Josie and the Podcast Dr. Josie Ahlquist

We’ve made it through another season of Josie and The Podcast – and as we celebrate the end of Season 6, we’re also celebrating my birthday! To commemorate these milestones, I wanted to use this final episode to reflect on this past season and this era of my life.
 
One of several themes this season was technology, specifically AI. What better way to help me recap the season than by asking AI to help pull moments that sparked conversation and community for us all. Turns out, we talked a lot about change, community, and mindfulness – a few of my favorite things!
Birthdays are a big time for reflection. I asked you all for questions to answer, and you delivered. The episode is packed with life lessons, reminding you that progress doesn't require a grand plan. I advocate for starting small because the momentum created can be transformative. The episode ends with a powerful message of self-acceptance, reminding you that we are all a blend of strength and vulnerability, deserving of grace and moments to pause.
 
And while the season may be over, I’d love to stay connected over the summer break! Follow me on social media and/or sign up for my monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox to receive updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and a healthy dose of fun. Plus, don’t miss the Real Talk Higher Ed Series – a monthly show where we tackle the big issues in higher education with an experienced and caring panel of professionals.
 
 Thank you for being part of season 6! I look forward to seeing what's in store for season 7. Until next time – sending all the digital love and hugs.



Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
 
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to 
https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/this-is-43-josies-version/



Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Threads
Twitter/X
Facebook
Website
Email
 
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Podcast Instagram
Podcast Twitter/X
Podcast Threads
 
Mentioned in the episode:
Element 451 Engage Summit 
Dr. Josie Ahqluist: Pioneering Positive Social Media Guidance in Student Affairs - SA Voices from the Field podcast
Real Talk Higher Ed Series Registration
Supervisor Version of Student Social Media Academy 
Radiant Life Retreat
Digital Leadership in Higher Education - Josie Ahlquist
Element451
University FM

If you ask Dr. Jill Creighton where her favorite place in the world is, she’ll tell you it’s the place she hasn’t been to yet. As a world traveler, Jill leads organizations in global engagement, social impact, and crisis management in the higher education sector.
Before starting in her current role as the Associate Vice President for Global Operations at the Institute for Study Abroad, Jill spent years working in student affairs – a passion that stretches back to her dissertation on American college students’ study abroad behavior. Jill also hosts SA: Voices from the Field, a podcast with NASPA. 
In this episode, Jill discusses her philosophy of navigating the world as a traveler and not a tourist, her observations of study abroad programs across the globe, and how the podcast SA: Voices from the Field is sharing the stories of the people who make student affairs come to life. 
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/being-a-traveler-not-a-tourist-with-jill-creighton/
Connect with Jill:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjillcreighton/ 
SA Voices email: savoices@naspa.org 
 
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
 
Mentioned in the episode:
Dr. Kelly Alvarado-Young on LinkedIn 
Dr. Peter Hansen on LinkedIn
SA: Voices from the Field podcast
Colorado Symphony 
Chris Lombardi Acapella on YouTube
Chris Lombardi Acapella on TikTok 
Hunt the Wumpus computer game
Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange
From Qatar to Consultancy: Transitions in Dr. Denny Roberts' Career 
Dr. Chris Lewis on LinkedIn 
NASPA official site 
 

Step aside Gen Z, because Generation Alpha is here and making its identity known. Born between 2010 and 2025, Alpha’s are highly digitally-integrated and are set to become the most educated generation. 
For insight on Gen Alpha, I brought in a diverse group of guests to speak to what’s ahead. You’ll hear from AJ Lopez, social media & media relations manager at Texas Woman’s University (and parent of two Gen Alphas); Dr. Meghan Grace, researcher, consultant, generational expert; Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville (also a parent of a Gen Alpha); and Ava Christopher, a Gen Alpha herself, and the cousin of my marketing manager, Kati Hartwig. 
As we gear up for this new generation of diverse, intelligent, and independent people, it’s clear that higher ed is going to have to evolve to fit their needs. So what’s the first step? 
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.

For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to
https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/little-giants-big-world-of-gen-alpha/

 
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com



Mentioned in the episode:
Element 451 Engage Summit
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through March 31st!*
NASPA session with Tim Alexander: Is Student Affairs Ready for Influencer Marketing? 
Influencer Marketing and Its Place in Higher Education | Josie and the Podcast
ACPA Annual Convention
NASPA Virtual Conference
AMA Virtual Conference: Marketing in Higher Education
Student Social Media Academy
Engaging the Digital Generation
AJ Lopez | Texas Women’s University
Dr. Meghan Grace | researcher, consultant, generational expert
Dr. Amber Williams | University of Tennessee
Gen Alpha Primer from Ologie
McCrindle
Ashley Fell
Gen Alpha will be more diverse than the rest of the US population (Insider Intelligence)
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Inside the Tween Obsession With Drunk Elephant Skin Care (Glamour Magazine)
Skincare Smoothies
James Charles
Preparing for Gen Alpha Students: Everything Will Be Different (Volt)
6 Tips for Marketing Higher Ed to Generation Alpha
Students Like You | Seton Hall University
The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
Faith Hitch on TikTok
Generation research from Dr. Meghan Grace and Dr. Corey Semiller

A common theme I noticed throughout today's conversation with Mike Muñoz was a focus on breathing. Whether it was metaphorically taking a breather from doom scrolling, or literally stopping yourself for a quiet moment to feel your chest move up and down. Mike’s commitment to self-preservation, his warm persona and dedication to his campus are a driving force behind his work. 
Dr. Mike Muñoz, Superintendent and President of Long Beach City College (LBCC), is a nationally recognized leader, passionate about closing the equity gap, creating inclusive environments, and driving innovation.
He joined me this episode to chat about the innovative strategies he is implementing at LBCC to foster a sense of belonging and support for students, and the role of social media in enhancing accessibility and engagement. Mike discusses on campus initiatives like 'Paletas with the President,' designed to connect with students while honoring his ethnicity, and his approach to addressing challenges faced by specific groups, such as students with dependents and those experiencing homelessness. 
He also emphasizes the importance of empathy, authenticity, and self-care in leadership, and highlights how sharing these values through social media can serve as a powerful platform for uplifting and connecting communities. 
 
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
 
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/protecting-your-light-with-dr-mike-munoz/

 
Mentioned in the episode:
Element 451 Engage Summit 
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through March 31st!*
Teddy Ruxpin
Long Beach City College (@lbcitycollege) • Instagram 
Long Beach City College
Long Beach City College | LinkedIn

Paletas With The President
LBCC - President's Circle Funds
Students with Dependents - Long Beach City College
Want to Become a Peer Advisor? - Long Beach City College
LBCC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach Launch New Service to Help Student Parents
LBCC Launches Pilot Program for Student Overnight Parking 
Long Beach City College - YouTube
Long Beach City College - Facebook
LB City College (@LBCityCollege) / X



Connect with Mike:
LinkedIn
Instagram
 
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn
InstagramThreads
Twitter/X
Facebook
Website
Email
 
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Podcast Instagram
Podcast Twitter/X
Podcast Threads

Diving into the world of Artificial intelligence (AI) can be intimidating. Or maybe you’re unsure about using it at all. No one is an expert in these tools right now (unless, maybe, you happen to be one of the tool creators), meaning there is so much room for playfulness and exploration open to those willing to try.  
 
In this episode, I’ll cover the importance of staying updated with changing AI trends, discuss possible concerns and benefits of integrating AI in higher ed, provide practical and effective steps for experimenting with AI, and recommend several (several) resources for learning more.
 
I am also in the early stages of exploring, so I wanted to seek some advice from my colleagues and hear all about how they're using different tools. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear from me; Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications Officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Claire Brady, President of Glass Half Full Consulting (and a former Vice President for Student Affairs); and Joel Villarani, Director of Social Media at Florida International University.
 
AI doesn’t have to be scary, and it can be incredibly helpful! The potential benefits are limitless if we can maintain a humanized approach to AI implementation in higher education. 
 
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
 
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/in-my-ai-era/ 



Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Threads
Twitter/X
Facebook
Website
Email
 
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Podcast Instagram
Podcast Twitter/X
Podcast Threads
 
Mentioned in the episode:
 
Student Social Media Academy
2024 NASPA Annual Conference, Seattle
ACPA24 // Chicago, IL | ACPA
Josie Episode: Building Community vs. Facilitating Community
Chat GPT
Gemini
Grammarly
Perplexity
HubSpot: AI Trends for Marketers 2023 Report
Claude AI
Consensus
Carrie Phillips - Communications and Marketing
Carrie Phillips, Ed.D. - University of Arkansas at Little Rock | LinkedIn
Claire Brady, Ed.D | LinkedIn
Claire Brady, Ed.D - Glass Half Full Consulting
Joel Villarini Falbe - Florida International University | LinkedIn
Social Media | Strategic Communications, Government and External Affairs | Florida International University
Josie's LinkedIn: Grounding Student Affairs Work in Technology: ACPA/NASPA Approves Updated Competencies
Inside Higher Education 2023 - Benefits and Challenges of AI Report
The New Academic Arms Race - The Chronicle
Higher Ed Pulse Podcast: Beyond Bricks and Clicks: Shaping the Future of Higher Ed Marketing
Study: AI Adoption and Higher Ed Leadership
Risks and rewards higher ed should know when investing in AI
AI Plus | University at Albany
$60M gift to establish major initiative in artificial intelligence at IU
AI Center Opening at MDC
A new collaboration with OpenAI charts the future of AI in higher education | ASU News
DALL·E 3
The Element451 AI Learning Center
Bart Caylor - Caylor Solutions | LinkedIn
Caylor Solutions
Evertrue
Mallory Willsea - Enrollify | LinkedIn
Digital Leadership in Higher Education - Josie Ahlquist
Element 451 Engage Summit 
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through April 14th!*
Element451
University FM
 

It is so difficult to be mindful online these days. The apps and algorithms are just not designed to keep us in the present. And with so much curation necessary to creative our idea of a “perfect profile,”  how can we make sure we are showing up in our digital accounts and profiles in a heartful way?
Well, my guest today has mastered the art and science of being her whole self online. Whether she is weaving the values her grandmother taught her into presentations, or sharing the intimacies of her adoption journey on social media, Dr. Shea Kidd Brown consistently stays true to her commitment to sharing both her personal and professional journeys openly and genuinely.
Shea has enjoyed a long career in college administration at a number of institutions of higher education in the southeastern region and now serves as the Vice President for Campus Life at Wake Forest University. 
In this episode, Shea discusses her perspective on storytelling, congruency and the importance of bringing humanity into digital spaces. We’ll also dive into how balancing personal and professional narratives is essential for creating an impactful online presence and how Shea uses these platforms to create active, mindful connections for her campus community. 
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
 
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/shea-kidd-brown/
 
Mentioned in the episode:
Element 451 Engage Summit 
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount!*
Wake Forest News during Black History Month
Wake Forest Campus Fellow Gretchen Castelloe
Milkshake Monday
Wake Up Wednesday
Kidd You Not Podcast
Kidd You Not Episode 10: Coach Steve Forbes
 
Connect with Shea:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Twitter/X
Facebook
Who We Are - Division of Campus Life
Wake Forest University
Kidd You Not Podcast
 
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Threads
Twitter/X
Facebook
Website
Email
 
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Podcast Instagram
Podcast Twitter/X
Podcast Threads