Smarter Campus Podcast

Zach Kinzler

Changing education one conversation at a time. The Smarter Campus Podcast dives into the future of learning, spotlighting how students, educators, and innovators around the world are using AI to reshape education. Hosted by Zach, Head of Academic Sales Strategies at BoodleBox.ai, each episode features real conversations with passionate voices—from student leaders to professors—about what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next. Whether you're curious about AI in the classroom, how schools are adapting, or what students actually want from their education, this podcast keeps it honest, inspiring, and practical. Tune in weekly for powerful ideas, global perspectives, and a smarter take on the campus experience.

  1. Preparing Students for What’s Next: Kevin Stump on Skills, AI, and the Future of Higher Education

    22h ago

    Preparing Students for What’s Next: Kevin Stump on Skills, AI, and the Future of Higher Education

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Kevin Stump, Chief Program Officer at the Education Design Lab, to explore how higher education can better prepare learners for a rapidly evolving workforce shaped by AI and emerging technologies. Kevin shares why the conversation can no longer be limited to degrees alone. Instead, he advocates for a future built around stackable credentials, visible skills, and stronger partnerships between colleges and employers. By bringing educators, industry leaders, and learners into the same design process, institutions can create more flexible pathways that keep pace with workforce needs while expanding opportunities for students. The conversation also examines the leadership challenges surrounding AI adoption. Kevin discusses why many institutions feel stuck between today's realities and tomorrow's uncertainty, and why empowering early adopters is often the fastest path toward meaningful change. Throughout the episode, he reminds listeners that while AI can accelerate planning and organization, the deeply human work of reflection, writing, and critical thinking remains essential. For higher education leaders, this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap for building more responsive institutions while ensuring students graduate with both meaningful credentials and the ability to clearly communicate the value of their skills.

    33 min
  2. Keep Shining: Nancy Richmond on AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Learning

    Jun 22

    Keep Shining: Nancy Richmond on AI, Human Connection, and the Future of Learning

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Nancy Richmond, professor at Florida International University, co-chair of the College of Business AI Teaching Forum, author, and speaker, for a conversation about one of the most important questions facing education today: how do we embrace AI while preserving what makes us human? Drawing from her background in digital marketing, career development, and student wellbeing, Nancy explores how technology has transformed the way we learn, connect, and communicate. While AI offers remarkable opportunities for personalization and accessibility, she argues that the growing importance of human connection, empathy, and authenticity cannot be overlooked. The conversation examines everything from AI influencers and digital companionship to personalized learning experiences that adapt to different student needs and learning styles. Throughout, Nancy emphasizes that experimentation—not perfection—is the path forward. By embracing curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to fail, educators can discover new ways to support students while maintaining the human relationships that sit at the heart of education. For educators and leaders navigating rapid technological change, this episode is a thoughtful reminder that innovation and humanity are not competing priorities—they must advance together.

    26 min
  3. Beyond the Ban: Sunaina Sharma on AI, Student Motivation, and the Future of Classroom Technology

    Jun 15

    Beyond the Ban: Sunaina Sharma on AI, Student Motivation, and the Future of Classroom Technology

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Sunaina Sharma, Assistant Professor at Brock University and longtime English educator, to explore one of the most pressing questions facing schools today: What happens when educators feel caught between the promise of AI and the realities of classroom life? Drawing on more than two decades of experience and recent research involving hundreds of secondary school teachers, Sunaina shares how the relationship between students, technology, and learning has fundamentally shifted since the pandemic. While many teachers are already using AI behind the scenes to support their work, uncertainty around policy, parent expectations, and institutional support often prevents them from bringing these conversations directly into the classroom. The episode also examines the growing "revolt" against technology in schools, where some educators are returning entirely to pen-and-paper assessments in an effort to preserve authentic learning. Sunaina challenges listeners to think beyond an either-or mindset, arguing that the real opportunity lies in creating thoughtful guardrails, meaningful professional learning, and classroom experiences that help students understand why their learning matters. For educators and leaders, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the challenge isn't simply about adopting new technologies—it's about building cultures of trust, support, and mutual respect that allow innovation to happen responsibly.

    25 min
  4. AI for Everyone: How UCF Is Bringing Innovation Beyond Computer Science

    Jun 8

    AI for Everyone: How UCF Is Bringing Innovation Beyond Computer Science

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Maritza Concha and Ketty Dones from the University of Central Florida’s Applied AI Innovation Initiative to explore how artificial intelligence is empowering students, nonprofits, and professionals who don’t come from technical backgrounds. The conversation highlights a powerful shift happening across higher education: AI is no longer reserved for computer scientists. Through community partnerships, nonprofit support programs, and classroom innovation, Dr. Concha and Ketty are helping learners use AI to solve real-world problems—from grant writing and program evaluation to healthcare support and community engagement. The episode also tackles some of the biggest questions surrounding AI adoption, including critical thinking, workforce disruption, and the growing need for AI literacy across every discipline. Rather than replacing human expertise, the discussion emphasizes how AI can become a collaborator that helps people work more creatively, strategically, and effectively. For educators, administrators, and community leaders, this conversation offers an inspiring look at how AI can expand opportunity, strengthen local impact, and make innovation accessible to everyone—not just those who know how to code.

    40 min
  5. Building a Safe Path to AI: Brett Hinson on Leadership, Trust, and Innovation in Higher Education

    Jun 1

    Building a Safe Path to AI: Brett Hinson on Leadership, Trust, and Innovation in Higher Education

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Brett Hinson, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Lipscomb University, to discuss what it takes to lead technology transformation in higher education. With decades of experience across multiple industries, Brett brings a practical and refreshing perspective on balancing innovation, security, and institutional trust. At the center of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: technology should serve people, not the other way around. Brett explains how Lipscomb has approached AI adoption by creating a culture of “maybe” instead of “no,” encouraging experimentation while maintaining the safeguards necessary to protect students, faculty, and institutional data. The discussion also explores how successful AI implementation requires more than selecting the right tools. It depends on collaboration between IT, faculty, administrators, legal teams, and academic leadership. By focusing on simple guardrails instead of excessive bureaucracy, institutions can create environments where innovation can flourish without sacrificing security. For higher education leaders, this episode offers valuable lessons on building trust, reducing fear, and creating pathways for responsible AI adoption that put student success at the center of every decision.

    24 min
  6. From AI Conversations to AI Action: Tawnya Means on Moving Higher Education Forward

    May 25

    From AI Conversations to AI Action: Tawnya Means on Moving Higher Education Forward

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Tawnya Means, founding partner of Inspire Higher Ed, for a conversation about one of the biggest shifts happening across campuses: moving from talking about AI to actually using it. As institutions navigate uncertainty, Tawnya offers a practical and human-centered perspective on what meaningful adoption really looks like. The discussion explores the psychological barriers that often slow progress—fear of complexity, pressure to be an expert, and the frustration of early failures. Tawnya argues that AI adoption doesn’t begin with mastering the technology. It starts with curiosity, experimentation, and creating communities where educators feel safe sharing both wins and setbacks. The episode also highlights an important balance: embracing AI while preserving what should remain deeply human. Through practical examples and institutional insights, Tawnya makes the case that the future isn’t about replacing people—it’s about creating more space for human connection, creativity, and impact.

    26 min
  7. AI Is No Longer a Tool: Daniel Kazakos on Skills, Systems, and the Future of Work

    May 18

    AI Is No Longer a Tool: Daniel Kazakos on Skills, Systems, and the Future of Work

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Daniel R. Kazakos—US Army veteran, strategist, system thinker, and CEO—to explore how AI is reshaping workforce development and changing the way we think about human value in an AI-driven world. Daniel argues that AI is no longer just another productivity tool. Instead, he frames it as a skill—one that requires continuous practice, human judgment, and intentional guidance. Drawing from experiences across healthcare, finance, consulting, and education, he challenges the idea that AI creates shortcuts, emphasizing instead that the people who thrive will be those who learn how to direct, evaluate, and work alongside these systems effectively. The conversation also explores a broader shift in education and career preparation. From helping students build consulting mindsets to identifying opportunities hidden inside large datasets, Daniel makes the case that curiosity and human agency remain central. For educators and leaders, this episode is a reminder that the future belongs not to those who simply use AI—but to those who learn how to shape it.

    29 min
  8. Removing Barriers at Scale: AI, Access, and the Future of the Student Journey with Marina Aminy

    May 11

    Removing Barriers at Scale: AI, Access, and the Future of the Student Journey with Marina Aminy

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Dr. Marina Aminy, Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director of the California Virtual Campus, to explore how AI and system-level thinking can expand access and improve outcomes for millions of students. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: keep the student as the “north star.” Marina shares how the California Virtual Campus enables course sharing across 116 colleges, helping students stay on track and graduate faster. From there, the discussion moves into how AI can reduce the friction points that often slow students down—streamlining processes like transcript evaluation, prerequisite verification, and administrative workflows. The episode also highlights a broader shift in education—from static assignments to dynamic, higher-order thinking. As AI changes what students can produce, Marina emphasizes the need to focus on authentic voice, critical evaluation, and real decision-making. For institutional leaders, this conversation offers a clear lens on how to design systems that are more collaborative, more efficient, and ultimately more centered on student success.

    27 min
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5
out of 5
61 Ratings

About

Changing education one conversation at a time. The Smarter Campus Podcast dives into the future of learning, spotlighting how students, educators, and innovators around the world are using AI to reshape education. Hosted by Zach, Head of Academic Sales Strategies at BoodleBox.ai, each episode features real conversations with passionate voices—from student leaders to professors—about what’s working, what’s changing, and what’s next. Whether you're curious about AI in the classroom, how schools are adapting, or what students actually want from their education, this podcast keeps it honest, inspiring, and practical. Tune in weekly for powerful ideas, global perspectives, and a smarter take on the campus experience.

Information

  • Creator
    Zach Kinzler
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    66
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Zach Kinzler
  • Show Website
    Smarter Campus Podcast