In this episode of The Modern Tapes, students explore the life and legacy of Kurt Cobain — the reluctant voice of a generation. Through his lyrics, interviews, and the echoes of grunge, they trace his rise from a small-town musician to a cultural icon who changed the face of music. This episode examines Cobain’s creative genius, his struggles with fame and pain, and the enduring power of his words and music to speak to those who feel unseen.

This week on The Modern Tapes, Jude Norton takes us back to one of the most shocking moments of the late Cold War — the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II. From the gunshots in St. Peter’s Square in 1981 to the intricate web of political intrigue that followed, Jude unpacks the event’s historical context, the international investigations, and the spiritual and geopolitical ripple effects that shaped the Church and the world.

Was it the act of a lone extremist, or part of a deeper conspiracy tied to the tensions of the Cold War? Join us as The Modern Tapes explores faith, politics, and forgiveness in the shadow of an assassin’s bullet.

In this episode of The Modern Tapes, students dive into the origins, beliefs, and controversies surrounding the Church of Scientology. From L. Ron Hubbard’s science fiction roots to the church’s transformation into a powerful global institution, the episode explores how faith, law, and celebrity shaped one of the most polarizing movements of the modern era. With a mix of documentary storytelling and historical research, the students uncover the blurred lines between religion, control, and identity in contemporary America.