After our holiday hiatus, we welcome Lisa Pescara Kovach back to the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast. Part two with Lisa looks at the deep complexities of higher education, faculty challenges, and fostering meaningful dialogue in today’s polarized climate.

Key topics discussed include:

• Navigating Controversial Topics in the Classroom: How educators balance neutrality, academic freedom, and student sensitivities.
• Faculty Burnout: The emotional toll on faculty managing difficult conversations and administrative pressures.
• Media Literacy as a Core Skill: Why teaching students how to critically evaluate information is more vital than ever.
• The Role of Colleges in Facilitating Dialogue: Examining how institutions can create safe spaces for challenging conversations while remaining true to their mission.
• Breakfast and Brunch Musings: A lighter note as the hosts and Lisa explore breakfast favorites, the perfect mimosa variations, and the potential for new brunch traditions.

This episode blends serious insights with moments of humor and warmth, making it a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone invested in the evolving landscape of higher education.

Get ready to laugh, reminisce, and maybe even rethink your holiday traditions as Chris and Brian take you on a festive journey like no other. This special episode is packed with heartwarming stories, a touch of chaos, and plenty of good humor. Whether it’s navigating Christmas morning rituals, reflecting on cookie recipes that span generations, or the brilliance of having breakfast at any time, this is the perfect way to add a little joy to your season.

From eggnog experiments and nostalgic holiday meals to the quirks of gift-opening traditions, Chris and Brian share family stories and even take a philosophical dive into burning things responsibly (or not) and how the magic of the holidays comes from the unexpected moments we share with the ones we love.

Whether you’re lighting the menorah, enjoying a quiet moment by the fire, or simply indulging in a little holiday chaos, this episode is here to make your season a little brighter. Join us for a celebration of food, family, and the sheer absurdity of the holidays. Listen now and unwrap the joy!

Join us for a post-Thanksgiving feast of conversation on the Higher Ed Breakfast Club podcast! This week, Chris and Brian are joined by the insightful and dynamic Lisa Pescara-Kovach Director of the Center for Education in Mass Violence and Suicide at the University of Toledo.

In this episode, we explore the pressing challenges facing higher education, including navigating post-election tensions and supporting students through trauma-informed care. Lisa shares her expertise on creating more understanding and flexible classroom environments while addressing broader societal issues like extremism and threat assessment. Together, we discuss how higher education can lead the charge for kindness and connection during these turbulent times.

Of course, no episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club would be complete without plenty of breakfast talk. From Lisa’s MIL's homemade egg bites to Brian’s legendary Thanksgiving leftovers waffle, to Chris' stuffing cups, we dive into the ultimate breakfast creations while keeping things light and engaging. And yes, there’s even a lively discussion about Hot Frosty (IYKYK).

Don’t miss this episode packed with serious insights, hearty laughs, and thoughtful reflections on the state of higher education today. Listen now and subscribe for more episodes filled with conversation and connection.