The Vandal Theory Podcast
“The Vandal Theory” podcast showcases the innovative and impactful work of University of Idaho researchers, offering an engaging look at how they approach the unknown and tackle real-world challenges. It’s a great way to discover the exciting research that’s happening at the intersection of science, innovation and problem-solving. Research that has earned U of I the Carnegie ranking of R1, a designation for research excellence that only 4% of all U.S. higher education institutions attain — the only Idaho university to do so. Discover the world of U of I research with hosts Leigh Cooper and Danae Lenz.
Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform so you don’t miss an episode and to listen to past seasons.
Season 9, Episode 8: An open mind in raising kids — and democracies
Question: When you were growing up, did your parents ever let you do anything without their supervision that many parents today would be alarmed by?
David Pimentel is a professor in University of Idaho’s College of Law. His work explores the intersections of law, history and culture, and in the final episode of this season of “The Vandal Theory,” he discusses lessons from his work in international justice reform, the balance between risk and autonomy in parenting and the power of music in changing the world.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Interdisciplinary team translates historic German cello educational book using generative AI
U of I strengthens its relationship with area Native American tribes
Angler ties aquatic bugs to water quality
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Bad Bourbon” by Michael J. Dowdle, via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 9, Episode 7: Understanding African ecosystems through antelopes and elephants
Question: What drives people to the polls?
Meet Ryan Long, an associate professor of wildlife sciences in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences at University of Idaho. In Disney’s “The Lion King,” all the regional animals show up to honor Simba’s birth. Now that’s obviously fictitious, but lots of large animals do live alongside each other in Africa. Long is working to understand how that works and how those animals interact with humans.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Drone lab supports aerial-based research across disciplines
How beaver dams impact sage grouse survival and songbird habitats
Sustainable wood preservation offers innovative solutions
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Find the Good” by Zach Sundwall via Amphibious Zoo Music.
Season 9, Episode 6: Politics and polarization
Question: What drives people to the polls?
Markie McBrayer is an assistant professor of political science in the Department of Politics and Philosophy at University of Idaho. Her research focuses on American politics and policy with a focus on political institutions, representation and social inequality. Today she’s discussing takeaways from the recent presidential election, polarization and what to do if you’re overwhelmed by the news.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Research explores how beaver dams impact sage grouse survival and songbird habitats
Tree rings reveal climate secrets
Students chip away at core concepts in U of I’s geology field schools
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Apprentice” by Darwin Music via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 9, Episode 5: Incorporating artificial intelligence into universities
Question: Do you use ChatGPT or another AI program?
Meet Barrie Robison, a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and director of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Sciences at University of Idaho. Artificial intelligence seems to be infiltrating all aspects of our lives. Robison will discuss the ways U of I is supporting its researchers, including a story of translating old educational texts, and how he hopes his team can improve how the university is run.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Tree rings reveal climate secrets
Students chip away at core concepts in geology field school
Angler ties aquatic bugs to water quality
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Andromeda Spiral” by Matthew Robert Mateau and Jeremy Robert Chatelain via Amphibious Zoo music.
Season 9, Episode 4: Solutions to life’s mechanical problems
Question: Have you ever had a problem you just lived with because you assumed it couldn’t be fixed?
John Crepeau is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University of Idaho who has had a hand in making all sorts of things, from a nuclear-powered Mars hopper to reimagined medical equipment. In this episode, he talks about his experiments and the role he’s playing in the future of sustainable jet fuel.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
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Non-traditional Vandal returns to school with a fresh start at U of I Coeur d’Alene
Science and service: Twins earn biology degrees and commission as Navy ensigns
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Fun and Games” by Darwin Music, via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 9, Episode 3: Beef, it’s what’s for dinner and for science
Question: Have you ever butchered animals, such as while hunting or at a farm or ranch?
Meet Phil Bass, associate professor of meat science in the Department of Animal, Veterinary and Food Sciences at University of Idaho. Whether as hamburger, filet mignon, ribeye or T-bone, beef is a staple on many American dinner tables. Listen as Bass discusses the growing size of cattle, the creation of dry-aged beef and the impact of the meat industry on the economy.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
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From FFA to public relations: Elizabeth Shaw’s path to agricultural advocacy
From ocean to earth: Connor Daugherty’s journey to soil science
Digging deep: Bronte Sone’s research uncovers the role of soil microbes in agriculture
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Drive ’Em” by Sam Cardon, via soundstripe.
Season 9, Episode 2: Surviving toxic meals and treacherous ticks
Question: Have you ever gone hiking and got a tick?
Janet Rachlow is a professor of wildlife ecology in the College of Natural Resources at University of Idaho. She has studied mammals both large and small, and in this episode, she discusses two on opposite ends of the size spectrum.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Navigating the future of aging
Aspiring wildland firefighter finds leadership in rafting challenges
Sustainable wood preservation offers innovative solutions for longer-lasting, eco-friendly materials
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Good Vibes Everywhere” by Darwin Music, via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 9, Episode 1: From suffragettes to dragon riders
Question: Growing up, did you ever ride horses?
Meet Rebecca Scofield, chair of the University of Idaho’s Department of History specializing in American history. Bicycles, horses, mechanical bulls and dragons — Scofield brings new insights to the visuals of women riding astride beasts and machines throughout history and how that informs our current economy. Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
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U of I students create communications plan for Moscow School District
Criminology students traveled to Santiago to study Chile’s criminal justice system
Graduate students document, explore and write about Idaho’s historic fire lookouts
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Riding Out” by Magnum Opus Music Library via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 8, Episode 8: Taming the huckleberry
Question: Can you tell us about your first huckleberry hunt?
Steve Cook is the head of the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Nematology at University of Idaho. He researches huckleberries and today he’s going to discuss why they’re so hard to domesticate and what he and his team are doing to solve that problem. If we’re lucky, he might give us some huckleberry hunting tips as well.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Professor brings mindfulness home
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Happy Go Chillin’” by Matthew Trent Cropper via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 8, Episode 7: Balancing energy and water needs
Question: How far ahead do you plan into the future?
Meet Andrew Kliskey, U of I’s President’s Professor of Community and Landscape Resilience and director of the Center for Resilient Communities. He’s going to chat with us about how he and his research team are working with communities to meet their energy and water needs for the future.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Design-build and landscape architecture students finish Healing Garden
Architecture alum redefines roller coaster designs
CAA senior prepares to leave U of I enlightened
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Daybreak Musing” by VIV1010 via soundstripe.
Season 8, Episode 6: If clothes could speak
Question: Is there someone in your life, past or present, who you associate with their clothes — like if they changed their outfit you would be confused about who they were?
Sonya Meyer is a professor in the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences and curator of U of I’s Leila Old Historic Costume Collection, which reflects the clothing across lower-, middle- and upper-class society in Idaho from around 1850 to the present. Today she will talk about what’s in the collection, how to preserve clothing and give us some examples of what TV shows and movies get right and wrong with their costumes.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I stories
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Power in You” by Micah Dahl Anderson via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 8, Episode 5: Beyond breastmilk
Question: As a mother, how stressful is it making sure your baby has a healthy diet?
Meet Bethaney Fehrenkamp, a reproductive immunologist and a clinical assistant professor of immunology with Idaho WWAMI, the state’s medical school. Fehrenkamp is passionate about understanding the complex interactions between maternal and infant health, which she will discuss today.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I stories
Studying medicine with a human perspective
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Facts in Motion” by VIV1002 via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 8, Episode 4: Trailer park transitions
Question: You probably know some of the stereotypes about people who live in trailer parks. Do you think those stereotypes live up to the reality?
Leontina Hormel is a professor of sociology in the Department of Culture, Society and Justice at University of Idaho. She researches environmental sociology, gender and class inequalities, and community action research. Today she will discuss the plight of a local mobile home park and the lessons learned there that could be used to make meaningful change in the future.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“The Facts About Facts” by Micah Dahl Anderson via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 8, Episode 3: Solving mysteries with tree rings
Question: Have you ever counted the rings of a tree?
Meet Grant Harley, an associate professor in the Department of Earth and Spatial Sciences at University of Idaho who has dedicated his lab to answering questions using tree rings. He is joining us to discuss climate change, crime fighting, volcanic eruptions and lost forests.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
First gen student earns top scholarship
Geology on Mars and in Minecraft
Researchers model vulnerable energy and water nexus
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Bouncing Ideas” by VIV1010 via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 8, Episode 2: Literary treasure hunting
Question: What do you think are some of the reasons why an author would prefer to use a pen name over their real one?
Zachary Turpin is an associate professor in the Department of English at University of Idaho who researches 19th-century periodical culture, archival research methods, digital humanities and textual recovery. He has worked to uncover unaccounted-for periodical works by American authors, including Walt Whitman, Emma Lazarus, Mark Twain, Anne Sexton, Cormac McCarthy and more. On today’s episode, he discusses uncovering lost works of literature.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Engineering wildfire prevention
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Detective Obvious” by Daniel Davis via Amphibious Zoo.
Season 8, Episode 1: Exploring killer yeasts
Question: Have you ever tried baking or brewing with yeast?
Meet Paul Rowley, an associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at University of Idaho. Yeast are the basis of our breads and brews, but Rowley looks deeper into the secret lives of yeasts and how they interact with viruses and other fungi.
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Vandal track athlete digs into medical studies
Internship studying giraffes directs biology undergrad’s future
First gen student earns top scholarship
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.
“Slipstream” by DM154 via soundstripe.
Coming Soon: Season 8 of “The Vandal Theory”
Season 8 of “The Vandal Theory” will feature stories about the surprising and fascinating properties of yeast, uncovering lost works of literature, huckleberries and why it’s so hard to domesticate them, and using tree rings to solve crimes and find fake works of art. All that and more is coming your way starting Monday, Sept. 30. See you then!
Email us at vandaltheory@uidaho.edu.
More U of I Stories
Engineering wildfire prevention
Music
“Young Republicans” by Steve Combs via freemusicarchive.org, not modified.