Allegedly Higher

Dr. Erin Wheeler

Welcome to Allegedly Higher, the podcast where we dissect issues in Higher Education through a human-centered lens, spiced up with pop culture flair. Join hosts Dr. Erin and Dr. Candice as they navigate the complexities of academia, interview innovative leaders, and explore the latest headlines shaping the future of Higher Ed. With recurring segments like Disruptor Moments, Allegedly Higher empowers listeners to lead change on their campuses. Whether you're a higher ed professional, a student, or simply passionate about reshaping education, this podcast is your safe space.

  1. From Cardi B to Campus Protests: Education, Politics, and Mental Health in Focus

    10/03/2025

    From Cardi B to Campus Protests: Education, Politics, and Mental Health in Focus

    In this powerful episode of the Allegedly Higher Podcast, Dr. Candice Love Jackson and Dr. Erin Wheeler tackle the urgent issues shaping higher education and society. We dive deep into: Why emotional connection and student wellbeing are the missing keys to student success. How traditional education alienates students and why a paradigm shift is needed in teaching, assessment, and the first-year experience.Special Guest: Dr. Anane Olatunji – Author of Don’t Let School Get in the Way of Education, education expert, and creator of the FACES Framework (Fun, Affirmation, Challenge, Expression, Success) for reimagining student performance and wellbeing.The critical role of real-world applications, critical thinking, and communication skills in preparing students for a complex world. How pop culture and hip hop icons reflect broader societal issues, from Cardi B’s latest headlines to Dame Dash’s return. The fallout of political rhetoric, campus protests, and accreditation challenges, and what it means for university policies and public perception. Why mental health, both for students and public figures, must be prioritized as part of true education reform. Through honest conversation, reflection, and cultural commentary, the hosts connect politics, education, and pop culture to highlight the changes needed to create safe, engaging, and human-centered educational spaces. 👉 Keywords: higher education, emotional connection, student wellbeing, first year experience, assessment, engagement, paradigm shift, pop culture, education reform, politics, mental health, hip hop, social issues, critical thinking, student preparedness, public perception, university policies Show Resources: Buy Dr. Anane Olatunji's Book: Don't Let School Get In the Way of Education: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-School-Get-Education/dp/1632999617 Book Dr. O for speaking engagements: https://www.droinspires.com/ Please email us at info@holistichigheredsolutions.com to buy bulk copies of Geaux Wiser and schedule professional development trainings.

    2h 11m
  2. 06/26/2025

    Power Shifts, Power Moves, and Uncoupling of Power Couples.

    Intro:Welcome to Allegedly Higher, the podcast where we dissect issues in Higher Education through a human-centered lens, spiced up with pop culture flair. We're your guides through the maze of academia. Catch Up:Most first-year programs aren’t meeting the real needs of today’s students. That’s why Dr. Candice wrote Geaux Wiser: Secrets to College Success, a down-to-earth, research-based guide to help students navigate—not just survive—college. If you're an educator, this book can anchor your orientation, seminars, or retention programs. For bulk orders or training sessions, visit holistichigheredsolutions.com or hit the link in the show notes. This Week's Episode: 🎙️ The Unraveling of Hip-Hop's Power Couple—Remy Ma, Papoose, and Claressa Shields:Once seen as a symbol of enduring love, Remy Ma and Papoose's relationship has unraveled in a public social media feud over infidelity. We dissect how public figures navigate personal turmoil online and ask, does airing disputes publicly help or hinder their personal and professional lives? 🎙️ Halle Bailey and DDG's Relationship Turmoil: The co-parenting relationship between Halle Bailey and DDG has escalated into a legal battle. We explore the complexities of co-parenting and public scrutiny in the digital age. 🎙️ Kim Kardashian's Unconventional Path to Law: Kim Kardashian has completed her legal apprenticeship, a non-traditional path that qualifies her to sit for the California Bar Exam. We discuss her journey and the interesting questions it raises about alternative legal education routes. 🟣 Ryan Coogler’s Sinners: We dive into Ryan Coogler's new film, "Sinners," a period supernatural thriller. What do we think Coogler is trying to say with this one—and are we ready for it? Sponsorship Ad:Need to connect with recruiters, professors, or peers? The eConnect Cards App is the modern solution. Create your free digital card with a QR code or custom link to share your info and social profiles. Download the app today! Higher Ed Highlights: Southern University graduates its largest class of Black male nurses. Savannah James partners with Howard University for a clinical study on her new skincare line. Morris Brown College offers a lifeline to students from the closed Limestone College. Harvard University sues the Trump administration over a retaliatory international student ban. Leadership Changes at LSU and FAMU. The University of New Orleans considers returning to the LSU system. 🎙️ The Department of Education on the Chopping Block: In President Trump’s 2026 budget proposal, the Department of Education faces a dramatic $12 billion funding cut. Programs like TRIO, Federal Work-Study, and the Strengthening Institutions Program (affecting HBCUs and MSIs) are targeted for elimination. We dive into what this means for students who've historically relied on this support to get to and through college. Don't miss a minute of the conversation! Allegedly Higher: The Unraveling, The Unconventional, & The Cuts.

    2h 13m
  3. Reclassifying Power: What Sharpe, Shedeur & Tougaloo Tell Us

    05/07/2025

    Reclassifying Power: What Sharpe, Shedeur & Tougaloo Tell Us

    Episode Description:In this episode of Allegedly Higher, we unpack four stories that expose how legacy, leadership, and public perception collide across sports and higher education. We kick things off with Shannon Sharpe’s mounting legal troubles and public scrutiny, then shift to Shedeur Sanders’ unexpected NFL Draft slide and what it says about culture and character in professional sports. In higher ed, we break down the 2025 overhaul of the Carnegie Classification system—and what it really means for how colleges are ranked and funded. Finally, we turn our attention to Tougaloo College, where a faculty vote of no confidence has sparked urgent questions about governance, mission, and accountability at HBCUs. This episode is about more than headlines—it’s about how systems respond when power, potential, and pressure meet. Contact us at www.allegedlyhigher.com. 🎓 Episode Sponsors: 📘 Geaux Wiser: Secrets to College SuccessLet’s be real—most first-year programs aren’t keeping up with the real needs of today’s students.That’s why I wrote Geaux Wiser. It’s a down-to-earth, research-based guide to help students navigate college, not just survive it.If you're an educator looking for something practical for orientation, seminars, or retention programs, this book is a game-changer.And if you’ve got a new high school grad in your life—this is one of the best tools you can put in their hands right now.👉 Order in bulk or book a training at holistichigheredsolutions.com or click the link in our show notes. 📱 eConnect CardsWant a smarter way to introduce yourself? Whether you're a student or a professional, the eConnect Cards App helps you share who you are in seconds.With your digital e-card, you can highlight career goals, link your socials, add your school logo, and make instant connections via QR code or custom link.It's fast, free, and easy. Download the eConnect Cards App from the Apple Store or Google Play.👉 Learn more at www.econnectcardsapp.com

    1h 19m
  4. And, Did!

    10/14/2024

    And, Did!

    In this episode of Allegedly Higher, hosts Dr. Erin Wheeler and Dr. Candice Jackson deliver an entertaining and insightful deep dive into pop culture, legal controversies, and higher education. Titled "And Did!", this episode explores the ongoing legal battles surrounding Diddy, and the ripple effects across the music industry. From the ethical dilemmas of celebrity memoirs like Kim Porter's posthumous book to Melania Trump's memoir in light of her husband’s political stances, no stone is left unturned. The duo also takes on the brilliance of comedians like Cat Williams and Josh Johnson, while analyzing the complexities of fame, love, and reputation with Cardi B’s public relationship struggles. 🏆 Key Topics Include: Diddy's legal drama and its impact on the music world. Ethical questions around posthumous memoirs: Kim Porter and Melania Trump. Reflections on the influence of public personas like Cardi B on love and relationships. The viral Shannon Sharpe livestream incident. How celebrity narratives shape entertainment and societal perceptions. Join Dr. Erin and Dr. Candice as they mix humor with thoughtful commentary on pop culture’s biggest headlines, and connect them to larger societal issues in higher education and beyond. 🔗 Listen, Subscribe, and Share for more thought-provoking and humorous discussions! #Diddy #AndDid #KimPorter #MelaniaTrump #CardiB #PopCulture #HigherEducation #CelebrityDrama #Podcast #MusicIndustry #DrErinWheeler #DrCandiceJackson #AllegedlyHigher #CelebrityControversy

    1h 41m
  5. Episode 12: Toothless Drama, Iconic Losses, and DEI Battles

    10/12/2024

    Episode 12: Toothless Drama, Iconic Losses, and DEI Battles

    In this episode of Allegedly Higher, Dr. Erin and Dr. Candice dive deep into the most pressing challenges in higher education today. They explore the widening gap in student preparedness and social skills while reflecting on the latest moments in pop culture, including the recent losses of beloved entertainment icons. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Dr. Erin and Dr. Candice break down the Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down affirmative action, exploring its profound impact on college enrollment—especially for Black and Latino students. They discuss the pivotal role of Ed Bloom and Students for Fair Admissions in this ruling, and examine the potential ripple effects on diversity in higher education. This episode also highlights the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in maintaining access for Black students, and the critical need for legal and financial protection of these institutions. The hosts also emphasize the role of government investments in supporting HBCUs, and their vital contributions to producing future professionals across numerous fields. Tune in to hear: The fallout of the Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action. How HBCUs are stepping up to fill the educational gap for students of color. Recent celebrity news, including the passing of entertainment legends. Subscribe now to stay informed on the latest in higher education, pop culture, and critical social issues. Share this episode with friends and rate us to keep the conversation going! #AffirmativeAction #HigherEducation #HBCUs #BlackStudents #LatinoStudents #EdBloom #PopCulture #SupremeCourt #DEI #StudentsForFairAdmissions #SocialSkills #StudentPreparedness #GovernmentInvestment #DiversityInEducation #CelebrityNews #AllegedlyHigher

    1h 23m

About

Welcome to Allegedly Higher, the podcast where we dissect issues in Higher Education through a human-centered lens, spiced up with pop culture flair. Join hosts Dr. Erin and Dr. Candice as they navigate the complexities of academia, interview innovative leaders, and explore the latest headlines shaping the future of Higher Ed. With recurring segments like Disruptor Moments, Allegedly Higher empowers listeners to lead change on their campuses. Whether you're a higher ed professional, a student, or simply passionate about reshaping education, this podcast is your safe space.