Mane Read: Community

Humans are social creatures. Most people have a deep desire to connect with others—not just as peers, co-workers, acquaintances, or Facebook “friends,” but deeply and intimately. We long to feel valued and supported. We long to share our thoughts, emotions, and life with others. And we long to feel needed by others. These desires reflect a fundamental human need to not only be in the physical or digital presence of others but also to belong with them.

Americans are less likely than people abroad to feel close to others in their country and community, according to a 2023 Pew Research Center survey of 24 nations. This is especially the case among certain groups of Americans, including younger adults, those with lower incomes and less education, those who identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, and those who are religiously unaffiliated.

Forcing yourself to go out and smile doesn’t actually help you feel more connected.

A good story can make or break a presentation, article, or conversation. But why is that? When Buffer co-founder Leo Widrich started to market his product through stories instead of benefits and bullet points, sign-ups went through the roof. Here he shares the science of why storytelling is so uniquely powerful.

Located alongside the Tennessee River, Muscle Shoals, Alabama has helped create some of the most important and resonant songs of all time. Overcoming crushing poverty and staggering tragedies, Rick Hall brought black and white together to create music for the generations. He is responsible for creating the 'Muscle Shoals sound' and the Swampers, the house band at FAME Studios that eventually left to start its own successful studio known as Muscle Shoals Sound.

Featuring interviews by Stephen Badger with Aretha Franklin, Bono, Alicia Keys, Steve Winwood, Gregg Allman, Clarence Carter, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Jimmy Cliff, Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Candi Station, John Paul White, Ed King, Donna Jean Godchaux, Jaimoe, Percy Sledge, Rick Hall, Jimmy Johnson, David Hood, Barry Beckett, Roger Hawkins, Dan Penn, Spooner Oldham.

Some of the biggest hits in music history came from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Terrell Benton brings you into the incredible history of the Muscle Shoals sound.

Join School of the Arts students Kiya and Grayson, as they take you behind the scenes and keep you in the know of all the events and exciting things happening at the UNA School of the Arts and in the Shoals!