Welcome to Saint Mary's Currents where we address issues that are trending, relevant, and yes, sometimes divisive or controversial. Just as current is a flow of positive electric charge, the goal of Saint Mary's Currents is to find a positive path forward.
Produced by: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Office of Marketing and Communication
For more information, visit www.smumn.edu/currents
AI and Mental Health with Tim White, Psy.D. and Anthony Isacco, Ph.D.
Since OpenAI’s debut of ChatGPT in 2022, the use of generative AI platforms has skyrocketed. It’s being used to enhance productivity and streamline processes, for research and writing, or even to create funny images or videos. From the average user to Fortune 500 companies, the possibilities — and applications — seem endless. And in the mental health industry, the possibility of AI’s ability to move the needle in addressing accessibility gaps to therapy, provider shortages, or even reducing documentation time are notable.
But these systems aren’t perfect. This past September, CBS and NPR News reported on testimony to Congress from parents who expressed concern about the dangers of AI technology after their teenagers took their own lives following interactions with artificial intelligence chatbots.
So what are the risks for the average person using AI for mental-health advice or support? Should there be rules to safeguard how these models function within the mental health landscape, or when being utilized by someone showing signs of mental health crises? And what role can clinicians, educators, and professional organizations play in guiding safe use of AI for mental health?
29 Sept 2025
Micro and Nanoplastics with Peter Pfaff, Ph.D.
From the cars we drive to the pre-packaged food we eat, the use of plastics in consumer's lives only continues to grow. It's showing up on our beaches and in our parks, but what about the plastics we can't see or can barely touch? According to a recent article from the New York Times, scientists say it could be years before we have a full understanding of how microplastics and nanoplastics are affecting human health. These tiny particles are turning up everywhere — from the deepest parts of the ocean to the food on our plates, and even inside our bodies.
The scale of micro and nanoplastic pollution has sparked serious questions about our health, our environment, and our future. So, what are these particles and where are they coming from? And what are the real-world consequences of their widespread presence on the environment and our health?
24 Jul 2025
Wildfires with Andy Robertson
Wildfires seem to be everywhere. Earlier this year, the fires in Los Angeles caused billions of dollars in property damage and displaced over 100,000 people. In June, according to the National Interagency Fire Center, there were active fires in 11 U.S. states and in virtually every province in Canada. Minnesota had three wildfires which burned nearly 20,000 acres of northeastern Minnesota in May, according to MPR. So, what factors are contributing to the frequency and intensity of wildfires that we are seeing? How can wildfires be better prevented or controlled, and what are the long term impacts on communities and ecosystems?
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
28
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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