Episodes

  • That mimosa needs a name...
    Jan 2 2025

    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.

    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • Ye Merry Gentlemen...
    Dec 26 2024

    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!

    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • From egg bites to extremism...
    Dec 4 2024

    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.

    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Waffles, War Rooms, and Women Crush Wednesdays...
    Nov 27 2024

    Dive into the second half of our chat with the incredible Eloiza Domingo on the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast! From syrup debates at IHOP to navigating diversity in a turbulent political climate, this episode serves up a mix of humor, humanity, and hard truths. Eloiza shares her insights on rebranding DEI, surviving professional crises, and a passion project, "Women Crush Wednesday." Plus, get the inside scoop on pecan pie secrets and the sociology of deviance.

    Catch this episode for a deliciously candid conversation about the intersection of breakfast, equity, and resilience. Don’t miss out—grab your headphones and waffles!

    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • Brunch, Bias, and Ballots: Navigating Waffles and the Election Aftermath...
    Nov 19 2024

    In this episode, Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt sit down with the brilliant Eloiza Domingo, founder and CEO of 410 LLC, to dive into the future of higher ed in uncertain times, navigating personal and professional challenges post-election, and honest takes on leadership, integrity, and what it means to lead inclusively. We talk breakfast (crepes, anyone?), biracial parenting, and even how political divides hit the Thanksgiving table.

    Whether you're here for the laughs, the insights, or the comfort of knowing you're not alone in processing the world, this episode is for you.

    #HigherEdBreakfastClub #Podcast #DEI #Leadership #PostElection #InclusiveLeadership #BreakfastTalk

    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • If you go to jail, establish dominance immediately...
    Nov 2 2024

    Welcome to the Higher Ed Breakfast Club, where today’s conversation goes deep! In this episode, our guest, Dr. Tammy Hodo, shares her journey through academia, white supremacy, and the roots of her DEI-focused company, All Things Diverse. Tammy dives into the political charge around school board takeovers, the weaponization of CRT, and how diversity efforts are often met with defensiveness instead of empathy.

    Together, we tackle why diverse lived experiences and open-mindedness are so crucial in today's divided climate, with Tammy challenging us to think about what we might accomplish if we came together. And, of course, no Higher Ed Breakfast Club episode is complete without a savory exploration of breakfast favorites—from hash browns to the never-ending crunchy versus smooth peanut butter debate. Pour yourself a mimosa (or two) and dig into a rich discussion on diversity, equity, and how breakfast brings us all together.

    Show more Show less
    34 mins
  • Sweet grits and the diaspora...
    Oct 22 2024

    Join us on the latest episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club podcast, featuring special guest Dr. Tammy Hodo! We discuss her experiences as a runner, a veteran, and a diversity advocate, have a powerful discussion on the backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, especially in Florida and beyond, and discuss the ongoing struggles and systemic racism in higher education and society. We also talk breakfast including grits and how one should season them. Grab a cup of joe and get in here!

    Don’t miss out! Stream now! #HigherEd #HEBC #DEI #RacialJustice

    Show more Show less
    48 mins
  • Legos, Spam, and a Big Reveal...
    Oct 1 2024

    In this episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club podcast, hosts Chris and Brian sit down with JS Bragg, a passionate educator who has transformed student engagement through innovative teaching methods, including using games to illustrate leadership concepts. JS shares insights into his unique approach to the classroom, revealing how he incorporates his love for gaming into lessons, leading to statistically significant improvements in students' understanding of leadership. Listeners will also get a taste of JS's culinary skills as he talks about his favorite meals to cook and his impressive burger-making abilities. Plus, there's a big reveal that you won't want to miss! Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation, and prepare to be surprised!


    Show more Show less
    53 mins