The Aspen Institute Courses

Beauty: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Exploring Beauty Standards in the Digital Age

Explore the impact of beauty standards on society, mental health, and self-perception in the digital age, discussing topics like "Zoom dysmorphia" and the evolving definition of beauty.

• YouTube
• 49 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Seeing Silence - The Beauty of the World's Most Quiet Places

Explore the auditory richness of remote places and the importance of preserving natural silence with photographer Pete McBride and conservationist Kristine Tompkins.

• YouTube
• 47 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Is Our Ethos of American Independence Hurting Us?

Exploring the impact of individualism on society, this panel discusses alternative perspectives emphasizing connection and shared experiences, examining obstacles to unity and potential societal shifts.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Beyond Fandom - How Sports Build Community

Exploring the profound impact of sports on communities, civic spirit, and diversity. Industry leaders discuss how sports can unite disparate groups and inspire positive change beyond the playing field.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Power to the Parents? The Culture Wars Come to School

Exploración de las controversias en torno a los derechos parentales en la educación pública, analizando su impacto en escuelas, leyes y política, y buscando soluciones al conflicto entre padres y educadores.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Is Trust the Ultimate Currency of Stakeholder Capitalism?

Exploring trust as a crucial factor in stakeholder capitalism, featuring insights from business leaders on managing societal demands while running successful companies.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

America's Infrastructure Investment - Progress and Challenges

Exploring the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Act's impact on jobs, supply chains, and environmental justice. Discusses clean energy, broadband access, and America's future resilience.

• YouTube
• 47 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Why Democracy is in Peril and What We Can Do About It

Explore the roots of political polarization and threats to democracy, with insights on repairing civic life from Harvard's Michael Sandel, followed by a discussion with prominent journalists.

• YouTube
• 51 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Will Democracy Self-Destruct?

Experts discuss global rise of autocratic leaders, examining causes and consequences of democratic erosion, and exploring strategies to strengthen democratic institutions and societal cohesion.

• YouTube
• 44 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Breaking News - How the Subscriber Model Upends and Improves Journalism

Explore how subscriber-based models are revolutionizing journalism, attracting top talent, and providing more reliable funding than traditional advertising, leading to improved quality and sustainability in news media.

• YouTube
• 46 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Detox Your Feed - Building Resilience Against Toxic Beauty Advice on Social Media

Empower parents and mentors to help teens navigate toxic beauty advice on social media. Learn to identify harmful content and build resilience in this workshop led by cultural expert Jess Weiner.

• YouTube
• 1 hour 3 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Separated: Inside an American Tragedy - Book Talk

Exposé on Trump's migrant child separation policy, its implementation, and devastating consequences, based on extensive reporting by NBC News correspondent Jacob Soboroff.

• YouTube
• 45 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

The New Workforce - Lessons from the Pandemic on the Future of Work

Exploring post-pandemic work dynamics: employee expectations, employer challenges, and strategies for fostering resilient careers while supporting business goals in an evolving landscape.

• YouTube
• 47 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Reimagining the Future of the Democratic Party - Reconnecting with Working-Class Voters

Exploring the Democratic Party's challenges in connecting with working-class voters, examining technocratic language, and discussing strategies to bridge political divides and restore trust in expertise.

• YouTube
• 50 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video

Wired for Connection - How Our Brains Create Communities

Explore how social connections enhance cognitive abilities, creativity, and overall well-being. Learn about the extended mind concept and its impact on intelligence and problem-solving.

• YouTube
• 47 minutes
• On-Demand
• Free Video