Reframe from Miami University

Many of us feel a profound lack of freedom in our lives. This can be especially true for young people, who often feel forced to choose paths that are defined by outside forces and societal expectations. On this episode, Miami University associate professor of Kinesiology  Jay Kimiecik is back, along with college student and Miami senior Alexandra Leurck ‘23, to share some personal stories and experiences about how finding our “feel” can lead to more freedom and fulfillment. To hear more about finding your feel, listen to part one of this series. Or check out the new book, Exploring the Concept of Feel for Wellbeing and Performance.

What happens when we prioritize consumerism and conformity over freedom and exploration? Or when we exploit feelings and emotions to create artificial wants and desires? On this episode, Miami University Associate Professor Jay Kimiecik discusses how we lost the inner experience of being human and how it can be found again. To learn more, check out the new book, Exploring the Concept of Feel for Wellbeing and Performance.

To say the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is mired in controversy is an understatement of global proportions. On this episode, Adam Beissel, an assistant professor of Sport Leadership and Management, tells a story of corruption and bribery, power and propaganda, death and discrimination -- and about the geopolitical machinations of those who use global sport mega events like the World Cup for their own dubious gains.

The traditional college experience is less common than ever. Today, fewer and fewer students attend a single university right out of high school and graduate 4 years later. On this episode, Miami University Dean Jason Lane and Bethany Perkins, MU director of admission, explain how streamlining the college experience -- especially for transfer students -- can help solve one of the most critical issues now facing higher education.   For more info, Dean Lane and his coauthors also discuss this issue in greater detail in the recent report, The Emerging Role of Public Higher Education Systems in Advancing Transfer Student Success.

The teacher shortage has become a national crisis. COVID has exacerbated the issue, but other factors like burnout, a lack of adequate preparation and support, increased school violence, and political divides are also at play. We'll speak with Dean Jason Lane from Miami University, and with experts from Cincinnati Public Schools, about how to address the issue. And we'll hear about a new initiative called TEACh Cincinnati, which aims to address the teacher shortage, while increasing diversity among educators at the same time.

Burnout is becoming a serious problem that's rampaging through society like an invisible wildfire. It's often brought on by the kind of grind culture that can generate feelings of exhaustion, helplessness, cynicism, and disengagement with our lives and jobs. On this episode, certified family life educator and family resource management expert Megan Kuykendoll talks about the cultural values that perpetuate burnout, what happens when we compare our best days to our every days, and how to create better work-life habits by becoming more sustainably-minded. For additional information, visit the following resources: Burnout book (Nagoski & Nagoski) The Feminist Survival Project (Nagoski & Nagoski) The Nap Ministry (Tricia Hersey) Unlocking Us podcast episode on relationships (Brene Brown)

We often think of the Olympics as a way to cultivate global peace and understanding through athletic achievement. However, they are also often leveraged as a political and economic tool by nations and organizations seeking to advance their own agendas. On this episode, we discuss the issues and controversies surrounding the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, including the recent U.S. diplomatic boycott, COVID, and issues involving gender, equality, and access among athletes.

We can't stop aging. But we can start to slow and control it. Things like sudoku puzzles and gym workouts can increase longevity by exercising our brains and bodies. But what if we could simultaneously combine the benefits of both, and how powerful would the results be if we could? On this episode, Miami alumnus Adam Ortman '12 from Activate Brain & Body speaks with Amanda Valentine from the Pound This podcast about the new science behind the brain-centric physical workouts that can build new neuropathways and help prevent dementia, while also boosting our capacity to live longer, heathier lives.

We often think of education as something that happens in schools, and where a curriculum is nothing more than a structure for lessons and learning. But Thomas Poetter, a professor of education leadership at Miami University, would challenge this as an extremely limited view. Education is about much, much more than schooling, and he argues that having a deeper, richer understanding of curriculum is critical for a thriving democratic society.

On this special bonus episode, we continue the conversation with Adam Beissel, Miami University assistant professor sport leadership and management. This time we look ahead to the future of sport. We discuss how various technological, economic, and social factors will continue to shape the industry, as well as what new media and even global geopolitics will mean for the kinds sports that may dominate the U.S. in the years ahead.

Sport data and analytics are creating dramatic and fundamental changes across the entire industry. But that's not all. Sport data and analytics are also leading what some have called an analytics revolution that is setting the pace for transformations all across society. On this episode, Adam Beissel, a Miami University assistant professor sport leadership and management, talks about what we may be gaining and losing with such an emphasis on data today, and what it might mean for the rest of us. Additional music: Lee Rosevere, “Let That Sink In,” “Thinking It Over.” Broke For Free, “Only Instrumental.”

Change is sweeping across higher education. Many economic and technological factors are forcing universities to stay relevant in highly competitive 21st century job markets, and increasingly diverse student populations are driving many social and cultural changes as well. But finding new ways to thrive in this environment is a challenge that deeply interests Jason Lane. An internationally recognized scholar who focuses on the leadership and governance of higher education, Jason Lane is also the new Dean of Miami University's College of Education, Health and Society (EHS). On this episode, Dean Lane talks about the future of higher education, and about what he hopes to accomplish as Dean of a college dedicated to transforming society for the better.

When compared to their white counterparts, black male students have the lowest test scores, the highest dropout rates, and the highest suspension and expulsion rates. Nathaniel Bryan, a Miami University assistant professor of teacher education, says these are not the failures of most students, but rather due to a school system that fails to understand and meet their academic and social needs. On this episode, we discuss Nathaniel Bryan's upcoming book, Toward A Black Boy Crit Pedagogy - Black Boys, Male Teachers, and Early Childhood Classroom Practices, the dire need for more black male teachers, and the importance of culturally relevant teaching, as well as a new high school program designed encourage more students of color to become teachers.

College is not only a time of growth and change. It's also a time of newfound freedom. Many students will use this freedom to explore new relationships, but the world of young adult relationships today is far different than the one their parents may remember. On this episode, certified sexuality educator Richelle Frabotta talks about what new college students, and their parents, should know about establishing healthy relationships, issues around consent, the importance of open communication, and more. Additional music: Broke For Free, “Add And”

Every 75 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted. Most of these cases will go unreported, and this has led Dr. Veronica Barrios to ask: Why? Of all the crimes that occur, why is it that violence against ourselves and our bodies is the least reported of all crimes? As a Miami University assistant professor of family science and social work, Dr. Barrios explores the barriers that prevent many victims of intimate partner violence and sexual assault from reporting their experiences, as well as what can be done to change this culture of non-disclosure. Additional music: Broke For Free, “Black Lung.” Lee Rosevere, “Under Suspicion.” Little Glass Men, “Golden.”

There are about 500 million new tweets generated every day, and a surprising number -- about 10 million per day -- are about alcohol. This is generating a near endless well of data for public health researchers, who study how social media can influence our behavior and shape our reality in dangerous and unhealthy ways. On this episode, we explore what happens when social media makes it seem like “everyone's doing it,” and what you can do about it, especially if you have high school or college-age students who are active on social media. Additional music: Blue Dot Sessions, “Highride.” Lee Rosevere, “Let That Sink In.” Little Glass Men, “Golden.”

Across the nation, a shortage of school psychologists is becoming a critical problem for school districts everywhere, especially when suicides and other mental health and trauma-related issues among K-12 students are on the rise. On this episode, we talk about this understaffed area of education, as well as a plan that's addressing the ongoing shortage, while also providing the extra support that many schools need. Additional Resources: To get involved, visit Miami University's Department of Educational Psychology at miamioh.edu/edp. To learn more about the Hamilton County Educational Service Center, visit hcesc.org. Music: Ketsa, “Psychic” and “Better Days Ahead”

For decades, critics have called for education reform on several fronts. What hasn't received much attention is rethinking how new teachers are trained to become professional educators in the first place. But Dr. Leah Wasburn-Moses aims to change this by starting with one of the most powerful experiences aspiring teachers can have: Student Teaching. In this episode, we discuss her new book, Student Teaching: Past, Present, and Future, and the profound implications it has for education reform. Additional music: Ketsa, “Parallel Worlds.” Little Glass Men, “Golden”

Across his celebrated career as a teacher, scholar and theorist, civically-engaged leader, and university dean, Dr. Michael. E. Dantley has kept education at the heart of his mission to change lives for the better. On this episode, Dr. Dantley reflects on his mission to build an educational system that works for everybody, to ask tough questions around power and privilege, and to enact transformative social change by being an outspoke champion of social justice, racial equality, diversity and inclusion.

How our brains develop as children will profoundly impact our entire lives. Research is showing how critical our earliest years are for cognitive function, academic ability, social skills, and emotional wellness. So in this episode, we discuss the new book, Enhancing Brain Development in Infants and Young Children: Strategies for Caregivers and Educators. The book covers the different phases of healthy brain growth, as well as what parents and teachers can actually do with this information. Plus, tips on technology use, managing screen time, and more. Music: Lee Rosevere, “Curiosity.” Broke For Free, “Budding,” “Something Elated.”

When the coronavirus suddenly shutdown the entire sport industry, fans and athletes everywhere were forced to reckon with the magnitude of the pandemic. Since then, many teams and leagues have returned. But nothing is as it once was, and the future is still uncertain. To understand what happened, and how the industry can move forward, two Miami University researchers talk about the new book, Sport and the Pandemic: Perspectives on Covid-19's Impact on the Sport Industry, which explores all aspects of this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Applying to college can be thrilling. However, for many, the stress involved is also very real, especially amid a global pandemic that has upended nearly every aspect of life. On this episode, Bethany Perkins, Miami University Director of Admission, talks about what college admissions looks like during COVID, how things have changed, and what parents and students need to know to make the best choices possible. Jump to a Question: 01:18 How has admissions changed during COVID? What do parents need to know now? 03:56 How many schools should a student consider? 05:26 When should students start exploring their college options? 06:50 With all the factors involved in getting into a good school, what should be prioritized? 09:44 What does going test-optional change for schools and for students? 15:00 How important is the strength and quality of a student's high school? 16:39 Is it beneficial to transfer to a highly rated school district? 18:12 What are you really looking for in an admissions essay? 20:17 Should the essay be personalized for each college application? 22:00 Are there essay topics that should be avoided, or topics that you see too often? 24:20 How important is it to apply for early admission? 26:30 What should undecided students look for in their school of choice? 29:37 Do you have advice for first generation college students? 31:29 Do you have any tips on navigating the financial aid process? 33:50 During COVID, what does the campus visit look like? What can people expect? 36:29 For students who start thinking about college late, what can they do to catch up? 38:54 What do you know about admissions now that you wish you'd known as a student? 41:29 What is something that most people never consider, but absolutely should? 42:56 Are there any myths or misconceptions that you would like to clear up?

Online and virtual learning is becoming an important part of education, especially as more schools now strive to adapt and evolve in a post-pandemic world. In this episode, Dr. Jason Abbitt, a Miami University associate professor who specializes in educational technology, online learning, and distance education, talks about new research that has implications for designing educational experiences that can help students succeed in online and virtual learning environments.  Additional music: Lee Rosevere “As I was Saying,” “Thought Bubbles,” and “Curiosity.”

Athletics are a vibrant and vital part of most universities. However, the rights and wellbeing of many student athletes can erode if they become too isolated and disconnected from the rest of college life. On this episode, Dr. Brian Janssen, a student affairs educator who specializes in connecting athletics and academics, talks about helping student athletes thrive -- and not only on the field, or court, but inside the classroom, out in the community, and even after they graduate. Additional music: Broke For Free “Black Lung," Broke For Free “Luminous,” Blue Dot Sessions “High Ride”

The line between traditional sports and esports is blurring. As competitive video gaming becomes a lucrative global phenomena and a popular form of mainstream entrainment, the esports industry is beginning to mirror the ways in which traditional sports organizations operate. On this episode, we explore the emerging career paths now available in esports, and why video games are evolving far beyond what they were just a few years ago. Additional music: Little Glass Men “I Dare You” Lee Rosevere “Let That Sink In”

Many schools still rely on detentions, suspensions, and even expulsion to address student discipline. However, research shows that these traditional punishment-based approaches often create more problems than they solve. So what if there was a better way? On this episode, learn how mindfulness may offer a promising alternative to support positive student behavior, and how new technology is making mindfulness meditation easier than ever.

New studies are showing that getting the recommended amount of physical activity can be a lot easier than you may think. On this episode, guest host Amanda Valentine from the Pound This Podcast speaks with Miami University Associate Professor Dr. Kyle Timmerman about the surprising benefits even a little exercise can bring.  They also talk about all the buzz around inflammation, why it can be both good and bad, and about setting reasonable physical activity goals, adjusting our perceptions of what being healthy really means, and more.

Today we're revisiting one of our most popular episodes. It's a conversation about sporty psychology with Dr. Robin Vealey, a professor in Miami University's new department of sport leadership and management. As one of the leading researchers in this field, Dr. Vealey explains how sport psychology is used among athletes and coaches to improve performance and increase motivation. But it can also help all of us achieve more and perform better in all kinds of ways. It can help people deal with high stress jobs, overcome performance anxiety, build confidence, increase focus, and more.

Mentorship can mean a lot more than simply being a positive presence in the lives of youth. Today, it's also about addressing a variety of social issues by building the kinds of relationships that engage youth in relevant new ways. On this episode, we speak with Tim Pehlke, a program design manager with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, who's work on innovative programs such as Bigs in Blue shows how youth mentorship can be a win-win for entire communities.

Great scientific discoveries don't always happen at places like NASA or CERN. Important breakthroughs are actually happening all around us. This is a message that Chris Anderson wants to share with more people, especially children, through a video series called Science Around Cincy. Science Around Cincy features the stories of real scientists at places like the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati Nature Center, local neuroscience labs, and more. In this episode, Chris talks about inspiring new scientists, and why you don't have to be a super genius to become one.

For many of us, drinking sugar-sweetened beverages is a daily ritual. But many public health professionals are now showing a growing concern over the consumption of these drinks, especially when it comes to children. On this episode, two public health researchers discuss the changing cultural trends around how we consume and view sugar-sweetened beverages, as well as how parents can help their children make more healthier choices.

We visit special space where all children seem to find their place. The Wonder Lab at Lakota Local Schools is a STEAM-based classroom that sparks curiosity and critical thinking among our youngest learners by using the environment itself to nurture creative exploration. Created in part with the Cincinnati Museum Center, The Wonder Lab also helps children build important soft skills like communication, collaboration, and a capacity for empathy.

Power and dominance are not always about physical force or political authority. On this episode, Dr. Lisa Weems, a Miami University scholar-activist-educator, explains how power dynamics can take on far more subtle forms. In schools, across society, and in our daily lives, these power struggles often happen when certain dominant cultural values are privileged and reinforced, while others are marginalized or silenced -- especially around issues of race, class, gender, and sexuality. These ideas are also expressed in her recent book, Staging Dissent: Young women of color and transnational activism. Additional music: Lee Rosevere “Thought Bubbles” and Broke For Free “The Gold Lining.”

Middle school can be an intense and challenging time. All the drama around social media. The pressure of getting good grades. Bouncing back from disappointments. These are just a few of the things that students face. But helping them transition through this awkward and confusing phase is what makes the work of Robin Beavers so meaningful. As a middle school principal, an Ohio 2019 Educator of the Year, and the founder of a youth mentorship program, Robin talks about how to help impressionable students figure out who they are, and who they hope to become.

School mascots can create a shared identity and foster a sense of loyalty among fans and communities. But some mascots, especially those that may be viewed as stereotypical or insensitive to cultural subgroups, can also cause controversy. This issue recently caused a deep rift throughout a local school district in Ohio, where a debate around a Native American mascot became a fascinating story that touched upon moral psychology, the importance of local politics, and the ways in which other schools can navigate similar challenges.

When we talk about health and wellness, we often talk about what we eat, how we move, and the personal choices we make. But our health and wellbeing, and even the health of entire communities, depends on more than just diet and exercise. It also has a lot to do with where we live and the spaces we occupy. Music: Tech Toys by Lee Rosevere. Black Lung and Our Ego by Broke For Free.

Children who fail to read well by 3rd grade risk facing many long-term consequences. Low reading scores in elementary school have been linked to lower high school graduation rates, a higher risk of poverty, a lack of global competitiveness, and even less overall productivity as adults. So Ohio has implemented the 3rd Grade Reading Guarantee to help all elementary-aged students get the support they need to read at grade level. On this episode, a school psychologist explains how this policy works, as well as how parents can help their children become better readers. Music: Tech Toys by Lee Rosevere

When we talk about inequality and poverty, one issue is rarely addressed. Even though it is a natural part of life that affects more than 800 million people every day, the menstrual period can still be a source of financial hardship, shame, embarrassment, and even inequity. So at Miami, there is a new outreach project called Periods Rock! Which addresses issues such as period poverty, the pink tax, and the ongoing social stigma that still persists in many ways. Music: “Tech Toys” by Lee Rosevere.

What if we could recreate school all over again? What if there were no more lectures, or worksheets? What if school became a place where students could create their day as they saw fit? These were the kinds of questions asked by Sycamore High School, which set out to create the Synnovation Lab – a modern, self-paced learning environment that encourages students to take full ownership of their education. Music: Tech Toys and Let that Sink In by Lee Rosevere. Our Ego featuring Different Visitor by Broke For Free.

On this episode, we continue the conversation around youth sport. This time, by looking at the role that coaches play. And how their feedback and bias and expectations, can have an overwhelming impact on the performance and development of so many young athletes. Music: Tech Toys, Under Suspicion, and Swift Wind by Lee Rosevere.

There was a common saying that once went along with youth sport. “It's all about the kids.” Today, critics say youth sports has become much more about the adults. Which has led to a hyper-competitive culture that's pushing kids to become elite athletes at younger and younger ages. In their recent book, Best Practice for Youth Sport, Miami University professors Melissa Chase and Robin Vealey, explore just how much youth sport has changed. On this episode, we talk to Melissa Chase about some of these trends, and about what parents and coaches can do about it. Music: Tech Toys by Lee Rosevere.

Kristyn Klei Borrero is the CEO and co-founder of CT3, which is now used by K-12 schools across the country to help teachers quickly connect with young learners. She is also the author of the new book, Every Student, Every Day: A No-Nonsense Nurturer Approach to Reaching All Learners. Noah Borrero is a full professor of teacher education at the University of San Francisco and an associate with CT3. Both Kristyn and Noah are also graduates of Miami University, and they joined us here to talk about the work and mission of CT3, how it's challenging several long-standing educational paradigms, and more. Music: Tech Toys by Lee Rosevere.

On this episode, we talk about the challenges, social expectations, and the cultural biases that many women still experience when trying to balance work and family life. Dr. Hassan Raza also discusses his research in this area, as well as how both women and employers can help reduce the conflicts that can arise when work and family collide. Music: Tech Toys by Lee Rosevere. Transitioning by Lee Rosevere.

Frederick Douglass Elementary serves grades K-6 in the Cincinnati Public School District. The school Principal and Miami University graduate, Jeffery Hall has set higher expectations and is offering more opportunities, through several key programs, partnerships, and approaches.

Bob De Schutter is the lead designer on a new game called Brukel, which is designed around the recollections of his grandmother, who, as a teenager, found herself on the front lines at her family's farmhouse in Belgium.  In Brukel, the setting is not only accurate. But every piece of historical audio is also authentic. Which leads to an artfully crafted interactive experience that shows how gaming technology can be used to archive meaningful stories, as well as to provide a captivating counter narrative to the way war is so often portrayed.

A disability can affect entire families in ways that are not yet well understood. While much has been done to understand how people as individuals are impacted, some researchers are now starting to look at how a single diagnosis or a disability can spread outward, to impact the lives of everyone in a family.

As an award-wining teacher, Benjamin Walker is interested putting what he calls the “human side of the child first,” which means caring about their social and emotional well-being, as well as their academic performance.

Planning for the future can be fun and exciting, but it can also be intimidating and overwhelming. Sometimes it's all of these things at once, especially for college students, who are continually plotting a course into the unknown. But that is where Ashleigh Dubois comes in. As a Miami graduate with a degree in family studies, Ashleigh is now an academic advisor at Northeast Lakeview College. She is also a recent recipient of the prestigious 18 of the Last 9 Award, which honors Miami alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their field.

When we talk about struggling schools, or schools in decline, we often talk only about the challenges of certain schools in certain neighborhoods. But Meredith Wronowski, Miami University visiting assistant professor of educational leadership, is exploring this idea of school decline in a much broader way.

Hear from Katherine Batchelor about how critical literacy can help future teachers take a step back, and get a clearer look at a bigger cultural picture. And she'll also talk about some new research that helping students see the world in new and sometimes eye-opening ways.

Empowerment is for everyone. This idea is championed by those who take action, get involved, and try to make a difference. And at Miami, these ideals are embodied by a program called the Urban Cohort. And what makes this program so unique is how it's grounded in community life in very, very real ways.