Humanities & Social Sciences

Esteemed speakers contributing their insights into human culture, behavior, and societal development

Maarten Smakman

Maarten Smakman

Maarten is a polymath trying to make sense of the exponential times we are living in.

He is doing so by is creating an art-collection mirroring our times and opening up expositions around these artworks, with the Project Copernicus collective.

The art is also the foundation in creating Your Guide into the Exponential Age, a set of theoretical frameworks that support us in consciously applying exponential technologies.

Maarten is a polymath trying to make sense of the exponential times we are living in. He is doing so by is creating an art-collection mirroring our times and opening up expositions around these artworks, with the Project Copernicus collective. ... Show more

Grace Nicholas

Grace Nicholas

Grace Nicholas is a Ph.D. student in the College of Communication & Information Sciences at the University of Alabama. Her research centers around marital communication, with an emphasis on the challenges of the postpartum period and miscarriage. Additional research interests are sexual communication, focusing on aspects such as self-disclosure and sex education, as well as the sensitive domain of child sexual abuse.

Grace Nicholas is a Ph.D. student in the College of Communication & Information Sciences at the University of Alabama. Her research centers around marital communication, with an emphasis on the challenges of the postpartum period and miscarriage. Add... Show more

Daria Berndt

Daria Berndt

Daria Berndt ist Master-Studentin im Fachbereich Design an der HAWK Hildesheim.
Im Jahr 2023 schloss sie ihren Bachelor durch die Einreichung ihrer Arbeit 'KRISE GESTALTEN – Die Einflüsse visueller Gestaltung auf die politische Risiko- und Krisenkommunikation am Beispiel COVID-19 (2020–2022)' an der HAWK ab. Wie bereits während ihres Bachelors konzentriert sie sich auch in ihrem Master auf die Schwerpunkte Kommunikation und Designwissenschaft. Ein zusätzlicher Schwerpunkt liegt seit 2023 auf künstlicher Intelligenz und verhaltenswirksamer Mensch-Maschinen-Interaktion.

Im Rahmen ihrer Arbeit mit KI ist Daria eine von vier Future Scouts für GenKI in der Hochschullehre, die in der Saison 2024-2025 vom Stifterverband und der Reinhard-Frank Stiftung gefördert werden.

Daria Berndt ist Master-Studentin im Fachbereich Design an der HAWK Hildesheim. Im Jahr 2023 schloss sie ihren Bachelor durch die Einreichung ihrer Arbeit 'KRISE GESTALTEN – Die Einflüsse visueller Gestaltung auf die politische Risiko- und Krisenko... Show more

Bernard James Remollino

Bernard James Remollino

Dr. Bernard James Remollino (He/They/Siya) is an Associate Professor of U.S. and Asian American & Pacific American History at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. Their doctoral work focused on the history of Filipinx American popular culture, labor, and migration in California during the early twentieth century. Bernard writes on Filipinx American histories, Asian American popular cultures, and transpacific cultural imaginaries in the Philippine diaspora. Bernard is a 1.5-generation undocumented immigrant from Makati, Philippines. Their family first settled in Stockton and still resides in the San Joaquin Valley.

Bernard collaborates with several Filipinx American organizations across California in amplifying the histories of struggle and community building that make Filipinx experiences part of the larger fabric of U.S. history. They are a National Trustee for the Filipino American National Historical Society representing the Mid-California FANHS chapters of Stockton, Central Valley, California Central Coast, Fresno, and Delano. They currently live on occupied, unceded Ramaytush Ohlone land (San Francisco), where they are conducting research for an upcoming book project.

Dr. Bernard James Remollino (He/They/Siya) is an Associate Professor of U.S. and Asian American & Pacific American History at San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, California. Their doctoral work focused on the history of Filipinx American popular c... Show more

Barbara Salani

Barbara Salani

Barbara Salani

Barbara Salani, a graduate of the Juan Manuel Olivares Conservatory in Caracas, furthered her studies in Italy and the US, earning a Bachelor of Music from the Philadelphia University of the Arts and a Master's in Piano Performance from Florida Atlantic University, where she's now a Ph.D. Candidate in Comparative Studies LLC in Musicology and Italian Studies. She serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at FAU in Boca Raton. Her research bridges musicology, philology, and digital innovation, focusing on 19th-century Italian opera. Notably, she is leading the revival of Pietro Carlo Guglielmi’s forgotten 1812 opera semiseria, Amalia e Carlo, set to debut on September 12, 2025, in Massa at the Teatro Guglielmi (named after the composer), and later at Florida Atlantic University’s Performing Arts Theatre, aiming to connect historical art forms with modern audiences through digital technologies. Barbara’s innovative teaching projects, such as the “Music Module” at FAU and the composition “Dante’s Anthem,” sponsored by the Consulate General of Italy in Miami, showcase her commitment to interdisciplinary education and the promotion of Italian language and culture. An accomplished pianist and educator, Barbara has performed internationally as a soloist and in piano duos. She has published in three languages and received various awards, including recognition for her book "Music for Life: The Salani Brothers." Barbara is passionate about innovative teaching and interdisciplinary research in music and Italian studies.

Barbara Salani Barbara Salani, a graduate of the Juan Manuel Olivares Conservatory in Caracas, furthered her studies in Italy and the US, earning a Bachelor of Music from the Philadelphia University of the Arts and a Master's in Piano Performance ... Show more

Gracie Diverseempowerment

Gracie Diverseempowerment

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja
(Born November 10, 1989)

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja is a distinguished LGBTQ disability rights activist, writer, and intersectional feminist from Uganda. As the founder and Advocacy Officer of the Diverse Empowerment Foundation (DEF), she is dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQ individuals with disabilities. Her tireless advocacy work was recognized in 2023 when she was awarded the prestigious Hivos/Winq Diversity International Activist Award.

Early Life and Education
Born at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, Gracie was raised in Luzira, a suburb on the outskirts of the city, within a large family and a strict Catholic upbringing. From an early age, she faced significant challenges due to her disability. Growing up in a society that often viewed disability as something needing correction, Gracie’s childhood was shaped by efforts to find solutions to her condition, including visits to witch doctor shrines, Born-again churches, and hospitals. Despite these hardships, she developed a strong sense of determination and resilience, gaining the respect of those around her.

Gracie pursued higher education at Kyambogo University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Guidance and Counseling. Her academic background, combined with her personal experiences, prepared her to tackle the social challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Career and Advocacy
In 2018, Gracie founded the Foundation for the Differently Abled (FDA), aimed at supporting people with disabilities, particularly in overcoming employment barriers. However, she soon realized that the organization lacked space for her lesbian identity, making her feel like a "unicorn" within her own creation. This experience underscored the limitations of single-issue advocacy in addressing the complex intersections of identity, prompting Gracie to seek a more inclusive approach.

In 2020, a pivotal moment in her personal life occurred when she came out to her friends and family after falling in love with her partner. This decision marked a turning point, leading Gracie to co-found the Diverse Empowerment Foundation (DEF) to address the unique challenges faced by the "double minority" community—LGBTQ individuals with disabilities. Through DEF, Gracie has created a safe and inclusive space where members can access socio-economic skills, build their confidence, and advocate for their rights and inclusion within society and the broader LGBTQ movement.

As an intersectional feminist, Gracie emphasizes the importance of considering multiple aspects of identity, such as sexual orientation, disability, and gender, in the fight for equality and human rights. Her work with DEF is a testament to her commitment to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Writing and Intersectional Approach
Beyond her activism, Gracie is a passionate writer, known by her pen name Lunah Steph. Through her writing, she amplifies the voices and experiences of LGBTQ individuals with disabilities, contributing to a deeper understanding of their intersecting identities. Her literary work further complements her advocacy efforts, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to human rights.

Gracie’s approach is deeply rooted in intersectional feminism, recognizing that individuals often face multiple, overlapping forms of discrimination. By addressing the intricate interplay between sexuality, gender identity, and disability, she strives for a comprehensive understanding of social justice and human dignity.

Vision and Legacy
Gracie Brendah Nanyunja’s journey from a childhood marked by adversity to becoming a respected and influential advocate demonstrates her unwavering resilience and dedication. Through her leadership at DEF, she continues to inspire many, working tirelessly for a Uganda where equality, inclusion, and justice prevail for all. Her determination is encapsulated in her guiding philosophy: "When I want to achieve something, I don't rest until I've succeeded."

Gracie Brendah Nanyunja (Born November 10, 1989) Gracie Brendah Nanyunja is a distinguished LGBTQ disability rights activist, writer, and intersectional feminist from Uganda. As the founder and Advocacy Officer of the Diverse Empowerment Foundati... Show more

Angela Jackson

Angela Jackson

Angela is an author, writer, educator, and activist. She is on the path to completing her doctorate in educational leadership. Her dissertation topic is centered around African-American Parental Involvement. She is a former VP and active member of the UCLA Black Alumni Association. Her passion for youth and parents drives her to empower parents and youth to demand the public school system properly educate students of all colors, starting with capable African-American students who, as a whole, underperform their peers at every level of education.

Angela is an author, writer, educator, and activist. She is on the path to completing her doctorate in educational leadership. Her dissertation topic is centered around African-American Parental Involvement. She is a former VP and active member of t... Show more

Amy Dix

Amy Dix

“A breath of fresh air, Amy inspires others through her positive outlook on life!”

Positive Psychology Practitioner, Happiness Expert, Two-Time No. 1 International Best-Selling Author

Amy inspires others to live life on a different level, rooted in positivity and pure happiness. Once Amy learned that she may only have 20 more years left to live, she started to think differently, make different choices, and help others to design the life they are meant to have.

Influenced by her mom, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, Amy researched the science of positivity and happiness as illustrated in her latest book, “SEVEN MORE DAYS: Live a Life That's Bursting with Positivity and Happiness ... Before It's Too Late.” Seven More Days celebrates the transformative power of positivity and the potential of ultimate joy. It became a bestseller in eight countries and eight categories.

She now brings this message to the stage, creating a gripping experience of emotion, catapulting happiness, and challenging the chaos in today’s world.

“A breath of fresh air, Amy inspires others through her positive outlook on life!” Positive Psychology Practitioner, Happiness Expert, Two-Time No. 1 International Best-Selling Author Amy inspires others to live life on a different level, roote... Show more

Elle Benson

Elle Benson

WHY IS SHE SO HAPPY?
Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant who specializes in helping organizations transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sector. With a remarkable career in the nonprofit sector, she has gained extensive expertise in various areas, including organizational development and change, executive transition consultancy, strategic planning, leadership development, and board governance.

Academically, Benson holds an MBA in organizational change and a Bachelor of Arts degree in business. She has obtained certifications in BoardSource and Group Facilitation to support nonprofit board of directors.

Notably, Benson's thought-provoking TEDx talk, titled "A Crash Course in Learning to Laugh," has catapulted her into the spotlight as a highly sought-after keynote speaker. Benson's passion for sharing wisdom extends to her writing as well. She is the author of two books that focus on mindfulness and happiness. Her publications, "Cultivate Your Happiness: Mama-to-Be" and "Cultivating Calmness in Children," provide practical strategies and insights making happiness obtainable daily. Through her books and keynote presentations, Benson aims to empower individuals and teams to cultivate wellbeing in their lives.

WHY IS SHE SO HAPPY? Elle Benson is a keynote speaker, author, and renowned national consultant who specializes in helping organizations transition to greater impact and build capacity. She founded Nonprofit Leadership LLC to support the social sect... Show more

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Dr. Stefan T. Siegel

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen
🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience

Education Researcher & Lecturer 👨‍🏫 @HSGStGallen 🇨🇭 | Researching #educationaltheory #educationalmedia | Enjoying #highered #sustainability #openscience Show more

Kristen Engelke

Kristen Engelke

As a Licensed Spiritual Guide for the decade, Kristen has a thriving private practice helping others shift their thinking to change their lives. Her book, Bliss Breaks®, empowers individuals by challenging the misconception that mindfulness is difficult, time-consuming, and needs to be performed in private. Her workshops share fast, free, focused exercises that swiftly alleviate stress anywhere, anytime. She is a speaker, author, trainer, and workshop facilitator. Embracing creativity at every step, Kristen is seasoned in appealing to all types of participants and loves sharing a message of empowerment and hope.

As a Licensed Spiritual Guide for the decade, Kristen has a thriving private practice helping others shift their thinking to change their lives. Her book, Bliss Breaks®, empowers individuals by challenging the misconception that mindfulness is diffi... Show more

Emanuele Pastorino

Emanuele Pastorino

I deal with participatory processes, group facilitation and community activation practices. I am tutor for the Master's in Migration Law and Policies. I write for Abitare la Terra. I collaborate with CSV Trentino.

I deal with participatory processes, group facilitation and community activation practices. I am tutor for the Master's in Migration Law and Policies. I write for Abitare la Terra. I collaborate with CSV Trentino. Show more

Tobias Schmohl

Tobias Schmohl

Disziplinär ist meine Arbeit im Schnittfeld von Wissenschafts-, Hochschul- und Bildungsforschung einzuordnen. In meiner Forschung befasse ich mich anhand konzeptionell-theoretischer, empirischer und design-basierter Zugänge mit der Analyse und Gestaltung von Hochschulbildung.

Disziplinär ist meine Arbeit im Schnittfeld von Wissenschafts-, Hochschul- und Bildungsforschung einzuordnen. In meiner Forschung befasse ich mich anhand konzeptionell-theoretischer, empirischer und design-basierter Zugänge mit der Analyse und Gestal... Show more

Jennifer Brussow

Jennifer Brussow

Dr. Jennifer Brussow received her Ph.D. in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Kansas in 2018. In her current position as a Psychometrician at Ascend Learning, she uses a variety of statistical procedures to conduct research to assemble construct and criterion validity evidence for certification and licensure assessments. She also develops predictive models around student success, leads psychometric discussions during product development, and develops score reports and reporting guidelines. In her years of experience in the field of assessment, she has also worked as a psychometrician for examinations for students with significant disabilities and led evaluations of educational interventions. Her research projects include investigating factor structure, differential item functioning, and scores’ relationship to external variables; and she has published peer-reviewed articles, research briefs, and whitepapers.

Dr. Jennifer Brussow received her Ph.D. in Research, Evaluation, Measurement, and Statistics from the University of Kansas in 2018. In her current position as a Psychometrician at Ascend Learning, she uses a variety of statistical procedures to condu... Show more

Samah Choudhury

Samah Choudhury

Samah Choudhury is Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer with the Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity at the University of Chicago. She is at work on her first book, American Muslim and the Politics of Secularity, which asks how a “sense of humor” came to be a prized trait of the modern secular subject and why present-day Muslims are consistently configured as lacking this comportment. Through a study of the American Muslim standup comedians, she contends that Muslim legibility depends on situating Islam and within the logics of model secular subjecthood and the register of race. Her work has been supported by the Asian American Religions Research Initiative, the Center for Islam in the Contemporary World, the UNC Chapel Hill Asian American Center, the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, and the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice. She previously taught at Ithaca College and earned her PhD in Islamic Studies from UNC Chapel Hill in 2020.

Samah Choudhury is Postdoctoral Researcher and Lecturer with the Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity at the University of Chicago. She is at work on her first book, American Muslim and the Politics of Secularity, which asks how a “sense of ... Show more

Pratiti Ketoki

Pratiti Ketoki

Pratiti is a doctoral student in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature. Their work lies in the interaction of Bengali migration, Global Asias and sound studies, and they examine how music creates community in bengali diasporas. They are a minor in RIDGS and Early Modern Studies, with their interest lying also in disability studies and early modern music cultures. They are the lead convenor of the Global Asias Collaborative.

Pratiti is a doctoral student in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature. Their work lies in the interaction of Bengali migration, Global Asias and sound studies, and they examine how music creates community in bengali diasporas. They are a minor... Show more

Ann Thuy-Ling Tran

Ann Thuy-Ling Tran

Ann Tran is an Assistant Professor of Asian & Asian American Studies at California State University, Long Beach. Tran's research brings together digital studies, food studies, religious studies, and sociolinguistics to explore how Vietnamese community cultural identity, hauntology, and familial stories of intergenerational trauma and healing are digitally archived to foster a global Viet Nam.

Ann Tran is an Assistant Professor of Asian & Asian American Studies at California State University, Long Beach. Tran's research brings together digital studies, food studies, religious studies, and sociolinguistics to explore how Vietnamese communit... Show more

Clio Rom

Clio Rom

Clio Rom is a second-year doctoral student in art history at Penn State, with a Masters Italian Renaissance Art History from Syracuse University, with a GIS certificate and BA in Art History from the University of Arkansas. Her primary research interests lie in depicting and engaging with the natural world in sixteenth and seventeenth-century Italy in objects and spaces such as paintings, botanical texts, gardens, and textiles.
Clio is starting her dissertation research which examines how nature, power, and cultural identity intersected in early modern Italy through a study of the Barberini family and their use of nature as a form of expression and control. Her work will focus on the Barberini garden on the Quirinal Hill during their occupancy throughout the seventeenth century. She hopes to reconstruct the garden's design, evolution, and functions as both a physical space and a cultural artifact that participated in a larger pan-European system of meaning-making through naturalia.

Clio Rom is a second-year doctoral student in art history at Penn State, with a Masters Italian Renaissance Art History from Syracuse University, with a GIS certificate and BA in Art History from the University of Arkansas. Her primary research inter... Show more

Marina Krizman

Marina Krizman

Meet Marina, a self-proclaimed Fleabag fanatic! Ever since stumbling upon the show during a lazy Sunday binge-watch session, she's been hooked on the witty humor and raw honesty of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterpiece. From the iconic fourth-wall breaking to the hilarious and heart-wrenching relationships, Marina can't get enough of Fleabag's antics. She's watched every episode multiple times, analyzed every character's motives, and even started a Fleabag-themed Instagram account. Her friends and family might think she's a bit obsessed, but Marina knows that Fleabag is more than just a show - it's a work of art that speaks to her soul.

Meet Marina, a self-proclaimed Fleabag fanatic! Ever since stumbling upon the show during a lazy Sunday binge-watch session, she's been hooked on the witty humor and raw honesty of Phoebe Waller-Bridge's masterpiece. From the iconic fourth-wall break... Show more

Rebecca Jo Kinney

Rebecca Jo Kinney

Rebecca Jo Kinney is an interdisciplinary teacher and scholar of Critical Ethnic Studies, American Studies, and qualitative research methods, and an associate professor at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA. Dr. Kinney's second book, Mapping AsiaTown Cleveland: Race and Redevelopment in the Rust Belt (Temple University Press, 2025) examines the complexities of regional racial formation at work in the urban midwest by analyzing the work of Asian American stakeholders spearheading the redevelopment of Cleveland’s AsiaTown. https://tupress.temple.edu/books/mapping-asiatown-cleveland

Dr. Kinney’s first book, Beautiful Wasteland: The Rise of Detroit as America’s Postindustrial Frontier (University of Minnesota Press, 2016) argues that contemporary stories told about Detroit’s potential for rise enables the erasure of white supremacist systems. Her research has appeared in American Quarterly, Radical History Review, Race&Class, and Verge, among other journals. In 2021-2022 she was an Ewha University affiliated Fulbright Korea Scholar undertaking ethnographic research for the project “Adult Korean Adoptees Making Home and Building Community in South Korea.”

Rebecca Jo Kinney is an interdisciplinary teacher and scholar of Critical Ethnic Studies, American Studies, and qualitative research methods, and an associate professor at Bowling Green State University, Ohio, USA. Dr. Kinney's second book, Mapping A... Show more

Shuchi Batra

Shuchi Batra

A globally recognized poet-author pioneering therapeutic storytelling through micro-poetry, hybrid novels, and AI-driven emotional healing tools—bridging South Asian feminine narratives with modern literary innovation.

A globally recognized poet-author pioneering therapeutic storytelling through micro-poetry, hybrid novels, and AI-driven emotional healing tools—bridging South Asian feminine narratives with modern literary innovation. Show more

Jennifer Cowe

Jennifer Cowe

Lecturer in the School of Journalism, Writing and Media

Lecturer in the School of Journalism, Writing and Media Show more

Rucha C

Rucha C

I believe in the power of transformation—of mindsets, careers, and lives. My journey has been shaped by challenges, bold decisions, and a relentless drive to break barriers and create impact. As a speaker, I strive to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones, embrace resilience, and turn dreams into action. From navigating change and overcoming self-doubt to leading with confidence and purpose, I share stories and strategies that help people unlock their full potential. My sessions are not just about motivation but about real, actionable insights that empower individuals to redefine their limits and own their journey. I speak to dreamers, doers, and changemakers—anyone who is ready to step up, take charge, and build a life of meaning and success.

I believe in the power of transformation—of mindsets, careers, and lives. My journey has been shaped by challenges, bold decisions, and a relentless drive to break barriers and create impact. As a speaker, I strive to inspire others to step out of th... Show more

Adam Yakhoub Moussa Albasstakour

Adam Yakhoub Moussa Albasstakour

Dr Adam Yakhoub Moussa Albasstakour
Trainer, writer and researcher in political science and international relations and interested in affairs

Dr Adam Yakhoub Moussa Albasstakour Trainer, writer and researcher in political science and international relations and interested in affairs Show more

Riva Zmajoki

Riva Zmajoki

Riva Zmajoki, spisateljica, filozofkinja i pjesnikinja. Na znanstveno fantastičnoj sceni objavljuje od davne 2005. Uz predavanja o pisanju i znanstvenoj fantastici razvija svoj mali fantastični svemir povezan QuBoS cestom kroz dimenzije koja se može naći na Amazonu.

Riva Zmajoki, spisateljica, filozofkinja i pjesnikinja. Na znanstveno fantastičnoj sceni objavljuje od davne 2005. Uz predavanja o pisanju i znanstvenoj fantastici razvija svoj mali fantastični svemir povezan QuBoS cestom kroz dimenzije koja se može ... Show more

Dylan Rodriguez

Dylan Rodriguez

Distinguished Professor, University of California

Distinguished Professor, University of California Show more

Gina Masequesmay

Gina Masequesmay

Queer Viet American sociologist

Queer Viet American sociologist Show more

Barbra Pansiri

Barbra Pansiri

Barbra is currently on study leave and a Ph.D candidate at Bowling Green State University. Otherwise, she holds the position of Director of Student Welfare at the University of Botswana (UB). The job entails directing the management of halls of residence and general on-campus life to support students’ development, with functional areas in Student Orientation, Student Housing, Student Governance, Student Life Programs, Auxiliary Services, Disability Support Services, Off-Campus Students, and Student Conduct.

Barbra is currently on study leave and a Ph.D candidate at Bowling Green State University. Otherwise, she holds the position of Director of Student Welfare at the University of Botswana (UB). The job entails directing the management of halls of resi... Show more

Ivana Vermiglio

Ivana Vermiglio

Ivana Vermiglio (1996) è una dottoranda di ricerca in Studi Umanistici presso l’Università di Palermo. Si occupa dello studio della microtoponomastica di tradizione orale-popolare degli arcipelaghi e delle piccole isole siciliane. Fa parte del comitato scientifico del progetto ASES (Archivio dei soprannomi etnici siciliani) e di quello redazionale della collana DATOS (Dizionario-atlante dei toponimi orali in Sicilia) diretto dal Centro di studi filologici e linguistici siciliani, con cui collabora per l’allestimento della piattaforma digitale ATOS (Archivio dei toponimi orali in Sicilia): cfr. Chichi M., Vermiglio I., Verso la realizzazione di ATOS: struttura e progetto di una piattaforma digitale sulla toponomastica siciliana, in «Bollettino dell’Atlante Linguistico Italiano» 47, 2023, pp. 186-211. Tra i suoi interessi principali la toponomastica (Isola Ferdinandea. Breve resoconto di una storia onomastica emersa e inabissata, in «RIOn» 39/2, 2023), lo studio della testualità nei nuovi media (Quando la testualità si fa lingua nei giochi televisivi, in Paternostro G., Pinello V. (a cura di), Teorie e pratiche del testo. Grammatica, nuovi metodi, didattica e letteratura, University Press, Palermo 2024, pp. 143-165), l’onomastica letteraria (Emersioni letterarie e testuali di Ferdinandea dall’Ottocento a oggi: un casus anche onomastico, in «the Italianist», in corso di pubblicazione). Ha preso parte a diversi convegni nazionali e internazionali.

Ivana Vermiglio (1996) è una dottoranda di ricerca in Studi Umanistici presso l’Università di Palermo. Si occupa dello studio della microtoponomastica di tradizione orale-popolare degli arcipelaghi e delle piccole isole siciliane. Fa parte del comita... Show more

Mollie Adler

Mollie Adler

Mollie Adler is the creator and host of Back from the Borderline, a globally acclaimed podcast that has redefined the narrative around psychological suffering, healing, and personal transformation. With millions of downloads and a ranking in the top 5-10% of podcasts globally, Mollie has built a platform where listeners can explore the raw, unfiltered aspects of human experience, embracing both the psychological and spiritual dimensions of self-discovery.

What sets Mollie apart is her unique ability to blend modern psychology with ancient wisdom and non-human intelligence. As an experiencer of non-human intelligence (NHI), Mollie has had encounters that have profoundly shaped her understanding of the human psyche and the world around us. Through her podcast, she seamlessly integrates her personal experiences with the numinous with deeper explorations into mysticism and depth psychology. This has allowed her to bridge the divide between traditional mental health paradigms and the evolving narratives surrounding NHI, offering listeners a more expansive and holistic understanding of reality. Her work is a powerful challenge to the confines of modern, diagnostic-driven approaches to psychology, which often neglect the soul’s capacity for growth through pain and transformation.

In addition to her podcast, Mollie has amassed a loyal following, including thousands of paying subscribers on Patreon and readers on Substack. She has been a featured guest on prominent platforms, including the official podcast of The Joseph Campbell Foundation, and will be a speaker at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025. At SXSW, she will delve into the intersection of mental health, mysticism, and non-human intelligence, advocating for a worldview that embraces both the mysteries of the unseen and the scientific advancements of the modern age. Mollie’s approach is grounded in the belief that to truly heal, we must go beyond the binary and explore the complexities of our existence—both the human and the non-human, the scientific and the mystical.

Mollie’s podcast, Back from the Borderline, is an audio sanctuary, intentionally created to offer listeners a reprieve from the noise and distractions of the digital age. Choosing to remain audio-only, she rejects the visual fatigue of screen-dominated content, instead offering an immersive, intimate experience that allows her listeners to reconnect with themselves in a deeply personal way. This choice is informed by Mollie’s own experience in the music industry, where she reclaimed her voice after losing control of her creative work. Each episode of her podcast is self-produced, a reflection of her commitment to maintaining creative freedom and offering content that is truly her own.

With a voice that is both intellectual and compassionate, Mollie challenges the rigidity of modern mental health narratives and calls for a return to myth, story, and an expanded consciousness. She is committed to helping her listeners break free from the limitations imposed by a fragmented society - one that profits from division and categorization - and to embrace a more integrated, expansive view of the Self. Through her work, Mollie offers a unique perspective: a path that weaves together the wisdom of the ancients, the exploration of non-human intelligence, and the transformative power of the human psyche.

Whether speaking about the deep mysteries of non-human intelligence, mental health, or the need to reclaim myth and meaning in a rapidly changing world, Mollie Adler’s work provides a much-needed voice for those seeking to understand the world beyond the confines of conventional thinking. Her message is clear: healing, growth, and transformation are possible when we embrace the full spectrum of human experience - and when we dare to explore the unseen realms that shape our lives.

Mollie Adler is the creator and host of Back from the Borderline, a globally acclaimed podcast that has redefined the narrative around psychological suffering, healing, and personal transformation. With millions of downloads and a ranking in the top ... Show more

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