Adventures in Advising

Matt and Ryan sit down with Dr. Daniel MacDonald and Dr. Jeremy Murray from California State University, San Bernardino to explore the faculty perspective of how generative AI is reshaping higher education. From concerns about AI replacing critical thinking to the promise of increased accessibility and productivity, the conversation dives deep into the ethical and practical implications of AI in the classroom. MacDonald and Murray call for clear departmental policies, thoughtful integration, and a renewed focus on teaching students how to think—not just what to produce. Dr. Daniel MacDonald is Chair of the Economics Department at California State University San Bernardino and Founder of Inland Empire Dynamic Insights LLC, an economics-based consulting firm specializing in data analysis for law, higher ed, and local government. He is an educator with over 10 years of experience in academic and applied research. Find him online at, and check out his company at https://iedynamicinsights.com/Dr. Jeremy Murray teaches and writes about modern China and US-China relations, and has published work on Hainan island, Asian cultural traditions, and pop culture.  He serves as faculty co-advisor for the award-winning student-run history journal, History in the Making.  He coordinates the CSUSB Modern China Lecture Series and helps coordinate the CSUSB Conversations on Race and Policing and the Disability Studies Lecture Series. He was a Wilson Center China Fellow for the 2022-23 year and is a Fulbright Taiwan Fellow for the 2025-26 cycle. Find his faculty profile here: https://www.csusb.edu/profile/jmurrayHigher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

Dr. Lisa Rubin, professor in the College of Education at Kansas State University and Dr. Ashley Thomas, assistant director of resources and managing editor at NACADA discuss Rubin’s upcoming book, Ethical Issues in Academic Advising, a new guidebook shaped by her journey from athletic advisor to professor at Kansas State University. This conversation dives into the ethical challenges advisors face every day with clarity, compassion, and real-world insight. From foundational ethical concepts to decision-making frameworks, Rubin and Thomas discuss how this book offers practical tools for academic and faculty advisors, as well as administrators. Pre-order Ethical Issues in Academic Advising! Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Matt and Ryan dive into the California State University system's landmark rollout of ChatGPT to over half a million students, faculty, and staff. The CSU’s bold AI initiative is meant to reshape higher education by tackling equitable access, responsible use, and workforce readiness. We also explore tough questions about AI’s impact on jobs and sustainability, as well as how CSU leaders are responding. Panelists include: California State University Office of the Chancellor:Dr. Leslie Kennedy - Assistant Vice ChancellorDr. Ed Clark - Chief Information OfficerDr. Felix Zuniga - Campus Engagement PartnerCalifornia State University, San Bernardino:Dr. Bradford Owen - Associate Vice President of Faculty Development and Chief Academic Technology OfficerGerard Au - Chief Information OfficerHigher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

Dan Wienecke, academic advisor and instructor at Arapahoe Community College, shares his journey from Colorado State University to various international roles, including Peace Corps service in Kazakhstan. At ACC, Dan focuses on retention, particularly for students on academic recovery. Wienecke discusses ACC's performance support workshops, which help students understand and improve their academic standing. He also discusses the appeal support event, a collaborative effort to guide students through financial aid appeals. He highlights the mutual benefits of his advisor and instructor roles, stressing the importance of empathy and support in student success. Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

Brendan Caputo, director of student affairs at Long Island University, shares his inspiring path through higher education and his mission to support student success. From living on campus to leading LIU’s innovative Center for Student Success and Coaching, Caputo offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a responsive, student-centered support system. He dives into his research on academic procrastination—uncovering how intrinsic motivation can be a game-changer—and opens up about the importance of self-care and professional growth for those working in higher ed. Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Ryan Scheckel from Texas Tech University officially joins the podcast! 03:53 - Ann Bingham with University of Southampton interviews UK Advising and Tutoring CEO David Grey, looking back at the 10-year anniversary of the UKAT conference, honoring a decade of impact, innovation, and inspiration. 16:21 - Matt Markin facilitates a panel discussion with Ryan Scheckel, Texas Tech University; Iris Burks, Maastricht University; Declan McLaughlin, Queens University Belfast; and Melinda Anderson, Achieving the Dream, discussing strategies for student success, the importance of professional development and community support for advisors, and the role of AI in advising. They stress the need for institutions to prioritize student learning and well-being, as well as leverage technology while maintaining human connections. They emphasize the importance of small wins and everyday successes in higher education, drawing inspiration from historical achievements and the resilience of past educators.Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

Guest host Raezheen Pascua, academic advisor at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa teams up with program director Pearlena (Lena) Sarono Stone for an inspiring episode recorded fresh off their presentation at the 2025 NASPA Annual Conference in New Orleans.Together, they dive into how First Year Experience courses can be powerful tools for promoting holistic student well-being, easing the college transition, and creating inclusive spaces—especially for students from marginalized communities.From innovative engagement strategies to the success of their dual enrollment programs, Rae and Lena share insights, stories, and real talk about navigating higher ed—including their own experiences with imposter syndrome and personal growth.This episode is a must-listen for educators, advisors, and anyone passionate about student success. 🌱✨Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

Thomas Beckwith with University of Florida leads a lively conversation with panelists: Tim Cox, Lafayette College; Kris Valentine, University of Florida and Shaura Thomas, University of Florida. Panelists break down what makes advising at two-year and four-year colleges so different—and why it matters. From centralized vs. faculty-driven models to the pace and scope of student interactions, panelists share real-world insights on how advising structures shape the student experience. They also dive into hot topics like the evolving role of advisors, the power of tech in advising, and why collaboration and professional development are more important than ever.Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

Matt Markin from CSU San Bernardino and Ryan Scheckel from Texas Tech University dive into the exciting world of AI-powered tools reshaping the experiences of both students and advisors. They explore Google's NotebookLM, an AI assistant that digests your documents, delivers smart summaries, and even creates personalized audio overviews. They also check out Thea Study, a beta-stage platform offering AI-crafted study guides, flashcards, and quizzes to supercharge learning. Could these tools transform how students and advisors interact with information? Tune in for a thoughtful look at their potential—and the critical questions we still need to ask about AI in education.Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

In this inspiring episode, David Smith, Advising Specialist at Jefferson College, shares his remarkable 30+ year journey through higher education—from community college student to music professor to mentor and administrator. David dives into his work with the Region VII Mentoring Program and the power of academic coaching. Discover how tools like the action brainstorming worksheet help students turn goals into reality, and why seeking help early is key to success. Whether you're a student, advisor, or educator, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and practical takeaways. Higher Listenings: Joy for EducatorsA new podcast from Top Hat delivering ideas, relief, and joy to the future of teaching.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySubscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!The X, Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcastAlso, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.