At Columbia University, Amanda earned her MA in Global Affairs with the Committee on Global Thought, where she explored cross-disciplinary and transnational approaches to global challenges. Through critical examination and nuanced dialogue, Amanda dissects complex global issues, challenging dominant narratives and uncovering hidden power structures in media, economics, and climate policy.

Hollywood, Cultural Ambassadors & Post-Colonial Latin America

One episode, produced for the course Global Latin America (taught by Professor Kevin Funk), critiques Hollywood’s role in reinforcing colonial stereotypes. The course explores Latin America’s relationship with global power structures, examining its historical and contemporary place within imperial, political, and economic systems. Amanda and co-host Zoë Lo analyze how figures like Sofía Vergara and Jennifer Lopez serve as cultural ambassadors, shaping Western perceptions of Latin America while reinforcing racial hierarchies and U.S.-driven narratives. The conversation dissects post-colonial identity, colorism, and media representation, questioning how Hollywood constructs and commodifies Latin American identity in ways that both empower and marginalize the region.

Climate Change & The Neoliberal Economic Order

Another episode, developed for the course Global Political Economy (also taught by Professor Kevin Funk), delves into the neoliberal framework’s impact on climate change. This course examines the global economy through critical political and economic theories, analyzing how institutions, multinational corporations, and economic ideologies shape wealth distribution, trade policies, and environmental outcomes. Drawing from her thesis, Amanda critiques how the pursuit of economic growth fuels environmental exploitation, normalizing extractive industries and human-nature disconnection. The discussion explores green capitalism, global economic disparities, and economic dependency, using Dependency Theory and degrowth models to propose sustainable alternatives. Ultimately, this episode calls for a radical reimagining of economic paradigms to prioritize climate resilience, justice, and ecological well-being.

Through research and storytelling, Amanda dissects extractive systems and champions structural change, using her podcast as a platform to spark dialogue and inspire action.