The podcast where advanced research meets everyday curiosity
Who says you need an advanced degree to dive into the latest academic research? On Lab Coat Optional, host Pete Zrioka interviews ASU researchers at the forefront of their fields — minus the jargon. We explore topics ranging from extreme heat safety, evolution-inspired cancer treatments, generative AI’s impact on the information landscape and how nutrition affects diseases like Alzheimer’s. Each episode takes you deep inside the work, the people behind it and what drives them. So leave your lab coat at the door and tune in to learn about the latest research from ASU. New episodes every other Wednesday!
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Lab Coat Optional is the show where research is made relatable. Each episode, we dive into the research, the people behind it and why it matters. Tune in for smart, accessible conversations on the latest research from Arizona State University, released every other Wednesday.
We are a production of Knowledge Enterprise at ASU. Learn more at research.asu.edu.
In this episode, we examine how stories and narratives can influence global affairs. P.J. Allin explains how China is using narratives to shift the balance of power in Southeast Asia.
P.J. is a research analyst at the Center on Information and Narrative Complexity in the Global Security Initiative and a PhD candidate in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University.
Explore her publications:
- “China’s Columbus” Was an Imperialist Too: Contesting the Myth of Zheng He
- China’s Double Zigzag Strategy for International Relations
- How China Conducts Influence Operations by Leveraging Culturally Nuanced Narratives in Three Southeast Asian Countries
Learn more about:
- What is Sharp Power?
- China’s claims on the South China Sea: The Nine-Dash-Line
- The Philippines Is Ever More Focused on Taiwan
- The Uphill Battle to Safeguard Rights
- Pentagon abruptly ends all funding for social science research
Lab Coat Optional is a production of the Strategic Marketing and Communications team at ASU’s Knowledge Enterprise. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn, or visit us at research.asu.edu.
Episode credits
Executive produced by Kate Howells
Produced by Alexander Chapin and Pete Zrioka
Hosted by Pete Zrioka
Shot and edited by Alexander Chapin
Original music from Patrick Cheung
Art by Andy Keena and Sophia Franz
Social media management by Lauren Hebing and Kyler Litson
Keyword research by Aditi Patel
Disclosure:
Opinions expressed on this show reflect the views of the individuals only, not the policy or opinion of Arizona State University.
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Do you have thoughts or questions for us? Email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!