PsychSessions: Conversations about Teaching N' Stuff

Latest Episodes:

E235 Jon Grahe Part 2 (edited) Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Eric interviews Jon Grahe from the Gaffney Group and Illumin Analytics in a Part 2 interview. They discuss his journey from being a psychology professor to working in sales, particularly in the solar and roofing industries, and now as an advanced funeral planner. Jon shares his experiences of door-to-door sales, the challenges and insights gained, and how his background in psychology has been instrumental in his new roles. He emphasizes the importance of pre-planning funeral arrangements and the emotional aspects of his current role. The conversation also touches on Jon's passion for environmental conservation, particularly his interest in beavers and their role in wetlands. Despite the career shift, Jon remains actively engaged in academic projects and continues to contribute to scholarly work, highlighting the flexibility and opportunities that his new career path provides.

[Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

E234: Mary Kite: Career reflections, a new chapter, and an academic legacy Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Eric interviews Mary Kite from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Mary shares her recent retirement journey and the factors influencing her decision, including personal loss and the changing landscape of higher education. The discussion delves into the impact of legislative changes on academic freedom and the introduction of AI in education. She reflects on her extensive career, the evolution of teaching psychology, and the importance of following one's passion. Offering advice to new educators, she emphasizes maintaining a work-life balance and avoiding the pitfalls of comparison. The episode concludes with an optimistic outlook on academic life and the lasting impact educators have on their students.

[Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

E233: Eric Amsel: Nurturing potential: Improving student support for aspiring students Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Eric interviews Eric Amsel from Weber State University in Odgen, UT. They discuss the challenges and responsibilities of supporting underprepared students in higher education. Highlighting a case where developmental math and English retention rates were brought from 40% to approximately 60-65%, they emphasize the need for better support systems for students with big dreams who begin their college journey underprepared. Eric A. reflects on his own experiences and the mission of an open enrollment regional comprehensive institution to enhance student success.

[Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

New to PsychSessions? Everything You Need to Know in Two Minutes Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

New to PsychSessions? Everything You Need to Know in Two Minutes

E232: Regan Gurung (Part 3): Inspiration, innovation, experience, and transformation Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Garth interviews Regan for a Part 3 interview from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. They discuss Regan's journey from his early days in Green Bay to his current position at Oregon State University. Regan shares insights on balancing professional and personal life, emphasizing the importance of social support, sleep, and maintaining networks. The conversation also covers his latest work, including his collaboration with Wayne Whiten on the 12th edition of 'Psychology Themes and Variations,' his successful book 'Study Like a Champ,' and his upcoming project 'Teach Like a Champ.' They also touch on the significance of student engagement and belonging, the Intro Psych Academy, and the evolving challenges in teaching psychology. Regan emphasizes a data-driven, yet humanistic approach to teaching and discusses the importance of adapting and continually learning as an educator.

[Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

E231: Bill Hill: Legacy, leadership, mentorship, and community (with special guest host Jane Halonen) Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode Garth and special guest host Jane Halonen interviewed Bill Hill, emeritus faculty from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA. Bill Hill is a distinguished figure in the field of psychology and a key contributor to the Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP). He discusses his extensive career at Kennesaw State University, where he wore multiple hats from faculty member to vice president for academic affairs. The discussion delves into his foundational role in various teaching conferences and his efforts to promote community and mentorship within STP. Jane Halonen and Bill also reminisce about their collaborative efforts in program reviews and their significant contributions to the development of psychology guidelines. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Bill underscores the importance of community, mentorship, and adaptability in academia.

[Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

E230: Bridgette Hard, Part 2: Educational excellence, modern teaching, and crafting narratives (with special guest host Jane Halonen) Jul 29, 2025

Show notes

In this Part 2 episode, Garth interviews Bridgette Hard from Duke University in Durham, NC (with special guest host Jane Halonen). Bridgette discusses her journey and experiences as a faculty member and conference organizer at Duke University. She shares insights on the significance of creating a supportive teaching-focused environment, the development of clearer guidelines for evaluating teaching effectiveness, and tackling the challenge of integrating technology and AI in education. She also reflects on her ongoing project of writing an interactive introductory psychology textbook that emphasizes personal wellbeing and effective engagement with diverse perspectives. She provides updates on the impact of COVID-19 on student resilience and engagement. The conversation underscores the significance of storytelling in education and the dynamic landscape of higher education.

[Note. Descript AI generated portions of the show notes.]

E5 - The Whole Student Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Today's exercise is to help you shift out of your busy brain and into your body, using a simple technique called Progressive Muscle Relaxation. If you are noticing that you are ready to end your day, but you are having a difficult time winding down, join me in a brief, 15 minute exercise, to help you move into your wind-down routine. All you need is a comfortable place to lie or sit down.

Intro and Outro music: "In the Forest - Ambient Acoustic Guitar Instrumental Background Music For Videos" by [music_for_video] Provided by Pixabay Music (https://pixabay.com/music/) Licensed under Pixabay License – free for commercial use, no attribution required Edited for length and volume

Background music: "Sleep Music Vol. 26" by [Relaxingtime- Piotr Witowski] Provided by Pixabay Music (https://pixabay.com/music/ambient-sleep-music-vol16-195422/) Licensed under Pixabay License – free for commercial use, no attribution required Edited for length and volume

TWS E04: Coping with Uncertainty About the Future Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Today, we are going to lean into a conversation that I have with students around advising time, close to graduation, at the start of a new semester and when students are sitting with a sense of uncertainty about the future. We are going to explore some skills that are rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to help us stop trying to fight or uncertainty and make room for curiosity and movement.

All you need is a comfortable place to sit, you might want to have a notebook or piece of paper and writing utensil closeby, in case you're someone who likes to jot down ideas or thoughts that come to mind and work through them later. Finally, we will discuss ways in which you can shift from overthinking to curiosity in your day to day life.

Background music: "Gentle-rain-181000" by [Artist Alex Wit] Provided by Pixabay Music (https://pixabay.com/music/) Licensed under Pixabay License – free for commercial use, no attribution required Edited for length and volume

TWS E03: Grounding Object Jul 22, 2025

Show notes

Today, we are taking a peek into a conversation that I have with students nearly weekly, when they are feeling anxious and scattered. We are going to explore how to use a physical grounding object to help bring us back into the present. All you need is a small object nearby, then, we will walk through how to use this object to practice mindfulness and reduce anxiety, finally, we will discuss ways in which you can use this object in your day to day life.

Meditation music: "Ambient For Meditation by [Rockot] Provided by Pixabay Music (https://pixabay.com/music/) Licensed under Pixabay License – free for commercial use, no attribution required Edited for length and volume

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

PsychSessions: Conversations about Teaching N’ Stuff

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected