Ethics Today

Is racism in America getting worse?

Is racism today worse than it was twenty years ago, or are we just seeing more evidence of it due to social media?

In this episode of Ethics Today we talk to Dr. Andre Johnson, Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Media Studies at the University of Memphis, co-author of "The Struggle over Black Lives Matter and All Lives Matter," and Senior Pastor at Gifts of Life Ministries, an inner-city church in Memphis, Tennessee. We discuss the recent protests over the murder of George Floyd, the goals of the protest organizers, how policing could be reformed, and how black people and white people see racism differently.

If you wish to learn more about Gifts of Life Ministries and help support the efforts of Dr. Johnson and his congregation to address racial injustice, go to http://glife02.blogspot.com/.

Hosted by Richard Kyte of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

The fight to save Bristol Bay

What happens when the largest known natural deposits of gold and copper are discovered in the headwaters of one of the world's last fully functioning and intact ecosystems? In this episode of Ethics Today we visit with Meghan Barker, the Bristol Bay Organizer for Trout Unlimited. We discuss Bristol Bay, its ecological, cultural, and economic significance, the threat posed by Pebble Mine, and a new documentary coming out this summer.

To learn more about the issues discussed in this program, go to www.savebristolbay.org. Also, get updates about digital screenings of "The Wild" www.thewildfilm.com.

Hosted by Richard Kyte of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

What should we do about homelessness?

As evictions begin to increase throughout the country, how should we respond to the upcoming surge in homelessness? In this episode of Ethics Today we talk to Pete Gathje, VP of Academic Affairs at Memphis Theological Seminary and founder of a Catholic Worker House in Memphis, TN. We talk about the practice of hospitality, the importance of cultivating long-term relationships, the need for systemic change, and the challenges of addressing racial injustice. Hosted by Richard Kyte of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

Why do scientists keep changing their minds?

Talking again with Chris Mayne, PhD, a biology professor at Viterbo University. Today we are discussing prospects for developing an effective vaccine for COVID-19 and why scientific information coming from different sources often seems contradictory. This is Episode 10 of Ethics Today hosted by Richard Kyte, Director of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

Do States have authority over churches?

Why are some churches so resistant to following social distancing orders from state and local governments? In this episode of Ethics Today we talk to Scott Moore, a philosophy professor at Baylor University who specializes in political philosophy. Hosted by Richard Kyte of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

Lies Spread Faster than Truth

How do we know what is true and what is false when viewing news reports and social media posts? In this episode of Ethics Today we talk to Frank Oswald, faculty member in Columbia University's Strategic Communication program who teaches a course on persuasion and ethics. Hosted by Richard Kyte of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

The Paycheck Protection Program in Rural Communities

We hear a great deal about how large banks and corporations have misused the Paycheck Protection Program loans intended to help small businesses during the economic shutdown, but how is the program being used by the very small businesses so essential to the economy and culture of rural communities? In this episode of Ethics Today we talk to Marianne Torkelson, Vice President Business Development & Training at Co-op Credit Union in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.  Hosted by Richard Kyte of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.  

Virus Testing, Vaccines, and Ethical Responsibility

A conversation with Chris Mayne, PhD, a biology professor at Viterbo University, on May 4, 2020. We talk about the different types of COVID-19 tests, herd immunity, the prospects for an effective vaccine, and whether it is an ethical responsibility to be vaccinated. This is Episode 6 of Ethics Today hosted by Richard Kyte, Director of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

Farming during the Pandemic

A conversation with Kevin Mahalko, an organic dairy and beef farmer from Gilman, Wisconsin, on May 3, 2020. We talk about rapidly changing landscape of family farms in Wisconsin, the challenge of food distribution during the pandemic, and the environmental benefits of rotational grazing. This is Episode 5 of Ethics Today hosted by Richard Kyte, Director of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.

Providing Mental Health during a Pandemic

A conversation with Robert Schreur, psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at The Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. April 27, 2020. We talk about the challenge of providing care for patients with mental illness during the pandemic. This is Episode 4 of Ethics Today hosted by Richard Kyte, Director of the DB Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University.