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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 PSU faculty pianist Christopher Guzman playing the English Suite No. 3 in G Minor by Bach. Then we celebrate Black History Month with music by two African American composers: the Penn State Glee Club singing “Ain’a That Good News!” by William L. Dawson; and the student musicians of the Penn State Philharmonic, led by faculty conductor Gerardo Edelstein, in the Symphony No. 3 in C Minor by Florence Price.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Is AI here to take over our creativity…or help us grow it? In this episode of 12 Degrees, Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Penn State researcher Paul DiStefano about what human–AI collaborations really mean for our creative wellness. They explore why true creativity is more than just generating ideas, how our expertise keeps the human spark alive, and how we can keep our creativity healthy and resilient in the age of AI.

We know that stress takes a toll, but what happens when we face it alone? In this episode of 12 Degrees, host Lindsey Whissel Fenton talks with Dr. Jee eun Kang, a Penn State researcher whose work explores the connection between loneliness, emotional resilience, and long-term health. Dr. Kang shares insights from her research on how loneliness can extend the impact of everyday stress and offers practical ways to support emotional recovery—for ourselves and others.

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.