Conversations

In 1976, prospects for the El Segundo blue butterfly were so dire that the insect was placed on the endangered species list. Since then, community organizations and individuals have worked on restoring the butterfly’s habitat in coastal dunes. But although preservation efforts have produced results, the blue butterfly’s survival remains a concern.

Tom Chabolla’s roots in Catholic social justice and Ignatian spirituality go back to his days on the LMU campus and his exploration of life in the Society of Jesus.

Professional athletes are beginning to openly discuss a long-hidden secret: their mental health struggles and the stigma that comes with them. William D. Parham, SOE professor and director of the National Basketball Players Association Mental Health and Wellness Program, describes the pressures that accompany the glory of life as an elite professional athlete.

Eric Erlandson ’86 discusses “Letters to Kurt,” his book of letters to his friend Kurt Cobain written 20 years after Cobain’s suicide, and the influence of music on his own life.

The modern mythology of Los Angeles is a story of both selling imagination and rewarding creativity. Lynell George ’84 talks with writer Gary Krist about the city he calls the “mirage factory.”

When LMU entered a new era of athletics earlier this summer, the university turned toward a national college athletics powerhouse, the University of Oregon, for its next AD, Craig Pintens.

Lecturer Josh Morgan discusses the creative vision of Hayao Miyazaki, one of Japan’s pre-eminent animation filmmakers.

Carlos Soto ’16, who launched a tequila business as a senior, discusses the challenges facing a start-up and the impact of tariffs and U.S.-Mexico tensions on his business.

Chris Sullivan ’02 talks about his role in NBC’s “This Is Us,” a show that strikes tones of honesty, vulnerability and human connection.

Brian Quinn, who has spent decades in college athletics, describes some life-long lessons all student athletes should learn.