Smarter Campus Podcast

Zach Kinzler
  • 5.0 (61)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

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

    10h ago

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. AI and the Human Edge: Rethinking Career Readiness with Adam Davis

    May 4

    AI and the Human Edge: Rethinking Career Readiness with Adam Davis

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Adam Davis, Senior Director of Global Career Services at the American College of Financial Services, to explore how AI is reshaping the connection between education and the workforce. As career services evolves, Adam offers a clear perspective on how institutions can better prepare students for a rapidly changing professional landscape. The conversation highlights a key shift: while AI can handle the heavy lifting—like resume building, interview prep, and research—it also raises the bar for what makes candidates stand out. Adam emphasizes that storytelling, self-awareness, and communication are becoming even more important as AI-generated content becomes more common. In this new environment, the “human edge” is what differentiates students. The episode also explores practical ways institutions can support this transition, from building safe spaces for interview practice to helping students develop “AI agility.” For educators and leaders, this is a thoughtful look at how AI can serve as a co-pilot—freeing up time for deeper mentorship while equipping students with the skills they need to navigate the future of work.

    31 min
  8. Start Small, Think Big: Matthew Ignash on Experimenting with AI in Education

    Apr 27

    Start Small, Think Big: Matthew Ignash on Experimenting with AI in Education

    In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Matthew Ignash, science educator and department head at the American International School of Chennai, to explore a practical and grounded approach to integrating AI into teaching and school systems. Rather than focusing on expertise, Matthew emphasizes experimentation—showing how small, intentional projects can unlock meaningful change for educators and students alike. Drawing on his background in data and assessment, Matthew introduces the importance of systems thinking when working with AI. He explains how clear inputs, clean data, and thoughtful design can prevent the common trap of producing polished but unreliable outputs. The conversation highlights how educators can move beyond using AI for efficiency alone and begin to use it as a tool for deeper learning and problem-solving. The episode also showcases how students can become creators with AI, not just users. From building custom study tools to collaborating across generations, Matthew shares examples that point toward a more active, hands-on model of learning. For educators navigating where to start, this conversation offers a simple but powerful message: begin with curiosity, start with what matters to you, and build from there.

    35 min
See All (64)

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
    64
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Zach Kinzler
  • Show Website
    Smarter Campus Podcast

You Might Also Like