin, who spent 25 years unable to speak, and her mother Valerie Gilpeer, to share the extraordinary story of the moment Emily finally found her voice through typing after a devastating meltdown on a transatlantic flight. Emily’s poems and reflections challenge long-held assumptions about autism, communication, and intelligence. Her story is paired with insights from journalist Eric Garcia, psychologist Dr. Monique Botha, and nonprofit executive Sarah Nannery, each offering perspective on what life is really like for autistic individuals in a world not built for them. GUESTS Emily Grodin and Valerie Gilpeer, co-authors of “I Have Been Buried Under Years of Dust.” Eric Garcia, journalist for The Independent and author of ‘We're Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation.” Monique Botha, community psychologist and researcher at the University of Stirling Sarah and Larry Nannery, co-authors of “What to Say Next: Successful Communication in Work, Life and Love with Autism Spectrum Disorder.” CHAPTERS (0:00) A Turbulent Flight (1:58) Introduction to Top of Mind (2:45) Emily's Journey (4:39) Emily's Reflections on Communication (6:42) Valerie's Belief in Emily's Potential (10:41) Emily's Breakthrough (17:32) Eric Garcia: Autism and Advocacy (26:52) University Challenges (27:21) Universal Design for Disabilities (28:11) Accommodations? (30:37) Cure Research? (32:58) Mental Health and Autism (34:34) Challenges for Autistic Researchers (38:38) Workplace Dynamics and Autism (42:13) Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies (53:17) Conclusion

What makes you nostalgic for home? In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore the surprising science behind place attachment — why certain places feel like home, and why traditions, parades, festivals, and quirky community rituals bring us closer together. Writer and researcher Melody Warnick joins the conversation to unpack what connects us to the places we live. Through stories from around the country, we dive into: - A 63-year-old factory whistle concert that entertains an entire town early on Christmas morning - How a tiny Colorado town doubles in size for beloved bluegrass festivals - Why preparing strawberries with strangers can make you fall in love with your community - The surprisingly deep meaning behind quirky traditions like earmuff parades and “cutest little chick” contests GUESTS Melody Warnick, author “This is Where You Belong” and “If You Could Live Anywhere” Don Ryan, Whistlemaster of York, PA Penny Meservier, former director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce in Farmington, Maine, home of “Chester Greenwood Day” Marie McCusker, Executive Director of the Petaluma, CA Downtown Association and Visitor Program, home of “Butter and Egg Days” Zach Tucker, Vice President, Planet Bluegrass, Lyons, CO Stephanie Driggs from Pleasant Grove, UT home of “Strawberry Days” Natasha Szilagyi from Seattle, WA Ralph Tobias from Reading, PA CHAPTERS (0:00) Intro (1:00) Melody Warnick on place attachment (6:00) Listener stories (14:00) The factory whistle that unites a town (22:00) How local traditions evolve (27:00) Music festivals and community identity (36:00) Celebrating agricultural heritage (46:00) Why participating makes you love where you live (51:00) Final thoughts Originally aired on December 19, 2022

Confidence in America’s higher education system is slipping, even as the government spends nearly half a trillion dollars a year on it. The average US taxpayer invests $1,700 a year in higher education – whether you went to college or not. And frustration with the system runs across the political spectrum – from anger over high tuition and student loan debt to concerns that universities are too liberal. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose explores what it would take for more of us to feel like we’re getting our money’s worth from our tax investment in higher education. We’ll look at new ways of defining success for universities, trace the history of government funding for higher education, unpack some of today’s biggest criticisms, and highlight a little-known college that tops the list of “Best Schools for Your Tuition and Tax Dollars GUESTS Paul Glastris,  editor-in-chief of Washington Monthly Magazine, publisher of alternative college rankings (https://washingtonmonthly.com/) Christopher Loss,  professor of education and history at Vanderbilt University (https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691163345/between-citizens-and-the-state?srsltid=AfmBOoqHJIpoSu23FIEujBxu66SPPNrRJM1oh1uValB1A8y6aZGu3jk-) Renu Mukherjee, fellow at the Manhattan Institute (https://manhattan.institute/) Cullum Clark, director of the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative (https://www.bushcenter.org/) Cheryl Nixon, president of Berea College (https://www.berea.edu/) Jordan Shands, Berea College alum and administrator of Ultimate Test Prep in Lexington, Kentucky (https://ultimatetestprep.com/lexington/jordans-schedule/) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 04:06 Historical Funding of Colleges 05:44 WWII, The GI Bill & Post-War Education Boom 09:56 Modern Criticisms & Political Pressures 13:15 DEI Policies in Universities 22:13 Return on Taxpayer Investment 30:35 Advice for University Research Priorities 32:54 Alternative College Rankings 40:18 Berea College: A Unique Educational Model 41:17

From a small town in Wasatch County, Utah, comes the remarkable true story of the Karren family — a journey through illness, unlikely connections, and the quiet evidence of God in the details. On Memorial Day weekend 2020, Brady Karren suddenly became gravely ill and was diagnosed with liver failure. Around the same time, his wife, Meranie, had been searching for information about her birth parents, hoping to uncover the story behind her adoption. With the help of a distant relative passionate about family history, she finally learned her biological parents’ names—but hadn’t yet planned how to contact them. Unexpectedly, Brady’s illness set in motion a series of miraculous connections that helped Meranie uncover the truths she had waited a lifetime to find. In this special episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose and guest host Amber Borowski Johnson of KPCW radio share the stories of the people whose faith, service and love brought light into the Karren family’s darkest season. In a world that can feel divided, their story is a reminder of the shared humanity that quietly connects people through small acts of kindness. The episode highlights Light the World, an initiative by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that encourages bringing light to others this holiday season. Visit www.lighttheworld.org GUESTS Brady Karren, husband and father from Daniel, Utah diagnosed with liver failure in 2020. Meranie Karren, wife and mother from Daniel, Utah. Tammy Felt, distant relative of Meranie, passionate about family history research. Curt Clyde, local farmer and neighbor of the Karren’s from Daniel, Utah. Kenneth Kimber, military pilot in the military for 21 years and husband of Meranie’s cousin. Brock Beebe, biological half-brother of Meranie. Cynthia Blades, neighbor and friend of the Karren’s from local congregation in Daniel, Utah. Featuring: Amber Borowski Johnson of KPCW in Park City, Utah.

Why are we so uncomfortable with grief? In this episode of Top of Mind, we explore America’s fear of grief and mourning and what we lose when we rush people to “move on.” Writer Jacqueline Dooley shares how she keeps her daughter’s memory alive years after her death. Historian Brandy Schillace takes us back to Victorian mourning rituals when grief was public, visible and communal. And grief expert Lisa Athan offers clear, compassionate advice on what to say (and not say) to someone who’s lost a loved one. We’ll also hear stories of miscarriage, pet loss, and the unexpected ways people find healing when they finally let grief in. GUESTS Jaqueline Dooley, writer and essayist (https://jacquelinedooley.medium.com/) Brandy Schillace, author of “Death's Summer Coat: Our Strange, Unsettled History of Mourning” (https://brandyschillace.com/deaths-summer-coat/) E.B. Bartels, author of "Good Grief: On Loving Pets Here and Hereafter" (http://www.ebbartels.com/good-grief/) Katie C. Reilly, writer and attorney (https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jul/09/pregnant-after-miscarriage-emotional-pain) Lisa Athan, founder of Grief Speaks (http://griefspeaks.com/index.html) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:25 Cultural Perspectives on Grief 11:42 The Victorian Era: Mourning Rituals and Practices 17:00 Modern Grieving 21:11 Disenfranchised Grief 22:50 Pet Grief: A Missed Opportunity for Learning 31:36 Katie Riley: A Skilled Griever 32:13 Katie's Journey with Miscarriage 35:09 Why We Should Talk About Miscarriage 38:20 How to Support Grievers 46:35 Encouraging Healthy Grieving 47:40 Self-Care During Grief 51:19 Conclusion (This episode was originally released in September 2022)

American patriotism is at a historic low. Gallup polls show fewer and fewer Americans say they feel “extremely” – or even “very” proud to be American. When you dig into the polling data on patriotism, you find significant differences depending on political party, racial identity and age. Why are some groups of Americans much less likely to tell posters they’re proud to be American? And does it really even matter to the nation’s health? On the one hand, national pride seems to have a worrisome way of sliding into nationalism and protecting our own interests at the expense of others. At the same time, research clearly shows that people who feel pride in their country are more likely to vote, write their members of Congress, and volunteer in their communities. Meanwhile, expressions of patriotism—flying the flag, standing for the anthem—have become divisive flashpoints that leave many Americans unsure what even means to be patriotic. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose explores how Americans are redefining patriotism in the 21st century. From disillusionment and division to new forms of civic engagement, the meaning of pride in America is shifting in ways that will shape the country’s future. GUESTS Susan (not real name), Top of Mind listener Karlyn Bowman, senior fellow emeritus at the American Enterprise Institute (https://www.aei.org/profile/karlyn-bowman/) Michelle Duster, author and public historian (https://mldwrites.com/) Douglas Satterfield, retired Brigadier General of the U.S. Army and blogger (https://www.theleadermaker.com/) Steven Smith, professor at Yale University and author of Reclaiming Patriotism in an Age of Extremes (https://politicalscience.yale.edu/people/steven-smith) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Decline in American Patriotism 02:05 Struggling with Patriotism 04:28 Historical Context and Public Opinion 10:49 Patriotism Among Different Demographics 20:28 A Veteran's Perspective 28:53 Reclaiming Patriotism in Modern America 42:14 Conclusion

What happens when the justice system convicts an innocent person? Anthony Graves spent 18 years in prison—12 of them on Texas death row—for a crime he didn’t commit. His story is one of unthinkable injustice, unbroken faith, and a determination to reform the system that failed him. Criminal defense attorney David Rudolf reveals the patterns of human error and bias that lead to wrongful convictions. And Sheriff Walt McNeil and former public defender Emily Galvin-Almanza share how policing and defense work can evolve to keep innocent people out of prison. Can we ever make the system truly just? GUESTS Anthony Graves, exoneree, author “Infinite Hope: How Wrongful Conviction, Solitary Confinement, and 12 Years on Death Row Failed to Kill My Soul.” (https://www.beacon.org/Infinite-Hope-P1347.aspx) David Rudolf- author, “American Injustice: Inside Stories from the Underbelly of the Criminal Justice System” (https://davidsrudolf.com/) Emily Galvin-Almanza, co-founder of Partners for Justice (https://www.partnersforjustice.org/) Walter McNeil, sheriff of Leon County, Florida (https://www.leoncountyso.com/about-us/meet-the-sheriff) (This episode has been updated from its original release in May 2022.)

Americans are having fewer babies than ever before. The fertility rate in the United States has dropped to an all-time low of 1.6 births per woman. In response, the Trump Administration has urged Americans to have more children and proposed a range of pronatalist policies including baby bonuses, an expanded Child Tax Credit and making IVF treatment more affordable. Critics of the Trump Administration worry the underlying intent is to restrict access to contraception and return women to primarily domestic roles. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose explores the complex choices American women face when deciding how many children to have. We’ll dive into the history of fertility trends in the U.S. and take a look at how France managed to sustain a higher fertility rate than most European countries. We’ll also unpack the cultural and political tensions driving the pronatalism debate to discover a bit of common ground in the concept of “reproductive justice.” GUESTS Mother and daughter Melody (12 kids), Jaynee (3 kids) Karen Benjamin Guzzo, professor of sociology, director of the Carolina Population Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill(https://www.cpc.unc.edu/) Laurent Toulemon, population researcher at the French Institute for Demographic Studies in Paris (https://www.ined.fr/en/) Mara Gordon, mother of 1, family physician in Camden, NJ, author of “Your Doctor Friend” on Substack (https://maragordonmd.substack.com/) Lyman Stone, director of The Pronatalism Initiative at the Institute for Family Studies (https://ifstudies.org/pronatalism-initiative)

Extreme heat kills more Americans most years than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined, but we don’t give it the same emergency treatment. The government doesn’t name heatwaves like it does storms. And extreme heat doesn’t qualify for federal disaster funding. But record-breaking temperatures are now a yearly reality across the U.S. Cities are scrambling for solutions—from planting trees to setting up cooling centers—but experts say quick fixes aren’t enough. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose speaks with heat researchers about how policy, planning, and public awareness must evolve to confront rising temperatures. From deadly heatwaves to heightened risks for vulnerable communities, the danger isn’t just about how hot it gets—it’s about how prepared we are to respond. GUESTS Larissa Larsen, Professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Michigan (https://taubmancollege.umich.edu/faculty/directory/larissa-larsen/) Rob Meade, Research Fellow for the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (https://hsph.harvard.edu/profile/robert-meade/) Michelle Litwin, Heat Response Program Manager for the Phoenix Office of Heat Response and Mitigation (https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/heat.html) TIKTOK ACCOUNTS HIGHLIGHTED IN THIS EPISODE: @Junifrec, @Ascocool, @Mitchellfranxman, @Jenwhite, @Ashley_simone1108, @Hardline_daily, @Jordanjchart, @Stefanies.lifestyle, @Damarypaz, @abbymcduck CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:43 The Growing Threat of Heat Waves 02:27 Heat as an Emergency 04:43 Historical Heatwave Impact 06:07 Urban Planning and Heat Resilience 17:42 The Human Body's Response to Extreme Heat 23:55 Behavioral & Physiological Responses to Heat 26:11 Cooling Strategies 28:25 Phoenix's Heat Response Initiatives 31:02 Challenges & Solutions in Phoenix 39:08 Data-Driven Heat Mitigation 40:25 Conclusion

How is the balance of power supposed to work when a U.S. President aggressively pushes for more? In his first 100 days of his second term, President Donald Trump issued more executive orders than any president in history, and the Supreme Court has largely let them stand while legal challenges play out. Whether that troubles you depends largely on how you feel about the President and his policies. But within four years, someone else will hold that office and may wield the same power toward different priorities. In this episode of Top of Mind, host Julie Rose explores the origins of “checks and balances” in American government, including the surprising history of how the Supreme Court became “supreme.” We hear from a conservative legal scholar who worked for the George W. Bush Administration and thinks America benefits when Presidents push the limits of their power and Congress pushes back. Then we’ll explore why some Americans believe their local “Constitutional Sheriff”—not federal officials—is the ultimate authority in their community. GUESTS Timothy Johnson, Professor of Political Science and Law, University of Minnesota (https://www.trjumn.com/) John Yoo, Professor of Law, UC Berkeley; Distinguished Fellow, Civitas Institute at the University of Texas at Austin (https://www.law.berkeley.edu/our-faculty/faculty-profiles/john-yoo/) Richard Mack, Former Sheriff of Graham County, Arizona; Founder of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (https://cspoa.org/) CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 3:00 Chapter 1 — Who Made the Supreme Court Supreme? (Timothy Johnson) 18:00 Chapter 2 — How Strong is Too Strong? (John Yoo) 36:00 Chapter 3 — "The Constitution is King" (Richard Mack) 53:00 Conclusion

Is Housing First a viable solution or just repeating the past? What actually works to end homelessness? Communities across the U.S. have debated and tested solutions, from housing first to human first, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency shelters. But Housing First has gained national traction, a strategy that prioritizes permanent housing without conditions, followed up by supportive services. In this episode of Top of Mind, Julie Rose dives deep into Salt Lake City’s commitment to the Housing First approach, which launched two decades ago, making it one of the first cities in the country to fully embrace this model. Nearly two decades later, Salt Lake City serves as a revealing case study for the successes, challenges, and evolving nature of efforts to solve homelessness in America. GUESTS Tyler Clancy, Utah State Representative Michelle Flynn, Executive Director of The Road Home since 2020 (https://theroadhome.org/). Dave Durocher, Executive Director of The Other Side Academy (https://www.theothersideacademy.com/). Amy Daeschel, Director of Outreach, Clinical Intake & SSP at the Odyssey House of Utah (https://www.odysseyhouse.org/). Robbie Myrick, Director of Human First Culture at The Other Side Village (https://theothersidevillage.com/about-the-village/) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:42 Utah's Housing First Success Story 01:37 Challenges and Criticisms of Housing First 02:14 Permanent Supportive Housing 07:21 The Magnolia Apartments: A New Approach 19:21 Policy Shifts and Legislative Actions 28:19 Personal Stories and Impact 30:52 A Turning Point: Accepting Treatment 31:18 The Journey to Recovery 32:15 The Other Side Academy: A Unique Approach 33:36 Jared Campbell's Story 34:50 Life at The Other Side Academy 42:22 The Other Side Village: A New Beginning 50:36 Reflections and Conclusion

It’s easier than ever to connect with our representatives in Congress, so why doesn’t it feel like they’re listening? The 1st Amendment guarantees the right to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Given how frustrated Americans are with the job Congress is doing, how secure is that right in 2025? In this episode, we talk with two members of Congress (a Republican and a Democrat) about how they are handling angry town hall meetings and increasing volume of calls and emails from constituents. What’s the best way to influence their positions on issues? We also unpack the history of our right to petition the government and why members of Congress added constituent services to their duties in the 1970s. A former Congressional staffer offers advice on how to influence elected officials, and an Iowa mom explains how she’s become an effective advocate for issues she cares about. Guests: John Curtis, US Senate (R-Utah) Chrissy Houlahan, US House (D-Pennsylvania 6th District) Ben Schneer, professor of public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School Bradford Fitch, former CEO of the Congressional Management Foundation (https://www.congressfoundation.org/), author of “Citizens Handbook to Influencing Elected Officials” Tiffany Welch, volunteer advocate with Save the Children Action Network in Iowa (https://savethechildrenactionnetwork.org/) CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 00:43 Challenges of Town Hall Meetings 03:21 Senator Curtis's New Approach to Town Halls 06:50 Balancing Diverse Constituencies 08:23 Impact of Constituent Feedback on Policy 11:56 Representative Chrissy Houlahan's Approach 16:26 Petitioning the Government 20:06 The Role of Petitions in History 22:52 The Decline of Traditional Petitioning 23:40 Modern Ways to Air Grievances 25:40 Constituent Services: A New Avenue 27:24 The Evolution of Congressional Staff 28:33 Influencing Congress 31:13 A Personal Journey in Advocacy

Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life, but should they have a place in the classroom? Half of U.S. states have recently passed laws restricting or banning phones in schools, igniting a passionate national debate. Some parents say phones are vital for student safety and emotional regulation. Others argue they’re fueling a mental health crisis and stifling face-to-face connection. Students are caught in the middle, and teachers are left to enforce policies that vary widely from school to school. How do we balance safety, learning, and connection for students in a world where phones are always within reach? Guests: Sabine Polak, co-founder of the Phone Free Schools Movement (https://phonefreeschoolsmovement.org/) Keri Rodrigues, president of the National Parents Union (https://nationalparentsunion.org/) Richard Culatta, CEO of the International Society for Technology and Education and author of Digital for Good: Raising Kids to Thrive in an Online World (https://iste.org/) Anna Clayton, high school student in Utah (https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2025/02/14/voices-i-want-my-fellow-young/) Doug Welton, Utah Republican State Representative Nina, high school teacher CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 01:51 Student Perspective 04:56 Utah's Phone Ban Bill 07:23 Parental Concerns 09:33 The Phone Free Schools Movement 15:16 The National Parents Union's Stance 22:58 Teacher's Perspective 26:29 Challenges and Concerns with Phone Bans 29:12 Positive Approaches to Technology Use in Schools 30:46 Implementing Effective Technology Norms 37:48 Promoting Safe and Positive Device Use 40:08 Final Thoughts