CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast

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

Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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.

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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.

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400

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

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

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

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

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

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500

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.

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

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

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

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

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 12:00:00 -0500

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

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

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0500

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.

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

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 08:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

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.

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

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

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.

Episode 8 - Advice for Your Former Self

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 15:00:00 -0400

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

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

Sun, 11 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

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.

Episode 6 - From Rural Roots to Global Classrooms: A Conversation with Dr. Modjadji Choshi

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

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 speaks with Dr. Modjadji Choshi, Associate Professor of Nursing at James Madison University, about her inspiring journey from a remote village in South Africa to becoming a globally experienced nurse educator.

In this episode, Dr. Choshi shares:

- Her clinical and academic path through South Africa, Ireland, and the U.S.

- Insights from her PhD research on self-care among rural women post-coronary intervention

- The value of empowering nursing students and staying current with industry advancements

- How she creates supportive, student-centered learning environments

- The transformative impact of her South Africa study abroad program on cultural competence and hands-on learning

Dr. Choshi’s story is a powerful reminder of the global dimensions of healthcare education and the role educators play in shaping compassionate, culturally competent practitioners.

Tune in for an engaging conversation on nursing, mentorship, and the future of community-based learning.

Episode 5 - Imaginative Teaching, Embracing Discomfort, and Leading with Play – A Conversation with Dr. Delores Phillips

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

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 speaks with Dr. Delores Phillips, Director of the African, African American, and Diaspora Studies Center at JMU, about her journey through higher education and her bold, creative approach to teaching and leadership.

In this episode, Dr. Phillips shares:

-How her path began as a teaching assistant at the University of Maryland.
-The value of imagination and play in creating meaningful learning environments.
-Why she encourages students to demonstrate knowledge through more than just traditional essays.
-How discomfort, especially in conversations about race, can lead to deeper understanding.
-The ongoing challenge of balancing personal well-being with professional responsibilities.
-The role gaming and community play in her self-care.
-The advice she’d give her younger self: Love yourself. Face the challenge. Ask for help.

Dr. Phillips offers a compelling look at how joy, challenge, and transformation can coexist in education. Tune in for a reflective and energizing conversation about teaching, equity, and care.

DISCLAIMER:

Dr. Phillips uses the phrase “heavy guns” as a metaphor to describe the powerful, creative, and courageous contributions her students bring to class discussions.

Special Episode 4 - Faculty Wellness and Well-being Week: A Conversation with Dr. Mollie Stambler

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the ideas, experiences, and challenges shaping academic life. In this Faculty Wellness and Well-being Week (FWWW) episode, host Dr. Eric Magrum speaks with Dr. Mollie Stambler, assistant professor at James Madison University, about health and wellness rhetorics, institutional wellness programs, and why community-focused approaches matter.

In this episode, Dr. Stambler shares:

-Her personal journey with wellness, weight, and chronic illness
- Concerns about employee wellness programs focused more on cost reduction than care
- Why terms like “wellness” need to be redefined through more inclusive, human and community-centered lenses
- JMU’s Okanagan Charter
- Ideas for shifting institutional priorities to reduce faculty burnout and support holistic well-being
-Faculty workloads and balance

Tune in for a thoughtful and critical reflection on how universities can move beyond check-the-box wellness and work toward true, community-centered health.

Episode 3 - Creating a Classroom That Feels Like Home: A Conversation with Dr. Cindy Klevickis

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 19:00:00 -0400

Welcome back to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, where we explore the experiences and strategies of passionate educators. In this episode, host Dr. Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Cindy Klevickis from JMU’s Faculty of Integrated Science and Engineering to discuss her journey from industry to academia and how she fosters a learning environment that feels like home.

In this episode, Dr. Klevickis shares:

-Her transition from working in the pharmaceutical industry to teaching at JMU

-What excellence in teaching means to her and how she continues to learn from others

-The role of enthusiasm and hands-on experiences in student engagement

-How food, real-world examples, and even dog walks inspire her classroom

-The quote that guides her philosophy: “A classroom should be the next best place to home”

-Why being a lifelong learner helps her grow alongside her students

Tune in for a thoughtful and grounded conversation about curiosity, connection, and the everyday joys of teaching.

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Episode 2 - Teaching Excellence, Personalizing the Classroom, and Building Rapport – A Conversation with Dr. Robyn Kondrad

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 18:00:00 -0500

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. Robyn Kondrad, Associate Professor at JMU’s Department of Psychology, to discuss her journey in academia, her approach to excellence in teaching, and how she fosters strong connections with her students.

In this episode, Dr. Kondrad shares:
-Her journey as an educator, teaching on a ship, and how she arrived at JMU.
-What excellence in teaching means to her.
-The unique qualities she brings to her role.
-How she integrates her personal life into her teaching using real-life experiences, including sharing photos of her own placenta!
-The importance of professor-student rapport and how building strong relationships enhances learning.
-Strategies for balancing faculty responsibilities with personal life.
-Expert advice on managing and engaging large classes effectively.

Dr. Kondrad’s approach to teaching highlights the power of authenticity, connection, and global perspectives in education. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on making learning engaging, personal, and impactful.

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Episode 1 - Lessons in Excellence: A Conversation with Dr. Timothy Ball

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, a space for continuous learning and actionable insights for faculty.

In this first episode, host Eric Magrum sits down with Dr. Timothy Ball, Professor in the School of Communication Studies at James Madison University, to explore his journey through academia, the key moments that shaped his career, and what excellence in teaching means to him.

In this episode, Dr. Ball shares:
-His journey as an educator, where it started and how he arrived at JMU.
-The mentors and turning points that shaped his path.
-What it means to be excellent in his role.
-The hobbies and interests that bring fresh energy to his work.
-How he balances faculty responsibilities with personal life.
-Advice he’d give his past self before his first day at JMU.

Disclaimer: In discussing his transition from journalism to academia, Dr. Ball shares an experience that includes a difficult conversation with a grieving parent. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us for an insightful conversation about career growth, work-life balance, and the evolving definition of scholarship in higher education.

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