Why do young people want to read more than they actually do? Why does it sometimes require bravery to admit that one is a reader? And what makes reading literature so important for our development?

In the 7th episode of In a Nutshell, Jara and her guest Jeroen Dera find answers to these questions. Together, they uncover the perks and pitfalls of BookTok, examine the connection between open-mindedness and reading, and investigate what keeps young people from reading.

Jeroen is an associate professor of Dutch literature. In his research, he focuses on the reading culture of young people and on the role literature plays in education.

Do you want to know more about this topic? Make sure to follow Jeroen’s recommendations and read “The Reading Lives of Teens”, edited by Chin Ee Loh, and “De lezende mens”, by Adriaan van der Weel and Ruud Hisgen.

Edit: Jara Majerus

Cover: Antonia Leise

Why is producing more food not a solution to globalhunger? What needs to happen for our food systems to become more sustainable? And what role does property play in all of this?

In the eight episodes of In a Nutshell, host Jara explores food and the land it grows on. Together with her guest, Adam Calo, she learns about growing populations, the myth of feeding the world, and soil as an underlying problem.

Adam is an assistant professor of Environmental Governance and Politics. In his research, he studies how our land governance prevents us from transitioning to a more sustainable, ecologically resilient, and just food system.

Do you want to know more about food and sustainablefood systems? Make sure to follow Adam’s recommendations and read the book Beginning to End Hunger by M. Jahi Chappell, listen to Adam’s very own podcast called Landscapes, or watch the documentary Food Chains directed by Sanjay Rawal.

Edit: Jara Majerus

Cover: Antonia Leise

How was the AIDS epidemic translated into theatre plays? Why is the way we talk about illness important? And what does Susan Sontag have to do with all of that

In this episode of In a Nutshell, Antonia and guest Dirk Visser take a look at the way theatre can – and has – tackled heavy topics like AIDS. And why it matters how a story is being told.

Dirk Visser has conducted his PhD at the Faculty of Arts research investigates the theatrical response to the AIDS crisis in Britain and America, focusing particularly on those plays that did not enter the canon of English or American drama. His intend is thereby to restore those plays as part within the cultural memory of the AIDS epidemic.

This episode is part of a two-part series on politics and theatre. Also tune in for the first episode, which explores the topic of political theatre in general.

Edit: Jara MajerusCover: Antonia Leise