CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast

Center for Faculty Innovation
  • 5.0 (2)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED DAILY

The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast is an interview-style podcast created as a convenient faculty development resource. Focused on teaching effectiveness and related areas, it offers valuable insights through the experiences of current educators. We explore real-world stories, best practices, and teaching strategies in each episode. Whether listeners are seasoned educators or new to the field, they’ll find actionable takeaways that will bolster their teaching and overall faculty experience.  

  1. 3D AGO

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

    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. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! 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.

    1h 11m

  2. MAR 30

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

    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. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! 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.

    38 min

  3. MAR 9

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

    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 journeySubscribe to the Podcast listserv! 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.

    45 min

  4. FEB 23

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

    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 classroomSubscribe to the Podcast listserv!  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.

    53 min

  5. FEB 9

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

    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.  Subscribe to the Podcast listserv!  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.

    41 min

  6. JAN 26

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

    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 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. Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! 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.

    28 min

  7. JAN 9

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

    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  Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! 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.

    21 min

  8. 11/06/2025

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

    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.  Subscribe to the Podcast listserv! 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.

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast is an interview-style podcast created as a convenient faculty development resource. Focused on teaching effectiveness and related areas, it offers valuable insights through the experiences of current educators. We explore real-world stories, best practices, and teaching strategies in each episode. Whether listeners are seasoned educators or new to the field, they’ll find actionable takeaways that will bolster their teaching and overall faculty experience.  

Information

  • Creator
    Center for Faculty Innovation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast
  • Show Website
    CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast