Josie and the Podcast

Dr. Josie Ahlquist

What does it mean to lead in the digital space with heart and grace? On my podcast, Josie and the Podcast, I spend time with role models of digital leadership in higher education to answer this question. Whether we're deconstructing trends on TikTok, sharing best practices for maintaining a digital community, or building up communications professionals by addressing mental health and burnout, my goal is to share conversations that encourage you, empower you, and entertain you to rethink digital strategy - for yourself and the organizations you support.

  1. 04/24/2024

    This is 43 (Josie's Version)

    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

    46 min
  2. 04/10/2024

    Being a Traveler Not a Tourist with Jill Creighton

    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

    51 min
  3. 03/27/2024

    Protecting Your Light with Dr. Mike Muñoz

    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

    1h 3m
  4. 03/13/2024

    Protecting Your Light with Dr. Mike Muñoz

    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

    48 min
  5. 02/28/2024

    In My AI Era

    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

    57 min
  6. 02/14/2024

    Leading With Hard Work and Heart Work with Shea Kidd Brown

    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

    1h 4m
  7. 01/31/2024

    Talking Human-Centered Tactics with Dayana Kibilds

    Dayana Kibilds sees content as a tool for equity, and strives to help students access the educational institutions they deserve to be a part of. She is also living for unapologetic joy and keeping her work in marketing and communications human-centered. Dayana, or Day, is strategy director at Ologie, an employee-owned marketing and branding strategy built for education. Prior to Ologie, Day led enrollment and digital innovation work at Penn State, Cornell and Western University in Ontario, Canada. Day is also the host of Enrollify's Talking Tactics podcast, and is co-authoring a book about email to be released in spring 2024.  From Mexico to Germany, Day's career and homes have spanned the globe. And in this episode, we chat about them all. We'll talk about making deliberate career choices and how she once left her job without a plan, how email is the ugly duckling of any communications or marketing mix, how her podcast Talking Tactics fills the gap she saw in higher ed, and a bit about how she is utilizing LinkedIn these days. 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/talking-human-centered-tactics-with-dayana-kibilds/ Mentioned in the episode: Element 451 Engage Summit  *Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount!* Ashley Budd Talking Tactics on Apple Podcasts Higher Ed Social Facebook group Dayana's LinkedIn post - Her First Marketing Emails  Day's 10 Days of Email on LinkedIn   Connect with Day: Dayana Kibilds - Ologie | LinkedIn Day (@kibilds) on Threads  Dayana Kibilds Ologie   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

    1 hr
  8. 01/17/2024

    Building Community vs. Facilitating Community and the Work of Belonging in Digital Communities

    If you know me, you know I talk about community - all the time. Reflecting on the work of Marcus Collins, I spend this episode diving into the roles we all play in community, and how we can all evolve together. We'll discuss how we can show up and be active advocates for our communities, defining belonging as a facet of community and how this all translates to student success.    But we'll also dig into what a community really is. Is it though the memes we share on our schools' social media account, the campus itself, the culture the students share, or the staff we bring on at the higher levels?   We're also trying something new this episode, and sharing an interview I did recently with Tim Alexander, the Resident Director at Chapman University. If you were at the NASPA Western Regional Conference, you may remember he ended up being a big part of my session.   In this episode, Tim talks about how he implemented ideas from my Digital Community Cohort to create meaningful social media content that humanized Chapman's RAs and staff even before the semester kicked off. He digs into his favorite parts of facilitating community on campus, and how he's serving the unique needs of first-year students.   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/building-community-vs-facilitating-community-and-the-work-of-belonging-in-digital-communities/ 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:   If you didn't share a recap video, did 2023 even happen? | The Washington Post  Taylor Lorenz: Washington Post, Instagram, Book: Extremely Online  Embedded by Kate Lindsey No or low spend challenges  Renew Retreats The Digital Community Cohort Student Social Media Academy 2023 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education Dr. Marcus Collins - Professor | Best-Selling Author | Keynote Speaker For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be by Marcus Collins The State of Social Media in 2023: How You Can Build Communities, Drive Sales, and Go Viral, According to 1,000+ Social Media Managers | Hubspot Podcast: Crossover episode of the Trusted Voices Podcast and Higher Voltage Belonging: Why it is the next step on the equity, diversity and inclusion ladder | Times Higher Education 5 Components of Student Belonging | EAB Podcast: Influencer Marketing and Its Place in Higher Education | Josie Ahlquist How a Sense of Belonging Promotes College Success | Learning Research & Development Center | University of Pittsburgh Iowa State Inclusive Classroom Training Emerging social media job titles you need to know for 2024 | Sprout Social Tim Alexander LinkedIn NASPA Western Regional Sessions Chapman University The Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience Instagram Chapman University Move Out Information Video 2024 NASPA Annual Conference, Seattle Register for the Digital Community Cohort

    55 min
5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

What does it mean to lead in the digital space with heart and grace? On my podcast, Josie and the Podcast, I spend time with role models of digital leadership in higher education to answer this question. Whether we're deconstructing trends on TikTok, sharing best practices for maintaining a digital community, or building up communications professionals by addressing mental health and burnout, my goal is to share conversations that encourage you, empower you, and entertain you to rethink digital strategy - for yourself and the organizations you support.