Podcasts about student success

Welcome back to the podcast! Today's episode is hosted by Tom Campbell, a former admission officer and now a college counselor and content creator here at College Essay Guy. This show often reminds us that beneath the essays, the deadlines, and the color-coded college lists, this whole thing is really about people — and today's guest is exhibit A. Quick disclaimer: this is a feel-good episode. Very "This American Life." If you've ever needed your faith in public education restored, cancel your other plans. In a content landscape where some of the loudest admissions "experts" run on rage-bait and loose credentials, my guest is the opposite. And his name is David Cha. In this episode I finally sit down with David. We get into: David's five-minute life story: how a kid from Koreatown, one youth pastor's quiet act of grace, and a hard left turn away from a communications career set David on the path to public education  What it took to build the AVID program from scratch in 2001, overcoming early skepticism to help first-generation students thrive The evolution of the Bears University Seminar (BUS) and how a team of committed educators scaled a small library workshop into a massive success story Which CEG resources have quietly become game-changers inside BUS — yes, including the 250 copies of College Essay Essentials he bought as gifts for this year's graduates. And his hard-won advice for any public school educator trying to build a college-going culture against very long odds Oh, and at one point David volunteers his own high school SAT score toour dear listeners our dear listeners. I'll let him tell you that one.  David Cha is a veteran educator with 27 years of classroom experience and holds two Masters degrees from Biola and Grand Canyon A recent recipient of the Mayor of Downey's Outstanding Citizen Award, David has built a legacy of impactful college-prep programming at Warren High School. In 2001, he launched the school's AVID program with just 30 students—an initiative that now serves nearly 600 students locally and has expanded districtwide down to the elementary level. David is also the founder of the Bears University Seminar (BUS), a summer essay and application bootcamp established in 2019. What began as a small workshop has grown into a massive success story, recently guiding a cohort of 237 seniors to an incredible 1,373 college acceptances across the UC and CSU systems and beyond. Whether you're an educator, counselor, parent, or student, I think you'll come away reminded that while admissions can feel impossibly complex, changing a student's life often starts with something beautifully simple: one person taking the time to invest in another. Let's get into it.  We hope you enjoy.    Play-by-Play: 3:52 – What is David's background?  4:59 – What inspired David to change his career plans and become a public school teacher? 7:50 – How did David build and fund a brand-new student support program from scratch? 13:30 – How has the program expanded across the school district over the years? 14:41 – Why did the team design their student framework to focus on long-term life fulfillment rather than just getting into college? 16:52 – How can a dedicated mentor completely change the academic trajectory of a struggling student? 20:46 – What words of encouragement does David offer to educators who are feeling overwhelmed or losing faith in their work? 25:25 – How did David turn online writing exercises into a structured summer essay curriculum for his students? 32:20 – What are the college acceptance statistics for the bootcamp students? 34:51 – How does David help his students continue their college application journeys independently after the summer workshop ends? 35:33 – Tom shares his own background story of how he first started working with College Essay Guy  37:26 – How can strong student advocacy help an applicant's unique story stand out during the review process? 38:23 – How can collaborations with local CBOs and college representatives help first-generation students access high-quality resources? 43:16 – What are the biggest cultural and mindset shifts required to help students navigate the college application process more effectively? 44:25 – How can schools guide first-generation families on college and class choices as early as possible? 49:19 – How can counselors help students highlight collaboration and teamwork on their applications? 50:42 – What are the practical logistics and daily structure of David's student bootcamp? 58:03 – How can schools leverage real admissions officers and guest experts to inspire and guide applicants? 1:01:39 – What has David learned over the years from putting together his program?  1:05:56 – Closing thoughts and advice for counselors    Resources: CEG's College Admission Nutrients (aka The Great College Application Test)  Paying for College in Four Steps  College Essay Guy's Values Exercise College Essay Guy's Essence Objects Exercise  College Essay Guy's 21 Details Exercise College Essay Essentials The Matchlighters Scholars Program  College Essay Guy's Supplemental Essay Guides    College Essay Guy's Personal Statement Resources College Essay Guy's College Application Hub

How can career design transform student success when integrated directly with academic courses and advising, starting in the first year? How can higher education institutions shift student mindsets from passive box-checking to true agency and self-discovery where every experience is an experiment or prototype they can reflect on and learn from? How will AI change the “products” of career development like a LinkedIn profile or a project portfolio and what does that mean for students? We talk through these with Christa Acampora the Dean of the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and Julia Lapan the Director of Career Design and Discovery at University of Virginia.  Episode highlights include:  [5:56] Redefining Success Beyond Graduation Statistics - True student success focuses on human formation and life authorship rather than just employment data. [9:36] Scaling Career Design via First-Year Curricula - Integrating self-discovery directly into mandatory first-year courses provides equitable access for all entering students. [14:57] Shifting Mindsets from Box-Checking to Agency - Helping high-achieving students move past rigid, linear plans by framing the future as a series of prototypes. [21:22] Utilizing the Commonplace Book for Self-Reflection - Introducing practical tools that help students track their curiosities, values, and real-world experiments. [25:54] Human Formation in the Generation of AI - Recruiting students into their own learning by focusing on human capabilities that machines cannot replicate.

In this episode of Knowledge for Teachers, host Brendan Lee sits down with Karen Robertson, national CEO of Life Ed Australia, to explore the escalating youth health crisis and the critical role of health literacy. Far from just kicking a ball around, modern preventative health requires a robust, evidence-backed approach. Listeners will discover surprising data from the frontlines of education, including why 81 per cent of children aged two to five are already using the internet. Karen unpacks how to transition from traditional, fear-based warnings to a strength-based curriculum that builds critical thinking. Crucially, you will learn how Life Ed carries the load for time-poor educators, with research revealing that 89 per cent of teachers report significantly improved confidence in embedding wellbeing strategies post-visit. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion packed with practical, research-grounded insights to help your students truly thrive.   You can connect with Karen: Linkedin: @karen-robertson-mtc Website: lifeed.org.au    You can connect with Brendan: Twitter/X: @learnwithmrlee Facebook: @learningwithmrlee Linkedin: @brendan-lee-kft Website:learnwithlee.net Substack: knowledgeforteachers.substack.com/ Support the Knowledge for Teachers Podcast:  https://www.patreon.com/KnowledgeforTeachersPodcast

What does it actually take to create a campus where students feel supported, seen, and connected? In Part 2, we continue our discussion with Briana Maturi and Trinity Jones from Loyola Marymount University, diving deeper into the emotional side of student affairs, campus culture, and the behind-the-scenes work that shapes the student experience. From late-night student conversations to finals-week decompression zones filled with pancakes, popcorn, and hot chocolate, this episode highlights the small moments that leave lasting impact on students long after graduation. Briana shares what 20 years in higher education has taught her about leadership, mission-driven work, and adapting to changing student needs, while Trinity reflects on transitioning from graduate student to full-time student affairs professional and creating spaces where students truly feel like they belong. Connect with Briana Maturi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianamaturi/ Connect with Trinity Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trinity-jones000/ If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

Researchers and practitioners are shaping the future of education and social policy by putting data and research evidence at the center of their decisions.    In this episode, Leigh Parise talks with John B. King, Jr., chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), which is the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the country. King previously served as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Education under President Obama, led the nonprofit organization EdTrust, and was education commissioner for the state of New York. King also serves on MDRC's Board of Directors.  King and Parise discuss the role of evidence in ensuring student success and the top challenges facing higher education today.

In this episode, Shelley Howard interviews Rob Heller, founder of The Boost Program and author of The Missing Course. Together, they explore why human skills are becoming one of the most important predictors of future success. Rob shares the 26 skills he teaches students, including communication, confidence, empathy, resilience, character, and mindset. He explains how smartphones, social media, and AI are changing the way students interact and why parents and schools must intentionally help teens develop the people skills that technology cannot replace. Topics discussed include: • The 26 human skills every teen needs to thrive • Why soft skills matter more than ever in an AI-driven world • How technology is affecting communication and relationships • The connection between character, confidence, and career success • What parents can do to help teens become future-ready • Why schools should prioritize life skills alongside academics Guest: Rob Heller, Founder of The Boost Program and author of The Missing Course

EALA welcomes Kate Cochran, the Managing Director of the Partnership for Student Success, to discuss the critical intersection of mentoring, transition-planning, and student outcomes. Learn how centering the voices of students with disabilities in mentoring programs creates stronger paths toward post-secondary education and career success. Find out how your school or district can access their new open-source training toolkits to strengthen your student support pipelines. To learn more visit: https://www.partnershipstudentsuccess.org/online-training/ and check out https://eepm.mentoring.org/ for Elements of Effective Practice for Mentoring. Access the full podcast transcript at: tinyurl.com/DeepDive-PSS   

What does it take to ensure every child receives the same high quality education? School districts across the country are working to answer that question—and are seeing major improvements to student outcomes. In this episode, we share the story of Guilford County Schools in North Carolina, one of twelve districts featured in All Systems Go, a landmark research project from The Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL) at Columbia University that seeks to uncover how districts are achieving major math and reading gains. To unpack what that research reveals, host Gloria Riviera sits down with Liz Chu, Executive Director of CPRL and Senior Research Scholar and Lecturer in Law at Columbia Law School, and Dr. Whitney Oakley, Superintendent of Guilford County Schools.  This episode is created in partnership with Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies. Learn more about All Systems Go by visiting itsallsystemsgo.com

How can higher education institutions expand the definition – and impact! – of entrepreneurship beyond the startup to maximize student success? What skills and relationships can students build and how can they apply them whether they start a company or a non-profit or work within a larger business as someone who know how to actually get things done, by creating, communicating, and solving problems? How can colleges and companies build mutually beneficial ecosystems make this happen? We talk through these with Antwon Foreman, the entrepreneurship professor and Founder of the social business support-u.org. Episode Highlights include: [3:04] The Social Business Model - Training students to solve real problems for major clients helps rapidly expand their resumes and campus ecosystems. [8:35] Redefining Student Success - Setting a multi-pronged goal of a job offer, graduate school acceptance, and business ownership before senior year accelerates development. [9:59] Broadening Entrepreneurial Frameworks - Shifting the entrepreneurial focus away from tech startups allows institutions to engage diverse academic majors. [16:47] Levering the Gig Economy - Modern students use digital platforms to bypass traditional career paths and protect their financial security. [23:01] Cultivating Corporate Intrapreneurs - Employers navigating an AI-driven economy require highly adaptive professionals who look at corporate roles through an ownership lens.

 Tennessee's TISA funding model is designed to direct more resources to students based on their individual needs rather than district-wide averages. While the system aims to improve equity for rural and urban schools alike, differences in local property tax revenue continue to create funding gaps between communities. As education costs evolve, the way Tennessee invests in its students remains a critical factor in classroom quality, teacher support, and long-term student success. 

Loujain Ahmed, '26, the 2026 Commencement student speaker talks about her time as a student at the College. Among the many clubs and activities she was involved in, she served as president of Student Government Association, was as a member of the President's Advisory Council on Equity and Social Justice, the President's Leadership Council, interned at the Challenger Learning Center at Montco Pottstown and participated in an independent study in astrophysics.Recorded and edited by Quinn Szente from the College's Sound Recording and Music Technology Program

In this episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman sits down with Erika Donalds, Founder and CEO of the Education Freedom Foundation, to discuss school choice, education freedom, and why every child deserves an academic path that fits their unique needs. Erika shares how her own family's experience shaped her mission to help parents access better educational options, from traditional schools to homeschooling, private schools, hybrid models, and career pathways. The conversation also explores mental health, student belonging, bullying, workforce readiness, and the legacy of Mary McLeod Bethune in expanding opportunity for future generations.

In this episode of Office Hours, Kaison Ward sits down with Texas State history associate professor and African American Studies coordinator Dr. Dwonna Goldstone to discuss her journey from aspiring doctor to historian, the mentors who helped shape her career, and the experiences that led her to African American Studies. Together, they explore the importance of Black history education, building community on campus, the impact of mentorship, and why professors genuinely want to see their students succeed from their first semester through graduation.

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: Innovation in the Lab: Eirik's Game-Changing Experiment Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2026-06-10-22-34-01-no Story Transcript:No: Under de små, høye vinduene i Universitetet i Oslos hemmelige laboratorium falt det en strime av sollys inn.En: Under the small, high windows of the Universitetet i Oslo's secret laboratory, a beam of sunlight fell inside.No: Eirik kjente hjertet slå raskt mens han og sin selvsikre labpartner, Siv, forberedte seg til den siste presentasjonen av årets vitenskapsprosjekt.En: Eirik felt his heart beat quickly as he and his confident lab partner, Siv, prepared for the final presentation of the year's science project.No: Sommeren utenfor var varm, og duften av blomstrende trær fylte luften.En: The summer outside was warm, and the scent of blooming trees filled the air.No: Men Eiriks tanker var fokusert.En: But Eirik's thoughts were focused.No: Han drømte om et stipend slik at han kunne studere videre.En: He dreamed of a scholarship so he could continue his studies.No: Laboratoriet var fylt med moderne utstyr, alt fra mikroskoper til merkelige testutstyr som summet svakt.En: The laboratory was filled with modern equipment, everything from microscopes to strange test devices that hummed softly.No: Eirik betraktet sitt og Sivs prosjekt, en unik type bærekraftig energigenerator.En: Eirik considered his and Siv's project, a unique type of sustainable energy generator.No: Det eneste problemet var at deres prosess manglet en viktig komponent, noe som ville gjøre prosjektet fullkomment.En: The only problem was that their process lacked a crucial component, something that would make the project complete.No: Tiden var knapp.En: Time was short.No: Om få dager var det midtsommer, en tid for feiring, men også den dagen prosjektet skulle presenteres.En: In a few days, it was midsummer, a time for celebration, but also the day the project was to be presented.No: Eirik visste at han måtte ta et valg.En: Eirik knew he had to make a choice.No: "Siv," sa han med et ørlite snev av nervøsitet.En: "Siv," he said with a slight hint of nervousness.No: "Vi må prøve den nye, uprøvde komponenten.En: "We have to try the new, untested component.No: Det kan gå galt, men vi har ikke noe valg hvis vi vil skille oss ut.En: It could go wrong, but we have no choice if we want to stand out."No: "Siv nikket, alltid støttende.En: Siv nodded, always supportive.No: "La oss gjøre det, Eirik.En: "Let's do it, Eirik.No: Jeg tror på deg og ideene dine.En: I believe in you and your ideas."No: "Arbeidet var intenst.En: The work was intense.No: Nettopp da midtsommersolen begynte å legge seg oransjefarget over horisonten, var de klare.En: Just as the midsummer sun began to set orange over the horizon, they were ready.No: Eirik tok en dyp pust.En: Eirik took a deep breath.No: Presentasjonsdagen kom, og rommet var fylt med professorer og medstudenter som var spent på å se hva de hadde utviklet.En: Presentation day arrived, and the room was filled with professors and fellow students eager to see what they had developed.No: Da de begynte demonstrasjonen, så alt ut til å gå etter planen.En: As they began the demonstration, everything seemed to go according to plan.No: Men i det Eirik skulle vise den nye komponenten, skjedde det noe uventet.En: But when Eirik was about to show the new component, something unexpected happened.No: I stedet for å mislykkes, som Eirik hadde fryktet, produserte komponenten en overraskende og interessant effekt som fanget alles oppmerksomhet.En: Instead of failing, as Eirik had feared, the component produced a surprising and interesting effect that captured everyone's attention.No: Rommet var fylt med en følelse av forbauselse.En: The room was filled with a sense of amazement.No: Professorene stirret med store øyne.En: The professors stared with wide eyes.No: En av dem, Professor Jensen, smilte anerkjennende.En: One of them, Professor Jensen, smiled in recognition.No: "Det her er uvanlig, men likevel svært innovativt," sa han.En: "This is unusual, yet highly innovative," he said.No: "Dette kan ha stort potensial.En: "This could have great potential."No: "Eiriks hjerte slo enda hardere, men denne gangen av glede.En: Eirik's heart beat even harder, but this time with joy.No: Presentasjonen endte med rungende applaus.En: The presentation ended with resounding applause.No: Eirik og Siv delte et lettelsens blikk.En: Eirik and Siv shared a glance of relief.No: Professorene meldte senere at Eirik hadde fått stipendet han så sårt ønsket.En: The professors later announced that Eirik had received the scholarship he so desperately wanted.No: Hans mot til å ta risiko hadde betalt seg.En: His courage to take a risk had paid off.No: Etterpå, mens de forlot laboratoriet, var det med en nyvunnet selvtillit.En: Afterward, as they left the laboratory, it was with newfound confidence.No: Solen skinte fortsatt sterkt, og Eirik kunne for en gangs skyld nyte sommerens varme.En: The sun was still shining brightly, and Eirik could, for once, enjoy the warmth of summer.No: Han hadde forandret seg.En: He had changed.No: Nå viste han at han kunne stole på seg selv, selv når veien fremover var uklar.En: Now he knew he could trust himself, even when the path forward was unclear.No: Slik gikk det til at Eirik, med Sivs uvurderlige støtte, fant både suksess og selvtillit under det flakkende lyset av et hemmelig laboratorium midt i hjertet av sommer-Oslo.En: Thus, it was that Eirik, with Siv's invaluable support, found both success and confidence under the flickering light of a secret laboratory in the heart of summer Oslo. Vocabulary Words:beam: strimeconfident: selvsikrescholarship: stipendmodern: moderneequipment: utstyrgenerator: generatorcrucial: viktigcomponent: komponentuntested: uprøvdesupportive: støttendeintense: intenshorizon: horisontendemonstration: demonstrasjonenunexpected: uventeteffect: effektattention: oppmerksomhetamazement: forbauselserecognition: anerkjennendeinnovative: innovativtpotential: potensialresounding: rungendeapplause: applausrelief: lettelsenscourage: motrisk: risikoconfidence: selvtillitflickering: flakkendeheart: hjertetvaluable: uvurderligechange: forandret

In this episode, Dr. OiYan Poon talks with Drs. Courtney Luedke and Erick Montenegro about why higher education needs a cultural shift in how it understands student success. Instead of locating problems within students, the conversation highlights how everyday routines, policies, and decision‑making structures often create hidden barriers that limit students' ability to reach their academic goals. Together, they call on institutional leaders, policymakers, and educators to redirect their problem‑solving energy toward examining—and redesigning—the systems that shape student pathways and determine whether students are positioned to thrive.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: Imre's Creative Leap: Overcoming Stage Fright with Art Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2026-06-07-07-38-19-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A nap sugarai melegen simogatták a kis lakónegyed utcáit.En: The sun's rays warmly caressed the streets of the small residential neighborhood.Hu: Nem messze a játszótér zajától, ahol gyerekek kergetőztek nevetve, Imre ült az íróasztalánál.En: Not far from the noise of the playground, where children chased each other laughing, Imre sat at his desk.Hu: Ám az ő fejében a nyár melege helyett inkább a félelem és izgalom kavargott.En: However, instead of the warmth of summer, his mind was swirling with fear and excitement.Hu: Készülődni kellett a tanév végi projektbemutatóra.En: He needed to prepare for the end-of-year project presentation.Hu: Imre sokat várt ettől a projekttől.En: Imre had high expectations for this project.Hu: Tudta, hogy ezzel minden eddigi munkája mérve lesz.En: He knew that all his previous work would be measured by it.Hu: Ő volt a legszorgalmasabb a csoportban, de most különösen érezte a nyomást.En: He was the most diligent in the group, but now he especially felt the pressure.Hu: A feladat egyszerűnek tűnt: mutassa be az év témáját, amely nem más, mint az „Új, kreatív módszerek a tanulásban”.En: The task seemed simple: to present the year's theme, which was "New, Creative Methods in Learning."Hu: De a bemutatótól, a közönség előtti beszédtől tartott.En: However, he was apprehensive about the presentation, speaking in front of an audience.Hu: Zsófia, a barátnője, inkább a művészetek iránt érdeklődött.En: Zsófia, his girlfriend, was more interested in the arts.Hu: Mindig új ötletekkel érkezett, szeszélyes módon változtatva meg mindent.En: She always came with new ideas, whimsically changing everything.Hu: Amikor Imre előadta a projekttervét, Zsófia rögtön elégedetlenkedett.En: When Imre presented his project plan, Zsófia immediately expressed her dissatisfaction.Hu: "Túl száraz, Imre!En: "It's too dry, Imre!"Hu: " – mondta határozottan.En: she said firmly.Hu: "Miért nem festünk táblaképeket is a prezentációhoz?En: "Why don't we paint boards for the presentation too?Hu: Színessé, játékossá tehetjük!En: We can make it colorful and playful!"Hu: "Imre először nem lelkesedett az ötletért.En: At first, Imre wasn't enthusiastic about the idea.Hu: "Ez túl rizikós," gondolta.En: "That's too risky," he thought.Hu: De hamarosan belátta, hogy a Zsófia által javasolt kreativitás még javíthatna is a bemutatón.En: But soon he realized that the creativity suggested by Zsófia could actually improve the presentation.Hu: Gábor, ki velük volt, vállat vont és mosolyogva mondta: "Miért ne?En: Gábor, who was with them, shrugged and said with a smile, "Why not?Hu: Úgyis mindenkinek megvan a maga stílusa.En: Everyone has their own style anyway.Hu: Keverjük hát össze!En: Let's mix it up!"Hu: "A lakónegyedben az idő szinte megállni látszott a bemutató napjáig.En: In the neighborhood, time seemed to stand still until the day of the presentation.Hu: Imre próbálta lenyugtatni a lelkét, közben Zsófiával együtt elkészítették az ecsetképeket.En: Imre tried to calm his nerves while he and Zsófia prepared the brush paintings together.Hu: Gábor mókás előadásmódszerekkel enyhítette a feszültséget, segítve Imrét, hogy magabiztosabbnak érezze magát.En: Gábor's humorous presentation style eased the tension, helping Imre feel more confident.Hu: A nagy nap reggelén az osztályterem megtelt halk izgatottsággal.En: On the morning of the big day, the classroom was filled with quiet excitement.Hu: Az ablakon kívül a fák ágai virágoztak, a levegő friss volt.En: Outside the window, the branches of the trees were blooming, and the air was fresh.Hu: Amikor Imre megkezdte a prezentációját, a kezei remegtek, de Zsófia bátorító mosolya és Gábor vicces megjegyzései segítették, hogy végig vigye a bemutatót.En: When Imre began his presentation, his hands were trembling, but Zsófia's encouraging smile and Gábor's funny remarks helped him get through it.Hu: Ahogy a bemutató végén a tanárok megköszönték munkájukat, Imre szinte fel se fogta, hogy mindez megtörtént.En: As the teachers thanked them for their work at the end of the presentation, Imre could hardly believe it had all happened.Hu: Az osztály tapsolt, és a tanárok kiemelték mennyire remekül sikerült a bemutató: nemcsak részletes volt, hanem kreatív és színes is.En: The class applauded, and the teachers highlighted how wonderfully successful the presentation was: not only was it detailed, but also creative and colorful.Hu: Imre mosolygott.En: Imre smiled.Hu: Megértette, hogy a siker nem csak a részleteken múlik.En: He understood that success wasn't just in the details.Hu: Rájött, hogy a kreativitás és a bátorság, hogy kilépjen a komfortzónájából, vezetett az elismeréshez.En: He realized that creativity and the courage to step out of his comfort zone led to the recognition.Hu: Kitörölhetetlen emlék maradt számára ez a nyár eleji nap.En: This early summer day became an indelible memory for him.Hu: A lakónegyedben a nap lassan lemenni készült, de Imre szívét akkor már a siker fénye ragyogta be.En: In the neighborhood, the sun was slowly setting, but Imre's heart was already illuminated by the light of success. Vocabulary Words:rays: sugaraicaressed: simogattákresidential: lakónegyedswirling: kavargottmeasured: mérvediligent: legszorgalmasabbapprehensive: tartottarts: művészetekwhimsically: szeszélyes módondissatisfaction: elégedetlenkedettfirmly: határozottanrisky: rizikóscreativity: kreativitásshrugged: vállat vonthumorous: mókástension: feszültségettrembling: remegtekencouraging: bátorítóthrough: végighardly: szinteapplauded: tapsoltresentation: bemutatóhighlighted: kiemeltékindelible: kitörölhetetlenmemory: emlékilluminated: ragyogtalaughter: nevetveexpectations: vártcourage: bátorságblossoming: virágoztak

What happens when you stop overcomplicating your business, trust God's direction, and finally build a podcast that actually works? In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Podcast to Profit graduate Brittany Braswell to talk about what her journey has really looked like going from a podcast that felt stuck and unsustainable… to building a Top 2% podcast, landing an ABC News segment, booking incredible guests, and creating a 5-figure launch. And friend, this conversation is about so much more than numbers. This is what obedience looks like in real life and business. Brittany already had a podcast before joining Podcast to Profit, but it wasn't growing the way she hoped. It wasn't creating scalability, it wasn't consistently bringing in sales, and it definitely wasn't giving her more freedom or time back. Inside this conversation, we unpack the shifts that changed everything. From getting clear on her messaging and strategy to creating a podcast that actually supports her business growth instead of draining her. Brittany shares the honest behind-the-scenes of what happened when she stopped striving and started building with intention. We also talk about the opportunities that began showing up once her podcast started gaining momentum, including media features, guest collaborations, audience growth, and the confidence to scale her business in a sustainable way. If you've been wondering whether podcasting can really grow your business, create consistent income, and open doors you never expected… this episode will encourage you deeply. And if you currently have a podcast that feels confusing, inconsistent, or like it's not actually helping your business grow, this conversation will speak straight to your heart. I pray this blesses you! Ready to Make Consistent Income From a Podcast?  Join my 5-Day Profitable Podcast Bootcamp! I'll show you how to create a podcast that makes steady income on autopilot—without relying on social media. 

What actually makes students feel like they belong in college? In Part 1 of this conversation, we sit down with Briana Maturi, Director of Student Transitions & Success, and Trinity Jones, Assistant Director of Student Transitions & Success at Loyola Marymount University to explore the hidden side of higher education that shapes student success far beyond the classroom. From supporting veteran and transfer students to creating massive campus traditions like Wellness Wednesday and Family Weekend, this episode dives into how meaningful student experiences are intentionally built and why they matter more than ever. Briana shares why student affairs professionals impact nearly every aspect of campus life, while Trinity offers a unique perspective transitioning from LMU student to full-time staff member. Together, they unpack how mission-driven leadership, belonging, and community shape the modern college experience. Whether you're in higher education, student affairs, enrollment management, or simply passionate about creating stronger communities, this episode offers a thoughtful look into the people and programs shaping student success today.

In this episode of Voices of Student Success, Inside Higher Ed's podcast series exploring what really shapes students' experiences, Zoe Ragouzeos, vice president for student mental health and wellbeing at New York University, joins IHE's student success reporter, Joshua Bay. As institutions face growing demand for mental health support, rising rates of loneliness and new questions about where students are turning for help, many campus leaders are being forced to rethink what student success actually requires. They explore where institutional responsibility begins and ends, how campuses can move beyond reactive approaches to mental health and what it would take to build environments where students don't just persist—but truly thrive.

In this episode, you'll learn: • How Chase explored different career paths before choosing engineering • Why passion projects helped him gain clarity about his future • The role leadership and service played in his college journey • How internships can help students test potential career interests • What colleges look for beyond grades and test scores • How students can build a meaningful application without trying to impress everyone • Why starting early can create more opportunities and less stress • What Chase would tell his freshman-year self if he could start over • The lessons he learned while preparing for competitive engineering programs • How finding direction helped him approach college admissions with confidence Whether your student is interested in STEM, still exploring their options, or simply trying to figure out what's next, Chase's story is a powerful reminder that success comes from consistent growth, curiosity, and purposeful action.

Kelsey Miller shares insight to the value of faculty calibration in dental hygiene programs, and how the course can also impact daily practice in the dental office.   Resources: Kelsey Miller on Linked In   kmiller907@ivytech.edu

Paul Preimsberger, Director of Secondary Relations and Narren Brown, Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Success join to talk about fall semester as well as how traditional and non-traditional students can apply for scholarships. They also discuss the increase in PSEO students and a couple dates for information on PSEO for homeschool families.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Prof. Albert Cheng of the University of Arkansas and Alisha Searcy of the Center for Strong Public Schools speak with Leslie Hiner, Senior Advisor for Legal Policy at EdChoice, about the constitutional foundations and future of educational freedom in America. Hiner reflects on her distinguished career in law and public policy before examining the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have shaped the modern school choice movement. She discusses how Brown v. Board of Education's promise of equal educational opportunity influenced later efforts to expand parental choice and educational access. Hiner then explores the significance of Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, Trinity Lutheran Church v. Comer, Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue, and Carson v. Makin, explaining how each expanded protections for families seeking religious and private educational options. She assesses the legal landscape following Carson, highlights key recent victories such as Loffman v. California Department of Education, and offers insights into the future of school choice litigation, educational tax credits, and parental rights nationwide. Finally, Hiner also examines current legal cases, including Hellman v. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and they could mean for the future of school choice in Massachusetts.

How do we define student success holistically across the full end-to-end experience? How can institutions use digital transformation to catalyze improvements rather than just overlaying new technologies? How do leaders effectively manage adoption, operations, and process redesign to continuously adapt? We talk through these with Chrysoula Malogianni, the Chief Digital Experience Officer at Old Dominion University. Together, we explore actionable strategies for dismantling institutional silos and cultivating a highly connected campus ecosystem that drives long-term student retention and achievement. Episode Highlights include: [00:00] Redefining Student Success - Discover why modern student success requires moving beyond lagging metrics like graduation rates toward real-time engagement data, digital literacy, and a holistic student journey. [04:15] Breaking Institutional Silos - Learn how strategic digital transformation removes technical friction and integrates separate campus departments to create a single, seamless digital experience for learners. [09:30] Emerging EdTech Trends - Explore the massive shifts reshaping higher education, including the rise of accelerated asynchronous learning, micro-credentials, and applied artificial intelligence ecosystems. [15:45] Culture Over Technology - Understand why successful change management depends entirely on supporting human talent, clear organizational communication, and intentional cultural alignment rather than just buying software. [22:10] Building Intelligent Ecosystems - Uncover actionable strategies for using systems-thinking to design an interconnected, cross-disciplinary campus environment capable of sustaining long-term institutional innovation.

Jamar Anderson, assistant director of internal affairs in Louisiana Tech's Bulldog Success Center, has made a home for himself at the University. From his time as a student taking on leadership positions and finding early work on campus in the office that would later give him a full time job, he's put Tech students first. He talks about his time at Tech and highlights the effectiveness of the Bulldog Success Center in this episode, and he even takes some time to break down his thoughts on the 2026 NBA Finals. Bulldog Success Center on Instagram: instagram.com/latech_bsc Website: 1894.latech.edu/beyond/ Email: 1894@latech.edu

In today's episode, host Pierre Michiels interviews Teri Schmidgall and Edward Heard, career counselors from Northern Illinois University's Career Services. They discuss how students—especially those transferring—can use reflection, exploration, and intentional planning to clarify career goals and build momentum. After listening, we hope you have a better understanding of navigating academic and career transitions with confidence. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  00:00–03:00 | Welcome and Episode Focus: Pierre introduces the Career Ready Podcast and welcomes NIU career counselors Teri Schmidgall and Edward Heard.03:00–08:00 | Understanding Career Exploration Early On: The guests discuss how students begin choosing majors—often unintentionally—and emphasize that career decision-making is a process. They introduce exploration as a key first step, encouraging curiosity, exposure, and self-reflection.08:00–14:00 | Reflection During Transition Periods: The conversation centers on transfer students and the importance of pausing to reflect on accomplishments, skills, and experiences before moving to a four-year institution. Updating resumes and documenting progress are highlighted as critical practices.14:00–20:00 | From Exploration to Intentional Planning: Teri and Edward explain how exploration leads into planning, including researching careers, reviewing job postings early, and understanding employer expectations. Planning is framed as flexible and non-linear.20:00–26:00 | Hitting the Ground Running as a Transfer Student: Advice is shared on how transfer students can quickly engage with campus resources, career services, and academic departments to maximize limited time and avoid feeling behind.26:00–33:00 | Internships and Experiential Learning: The guests discuss internships as career “tryouts,” how to prepare for the search, and how part-time work, leadership, and volunteer experiences also build valuable skills.33:00–41:00 | Networking and Career Progress: Emphasis is placed on networking, maintaining professional relationships, and focusing on progress rather than comparison. Students are encouraged to take small, consistent steps forward.41:00–49:00 | Employer Expectations and Skills-Based Hiring: The discussion shifts to trends in hiring, including the growing importance of relevant experience and transferable skills over GPA alone, and how students can communicate their value effectively.49:00–60:00 | Career Tools, Resources, and Final Advice: NIU resources such as Husky Career Launchpad, Forage simulations, and career fairs are shared. The episode concludes with encouragement for students to take ownership of their career journey while using available support.Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt talks with Arjun Arora, founder of Advisor AI, about where artificial intelligence fits into the future of academic advising, and where it absolutely does not. From chatbots and career pathways to implementation headaches, ethical guardrails, and the myth that AI can replace advisors, this conversation dives into the real people, processes, and possibilities behind emerging technology in higher education.Arjun shares how Advisor AI is working to support students from enrollment through graduation while keeping advisors, career professionals, faculty, and student success teams at the heart of the journey. Along the way, Matt and Arjun unpack what institutions should ask vendors, how campuses can measure success beyond “we launched it,” and why the human side of advising remains the secret ingredient no algorithm can bottle.Grab your metaphorical compass, because this episode explores AI, advising, and the winding road toward more intentional student support.

Graduation season always makes me reflective. In this first short solo episode from my new Making Life Work series, I share some thoughts from commencement weekend at Texas State University.  The stories unfolding behind every graduate walking across the stage — stories about growth, creativity, and figuring out what comes next.Our students have experience in journalism and storytelling projects, student media, internships, national competitions, and education abroad courses.  I also reflect on my own unexpected journey from journalism and public relations into higher education.This episode also features remarks from Texas State University President Kelly Damphousse recognizing graduates, mentors, faculty, family members, and the support systems that help students move forward.In this EpisodeGraduation and personal growthStudent success and storytellingInternships, study abroad, and leadership experiencesReinvention, uncertainty, and career journeysThanks for listening to Stories of Change & Creativity — documenting growth and making life work, one story at a time.Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text!  Do you have an idea for a guest interview?  Please let me know. Check out my TEDx talk.  Why you should take action - then figure it out.

Celena Simpson, Assistant Vice Provost for Advising, discusses how she and the Undergraduate Education and Student Success (UESS) staff help students with academic advising and finding success both in and outside of the classroom.  advising.uoregon.edu (hyperlink to https://advising.uoregon.edu)

Maysoon Lehmeidi, Director of Pre-College Programs and Community Outreach at UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies, and Alex Phan, Executive Director of Student Success at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, discuss building San Diego's future workforce through K‑12 pre-college pathways, problem-solving, and communication skills. They explore AI's impact on engineering, equity and access through scholarships, and how business and education leaders can strengthen the region's talent pipeline. Listen Where You Live!About Spotlight and Cloudcast Media  "Spotlight On The Community" is the longest running community podcast in the country, continuously hosted by Drew Schlosberg for 20 years.  "Spotlight" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.   For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.   About Mission Fed Credit Union  A community champion for over 60 years, Mission Fed Credit Union with over $6 billion in member assets, is the Sponsor of Spotlight On The Community, helping to curate connectivity, collaboration, and catalytic conversations.  For more information on the many services for San Diego residents, be sure to visit them at https://www.missionfed.com/

In this episode of Voices of Student Success, Inside Higher Ed's podcast series exploring what really shapes students' experiences, Alison Lee, chief research and development officer of The Rithm Project, joins IHE's student success reporter, Joshua Bay. As colleges struggle to meet growing mental health needs, they explore how more young people are opening up to chatbots and conversational AI tools for comfort, advice and connection. They also examine where AI may genuinely help students, where the ethical and emotional risks emerge, and what institutions may still not fully understand about why students are turning to these tools in the first place.

Rebecca Thompson, '10, talks about how her time as a student at Montco put her on the path to success that ultimately led to career as a certified financial planner and wealth advisor. Recorded and edited by Quinn Szente from the College's Sound Recording and Music Technology Program

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Shea Kerkhoff talks to us about adolescent literacy, student engagement, and how teachers can support middle and high school students as readers and writers in today's complex literacy landscape. Drawing from her new book, Adolescent Literacy: Integrating the Sciences of Reading and Writing in Grades 4-12, Shea discusses ways educators can foster motivation, meaningful literacy literacy experiences, and authentic learning opportunities across content areas. She shares insights into the sciences of reading and writing and the importance of honoring students' identities, interests, and lived experiences in literacy instruction. Dr. Shea Kerkhoff is an Associate Professor and Faculty Fellow of Student Success in the College of Education at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.  You can connect with Shea at https://sheakerkhoff.weebly.com and you can purchase her new book at https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/adolescent-literacy-9798765151310/.To cite this episode: Hatten, R. (Host) (2026, May 12). Another Conversation with Shea Kerkhoff. (Season 6, No. 10) [Audio podcast episode]. In Classroom Caffeine Podcast series. https://www.classroomcaffeine.com/guests. DOI: 10.5240/C73C-7820-DF38-4256-1BC4-BConnect with Classroom Caffeine at www.classroomcaffeine.com or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

In today's episode, hosts Rebecca Harrington and Pierre Michiels interview Dr. Siddiqi, President of College of DuPage. Dr. Siddiqi shares his career journey and discusses the future of work, AI's impact on jobs, lifelong learning, and the importance of durable skills like communication and critical thinking. After listening, we hope you better understand how to stay career ready in a changing workforce. Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  00:00–04:00 | Welcome and Guest Introduction Hosts Rebecca Harrington and Pierre Michiels introduce the Career Ready Podcast and welcome Dr. Siddiqi, President of College of DuPage. Dr. Siddiqi shares his professional background, including global industry experience, workforce development, and his personal connection to community colleges. 04:00–09:00 | Lifelong Learning and Community Colleges Dr. Siddiqi discusses how community colleges support reskilling and upskilling at every career stage. He emphasizes lifelong learning and explains how education must continue well beyond a first degree. 09:00–14:00 | The Future of Work and AI Disruption The conversation explores major workforce trends, including artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging technologies. Dr. Siddiqi highlights how these tools are reshaping both work and daily life. 14:00–18:00 | Employability vs. Employment Dr. Siddiqi explains the difference between getting a first job and remaining employable over time. Adaptability, reinvention, and continuous skill development are positioned as essential for long-term success. 18:00–23:00 | Human Skills in an AI Economy The episode focuses on the lasting value of communication, teamwork, ethics, and critical thinking. Dr. Siddiqi introduces the concept of T‑shaped professionals who combine technical skills with liberal arts foundations. 23:00–28:00 | Preparing Students for Career Readiness Discussion turns to visible skills, certifications, extracurricular involvement, and civic engagement. Dr. Siddiqi stresses that a degree is the floor, not the ceiling, for career opportunities. 28:00–33:00 | What Employers Are Really Looking For Drawing on employer feedback, Dr. Siddiqi explains that companies prioritize problem-solving, collaboration, and growth mindset over narrow technical expertise. 33:00–36:00 | Final Advice and Campus Resources Dr. Siddiqi closes with advice for students to complete their programs, use campus resources, and stay engaged as lifelong learners to remain career ready in a changing economy.Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

On Monday's show: We learn why the U.S. Department of Education is investigating HISD and what it could mean for students and their families.And, after two Houston residents were identified as being among those on a cruise ship exposed to the hantavirus, we learn more about the virus and how it's transmitted.Also this hour: We discuss how we evaluate a student's success after graduation -- is salary the best way to measure that?Then, gardening expert Meg Tapp will answer listener questions.And we check in on the Astros' injury-plagued season with Jeff Balke of the Bleav in Astros podcast.Watch

Send us Fan MailTalisa is wrapping up her senior year as valedictorian, FBLA president, and Miss Albany Teen. It's a lot, but she keeps it simple. Stay focused, stay present, and go all in.In this episode, Talisa shares what it took to get here, from the sacrifices behind earning valedictorian to stepping outside her comfort zone in pageantry and leadership. She talks about her work with “CTRL the Future,” a cybersecurity initiative inspired by personal experience, and what she's learned about helping others lead themselves.It's a real conversation about discipline, growth, and making the most of your opportunities.Stay hootworthy, Talisa!Hootworthy: The Podcast That Gives a HootWe spotlight the students and faculty of GCA and the stories that deserve to be heard.Watch full episodes on YouTube or learn more at georgiacyber.org/hootworthy.Follow, subscribe, and share. Every story deserves a spotlight.

No Password Required: No Password Required: Next Gen - Ep. 2 - Tim Kircher From Freshman Stress to Cyber Success:  Formula 1, Pickleball, and hacking in Real life In this episode of No Password Required: Next Gen, Yazzel Corona interviews Tim Kircher, a cybersecurity student at USF and member of the Security Operations Center Apprenticeship Program at Cyber Florida. Tim shares how his fascination with technology first sparked his interest in cybersecurity. From networking advice and navigating the chaos of a cybersecurity education,  Tim keeps it real, giving us all the tips about what it takes to get started successfully in the field. He talks about why communication skills matter just as much as technical ability in the age of AI and automation, and how taking things “one day at a time” helped shape his journey. Outside of cyber mode, Tim is a huge pickleball and Formula 1 fan, leading to fun conversations about cyber pit crews, movie hacking scenes, and why Mercedes would absolutely be his dream team. From defensive cyber operations to teamwork and leadership, Tim's story is all about staying curious, building connections, and finding your path in cybersecurity. Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kircher/ Chapters:  00:00 — Introduction 00:30 — Discovering Cybersecurity   00:54 — Advice for Freshman Cybersecurity Students   01:47 — Formula 1 & Cybersecurity 02:10 — Which F1 Team Would Be Vulnerable?   02:28 — Building the Ultimate Cybersecurity Pit Crew 03:01 — Hollywood Hacking vs. Real-Life Hacking 03:22 — Final Advice for Future Cybersecurity Professionals 04:01 — Toasting to the Future Follow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kircher/ Presented by ThreatLocker

It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Maura Flaschner, Assistant Vice President Undergraduate Admissions & Student Success, Florida Atlantic UniversityIn this episode, recorded Live from the 2026 InsightsEDU Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, February 17-19,YOUR host is ⁠⁠Dr. Joe SallustioHow does combining undergraduate admissions & student success under one leader ensure that the students who enroll are best fit students who are going to retain & graduate?Why are students saying they found you on Instagram & TikTok when you thought that fantastic email or the text message or the billboard was what brought them in?What makes enrollment a team sport & a competitive sport in Florida when performance based metrics literally measure 12 state universities & that's how you get funding?Listen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠& ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at ⁠The EdUp Experience⁠We make education YOUR business!P.S. Want to access to EdUp Leadership, the only intelligence platform built exclusively from presidential conversations in higher ed?

What if the most important part of a college experience… isn't in the classroom? Chris Jaeger sits down with Rich Steele, CEO of NACAS, to unpack the hidden system powering every campus in America: auxiliary services. From dining halls and housing to campus safety and student wellbeing, Rich shares how these behind-the-scenes operations directly shape student success, retention, and lifelong memories. Rich's journey started unexpectedly, from chemical engineering to student activities but what kept him there for nearly four decades was the impact: feeding students who couldn't afford meals, creating environments where students feel seen, and solving complex challenges at scale. Connect with Rich Steele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-steele-a6162b31/   If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

In this episode of Voices of Student Success, Inside Higher Ed's podcast series exploring what really shapes students' experiences, Carson Domey, a fourth-year student at the University of Texas at Austin, and Adaora Lee, a graduate student at Meharry Medical College, joins IHE's student success reporter, Joshua Bay. They discuss student loneliness and what social isolation looks like in a post-pandemic, always-online world. From fewer close friendships and more device-mediated relationships, to the role platforms like Instagram and TikTok play in shaping how students understand their mental health, they explore how connection is changing on campus. They also look at how experiences differ for commuter and online students, how campus design and housing shape opportunities for connection, and what's actually working when it comes to addressing student isolation.

In this week's episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Prof. Albert Cheng of the University of Arkansas and the Center for Strong Public Schools' Alisha Searcy speak with Julie Young, edupreneur, innovator, and author of Say Yes! How Virtual Became Reality. She reflects on the pivotal moment in 1997 when she said “yes” to launching Florida Virtual School, sharing what it meant to build a new model of education from the ground up with limited resources and bold vision. Young draws a clear distinction between emergency remote learning and higher-quality virtual education, explaining how confusion between the two during the pandemic negatively impacted students. She discusses early leadership lessons, including guidance from then-Governor Jeb Bush, and what it took to scale a model centered on “any time, any place, any path, any pace.” Young also explores how she built a dynamic organizational culture amid skepticism, and what lessons she carried—and intentionally left behind—when founding ASU Prep Digital. She offers insights on staffing innovation, leadership, and the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the future of education. In closing, she reads a passage from Say Yes!: How Virtual Became Reality.

Handwriting may be one of the most underestimated foundations of student success in today's educational landscape.        In this episode, I sit down with handwriting expert and Squiggle Squad founder Holly Britton to explore the science of handwriting and why it remains an essential part of literacy, brain development, and student learning. We unpack the difference between handwriting as simple penmanship versus handwriting as a critical transcription skill, and why developmentally appropriate instruction is key to helping students build confidence, literacy, and long-term academic success.         Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/       Check out Squiggle Squad here: https://squigglesquad.com/

In this episode, Sharona and Boz take a deep dive into a recent research study on specifications grading in a large-enrollment chemistry course, uncovering a story that is both encouraging and complicated. While the data shows clear gains—grades increased across all student groups, including those historically underserved—the hoped-for closure of opportunity gaps proved far more elusive. Using both the study's findings and their own long-term course redesign experience, the hosts explore what this tension reveals: grading reform can raise outcomes broadly, but it is not a silver bullet for equity. The conversation highlights the importance of implementation details, support structures, and ongoing iteration, as well as the need to look beyond grades to fully understand student experiences. Ultimately, this episode underscores a central truth of grading reform work—real change is possible, but it requires sustained, nuanced effort and a willingness to engage with complexity rather than simple narratives.LinksPlease note - any books linked here are likely Amazon Associates links. Clicking on them and purchasing through them helps support the show. Thanks for your support!Specifications Grading and Equity, by M. Stains, L. Morkowchuk and B. Yik on the Grading for Growth BlogBalancing Equity in General Chemistry Laboratory Courses: The Complex Impact of Specifications Grading on Student Success and Opportunity Gaps, by B. Yik, et al, published in the Journal of the American Chemical SocietySpring 2026 Community of PracticeFall 2026 MAA OPEN Math Faculty Learning CommunityResourcesThe Center for Grading Reform - seeking to advance education in the United States by supporting effective grading reform at all levels through conferences, educational workshops, professional development, research and scholarship, influencing public policy, and community building.The Grading Conference - an annual, online conference exploring Alternative Grading in Higher Education & K-12.Some great resources to educate yourself about Alternative Grading:The Grading for Growth BlogThe Grading ConferenceThe Intentional Academia BlogRecommended Books on Alternative Grading:Grading for Growth, by Robert Talbert and David ClarkSpecifications Grading, by Linda NilsenUndoing the Grade, by Jesse StommelFollow us on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram - @thegradingpod. To leave us a comment, please go to our website: www.thegradingpod.com and leave a comment on this episode's page.If you would like to be considered to be a guest on this show, please reach out using the Contact Us form on our website, www.thegradingpod.com.All content of this podcast and website are solely the opinions of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily represent the views of California State University Los Angeles or the Los Angeles Unified School District.MusicCountry Rock performed by Lite Saturation, licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

How can you build the skills and habits around empathy and emotional intelligence to elevate students' EQ so that they can be effective, inspiring leaders and people who can just get stuff done and move things forward? What are the habits and norms from phones and social media that we all have to unlearn to do this? How does this help students show up differently in school, work, and life? We talk through these questions with Francesca Schuler, Executive Director of Dialogue Vanderbilt. Episode Highlights include: [04:49] The High IQ vs. High EQ Balance - Francesca explains how leadership is defined by the ability to navigate diverse opinions and why elite students need to balance their intelligence with emotional dialogue habits. [10:14] Unlearning Digital Communication Habits - A look at how technology and social media have trained us to react with "hot takes" and performative emojis instead of engaging in authentic, nuanced conversation. [12:12] Listening to Learn vs. Listening to Win - Schuler breaks down practical daily habits, such as asking with curiosity and assuming goodwill, to overcome the polarization currently seen in society. [14:45] The Power of Tech-Free Spaces - The success of the "Vandy Speakeasy" program illustrates how creating a "third place" without phones can foster deep, two-hour-long multi-generational conversations. [26:58] Rebranding "Soft Skills" as "Essential Skills" - A final call to action to treat emotional intelligence as a critical, non-optional requirement for success in both the classroom and the professional workplace.

Send us Fan MailWhat does leadership look like when the future of work is changing faster than schools can adapt?In this episode, Dr. Mel sits down with Dr. Albert P. DuPont, Founder and CEO of TraxMethod Consulting Group, to discuss how principals and district leaders can prepare students for an AI-driven future while leading schools with clarity and purpose. With more than 35 years in public education and district leadership, Dr. DuPont helps schools redesign learning around durable skills, career pathways, and student agency while coaching leaders to navigate change with confidence.Together, they unpack leadership in the AI era, future-ready schools, innovation, student readiness, and the importance of building capacity over dependency, coherence over complexity, and purpose over position.If you're a new principal or aspiring school leader trying to lead through uncertainty while creating meaningful opportunities for students, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to think differently about leadership and the future of education.Dr. DuPont shares practical insights on: Preparing students with durable, future-ready skills  Why student agency matters more than ever  Using AI tools to support leadership and decision-making  Building coherence instead of overwhelming staff with complexity  Redesigning high schools around career pathways and real-world readiness  The mindset shifts new principals need to lead with confidence If you're a new principal, aspiring administrator, or district leader trying to balance innovation with everyday leadership demands, this episode will help you think bigger about what's possible for your school community.

S8 E2: Character Development w/Dr. Scott Seider and Dr. Shelby ClarkIn this episode, Gerald and Alexis spoke with Dr. Scott Seider and Dr. Shelby Clark on the topic of developing character, with a context of how to develop character within schools. We dive into the key insights and lessons from their research on the topic, found in their new book: Character Compass, Second Edition: Four Directions for Building Powerful School Culture and Student Success.In this episode we dive into some insightful discussions around how we can understand character development and how we support and expand these values to young people or within a community. Summary:How are character traits defined?How do schools prioritize certain character traits?How are character traits developed in schools?How do we engage young people in conversations about character?Scott Seider is an applied developmental psychologist studying how parents and educators support young people's identity and civic development. A professor at Boston College and former Boston Public Schools teacher, he is the author of several books, including Educating for Justice (2025) and Schooling for Critical Consciousness (2020).Shelby Clark, Ph.D. (she/her) is a Principal Investigator at Project Zero and Project Director with The Good Project. Her research focuses on developing intellectual, moral, and civic character in young people—especially curiosity, open-mindedness, and social responsibility. She holds a Ph.D. from Boston University and previously worked as a school counselor in St. Paul, MN.The ReidConnect-Ed Podcast is hosted by @AlexisAnnReid and Dr. Gerald Reid, produced by @CyberSoundRecordingStudios, and original music is written and recorded by Gerald Reid (www.Jerapy.com) @MusicJerapy.*Please note that different practitioners may have different opinions- this is our perspective and is intended to educate you on what may be possible.Show notes & Transcripts: https://reidconnect.com/reid-connect-ed-podcastBe Curious. Be Open. Be Well.#character #characterdevelopment #schools #teaching#leadership #education #youthdevelopment #positiveyouthdevelopment

John Frost's journey from athlete to college leadership Why exposure matters when choosing a major or career Helping students who feel lost or unsure about their future The difference between liking many things vs. committing to one path Why community service and purpose-driven work matters for students The true reason college costs what it does—and why it's an investment Real talk: why a college degree pays off long-term The 4 major buckets of college funding: Why families should start planning for scholarships early (not senior year) How colleges decide which students receive the most money The importance of building a strong “student resume” Why students must take initiative—scholarships won't come to them Addressing parent fears about sending kids to college Why college is a “transformational environment” for independence The role of engagement, clubs, and community on campus Final takeaway: students are 13% of the population—but 100% of the future

In this episode of Voices of Student Success, Inside Higher Ed's podcast series exploring what really shapes students' experiences, Dr. Katie Hurley, vice president of community initiatives at The Jed Foundation (JED), joins IHE's student success reporter Joshua Bay. They discuss the state of student mental health on college campuses, including what's driving increased demand for support, how counseling centers are adapting under strain and why student experiences vary so widely across different contexts and identities. The conversation also examines where institutions are still falling short—and what a more comprehensive approach to campus mental health could look like.  Thank you to our partners at Strada for sponsoring this episode.

Mike Palmer catches up with Ruth Bauer, President of InsideTrack, amidst the sun and high-stakes energy of San Diego for the ASU+GSV conference. Ruth shares her transition from a first-generation college student and mall-employed English major to an e-learning "OG" (like Mike) to leading a powerhouse in student success at InsideTrack. The conversation dives into the "secret sauce" of Inside Track: a potent mix of technology and deep human connection. Ruth explains how coaching supports the entire student journey, from first-time enrollment to the critical "some college, no degree" population. With more than 40 million Americans in that category, the stakes for economic mobility never felt higher. They tackle the AI elephant in the room with a grounded perspective. While AI handles midnight brainstorming and routine "nudges," humans remain the essential partners for navigating the mountains of the student experience. Ruth argues that coaching doesn't just get a student through a semester—it teaches them to coach themselves through a shifting, tumultuous job market

It's YOUR time to #EdUp with Calvin Williams, Associate VP of Advising & Career Services / Chief Career Officer, & Elizabeth Gaskin, VP for Student Success, Indian River State College In this episode, recorded LIVE from the Ellucian Live 2026 conference in Denver, Colorado,YOUR cohost is Carrie Rachal, Senior Principal Strategic Specialist, EllucianYOUR host is Dr. Jodi BlincoListen in to #EdUpThank YOU so much for tuning in. Join us on the next episode for YOUR time to EdUp!Connect with YOUR EdUp Team - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elvin Freytes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ & ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Joe Sallustio⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠● Join YOUR EdUp community at ⁠The EdUp Experience⁠We make education YOUR business!P.S. Want access to the only intelligence platform built exclusively from presidential conversations in higher education? Join EdUp Leadership!