Today we are joined by Ebony Bailey & Lamont Pearley to deep dive into the film 'Sinners', exploring its themes of cultural appropriation, historical context, and the interplay of music and desire. We discuss the significance of the juke joint as a cultural space, the character dynamics, and the film's portrayal of black agency and freedom.

In this episode of SORAPod we are joined by Renata Yazzie - a Diné pianist and musicologist currently between New York City & New Mexico. Her research focuses on the intersections of Diné song and music with religion, theory, pedagogy, popular culture, and neurochemistry. Renata discusses the historical context of Navajo hymnals, the evolution of music within her culture, and the significance of language in expressing identity. The conversation explores the interplay between tradition and modernity, the role of voice in music, and the impact of historical events on cultural practices. Renata also reflects on her academic journey, the challenges of bridging Indigenous knowledge with academia, and her experiences living in New York City as a Navajo person.

In this episode, Annika Schmeding shares her journey exploring the multifaceted ways knowledge is produced and shared Through her experiences with circus performance and Sufi poetry, she highlights the importance of embodied knowledge and community engagement. Annika emphasizes the significance of joy, beauty, and solidarity in the face of adversity, and reflects on the evolving dynamics of Sufi practices and community leadership.

In this episode we are joined by Jacien Carr, a military historian from The Ohio State University. The discussion traverses Jacien's unique upbringing in a diplomatic family, his experiences in the Marines, and the academic journey that led him to study military history and secret societies.

The Society of Reluctant Anthropologists reunite with an original SORA member, Nadeem Karkabi, who is now a lecturer in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Haifa. Our conversation explores themes of self-liberation, the Palestinian musical scene, and the changing dynamics of Haifa over time. Nadeem shares his personal experiences as a Israeli-Palestinian scholar living in a system of oppression and recurring violence. The conversation explores the impact of the right-wing government in Israel, the challenges faced by academics in the current political climate, and the personal experiences of being a parent in a conflicted region. It also delves into the power of collective transformation and the importance of creating spaces for individual and communal liberation. 

Jessica Turner and Cassie Rosita Patterson from the American Folklore Society (AFS), explore how AFS fosters community through play, color, and active support of members within, outside, and in between academic institutions.

The Society of Reluctant Anthropologists talks to Gregory Halbe about collective decision making, navigating group dynamics, and the wild side of academic conferences!

We're joined by Daniel Sokol, a former university lecturer, medical ethicist, magician, and lead advisor for Alpha Academic Appeals. We discuss the issues students face, the creation of Alpha Academic Appeals, the lengthy and frustrating appeals process, and the improvements needed in university appeals processes.

Barbie, Boat Brawls, and The Color of Resilience! Another Tripod episode :)

The SORAsians have a fun and deeply insightful conversation with Aimee Joyce, Senior Lecturer at the University of St. Andrews.

We talk curses, ethics, traces, the academy (duh), and so much more.

Maureen and Sahil talk to Leyla Jagiella about, well, a grand theory of everything (which they totally figured out)!

The first SORA podcast episode, discussing the invention of the Society of Reluctant Anthropologists and introducing hosts Maureen, Nayantara, and Sahil.