Digital technology is everywhere and social media notifications put a constant demand on our attention. Studies abound that all this pull on our minds, thoughts, and emotions, and the monetization of our user data is not working in our favor! On this episode, hosts Ashleylucie Lumbala, Sion Hardy and faculty co-host Dr. Babette Faehmel ask: What are we losing when we give so much attention to our devices? What are we handing over when we turn to artificial intelligence? And what would it look like if we used the tools in our hands more deliberately for voice and empowerment?

Joining us to discuss the pros and cons of digital technology are Elijah Olivieri, Computer Science student, SUNY Schenectady; Bhawin Suchak, Film Director, Co-Founder, Co-Executive Director YouthFX; Prince Sprauve, Film Director and Founder/CEO of Quiet On Set LLC, and Thomas (Tom) Mackey, Professor in the Department of Arts and Media, SUNY Empire State University. Together, we discuss the impacts of social media, AI, algorithmic manipulation, and how we can regain agency and ensure that our voices are heard.

The views voiced on this episode reflect the lived experiences and uncensored opinions of the guests; they do not necessarily capture the full diversity of attitudes within a larger community, nor do they express an official view of SUNY Schenectady.

Freedom of expression is generally upheld as a core American value and a key ingredient for a functioning democracy! At the same time, we are constantly debating the limits to speech. Especially when speech is abrasive, hateful, deceiving, or simply careless, it becomes difficult to stand by our free speech principles. And on many college campuses, recent studies have found, students would rather not be exposed to views they oppose.

Have we lost our way? Have we maybe unlearned the skills needed to live in a society where speech is supposed to be free? For this episode, cohosts Ashley Lumbala, Sion Hardy, and Dr. Babette Faehmel reached out to five guests who think a lot about "speech" as part of their academic and professional role.

Joining us are Lonny Davenport, Communication Concentration student at SUNY Schenectady; Professor Richard Hamm, Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of History at SUNY Albany; Nikita Bowen-Hardy, the President of the Schenectady Chapter of the NAACP; Rae Doyle, Professor of Communication at SUNY Schenectady; and, by Zoom from his office at Monroe Community College in Rochester, Professor Joseph Scanlon, Associate Professor of Political Science.

To learn more about the fascinating topic of "how free is free speech," feel free to consult the following sources:

Samantha Barbas, "The Enduring Significance of New York Times Co. v. Sullivan" (March 18, 2024).

Zach Goldberg, Ryan Owens, & Lynn Woodworth, "Americans’ Troubling Views on Speech, Harm, and Violence" (November 2025).

American Civil Liberties Union, "Freedom of Expression" (March 1, 2002).

The views voiced on this episode reflect the lived experiences and uncensored opinions of the guests; they do not necessarily capture the full diversity of attitudes within a larger community, nor do they express an official view of SUNY Schenectady.

Veterans only make up between 4 to 5 % of the overall student population. In experience, skill sets, and mindset, however, this group stands out prominently. For this episode, the co-hosts Ashleylucie Ntumba Lumbala, Sion Hardy, and Dr. Babette Faehmel met with current and former student veterans to talk about how they navigated the transition from military service to college, the challenges they face and faced, and the unique strengths they brought with them to higher education.

Joining us to share their personal views and experiences are Francis Edward Brown IV, a Navy veteran and current student in the School of Music at Schenectady County Community College; Schenectady City Councilman Carl Williams; Stephen Onley with the Veterans Resource Outreach Center (VET-ROC) at Hudson Valley Community College; and Kevin Dean, Executive Director of ASAP in the Office of Strategic Planning at SUNY Schenectady.

Assisting us with the recording, editing, and mixing of this episode were School of Music students Aileen Alverado, Carter Maxon, Sebastian McHenry, Dylan Bruce, and Cole Schilling.

A special thanks goes out to Anna Westerman, Assistant Director of Academic Advisement and Retention, and Dr. David Clickner, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives & Planning, for their help and support with thinking through this particular topic.

If you want to learn more about -- and from -- student veterans, you may start with these resources:

• The "Resource Hub" at the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration at Columbia University; the "go-to destination for free, game-changing military to civilian resources."
• Psych/Armor: a military-connected community offering online courses and other educational resources "for military, Veterans, their families, and caregivers ... and organizations who want to more effectively engage with them."

For more information about supports for student veterans at SUNY Schenectady County Community College, please visit the Veterans Resource Office, located in ELS 222.

The views voiced on this episode reflect the lived experiences and uncensored opinions of the guests; they do not necessarily capture the full diversity of attitudes within a larger community, nor do they express an official view of SUNY Schenectady.