About 

Hobby Talks is a podcast series from the Hobby School of Public Affairs produced in partnership with the Center for Student Media at the University of Houston. Hosted by Dean Jim Granato and Hobby School faculty, the podcast features timely conversations on politics and policy with experts, scholars and those guiding the most complex challenges facing our region and state.  

Launched in Nov. 2024, Hobby Talks expands the school’s access to thought-provoking discussions and encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue on relevant issues. 

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New episodes premiere during the fall and spring semesters. Tune in on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast app. 

Episodes

Social Media and Democracy with Siva Vaidhyanathan

On this episode of Hobby Talks, cultural historian and media scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan will examine the impact of social media and AI on democracy, civic discourse and the evolving media and political landscapes. Vaidhyanathan will share insights into how technology shapes news consumption and erodes society's ability to deliberate collectively. He will visit the University of Houston campus on Feb. 5 to deliver a lecture for the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership. Vaidhyanathan is a professor of media studies at the University of Virginia and the author of "Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy." Listen to the episode on the Hobby School website or on a popular podcast application on Feb. 16.