In this episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast, Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt chat with guest Chris Usher, whose incredible career spans from the Marines to diplomatic security, and now to higher education and safety training.

• Here’s a taste of what we discussed:
• Roux. And I mean a lot of talk about roux. I'm serious.
• Eye-opening perspectives on law enforcement, cultural diplomacy, and campus safety.
• The differences in campus and non-campus policing and the importance of knowing the difference.
• What's the best fast food breakfast?

Oh, and we didn’t forget about Hubig's Pies—a New Orleans fried pie classic!

Tune in to hear how skills like conflict resolution, cultural understanding, and yes, breakfast preferences, connect to higher education and building better communities.

#HigherEdBreakfastClub #CampusSafety #LawEnforcement #OnlineLearning #BreakfastTalks #NewOrleansVibes #CampusPolicing #IACLEA

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.

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.

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

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!

In this episode of Higher Ed Breakfast Club, hosts Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt sit down with J.S. Bragg, Assistant Director for Student Activities at Miami University in Ohio. They dive into a lively discussion that covers everything from their favorite breakfast orders to the challenges faced by today's college students post-pandemic.

They share some laughs over breakfast traditions, nostalgia for monster cereals like Count Chocula, and the rise of Waffle House in Oxford. But it’s not just all about breakfast. J.S. gives insight into the lasting impact of COVID-19 on student engagement, mental health, and leadership development on campus.

🍳 Grab your coffee and catch this tasty conversation, full of humor, higher ed insight, and of course, breakfast talk!

#HigherEdBreakfastClub #Podcast #CollegeLife #BreakfastChat #MiamiUniversity