Welcome to
Conversations about Communication Podcast
Hosted by Zachary Carr
Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of communication. From the science of human interaction to the latest innovations in media and technology. Each episode features thought-provoking conversations with renowned scholars, industry professionals, and UB students who bring fresh perspectives and real-world insights.
Whether you're a current or prospective student, a communication enthusiast, or a working professional, this podcast offers something for everyone interested in how communication shapes our world.
Listen and Subscribe
Episode 19: "Just history repeating itself? Or, are we in a brave new world?"
A conversation with Lindsay Hahn, Ph.D.
Dr. Lindsay Hahn, Associate Professor dives into morally-laden media, its uses, and effects in audiences across the lifespan. In particular, she concentrates on understanding entertainment media’s effects on children’s social attitudes and behaviors, and separately, media’s role in the radicalization of violent extremists.
Dr. Lindsay Hahn (PhD, Michigan State University) is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication and Center for Cognitive Science at the University at Buffalo, SUNY where she directs the Media Psychology and Morality Lab. Her research investigates morally-laden media, its uses, and effects in audiences across the lifespan. In particular, she concentrates on understanding entertainment media’s effects on children’s social attitudes and behaviors, and separately, media’s role in the radicalization of violent extremists.
Episode 18: "What's under the hood?"
A conversation with Laura Arpan, Ph.D.
Dr. Laura Arpan, professor in the Department of Communication at UB, dives into attitudes and persuasion; responses to pro-environmental and health messages; motivated reasoning; adoption of sustainable energy sources and technologies related to energy use and sustainability.
Dr. Arpan's areas of emphasis include: motivated reasoning related to environmental risks; message approaches that can mitigate rejection of environmental and health risk messages; multi-disciplinary approaches to predicting energy-related behaviors and adoption of sustainable energy sources and technologies. Her interdisciplinary work has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the Florida Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health.
Episode 17: The Chair Returns!
A conversation with Melanie Green, Ph.D.
Dr. Melanie C. Green, chair of the Department of Communication at the University at Buffalo, returns to "Conversations About Communication" for another captivating discussion. This time diving deeper into the power of stories to shape our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors.
A leading voice in narrative persuasion, Dr. Green shares her groundbreaking work on the theory of "transportation into a narrative world"—a concept that explains how immersive storytelling can influence real-world attitudes. From health communication to social advocacy, she explores how fictional stories and digital narratives impact our perceptions, decisions, and even our relationships.
In this episode, you’ll also hear about her research on social media and its evolving role in shaping interpersonal communication, along with reflections on leadership in academia and the value of communication in a rapidly changing world.
Dr. Green is a Fellow of the International Communication Association and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. Her work has earned prestigious honors including the Innovation in Theory award and funding from the National Science Foundation, NIH, and the Spencer Foundation.
Episode 16: The Stories We Tell
A conversation with Art Raney, PhD
Art Raney, a professor in the Department of Communication at UB, dives into the psychology of media enjoyment and appreciation. Discover how moral emotions and self-transcendent media experiences shape our well-being. Learn more about his groundbreaking book, "Introduction to Positive Media Psychology," and his extensive research.
- Expert Insights: Learn from world-renowned scholars and seasoned professionals.
- Student Stories: Hear firsthand experiences from UB’s exceptional students.
- Practical Takeaways: Discover how communication influences every aspect of life.
Have thoughts, questions, or ideas for future episodes? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Zachary Carr.
Stay curious. Stay connected. Start the conversation with Conversations About Communication.