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 summer!

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