In this episode, APU’s Jim Reese and Brittany Jacobs sit down with Donte Hewlett, General Manager at Lucky Strike in Durham, North Carolina. Donte shares his unfiltered and deeply human story of rising through the ranks in the sports and food & beverage industries – from grinding in sales for MLB teams to running large-scale food and beverage operations across the country. With refreshing honesty, he discusses professional setbacks, navigating corporate politics, building meaningful relation...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min•Ep. 123
In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer moderates a compelling conversation with Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System, and Lori Glover, J.D., Managing Director, Global Strategic Alliances, MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), one of the most prominent AI research laboratories worldwide. The discussion explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education and beyond. Fernandes and Glover highlight how ...
May 02, 2025•28 min•Ep. 122
Dr. Bjorn Mercer chats with APU professor Dr. Chapla Verma about her forthcoming book “Lotus in the Desert-Mahapajapati: A Theravada Nunnery in California,” which explores the challenges and resilience of Theravada Buddhist nuns, particularly those at the Mahapajapati Monastery in California. Verma shares how she became interested in this topic and dives into the struggles these women face in a tradition where full ordination for nuns has often been restricted or outright denied, especially in p...
Mar 06, 2025•34 min•Ep. 121
What does it take to stand out in today’s digital landscape? In this engaging conversation, Linda Ashar speaks with Wes O'Donnell – military veteran, AMU alum, filmmaker, and director of the social media team at American Public University – about the power of social media in identifying career opportunities. Wes shares valuable strategies for students and professionals to build their professional network, leverage social media platforms, and showcase their skills through e-portfolios. From craft...
Jan 23, 2025•37 min•Ep. 120
Dr. Bjorn Mercer and Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson explore the evolving landscape of writing in the era of AI, addressing ethical concerns, student development, and the potential biases of generative language models. Dr. Fisch-Ferguson discusses the complexities of writing education and the importance of maintaining academic integrity and personal voice in an increasingly AI-assisted world. They examine how using AI as a supportive tool—rather than a crutch—can foster authentic writing skills and ...
Dec 05, 2024•34 min•Ep. 119
In this episode, APU’s Dr. Jim Reese sits down with James DeMeo, a security expert with decades of experience in law enforcement and event security. DeMeo shares his journey from working in law enforcement on Long Island to becoming a consultant and educator specializing in security for sports venues. He dives into the challenges of keeping large crowds safe at stadiums and concerts, emphasizing the “duty of care” that security teams owe to attendees. DeMeo highlights how vital it is for venue m...
Nov 14, 2024•44 min•Ep. 118
In this insightful discussion, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer and Dr. Mitch Colver explore the transformative role of generative AI in enhancing lifelong learning and critical thinking. Dr. Colver highlights how tools like ChatGPT serve as valuable aids in distributed cognition, helping individuals process information more efficiently and navigate complex topics in both personal and professional contexts. The conversation touches on practical applications of generative AI, from resolving family debates ...
Nov 07, 2024•42 min•Ep. 117
More than 25 million people around the world are estimated to be victims of human trafficking. APU’s Dr. Linda Ashar interviews professor Dr. Steve Wynne, an international legal consultant and associate professor, about the non-profit he founded to help combat human trafficking. Learn about Blink3, a nonprofit initiative created to help victims signal for help using a nonverbal SOS by blinking three times. Blink3 also offers free educational courses to raise awareness and prevent human trafficki...
Oct 24, 2024•26 min•Ep. 116
Jon Spencer, Director of Scouting for Real Salt Lake and University alumnus, talks with Dr. Jim Reese and President Nuno Fernandes about his journey to becoming a key figure in Major League Soccer. He discusses the importance of hard work, patience, and determination in building a successful career in sports, highlighting how soccer has evolved in the U.S. over the past decade. Listen to hear valuable insight and advice for aspiring sports professionals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
Oct 16, 2024•38 min•Ep. 115
Recent national attention on systematic social injustices has caused many corporate leaders to take a hard look at their company’s approach to diversity, equity and inclusion. In this episode, APU business professor Cynthia Gentile talks to Uva Christina Coles, the founder and CEO of Inclusiva , a consulting firm specializing in workforce inclusion. Learn about the need for companies to create an open and safe space for leaders and employees to talk about diversity, steps and tools needed to bui...
Sep 13, 2024•32 min•Ep. 114
Education will change more in the next 15 years than it has for the last millennium, predicts Nuno Fernandes, President of American Public University System. Hear how technology and innovation – specifically artificial intelligence – could lead to advancements in education not seen since the advent of the printing press. Together with Dr. Bjorn Mercer, Mr. Fernandes contemplates how AI might transform students’ experiences in the classroom. From unlocking new opportunities for highly customized ...
Jul 11, 2024•31 min•Ep. 113
Director of Partnership Marketing at the Denver Broncos, Derek Thomas, joins APU’s Dr. Jim Reese today to share his insights from more than 27 years in professional sports. Thomas lays out the facts on everything from climbing the corporate ladder to what goes on behind the scenes during off-season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 27, 2024•27 min•Ep. 112
Former GM and current senior advisor for the Oakland Athletics, Billy Beane, shares his insight on the ever-evolving world of professional sports. As a pioneer in the use of data and analytics for managing teams, Beane’s work with the Oakland A’s inspired the book, “Moneyball,” which was adapted for film in 2011. Today, Beane walks Dr. Reese through his decades-long career while answering questions from students eager to launch their own sports management careers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
Jun 20, 2024•33 min•Ep. 111
How do innovation, AI, and corporate sponsorships impact the world of professional motor sports? And why should Sports Management majors try to learn about finance? Chief revenue officer for Richard Childress Racing, Jason Golden, shares all the answers today with APU Sports Management faculty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 13, 2024•39 min•Ep. 110
What are the top industries for MBA graduates to consider? Is working abroad an option? How is AI transforming job interviews? APU School of Business professor and international speaker, Dr. Bob Barrett, shares his insight with Dr. Linda Ashar. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 04, 2024•25 min•Ep. 109
With a career spanning more than three decades, former NBA executive, Tommy Sheppard, shares his wisdom with APU’s Dr. James Reese. Hear his advice for students eager to break into the world of professional sports—and what he has to say about the biggest challenges facing athletes today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 30, 2024•44 min•Ep. 108
AMU’s Dr. Michael Pittaro talks about the high rate of suicide among correctional officers and the need to address mental health issues among criminal justice professionals. It may surprise some that the leading cause of stress and burnout does NOT come from working with dangerous criminal offenders. Learn how transformational leadership can have a huge impact on the health and wellness of correctional officers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 21, 2024•29 min•Ep. 107
There are more than 100 different specialties in nursing, providing nurses with a variety of career options to pursue. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Assistant Dean and nurse Dr. Stacey Malinowski about her career path and the numerous ways students can pursue a nursing education. Learn about what questions to ask when pursuing a nursing education including acceptance of transfer credits, accreditation, online course options, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...
May 14, 2024•21 min•Ep. 106
How do you build a successful, long-lasting career in the sports industry? What skills matter most? How do you grow your network? Pro-sports executive, published author, and entrepreneur, Andy Dolich, joins APU’s Dr. Jim Reese to answer all these questions, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 18, 2024•33 min•Ep. 105
What’s a career in the major leagues like? How welcome are women, really? And, when they get there, how far can they go? APU’s Dr. Jim Reese talks to APU alumna and Rugby ATL president, Amanda Windsor-White, who answers all these questions, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 11, 2024•19 min•Ep. 104
What happens when customers return items they’ve bought? Where do those products go, and how can companies transform their returns processes into sustainable operations? RecirQ CEO and American Public University alumnus, Rich Bulger, joins Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth today to answer these questions, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 103
How do you start your own business in sports? What’s it like representing athletes? How are AI and NIL impacting players? Renowned sports agent, philanthropist, author, and the inspiration behind Jerry Maguire , Leigh Steinberg, sits down with APU’s Dr. Jim Reese and Dr. Brittany Jacobs today to discuss all this, and more, while answering questions submitted by our students. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 22, 2023•45 min•Ep. 102
AI-generated content: how original is it? What are the legal ramifications? How does AI identify truths? And, from whose perspective? American Public University’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer and James Lendvay discuss these questions—and more—on today’s episode. ( Catch up on Part 1 here if you missed it. ) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 16, 2023•28 min•Ep. 101
Starting new classes is exciting, but it can also bring a lot of anxiety and uncertainty especially for students who are new to online learning. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Linda Ashar talks to Dr. Doris Blanton about the challenges students often face when starting online education for the first time. Learn why students often experience imposter syndrome and how you can improve your self-confidence and become better at time management so you don’t rely on tools like AI to do the learning for you...
Oct 12, 2023•26 min•Ep. 100
In December 2022, President Biden signed into law the Speak Out Act, which essentially invalidates non-disclosure (NDA) or non-disparagement agreements in cases involving sexual assault or sexual harassment. American Public University professor Cynthia Gentile talks to attorney Ivy Kempf about how this bipartisan legislation arose from the #MeToo movement and the nuances of this new federal legislation and similar state laws that continue to amend employee protections. Hosted on Acast. See acast...
Oct 05, 2023•30 min•Ep. 99
In this episode, Dr. Linda Ashar talks with career coach Maisha Christian about the challenges of mid-career changes brought about by COVID and fast-moving technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI). Learn how to navigate these career changes by recognizing and leveraging your own leadership style. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sep 14, 2023•38 min•Ep. 98
In this podcast, Dr. Jim Reese - coordinator of internships and community relations for the Sports Management and Esports programs at APU – speaks with Sarah Jamieson. Sarah is a former student of the University, currently excelling in the field of sports management. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 24, 2023•28 min•Ep. 97
APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer and James Lendvay engage in a compelling dialogue on the impact of AI in education, arts, and employment. They explore academic integrity, the authenticity of AI-created art, and the transformative role of AI in the workforce, shedding light on the complex interface between AI and our everyday lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 17, 2023•19 min•Ep. 96
In this episode, APU’s Dr. Nicole Drumhiller talks to Drs. Harry Cooper, Elliott Lynn, and Andre Slonopas about the dangers we face from our consistent cyber presence and the ways we can protect ourselves. (Complete our survey to tell us what you think about our episodes!) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 15, 2023•44 min•Ep. 95
When disaster strikes, no one wants to leave their beloved pets behind. To ensure pets are prepared for unpredictable situations, owners should incorporate them into their emergency plans. In addition, for dogs, especially, owners should undergo professional training to build up their dog’s resiliency and skills so they can cope in stressful situations. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Nicole Drumhiller talks to an emergency and disaster management (EDM) expert and two dog training experts about the s...
May 25, 2023•49 min•Ep. 94
