CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast

Episode 26 - Understanding Sound Writing: A Conversation with Dr. Scott Lunsford

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the ideas, experiences, and challenges shaping academic life. In this episode, Dr. Scott Lunsford joins us to talk about sound writing; what it is, how it works, and why it matters as a rhetorical practice. Dr. Lunsford shares: A clear definition of sound writing and its foundations How sound operates as a mode of communication and persuasion The relationship between sound, text, and meaning Examples of how sound writing challenges traditional ideas of composition Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about the role of sound in rhetoric and the ways it reshapes how we understand writing. This episode is part one of two with Dr. Lunsford. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 25 - From Students to Scholars: Fostering Faculty-Student Partnerships with Dr. Sara Finney

In this episode of the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum sits down with professor and Associate Director for Student Affairs Assessment Dr. Sara Finney to discuss how her work with graduate students in the psychology field has shaped her teaching experience, and how faculty members can guide their students through serious research scholarship. Listen in as they discuss: How to incorporate students into professional, field-related research Strategies to level the playing field between faculty and students to form productive partnerships Why psychological safety matters when discussing research projects with students How students can better see themselves in scholarly work and their impact on confidence and agency Including student mentorship in research agendas as a newer faculty member Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 24 - “We Weren’t Supposed to Speak Machine”: AI, Bias, and the Future of Higher Ed with Dr. Hala Nelson

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Hala Nelson, an expert in artificial intelligence, to unpack how AI is reshaping the future of professional life, both inside and outside the university. From clarifying the difference between AI and machine learning to examining the hidden biases built into our technologies, this conversation explores what it really means to “speak machine” in a world that’s rapidly changing. Tune in to hear: What separates AI from machine learning and why the distinction matters How bias gets built into AI systems (and what faculty need to watch for) The meaning behind the provocative idea that “we weren’t supposed to speak machine” The impacts of AI on teaching, learning, and academic careers in higher education Ideas for future conversations about preparing students, and ourselves, or an AI-shaped future Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 23 - Beyond the Hype: Rethinking AI as Just One Tool in the Toolbox with Dr. Michael Klein

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Michael Klein to explore what it really means to use AI thoughtfully in academic and professional settings. Rather than treating AI as a magic solution, Dr. Klein emphasizes the importance of seeing it as one tool among many and why becoming overly dependent on a single technology can limit both creativity and judgment. Tune in to hear: Why AI should complement, not replace, core skills like critical thinking How to avoid over-reliance on any one tool (AI or otherwise) What long-term impacts of AI we should be paying attention to, including environmental concerns How faculty can help students build resilient, adaptable, tech-informed learning practices Questions worth asking as AI continues to shape classrooms, research, and professional life Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 22 - The Learner-Centered Approach: A Conversation with Dr. Chen Guo

In this episode of the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum speaks with School of Media Art and Design professor Dr. Chen Guo about the field of interactive design and how the adaptive nature of the discipline has shaped her classroom and teaching techniques. Listen in as they discuss: Understanding what interactive design is and how it works The value of a learner-centered approach in teaching Increasing student engagement in the classroom through hands-on experience Encouraging students to step out of their comfort zones and submit their work to conferences Tune in to this discussion of the impact of a learner-centered approach and how your field can influence your teaching style. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 21 - Teaching as Action: Empowerment, Identity, and Impact with Dr. Leonard Richards Jr.

In this episode of the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum talks with a JMU alum turned professor, Dr. Leonard Richards Jr, about his journey from student to educator and how that path shapes his teaching today. He reflects on mentorship, identity, and the importance of empowering students to take action and see their impact. Listen in as they discuss: What it means to teach as a verb, not just a role Supporting first-generation students and students of color Navigating identity as a Black educator at a PWI The value of feedback, self-reflection, and growth Balancing personal life, mental health, and academic work He also shares a reminder: be yourself, trust your journey, and know you’ve earned your place. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 20 – Building a Community of Care: Mental Health First Aid with Dr. Joe Leblanc and Karla Kale

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum talks with Dr. Joe Leblanc and Karla Kale about mental health first aid, a practical approach that helps faculty and staff recognize when someone may be struggling and respond with care. Using the metaphor of being a first responder, they discuss how educators can learn simple, evidence-based tools to start supportive conversations and connect people with help. Listen in as they discuss: The ALGEE model, a flexible framework for approaching conversations and offering support How to move past the fear of saying the wrong thing when someone may be struggling Common warning signs of distress and how to respond thoughtfully Campus resources like Madison Cares and training opportunities through CFI and the Counseling Center The connection between well-being, burnout, and creating a supporting campus community They also emphasize a key reminder: approaching someone with care is always a meaningful first step. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 19 - Designing Learning in the Age of AI: A Conversation with Dr. Xuebin Wei

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies of dedicated educators. In this episode, host Dr. Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Xuebin Wei, a geography professor whose work focuses on generative AI in data science, education, and geospatial analysis. Together, they unpack how AI is transforming the ways students learn, think, and engage with course material. Dr. Wei shares insights on: · Understanding large language models and their capabilities · How students use AI and the new skillsets they need to develop · Encouraging critical thinking in an AI-rich learning environment · How generative AI is reshaping teaching practices and expectations Tune in for this thoughtful conversation on learning, digital literacy, and the evolving role of AI in higher education. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 18 - Staying Present: Dr. Bobby Vaziri on Teaching, Engagement, and Balance

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum talks with Dr. Bobby Vaziri from JMU’s College of Business. Dr. Vaziri shares his transition from industry to academia, inspired by his father’s career and great mentors along the way. Listen in as Dr. Vaziri discusses: How humor, real-world examples, and presence help create inclusive classrooms Why Success Workshops are making a difference in student engagement and stress reduction How songwriting, fitness, and rest fuel his personal and professional growth His advice for staying grounded: focus less on the rush, and more on the journey Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 17 - Navigating Generative AI with Care: Professor Yasmeen Shorish on Learning, Privacy, and Awareness

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Dr. Eric Magrum sits down with Professor Yasmeen Shorish to discuss the role of generative AI in higher education and how educators can navigate its use thoughtfully and responsibly. Through conversations centered on learning, awareness, and ethics, the episode emphasizes keeping knowledge-building at the core while addressing important considerations around privacy and cybersecurity. Tune in to hear: How generative AI can support learning and knowledge-building when used intentionally Why prioritizing learning—rather than tools—matters in conversations about AI What it means to be aware of how AI is used in academic spaces How privacy and cybersecurity concerns should shape AI use in the classroom Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 16 - Building Engaged Classrooms: Part 2 with Dr. Julie Gochenour

In this Part 2 episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum continues the conversation with Dr. Julie Gochenour, diving into her personal teaching philosophy and what it means to create an engaging, trust-centered classroom. Through reflections on mutual respect, authenticity, and joy in teaching, the episode highlights how meaningful learning environments are built through connection—and a willingness to have fun along the way. Tune in to hear: How Dr. Gochenour builds mutual trust and respect with her students Why classroom engagement is central to her teaching style What it looks like to make learning enjoyable for both students and professors Why the idea that “if I’m not having fun, you’re not having fun” matters for teaching and learning Disclaimer: In describing the value of self-disclosure as a tool for building trust with students, Dr. Gochenour shares an experience that includes discussion of suicide and the loss of a parent. Listener discretion is advised. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 15 - Connection Is the Curriculum: A Conversation with Dr. Julie Gochenour

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Julie Gochenour to talk about what makes teaching, learning, and professional relationships truly meaningful. Through reflections on communication, authenticity, and purpose, the conversation explores how genuine connection shapes both the classroom and the work we do beyond it. Tune in to hear: Why genuine connection is at the heart of effective teaching and collaboration How communication serves as the foundation of strong relationships—with students, colleagues, and communities What it means to truly believe in what you teach, and how that belief shows up for learners How the idea that “the medium is the message” influences teaching practices and professional communication Disclaimer: In describing the value of self-disclosure as a tool for building trust with students, Dr. Gochenour shares an experience that includes discussion of suicide and the loss of a parent. Listener discretion is advised. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 14 - Inclusion, Mentorship, and Balance: A conversation with Dr. Tiara Brown

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Tiara Brown from the College of Education at JMU. Dr. Brown shares her path from agriculture and sports administration to special education, spotlighting the power of inclusion and what meaningful transitions from high school to college really look like. Tune in to hear: -Why “small wins” matter—like one student learning to support a classmate with autism -Dr. Brown’s 50/50 rule for maintaining work-life balance -The role of mentorship in faculty growth (and why she recommends the CFI mentoring program) -Ideas for future conversations around navigating change and sustainable career practices Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

Episode 13 - Leading Through Change: A Conversation With JMU Interim Provost Bob Kolvoord

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies of dedicated educators. In this episode, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Bob Kolvoord, JMU’s Interim Provost, to discuss how the university—and higher education more broadly—is evolving in response to emerging technologies and shifting student needs. Dr. Kolvoord shares insights on: The ethical use of AI in teaching and learning How education continues to evolve at JMU Creating an environment where faculty can thrive Tune in for this thoughtful conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of teaching at JMU. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

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Episode 12 - Design Thinking in the Classroom: A Conversation with Dr. Meghalee Das on UX, AI, and the Writing Process

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies of dedicated educators. In this episode, host Eric Magrum continues the conversation with Dr. Meghalee Das, diving deeper into how user experience (UX) design principles can shape more intentional and student-centered classrooms. Dr. Das shares insights on: Applying UX design to create engaging learning experiences Navigating the possibilities and challenges of AI in the classroom Emphasizing process over product in writing and learning Tune in for part two of this thoughtful conversation with Dr. Das as she reflects on the role of design, technology, and reflection in fostering authentic student learning. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

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Episode 11 - Fostering collaboration, empathy, and innovation: A conversation with Dr. Meghalee Das

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies of dedicated educators. In this episode, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Meghalee Das to discuss how principles of collaboration and user experience (UX) research can transform teaching and learning. Dr. Das shares insights on: Building collaboration and trust in academic and workplace settings Applying UX research to enhance learning experiences Encouraging empathy and understanding in the classroom Fostering connection in both in-person and online environments Tune in for an insightful conversation with Dr. Das as she reflects on the value of empathy-driven teaching and the power of thoughtful design in education. CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

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Episode 10 - Keeping It Real in the Classroom: A Conversation with Professor Colleen Watson on Teaching, Engagement, and STEM Outreach

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies of dedicated educators. In this episode, host Eric Magrum sits down with Colleen Watson, a statistics teacher here at JMU, to discuss how authenticity and mentorship shape her teaching. Professor Watson shares insights on: Staying authentic in the classroom Keeping students engaged in statistics Directing MadiSTEM, a program designed to encourage middle school girls to explore STEM fields Staying organized while balancing multiple responsibilities Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Colleen Watson as she reflects on her teaching journey and the ways she builds meaningful connections with her students, both inside, and outside the classroom. CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

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Episode 9 - Balancing Equations and Life: A Conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Brown

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the ideas, experiences, and challenges shaping academic life. In this episode, math educator Dr. Elizabeth Brown joins us to talk about becoming a teacher, connecting with students, and navigating the balance between professional and personal life. Elizabeth Brown shares: The journey to becoming a math teacher and what inspired that path Approaches to building authentic connections with students inside and outside the classroom How hobbies like rescuing dogs and competing in Ironman races bring perspective and balance Strategies for maintaining well-being while meeting the demands of teaching Tune in for an engaging conversation about teaching with heart, sustaining balance, and bringing one’s whole self into the classroom. CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

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Episode 8 - Advice for Your Former Self

Overcoming challenges, embracing opportunities, and using your resources: A compilation of advice from faculty Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences, challenges, and strategies of dedicated educators. In this special episode, host Eric Magrum shares a collection of interviews with various faculty members, each responding to the question: If you could go back in time, and meet yourself before your first day at JMU, what advice would you give -- and why? Faculty members share advice on: Staying present Networking Recognizing your skills Planning Community-building Being open to new experiences Using campus resources Engaging in meaningful teaching Tune in for an inspiring compilation of faculty members reflecting on their early experiences at JMU. Listen to advice from various JMU faculty members at the timestamps indicated below Dr. Bobby Vaziri 0:30 – 1:42 Dr. Chen Guo 1:43 – 3:05 Professor Colleen Watson 3:06 – 4:20 Dr. Delores Phillips 4:21 – 5:18 Dr. Elizabeth Brown 5:19 – 6:44 Dr. Eric Guinivan 6:45 – 7:59 Dr. Leonard Richards 8:00 – 10:16 Dr. Modjadji Choshi 10:17 –12:41 Dr. Robyn Kondrad 12:42 – 14:05 Dr. Tiara Brown 14:06 – 15:15 Dr. Timothy Ball 15:16 – 18:58 CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

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Episode 7 - Empowering Student Success Through Creative Collaboration: A Conversation with Dr. Eric Guinivan

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the ideas, experiences, and challenges shaping academic life. In this episode, Grammy-nominated composer and associate professor Dr. Eric Guinivan joins us to talk about teaching, creativity, and the ongoing effort to support students while sustaining a meaningful work-life balance. Dr. Guinivan shares: Early teaching experiences, from high school marching bands to graduate teaching at Indiana University His innovative work at a public charter school with mixed-age classrooms and peer mentorship How enthusiasm, analytical thinking, and creativity shape his teaching philosophy Strategies for setting boundaries and maintaining well-being as a faculty member Reflections on a workload equity project and what it revealed about faculty expectations Thoughts on collaboration, composition, and stepping outside his creative comfort zone Tune in for an inspiring conversation about empowering students, embracing experimentation, and building a collaborative learning environment rooted in care. CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

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