Events
Greater than Gold: The Life and Legacy of Rafer Johnson
Rafer Johnson’s life was greater than any medal could measure. He passed away in December 2020 at the age of 86 and left behind a legacy that we can all learn from to…
Past Conversations
Looking Ahead: Science, Facts and the Public Debate
As a new U.S. presidential administration prepares for the four years ahead, coping with intersecting challenges including a pandemic, persistent inequality, climate change…
Nobel Breakthroughs
On October 6, 2020, UCLA Professor Andrea Ghez won a Nobel Prize in Physics for her discovery of a supermassive black hole at the center of our ga…
How to serve veterans during the pandemic
How can we better serve those who have served? Have disorders like PTSD, traumatic brain injury and others made this time especially difficult for veterans? What strengths …
How to increase voter turnout and civic engagement
UCLA political scientist Natalie Masuoka and Lizette Mata, Deputy Secretary of State in the office of California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, discuss the importance of …
How we can embrace our aging population during COVID-19 and beyond
The current pandemic means members of our vulnerable aging population are more cut off than usual. Many are suffering from food insecurity, loneliness and isolation. Ayesha…
How can parents successfully cope with remote learning?
Are you a parent struggling with your pandemic-induced dual role as a caretaker and part-time teacher of your school-age child? Need a pep talk backed by research to make i…
How will artists help us get through this?
What role will art and artists play in helping communities rebuild during these unprecedented crises? How do artists help frame and reframe the current moment, and how do t…
How can we practice sustainability during a pandemic?
The pandemic has led to a massive increase in the number of single-use masks and gloves, caused stores to ban reusable cups and bags, and increased the use of take-out cont…
What ethical and moral responsibilities are at play as cities reopen and we create a new normal?
Does shaming and blaming work to inspire behavioral change? As officials modify coronavirus restrictions, are some individuals getting a safe free ride at the expense of ot…
Where do we go from here? Creating an anti-racist climate of support
This second UCLA Connections conversation between Tyrone Howard, education professor and director of the UCLA Black Male Institute and the UCLA Pritzker Center for Strength…
Processing racial trauma
Resurgent White nationalism, the disparate racial impact of COVID-19, the killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and other African Americans, are all highli…
How can we combat xenophobia and racism exacerbated by this crisis?
The current global health emergency has exposed the tendencies of some toward racism and xenophobia while also shedding light on health inequities in our society.
How is the global health crisis impacting alcohol habits and instances of addiction?
With many confined to their homes and added financial and emotional stress, are people drinking alcohol more or less? Are bar closings and fewer social gatherings reducing …
Why does Zoom feel exhausting?
A couple of months ago, communicating via Zoom seemed to be a panacea for many work, school and social needs while observing “safer at home” guidelines. So why has such…
How do we show kindness when we are unable to be close to others?
When life looks dismal, how do we get into the right mindset to be kind? Why does kindness toward others make us feel better? Is kindness contagious? What are some of the s…
How can marital or partner relationships withstand the pressures of COVID-19?
The global health crisis has imposed new stress on health workers and their families, and partners working while safer at home. How can couples withstand these new pressure…
How has staying at home changed daily stress and coping processes in families?
How does working from home while following COVID-19 “safer at home” guidelines complicate recovery from daily stressors for adults and children? Are there differences b…
How do parents embrace technology for kids, but prevent it from ruling the household?
With schools closed and remote learning the norm, how many hours of digital technology are acceptable for kids, and how much is too much? Can parents control when kids use …
How do we find happiness during difficult times?
What are some proven strategies for bringing more happiness into our lives? How do we go through the challenges of this time and still feel happy?
What does it mean to have a healthy relationship to food during times of stress?
Are instances of binge eating or other eating disorders increasing due to the challenges of COVID-19? Do most people feel a loss of control and guilt when it comes to food …