Podcasts about James Madison University

Jason Miyares, former attorney general for the state of Virginia, joins us to discuss Virginia's hard political shift leftward — skyrocketing taxes, sanctuary cities — and the impact of these policies on its eight million citizens. We weigh rising crime rates, extreme constitutional amendments, and the end of purple Virginia. What the hell are the consequences of this governance? How the hell is this going to impact American citizens?Jason S. Miyares served as the 48th Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Virginia from 2022 to 2026, becoming the first Latino-American — and specifically the first Cuban-American— elected to statewide office in Virginia. As the Commonwealth's chief legal officer, he led the Office of the Attorney General and represented the interests of more than eight million Virginians. He received a Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University and his J.D. from the College of William & Mary School of Law. Read the transcript here.Subscribe to our Substack here.

About the Speaker:Olivia Payton, BSN, RN, CWOCN, has a nursing career driven by a passion for wound, ostomy, and continence care and a commitment to improving patient outcomes through compassionate, evidence-based practice. Payton graduated from Piedmont Virginia Community College in 2014 and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from James Madison University in 2018.Payton's interest in wound care began during her nursing school clinical rotations, where she was inspired by the Wound Care Team at the University of Virginia Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH). After graduation, she joined the LTACH team, gaining valuable experience caring for patients with complex wounds and medical needs. She then transitioned to an Internal Medicine practice, where she worked alongside a geriatrician for two and a half years. During this time, Payton completed her BSN while continuing to develop her passion for wound care and the unique challenges faced by aging populations.Payton later worked in a Vascular Surgery clinic for two years, performing wound care and assisting with in-office surgical procedures. This experience further strengthened her clinical skills and reinforced her desire to specialize in wound management. When an opportunity became available to join the hospital's Wound, Ostomy, and Continence program, Payton embraced it despite being six and a half months pregnant at the time. It was a pivotal career decision that reflected my dedication to the specialty she loves.Since then, Payton has earned her Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse (CWOCN) certification and has been providing specialized care in the acute care setting. At time of this recording, Payton serves as the Supervisor of the Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Department, where she has the privilege of leading a talented team while advancing quality patient care, staff education, and evidence-based practice initiatives.WOC nursing is more than a profession for Payton; it is a lifelong passion. She is deeply committed to improving the lives of patients through prevention, treatment, education, and advocacy. Payton finds great fulfillment in supporting patients and caregivers through some of their most challenging healthcare experiences and in empowering nursing teams to deliver the highest standard of specialized care.Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

In this episode, we have a conversation with two colleagues of a forthcoming Routledge book entitled Relationship-Centered Assessment in Higher Education: A Model for Leadership and Practice. Our guests are Emilie Clucas Leaderman and Gina Polychronopoulos.  In addition to being assessment professionals in their own respective contexts, Emilie and Gina are national thought leaders when it comes to enhancing our understanding of collaborative assessment.  Link to the publisher's website for Relationship-Centered Assessment in Higher Education: A Model for Leadership and Practice: https://www.routledge.com/Relationship-Centered-Assessment-in-Higher-Education-A-Model-for-Leadership-and-Practice/ClucasLeaderman-Polychronopoulos/p/book/9781032776477 This season of Leading Improvements in Higher Education is sponsored by the Center for Assessment and Research Studies at James Madison University; learn more at jmu.edu/assessment. Episode recorded: July 2026.  Host:  Stephen Hundley.  Producers:  Chad Beckner and Angela Bergman.  Original music:  Caleb Keith.  This award-winning podcast is a service of the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis; learn more go.iu.edu/assessmentinstitute. 

Many business owners focus on benefits of financial decisions for their business. What often gets overlooked is how that decision can affect future business opportunities and impacts on personal finances. A tax strategy can affect financing opportunities, and reported income can influence retirement benefits. Preparation today can determine whether you're ready when growth opportunities appear tomorrow. In this episode, Denise shares personal experiences and lessons learned about looking beyond the short-term benefit and considering the bigger picture.   Lower taxes can hurt your ability to qualify for personal financing. Business owners often reduce taxable income through deductions, only to discover later that lenders view them as having less income when applying for a mortgage or business financing. Tax-saving strategies may impact future Social Security benefits. Consistently reporting lower income can reduce the earnings used to calculate Social Security benefits, creating a tradeoff between saving on taxes today and retirement income later.  Many businesses aren't funding ready when they need capital. Missing fundamentals such as a professional web presence, consistent business records, business income history, and cash reserves can make it harder to secure financing when growth opportunities arise. The conversation isn't really about taxes or loans. It's about understanding the bigger picture, evaluating tradeoffs thoughtfully, and making decisions that support both where your business is today and where you want it to be in the future.  Are your current systems costing you time and money? Plug-and-play solutions are great when you're just starting out, but as you grow, it's time to stop settling. References: https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/900445/episodes/8887818-business-credit-that-is-not-tied-to-your-personal-credit #BusinessOwnerCredit #BusinessGrowth #BusinessFunding  About Your HostDenise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who's Who.   Denise is the CEO of  3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.   Connect on LinkedIn 

From 08/26 Hour 2: James Madison University is confident that they have the best football program in Virginia. Anything is possible with their new Head Coach, Billy Napier. What are your expectations for JMU this season?

This episode features three colleagues discussing results of the GenAI Survey for Higher Education Assessment Professionals, a multi-year effort to chronicle how Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is influencing our work.  Our guests are Joanna Boeing, Bobbijo Grillo Pinnelli, and Ruth Slotnick.  In addition to being assessment professionals in their own respective contexts, Joanna, Bobbijo, and Ruth are truly national thought leaders when it comes to championing GenAI and documenting its implications for higher education assessment and improvement.Links to information about the GenAI Survey for Higher Education Assessment Professionals:https://genaiassessment.com/ https://assessmentinstitute.indianapolis.iu.edu/program/genai-survey.html This season of Leading Improvements in Higher Education is sponsored by the Center for Assessment and Research Studies at James Madison University; learn more at jmu.edu/assessment. Episode recorded: June 2026.  Host:  Stephen Hundley.  Producers:  Chad Beckner and Angela Bergman.  Original music:  Caleb Keith.  This award-winning podcast is a service of the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis; learn more go.iu.edu/assessmentinstitute. 

Your All-Access Pass to the Marching Arts.On this episode of On A Water Break, Jeremy Denzer welcomes Courtney Coffey to the team! Courtney shares her 32 Count Life Story before joining Jeremy and Bill “Woody” Woodward for conversations about the biggest topics happening throughout the marching arts.Courtney shares her journey from Honolulu, Hawaii, to James Madison University, teaching, choreography, and creating Simply Color Guard.In this episode: Is marching band a sport? Why technique and physical preparation matter. Building stronger rehearsal environments. Professionalism and expectations in the marching arts. How marching arts communities support students.Marching Arts News: Trump Administration Declares Brass Instruments a National Security Threat: Classic FM | Why Marching Band Isn't Exactly a Sport: USA Today | McKinney High School Band Dress Code Discussion: WFAA | Menasha Marching Band Finds Comfort and Connection After Tornado: We Are Green Bay60 Second Tech Block: Courtney Coffey discusses why dance technique, movement fundamentals, and performer preparation create stronger performers.Water We Doing?!: The team discusses skill development, rehearsal expectations, communication, professionalism, and whether physical activity should ever be used as punishment.Gush & Go: Celebrating positive moments, new opportunities, and growth throughout the marching arts community.Referenced Episodes: DCI Finances: Jeff Gill on Drum Corps Costs, Dues & Sustainability | On A Water Break Rehearsal Block featuring Dalton Stout | DCI 2026 Finals: Bluecoats Win, Spirit Returns & Rita MorenoA Podcast for Marching Arts Enthusiasts — On the Field, In the Stands & Behind the Scenes.Find On A Water Break: Website | OAWB Links | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Be A GuestPresented by Guard Closet.

What do squash bugs, a six-year-old, and business leadership have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Nurture Small Business, our host Denise Cagan explores one of the most underrated yet critical business skills: curiosity. When a struggling home garden led to a series of incorrect diagnoses, it revealed a powerful lesson about modern leadership and problem-solving. Too often, business owners identify the first visible symptom, apply a quick fix, and wonder why the issue persists. The reality? What we see on the surface is rarely the root cause. Through stories from the garden, a candid moment with her granddaughter, and a classic psychology exercise on human perception, Denise illustrates how curiosity helps leaders step past snap judgments, and create workplaces where teams feel safe bringing their best ideas forward. Whether you're troubleshooting a business challenge, navigating a difficult conversation, or leading a growing team, this episode will remind you to pause, dig deeper, and look beyond the obvious. Don't forget to subscribe to Nurture Small Business on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Leave us a 5-star review and share this episode with a fellow business owner. About Your HostDenise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who's Who.   Denise is the CEO of  3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.   Connect on LinkedIn 

Several years ago, Dr. Mark Liederbach, senior professor of ethics, theology, and culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Dr. Evan Lenow, president of the ERLC, collaborated on a book titled “Ethics as Worship: The Pursuit of Moral Discipleship,” which released in 2021. On today's episode, ERLC Director of Research, Dr. RaShan Frost, speaks with Dr. Lenow and Dr. Liederbach about the process of writing this book together and their approach to teaching about a biblical view of ethics that places worship of God as the primary motivation and goal, and how that shapes the way we live. In addition to his role as senior professor at Southeastern, Dr. Liederbach also serves as dean of students and vice president for student services. He received his bachelor's degree from James Madison University, his M.Div. from Denver Seminary, and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Now, let's turn to our conversation with Drs. Evan Lenow and Mark Liederbach. Listen to more episodes of The ERLC Podcast at erlc.com/podcast.

A study shows that AI chatbots often engage in sycophantic behavior. Just like some humans. This hour, we take a look at sycophants in literature and in politics. And we talk about sycophancy and artificial intelligence. GUESTS: Mark Parker: Professor Emeritus of English at James Madison University and co-author of Sucking Up: A Brief Consideration of Sycophancy Virginia Heffernan: Writes a regular column for The New Republic and the Substack “Magic + Loss.” She is co-host of the podcast “Omnishambles” Malihe Alikhani: Assistant Professor at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, and a resident Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution with a focus on AI policy Music featured (in order): Overture to Rigoletto – Giuseppi Verdi, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmoniker I Believe in You – Peggy Lee Don’t Cry – Seal You Fascinate Me So – Mabel Mercer What You Want To Hear – Sub-Radio Flattery – Rosemary Clooney, Jose Ferrer The Colin McEnroe Show is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Listen Notes, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode! Subscribe to The Noseletter, an email compendium of merriment, secrets, and ancient wisdom brought to you by The Colin McEnroe Show. Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. Colin McEnroe and Dylan Reyes contributed to this show, which originally aired on April 8, 2026.Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's 1798 campaign in Egypt, new possibilities of travel and improvements in printing technology saw an emergence of publishing ventures in France and Britain dedicated to the production of albums and travel accounts featuring images of Muslim Egypt and Islamic architecture and catering to a growing European fascination with the East. In her debut book, Visualizing Egypt: European Travel, Book Publishing, and the Commercialization of the Middle East in the Nineteenth Century (American University in Cairo Press, 2025) Paulina Banas analyzes the context and process of production of these highly illustrated publications, from their conceptualization to the finished product and its afterlife, from marketing to the sales of these books, and from circulation to their reception by nineteenth-century audiences. By tracing the long, arduous, and often risky publishing journeys of the makers of these books, including publishers, writers, and artists, such as the Frenchman Émile Prisse d'Avennes, Banas reveals a complex terrain of changing market demands, collaborations, and conflicting views, and the unsettled authorship of these works, prompting us to think more profoundly about artistic and intellectual exchange in the world of nineteenth-century Orientalist book production. Visualizing Egypt considers nineteenth-century book illustrations on Egypt and the “Orient” not merely as expressions of enduring ideology and colonial propaganda, but as representations shaped by the often-overlooked commercial exigencies of the growing publishing industry and the reckless competition within it. Paulina Banas is an Assistant Professor of Art History at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she teaches course on Islamic world arts, 19th century European visual culture, and cross-cultural encounters between Europe and the Middle East. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in history from James Madison University, where he currently works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's 1798 campaign in Egypt, new possibilities of travel and improvements in printing technology saw an emergence of publishing ventures in France and Britain dedicated to the production of albums and travel accounts featuring images of Muslim Egypt and Islamic architecture and catering to a growing European fascination with the East. In her debut book, Visualizing Egypt: European Travel, Book Publishing, and the Commercialization of the Middle East in the Nineteenth Century (American University in Cairo Press, 2025) Paulina Banas analyzes the context and process of production of these highly illustrated publications, from their conceptualization to the finished product and its afterlife, from marketing to the sales of these books, and from circulation to their reception by nineteenth-century audiences. By tracing the long, arduous, and often risky publishing journeys of the makers of these books, including publishers, writers, and artists, such as the Frenchman Émile Prisse d'Avennes, Banas reveals a complex terrain of changing market demands, collaborations, and conflicting views, and the unsettled authorship of these works, prompting us to think more profoundly about artistic and intellectual exchange in the world of nineteenth-century Orientalist book production. Visualizing Egypt considers nineteenth-century book illustrations on Egypt and the “Orient” not merely as expressions of enduring ideology and colonial propaganda, but as representations shaped by the often-overlooked commercial exigencies of the growing publishing industry and the reckless competition within it. Paulina Banas is an Assistant Professor of Art History at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she teaches course on Islamic world arts, 19th century European visual culture, and cross-cultural encounters between Europe and the Middle East. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in history from James Madison University, where he currently works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/islamic-studies

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's 1798 campaign in Egypt, new possibilities of travel and improvements in printing technology saw an emergence of publishing ventures in France and Britain dedicated to the production of albums and travel accounts featuring images of Muslim Egypt and Islamic architecture and catering to a growing European fascination with the East. In her debut book, Visualizing Egypt: European Travel, Book Publishing, and the Commercialization of the Middle East in the Nineteenth Century (American University in Cairo Press, 2025) Paulina Banas analyzes the context and process of production of these highly illustrated publications, from their conceptualization to the finished product and its afterlife, from marketing to the sales of these books, and from circulation to their reception by nineteenth-century audiences. By tracing the long, arduous, and often risky publishing journeys of the makers of these books, including publishers, writers, and artists, such as the Frenchman Émile Prisse d'Avennes, Banas reveals a complex terrain of changing market demands, collaborations, and conflicting views, and the unsettled authorship of these works, prompting us to think more profoundly about artistic and intellectual exchange in the world of nineteenth-century Orientalist book production. Visualizing Egypt considers nineteenth-century book illustrations on Egypt and the “Orient” not merely as expressions of enduring ideology and colonial propaganda, but as representations shaped by the often-overlooked commercial exigencies of the growing publishing industry and the reckless competition within it. Paulina Banas is an Assistant Professor of Art History at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she teaches course on Islamic world arts, 19th century European visual culture, and cross-cultural encounters between Europe and the Middle East. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in history from James Madison University, where he currently works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's 1798 campaign in Egypt, new possibilities of travel and improvements in printing technology saw an emergence of publishing ventures in France and Britain dedicated to the production of albums and travel accounts featuring images of Muslim Egypt and Islamic architecture and catering to a growing European fascination with the East. In her debut book, Visualizing Egypt: European Travel, Book Publishing, and the Commercialization of the Middle East in the Nineteenth Century (American University in Cairo Press, 2025) Paulina Banas analyzes the context and process of production of these highly illustrated publications, from their conceptualization to the finished product and its afterlife, from marketing to the sales of these books, and from circulation to their reception by nineteenth-century audiences. By tracing the long, arduous, and often risky publishing journeys of the makers of these books, including publishers, writers, and artists, such as the Frenchman Émile Prisse d'Avennes, Banas reveals a complex terrain of changing market demands, collaborations, and conflicting views, and the unsettled authorship of these works, prompting us to think more profoundly about artistic and intellectual exchange in the world of nineteenth-century Orientalist book production. Visualizing Egypt considers nineteenth-century book illustrations on Egypt and the “Orient” not merely as expressions of enduring ideology and colonial propaganda, but as representations shaped by the often-overlooked commercial exigencies of the growing publishing industry and the reckless competition within it. Paulina Banas is an Assistant Professor of Art History at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she teaches course on Islamic world arts, 19th century European visual culture, and cross-cultural encounters between Europe and the Middle East. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in history from James Madison University, where he currently works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/middle-eastern-studies

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's 1798 campaign in Egypt, new possibilities of travel and improvements in printing technology saw an emergence of publishing ventures in France and Britain dedicated to the production of albums and travel accounts featuring images of Muslim Egypt and Islamic architecture and catering to a growing European fascination with the East. In her debut book, Visualizing Egypt: European Travel, Book Publishing, and the Commercialization of the Middle East in the Nineteenth Century (American University in Cairo Press, 2025) Paulina Banas analyzes the context and process of production of these highly illustrated publications, from their conceptualization to the finished product and its afterlife, from marketing to the sales of these books, and from circulation to their reception by nineteenth-century audiences. By tracing the long, arduous, and often risky publishing journeys of the makers of these books, including publishers, writers, and artists, such as the Frenchman Émile Prisse d'Avennes, Banas reveals a complex terrain of changing market demands, collaborations, and conflicting views, and the unsettled authorship of these works, prompting us to think more profoundly about artistic and intellectual exchange in the world of nineteenth-century Orientalist book production. Visualizing Egypt considers nineteenth-century book illustrations on Egypt and the “Orient” not merely as expressions of enduring ideology and colonial propaganda, but as representations shaped by the often-overlooked commercial exigencies of the growing publishing industry and the reckless competition within it. Paulina Banas is an Assistant Professor of Art History at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she teaches course on Islamic world arts, 19th century European visual culture, and cross-cultural encounters between Europe and the Middle East. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in history from James Madison University, where he currently works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's 1798 campaign in Egypt, new possibilities of travel and improvements in printing technology saw an emergence of publishing ventures in France and Britain dedicated to the production of albums and travel accounts featuring images of Muslim Egypt and Islamic architecture and catering to a growing European fascination with the East. In her debut book, Visualizing Egypt: European Travel, Book Publishing, and the Commercialization of the Middle East in the Nineteenth Century (American University in Cairo Press, 2025) Paulina Banas analyzes the context and process of production of these highly illustrated publications, from their conceptualization to the finished product and its afterlife, from marketing to the sales of these books, and from circulation to their reception by nineteenth-century audiences. By tracing the long, arduous, and often risky publishing journeys of the makers of these books, including publishers, writers, and artists, such as the Frenchman Émile Prisse d'Avennes, Banas reveals a complex terrain of changing market demands, collaborations, and conflicting views, and the unsettled authorship of these works, prompting us to think more profoundly about artistic and intellectual exchange in the world of nineteenth-century Orientalist book production. Visualizing Egypt considers nineteenth-century book illustrations on Egypt and the “Orient” not merely as expressions of enduring ideology and colonial propaganda, but as representations shaped by the often-overlooked commercial exigencies of the growing publishing industry and the reckless competition within it. Paulina Banas is an Assistant Professor of Art History at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she teaches course on Islamic world arts, 19th century European visual culture, and cross-cultural encounters between Europe and the Middle East. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in history from James Madison University, where he currently works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/art

Following Napoleon Bonaparte's 1798 campaign in Egypt, new possibilities of travel and improvements in printing technology saw an emergence of publishing ventures in France and Britain dedicated to the production of albums and travel accounts featuring images of Muslim Egypt and Islamic architecture and catering to a growing European fascination with the East. In her debut book, Visualizing Egypt: European Travel, Book Publishing, and the Commercialization of the Middle East in the Nineteenth Century (American University in Cairo Press, 2025) Paulina Banas analyzes the context and process of production of these highly illustrated publications, from their conceptualization to the finished product and its afterlife, from marketing to the sales of these books, and from circulation to their reception by nineteenth-century audiences. By tracing the long, arduous, and often risky publishing journeys of the makers of these books, including publishers, writers, and artists, such as the Frenchman Émile Prisse d'Avennes, Banas reveals a complex terrain of changing market demands, collaborations, and conflicting views, and the unsettled authorship of these works, prompting us to think more profoundly about artistic and intellectual exchange in the world of nineteenth-century Orientalist book production. Visualizing Egypt considers nineteenth-century book illustrations on Egypt and the “Orient” not merely as expressions of enduring ideology and colonial propaganda, but as representations shaped by the often-overlooked commercial exigencies of the growing publishing industry and the reckless competition within it. Paulina Banas is an Assistant Professor of Art History at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she teaches course on Islamic world arts, 19th century European visual culture, and cross-cultural encounters between Europe and the Middle East. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in history from James Madison University, where he currently works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications

In this episode, we have a conversation with three colleagues from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in which they describe an innovative program entitled the Assessment Leadership Institute.  Our guests are Yao Hill, Alohilani Okamura, and Jamie Simpson Steele, each of whom provides leadership, mentorship, and support for the Assessment Leadership Institute. Link to website mentioned in this episode: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Assessment Leadership Institute:https://manoa.hawaii.edu/assessment/workshops/ali/  This season of Leading Improvements in Higher Education is sponsored by the Center for Assessment and Research Studies at James Madison University; learn more at jmu.edu/assessment. Episode recorded: May 2026.  Host:  Stephen Hundley.  Producers:  Chad Beckner and Angela Bergman.  Original music:  Caleb Keith.  This award-winning podcast is a service of the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis; learn more go.iu.edu/assessmentinstitute.  

Hiring can feel like a guessing game—especially when candidates show up with pumped-up resumes but lack the real-world skills your business needs. In this episode of the Nurture Small Business Podcast, host Denise Cagan continues our hiring series by breaking down how to cut through the ambiguity and polished answers to make smart, confident hiring decisions. If you've ever hired someone who interviewed beautifully but struggled on the job, this episode is a must-listen. Denise shares how to move past surface-level, rehearsed answers and structure your hiring interviews to reveal a candidate's true capabilities. Key Takeaways from This Episode: Spotting the "We" vs. "I" Trap: Learn how to identify candidates who rely heavily on team achievements, and get practical tips on how to probe deeper to clarify their actual, individual contribution. The Power of Structured Interviews: Discover how approaching candidates with structured curiosity and clarity helps you evaluate actual job performance instead of just good interviewing skills.  Aligning Your Hiring Process: Learn how to use a Critical Skills Matrix to seamlessly connect your job description, interview questions, and interview criteria into one aligned system.  The Working Interview: Explore how practical, real-time working interviews can give you direct insight into how a candidate thinks, organizes, and executes under realistic conditions. Stop guessing and start building a high-performing team. Subscribe to the Nurture Small Business Podcast for more actionable small business hiring tips and management strategies! About Your HostDenise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who's Who.   Denise is the CEO of  3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.   Connect on LinkedIn 

Jake Patten is the Director of Strength & Conditioning overseeing the Fairfax County Fire and Police Departments. Patten has been with the Fire & Rescue Department for over nine years, first joining the in 2016 and overseeing the Fairfax County Police Department's Wellness and Fitness program for over four years. He arrives at his current position after serving as the assistant fitness director in the private sector at Sport & Health from 2015-2016. He began his coaching career in the collegiate setting first as an assistant strength & conditioning coach at Duke University from 2008-2010. He then joined the staff at American University in a similar roll in 2010 before quickly being promoted to head strength & conditioning coach at the end of his first season. Patten spent the next three seasons at American before moving on to James Madison University where he served as the associate director of strength & conditioning for the Dukes from 2013-2015. At JMU he worked with the football program in addition to overseeing both women's lacrosse and field hockey. A former college football player at Virginia Tech, Patten played both strong safety and special teams from 2003-2006 and went on to be an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers. Following his football career, Patten continues to stay active himself in the weight room. Currently his training centers on hybrid conjugate, muscular endurance and lots of challenge WODs with his tactical athletes. Working around previous injuries and new personal goals, he has shifted his training to balance all the demands required of a tier 1 operator – can run a needed distance when asked, lift relative bodyweight for the majority of movements, carry 1x his bodyweight, and still maintain great mobility and conditioning. To add to this he has also added training for Jui Jitsu to his regimen.Samson EquipmentSamson Equipment provides Professional Weight Room Solutions for all your S&C needs.Cerberus StrengthUse Code: STRENGTH_GAME at Cerberus-Strength.comSport KiltUse Code: TSG at SportKilt.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Retirement planning isn’t only about finding higher returns. It’s also about deciding how different pieces of a portfolio work together over time. What should advisors look for when evaluating indexed annuities? How can product design, diversification, and long-term thinking influence retirement outcomes? In this episode, Jeremy Houser welcomes Tom Haines, Executive Vice President of Capital Markets and Index Solutions at Annexus, to discuss how fixed indexed annuity strategies have evolved. Tom explains the importance of portfolio construction inside FIAs, how research influences index development, why diversification continues to matter, and how product design can improve consistency for clients throughout retirement planning. Key takeaways: Building FIA portfolios around diversified index strategies instead of relying on a single allocation approach Evaluating product design beyond illustrations, including renewal consistency and long-term implementation Using global diversification alongside domestic exposure to improve return consistency over time Looking beyond accumulation by considering income, legacy planning, and changing family needs Focusing product innovation on practical retirement challenges instead of following industry trends And more! Connect with Tom Haines: LinkedIn: Tom Haines Website: Annexus Connect with Jeremy Houser: jeremy.houser@simplicitygroup.com 713-808-8548 Schedule a Call Our Teams Website Connect with Jeremy @jeremyhouser_amp @jeremyhouserAMP About Our Guest: Tom leads the index diligence and selection process for Annexus and coordinates the firm’s relationships with asset managers, academic experts, and investment banks in conjunction with Annexus' carrier partners. Tom is also one of the lead architects of the Lifetime Income Builder TDFs at Annexus Retirement Solutions (ARS). In his role within ARS, Tom works closely with the insurers and asset managers that partner with ARS on implementing the Lifetime Income Builder within portfolios and funds. Prior to joining Annexus, Tom led Equities Solutions Structuring at UBS Investment Bank. He began his career in index and statistical arbitrage trading within BNP Paribas' Cooper Neff Division (Paris office) before serving as vice president in the Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) Group at NYSE Group and head of ETPs and Derivative Product Solutions at RBS. Tom's research on index products has been published in top financial journals. He formerly served as a member of FINRA's Investment Management Committee. Tom holds a bachelor's degree in Quantitative Finance from James Madison University in Virginia. Disclosure #: 5635414 – 0726

The second hour of AWadd Radio begins the same as always with a look at all things Commanders on the Richmond Commander! The lead story today, is Jayden Daniels being disrespected by not being listed as a top 10 QB in the league wide poll from ESPN? Jeremy Fowler put out another offseason banger of an article ranking the top 10 QB's in the nFL based on feedback from execs and front office people in the NFL! Where did the list go right? Where did it make catastrophic mistakes? AWadd breaks it all down on NFL Hits! Super agent Rich Paul has been flip flopping all offseason long but he finally had something nice to say about the Wizards as they turn the corner towards contention. He believes that the Wiz are a playoff team! AWadd reacts to this and more on the fastbreak with AWadd! One of the best stories in all of sports last season was the fact that James Madison University made a college football playoff appearance. After losing coaches and players galore, what does J$ expect from the best football team in the state of Virginia! Tune in LIVE every weekday from 12-3 PM everywhere on the Audacy app and locally at 910 the fan and 105.1 FM for more AWadd Radio!!

Hey there, Nick here at Human Restoration Project. We took the longest break in our podcast's history last month, and I hope you were able to take a break, too. We're back for biweekly releases through the summer starting today with Dr. Sarah Benson. Sarah is Associate Professor in Inclusion and Disabilities at the University of Birmingham campus in Dubai where she teaches students from around the world as Head of Subject group for the School of education and lecturer for inclusion and special needs programs."Inclusion" has become a word everyone nods along to but almost no one defines the same way, And since so much of special education has historically been about sorting and labeling kids in relation to an imaginary average. I was so curious to ask Sarah, what does genuine inclusion require of us, and of schools, and what would it mean to restore the humanity of a special education system that was built to put kids into buckets?Sarah and I also talked a bit about HRP Australia, which is a real thing you can check out at humanrestorationproject.au. HRP Australia is headed by Vaughan Cleary, former Learning and Teaching Head and Senior Deputy Principal at Assumption College in Kilmore, Victoria, and I'll be headed down there at the end of this month to visit schools and experience Australian education firsthand.Also a quick reminder that we're reading Pedagogies of Collapse: A Hopeful Education for the End of the World as We Know it for our HRP Summer Book Club, and there's still time to join us. You can learn more at humanrestorationproject.org/book-club.Episode notes:HRP AustraliaHRP Summer Book Club - Pedagogies of Collapse‘I'm Determined' at James Madison University

This episode features three colleagues from the National Board of Medical Examiners, or NBME, in which they share information about a recent large-scale, national-level research project involving, among other things, the influence of Artificial Intelligence on their work. Our guests are Monica Cuddy, Stephanie Iaccarino, and John Moore. Monica is a lead measurement scientist, Stephanie is a measurement scientist, and John is the director of data initiatives, all at NBME. Link to website mentioned in this episode: National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME): https://www.nbme.org/  This season of Leading Improvements in Higher Education is sponsored by the Center for Assessment and Research Studies at James Madison University; learn more at jmu.edu/assessment. Episode recorded: January 2026.  Host:  Stephen Hundley.  Producers:  Chad Beckner and Angela Bergman.  Original music:  Caleb Keith.  This award-winning podcast is a service of the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis; learn more go.iu.edu/assessmentinstitute.  

Today's guests are Morningstar's Brian Moriarty and Jack Shannon. Brian is a principal, fixed-income strategies, for Morningstar. Before assuming his current role in 2015, Brian was a client solutions consultant for Morningstar Office, a practice and portfolio management system for independent financial advisors. Before joining Morningstar in 2013, he was a research assistant for DePaul University's religious studies department. Brian holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Michigan State University and a bachelor's degree in Islamic world studies from DePaul University. Jack Shannon is a principal, equity strategies, for Morningstar. He focuses on actively managed equity strategies and is the lead analyst for MFS and Artisan Partners, among other firms. Before joining Morningstar in 2020, Jack worked in commercial banking and was a consultant providing subject-matter expertise on complex financial litigation. Jack holds a bachelor's degree in economics and history from James Madison University. He also holds a master's of business administration in investments and corporate finance from the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business. Episode Highlights 00:02:06 What are Private Markets, and What Investment Opportunities Do They Provide? 00:03:13 Do Semiliquid Funds Provide Easier Access to Private Markets? 00:05:57 Applying Morningstar Processes to Evaluate Private Markets 00:09:50 Managing Liquidity in Private Market Investments 00:18:48 Valuation and Transparency: Putting Private Assets Under the Microscope 00:24:07 Payment in Kind as a Valuation Concern 00:28:02 Public vs. Private Markets: Understanding Risk, Language, and Infrastructure Differences 00:39:28 Building Methodology to Explain Private Asset Fees and Incentive Structures 00:44:22 What Morningstar Medalist Ratings Signal for Semiliquid Funds More From Morningstar Morningstar's Guide to Public/Private Investing Private Equity Funds Step Into the Spotlight Private Credit Pricing: Are Prosecutors Opening Up Pandora's Box? If you have a comment or a guest idea, please email us at TheLongView@Morningstar.com. Follow Christine Benz (@christine_benz) and Ben Johnson (@MstarBenJohnson) on X, and Christine Benz, Amy Arnott, and Ben Johnson on LinkedIn. Visit Morningstar.com for new research and insights from Christine, Ben, and Amy. Subscribe to Christine's weekly newsletter, Improving Your Finances. If you want more Morningstar podcasts, check out The Morning Filter and Investing Insights. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our partner over at Biggest Goal conducts cohort-style training on creating AI agents to make your business operations more efficient. You can find the information for the most current training here! And, add code NurtureSB to get a 10% discount!  If it feels like AI is everywhere right now—you're not alone. Between the nonstop emails, the constant hype, and the pressure to keep up, it's easy for business owners to feel overwhelmed, unsure of what actually matters, and even a little uneasy about where all this is headed. In this episode of Nurture Small Business, host Denise Cagan cuts through the noise to explore this very real challenge for today's business owners. Drawing on her decades of experience, and a manufacturing mindset rooted in Quality Assurance, Denise shares a practical perspective: AI isn't something you fear or blindly chase—it's something you use intentionally. Join us as she discusses: The delicate balance between opportunity and risk. Real-world productivity gains AI can deliver vs. the critical need for human oversight. Data security, privacy, and long-term platform stability. The promise (and creepiness) of hyper-personalization. Why choosing the right tools matters more than trying every tool.  If you've been wondering how to adopt AI without getting lost in the hype—or building your business on shaky ground—this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to move forward thoughtfully. About Your HostDenise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who's Who.   Denise is the CEO of  3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.   Connect on LinkedIn 

On today's broadcast of Hope Talks we are joined by Morgan McGrath. Morgan was born and raised in central Florida and just finished her freshman year at James Madison University. Morgan joins us today to share her testimony of growing in her relationship with Christ as a young adult. We pray that today's broadcast is […]

It's 2:27 in the morning on a Saturday night in Austin, Texas. The crowd has cleared out. The band has packed up. And Ramsay Midwood and I sit in a dark corner of Sam's Town Point — talking. I'd been listening to Ramsay's music for five or six years before I ever made it down there. Found him on Boot Liquor Radio — part of the Soma FM family of deep-cut internet stations — and I couldn't stop. That voice. Those lyrics. Funny, sharp, sometimes quietly heartbreaking. Beautifully crooked snapshots of America. Five years of telling myself: one day I'm going to Austin to see this guy. What I thought would be a twenty-minute conversation turned into more than an hour. His childhood outside Washington D.C. — raised by a father who went to college on a music scholarship but found his true calling as a novelist and poet, and a mother who was a painter. Theater at James Madison University. The Steppenwolf in Chicago. Los Angeles. A house fire. And a wrong turn on the way to a Super Bowl party that somehow changed everything. Sam's Town Point has been a South Austin institution since 1981. Tucked off Slaughter Lane in a residential corner of the city — you'd never know it's there unless someone brought you. Ramsay stumbled in for open mic night in 2002. By 2017 he owned the place. Not a bar owner. Not a businessman. A musician who took a wrong turn and never left. And somewhere along the way — I think I made a friend.

Finding the right employee often feels like a gamble. A bad choice steals your time, disrupts your culture, and stalls your growth. In this episode of Nurture Small Business, Denise Cagan steps in as your guide to help you move from "gut-feeling" interviews to a predictable, five-piece recruitment system. Drawing from the principles of Geoff Smart's Who: The A Method for Hiring, Denise adapts high-level strategies specifically for solopreneurs and small organizations. You'll walk away with a clear plan to: Ditch the "Brainteasers": Why oddball questions fail and what to ask instead. Define Success: How to shift your focus from knowledge to measurable outcomes. Build Your Scorecard:Standardized evaluation tool to ensure every candidate is viewed through a consistent lens—one that aligns with your required outcomes. Stop guessing and start building a team that actually supports your business. About Your HostDenise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who's Who.   Denise is the CEO of  3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan.   Connect on LinkedIn 

Brian Warren was elected to be Judge of the 209th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Houston, Texas in 2018. Originally from New York, he earned his Bachelors of Business Administration from James Madison University in 1997 then his Juris Doctorate from St. Mary's School of Law in 2001. His entire legal career has been dedicated to the practice of criminal law, starting his own criminal defense practice, serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Harris County, and, most recently, being elected to the bench. Brian, his wife, and their three children make their home in Houston, Texas.

On this episode of The Bandwich Tapes, I sit down with composer, performer, and educator Casey Cangelosi for a conversation that moves comfortably between teaching, podcasting, composing, and the realities of building a life in the percussion world. Casey teaches at James Madison University, where he directs a busy percussion studio and constantly balances artistic ambition with the practical challenges of giving students meaningful performance opportunities.We talk about how he approaches programming percussion ensemble, often leaning toward smaller-group repertoire that allows more students to develop chamber instincts and real musical ownership. That naturally leads into a larger discussion about education, specifically the gap that can exist between strong performance skills and deep knowledge of repertoire. Casey makes a compelling case for listening, score study, and curiosity as essential parts of becoming a complete musician.A big part of Casey's recent creative life has been the Percussion Podcast, where he hosted more than 300 episodes of conversations with percussionists and composers. He reflects honestly on what that project gave him, as a communicator, teacher, and community builder, as well as the real workload of producing that many episodes and the challenge of keeping conversations fresh over time.We also spend time inside Casey's composing process. He talks about the difference between writing for hands versus writing for humans, and how limitations, instrumentation, skill level, or context can actually unlock more interesting musical ideas. Increasingly, he's thinking about accessibility in repertoire: writing music that still feels compelling but can reach more performers instead of only fitting one ideal player.Toward the end, Casey shares some of the unexpected places his music has recently appeared, including projects connected to theater, dance, and visual art, from a performance context in Mannheim, to an installation tied to Ligeti's 100 Metronomes, to a circus production in Italy using his piece Bad Touch. It's a reminder that percussion music continues to travel in surprising directions.Key TakeawaysTeaching requires balancing artistry and logistics — ensemble programming often means finding ways for more students to perform meaningfully.Listening and score study deepen musicianship — strong playing should be paired with a deep knowledge of repertoire.Podcasting builds community but demands consistency — producing hundreds of episodes requires serious time and energy.Constraints can unlock creativity — limitations often lead to stronger compositional ideas.Writing for performers matters — accessible repertoire can reach more musicians without sacrificing musical depth.Percussion music is expanding beyond traditional venues — Casey's work now appears in theater, visual art, and interdisciplinary projects.Curiosity fuels long careers — staying open to new contexts keeps creative work evolving.Music from the EpisodeScry - Casey CangelosiBlink - Casey CangelosiThe Big Audition - Casey CangelosiLigeti: Symphonic Poem for 100 Metronomes - Casey CangelosiAbout the PodcastThe Bandwich Tapes is a podcast hosted by Brad Williams, featuring conversations with musicians, composers, producers, and creative thinkers about their musical journeys. Each episode explores the influences, decisions, and experiences that shape a life in music—one conversation at a time.Connect with the ShowEmail: contact@thebandwichtapes.com

In this episode, we discuss evidence-based interventions focused on student motivation, persistence, and success.  Our guest is Dave Paunesku.  Dave is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Project for Educational Research That Scales, or PERTS, which is based at Stanford University.Link to website mentioned in this episode: The Project for Educational Research That Scales (PERTS) https://www.perts.net/ This season of Leading Improvements in Higher Education is sponsored by the Center for Assessment and Research Studies at James Madison University; learn more at jmu.edu/assessment. Episode recorded: January 2026.  Host:  Stephen Hundley.  Producers:  Chad Beckner and Angela Bergman.  Original music:  Caleb Keith.  This award-winning podcast is a service of the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis; learn more go.iu.edu/assessmentinstitute.   

Help us plan season 4. We want to hear from you. Take our survey now! https://forms.gle/doQYx73hoPU2tRdC7  Social connection is critical for our wellbeing – it's as important as shelter and food. Combating loneliness can feel risky sometimes - especially if it means reaching out to a stranger. We might fear awkwardness or even rejection. But it's worth it.  Dr. Natalie Kerr and Dr. Jaime Kurtz are psychologists and professors at James Madison University. Together their work focuses on social connection and how modern life shapes our relationships. Their new book is Our New Social Life: Science-Backed Strategies for Creating Meaningful Connection.  Natalie and Jamie discuss some of the barriers to making connections that we need to watch out for. And they share those all-important practical tools to deepen our relationships and combat loneliness. We also talk about how our spiritual lives can make us feel more connected – even when we're alone.  Resources ​​Seven Barriers to Building More Meaningful Connection Interview with John Cacioppo on loneliness  How to Build Bonds with Others Creating Meaningful Connections With & For is a podcast of the Thrive Center, an applied research center that exists to catalyze a movement of human thriving, with and for others through spiritual health. Learn more at thethrivecenter.org. Follow us on Instagram @thrivecenter Follow us on LinkedIn @thethrivecenter Dr. Pamela Ebstyne King hosts With & For, and is the Executive Director of the Thrive Center and the Peter L. Benson Professor of Applied Developmental Science at the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy at Fuller Seminary. Follow her @drpamking. About With & For Host: Dr. Pam King Senior Director and Producer: Jill Westbrook Operations Manager: Lauren Kim Social Media & Graphic Designer: Wren Juergensen Senior Producer: Clare Wiley Executive Producer: Jakob Lewis Produced by Great Feeling Studios Special thanks to the team at Fuller Studio and Fuller Seminary's School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. The podcast was made possible through the support from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

This episode discusses the role program review plays in strengthening higher education quality. Our guest is Marilee Bresciani Ludvik. Marilee currently serves as the Director of Academic Effectiveness at the University of San Diego, and she has written extensively about program review's role in assessment and improvement. Links to publications mentioned during this episode: Outcomes-Based Program Review Closing Achievement Gaps In- and Outside the Classroom With Alignment to Predictive Analytics and Performance Metricshttps://www.routledge.com/Outcomes-Based-Program-Review-Closing-Achievement-Gaps-In--and-Outside-the-Classroom-With-Alignment-to-Predictive-Analytics-and-Performance-Metrics/BrescianiLudvik/p/book/9781620362303 Assessment Update Article, “Rethinking Academic Program Review: A Data-Informed Approach”https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/au.30445 This season of Leading Improvements in Higher Education is sponsored by the Center for Assessment and Research Studies at James Madison University; learn more at jmu.edu/assessment. Episode recorded: January 2026.  Host:  Stephen Hundley.  Producers:  Chad Beckner and Angela Bergman.  Original music:  Caleb Keith.  This award-winning podcast is a service of the Assessment Institute in Indianapolis; learn more go.iu.edu/assessmentinstitute. 

In his debut work, Companionship and Virtue in Classical Sufism: The Contribution of al-Sulami (I.B. Tauris, 2024), Jason Welle sheds a new light on al-Sulami, an influential Sufi master during Sufism's formative era, by examine his work on suhba (companionship). Welle provides a historical reconstruction of Sufi companionship in Khurasan in the period, arguing that al-Sulami's concept of suhba, specifically among and between young disciples, envisioned the transformation of society as whole, not just the master-disciple relationship. Bringing debates in contemporary virtue ethics to bear on al-Sulami's spiritual method, the book offers an original analysis of the latter's thought that will be of interest to scholars of early Islam and classical Sufism as well as moral theologians interested in virtue ethics, character and friendship. Jason Welle is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Boston College, where he teach courses on Christian-Muslim Relations and Islamic Mysticism. Saman Nasser holds an MA in history from James Madison University, where he works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In his debut work, Companionship and Virtue in Classical Sufism: The Contribution of al-Sulami (I.B. Tauris, 2024), Jason Welle sheds a new light on al-Sulami, an influential Sufi master during Sufism's formative era, by examine his work on suhba (companionship). Welle provides a historical reconstruction of Sufi companionship in Khurasan in the period, arguing that al-Sulami's concept of suhba, specifically among and between young disciples, envisioned the transformation of society as whole, not just the master-disciple relationship. Bringing debates in contemporary virtue ethics to bear on al-Sulami's spiritual method, the book offers an original analysis of the latter's thought that will be of interest to scholars of early Islam and classical Sufism as well as moral theologians interested in virtue ethics, character and friendship. Jason Welle is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Boston College, where he teach courses on Christian-Muslim Relations and Islamic Mysticism. Saman Nasser holds an MA in history from James Madison University, where he works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/islamic-studies

In his debut work, Companionship and Virtue in Classical Sufism: The Contribution of al-Sulami (I.B. Tauris, 2024), Jason Welle sheds a new light on al-Sulami, an influential Sufi master during Sufism's formative era, by examine his work on suhba (companionship). Welle provides a historical reconstruction of Sufi companionship in Khurasan in the period, arguing that al-Sulami's concept of suhba, specifically among and between young disciples, envisioned the transformation of society as whole, not just the master-disciple relationship. Bringing debates in contemporary virtue ethics to bear on al-Sulami's spiritual method, the book offers an original analysis of the latter's thought that will be of interest to scholars of early Islam and classical Sufism as well as moral theologians interested in virtue ethics, character and friendship. Jason Welle is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Boston College, where he teach courses on Christian-Muslim Relations and Islamic Mysticism. Saman Nasser holds an MA in history from James Madison University, where he works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

In his debut work, Companionship and Virtue in Classical Sufism: The Contribution of al-Sulami (I.B. Tauris, 2024), Jason Welle sheds a new light on al-Sulami, an influential Sufi master during Sufism's formative era, by examine his work on suhba (companionship). Welle provides a historical reconstruction of Sufi companionship in Khurasan in the period, arguing that al-Sulami's concept of suhba, specifically among and between young disciples, envisioned the transformation of society as whole, not just the master-disciple relationship. Bringing debates in contemporary virtue ethics to bear on al-Sulami's spiritual method, the book offers an original analysis of the latter's thought that will be of interest to scholars of early Islam and classical Sufism as well as moral theologians interested in virtue ethics, character and friendship. Jason Welle is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at Boston College, where he teach courses on Christian-Muslim Relations and Islamic Mysticism. Saman Nasser holds an MA in history from James Madison University, where he works as an educational staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/religion

It's a rapid-fire mailbag Friday on the JMU Sports News Podcast! Jack Fitzpatrick and Bennett Conlin tackle the biggest questions in James Madison University athletics! From the mysteriously missing spring football roster to the quarterback competition heating up in Harrisonburg, a blunt assessment of Preston Spradlin's transfer portal strategy, and why JMU baseball's midweek upset of UVA has Dukes fans paying attention again. Plus Jack breaks down why JMU men's basketball needs to rethink its recruiting model entirely. And a post-Spring Game live show announcement is coming soon — stay locked to our socials! Have a question for the mailbag? Email us: jmusportsnews@gmail.com Big thank you as well to our sponsor, Sign Pro! Follow us on Twitter Subscribe on Youtube Check out our website!  Like what you hear? Buy us a coffee (or beer...)  Leave us a review! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Guests Cynthia Schneider — CEO, Top of Virginia Regional Chamber; 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, Laurel Ridge Community College Liv Heggoy — Associate Vice President of Development, Laurel Ridge Community College & Executive Director, Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation Brandy Hawkins Boies — Director of Public Relations & Special Events, Laurel Ridge Community College Episode Summary Host Janet Michael sits down with three guests to celebrate Cynthia Schneider's recognition as Laurel Ridge Community College's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. The conversation covers Cynthia's winding career path, the transformative power of community college, and how it's never too late to start a new chapter. Key Topics Covered The Distinguished Alumni Award Awarded for over 40 years to community members who have distinguished themselves in their career and service Recipients are honored each year at the Laurel Ridge Educational Foundation luncheon The luncheon brings together donors and scholarship recipients to celebrate the college's impact Cynthia Schneider's Story Began college at James Madison University before transferring to an unaccredited college in Kansas to pursue her faith Built a 25-year career in specialty food manufacturing, rising from data entry to Director of Operations Found herself jobless at 57, newly empty-nested, facing one of the lowest points of her life Enrolled at Laurel Ridge through a grant opportunity — a turning point that rebuilt her confidence Landed at the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber as Director of Finance & Administration, eventually becoming CEO Reflects on learning to step out of the background and embrace a visible leadership role The Laurel Ridge Difference A nurturing, intergenerational learning environment serving students ages 14–70 Cynthia's memorable classroom moment: learning to take a photo of the board instead of writing notes — sitting next to her son's classmate Cynthia's daughter Sarah went from a 1.9 GPA in high school to the Dean's List at Laurel Ridge, then transferred to JMU via the guaranteed transfer program, earned her degree in Communications, and went on to complete a master's program On Reinvention & Lifelong Learning Cynthia's message: at 69, she feels like she's "just starting" The value of community and mentorship in leadership Encouragement especially for women and those in midlife to embrace new opportunities Quotes to Highlight "Learning is lifelong — and she is such a wonderful example of someone who has just advanced so much in her career." — Liv Heggoy "I would never have thought of myself as a distinguished leader. I'm better, more comfortable in the background." — Cynthia Schneider "No one's path is straight. I've not met one single person here at the college that knew exactly what they were going to do." — Brandy Hawkins Boies Resources & Links Distinguished Alumni nominations: laurelridge.edu/alumni Visit & registration info: laurelridge.edu/visit Fall 2026 credit class registration is now open Workforce & continuing education classes register year-round

A new study shows that AI chatbots often engage in sycophantic behavior. Just like some humans. This hour, we take a look at sycophants in literature and in politics. And we talk about sycophancy and artificial intelligence. GUESTS: Mark Parker: Professor Emeritus of English at James Madison University and co-author of Sucking Up: A Brief Consideration of Sycophancy Virginia Heffernan: Writes a regular column for The New Republic and the Substack “Magic + Loss.” She is co-host of the podcast “Omnishambles” Malihe Alikhani: Assistant Professor at Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, and a resident Visiting Fellow at the Brookings Institution with a focus on AI policy Music featured (in order): Overture to Rigoletto – Giuseppi Verdi, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmoniker I Believe in You – Peggy Lee Don’t Cry – Seal You Fascinate Me So – Mabel Mercer What You Want To Hear – Sub-Radio Flattery – Rosemary Clooney, Jose Ferrer Support the show: http://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When heading to James Madison University, Sarabeth Ellis had a plan that changed in a very exciting way when she joined the JMU Dukes production team. She joined Justin and Matt to tell her story, how she worked her way up from a replay operator to a production intern, and more about her experiences behind the production curtain.    

With fasting at an all-time high in popularity, here is an enlightening exploration into the history, science, and philosophy behind the practice—essential to many religions and wellness routines. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, John Oakes The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and the Promise of Doing Without (Avid Reader Press, 2024) illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies anyone curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. In recent years, fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from weight loss to detoxing, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as protest. Notable fasters include Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Cesar Chavez, and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the jaw-dropping biological changes that occur inside the body when we fast. Metabolic switching can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level, providing benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Longer fasts can both reinvigorate the immune system and protect it against damage. Beyond the physical experience, fasting can be a great collective unifier, and it has been adopted by religions and political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent (Christianity), Ramadan (Islam), Yom Kippur (Judaism), Uposatha (Buddhism), and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level, devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine, ascending to enlightenment or even sainthood. Fasting reminds us of the virtues of holding back, of not consuming all that we can. “Broad in scope and rich in insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world. John Oakes is the publisher of The Evergreen Review and the editor at large of OR Books. The Fast is his first book. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in World History from James Madison University, where he currently works as an administrative staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

With fasting at an all-time high in popularity, here is an enlightening exploration into the history, science, and philosophy behind the practice—essential to many religions and wellness routines. Whether for philosophical, political, or health-related reasons, fasting marks a departure from daily routine. Based on extensive historical, scientific, and cultural research and reporting, John Oakes The Fast: The History, Science, Philosophy, and the Promise of Doing Without (Avid Reader Press, 2024) illuminates the numerous facets of this act of self-deprivation. John interviews doctors, spiritual leaders, activists, and others who guide him through this practice—and embarks on fasts of his own—to deliver a book that supplies anyone curious about fasting with profound new understanding, appreciation, and inspiration. In recent years, fasting has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons—from weight loss to detoxing, to the faithful who fast in prayer, to seekers pursuing mindfulness, to activists using hunger strikes as protest. Notable fasters include Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, Gandhi, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Emily Dickinson, Mark Twain, Cesar Chavez, and a long list of others who have drawn on its power over the ages and across borders and cultures. The Fast looks at the complex science behind the jaw-dropping biological changes that occur inside the body when we fast. Metabolic switching can prompt repair and renewal down to the molecular level, providing benefits for those suffering from obesity and diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and more. Longer fasts can both reinvigorate the immune system and protect it against damage. Beyond the physical experience, fasting can be a great collective unifier, and it has been adopted by religions and political movements all over the world for millennia. Fasting is central to holy seasons and days such as Lent (Christianity), Ramadan (Islam), Yom Kippur (Judaism), Uposatha (Buddhism), and Ekadashi (Hinduism). On an individual level, devout ascetics who master self-deprivation to an extreme are believed to be closer to the divine, ascending to enlightenment or even sainthood. Fasting reminds us of the virtues of holding back, of not consuming all that we can. “Broad in scope and rich in insight” (Publishers Weekly, starred review), this book shows us that fasting is about much more than food: it is about taking control of your life in new and empowering ways and reconsidering your place in the world. John Oakes is the publisher of The Evergreen Review and the editor at large of OR Books. The Fast is his first book. Saman Nasser holds an M.A. in World History from James Madison University, where he currently works as an administrative staff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/medicine

Hiring is often reactive. You have an influx of work or attrition, and bam, you need someone now. This creates a lot of stress on you as a manager and business owner. How are you going to get that role filled and manage the work that needs to be done? The cost of putting the wrong candidate is tremendous. How patient are you in waiting to ensure you have the right candidate in the right seat?  Many interviewers resort to questions that don't really give you the information needed to hire. And, many are not trained to dig beyond the surface answers that candidates give. These are answers that are often practiced showing themselves in the best light.  There is a way to hire much more predictably. Learn more about role development and how to get beyond the surface answers in this podcast.  About Your Host Denise Cagan has been working with small businesses for 25 years. She has served on the boards of professional organizations and nonprofits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Quality Systems Management from James Madison University and is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, which is a program for small businesses that links learning to action for growth-oriented entrepreneurs. Recognized as a facilitator, problem solver, and builder, Denise enjoys working with small business owners who want to create a solid foundation. Her past experience includes 10 years in manufacturing with various awards plus inclusion into Marquis Who's Who. Denise is the CEO of 3 companies: DCA Virtual Business Support, DCA Association Management, and Denise Cagan Business Consulting. In her downtime, she enjoys spending time with her granddaughter, cooking, and cuddling with her dogs. View and listen to Podcasts with Denise Cagan. Connect on LinkedIn

Learning to teach mathematics better with Dr. Amanda Sawyer, a full professor in the College of Education at James Madison University. She shares about some new resources she has created that provide global perspectives - and different practices - that are supported by universally-true properties of mathematics. Several of these are centered around Mable MATHis Mysteries, and are useful for students and adults, including preservice and practicing teachers. Mable MATHis Mysteries website https://mablemathis.com/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MableMATHisMiniMemos Amazon link to Mable MATHis and the Mysterious Aunt SallySpecial Guest: Amanda Sawyer.

When Deb Tyson was recruited to play basketball at Louisburg College in 1974, she had no idea she would also play volleyball. Her head coach, Terry Pettit, had no idea he would coach women's volleyball at the same school, a small junior college in North Carolina. That coincidence changed their professional journeys. Pettit became the head women's volleyball coach at Nebraska, and Deb Tyson became the head volleyball coach at a junior college in Columbus, Nebraska, James Madison University, the University of Virginia, and a decorated high school athletics director in Charlottesville. This is a conversation about her remarkable journey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is your "suit" clean or dirty? Imagine walking through the smoke, pulverized concrete, and all the aftermath of 9/11. Darin Kinder was there, Special Agent turned First Responder in a matter of moments. His suit was destroyed because he was on the ground in real time. What about yours? In this episode, you'll discover…  Darin's 9/11 experience  (3:04)  More on Darins Book (18:30) Glorifying God in your service  (26:55)  Is your suit dirty in your marriage?  (29:10)  Key trait to win at home and at work (41:45) Darin's Bio:  Darin Kinder is a former Special Agent of the United States Secret Service, where he spent decades protecting world leaders and navigating high-stakes environments. On September 11, 2001, he was on the ground in New York City when the World Trade Center was attacked—an experience that earned him the Secret Service Medal of Valor and forever shaped his perspective on life and leadership. Beyond his federal service, Darin is a devoted husband, father to four sons, and the founder of Fierce Faith, an organization dedicated to helping people live with courage and purpose. He is passionate about inspiring and equipping the next generation to face challenges head-on and live with bold resolve. A sought-after speaker and podcast guest, Darin shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and what it means to live with clear purpose in an unpredictable world. When he's not challenging audiences to live boldly, you'll find him at home investing in his wife—his partner since 1998—and their four sons.​ Darin is a graduate of James Madison University and spent 25 years as a US Secret Service Special Agent. He loves the mountains, baseball, and any adventure that calls for courage and grit. More about Darin https://www.fierce-faith.com/   What's Next?  NEW!! Join the new RISE community. Check out my newest book, 'Rise and Go', HERE!

In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with James Davies about how to evolve your style when your team, culture, or market changes. James Davies is the Chief Executive Officer of Kinetic Data, a Minneapolis-based software company focused on empowering organizations to deliver unified digital experiences across complex technology ecosystems. With over a decade at Kinetic, James has helped evolve the company from its workflow roots into a leader in digital experience platforms serving both enterprise and government sectors. Before assuming the CEO role, James served in multiple operational and leadership capacities, shaping the company's growth strategy, culture, and partner ecosystem. Under his leadership, Kinetic Data reorganized around four key pillars—Growth, Product, Success, and Operations—creating an agile, scalable structure designed to drive collaboration and efficiency. James is known for his transparent and people-first leadership style, often communicating directly with employees through his “Friday Thoughts” updates—open reflections on company direction, lessons learned, and team progress. His approach blends operational discipline with an emphasis on empowerment and trust, traits that have earned him recognition for cultivating both performance and authenticity inside growing tech organizations An advocate for sustainable growth and innovation, James is passionate about bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern experiences—particularly within government and large-scale enterprises. He also champions the “low-code revolution,” believing that empowering small teams to build and adapt workflows quickly is key to organizational agility. A graduate of James Madison University, James credits his alma mater with shaping his collaborative, team-first mindset. Outside of work, he's known for drawing leadership parallels to his love of restoring classic Toyota Land Cruisers—symbols, to him, of durability, reliability, and purpose-driven engineering. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

In this episode of the Podcast of Champions hosts Ryan Abraham and David Woods talk about Indiana's victory over Ohio State in the Big Ten Title game, and then the placement for each of the Big Ten teams in the Playoffs. With the Hoosiers and Buckeyes being the top-2 seeds, both programs get a bye and with Oregon coming in at No. 5, the Ducks get a home game against the lowest ranked program in the field, James Madison University. Then they get to the real news: what in the hell is going on in the state of Michigan? Sherrone Moore fired and arrested? The fellas dive deep. There were also two official coaching hires in the Big Ten, with Penn State hiring Matt Campbell from Iowa State and UCLA hires Bob Chesney from the aforementioned JMU. As always, they wrap up the podcast by answering listener email and live chat questions. For the video simulcasts of our POC please subscribe to your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Please follow, give the POC a five-star rating and post a review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can bet all of the Big Ten games over at MyBookie! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices