PUBLICATIONS

We speak with Dr. Marie Berry about genocide, political violence, international law, and the systems that make mass violence possible. We begin with the basic question: what is genocide? We then gradually move into the harder questions: how ordinary people become involved, why states avoid the word, what counts as genocide, and why naming it can shape memory, justice, and international response.

Ukraine and Russia have been at war for the past four years, or has it been twelve years? Or has it been longer? Discussing the topic of the Russo-Ukrainian War is Dr. Rachel Epstein, a professor of international relations. During our conversation, Dr. Epstein unfolds why Ukraine’s political direction matters, how the war is viewed around the world, and what shows the conflict may last years instead of than months.

In the debut episode of Sheepland, hosts Lindsey and John speak with Dr. Debak Das, Assistant Professor of Peace and Security at the Josef Korbel School, about nuclear weapons, deterrence, and the myths that still shape our modern world. From the moral questions behind proliferation to the global dangers of escalation, this conversation explores how humanity continues to live under the shadow of the bomb—and why understanding it matters now more than ever.

To kickstart this podcast, Lindsey and John introduce themselves and the purpose of the show through a short, reflective conversation. They discuss why difficult global issues — including politics, security, ethics, and human responsibility — deserve long-form, thoughtful discussion. This episode outlines the podcast’s format, approach, and what it means to create a serious, listener-worthy space for grappling with complex questions that shape the modern world.