In this episode, we sit down with Provost Lena Hill, whose vision and leadership maintain the best of the liberal arts education at Washington and Lee. For Hill, education is not only about mastery of a discipline but also about discovery, openness, and the courage to embrace the unexpected. She reflects on her own journey, from studying Renaissance art in Florence to becoming an internationally recognized scholar of Ralph Ellison, and how those formative experiences shape the way she thinks about curriculum, faculty, and students today. From the evolving role of general education to the transformative impact of study abroad, research, and mentoring, Hill shares how W&L empowers students to unlock their potential and pursue lives of meaning. Whether you’re an alum curious about the university’s future, a student navigating your own path, or a lifelong learner seeking inspiration, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that education is both an opportunity and a gift.

In this episode, we sit down with James Lambert, whose career and curiosity embody Washington and Lee’s mission of lifelong learning. For Lambert, the pursuit of knowledge is inseparable from the pursuit of beauty, a source of joy, wisdom, and renewal that transcends the daily grind. He reflects on how learning opens us to wonder, sustains our sense of purpose, and helps us see the extraordinary in the ordinary. From moments of quiet discovery to the transformative power of art, ideas, and conversation, Lambert shares how cultivating beauty has shaped his life and work. Whether you’re navigating a busy career, searching for inspiration, or simply curious about how to live more fully, this conversation offers a reminder that learning is not just a skill, it’s a lifelong art.

In this episode, we talk with Stu Gray, associate professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, whose winding journey from West Point to political theory is a story of risk, reflection and relentless curiosity. Gray shares how his fascination with both Western and Eastern traditions reshaped his understanding of identity, meaning and what it truly means to live a good life. We explore the philosophy behind his popular courses, including one inspired by “Black Mirror,” and how he invites students to unplug, look inward and critically examine the role technology plays in shaping modern identity. From the allure of “becoming” over “being” to the quiet power of awe, this conversation delves into questions that linger long after the classroom. Whether you're interested in politics, philosophy or simply navigating a digital world more mindfully, this episode will leave you thinking deeply and seeing differently.