The Ampersand
On The Ampersand, we interview guests who think of "and" as a verb—who imagine and create by colliding their interests. Hosted by Erika Randall, a dancer, professor, mother, filmmaker and writer, we will explore stories of people who lean into ANDing as a full sensory verb about experiencing and possibility. Join us and discover the alchemy of ANDing.
Listen to each new episode of Season 5 this fall and check out the season-opening conversation with scholar Ann Schmiesing about the elements of a Grimm Brothers fairy tale!
Written and produced by Erika Randall and Tim Grassley. The Ampersand is a production of the ñ’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Introducing The Ampersand
When we are made of Venn Diagrams: An interview with Hayley Muth
To see your community on the big screen: An interview with Gabby Mejia
A career following curiosity: An interview with Leilani Arthurs
The mid-PhD pivot: An interview with Karen Bailey
Veggie shakes, mental health and wooded walks in Jackson: An interview with Christopher Lowry
When people listen: An interview with Aliya Trapp
Fitting your story in: An interview with Sarah Sohkey
“I’m like guacamole, baby. I’m extra.” An interview with Sammy Ramsey
The Ampersand Summer Special
Studying the best of humanity, even our darkest parts: An interview with June Gruber
We are coming: A collaborative project gives voice to the past and draws researchers closer: An interview with Yumi Janairo Roth and Emmanuel David
The universe, Dungeons and Dragons and self-discovery: An interview with Mikayla Huffman
Walk softly on this earth: The far right, Norse mythology, animism, metal, witches and more with Mathias Nordvig
Living your North Star. Values and bringing human resources into the 21st Century with Bernadette Stewart
Searching for Self-compassion: An interview with Lauren Lewis
Espresso stories of sonder: An interview with Camden Sharkey
Counting back from three: An interview with Rachel Suter
Weaving reciprocity with jazz: An interview with Reiland Rabaka
Tenacity fused with patience: An interview with Aba Arthur
ANDing brain evisceration with Ava Altenbern
Dance down the street like you own it: An interview with Tin Tin Su
Love what was. Live into what will be: An interview with Francois Baptiste
When words become you: An interview Julie Carr
Bringing change and finding community along the way: An interview with Eswari Duggarala
Building bookshelves of connections with Charles Eagan
Of Muppets, ground-truthing and jazz: An interview with Eric Small
When stories reflect the people we become: An interview with Jennifer Ho
OverANDing: Does ANDing encourage us to max out?
The ANDertones: Dan Carlin on punk, narrative storytelling and exploring the past
Finding fidelity: Monica LaBonte on the musician's road, teaching vocal lessons and parenting
Community through imagination: An interview with Marcia Douglas
Music for Leaving: Erika's debut novel
Your chosen family: An interview with Sarah Looper
Beginning with hello: Cleo Washington on student success
The craft of a human moment: An interview with Nick Houy
An optimist's guide to biological competition: An interview with Ed Chuong
Embracing (Family) Feud: An interview with Megan Stephenson
To become a wild thing: Season Four finale with Joanna Lambert
What makes a Grimm Brothers fairy tale? A conversation with Ann Schmiesing
An ear to the stones: A walk through ñ history with Paul Chinowsky
Choreographing through myth and transforming dance: A conversation with Rennie Harris
Caring for our youth; caring for our planet: A conversation with Amanda Carrico