You don’t need incense, chanting, or a passport stamp to tap into something sacred. In this episode, 12 Degrees' Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with somatic therapist, ritualist, and Penn State faculty member Elisha Tichelle about practical, embodied ways to tap into meaning, connection, and creativity—without the fluff. From heart coherence to moon cycles to the underrated power of fuzzy socks, we explore how small, intentional rituals can support your nervous system, ignite your intuition, and bring a little sacredness to your everyday life. Whether you’re ritual-curious or spiritually skeptical, this one’s for you!

It can be difficult to find time for service, but what if there was something you could do from your own backyard that had the potential to change the world? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Connie Schmotzer, coordinator of Penn State’s Pollinator Habitat Certification Program, about how caring for pollinators can be a simple, flexible way to give back. Connie explains how small choices like planting native flowers, rethinking pesticides, or even setting out a few logs can create ripple effects that strengthen ecosystems, food systems, and community well-being.

What if your strongest source of support was right outside your back door? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Penn State researcher Dr. Erica Husser about how everyday connections to nature shape identity, resilience, and emotional well-being. Drawing on Erica’s research interviews with older rural women, they explore nature as a quiet but powerful wellness tool. They also discuss the broader impacts of climate change on health, housing, and community care and why nurturing our relationship with the natural world is more urgent than ever.

When we think about cultural identity, we often think about things like race, religion, or language. But what about neurodivergence? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Deshna Nagar talks with Cailyn Ann Teague, an autistic attorney and alumna of Penn State Law, about how autism shapes not just how she thinks but who she is. They explore what it means to see neurodivergence as a culture, not a condition, and how embracing that identity can be a strength in work, relationships, and everyday life.

Could better sex mean a better memory? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Dr. Marty Sliwinski, director of the Center for Healthy Aging at Penn State, about surprising research that links sexual satisfaction, heart health, and cognitive sharpness as we get older. They unpack what’s really happening behind the sheets — and why connection, conversation, and even hearing aids matter just as much as puzzles and leafy greens when it comes to keeping our brains fit for life.

President Trump lashed out a reporter in the Oval Office who was asking about allegations the crown prince orchestrated the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

After his parents died, Stiller found a stash of their audio recordings. Those tapes of comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara are at the center of the documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.

This tiny disc of zinc with just a smidge of copper has played an outsized role in our national (and international) discourse. The U.S. Mint ended production of the one-cent coin last week.

The Trump administration is bringing back a policy that could penalize migrants for using public benefits if they're seeking a green card or visa.

Thirty-five years after the Grammys revoked Milli Vanilli's best new artist award, former member Fab Morvan has been nominated in a surprising twist.