Spool - Unwinding With Dr. Nils Roemer

What happens when a University Dean talks to his own AI twin? In this special episode of Spool, Dean Nils Roemer reflects on his journey from Hamburg to higher education leadership, the power of curiosity and storytelling, and why humanities matter in a tech-driven world.🎙️ Topics include:• Growing up in a global port city and embracing curiosity • Being a first-generation college student and breaking barriers• Why interdisciplinary education is key for the 21st century• The role of storytelling in learning and leadership• Preparing students for ten future jobs, not just one• Personal passions: baking, swimming, and finding balance🔗 Watch more Spool podcast episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9uL5QfvfiU0T-44aAY4JmeTAABgdJSgF

Join Dean Roemer and Scott Farber as they reflect on Season 1 with laughter, insight, and a look back at the most memorable moments. Highlights include reflections on AI with David Hanson, gaming’s social evolution, influencer culture, and stories from guests like Anthony Dorsett, Jinny Cho, and Usman Riaz.

In this episode, dive into the fast-growing world of college esports and career opportunities with Brooke Hudy, a creative force behind the UT Dallas esports program. Brooke shares how the university’s state-of-the-art esports facility and vibrant gaming community are transforming campus culture and opening new pathways for students passionate about gaming, content creation, and digital media.🎙️ Their conversation explores:-How college esports has exploded as a spectator sport and thriving industry-UTD’s cutting-edge esports arena, one of the largest in the U.S.-Brooke’s role in content creation and live streaming for UTD esports-The business, strategy, and community behind competitive gaming-How esports is reshaping campus culture and future career opportunities🎯 Whether you’re a gamer, content creator, or curious about esports careers, this episode offers an insider’s look at one of the most exciting fields in higher education today.

The latest episode of the Spool podcast turns the spotlight on some delicious carbs! Dr. Nils Roemer sits with Jinny Cho, founder of Detour Doughnuts, which recently placed among the top 25 in Yelp's Elite top 50 list of the best doughnuts shops in the country. Their conversation explores Cho's journey from biomedical engineering major to doughnut innovator. Cho, a UT Dallas alumna, shares how her Korean-American roots, family legacy, and love for food inspired her to create globally inspired flavors (mango sticky rice, red bean cream, tiramisu and more!). Discover how she blends science, art, and emotion into every bite – and why she views her shop as more than a bakery.🧠 Topics: Entrepreneurship, Food Culture, Immigrant Stories, Creative Process📍 Detour Doughnuts: Frisco, TX🎓 UT Dallas Alumna🍩 Featured Flavors: Tiramisu, Mango Sticky Rice, Red Bean Cream🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories!

In this episode of The Spool Podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer and Scott Farber, founder of Generations Broadcasting, explore how cities, wars, and culture have shaped the modern world. From the explosive growth of urban centers in the 1800s to the technological and societal impacts of World War I and II, this conversation dives into the forces that transformed human identity and daily life.🧠 Discover how:Urbanization redefined social life and mental healthCoffeehouses sparked revolutions and the EnlightenmentWorld Wars accelerated innovation in mediaThe humanities help us understand who we are and where we’re going

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer and Scott Farber, founder of Generations Broadcasting, explore the profound societal shifts brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its impact on education. The conversation covers generational differences in freedom and risk, and Dean Roemer’s youthful adventures hitchhiking across Europe. The episode also touches on the evolving relationship between humanity and technology, and the cultural revolution sparked by music icons from Bob Dylan to Taylor Swift. Roemer highlights how music has shaped identity, community, and artistic expression across generations.

Join Dr. Nils Roemer and W.J.T. Mitchell, a renowned scholar, art historian and longtime faculty member at the University of Chicago, as they explore the cultural power of games, the immersive nature of images, and AI as a human creation we can shape for good. From sandcastles to Minecraft, this episode of the Spool podcast dives into how play, perception, and technology shape who we are – and who we might become.

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with author, educator, and writer Tim Cloward to discuss his book, The City That Killed the President, which explores the cultural history of Dallas and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, in November 1963. The conversation delves into the ways the assassination has left a lasting impact on the city, creating a complex legacy that Dallas continues to grapple with. 

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer welcomes Gram Tinashe Makwarimba, the visionary behind the African Vibration Music Festival, which will be hosted May 2–3 at the Bass School at UT Dallas. Joining them is Torry Abra, the festival’s Public Speaking Official. Together, they dive into the origin story of the festival, Gram's bold vision, and what attendees can look forward to this year. The fest will include DJs representing every region of Africa, a thought-provoking forum addressing the continent’s most pressing challenges and ways we can contribute to meaningful change, live performances from eight confirmed bands, and more!

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Bob Pearson, Senior Counselor of the Next Solutions Group, author, teacher, and advisor. Together, they explore the essentials of crafting a brand, sharing the do’s and don’ts of brand-building. Looking toward the future, Pearson discusses the evolving role of AI and its massive potential in the coming years. He dives into the critical issue of misinformation and offers tips on how to detect and manage it effectively. Pearson makes the case for universities to embrace AI more quickly.

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer talks with Laura Kim, assistant professor of visual and performing arts at the Bass School, about identity, its fluidity, and how it is shaped by our environment. They explore the building and deconstructing of identity as an ongoing process of learning. The conversation dives into the impact of technology on our relationships and self-perception, as everything becomes performative. Dr. Kim also shares her project Kinmakers: Hidden Songs in Our Mother's Dreams at the Crow Museum of Asian Art in the Edith and Peter O’Donnell Jr. Athenaeum at UT Dallas, where she explores quantum listening and the connection between body, time, and generations. Learn more about the “Kinmakers” exhibit and quantum listening: https://utd.link/30v

In this episode of The Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer and Scott Farber, founder of Generations Broadcasting, discuss the liberating musical landscape of the 1970s, examining how it fostered new social spaces where people could gather and express themselves. The conversation covers the transformative role of the 1950s in shaping modern music, linking it to broader trends in the arts, humanities, and technology – such as the radio enabling emerging bands to connect with new audiences and spread their music. They explore how art and music have long served as vehicles for storytelling, emphasizing the power of narrative in moving us.

In this episode of The Spool Podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Dr. David Hanson, a UTD alum, visionary innovator, and creator of robots. Dr. Hanson shares the journey of how he began developing lifelike skin for robots in his own home, before founding his company and having labs. He discusses his vision for AI that not only mimics life but appreciates it, enabling machines to grow smarter, faster, and more effectively. Dr. Hanson explains the importance of unlocking the 'codes' of compassion and wisdom within AI. He also paints a future where robots are designed to have strong social interaction capabilities, fostering a human-like presence. By humanizing robots, Dr. Hanson believes we can maintain our connection to humanity, urging us to see robots as friends rather than mere tools. 

In this episode of The Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Dr. Aaron Dotson BS’15, a UT Dallas neuroscience graduate who minored in music at the Bass School at the University, to discuss how music and science shaped his journey to becoming a skilled eye surgeon. Dr. Dotson shares how both disciplines contributed to enhancing his hand-eye coordination and surgical precision. He also reflects on his experiences shadowing his mother's physician, who not only taught him the art of medicine, but also the importance of being a compassionate and ethical person. Dr. Dotson talks about his decision to study at UT Dallas and the importance of building a personal board of directors or a support system. Over the years, he has mentored over 100 aspiring ophthalmologists and plans to continue doing so throughout his career.To learn more about the Bass School at UT Dallas, go to https://bass.utdallas.edu/

In this episode of The Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Dr. Stephanie Elizalde, Superintendent of Dallas Independent School District (DISD), to discuss her journey to leadership and vision for education. Dr. Elizalde discusses the importance of recognizing and nurturing the untapped potential in students, while addressing the barriers that sometimes prevent them from reaching their full potential. The conversation also explores the evolving role of technology in education and how today’s students interact with it as a tool for learning and expression. To learn more about the Bass School at UT Dallas, go to https://bass.utdallas.edu/

In this episode of The Spool Podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer is joined by Jin-Ya Huang, founder of Break Bread, Break Borders, a culinary initiative dedicated to empowering refugee women through the food service industry. Dr. Roemer and Jin-Ya Huang discuss the idea of re imagining the future as a break from the continuity of the past, emphasizing that progress requires disruption. For the women involved in Break Bread, Break Borders, empowerment comes not just from their first paycheck, but by reclaiming their cultural identities and stories through the recipes they share.

In this episode of The Spool Podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer is joined by Scott Farber. Dr. Roemer discusses the growth of the University of Texas at Dallas from a research center to a full university offering both graduate and undergraduate programs. He shares the Bass School’s unique approach, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and the importance of research in art and technology. For more information about the Bass School at UT Dallas, go to: https://bass.utdallas.edu/

In this episode of the Spool Podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer welcomes veteran and photojournalist, Jeremy Lock. Lock shares his journey from military photographer to award-winning photojournalist. A seven-time Military Photographer of the Year award winner, Lock's photographs are strikingly beautiful portrayals of the many aspects of war. Lock downplays his accolades and expresses gratitude for the mentors, intense experiences, and the myriad people around the world who helped shaped his path. This conversation was recorded in September, 2023. For more information about the Bass School at UT Dallas, go to: https://bass.utdallas.edu/

In this episode of Spool: Unwinding with Dr. Nils Roemer, Usman Riaz, artist, composer, and film director. Riaz is the creator of 'The Glassworker', Pakistan’s first fully hand-drawn animated feature. Riaz shares the decade-long journey of directing the film despite having no prior experience in animation on this scale. A trained classical musician, Riaz discusses the way he integrates melody into all aspects of his work – including in this episode, with a dynamic music performance you won't want to miss.

In this episode of Spool: Unwinding with Dr. Nils Roemer, Anthony Dorsett, former NFL player and son of football Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett, discusses his lifelong passion for professional football. He reflects on the profound influence of his mother, who raised him as a single parent for part of his childhood, and on his father's legacy not only as a figure in his personal life, but also as a legend in college football.  He talks about his experiences in the sport, which nurtured invaluable life skills, including teamwork, communication, time management, and the ability to adapt quickly to different environments and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Anthony emphasizes the pivotal role of family in shaping personal and professional identity, underscoring the deep connections that influence who we become.

In this episode of the Spool podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer is joined by pianist, composer, and educator Victor Rosenbaum. Together, they reflect on Rosenbaum's lifelong journey through the world of music and discuss the skill of improvisation among classical musicians, how our relationship with music has evolved with modern technology, and the broader physical, emotional, and intellectual benefits of studying music. To learn more about the Bass School, go to https://bass.utdallas.edu/

In this episode of the Spool Podcast, Dr. Nils Roemer welcomes Arne Emerson, architect and design partner at Morphosis Architects, which developed the master plan for the O’Donnell Athenaeum at The University of Texas at Dallas. Arne discusses his journey from a small town in Wyoming, where he first discovered his passion for architecture, to becoming a lead architect who emphasizes the importance of interconnectedness and the convergence of architecture and landscape in bringing people together.

Welcome back to the Spool podcast. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Nils Roemer, a German historian and expert in Jewish cultural history. In this episode, Dr. Roemer reflects on his upbringing in Hamburg, Germany—a vibrant city shaped by its harbor, which fueled his curiosity about the world beyond. He shares his experiences traveling to England and France, where he navigated the perceptions of those around him in the shadow of World War II. Dr. Roemer discusses a transformative program that took him to Israel, where he worked in a research library alongside Holocaust survivors. We discuss the global ramifications of the Kennedy assassination and explore the significance of the Berlin Wall’s fall, an event that resonated deeply with his generation, who grew up in a divided Germany. He also recounts his journey to America, where he found the freedom to redefine himself. Finally, Dr. Roemer shares the opportunity that led him to Columbia University and his eventual role at the University of Texas at Dallas. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of history, identity, and the power of place.

Dr. Nils Roemer, dean of the Bass School at UT Dallas, covers a wide range of topics in relaxed conversations on creativity, innovation and fascinating possibilities at the intersection of arts, humanities and technology. Tune in to “Spool: Unwinding with Dr. Nils Roemer” for ideas to shape your life and be inspired by a historian’s modern, refreshing take on the ever-evolving human story.