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Lowkey Confused?
HSS Explains!

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Listen or Watch Full Episodes of Our Podcast!

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Lowkey Confused? HSS Explains! brings faculty experts from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences into the conversation to tackle the big questions we’re all a little confused about. Hosted by Dean Jessica Stern, each episode draws on faculty expertise from across the college to explore the issues shaping our world — from pop culture and politics to history, technology and social change. Rather than telling you what to think, Lowkey Confused? gives you the context to think deeper, ask better questions and make sense of the world around you.

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Hosted by:

Jessica Yirush Stern, P.h.D., Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Cal State Fullerton

Produced by:

Emilia Gazzoni Gaskell, M.A., Assistant to the Dean and Lecturer in American Studies

Directed and Edited by:

Reyna I. Pérez, Media Production Specialist

Copywriting by:

Laura Querin-Olivarez, Marketing Communications Strategist

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Recent Episodes


How Should AI Be Regulated? 

AI is changing how governments operate, but who decides the rules? In this episode, Dr. David Adams from Cal State Fullerton’s Division of Politics, Administration, and Justice explores AI regulation, accountability, and how public agencies are using AI to make decisions that affect our communities.

September 14, 2026 | Season 3, Episode 3


Flock Cameras: Security, Surveillance & Your Right to Privacy

We’re surrounded by technology that can track where we go, what we do, and even recognize us. But who has access to all that data? Dr. Christie Gardner explains how surveillance technology can help solve crimes and protect communities, while emphasizing the importance of strong safeguards to protect our privacy and keep our data secure.

September 8, 2026 | Season 3, Episode 2


From Reggaeton to Political Resistance: How Bad Bunny Became a Global Phenomenon

Bad Bunny’s influence goes far beyond music. Dr. Gabriela Nuñez from the Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies at Cal State Fullerton explains how Bad Bunny is using his platform to speak up for his community.

August 27th, 2026 | Season 3, Episode 1


The Psychology of Happiness

Happiness is something we have to actively practice. Biologically, our brains are wired to focus on threats because that's what helped humans survive. But thriving requires something different. Dr. Jennifer Trevitt from the Department of Psychology explains why our brains naturally lean toward negativity and how we can intentionally cultivate more happiness in our everyday lives.

July 31, 2026 | Season 2, Episode 33


The Friendship Formula for a Happier Life
What if happiness isn't something you achieve alone? Dr. David Donely from the Department of American Studies explains why friendship may be the key to living a happier, more meaningful life. 

July 9, 2026 | Season 2, Episode 32

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The Brains Behind the Podcast...

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Dean Jessica Stern

Jessica Yirush Stern, Ph.D. — Host
Jessica Stern is Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of History at Cal State Fullerton. Her research focuses on interactions between Native Americans and British settlers during the colonial period, with an emphasis on culture, exchange and material life. As dean, she supports initiatives connecting HSS students with academic, career and community opportunities. She earned her B.A. in History from Reed College and Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University.

Emilia Gaskell

Emilia Gazzoni Gaskell, M.A. — Producer
Emilia Gazzoni Gaskell is Assistant to the Dean and a Lecturer in American Studies at Cal State Fullerton. Her background in American Studies and popular culture informs her work translating faculty scholarship and current events into accessible digital content for students and the broader community. She also supports college initiatives that connect faculty expertise with HSS students and audiences. She earned her B.A. and M.A. in American Studies from Cal State Fullerton.

Reyna Perez

Reyna Pérez — Director and Editor
Reyna Pérez is the Media Production Specialist for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Cal State Fullerton. She combines audience research, digital trends and creative storytelling to produce engaging video and multimedia content for students, alumni and the broader HSS community. Her work spans video production, editing and digital media, helping bring HSS stories and faculty expertise to a wider audience. She earned her B.F.A. in Graphic and Interactive Design from Cal State Fullerton.

Laura Querin

Laura Querin-Olivarez - Copy Editor
Laura Querin-Olivarez is the Marketing Communications Strategist for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Cal State Fullerton. She began her career independently, helping businesses strengthen their digital presence through search engine optimization and digital marketing, before working in health care as a Service Line Marketing Specialist. She earned her B.S. in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in English from Cal Poly Pomona.

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