Interview with David L. McMahan, the Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies at Franklin & Marshall College

Interview with David L. McMahan, the Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies at Franklin & Marshall College

Author: Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues May 11, 2026 Duration: 0:00
Student Project Manager Maggie Maston ’28 interviews David L. McMahan, Professor of Religious Studies at Franklin & Marshall College. Spanning ancient Buddhist scripture to the present day, McMahan explores how Buddhism has evolved over centuries into its many contemporary forms. He discusses how his personal interest in the subject led him to a career in academia, as well as how he approaches teaching Buddhism in the college classroom. Finally, McMahan shares insight into the creation and inspiration behind his mixed-media collage work. Read more

Hosted by the Clarke Forum for Contemporary Issues, this The Clarke Forum For Contemporary Issues podcast series captures the essence of live, thoughtful conversations with a diverse range of leaders, thinkers, and practitioners. Each episode is drawn from the Forum's longstanding commitment to engaging the public on the most pressing topics of our time, offering listeners a front-row seat to discussions that would typically happen on a college campus. You'll hear guests explore the intersections of policy, culture, ethics, and innovation, breaking down complex subjects into accessible and compelling dialogue. The content naturally spans the categories of education and self-improvement, as these conversations are designed not just to inform but to challenge perspectives and inspire personal and civic growth. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with a community curious about how contemporary issues shape our world and our individual roles within it. The dialogues are unscripted and authentic, providing a deep dive into the ideas and experiences that define modern leadership. It’s an opportunity for lifelong learning, available wherever you listen, inviting you to reflect on how we understand and respond to a rapidly changing society.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 32

The Clarke Forum For Contemporary Issues
Podcast Episodes
Interview with Seyla Benhabib, the Eugene Meyer Professor of Political Science and Philosophy at Yale University Emerita and Senior Research Fellow at Columbia Law School and the Center for Contemporary Critical Thought [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Student Project Manager Isa Mester ’26 interviews Seyla Benhabib, renowned philosopher and legal scholar. In the conversation, Benhabib reflects on the current global state of refugee law and examines the challenges faci…