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Conversations with Mike Sweeney

Conversations with Mike Sweeney

By Bob Stewart

In 2014, Mike Sweeney was diagnosed with cancer in his mid fifties. These conversations were recorded in early 2021, as he prepares to step away from teaching journalism at Ohio University. His decision was based on the progression of his cancer, which has depleted him of the energy needed for full-time teaching. He also learned that his doctors were giving him about a year to live. These conversations are a way to reflect on his teaching and journalism career, as well as his painting and yes, what is left of his life.
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The Last Lecture (2019 OU Graduate Commencement address)

Conversations with Mike SweeneyApr 06, 2021

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19:47
The Last Lecture (2019 OU Graduate Commencement address)

The Last Lecture (2019 OU Graduate Commencement address)

A couple years ago, Mike gave the graduate commencement address, which he called "The Last Lecture" (May 3, 2019). The honor goes to a faculty member nominated by graduate students and selected by a committee. The introduction is by Ohio University President Duane Nellis (watch the video version of this talk). Photo by Ben Siegel.
Apr 06, 202119:47
On his journey with a deadly cancer

On his journey with a deadly cancer

In this episode, Mike shares his cancer journey as his treatment options become more limited.

Mar 30, 202140:31
On writing books for National Geographic aimed at the general public

On writing books for National Geographic aimed at the general public

In this episode, Mike shares stories from his prolific list of his book titles published by the National Geographic. Two of these books stand out among the publications on topics ranging from the brain to the Titanic.

Mar 23, 202138:10
On the joy of painting

On the joy of painting

Mike Sweeney has been a prolific painter in the last few years. But it wasn't the first time he fashioned himself an artist. It is, however, the first time he felt that making art kept him alive. (Note: All of the episode art features snapshots of Mike's paintings.)

Mar 16, 202126:48
On being a historian and scholar (part 2)

On being a historian and scholar (part 2)

In this second episode focusing on Mike's scholarship, he picks up the story of doing archival research in Rome. And he explains how his latest project fell in his lap (with the help of Keith Newman).
Mar 09, 202134:43
On being a historian and scholar (part 1 of 2 episodes)

On being a historian and scholar (part 1 of 2 episodes)

Mike's research focuses primarily on war journalism and journalists. In this episode, he talks about how he became interested in the topic, and some of the research he has done during his distinguished career.
Mar 02, 202130:29
On the joy of teaching graduate students (and writing a poem)

On the joy of teaching graduate students (and writing a poem)

In this episode, Mike talks about his approach to teaching graduate students, including what teachers influenced and shaped him as he developed as a student and professional. He also shares a poem about death.
Feb 23, 202133:50
On being a journalist, a journalism educator and a Joni Mitchell fan

On being a journalist, a journalism educator and a Joni Mitchell fan

This is the first episode of a series of conversations I am having with my former colleague, Mike Sweeney. Sweeney is teaching for the last time during the Spring 2021 semester, leaving the classroom to devote full attention to fighting renal cell carcinoma. His distinguished career as an award-winning journalism educator started at Utah State University and continued more recently at in the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. In this episode, Mike talks about getting started as a journalist, why he made the transition to professor, and why he loves the poetry of Joni Mitchell.

Feb 17, 202128:17