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In Performance at Penn State is a monthly hour-long program that showcases performances from Penn State's School of Music. This month, hear a Trio for Flute, Oboe and Bassoon by twentieth century composer Jurriaan Andriessen from the Penns Woods Music Festival, and the students of Penn State’s Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Gerardo Edelstein, in the Symphony No. 8 in G by Antonin Dvorak.

In Performance at Penn State is a monthly hour-long program that showcases performances from Penn State's School of Music. This month, hear James Cameron Dennis, one of the winners of the 2022 Penn State Orchestra Concerto Competition, playing the first movement of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Then enjoy music by two African American women: “I Dream a World” by Rosephanye Powell, sung by Essence of Joy; And, from the 2022 Penns Woods Music Festival, the Piano Quintet in A Minor by Florence Price.

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!

Digital wellness isn’t just about screen time or blue light glasses, it’s about how we show up online, keep ourselves safe, and treat others with respect. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Joseph Squillace, an associate teaching professor of cybersecurity at Penn State, about a groundbreaking project that uses virtual reality to let students safely experience bullying scenarios and practice how to respond. They also discuss why kids and teens bully, how schools and communities can support both targets and perpetrators, and what caring adults can do to create safer, healthier online spaces for the young people in their lives.

Our work shapes so much of who we are, which is why our relationship to it matters for our overall wellness. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Dr. Jessica Henry, a teaching professor in Penn State’s College of Education and licensed mental health counselor, joins host Lindsey Whissel Fenton to talk about what it really means to be “career well.” Dr. Jess shares her framework for the Six P’s of Career Wellness and how they can help us find fulfillment at any stage of our professional journey.

From piles of unopened mail to digital subscriptions you forgot you were paying for, financial clutter can quietly drain your wallet and your mental energy. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Julie Heaton, director of the Penn State Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center, to talk about how tidying up your financial life can bring relief, clarity, and even cash back in your pocket.

If you're motivated to improve your wellness but struggle to fit healthy habits into real-life demands, this conversation is for you. Lindsey Whissel Fenton and co-host Dr. Christina Lightner break down what wellness actually means and why it is often more approachable and more actionable than it seems. Christina explains the differences between health, wellbeing, and wellness and walks through the twelve interconnected degrees that shape how we feel and function, from emotional and social wellness to digital, cultural, and creative wellbeing. Together, they explore how wellness does not have to be overwhelming. Small, intentional choices, like taking a mindful breath or swapping five minutes of scrolling for stretching, can create sustainable change over time. It is a compassionate reminder that your wellness journey starts with one doable step and that every small choice truly matters.

What we say to ourselves can shape how we handle stress, setbacks, and everyday life. In this episode of 12 Degrees, Dr. Christina Lightner joins Lindsey Whissel Fenton to talk about MINDSTRONG, an evidence-based program developed at Penn State’s Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing. From reframing negative thoughts to practicing emotional regulation, learn simple strategies that support long-term resilience and wellness—both inside and outside of healthcare.

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.

In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton explores the surprising health benefits of cocoa with Penn State food science professor Joshua Lambert. Much to Lindsey’s delight, research suggests this delicious treat may help reduce inflammation, support metabolic health, and even influence fat digestion. They also discuss Lambert’s USDA-funded study on how cocoa’s effects differ by gender—and what these findings could mean for future health recommendations.