Humans of Campus Housing Podcast Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:48:56 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2409831 en-us © 2026 Humans of Campus Housing Podcast yes 255240c4-de48-5ebe-9ab0-4d96e5a9b31d Kinetic episodic false Humans of Campus Housing explores the world of student housing in higher education, offering expert insights and real stories from campus life. Join hosts Elizabeth, Ben and Leo as they discuss the challenges, successes, and strategies that shape vibrant residential communities.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Kinetic https://storage.buzzsprout.com/xn0pdwn92t1yscfvuvw3sp5r8gcn?.jpg Humans of Campus Housing Podcast Episode 14 | Leading with Emotional Intelligence Episode 14 | Leading with Emotional Intelligence In this episode, Aja and Leo talk with Dr Kevin Conn to explore how emotional intelligence shapes student housing leadership in real moments. From crisis response to everyday team dynamics, they unpack self awareness empathy and growth for new professionals. Kevin shares stories insights and practical ways to show up better support staff and create more human centered campus environments that truly make people feel seen heard and supported and valued deeply.


For additional resources on Emotional Intelligence please check out:

  • Bradberry, T., & Graves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. San Diego, CA: TalentSmart.
  • Cornwall, M. (2010). Go suck a lemon: Strategies for improving your emotional intelligence.
  • Stein, S and Book, H. "The EQ Edge". Toronto: Jossey-Bass. EQ Edge.com
  • Tuhovsky, I. (2016). Emotional intelligence: A practical guide to making friends with your emotions and raising your EQ.
]]> In this episode, Aja and Leo talk with Dr Kevin Conn to explore how emotional intelligence shapes student housing leadership in real moments. From crisis response to everyday team dynamics, they unpack self awareness empathy and growth for new professionals. Kevin shares stories insights and practical ways to show up better support staff and create more human centered campus environments that truly make people feel seen heard and supported and valued deeply.


For additional resources on Emotional Intelligence please check out:

  • Bradberry, T., & Graves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. San Diego, CA: TalentSmart.
  • Cornwall, M. (2010). Go suck a lemon: Strategies for improving your emotional intelligence.
  • Stein, S and Book, H. "The EQ Edge". Toronto: Jossey-Bass. EQ Edge.com
  • Tuhovsky, I. (2016). Emotional intelligence: A practical guide to making friends with your emotions and raising your EQ.
]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-18994044 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400 1438 1 14 full false Episode 13 | Confidence Is Always in Style Episode 13 | Confidence Is Always in Style Aja, Ben, and Leo are joined by Shavonn Nowlin, Director of Residence Life at University Center Chicago and member of the 2025 Diamond Club, for a conversation about body image, confidence, and belonging in higher education.

Shavonn shares stories about body positivity, self-advocacy, and navigating campus life in a body that deserves to be comfortable wherever it goes. From roommate moments and RA trainings to conference travel, the group dives into the everyday situations where body image shows up when you least expect it. It is a real, thoughtful, and fun conversation about confidence, self-advocacy, and helping students and staff feel good showing up exactly as they are.

]]> Aja, Ben, and Leo are joined by Shavonn Nowlin, Director of Residence Life at University Center Chicago and member of the 2025 Diamond Club, for a conversation about body image, confidence, and belonging in higher education.

Shavonn shares stories about body positivity, self-advocacy, and navigating campus life in a body that deserves to be comfortable wherever it goes. From roommate moments and RA trainings to conference travel, the group dives into the everyday situations where body image shows up when you least expect it. It is a real, thoughtful, and fun conversation about confidence, self-advocacy, and helping students and staff feel good showing up exactly as they are.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-18801641 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500 2369 1 13 full false Episode 12 | Recruitment That Makes Sense Episode 12 | Recruitment That Makes Sense Aja, Ben and Leo kick off the new year by unpacking what “recruitment season” looks like in campus housing and student affairs today. They trace the shift from traditional conference-based placement to virtual-first hiring (and the ways it’s starting to swing back), discuss cost and accessibility realities, and share practical tips for both candidates and employers, from tailoring cover letters and practicing interview platforms to designing humane, culture-revealing interview experiences. Plus: LEGO talk, welcome kits, and why building in downtime might be the most underrated recruitment strategy.

]]> Aja, Ben and Leo kick off the new year by unpacking what “recruitment season” looks like in campus housing and student affairs today. They trace the shift from traditional conference-based placement to virtual-first hiring (and the ways it’s starting to swing back), discuss cost and accessibility realities, and share practical tips for both candidates and employers, from tailoring cover letters and practicing interview platforms to designing humane, culture-revealing interview experiences. Plus: LEGO talk, welcome kits, and why building in downtime might be the most underrated recruitment strategy.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-18591729 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0500 2166 1 12 full false Episode 11 | Mapping Housing’s AI Moment Episode 11 | Mapping Housing’s AI Moment In this episode, Ben, Aja, and Leo are joined by Brent O’Guin (Georgia Tech) and Caroline Dotts (Strengths on Site) for a real talk on where AI actually helps in campus housing and where humans still matter most. From cleaner duty reports and smarter training revamps to five-year maintenance planning and everyday bandwidth wins, Brent and Caroline share how teams are using tools like Copilot as a true thought partner. We get candid about bias and ethics, why community-building needs a human knock on the door, and how to find your “entry point” so AI boosts the work you already do.

]]> In this episode, Ben, Aja, and Leo are joined by Brent O’Guin (Georgia Tech) and Caroline Dotts (Strengths on Site) for a real talk on where AI actually helps in campus housing and where humans still matter most. From cleaner duty reports and smarter training revamps to five-year maintenance planning and everyday bandwidth wins, Brent and Caroline share how teams are using tools like Copilot as a true thought partner. We get candid about bias and ethics, why community-building needs a human knock on the door, and how to find your “entry point” so AI boosts the work you already do.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-17904513 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0400 2026 1 11 full false Episode 10 | Meet Aja Holmes Episode 10 | Meet Aja Holmes In this special episode of Humans of Campus Housing, Leo and Ben introduce the newest co-host of the show, Dr. Aja Holmes! With over 20 years in student affairs and a vibrant, heartfelt approach to campus life, Aja shares her journey across the country, her passion for student support, and the energy she brings to every campus she’s called home. With stories from coast to coast (and the Midwest in between), this is an introduction you don’t want to miss.

]]> In this special episode of Humans of Campus Housing, Leo and Ben introduce the newest co-host of the show, Dr. Aja Holmes! With over 20 years in student affairs and a vibrant, heartfelt approach to campus life, Aja shares her journey across the country, her passion for student support, and the energy she brings to every campus she’s called home. With stories from coast to coast (and the Midwest in between), this is an introduction you don’t want to miss.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-17593624 Thu, 31 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400 1393 full false Episode 09 | AI on Campus Episode 09 | AI on Campus In this episode, Leo and Ben are joined by Craig Whitton, student affairs pro and founder of Authentic Consulting, for a real talk on how AI is changing the game in campus housing. From stretching tight budgets to navigating big changes, Craig shares how AI can actually help (yes, really). We cover tech tips, leadership through disruption, and why this might be the biggest shift higher ed has seen yet. It’s smart, practical, and way less scary than it sounds.

]]> In this episode, Leo and Ben are joined by Craig Whitton, student affairs pro and founder of Authentic Consulting, for a real talk on how AI is changing the game in campus housing. From stretching tight budgets to navigating big changes, Craig shares how AI can actually help (yes, really). We cover tech tips, leadership through disruption, and why this might be the biggest shift higher ed has seen yet. It’s smart, practical, and way less scary than it sounds.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-17402983 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400 1761 full false Episode 08 | Paint or Profit Episode 08 | Paint or Profit Can you renovate and generate revenue at the same time? In this episode, Leo and Ben dig into the summer housing balancing act with Dan Dykstra from CU Boulder. Dan shares how institutions can start designing smarter, more collaborative summer strategies.

]]> Can you renovate and generate revenue at the same time? In this episode, Leo and Ben dig into the summer housing balancing act with Dan Dykstra from CU Boulder. Dan shares how institutions can start designing smarter, more collaborative summer strategies.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-17326374 Thu, 12 Jun 2025 14:00:00 -0400 1353 1 8 full false Episode 07 | Let’s Talk Mental Health Episode 07 | Let’s Talk Mental Health In this episode of Humans of Campus Housing, Leo is joined by returning guest Zach Cleland, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and crisis counselor, along with Ryan Gallik, Managing Partner at The Mental Hygiene Project. Together, they explore how mental health shows up in student housing, for both students and staff, and what we can do to build more resilient, supportive campus communities. From real talk about institutional gaps to insights from outside higher ed, this is a conversation every housing professional should hear.

]]> In this episode of Humans of Campus Housing, Leo is joined by returning guest Zach Cleland, Assistant Director of Housing Operations and crisis counselor, along with Ryan Gallik, Managing Partner at The Mental Hygiene Project. Together, they explore how mental health shows up in student housing, for both students and staff, and what we can do to build more resilient, supportive campus communities. From real talk about institutional gaps to insights from outside higher ed, this is a conversation every housing professional should hear.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-17195918 Tue, 20 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400 1130 1 7 full false Episode 06 | Emily Test Episode 06 | Emily Test In this deeply important episode of Humans of Campus Housing, we’re joined by Fiona Drouet, founder of the Emily Test, and Zach Cleland, Assistant Director of Housing Operations at New Mexico Tech.

Fiona shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter Emily and the movement that emerged to prevent gender-based violence in higher education. Together with Zach, we explore how student housing professionals can recognize signs of abuse, implement proactive safety measures, and create truly supportive environments for all students.

This is a conversation about change, compassion, and the urgent need to listen and act.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses gender-based violence and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

]]> In this deeply important episode of Humans of Campus Housing, we’re joined by Fiona Drouet, founder of the Emily Test, and Zach Cleland, Assistant Director of Housing Operations at New Mexico Tech.

Fiona shares the heartbreaking story of her daughter Emily and the movement that emerged to prevent gender-based violence in higher education. Together with Zach, we explore how student housing professionals can recognize signs of abuse, implement proactive safety measures, and create truly supportive environments for all students.

This is a conversation about change, compassion, and the urgent need to listen and act.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses gender-based violence and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-17036695 Thu, 24 Apr 2025 10:00:00 -0400 2921 1 6 full false Episode 05 | How to get staff in the door Episode 05 | How to get staff in the door Recruiting and retaining housing staff has become more challenging than ever. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Perlman to discuss hiring trends, staffing shortages, and strategies for getting the right people in the door.

]]> Recruiting and retaining housing staff has become more challenging than ever. In this episode, we sit down with Ben Perlman to discuss hiring trends, staffing shortages, and strategies for getting the right people in the door.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-16870534 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 12:00:00 -0400 1556 1 5 full false Episode 04 | Leadership in Campus Housing Episode 04 | Leadership in Campus Housing In this episode, we sit down with leadership expert Caroline Dotts to explore the evolving role of leadership in higher education. With years of experience in collegiate recreation, Caroline shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in leadership development, the importance of essential skills, and how campus housing professionals can cultivate stronger teams.

]]> In this episode, we sit down with leadership expert Caroline Dotts to explore the evolving role of leadership in higher education. With years of experience in collegiate recreation, Caroline shares insights on the challenges and opportunities in leadership development, the importance of essential skills, and how campus housing professionals can cultivate stronger teams.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-16746496 Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:00:00 -0500 1342 1 4 full false Episode 03 | Beyond the Degree: ResLife Certification with E.J. Walicki Episode 03 | Beyond the Degree: ResLife Certification with E.J. Walicki In this episode of Humans of Campus Housing, we’re joined by E.J. Walicki, Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As an early recipient of the ACUHO-I ResLife qualifications, E.J. shares his professional journey a seasoned leader in campus housing. Together, we discuss the value of ResLife certifications, their impact on the field, and how they help professionals build credibility and refine their expertise. Whether you’re a newcomer to student affairs or a veteran in housing, this conversation offers fresh insights into professional development and the evolving landscape of campus housing.

]]> In this episode of Humans of Campus Housing, we’re joined by E.J. Walicki, Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. As an early recipient of the ACUHO-I ResLife qualifications, E.J. shares his professional journey a seasoned leader in campus housing. Together, we discuss the value of ResLife certifications, their impact on the field, and how they help professionals build credibility and refine their expertise. Whether you’re a newcomer to student affairs or a veteran in housing, this conversation offers fresh insights into professional development and the evolving landscape of campus housing.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-16267094 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0500 1944 full false Episode 02 | Behind the Scenes of Move-In Madness Episode 02 | Behind the Scenes of Move-In Madness Move-in season is one of the busiest and most challenging times in campus housing. In this episode, we dive into the chaos, preparation, and unexpected moments that define the start of a new school year. Our cohosts share their firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating a smooth move-in process—because even when things don't go as planned, the show must go on!

]]> Move-in season is one of the busiest and most challenging times in campus housing. In this episode, we dive into the chaos, preparation, and unexpected moments that define the start of a new school year. Our cohosts share their firsthand experiences, lessons learned, and the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating a smooth move-in process—because even when things don't go as planned, the show must go on!

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-16148109 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0500 2326 1 2 full false Episode 01 | Campus Housing Saves the World Episode 01 | Campus Housing Saves the World Welcome to the very first episode of Humans of Campus Housing! Meet your hosts as they introduce themselves and dive into what this podcast is all about. We’ll share why campus housing is more than just dorm rooms—it’s a world of community, connection, and life-changing moments. Get ready for fun stories, expert insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how campus housing professionals are making a big impact.

]]> Welcome to the very first episode of Humans of Campus Housing! Meet your hosts as they introduce themselves and dive into what this podcast is all about. We’ll share why campus housing is more than just dorm rooms—it’s a world of community, connection, and life-changing moments. Get ready for fun stories, expert insights, and a behind-the-scenes look at how campus housing professionals are making a big impact.

]]> Kinetic Buzzsprout-15848785 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1812 1 1 full false