Podcasts about Utah State University

Drier conditions are expected in Texas today, where floods killed at least 133 people. Roughly 100 people are still missing. Search and rescue/recovery crews continue their search but now, it's a search for bodies. How do search efforts change when it moves from rescue to recovery? And what about the volunteers working tirelessly through the muck and mud? Professor Scott Hammond teaches management at Utah State University -- you've probably heard his Management Minute on KSL NewsRadio. What you might not know is that he's also a member of the Utah County Search and Rescue Team.  Maria Shilaos speaks to him about the kinds of search and recovery efforts and processes that would be underway in Texas right now.

Do you have a need for speed? If so, you've probably taken a spin in a good old-fashioned stick shift. Well today is National Stick shift Day. But right now there are even fewer cars on the market that have a manual transmission -- only 25 models this year versus 32 last year. What's killing the manuals? Utah State University's Brian Champagne explained and offered some ideas on how they might live on. 

Eric Frandsen and Ajay Salvesen talk about the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. How are former Aggies doing so far? How are the young players for the Utah Jazz performing and progressing? Utah State women's basketball adds a new assistant coach. The search for an interim AD at USU continues. Should the NCAA tournament expand? There are pros and cons. Major League Baseball standings at the All Star break.

Jason Walker and Eric Frandsen discuss the latest in local sports in Cache Valley. Who are the potential candidates for Utah State's interim athletics director? Jason and Eric go over a short list of names. After a Thursday memo sent out by the College Sports Commission, collectives and now lawyers are lashing back at the enforcement of NIL contracts by the NIL Go clearinghouse. Ace Bailey is on the injury report for the first Las Vegas Summer League game, how much will this impact his hype and development with the Jazz?

Episode SummaryIn this episode of OnBase, host Chris Moody sits down with Mark Boothe to explore how AI agents are reshaping the future of marketing. Mark brings candid insights from his tenure at Domo, diving into the transformative potential of agentic workflows, the necessity of AI readiness, and how marketers can navigate both disruption and opportunity.Mark shares practical advice on leveraging agents as "tireless teammates" for joyless, repetitive tasks, enhancing competitive intelligence, scaling content creation, and making smarter, faster decisions across go-to-market functions. He also reflects on challenges CMOs face today—from attribution complexity to shifting SEO dynamics—and explains why waiting to adopt AI is the riskiest move of all.This conversation is a must-listen for B2B marketers, CMOs, and business leaders looking to scale with purpose and intelligence in the age of autonomous agents.Key TakeawaysAI Agents Are Here—and You're Already Late  Mark emphasizes that CMOs can no longer afford to delay AI adoption. Organizations that do not actively experiment with agents risk falling irreparably behind in terms of go-to-market maturity and innovation.Tireless Teammates, Not Job Takers  AI agents are best positioned to automate the joyless, manual tasks humans hate. With proper training and data, they can deliver superhuman memory, adaptability, and task execution across industries.Data Readiness Is Make or Break  The phrase "garbage in, garbage out" rings true—Mark stresses that AI without structured, contextualized, and governed data is not just ineffective, but dangerous.Align AI with Enterprise Goals  AI efforts must be anchored in clear business priorities, not shiny objects. Mark warns against focusing solely on vanity metrics and stresses the importance of tying every initiative back to pipeline, revenue, and customer value.Don't Just Automate—Adapt  Traditional automation is static. AI agents enable adaptability—responding to market shifts, customer signals, and business changes in real-time with minimal human input.Quotes“AI agents should make you way smarter, faster, and more adaptable—if you're aligned with the right goals.”Resource recommendations⁠Jasper⁠ – For scalable content generation.⁠Domo⁠ – For real-time marketing analytics and agent orchestration.Resource recommendationsBooks:⁠How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie⁠ – Timeless lessons in people-first leadership.⁠Dare to Lead by Brené Brown⁠ – Currently being read by Mark's team book club for fostering courageous leadership.⁠Patrick Lencioni's books⁠ – Especially on team dynamics and healthy conflict.B2B Leaders to follow⁠Denise Persson⁠, CMO of Snowflake, for leading high-impact B2B marketing.About the GuestMark brings over 15 years of diverse marketing experience and is passionate about driving Domo's business growth through marketing initiatives. His mission is to empower all Domo customers and prospects with the insights and tools they need to make better business decisions and achieve their goals. In his previous role as VP of Community, Partner, and Field Marketing, Mark and his teams established new and strengthened existing programs to address customer pain points and create a greater sense of community. They also executed campaigns, programs and events that showcase the value of the Domo platform.Before joining Domo, Mark spent more than 10 years working in customer relations and marketing at Adobe and worked at Instructure as its senior director of customer marketing. He received his MBA from Utah State University and a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his family and traveling. ⁠Connect with Mark.⁠

This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. The Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water and Air at Utah State University envisions a Utah that values shared natural resources. Through diverse projects, they offer expert insights and guide informed policy for Utah's future. Executive Director, Brian Steed, joins us with more. Brian Steed: Utah continues to be recognized among the best places to live, work and play. But to ensure that stays true, we need to make strategic policy decisions to protect our land, water and air. Good decisions can only come from good data, and that's what the institute provides. We're building a two-way street between Utah scientists and policy makers to provide the best information for those that need it most. Our institute is new but growing quickly. Our 1,000-day strategy includes: -Serving as Utah's trusted source for land, water and air expertise; -Expanding research and impact; -Creating opportunities for students; ​-Helping business innovate in land, water and air; and -Providing thought leadership on these critical topics. Our work is informed by the needs of the business community, and we'd love to have you involved. Find out more at USU.edu/ILWA. Derek Miller: The Institute's research is helping Utah make better decisions — shaping policy, guiding businesses, and caring for the environment. It's thoughtful work that's driving real progress in how we plan for the future and protect the places we all value. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 7/11/25

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker talk about Utah State's search for an interim director of athletics. Early issues with NIL Go and USU's Blue A Collective. Former Aggies performing in the Las Vegas Summer League. Which players need to shine for Utah Jazz in Vegas?

Is accountability a tool for growth or a weapon for blame? In this episode, Kevin is joined by Michael Timms to discuss the true meaning and power of accountability in leadership and how modeling accountability creates a ripple effect throughout an organization. Michael addresses the pitfalls of task-focused leadership and offers guidance on how to empower teams by shifting their attention toward outcomes. He also outlines three habits of personal accountability: 1. Don't Blame, 2. Look in the Mirror, 3. Engineer the Solution. Listen For 00:00 Introduction 00:49 Live streaming invitation 01:10 Book plug – Flexible Leadership 02:00 Introducing Michael Timms 02:55 Michael joins the show 03:37 Michael's leadership journey 05:50 Why focus on accountability 08:09 Accountability as blame vs. power 10:11 Definition of accountability 11:02 Accountability and leadership power 13:26 CEOs and accountability problems 14:00 Systems thinking and accountability 15:06 Accountability is about results 18:00 Leaders must focus on outcomes 19:06 Three habits of personal accountability 20:03 Habit 1: Don't blame 21:24 Habit 2: Look in the mirror 23:08 Ask others for feedback 23:50 Habit 3: Engineer the solution 25:04 Story – deleted file and process fix 26:49 Systems thinking builds trust 27:52 Processes vs. empowerment 30:55 Recap of accountability habits 31:17 What if it really is someone else's fault? 32:49 Modeling accountability builds trust 34:11 What Michael does for fun 34:50 What Michael is reading 35:41 Where to learn more about Michael 36:18 Closing remarks  Michael's Story: Michael Timms is the author of How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability. He is a TEDx speaker, leadership development consultant, author, and founder of Avail Leadership. He has empowered thousands of senior leaders to adopt powerful leadership habits and practices that drive measurable improvements in team performance, engagement, and results across organizations. Prior to forming his own consultancy, Michael was a consultant with Deloitte and an HR leader in the construction and manufacturing industries. Michael earned an M.B.A. from Utah State University. When Michael is not helping leaders improve their game, he enjoys spending time with his family and going on challenging outdoor adventures in remote wilderness locations. His most recent adventure was summiting an 18,871 ft (5,752 m) mountain in the Peruvian Andes. This Episode is brought to you by... Flexible Leadership is every leader's guide to greater success in a world of increasing complexity and chaos.  Book Recommendations How Leaders Can Inspire Accountability: Three Habits That Make or Break Leaders and Elevate Organizational Performance by Michael Timms  How Ike Led by Susan Eisenhower Like this? Compassionate Accountability with Nate Regier Cultivating Autonomy, Authority and Leadership in Every Role with Judith Katz and Fred Miller Join Our Community If you want to view our live podcast episodes, hear about new releases, or chat with others who enjoy this podcast join one of our communities below. Join the Facebook Group Join the LinkedIn Group   Leave a Review If you liked this conversation, we'd be thrilled if you'd let others know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Here's a quick guide for posting a review. Review on Apple: https://remarkablepodcast.com/itunes    Podcast Better! Sign up with Libsyn and get up to 2 months free! Use promo code: RLP  

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker talk about the latest in local sports. To start the show, the duo discuss Utah State men's basketball with the team's assistant coach, Ben Asher. Then, a discussion on the biggest news of the week, the departure of Utah State athletics director Diana Sabau, who is leaving to become the deputy AD at the University of Maryland. What is her legacy at Utah State and what is next for the Aggies' athletics department?

In this episode, we welcome Lori Wilkinson, Vice President and Employee Benefit Consultant at Brown & Brown, and a fellow Vegas Chamber trustee. Raised in McDermitt, Nevada, a town with a population of 13 in her graduating class, Lori's upbringing on her family's cattle ranch instilled in her the values of hard work, collaboration, and resilience. After attending Dixie College and graduating from Utah State University, she launched a successful career in consumer goods with companies such as Nestlé, Mars, and Coca-Cola, eventually returning to Nevada to co-found Waymark Insurance Services. Her firm was acquired by Brown & Brown in 2015, where she continues to consult on innovative employee benefit strategies.Lori's approach to benefits focuses on “whole-person health,” helping employers go beyond traditional medical, dental, and vision to include mental health, financial wellness, legal planning, and identity protection. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring benefits to workforce demographics and leveraging data to address real-life issues, such as childcare or access to care. Her mission is to help employers remain competitive while providing meaningful support to their teams.Outside of work, Lori and her husband enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, and caring for their family's fruit trees. She also serves on several boards, including Nevada Ballet Theatre, Capstone Christian Academy, and Capability Health & Human Services. Her advice to young professionals is to work hard, be courageous, stay curious, and surround yourself with mentors of all ages and backgrounds.Brown & Brown: Brown & Brown | Insurance & Risk Management

A majority of Utahns want lawmakers to do more to protect the environment, even if it means slower economic growth. That's according to a new study from Utah State University. Dr. Jessica Schad is the Director of Utah State's Community and Natural Resources Institute. She joins Maria Shilaos to explain the survey and what it means.

Michael Hofler - Creative Director and the designer behind the iconic Arc'teryx logo - talks about his process, the creation of the logo, and the battle between retaining a classic logo versus reimagining it. Behance: https://www.behance.net/HOFLER?locale=en_US Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hoflerdesign/ Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Development program at Utah State University, a four-year, undergraduate degree program that trains the next generation of product creators for the sports and outdoor industries. Learn more at opdd.usu.edu or follow the program on LinkedIn or Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/usuoutdoorproduct/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/opdd Discover the Outdoor Recreation Archive on Instagram or on USU's website. https://instagram.com/outdoorrecarchive https://library.usu.edu/archives/ora Subscribe to our ORA newsletter: https://outdoorrecarchive.substack.com/ Outdoor Recreation Archive Instagram https://www.instagram.com/outdoorrecarchive/?hl=en Episodes hosted, edited, and produced by Chase Anderson in beautiful Cache Valley, Utah. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasewoodruffanderson/

Interview with Utah State men's basketball player Zach Keller.

Digital transformation in higher education often focuses on technology. But for Utah State University, the transformation has been about outcomes: improving retention, strengthening equity, and building scalable systems of support without overhauling infrastructure. In this episode of the Changing Higher Ed® podcast, Dr. Drumm McNaughton speaks with Rene Eborn, Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives and Deputy of Digital Transformation at Utah State University, about how the institution designed and implemented a connected campus strategy that integrates advising, communications, and academic support into a single mobile-first platform. Drawing on her decades of experience in higher ed and edtech leadership, Eborn shares how USU replaced nine siloed tools with five integrated platforms, enabling early alerts, AI-powered nudges, and real-time visibility across departments. She explains how this model supports faculty, staff, and especially underserved student populations—including first-generation, commuter, and online learners—by surfacing what students need, when they need it. This conversation is especially relevant for institutional leaders looking to align digital infrastructure with student success goals, without ballooning their tech stack or losing sight of their mission. Topics Covered: Why USU's connected campus approach focuses on student equity and support How the university integrated CRM, LMS, advising, and communications systems The role of AI nudges and early alerts in preventing student disengagement How faculty and staff use the system to support students in real time What the rollout process looked like—and why stakeholder involvement was key What's next: building toward a full 360-degree student lifecycle view Real-World Examples Discussed: A first-generation student juggling three jobs flagged by the early alert system and connected to scholarship resources in time Student dashboards that surface personalized academic, advising, and financial steps A platform expansion that now includes parents, alumni, and prospective students High adoption rates driven by student feedback and design input Three Key Takeaways for Leadership: Technology should be integrated, not layered—start with user needs and existing infrastructure. Faculty and staff buy-in depends on systems that make their work easier, not more complicated. Student success improves when support is timely, personalized, and accessible—especially for those who need it most. This episode offers a practical look at what's possible when digital transformation is driven by strategy, not software—and why connected campuses may be one of the most effective ways to support today's diverse student population. Recommended For: Presidents, provosts, CIOs, trustees, enrollment managers, and student success leaders building or scaling student-centered infrastructure. Read the transcript: https://changinghighered.com/creating-a-connected-campus-strategy-for-student-success/   #ConnectedCampus #StudentSuccess #HigherEdTechnology #HigherEducationPodcast #DigitalTransformation

Kolby King visits with members of the media following an open practice by Utah State men's basketball.

David Iweze visits with members of the media following an open practice by the Utah State men's basketball team.

Mason Falslev visits with members of the media following an open practice for Utah State men's basketball team.

In this episode, Pete Codella, managing director of business services at the Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity, talks with Stephanie Frohman, associate director of the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Water, and Air at Utah State University. Frohman shares her career journey and the critical work the institute is doing in Utah. With 27 years of experience as an engineer in medical devices, she transitioned into economic development, spending two decades at the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. Her passion for mission-based work led her to focus on natural resources, leading her to her current role, where she is pursuing a master's degree in natural resources to better understand Utah's unique environmental challenges and opportunities. Frohman highlights the institute's mission to connect decision-makers with high-quality research, providing evidence-based support for environmental and economic solutions. It produces an annual report for the governor and Legislature, translating complex research into accessible insights and serving as a resource for policymakers on land, water, and air issues. Frohman highlights the institute's proactive and reactive approaches, including its work with the Great Salt Lake Strike Team to baseline scientific understanding and its Bear Lake needs assessment to prevent future problems. It also engages students, offering professional development opportunities and involving them in policy discussions.

Season 8 continues with our conversations about the new strategic direction at the David Eccles School: societal impact. Todd Zenger is the N. Eldon Tanner Chair in Strategy and Strategic Leadership and Presidential Professor at the David Eccles School of Business  and Teppo Felin is the Douglas D. Anderson Endowed Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. Todd, and Teppo discuss their collaborative efforts to encourage a scientific approach to management and entrepreneurship. Together with host Frances Johnson, they explore how this novel methodology replaces conventional wisdom with a structured, theory-driven process for value creation, using examples like AirBnB and SpaceX. Their discussion underscores the significance of contrarian thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the potential for extensive societal impact.Eccles Business Buzz is a production of the David Eccles School of Business and is produced by University.fm.Eccles Business Buzz is proud to be selected by FeedSpot as one of the Top 70 Business School podcasts on the web. Learn more at https://podcast.feedspot.com/us_business_school_podcasts. Episode Quotes:On using a scientific approach and testing their own theory.[11:53] People, particularly entrepreneurs, are given a treatment where they're encouraged to, sort of, develop theories and then engage in experimentation that's, sort of, consistent with those theories and interpret the results of those experiments in a way that's consistent with the theories. And what they find is better outcomes for those that have been treated with this kind of theory treatment, or they also find that they're also more likely to pivot, that is, to shut down something that's really flawed because they recognize that it's actually inconsistent with [the] theory that they have. The hypotheses aren't confirmed as opposed to an alternative approach, which is sort of [to] tell them to fail fast and just keep trying things until it works. And the problem is that that isn't very resource-efficient experimentation, right? You can experiment till you're blue in the face trying to find a peak out there that's valuable, but unless you have a theory to guide you there, it's actually likely to be a long and arduous process. So we've outsourced in many ways the empirical piece of this, but we're thrilled at the current findings.Solving more than business problems: An interdisciplinary initiative[34:07] Todd and I have published, I don't know, 20 something articles over the last dozen years together but we've also collaborated with people in cognitive science. We've worked with a complexity scientist, Stuart Kauffman at the Santa Fe Institute and others. And so there's definitely, this is an interdisciplinary initiative where we're building on insights from other disciplines and then also trying to leverage it into other spaces as well. So for me, absolutely, this is an interdisciplinary initiative. and places like the University of Utah are fantastic research institutions that have the breadth and depth of all these different disciplines and areas.Todd and Teppo aim to drive a meaningful impact on society through their work.[36:30] What we're basically teaching is [that] people should be thinking about the process of value creation and creating contrarian future states in a scientific way that has application to essentially economic development; it has application to solving social problems; it has application to solving medical problems; [and] obviously, entrepreneurship. We see the potential for massive societal impact where in some sense, playing with and trying to sort of teach the architecture and try to create an intervention, an engine that helps really solve a whole set of problems that people are grappling with. And in that sense, we hope that the impact on society is enormous.Show Links:Todd Zenger | LinkedInTodd Zenger | David Eccles School of BusinessTeppo Felin | LinkedInTeppo Felin | Jon M. Huntsman School of BusinessDavid Eccles School of Business (@ubusiness) | InstagramUndergraduate Scholars ProgramsRising Business LeadersEccles Alumni Network (@ecclesalumni) | Instagram Eccles Experience Magazine

Troy Lamb from the Utah Department of Workforce Services talks about seminars being offered for job seekers. He also reviewed new job postings at T-Mobile, Intermountain Logan Regional Hospital, Utah State University, Liberty Foods and Lee's Marketplace.   

What if your family tree led back to a princess who helped shape European history? In this gripping interview, author D. H. Morris unveils the real-life tale behind The Girl of Many Crowns—a journey through royal courts, forgotten empires, and the powerful legacy of the Carolingian Renaissance. History, mystery, and personal discovery come together in a story you won't forget.==========================================

AI Revolutionizing Sales: Meet the Future with Sellify AI AI Sellifyai.com About the Guest(s): Thomas Lundberg is a seasoned entrepreneur with a strong background in sales, finance, and entrepreneurship. He is an alumnus of Utah State University and began his professional journey in summer sales with Fox Pest Control, where he distinguished himself by breaking industry records. He co-founded Sellify AI, a company specializing in automating sales processes through AI-powered technology, achieving significant growth and success. Additionally, Thomas is the founder of ACE Cooperatives, a noteworthy door-to-door sales organization known for its exceptional talent and high per-rep averages. His leadership and dedication to innovation are underscored by his strong personal values and ethical grounding in faith and family. Episode Summary: Welcome to an engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, featuring Thomas Lundberg, the accomplished founder of Sellify AI, a pioneering sales automation company. Known for revolutionizing sales processes with cutting-edge AI-powered solutions, Thomas shares his insights into creating value through technology and entrepreneurship. He highlights his journey from breaking sales records at Fox Pest Control to founding an industry-leading firm focused on AI initiatives. Dive into this enlightening conversation as Chris and Thomas explore the transformative power of AI in sales, drawing upon real-world examples and a combination of humor and insightful anecdotes to unravel this fast-evolving landscape. Throughout the episode, Chris Voss and Thomas Lundberg discuss the integration of AI in transforming sales operations, particularly in pest control and lawn care industries. Thomas illustrates how their breakthrough AI-driven CRM systems offer unparalleled end-to-end sales automation, setting new industry standards by streamlining processes from lead conversion to service scheduling. The discussion broadens to include topics such as the future implications of artificial intelligence, tips for effective sales leadership, and maintaining authenticity in an automated world. This episode is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and anyone curious about the role of AI in business innovation. Key Takeaways: Sellify AI automates sales processes using AI-powered texting, creating end-to-end solutions that improve efficiency and effectiveness. The use of AI in sales offers scalability beyond traditional methods, handling extensive client interactions simultaneously with consistency and precision. Thomas Lundberg emphasizes maintaining authenticity in AI communications by personalizing interactions and building rapport with customers. The company's success with integrated systems in the pest control and lawn care sectors showcases AI's potential to extend across various industries. Thomas credits his professional accomplishments to a combination of divine guidance, family support, and the dedication to driving innovation. Notable Quotes: "AI is really coming out and we could automate a lot of the processes, and long story short, we had to create it ourselves because it wasn't out there." "It's almost like having a sales team that we just plug into your CRM." "I think our AI is actually way more consistent with how it approaches things." "Our business wouldn't have existed two years ago… the AI wasn't good enough at conversational AI, but now it is." "The new generation is looking for authenticity. They want someone who's personal and genuine, which is ironic because it's a robot talking to them."

On this episode of the History of Gear, Chase Anderson gives a recap of the ORA's recent trip to Tokyo, their collaboration with Beams, and the future of the archive globally. Listen to these conversations on the Highlander Podcast. https://opdd.usu.edu/podcast The Highlander Podcast is sponsored by the Outdoor Product Design & Development program at Utah State University, a four-year, undergraduate degree training the next generation of product creators for the sports and outdoor industries. Learn more at opdd.usu.edu or follow the program on LinkedIn or Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/usuoutdoorproduct/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/opdd Discover the Outdoor Recreation Archive on Instagram or on USU's website. https://instagram.com/outdoorrecarchive https://library.usu.edu/archives/ora Subscribe to our ORA newsletter: https://outdoorrecarchive.substack.com/ Outdoor Recreation Archive Instagram https://www.instagram.com/outdoorrecarchive/?hl=en Episodes hosted, edited, and produced by Chase Anderson in beautiful Cache Valley, Utah. https://www.linkedin.com/in/chasewoodruffanderson/

Eric Frandsen and Jason Walker talk about Utah Valley's decision to leave the WAC for the Big West. What will happen to Utah Tech and Southern Utah? How does the move affect the landscape of college sports? ESPN releases its first Football Power Index for 2025. What does it say about Utah State and the rest of the Mountain West? Game 1 for Stanley Cup Final features geographic extremes: Florida Panthers vs Edmonton Oilers.

Today I have a terrific interview with my colleague Philip A. Barlow on his new book Time, just out from the Maxwell Institute. Phil is a senior fellow and my colleague here at the Maxwell Institute. You'll notice his kindness and humor during the interview, and you'll also notice his wisdom and creativity. Phil is a legendary teacher: he taught for many years at Hanover College, and then served for more than a decade as the Leonard J. Arrington Chair of Mormon History & Culture at Utah State University. He's the author of an important book, Mormons and the Bible, and lots of other notable publications. He's currently working on a fascinating study of the war in heaven.

On this episode of FreepCast, we dispense with the usual format to introduce you to the newest, freshest face in the Free Press newsroom: Leah Call. Leah graduated form Utah State University and was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, and will bring a ton of new energy to our evolving newsroom.

Last week while walking across the Utah State University campus, I rounded the Northeast corner of the University Inn and suddenly found myself face to face with a giant stick figure made of steel tubing.

Troy Lamb from the Utah Department of Workforce Services calls into News Talk KVNU to talk about new job openings at Utah State University, Panda Express and other local businesses. 

This Devotional address with Jim Lawrence was delivered on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 11:30 AM MST in the BYU-Idaho I-Center. Jim grew up in Tooele, Utah, and served in the Canada Calgary Mission. He attended Utah State University and earned a bachelor of science in civil engineering. Jim worked for Utah Department of Transportation for six years before taking a position as the Director of Engineering for Tooele County. He attended Texas A&M University where he earned a master of science and a PhD in civil engineering, studying aging in asphalt pavements. Jim came to BYU-Idaho in 2012 when he came to help start the Civil Engineering program. He has loved his time here and thoroughly enjoys working with the students. Jim is married to Melinda Small Lawrence, and they have four sons and a daughter-in-law. He currently serves as the elders quorum president and hopes to someday serve in the Primary. In his spare time, Jim enjoys fly fishing, hiking, backpacking, and spending time outdoors. In the winter, however, he only enjoys the outdoors when he's plowing the driveways in his neighborhood on his four-wheeler.

Dr. Andy Hart (Hale County) and Mark Carroll (Floyd County), County Extension Agents with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recently interviewed Dr. Kara Thorton-Kurth for their "The Graze" radio program.  We thought it was good information and wanted to share it with you on this platform so that you would have an opportunity to listen.  Dr. Kara Thorton-Kurth is a researcher with Utah State University and has been looking at the impact of minerals on the growth, health, and quality of beef animals in Utah.  Some interesting discoveries and I hope you will gain from the discussion.  Thanks to Andy and Mark for reaching out to Dr. Thorton-Kurth. For more information please see the podcast episode (Ranch to Retail) with Dr. Smith created last spring along with dozens of other topics related to nutrition and cattle.  Thanks.  

Travis Dorsch, Founding Director of the Families in Sport Lab at Utah State University says he doesn't see travel sports going away, and does see some positive aspects, he also acknowledges the high costs associated with it. He joins Megan Lynch.

Travis Dorsch, Founding Director of the Families in Sport Lab at Utah State University joins Megan Lynch to talk about the amount of money that families are spending now for their kids to play a sport.

Dr. Matthew Bowman has just released a new biography on Joseph Fielding Smith. Bowman is the Howard W. Hunter Chair of Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. The Mormon Studies chair Bowman holds at Claremont Graduate University is the oldest in the country, having been established over 15 years ago. Bowman is the third person to hold the chair, following Richard Bushman and Patrick Mason. Patrick Mason left Claremont to take the chair at Utah State University. https://youtu.be/6VrK15TQVcY Don't miss our other episodes with Dr Matthew Bowman! https://gospeltangents.com/people/matthew-bowman/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Mormon Studies Other Mormon studies chairs exist at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley (held by Deidre J Green), and the University of Virginia. Although not directly affiliated with Claremont, the late Jan Shipps is credited with making the study of the Mormon tradition a legitimate academic pursuit for those outside the tradition, enabling universities like Claremont without historical ties to Mormonism to establish such a chair. Before the endowed chair, Anne Taves, a professor interested in Mormonism, taught American religious history at CGU, and Armand Mauss was involved in fundraising and occasionally taught classes. Introductions to Mormon Thought Bowman is also involved in the "Introductions to Mormon Thought" book series, which he co-edits with Joseph Spencer. Published by the University of Illinois, the series aims to stimulate the growth of Mormon intellectual history through accessible introductory volumes on important Mormon thinkers. The series broadly defines "Mormon thinkers" to include artists like CCA Christensen and Minerva Teichert, alongside more traditional intellectuals. The books are intended to be short, accessible, and explore how these individuals influenced how members of the Mormon tradition understood themselves. The series uses the term "Mormon" intentionally broadly to encompass all denominations and movements originating from Joseph Smith's work, including fundamentalist Mormons and figures from the Community of Christ. While initially planned for 10-15 books, the series is doing well and is expected to continue. Other volumes in the series cover figures such as Eugene England (by Christine Hagund), Vardis Fisher (by Mike Austin), Sonia Johnson (by Chris Talbot), Lowell Bennion (by George Handley), Hugh Nibley (by Joseph Spencer), and Richard Bushman (by JB Haws). A future volume is planned on Eliza R. Snow (by Deidre Green), and Bowman hopes for one on Sheri Dew. Joseph Fielding Smith Bowman chose to write his book in the series about Joseph Fielding Smith, though his initial interest was in Bruce R. McConkie. He agreed to write about Smith instead to secure another author's participation in the series. Bowman views Joseph Fielding Smith as Bruce R. McConkie's intellectual parent and considers him the most significant LDS theologian of the 20th century, leaving a deeper and more persistent mark than others like James E. Talmage. While McConkie was influential, Bowman sees him more as a systematizer of his father-in-law's ideas rather than being an original. Other significant 20th/21st-century Mormon thinkers mentioned include B.H. Roberts, Margarita Bautista, Sheri Dew, and Leverne Parmley.. A significant fact about Joseph Fielding Smith is that he was the grandson of Hyrum Smith and the son of Joseph F. Smith. Bowman emphasizes that being a "Smith" was incredibly important to Fielding Smith, shaping his sense of duty and responsibility to continue his family's work. His memories of his father and uncle's violent deaths and his father's need to hide from federal marshals profoundly influenced him, fostering a sense of defensiveness and a perception that the world was hostile and persecuted the family f...

What does it take to build Zion?This week on IN the Scriptures, Clare Dalton sits down with Patrick Mason, professor of religious studies and history at Utah State University, to discuss Doctrine & Covenants 51-70. These sections follow the early Saints as they moved to Missouri to establish Zion.Clare and Patrick explore what Zion really means and the effort required to create it: We must radically change our hearts and become rooted charity, inclusion and abundance to form a community where of all God's children feel at home. 

SummaryIn part two of our conversation with Professor Chad Ford, we take a deeper look at what it means to be a professional peacemaker. Chad shares the realities of mediation work—the challenges, the setbacks, and the deeply rewarding moments that come with helping others resolve conflict. We explore the many paths to a career in peacemaking, from family and organizational mediation to international peacebuilding, and discuss why authentic curiosity and self-reflection are essential for anyone drawn to this work. Chad also shares his path to a career in conflict resolution around the world. Whether you're considering this work or simply want to bring more peace to your own life, Chad's story and insights will inspire you to see conflict—and its resolution—in a new light.About Our GuestChad Ford is an international conflict mediator, facilitator, and peace educator known for his extensive peacebuilding work around the world. He holds a Master's in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and a JD from Georgetown. He directed the David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding at BYU–Hawaii for nearly twenty years, where he developed programs in intercultural peacebuilding. In 2024, Chad joined Utah State University, teaching courses on religion, peace, and mediation.He has worked in conflict zones globally, facilitated for governments, NGOs, and corporations, and serves on the board of Peace Players International. Chad is the author of Dangerous Love and 70x7, books that explore transforming conflict and Christian peacebuilding. His hands-on experience gives him a unique perspective on resolving conflicts in families, organizations, and communities worldwide.Useful LinksChad Ford's Book, Dangerous Love:https://dangerouslovebook.comChad's Substack:https://chadford.substack.com/Alfred Nobel and the Peace Prize:https://www.nobelprize.org/alfred-nobelBertha Von Suttner:https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/peace/1905/suttner/biographical/Follow How to HelpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/how.to.help.pod/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@how.to.help.podBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/howtohelp.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowToHelpPodPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.

This week, we interviewed Phil Olsen. Phil is the President of Know Your Strengths, he is a Certified DynaMetrics Professional (CDMP) with Professional DynaMetric Programs. CDMP is PDP's highest attainable credential dealing with the recognition of human potential and its applications in human performance. He is also credentialed by the Society for Human Resource Management as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). In addition to a degree in business from Utah State University, Phil's business skills and visionary talents have been shaped and developed through three decades of entrepreneurial business endeavors. His business experience includes management consulting, real estate development, brokerage, investments, mortgage banking, syndications, and automotive dealerships. Phil's competitive drive was forged in the fire of athletic competition. He was a two-time football All-American at Utah State University, an NFL first-round draft choice, and a 9-year pro football veteran. Phil was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in the State of Utah in 1985. He's a member of the Sports Hall of Fame at Utah State University and is also a member of USU's All Century Team. In 2000, Phil was selected by Sports Illustrated as one of the Top Fifty Athletes of the Century from the State of Utah. In 2003-2007 and again in 2011, he was selected to the final list of candidates for the NCAA College Football Hall of Fame. Phil's character and values are easily seen in his dedication to his family, his clients and his friends, as well as through his personal commitment to assist others. Phil and his wife Connie have been married for 43 years. They have two happily married daughters and five grandchildren.

Dr. Sean Michael is a professor of Outdoor Product Design & Development at Utah State University, and a writer and product tester in the off-road market for over two decades.  His articles have appeared in ADVrider, BMW MOA Owner's News, Offroad.com, and other magazines.  His research and teaching include the history of vehicle-based adventure travel.  He has also taught at trade shows like SEMA, the Adventure Van Expo, and Overland Expo for the past decade, with classes ranging from solar power to responsible human waste and outfitting vans for the rigors of overlanding.  This episode mentions the Slow Baja Winter Expedition, Benchmark Maps Baja Road and Recreation Atlas, and the Pee Sport Bottle.Follow Sean Michael on Instagram Support the Slow Baja PodcastSubscribe to our YouTube ChannelBuy Baja Bound Insurance

SummaryWhy do we struggle to make peace, even when it's what we want most? Professor Chad Ford joins us to explore the roots of conflict and the power of “dangerous love,” a courageous, empathetic approach to healing divisions. From family rifts to global disputes, Chad's stories and strategies reveal how fear shapes our reactions, why justice must be about restoration, and how anyone can become a peacemaker. This episode offers real-life examples and actionable insights for anyone seeking more harmony in their relationships and communities.About Our GuestChad Ford is an international conflict mediator, facilitator, and peace educator known for his extensive peacebuilding work around the world. He holds a Master's in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University and a JD from Georgetown. He directed the David O. McKay Center for Intercultural Understanding at BYU–Hawaii for nearly twenty years, where he developed programs in intercultural peacebuilding. In 2024, Chad joined Utah State University, teaching courses on religion, peace, and mediation.He has worked in conflict zones globally, facilitated for governments, NGOs, and corporations, and serves on the board of Peace Players International. Chad is the author of Dangerous Love and 70x7, books that explore transforming conflict and Christian peacebuilding. His hands-on experience gives him a unique perspective on resolving conflicts in families, organizations, and communities worldwide.Useful LinksChad Ford's Book, Dangerous Love:https://dangerouslovebook.comChad's Substack:https://chadford.substack.com/PeacePlayers International – Bridging Divides Through Sports:https://www.peaceplayers.orgMary Kawena Pukui and the Preservation of Hawaiian Culture:https://www.missingwitches.com/mary-kawena-pukui-morrnah-simeona-a-unified-unifying-force/Follow How to HelpInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/how.to.help.pod/Threads: https://www.threads.com/@how.to.help.podBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/howtohelp.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowToHelpPodPleasant Pictures MusicJoin the Pleasant Pictures Music Club to get unlimited access to high-quality, royalty-free music for all of your projects. Use the discount code HOWTOHELP15 for 15% off your first year.

#222: What happens when an NFL team decides to fuel its players with real organic food? Houston Texans wellness coach Ladd Harris shares how he's building a performance-driven nutrition program based on soil-grown, nutrient-dense ingredients - including Hugh and Lisa Kent's blueberries. Ladd explains how organic food for athletes goes beyond macros — it's about integrity, flavor,  knowing your farmer and rejecting synthetic, lifeless alternatives.https://realorganicproject.org/feeding-nfl-athletes-real-organic-food-222Ladd Harris serves as the Director of Team Wellness for the Houston Texans and was previously the Director of Performance Nutrition for the Oakland Raiders from February 2017 to February 2018. He has a Master of Science in Sports Nutrition from the University of Utah and a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences at Utah State University.The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/directoryWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

This is Part 5 of a five part series with Dr. Susan Friedman. Susan is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. She is well known around the world for her very popular on-line course: How Behavior Works: Living & Learning With Animals). She has co-authored chapters on behavior change in five veterinary texts, and her popular articles have been translated into 17 languages. She shares many of those articles on her web site: behavior works.org It's a great resource for all of us who want to learn more about the natural science of behavior. Susan is a member of the clicker expo faculty. Her presentations at the March Clicker Expo prompted this conversation on schedules of reinforcement. In Part 1 Susan reviewed with us the basics of fixed and variable schedules. She ended with a question about how you get behavior to vary when you are using a continuous reinforcement schedule. We carried that question over into Part 2. In Part 2 we took a deeper dive into continuous reinforcement schedules. We considered how you get behavior to vary without using a variable reinforcement schedule. Susan talked about a moving away from transactional training to training with assent. Part 3 Susan helped us to understand schedules of co-variation. She defined conjugate and synchronous schedules and gave some very practical examples, especially as it relates to husbandry procedures that may involve some discomfort. Again, she discussed what assent looks like and what it means when an animal says no. What conditions must be present for a conjugate schedule to begin and what conditions mean that the training should stop? Part 4 was very much about working in teams. Especially when you are working on husbandry procedures that the animal may not be comfortable with, you need to notice and respond appropriately to the subtle “no answers” an animal presents. When one person is in charge of feeding and the other is handling the procedure, effective communication needs to be there. At the Cheyenne Mountain zoo where Susan does a great deal of consulting work, the goal of each training session is not getting the procedure done. It is having a willing animal for the next session. She talked about the difference between empathy and compassion, and somehow that took us to parenting styles and what to do when a baby cries. Now in Part 5 of this conversation we'll be talking about non-linear analysis. Susan talks about the shift in focus from proximal to distant antecedents. She defines what this means and shares several stories that really help us to understand these concepts. When you're faced with unwanted behavior an empowering question is to ask: if he did what was wanted, what would this individual be giving up? In other words what other contingencies are reinforcing (or perhaps not reinforcing) the behavior such that, from the handler's perspective, an unwanted behavior emerges. If we could make a change in these other contingencies, we might not have to deal with this unwanted behavior. Susan's stories make it very clear what this means and how to go about designing behavior change plans that take the distant antecedents into account. My favorite example involves the penguins at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.

Episode 224 Helping students become fluent, confident readers isn't always easy—especially when they're still sounding out words and struggling with comprehension. That's why Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques (SPORT) is a game-changer.In this episode, we're joined by Jake Downs, assistant professor at Utah State University and host of the Teaching Literacy podcast, to break down: ✅ What SPORT is and why it works ✅ How to implement it tomorrow with minimal prep ✅ The research behind fluency, comprehension, and confidence gainsIf you're looking for a practical, evidence-based way to help students become stronger readers, this episode is for you!

This is the fourth in a five part series with Dr Susan Friedman. The general topic is schedules of reinforcement. Susan is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. She is well known around the world for her very popular on-line course: How Behavior Works: Living & Learning With Animals). She has co-authored chapters on behavior change in five veterinary texts, and her popular articles have been translated into 17 languages. She shares many of those articles on her web site: behavior works.org It's a great resource for all of us who want to learn more about the natural science of behavior. Susan is a member of the clicker expo faculty. Her presentations at the March Clicker Expo prompted this conversation on schedules of reinforcement. In Part 1 Susan reviewed with us the basics of fixed and variable schedules. She ended with a question about how you get behavior to vary when you are using a continuous reinforcement schedule. We carried that question over into Part 2. In Part 2 we took a deeper dive into continuous reinforcement schedules. We considered how you get behavior to vary without using a variable reinforcement schedule. Susan talked about moving away from transactional training to training with assent. Part 3 Susan helped us to understand schedules of co-variation. She defined conjugate and synchronous schedules and gave some very practical examples, especially as it relates to husbandry procedures that may involve some discomfort. Again, she discussed what assent looks like and what it means when an animal says no. What conditions must be present for a conjugate schedule to begin and what conditions mean that the training should stop? Part 4 is very much about working in teams. Especially when you are working on husbandry procedures that the animal may not be comfortable with, you need to notice and respond appropriately to the subtle signals an animal presents. When one person is in charge of feeding and the other is handling the procedure, effective communication needs to be there. At the Cheyenne Mountain zoo where Susan does a great deal of consulting work, the goal of each training session is not getting the procedure done. It is having a willing animal for the next session. In this episode we talk about different magnitudes of reinforcers and the importance of making a distinction in the reinforcers that are available in order for a choice to be made. Susan talks about the difference between empathy and compassion, and somehow that takes us to parenting styles and a question from Dominique about what to do when a baby cries.

This week on Breaking Battlegrounds, Congressman Mike Simpson of Idaho joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation that begins with his shocking discovery of the scale of missing and murdered Indigenous women—over 6,000 annually—and how Congress is finally taking action on justice and jurisdictional reform. He also breaks down the future of nuclear power, America's path to energy independence, and the urgent need to end our reliance on hostile nations for critical minerals and pharmaceuticals. Then, Newsweek's Josh Hammer returns to discuss his new book Israel and Civilization, where he argues that Israel—and the Jewish people—are the West's first line of defense against rising global threats. He also tackles the disturbing surge of anti-Semitism on college campuses, exposes the failures of higher education, and calls for revoking tax-exempt status for elite universities like Harvard. Don't miss Kiley's Corner, where she dives into the chilling mystery of 11 dead women found in New England over the last 60 days—is it the work of a serial killer or 11 separate psychopaths? Tune in now!www.breakingbattlegrounds.voteTwitter: www.twitter.com/Breaking_BattleFacebook: www.facebook.com/breakingbattlegroundsInstagram: www.instagram.com/breakingbattlegroundsLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/breakingbattlegroundsTruth Social: https://truthsocial.com/@breakingbattlegroundsShow sponsors:Invest Yrefy - investyrefy.com4Freedom MobileExperience true freedom with 4Freedom Mobile, the exclusive provider offering nationwide coverage on all three major US networks (Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile) with just one SIM card. Our service not only connects you but also shields you from data collection by network operators, social media platforms, government agencies, and more.Use code ‘Battleground' to get your first month for $9 and save $10 a month every month after.Learn more at: 4FreedomMobile.comDot VoteWith a .VOTE website, you ensure your political campaign stands out among the competition while simplifying how you reach voters.Learn more at: dotvote.voteAbout our guest:An Idaho native, Mike Simpson was born in Burley and raised in Blackfoot. Mike graduated from Utah State University and earned his DMD from Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. After graduation, Mike joined his father and uncle at the Simpson Family Dental Practice in Blackfoot before serving in the Blackfoot City Council and State Legislature.Mike's political career began in 1980, when he was elected to the Blackfoot City Council. In 1984, he was elected to the Idaho Legislature where he served until 1998, the last six years serving as Speaker. Mike is currently serving his fourteenth term in the House of Representatives for Idaho's Second Congressional District.Mike serves as Chairman of the House Interior and Environment Subcommittee on Appropriations. His position gives him the unique opportunity to fight for Idaho's priorities and ensure Idahoans' hard-earned tax dollars come back to Idaho instead of going to states like New York or California.Mike also serves on the House Energy and Water Development Subcommittee and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Subcommittee on Appropriations. The committees Mike serves on have jurisdiction over funding for several agencies and programs critical to Idaho, including the Department of Energy, the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, the National Parks Service, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Smithsonian Institute, and the Department of Labor.Mike and his wife Kathy have been married for 50 years and have called Idaho home all their lives. The two enjoy spending time with their poodle, Charley, and enjoying Idaho's beautiful scenery.-Josh Hammer is a friend of the show and the senior editor-at-large at Newsweek. He's the host of The Josh Hammer Show and the author of a new book, Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West, which recently reached as high as No. 3 on all of Amazon. You can follow him on X @josh_hammer. Get full access to Breaking Battlegrounds at breakingbattlegrounds.substack.com/subscribe

Send us a textFor Devin Pancake, trail running represents much more than a post-collegiate athletic pursuit—it's a thoughtful 30-year journey he's just beginning. Fresh off his win at the Antelope Island Buffalo Run 25K and his selection for the 2025 Trail Team Elite, Devin brings refreshing perspective to a sport that often celebrates immediate success.The conversation traces Devin's path from running a 4:00 mile at Utah State University to discovering trail running through iconic films like "Where Dreams Go to Die" and "Found on 49." Unlike many collegiate runners who turn to trails after burnout, Devin maintained a healthy relationship with running throughout college, crediting his coach for emphasizing sustainable development over grinding for immediate results.Devin shares the surreal experience of racing alongside Western States champion Adam Peterman in his first ultramarathon, chatting with the elite runner for miles while pushing his own limits. This story perfectly captures his approach to trail running—competitive but joyful, serious about performance but equally focused on connection and experience. His willingness to return to Speed Goat 50K after a self-described "humbling" first attempt demonstrates his commitment to learning and growth.What makes Devin's perspective particularly valuable is his balanced enthusiasm for everything from fast 25Ks to potential 100-milers and FKT attempts. Supported by the Trail Team Elite and coached by long-trail master Joe McConaughey through the All-In Collective, he's developing the skills to pursue both competitive excellence and soul-enriching adventures. His inspiration comes from thoughtful pioneers like Courtney Dauwalter and Jared Campbell, reflecting his own view of running as "a form of long-life meditation."Follow Devin's journey on Instagram @devinpancake as he tackles upcoming challenges including the Desert Rats 21K, Speed Goat 50K, and potentially Sunapee Scramble Mountain Classic while preparing for his Uinta Highline Trail FKT attempt. His story reminds us that the most fulfilling path in trail running might be one that balances serious competition with genuine appreciation for the mountains and community.

Hosts: Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan  While President of Utah State University, Elizabeth "Betsy" Cantwell received an annual salary of more than $580,000 dollars. She was only university president for about 18 months, but according to research from the Salt Lake Tribune, she spent at least another $661,000 in university funds on new cars, an apartment in Salt Lake City, national travel, and an office renovation involving luxury furnishings and her own bidet. Hosts Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan discuss the story and the lack of oversight that led to this kind of thing.   

Hosts: Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan  Pres. Trump’s approval polling 100 days into his second term A milestone in President Trump's second term happening this week -- the end of the first 100 days in office. This is a big step for each president -- have they been able to accomplish everything they set out to do? Have they kept campaign promises? The first 100 days can set the tone for the rest of the term. The Inside Sources hosts discuss some of the things President Trump has done and how it’s affected his approval rating.  Children who are U.S. citizens being wrapped up in deportations  U.S. citizens can't legally be deported -- the United States is their country. But what happens with children who are American citizens living with parents who are not? It's a question immigration officials and federal judges are now looking at after a 2-year-old U.S. citizen was sent to Honduras with her non-citizen mother and sister. Is this a custody issue or an immigration issue? The Inside Sources hosts debate.  HB267 Referendum reaches signature threshold This morning, the effort to overturn House Bill 267 -- the bill that banned public labor union collective bargaining -- cleared a major hurdle. Signatures from more than 8% of Utah voters, as well a 8% of voters in 15 of the state's 29 Senate districts, have now been verified. That doesn't mean everything is set and done yet. Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan go through the next steps before the referendum reaches the ballot.   Economic study shows Rio Grande Plan could generate $12.2 Billion in economic activity  If you've been following any kind of transportation news over the past few years, you may have heard about the Rio Grande Plan. This plan calls for burying railroad tracks through Salt Lake City in a kind of train box. It would also move rail operations back to the Rio Grande station, which hasn't had train service for several decades now. Inside Sources discusses the latest economic study – which shows that the project could generate billions of dollars for the economy – with two Rio Grande Plan volunteers, Brett Ross and Taylor Larsen.  15 years later: The state of the Utah Compact  For the past 15 years, Utah has attracted praise and attention for the way we deal with immigrants. In 2010, 120 leaders from around the state -- government, business, community, and religious leaders -- signed what's known as the Utah Compact. The goal? To maintain compassion and humanity when discussing such a fiery legal issue like immigration. Inside Sources gives the latest updates on the agreement.  Salt Lake Tribune: Utah State University president spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on cars, apartment, office bidet and more  While President of Utah State University, Elizabeth "Betsy" Cantwell received an annual salary of more than $580,000 dollars. She was only university president for about 18 months, but according to research from the Salt Lake Tribune, she spent at least another $661,000 in university funds on new cars, an apartment in Salt Lake City, national travel, and an office renovation involving luxury furnishings and her own bidet. Hosts Leah Murray and Taylor Morgan discuss the story and the lack of oversight that led to this kind of thing. 

This week, we're so glad to be sharing a conversation with our friend Chad Ford.Chad is a conflict mediator, peace educator, and associate professor of religious studies at Utah State University. He's spent decades working in some of the most entrenched conflict zones in the world—from the Middle East to South Africa to Northern Ireland. He's also the author of a new book called Seventy Times Seven: Jesus's Path to Conflict Transformation, published by Deseret Book. The book explores a question that feels more urgent than ever: how do we follow Jesus as peacemakers in a world so often shaped by fear, division, and violence?Our conversation with Chad moved from the personal to the global—from tensions in families and faith communities to the devastating conflicts we see on the world stage. And through all of it, Chad points back to Jesus as a radical model for how to live, engage, and help transform the world around us.Chad reminds us that Jesus's path is anything but passive. It doesn't mean disengaging or avoiding hard conversations. It means choosing to engage with both courage and compassion. It means refusing to meet harm with more harm, and instead walking a path that invites healing, reconciliation, and transformation.That kind of peace doesn't come quickly—or easily—but it's the kind of peace that can change lives and communities. Chad offers a vision of Christianity rooted in Jesus' ministry of reconciliation—not in dominance or defensiveness, but in the slow, often difficult work of restoring wholeness.He helped us see that the peace Jesus offers isn't always the peace we want—but it's the peace we need. And when the way forward feels impossible, he reminds us that part of discipleship is learning to make a way out of no way.And with that, here's our conversation with ChadSeventy Time Seven

Over the last few years, students at Utah State University built a weekly ritual at their school gym to grow the climbing community on campus. When Utah's legislature passed a contentious bill last year, that routine was stripped away after. Students rallied to raise awareness, fighting to keep their weekly meet-up alive.      Support comes from Kuat Racks  Terns Use code DIRTBAG to save 25% off your first order Oboz Diaries+ Members-- Their support is powering the Diaries- thank you! You can join today. Fitz will be in Colorado for two States of Adventure book presentations in May.  May 1st at Neptune Mountaineering in Boulder (RSVP here) May 2nd at Feral in Denver (RSVP here)

We're talking with Dr Susan Friedman about schedules of reinforcement. Susan is a professor emeritus in the Department of Psychology at Utah State University. She is well known around the world for her very popular on-line course: How Behavior Works: Living & Learning With Animals). She has co-authored chapters on behavior change in five veterinary texts, and her popular articles have been translated into 17 languages. She shares many of those articles on her web site: behavior works.org. It's a great resource for all of us who want to learn more about the natural science of behavior. Susan is a member of the clicker expo faculty. Her presentations at the March Clicker Expo prompted this conversation on schedules of reinforcement. In Part 1 Susan reviewed with us the basics of fixed and variable schedules. She ended with a question about how you get behavior to vary when you are using a continuous reinforcement schedule. That's where we began in Part 2. In Part 2 we took a deeper dive into continuous reinforcement schedules. We considered how you get behavior to vary without using a variable reinforcement schedule. Susan talked about a moving away from transactional training to training with assent. Part 3 Susan helps us to understand schedules of co-variation. She defines conjugate and synchronous schedules and gives some very practical examples, especially as it relates to husbandry procedures that may involve some discomfort. Again she discusses what assent looks like and what it means when an animal says no. What conditions must be present for a conjugate schedule to begin and what conditions mean that the training should stop?

Joe Rinderknecht is the founder of Upgrade Partners Capital (Fund of Funds) and Cowboy Capital (GP Sponsor), a real estate investment firm specializing in acquiring and operating value-add apartment buildings under 100 units. He focuses on deals within a four-hour drive of his home, ensuring hands-on management and strong market expertise. His latest acquisition, a 54-unit property built in 1998, has seen a $2.5 million value increase in just six months through strategic improvements and operational efficiencies.With nearly a decade of experience in commercial real estate, Joe has owned and invested in approximately 600 apartment units across Montana, Idaho, Utah, Texas, and Ohio. His background includes property management, constructions management, asset management for large portfolios, and capital raising for various deals.Joe earned his BS in Finance with a minor in Real Estate and Entrepreneurship from Utah State University in 2018. He also runs Tiny's Tribe, a 506(c) nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by life-changing accidents.When he's not working on real estate deals, Joe enjoys fishing, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors with his wife and three children.SummaryIn this episode, Randy Smith interviews Joe Rinderknecht, co-founder of Upgrade Partners Capital and Cowboy, discussing the current state of the multifamily real estate market, challenges faced by passive investors, and Joe's personal journey from ranching to real estate. Joe shares insights on building a multifamily portfolio, focusing on sub-100 unit investments, and strategic approaches to deal sourcing. He emphasizes the importance of construction management and personal connections in real estate transactions, while also providing educational resources for aspiring investors.Chapters00:00 Market Dynamics and Passive Investment Challenges06:20 Joe Rinderknecht's Journey and Background12:56 Real Estate Ventures and Lessons Learned18:52 Navigating Construction Challenges and Fund Strategies21:19 Exploring Fund Structures and Deal Flow23:21 Market Focus and Asset Selection26:54 Navigating Tertiary Markets and Local Resources27:37 The Niche of Sub-100 Unit Properties32:43 Educational Resources and Learning Opportunities37:47 Due Diligence in Construction Management40:48 Personal Growth and Investment Strategies42:39 outro RANDY SMITHConnect with our host, Randy Smith, for more educational content or to discuss investment opportunities in the real estate syndication space at www.impactequity.net, https://www.linkedin.com/in/randallsmith or on Instagram at @randysmithinvestorKeywordsreal estate, passive investing, multifamily, market trends, investment strategies, construction management, deal sourcing, education, investment portfolio, financial growth