Have a mailbag question?
If you have a question related to anything communication, feel free to submit it here, and it just might be featured on an episode of the podcast!
Cultivate Talk
Growing insight into how we talk, listen, and connect
Cultivate Talk is a podcast dedicated to exploring the depth and breadth of human communication. Hosted by a Ph.D. in Communication Studies, this show dives into everything from interpersonal and family relationships to health communication, science communication, rhetoric, journalism, and more. Each episode offers thought-provoking conversations, practical insights, and expert perspectives—sometimes featuring researchers and professionals from across the communication spectrum. Whether you're a student, scholar, practitioner, or simply communication-curious, Cultivate Talk is your space to grow understanding, spark ideas, and engage with the many ways we connect.
Spotify: bit.ly/3HqRIjv
Apple: bit.ly/3JbzYJt
YouTube: youtube.com/@CultivateTalk
Email: cultivatetalk@gmail.com
E1: Concussion Conversations: Elevating Safety Through Communication
In this episode, we interview Dr. Dan Hartman, and we delve into the critical role of communication in ensuring sports safety. Join us as we explore how effective dialogue among athletes, coaches, and parents can prevent injuries and promote well-being. Discover the challenges and breakthroughs in discussing concussions and other safety concerns, and learn how shifting the culture from silence to safety can make a significant impact. Tune in for insights that could change the way we approach sports safety at every level.
E2: Truth vs. Trend: Women’s Health in the Digital Age
In this episode of Cultivate Talk, we sit down with Dr. Emily Pfender, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania and science communicator. Her work examines how women’s health misinformation and wellness trends spread on social media and shape beliefs and behaviors. We discuss the rise of quick-fix tips and misleading claims, why these messages gain traction, and how to navigate women’s health information critically. The conversation highlights the role of evidence-based communication in promoting equity, improving care, and helping audiences separate fact from fiction.
E3: The Language of Sports: Tradition, Ritual, and Media
In this episode of Cultivate Talk, Emily talks with Aaron Burtch — broadcaster, educator, and communication scholar — about how sports and communication intersect. From rituals and traditions that unite fans to the psychology of “walk-up songs” and the role of sports communication in higher education, Aaron shares insights shaped by his career in sports media and academia. Whether you’re a sports fan or curious about culture and media, this conversation offers thoughtful perspectives with plenty of energy and heart.