UNDER THE RADAR with Host Frank Fear

A book project is keeping me away from the microphone. I’ll be back in 2023. Until then, be well, and thanks for listening. Frank

It is impossible to describe Cassidy Krug without using the word "success." A high-profile athlete in the sport of diving, Cassidy was an All-America (high school and college), a 10-time national champion, a member of Team USA, and a participant in the 2012 London Olympics. But when you listen to Cassidy talk about how and why success came her way, you will be hard-pressed to hear the word "me." Instead, "we" is her word choice--her parents, coaches, teammates, and others with whom she engaged, and all those who supported, mentored, and enabled her development. Listen as Cassidy talks about her life and other issues, including her thoughts about the status and future of Olympic-style college sports. She also briefs us about her interviews (for a book) with former Olympians, and what she has learned regarding their transition from the intensity of training and competing to post-Olympic life. Uplifting and inspiring--that is Cassidy Krug. 

(This program was produced by Frank Fear for The Sports Column. The cover photo is courtesy of the U.S. Olympic Diving Team) 

#character #swimminganddiving #TeamUSA #Olympics #collegeathletics #Stanford

When it comes to social issues, America isn't willing to do what needs to be done. Instead, America puts individual rights over social responsibilities and elevates "me" over "we." Even trying to change that formula elicits calls of radical, socialist, and un-American. So we have racism, a gun problem, and segregated cities--three things that came together in Buffalo, New York, and a murderer took ten lives. (cover photo courtesy of The Buffalo News)

With sociopolitical identities on steroids these days, the overarching proposition is us versus them, and heaven help those who seek to bridge the political divide. How did we get here and what can be done? We'll tackle that question with the help of Cassandra and an Old Testament story, the Tower of Babel.

Larry Busch delivered this keynote address at the conference Neoliberalism and Public Higher Education, which was held at Michigan State University on March 27-28, 2015. Professor Busch, who held the title of distinguished professor, passed away in December 2019. “Thank you for all the moments that have made my life an excellent one.” Larry wrote a few days before he passed away. We say the same thing to Larry, He will continue to teach and inspire us. "His ideas and love of humanity are carried on by those who knew him." wrote Professor Ruben Martinez recently. Martinez organized and convened the 2015 conference.

Terry Gallagher, community developer and activist, cared deeply about County Mayo Ireland and its people. I was blessed to work and learn from him. Terry passed away in February 2022 at 89 years, a month shy of his 90th birthday. This audio was to have been part of Terry's birthday celebration. Now it is my memorial to him. So here are my reflections on Terry's life--a life lived with purpose, passion, and perseverance--dedicated to putting people first, especially small farm, non-farm rural, and village families in the Irish West. 

I love screening not-so-big colleges that might spring upsets in the opening round of the NCAA men's basketball tournament and then sharing the outcomes of my research. I've been doing it for about five years with fairly good results, and I'm back at it again in 2022. This is the first of two takes. The second take will come at conference tournament time in late February/very early March.

The film invites us to answer an all-important question: How will I respond? The answer is for each of us to do the responsible and constructive thing, each in our own way. It requires us to do both of those things now — before the proverbial comet hits.

I am pleased to welcome Professor Andrew Zimbalist, Robert A. Woods Professor of Economics at Smith College. Dr. Zimbalist is a national leader in studying and writing about the money side of revenue-generating college sports—an enterprise that has migrated over the years from an amateur to a professionalized status with pro-like commercialization. His book titles include Unpaid Professionals: Commercialism and Conflict in Big-time College Sports (1999), Equal Play: Title IX and Social Change (2007), Unwinding Madness: What Went Wrong with College Sports and How to Fix It (2017), and most recently, Whither College Sports: Amateurism, Athlete Safety, and Academic Integrity (2021, Rutgers University Press). Dr. Zimbalist is also president-elect of The Drake Group, a national network dedicated to defending academic integrity in higher education from the corrosive aspects of commercialized college sports. Michigan State University colleagues Ruben Martinez and Steven Miller join Dr. Zimbalist and me in today's program. (The program was produced in collaboration with FutureU: Conversations about Values and Change in Higher Education.)

Over fifty years ago, a group of coaches and players changed the course of WVU football, migrating the Mountaineers from the Southern Conference to a national-level program that today is in the Top 20 of all-time wins among major college teams. But their story is more than a football story. It’s about a group of men who bonded, achieved, and remain connected to this day. First players. Then brothers. Mountaineers always. Listen as they talk about what it was like during this pivotal era in the annals of Mountaineer football and an important time in their personal lives, too. (This oral history features the voices of Phil Callicutt, John Hale, Ken Juskowich, Tom Kucer, Mickey Plumley, Mike Sherwood, Dick Roberts, Danny Wilfong, and Bob Zitelli, and was produced for the WVU Alumni Association, Fort Myers Chapter)

Michigan St. U. peeps may remember John Magee. John held several positions at the U, including Exec Staff Assistant, College of Arts and Letters, and staff assistant in Ag & Nat Resources. Today, John serves as Assistant VP & Chief International Officer at Madonna University, Lavonia, MI. John and I continue to get together (he introduced me to his brother Jim along the way), and we talk about a range of issues. One issue (the focus here) is what John and Jim (also an internationalist) have learned about working internationally. "It's not about the deal," they argue, and it's certainly not about mining other countries for money and students. Rather, it's about establishing meaningful relationships and creating partnerships that benefit all parties involved. Not earth-shattering, you say? Well...ego, hubris, arrogance, and institutional self-centeredness (what another colleague calls "The Organization First" syndrome) make it more difficult (than easier) to put into practice. So here are John and Jim on "It's Not About the Deal."

Politically motivated philanthropy can influence who gets hired, who is awarded tenure/promoted, and what is taught/researched. Subject-matter priorities include promoting the primacy of free-market capitalism and safeguarding the ethic of American Exceptionalism. Recent efforts have focused on restricting teaching the legacy of racism in America, including rejecting Critical Race Theory as a legitimate framework for interpreting U.S. history.  Thankfully, academics across the country are responding to these pernicious activities. We feature two of those colleagues in today's program--ISAAC KAMOLA, Trinity College, and BETHANY LETIECQ, George Mason University. Kamola’s recent article in Inside Higher Education, "Where Does the Bizarre Hysteria About CRT Come From? Follow the Money!," has received nationwide acclaim. Kamola’s new book (out in November), "Free Speech and Koch Money: Manufacturing a Campus Culture War" (with Ralph Wilson), examines how the Koch donor network funds the student groups, campus provocateurs, think tanks, litigation organizations, and the right-wing media outlets responsible for manufacturing the so-called ‘campus free speech crisis.’ Letiecq is a faculty activist at one of America’s most infiltrated universities. She serves on the GMU Faculty Senate and is president of the campus chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). In her GMU-AAUP role, she partnered with student leaders and worked to expose undue donor influence at GMU, and she has also challenged the privatization of presidential searches and working conditions of contracted workers during COVID. Letiecq wrote about GMU and donor influence in "George Mason University’s Donor Problem and the Fight for Transparency," which was published in AAUP’s Academe. (This podcast was produced by Frank Fear for FutureU, July 2021, and was transcribed for transmission here.)

Nobody defends America's political divide, and most call it out emphatically. And yet, it not only persists, but it is arguably getting wider, deeper, and hotter. One reason is that millions of Americas make a habit of contributing to the divide. Dysfunctional? ‘Understandable’ is another way of looking at it. Here's why and what we can do to heal America--before it is too late.

America's indefensible storyline includes mass killings of African Americans—not by police, but by fellow Americans. One such event--in Tulsa, OK--took place a century ago this week. The story didn't end there; it continues, and very differently from how it started. What happened in Tulsa a century ago was disgraceful. What’s happening today in Tulsa gives hope.

We all devote time and attention to affiliations, and there is great joy and fulfillment to be experienced that way. By the same token, there are times when it is important to step back, raise questions, and take counter-positions to prevailing choices. “It's harder to do than it sounds,” wrote Jennifer Finney Boyton recently. Here's why. 

That distorted picture, which mocks the purpose of athletics in higher education, privileges intercollegiate athletics in commercialized and quasi-professionalized forms. It's time to put an upside-down system right-side up. 

Each year I wager a guess at which mid-major men's college basketball teams might surprise during the opening weekend of March Madness. Here are teams to watch this year. (Cover photo, Grand Canyon's Asbjorn Midgaard as published in the Arizona Republic)

A viable Independent candidate may enter Florida's 2022 gubernatorial race. He is David Jolly, formerly elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, who left the Republican Party with fanfare. While an Independent running for statewide office rarely makes headline news, this time it is. Here's why and what it could mean for Florida and beyond.

Each year I wager a guess at which 'mid-majors' might surprise during the opening weekend of March Madness. Here are teams to watch this year.

Nothing. Silence from the public Left about Cuomo is no different from silence from the public Right re Trump's transgressions.

It's not a government program, and it's not a non-profit offering either. It's the product of citizen resolve--The Edgewood Village Scholars Program. Starting in elementary school, students living in resource-limited households are prepped for college. Launched in 2008, the program is yielding college graduates. Located in the Lansing, MI area, the program is assisted by Michigan State University and funded by various means, including local philanthropy. Today, founder John Duley joins three other program principals--Donna Kaplowitz, John Melcher, and Judy Gardi--in talking about this very important program.

Kadin McElwain of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, joins me in reflecting on 2020 and what we might do to make 2021 a better year for ourselves and others. We draw on thoughts authored by somebody famous--Charles Dickens--and somebody not, Vera Hogan of Fenton, MI.  Both offer wise observations, indeed.

Welcome everyone to “Bailey at 20,” celebrating the 20th anniversary of the launch of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Scholars Program at Michigan State University. In the mid-1990s, Dean Fred Poston asked faculty to design a program that would complement and supplement students' undergraduate majors. What emerged was the Bailey Scholars Program. In this podcast, you'll hear multiple reflections about the program. Thank you, Monica Glysson Craven, Emma Albrecht, Marquita Chamblee, Howard Person, the Halsted family (alumna Kristen Halsted Marks, her mother Lois and father Lee Halsted, and grandfather George Greenleaf), Carl Schwartzkopf, Kent Workman, John Duley, Angelica Forde, Paty Jaimes, Glenn Sterner, Fred Poston, and Kelly Millenbah. We close with thoughts from the current director, Jeno Rivera, and current academic adviser, Dustin Petty, about Bailey present and future. I hope you enjoy listening to 'Bailey at 20' as much as I enjoyed producing it.   

Have I snarked? Mea culpa! It's one reason I decided to write this essay, which is an attempt to elevate understanding of what has become a ubiquitous but poorly understood phenomenon. America isn’t divided when it comes to 'snark.' Right, Center, Left ... Republican, Democrat, Independent, Other ... Urban, Suburban. Rural .... East, West, North, South ... Profession or trade... It doesn’t matter. All education levels, too. There is snark. And snark exacerbates the political divide. #NoMoreSnark  

With the global rise in Populist activity, it's a good time to get a better handle on what Populism means, including who Populists are, what they believe, and what they do.

Authored by Professor Amos N. Guiora and published by American Bar Association Publishing (2020).

Tom and Diane have speaking roles on 'Duley Acknowledged,' but it only seemed right to offer them extended time so that they could express their admiration and thanks to John Duley, whom they've known for 50 years. Here are Tom and Diane Emling. 

Nearly a century and a half ago, the major parties put partisan interests before country and, in the exchange, dealt African Americans a vicious blow.  Because hyperactive party politics and racial intolerance are as alive today as they were back then, could America revisit history later this year? Here's what happened nearly 150 years ago, what might happen this year, and what we can do in counter-response. 

It's rare to see public stakeholders/constituents involved in the decision-making process these days. Instead, executives announce decisions and then turn to public relations to ‘spin it’ in a positive direction. Engaging stakeholders has become a leadership exception rather than a leadership rule. Democratic Professionalism is a much-needed alternative.

1939 and 2020 seem so far apart, but they aren't when it comes to living in the Land of Oz. "Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!"

The literature has helped me better understand the political realities of living in 21st Century America. I've already discussed two books in this podcast series, Anand Giridharadas' 'Winners Take All' and Joseph Stiglitz's, 'People, Power, and Profits.' I'll discuss another book in this podcast, Isabel Wilkerson's recently released, 'Caste.' But as I read books like those I'm also struck by how similar messages have been in the public domain for years. I pick two for discussion in this podcast: Rev. Fulton Sheen's popular network TV program of the 1950s, "Life is Worth Living,' and George Carlin's 2006 comedy album/special, 'Life is Worth Losing.' What do Sheen and Carlin have to say? Why did they say it? And what does it mean for today? Listen on as I talk about 'The United States of Plutocracy.'  

2020 and 1963 aren't far apart. (Excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King's 'Letter from a Birmingham Jail,' April 1963)

You’ve heard it said hundreds of times, ‘It’s worth fighting for.’ It's a reference to something that's really important—deep and personal—and something from which you can’t turn away. A cause is also worth fighting for--like hunger, which you can see; intolerance which you can taste; and sexism, or homophobia, or racism which you can feel. Some causes require valor, including the possibility of giving your life for the greater good. And that's what happened in the two stories I share here.   

Jason Feirman (co-host of '3rd & 3' podcast) and Bill Rizzo (prof emeritus, U. of Wisconsin) join Frank to talk about the uncertain state of America's sports. From COVID-19 to systemic racism in sports/society to whether there should be sports this year, it's a conversation you won't want to miss.

Tom Edens of Bellaire, Michigan died March 15 2020 at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia. Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University, Tom was a true north compass to his spouse, children, grandchildren, and lifelong friends. He was a brilliant collaborator, thoughtful listener, resourceful problem solver, and tinkerer. His subtle and dry sense of humor was everpresent, even in the most challenging of times. People gravitated to him.  Modest and understated, we celebrate Tom and the impact he had on us. This audio remembrance is an expression of our love--Mary Edens, Norm Sauer, Richard Bawden, Jim Bingen, Rich Merritt, David Wright, Russ Edens, and Chris Le Pottier with Frank Fear Sr. (producer) and Frank Fear Jr. (host). 

We're living a New Gilded Age, not unlike America of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when people like Carnegie, Morgan, and Rockefeller held sway. With public funding in distress today, we look increasingly to elites to support programs and initiatives. Anand Giridharadas argues for an alternative--for citizen-engaged democratic work undertaken in egalitarian public institutions that serve the public good. In this podcast, I summarize Giridharadas' critique and offer recommendations for achieving the vision he prefers.

In times of crisis, leaders need to act truthfully, decisively, and rapidly. That happened 80 years ago Tuesday. Called 'The Miracle of Deliverance,' bold action saved thousands of lives. Today, America needs its own brand of 'deliverance.' Here's why and how'

Sam Johnson has done so many meaningful things during this life--becoming an Emmy-winning local TV producer, engaging in public outreach work with the Federal government, appearing in Hollywood films, and writing historical and children's books, among many other things. You'll enjoy meeting Sam and learning more about his work and life.

Unrigged is a timely and relevant book, one that electoral reformers and democracy activists/scholars will enjoy reading. David Daley documents the work of everyday Americans who were unwilling to accept the status quo--and then worked to change it.

In 1995, Robert Barr and John Tagg published an article that launched a sea change in undergraduate education. Bob Barr reflects on the experience in this edition of 'Under the Radar.'

Performance politics gets plenty of media attention, and it is a form of entertainment, too. But it replaces serious political discourse with a politically-infused game. What matters—always matters—is substance. FDR knew that.   

We're going through an extraordinary, collective experience--a national emergency caused by COVID-19. Thousands have fallen ill and died, and America has shut down. What is this shared experience telling us about America? Listen as three of my colleagues--Michael, Monica, and Steve--talk about this important question. 

I’ve worked over the years with many outstanding community development practitioners. Sister Maureen Lally is the 'best of the best.' She is what Professor Albert W. Dzur calls 'a democratic professional.' See what I mean as you listen to her talk about people and her work in County Mayo, Ireland. 

Civic activist Susan McGuire works for the public good. An excellent organizer, she has created and led numerous initiatives, and never shies away from doing the heavy lifting.  Susan talks about her civic experiences, shares her thoughts about America today, and expresses her hope for America's future.  

The NCAA's budget is connected inextricably to revenues it receives from March Madness. The Association then passes on a significant chunk of those revenues to Division 1 conferences and schools. Because March Madness was canceled this year, the NCAA will allocate fewer resources this spring, and the fiscal situation will get worse if college football is affected in the fall. While there are many ways to address an athletic budget crunch, one way--an approach that is already out of hand--shouldn't be the used. What is it? I explain.  

Everybody knows how expensive it is to go to college these days. College debt is growing, too. It's no surprise, then, that national surveys show that a significant percentage of American adults endorse policies that reduce public tuition costs and relieve college debt. But the majority of public college/university public presidents and trustees aren't similarly inclined.   

The internet has opened up opportunities for citizens to write and share their thoughts with the broader public--beyond writing comments about pieces that others have written. Roger Barbee, my guest today, is what I call a 'citizen journalist.'  I'll share a few thoughts about citizen journalism and how it has evolved, and then we'll hear from Roger about why he writes, what he writes, and some of the issues he faces as a citizen journalist. 

Buddy Campbell retired recently as president and CEO of a large, regional, nonprofit organization, YMCA Buffalo/Niagara. The Buffalo News credited him with leading ‘a remarkable organizational resurgence’ at that Western New York-based organization. Here's why. 

In his activist and professional roles, Terry Link values and enables broadly shared leadership. Today, Terry talks about the importance of 'spark' and its connection to enabling leaderful-environments. 

There's so much talk these days about democracy in jeopardy and America's political divide. But there are also many examples of democracy working as it should. Guest Bill Rizzo will talk about that today, drawing on decades of experience working with citizens and government officials across the State of Wisconsin. Tune in! (Contact Dr. Rizzo at wsrizzo@wisc.edu.)

Today’s Under the Radar topic is ‘the professions’—with a twist. It’s about professionals with whom we come in contact regularly, but professionals we really don’t know much about. I can’t think of a job that has been more in the spotlight since 9/11 than U.S. Customs. My guest, Pat Burns, demystifies what's involved in being a Customs Officer, including talking about the many challenges associated with the job.