Make This Make Sense

MakeThisMakeSensePod

Make This Make Sense brings together three Entrepreneurship professors unpack the systems, trends, and social dynamics everyone is confused about — with the women who actually understand them. Guests include academics and entrepreneurs covering various industries diving into the latest research and sharing their experiences.

Episodes

  1. Aug 13

    Making Sense of How We're Wired: Make This Make Sense ep9 Dani Williams

    Making Sense of How We're Wired: Make This Make Sense ep9 Dani Williams What if better relationships with our kids, partners,coworkers—and ourselves—start with understanding how each person is actually wired? Dani Williams, founder of NXT Generation Wellness, joins us to talk neurodivergence, family dynamics, self-regulation, Human Design, and why creating environments where people can show up authentically may be more powerful than trying to make them fit into someone else's box.   Topics 🧠 Neurodivergence & individualized support 👨‍👩‍👧 Supporting the whole family 🎨 Rediscovering play 🔋 Understanding your energy 🧬 Human Design 🧘 Self-regulation isn't always being calm 👂 Rethinking what "listening" looks like ❤️ Better relationships through understanding 📦 Creating your own box 🚀 Entrepreneurship for neurodivergent individuals ✨ Making sense of yourself   About Dani Williams Dani Williams is the founder of NXT Generation Wellness,where she works with neurodivergent youth and their families to help them function better as a family unit. Her philosophy centers on the idea that when parents better understand themselves, they can create an environment where their children can better understand and embrace themselves, too. Dani’s work explores how self-awareness, communication, relationships, and emotional intelligence can help families build stronger, healthier connections.   🔗 Connect with Dani Williams Visit:  https://www.NXTgenerationwellness.com/ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtgeneration_wellness 💬 Memorable Quotes "I don't think that I'm changing myself at all. I thinkthat it's quite the opposite. I'm just reclaiming who I've always been." —Dani Williams "It's okay to pivot when something no longer feelsright within my body." — Dani Williams "I think that regulation is the number one priority inany environment in which you find yourself." — Dani Williams "Just because they're over there climbing on thestaircase doesn't mean that they're not listening to what you have tosay." — Dani Williams "They do not traditionally fit inside of a box. Sotherefore, [they've] got to create their own box." — Dani Williams "This would all make a lot more sense if people couldmake sense of themselves." — Dani Williams   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more episodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.     Chapters 0:00:00 Welcome to Make This Make Sense 🎙️ 0:02:17 Meet Dani Williams & NXT Generation Wellness 👋0:05:24 Why Supporting the Child Means Supporting the Family 👨‍👩‍👧0:08:20 Giving Parents Space to Rediscover Themselves ❤️0:11:16 Independence, Family Dynamics & Rediscovering Play 🛝0:15:20 Why Can Siblings Be SO Different? 👯0:21:04 Human Design: An Energetic Blueprint for Understanding Yourself 🧬0:27:29 Self-Regulation Doesn't Mean Being Zen All the Time 🧘0:31:18 "My Child Isn't Listening to Me" — But Are They? 👂0:34:33 Improving Relationships Starts With Understanding the Other Person ❤️0:38:00 Human Design — And Things Get Personal 🔮0:42:24 Entrepreneurship & Neurodivergence: Create Your Own Box 🚀0:45:25 Entrepreneur by Design: Turning Passions Into Possibilities 💡0:47:32 What's Next for Dani & NXT Generation Wellness ✨0:49:38 "This Would All Make More Sense If..." 🎤

    Making Sense of How We're Wired: Make This Make Sense ep9 Dani Williams

  2. Aug 4

    Brain-Based Learning and Teaching that Actually Works: Make This Make Sense ep8 Dr. Katie McKnight

    Brain-Based Learning and Teaching that Actually Works: Make This Make Sense ep8 Dr. Katie McKnight Why do so many students struggle in school even when they're trying their best? Literacy expert Dr. Katie McKnight explains how brain-based learning, adolescent development, and evidence-based teaching strategies, including improv, can transform the way we educate—and why understanding how students learn is just as important as what we teach.   Topics 🧠 Brain-based learning 📚 Literacy development 👩‍🏫 Teaching strategies 👧 Adolescent brain development ✍️ Reading comprehension 🗣️ Vocabulary growth ❤️ Student engagement using improv 🎓 Helping every learner succeed   About Dr. Katie McKnight Dr. Katie McKnight is an award-winning educator, literacyexpert, author, and international speaker who has spent more than three decades helping educators translate learning science into practical classroom strategies. In this episode, she shares how brain-based learning, literacy development, improv, and our growing understanding of adolescent braindevelopment can help teachers, parents, and schools better support every learner.   🔗 Connect with Dr. Katie McKnight Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemcknightphd/  Visit EngagedLearners.com: https://www.katherinemcknight.com/ Podcast: https://www.katherinemcknight.com/sorpodcast The Science of Reading: https://www.katherinemcknight.com/sorbook The Second City Guide to Improv in the Classroom: UsingImprovisation to Teach Skills and Boost Learning (Jossey-Bass Teacher): https://a.co/d/09HkHER7 💬 Memorable Quotes "The brain is shaped by relationships, experiences, andenvironment." "Students learn best when they feel safe enough tolearn." "We know far more today about adolescent braindevelopment than we did even ten years ago." "Learning isn't about memorizing facts—it's abouthelping the brain make meaningful connections." "When we understand how the brain learns, we becomebetter teachers." 🎧 Who Should Listen? 👩‍🏫 K–12 teachers looking for research-backed classroom strategies. 🎓 College faculty interested in improving student engagement and learning. 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents wanting to better understand how children and teenagers learn. 📚 Reading specialists, literacy coaches, and instructional leaders. 🧠 Anyone fascinated by neuroscience, learning, and human development.   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more episodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.    Chapters 0:00:00 Welcome to Make This Make Sense 🎙️0:04:24 What Is Brain-Based Learning? 🧠 0:07:47 How the Adolescent Brain Develops 🌱 0:12:46 Why Traditional Teaching Doesn't Always Work 📚 0:19:57 Using Improv in the Classroom 🎭 0:27:19 Creating Classrooms Where Students Thrive ❤️ 0:35:20 Improving Literacy in HigherEd ✍️ 0:40:51 New Book 📖 0:50:21 The Lore behind “Cookie Pusher” 🍪 0:52:06 Final Thoughts 🌟

    Brain-Based Learning and Teaching that Actually Works: Make This Make Sense ep8 Dr. Katie McKnight

  3. Jul 29

    She Built a Business That Saved 2,500 Cats and counting: Make This Make Sense ep7 Amber Redfren

    She Built a Business That Saved 2,500 Cats and counting: Make This Make Sense ep7 Amber Redfren What happens when you ignore the rulebook, go into business with your spouse, and build a café where the customers come for coffee but leave with a new best friend? Amber Redfren shares the remarkable story behindCattyshack Café, the realities of balancing entrepreneurship and marriage, and how a purpose-driven business has helped more than 2,500 rescue cats find forever homes.   Topics ☕ Building Caddyshack Café 🐈Rescue cats & adoptions ❤️ Mission-driven entrepreneurship 💍Running a business with your spouse 📈 Growing through purpose 🤝Nonprofit partnerships 🏡 Foster networks 💡 Advice for aspiringentrepreneurs   About Amber Redfren Amber Redfren is the co-founder of Cattyshack Café, aunique cat café that combines great coffee with cat adoption and rescue. Alongside her husband, she has built a mission-driven business that has helped more than 2,500 rescue cats find permanent homes while creating a welcoming community space. Through Cattyshack Café and its nonprofitinitiatives, Amber demonstrates how entrepreneurship can be both financially sustainable and deeply impactful.   🔗 Connect with Amber and CattyShack Connect on Instagram and TikTok: @cattyshackcafe Visit Cattyshack Cafe: https://www.cattyshackcafe.com/   Donate to Cattyshack Cares: https://www.cattyshackcafe.com/Donation 💬 Memorable Quotes "Life doesn't care about your five-year plan." "As long as we know what our mission is, the hard daysmake sense." "The business doesn't create problems (in marriage)—itmagnifies what's already there." "You're really not building a business at the end ofthe day. You're building something bigger." "It isn't about finding the perfect business. It'sabout finding the mission worth building around." 🎧 Who Should Listen? 🐈 Animal lovers and anyone passionate about pet rescue☕Entrepreneurs dreaming of opening a purpose-driven business💍Couples thinking about starting a business together❤️Anyone interested in social entrepreneurship and nonprofits📈Students and aspiring founders looking for honest startup advice🌎People who want to see how businesses can create real community impact   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for moreepisodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.     Chapters 0:00:00 Welcome to Make This Make Sense 🎙️0:05:02 – What Is Caddyshack Café? 🏡0:07:24 – How the Business Idea Came to Life 💡0:09:01 – Running a Business With Your Spouse 💍0:12:55 – Why Mission Matters More Than Money ❤️0:16:03 – Entrepreneurship Lessons Learned 📈0:22:32 – Building a Social Enterprise & Nonprofit 🤝0:25:17 – Favorite Cat Adoption Stories 🐱0:29:44 – How the Rescue & Foster System Works 🏠0:35:04 – Final Advice for Future Entrepreneurs 🎓

    She Built a Business That Saved 2,500 Cats and counting: Make This Make Sense ep7 Amber Redfren

  4. Jul 23

    AI Won't Replace You… But It Will Change How You Think: Make This Make Sense ep6 with Tina Austin

    AI Won't Replace You… But It Will Change How You Think: Make This Make Sense ep6 Tina Austin Artificial intelligence is transforming education faster than most institutions can adapt—but how do we embrace AI without losing critical thinking? In this episode, AI education leader Tina Austin explains why traditional teaching models need an upgrade, introduces her UnBlooms framework, and shares practical strategies for helping students and educatorsuse AI responsibly, thoughtfully, and effectively.   Topics 🤖 AI in education 📚 UnBlooms framework 🧠 Critical thinking ⚖️ Responsible AI 🎓 Faculty adoption 💬Cognitive offloading 🚗 AI hallucinations 📝 Assessment redesign 🚀 Future-ready classrooms   About Tina Austin Tina Austin is an AI education strategist, professor, andcreator of UnBlooms, a modern reimagining of Bloom's Taxonomy designed for the age of artificial intelligence. Her framework is used by educators in more than 100 countries to help measure critical thinking and metacognition before,during, and after AI use. Recognized as one of ASU GSV's Top Leading Women in AI(2025), Tina has been featured by OpenAI Academy and CNN and serves as a technical reviewer for the U.S. Department of Education while advising California's AI & Workforce initiatives. She also collaborates with organizations including Microsoft, Canva, Duolingo, and the Gates Foundation onresponsible AI implementation.   🔗 Connect with Tina Austin Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinaaustin/ Connect on Substack: https://substack.com/@tinaaustin Tina Austin’s website: https://tinaaustin.com/ The UnBlooms™ model: A Problem-Centered Framework forLearning Design in the AI Era by Tina Austin, AI in Education at Oxford University (AIEOU), https://zenodo.org/records/17298679 The UnBlooms™ Workbook on Amazon: https://a.co/d/0hXiAfBn 💬 Memorable Quotes "The conversation isn't whether students use AIanymore—it's how they use it." "AI can generate information, but it can't replacehuman judgment." "Bloom's Taxonomy was designed for a world whereinformation was scarce. That world no longer exists." "Responsible AI isn't about avoiding thetechnology—it's about learning to think alongside it." "The goal isn't to stop AI from changing education. Thegoal is to make sure learning doesn't disappear."   🎧 Who Should Listen? 👩‍🏫 Faculty and instructors trying to adapt their teaching for AI. 🎓 College leaders designing future-ready curricula. 🤖 Anyone curious about how AI is reshaping education. 📝 Instructional designers rethinking assessments. 💼 Business leaders responsible for AI adoption and workforce training. 🎒 Students who want to use AI without sacrificing real learning.   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for moreepisodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.     Chapters 0:00:00 Welcome to Make This Make Sense 🎙️0:00:25 Meet Tina Austin & the UnBlooms Framework 🌸0:04:15 Why Bloom's Taxonomy Needs an AI Update 🤖0:11:40 Helping Students Think Instead of Copy 🧠0:19:35 Cognitive Offloading: Are We Outsourcing Our Brains? 💭0:29:20 AI Hallucinations & Why Human Judgment Still Matters 🚗0:37:30 Redesigning Assessments for the AI Era 📝0:47:10 Practical AI Advice for Faculty & Institutions 🎓0:56:20 What the Future of AI in Education Really Looks Like 🔮1:02:30 Final Takeaways & Rapid-Fire Advice 💡

    AI Won't Replace You… But It Will Change How You Think: Make This Make Sense ep6 with Tina Austin

  5. Jul 15

    Why Great Teachers Are Leaving—and What Can Bring Them Back: Make This Make Sense ep5 Rachel Robins

    Why Great Teachers Are Leaving—and What Can Bring ThemBack: Make This Make Sense ep5 Rachel Robins   Instructional coach Rachel Robins joins Make This Make Sensefor a candid conversation about why teacher burnout has reached a crisis point—and what schools can actually do about it. From cell phone policies and student relationships to educator wellness and sustainable leadership, Rachelshares practical strategies that remind us why teaching is still one of the most impactful professions in the world.   Topics 📱 Cell phone policies • 🧠 Teacher burnout • ❤️ Educator wellness • 🤝 Building student relationships • 🎓 Supporting new teachers • 🌱 Healthy boundaries • 🏫 School culture • ✨ Finding joy in teaching   About Rachel Robins Rachel Robins is an instructional coach and educator dedicated to helping teachers thrive through practical coaching, educator wellness, and sustainable classroom practices. Her work focuses on strengthening school culture, reducing teacher burnout, improving instructional practice, and helping educators create meaningful learning environments where both teachers and students can succeed. Rachel is also recognized for her work and writing on classroom cell phone policies and supporting teachers through today's evolving educational landscape.   🔗 Connect with Rachel Robins Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-robins-85631468 Connect with Rachel on Instagram: @therealmrsrobins 💬 Memorable Quotes "You don't have to take care of everybody else'semotions—you have to take care of yourself first." "When teachers are healthy, students benefit." "Relationships will always matter more than the newestinitiative." "We can acknowledge the hard things without lettingthem define our profession." "Every student deserves that one teacher who changesthe trajectory of their life." 🎧 Who Should Listen? 🍎 K–12 teachers looking to avoid or recover from burnout 🏫 School leaders, principals, and instructional coaches 🎓 Education students preparing to enter the classroom 📱 Educators navigating classroom technology and cell phone policies ❤️ Anyone passionate about improving teacher well-being and school culture 👨‍👩‍👧 Parents interested in understanding today's classroom challenges   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for moreepisodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.   Chapters 0:00:00 Welcome & Introducing Rachel Robins 👋 0:01:00 Rachel's Journey from Classroom Teacher to Instructional Coach 📚 0:03:00 Why Teachers Are Burning Out 🔥 0:06:00 The Reality of Instructional Coaching 🤝 0:10:00 Leadership, School Culture & Supporting Teachers 🏫 0:15:00 Cell Phones in the Classroom—What's Actually Working? 📱 0:21:00 Building Strong Relationships with Students ❤️ 0:26:00 Practical Wellness Strategies for Educators 🌱 0:31:00 Setting Healthy Boundaries Without Losing Your Passion ⚖️ 0:36:00 Advice for Future Teachers & Final Takeaways ✨

    Why Great Teachers Are Leaving—and What Can Bring Them Back: Make This Make Sense ep5 Rachel Robins

  6. Jul 8

    Why Most Workplace Training Fails (And How to Fix It): Make This Make Sense ep4 with Dr. Heidi Kirby

    Why Most Workplace Training Fails (And How to Fix It): MakeThis Make Sense ep4 with Dr. Heidi Kirby   What if the biggest problem with education isn't students—it's how we've designed learning itself? Dr. Heidi Kirby joins the professors to unpack instructional design, why most corporate training misses the mark, how AI is reshaping education, and why meaningful human learning experiences matter now more than ever.   Topics 🎓 Instructional design explained • 🤖 AI changes learning but doesn't replace humans • 📊 Measure outcomes not completion rates • 🧠 Better questions create better learning • 💼 Freelancing in learning design • 🚀 Turning rejection into opportunity   About Dr. Heidi Kirby Dr. Heidi Kirby is an instructional design strategist, consultant, and educator with experience spanning NASA, billion-dollar SaaS companies, government, retail, and nonprofits. She specializes in helping organizations design learning experiences that improve real-world performance—not just course completion—and is passionate about blendinghuman-centered learning with emerging technologies like AI. Heidi is also the creator of the Learning Rejects Conference, an innovative event showcasing conference proposals that were rejected elsewhere, proving that great ideas deserve a second chance.   🔗 Connect with Dr. Heidi Kirby LinkedIn: /heidiekirby https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidiekirby/ Website: https://heidikirby.com/ Learning Rejects Conference: https://www.getusefulstuff.com/learningrejects   💬 Memorable Quotes "Instructional design is finding out what people needto work or learn better—and creating education that helps them get there." "Stop measuring whether people completed the course.Measure whether anything actually changed." "What game have you ever played that quizzes you at theend?" "AI makes creating content easier—but human connectionis becoming even more valuable." "Sometimes the best opportunities come from the thingsthat rejected you." 🎧 Who Should Listen? 🎓 College faculty and educators looking to improve student engagement.💼Corporate trainers, HR professionals, and learning & development leaders.🚀Entrepreneurs building onboarding, customer education, or training programs.🤖Anyone curious about how AI is changing education and workplace learning.📈Freelancers and consultants interested in instructional design as a career.   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for moreepisodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.   Chapters 0:00:00 👋 Welcome to Make This Make Sense0:02:10 🎓 Meet Dr. Heidi Kirby & What Is Instructional Design?0:04:21 📊 FUSE Framework0:07:12 🤖 Could this course have been an email?0:09:25 😅 Beyond CYA: Real Business Results for Training0:16:00 ❓ Change Your Questions, Change Your Life0:21:25 🤝 Why In-Person Learning Is Making a Comeback0:24:51 💡 Winning Trust & Changing Organizational Culture0:28:42 🚀 Skills New Instructional Designers Need Today0:30:46 🎤 Engaging Audiences & Breaking the Ice0:33:47 💥 The Learning Rejects Conference & Turning Rejection Into Innovation0:37:00 👏 Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

    Why Most Workplace Training Fails (And How to Fix It): Make This Make Sense ep4 with Dr. Heidi Kirby

  7. Jul 2

    Why Trauma-Informed Yoga Is Different: Make This Make Sense ep3 with Jess Ramos

    Why Trauma-Informed Yoga Is Different: Make This MakeSense ep3 with Jess Ramos What if yoga wasn't about touching your toes—but aboutlearning how to feel safe in your own body again? In this episode, the hosts sit down with trauma-informed yoga instructor Jess Ramos to explore how breathwork, mindfulness, and intentional movement can reduce stress, support healing, and help anyone build a more compassionate relationship with themselves.   Topics: 🧘 Trauma-informed yoga 🌬️Breathwork 🧠 Nervous system regulation ❤️Healing through movement 🤝 Creating safe spaces 💭Mindfulness 🌱 Starting a yoga practice ✨Everyday wellness   About Jess Ramos: Jess Ramos is a double-certified trauma-informed yogainstructor who has been practicing yoga for over 11 years and teaching since 2017. She specializes in Vinyasa and trauma-informed yoga, helping individuals use movement, breath, and mindfulness to support healing and overall well-being. Jess completed her trauma-informed training through the Yoga to Transform Trauma program under the late Catherine Ashton and is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people can reconnect with themselves and build resilience. About Catherine Ashton: https://news.wttw.com/2020/11/22/chicago-yoga-community-remembers-catherine-ashton  🔗 Connect with Jess Ramos on Instagram:  @Jessramos108  https://www.instagram.com/jessramos108/  💬 Memorable Quotes "Yoga isn't about the pose—it's about creating safety in your body." "Breath is one of the simplest tools we have to regulate our nervous system." "Healing happens when we create space instead of judgment." 🎧 Who Should Listen? This episode is perfect for: 🧘 Anyone curious about yoga but unsure where to begin. 🌿 People interested in managing stress and anxiety naturally. 🎓 Educators, leaders, and caregivers looking to better understand trauma-informed practices. 💜 Anyone wanting practical tools for improving mental and emotional well-being.   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for moreepisodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.   Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Make This Make Sense 🎙️ 00:01:35 Meet Jess Ramos: Trauma-Informed Yoga Instructor 🧘 00:03:22 What Is Trauma-Informed Yoga? ❤️ 00:08:05 Breaking Misconceptions About Yoga 🙌 00:11:49 Breathwork & Calming the Nervous System 🌬️ 00:14:51 Healing, Stress & Everyday Resilience 🌱 00:17:28 Creating Safe Spaces for Everyone 🤝 00:31:19 Facilitating Energy ☀️ 00:35:18 Breathe with us 😮‍💨 00:38:41 Final Takeaways & Where to Learn More 🎙️

    Why Trauma-Informed Yoga Is Different: Make This Make Sense ep3 with Jess Ramos

  8. Jul 2

    Career Advice College Students Actually Need: Make This Make Sense ep2 with Nicki Joiner

    Career Advice College Students Actually Need: Make ThisMake Sense ep2 with Nicki Joiner Former Fortune 100 recruiter turned career strategist NikkiJoiner pulls back the curtain on how hiring really works, sharing practical advice that helps students and early-career professionals stand out in an increasingly AI-driven job market. The conversation explores recruiting myths, networking, LinkedIn, interview strategies, and why treating your career like a long-term relationship—not a one-time job search—is the key to getting hired faster.   Topics: 💼 Recruiting Secrets 🤖 AI & Job Searching 🔗 LinkedIn Strategy 🎯 Interview Tips 🌱 Career Growth 🚀 Personal Branding 🎓 Helping Students Get Hired 💬 Networking That Works 📈 Standing Out in a Competitive Market   About Nicki Joiner: Nicki’s mission in the world is to help people navigatetheir future careers with confidence and clarity. And she does that by providing relevant and tangible career advice to thousands of students and administrators every year. With over a decade of experience in higher education andcorporate recruiting, she is able to effectively empower students to align their skills and passions with fulfilling career paths. She’s partnered with dozens of colleges/universities, non-profits, and youth organizations to guide students as they explore career opportunities and prepare for the professional world. Whether it’s landing that first internship or negotiating a job offer, she’s here to help students step into the future with clarity and confidence.   🔗 Connect with Nicki Joiner on Instagram: @howtheyhire https://www.instagram.com/howtheyhire/ Connect with Nicki Joiner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickijoiner/ Nicki’s site: https://nickijoiner.com/  💬 Memorable Quotes "Candidates don't have an agent—I wanted to become theperson who advocates for them." "Recruiters aren't just reviewing applications—they'reactively searching for the right people." "Your career isn't built by sending out hundreds ofapplications. It's built by positioning yourself to be found." "Students don't need more motivation—they need someoneto show them how the hiring process actually works." "The job search isn't just about getting your firstoffer. It's about building a career that grows with you."   🎧 Who Should Listen? This episode is perfect for: 🎓 College students preparing for internships, their first job, or graduation. 💼 Recent graduates struggling to land interviews or navigate today's competitive job market. 🤝 Parents, professors, and career advisors who want practical insights to help students succeed. 📈 Anyone who's ever wondered, "Why am I not getting interviews?" and wants advice directly from someone who's been on the recruiting side of the table.   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for moreepisodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas that shape our everyday lives with experts who make them make sense.   NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.   Chapters: 00:00:00 Welcome to Make This Make Sense 🎙️ 00:02:00 Meet Nicki Joiner: From Fortune 1 Recruiter toCareer Coach 💼 00:02:31 Nicki's Career Journey & Breaking Into Recruiting 🚀 00:07:05 Why "Just Follow Your Passion" Is Bad Career Advice 🎯 00:10:29 Entrepreneurship vs. Traditional Careers 💡 00:18:50 Understanding Gen Z's View of Work 🌱 00:22:50 Salary Expectations & What Students Get Wrong 💰 00:26:01 Is College Still Worth It? And why internships areimportant 🎓 00:32:15 What Recruiters Actually Look For 🔍 00:42:48 Getting in touch with Nicki ⭐ 00:46:04 Creating Your Own Opportunities 🚪 00:51:49 Final Thoughts 🎤

    Career Advice College Students Actually Need: Make This Make Sense ep2 with Nicki Joiner

  9. Jul 2

    The Research behind Mansplaining: Make This Make Sense ep1 with Dr. Chelsie Smith

    The Research behind Mansplaining: Make This Make Senseep1 with Dr. Chelsie Smith In the debut episode of Make This Make Sense, hostsDr. Colleen Robb, Annie Stout, and Kelly Werder sit down with Dr. Chelsea Smith to unpack the research behind mansplaining, workplace incivility, and why seemingly small interactions can have lasting effects on employees. Throughresearch findings, personal stories, and practical advice, they explore how bias shows up at work, what organizations can do differently, and how anyone can become more aware of the everyday behaviors that shape workplace culture.   Topics:🎙️New podcast launch 🚀  Workplace research 💼Mansplaining 🗣️  Gender bias ⚖️ Workplace incivility 🧠Psychology of communication 💭  Practical strategies 🤝Better workplace culture 🎓 Research made relatable✨   About Dr. Chelsie Smith: Dr. Chelsie Smith is a Postdoctoral Research at theUniversity of Guelph in Ontario Canada. Her research interests include career sustainability; workplace mistreatment; speaking up or staying silent about negative workplace events; psychological safety and perceptions of injustice;organizational and leadership development; gender issues, including equity and access; and the transition to a hybrid workplace. 🔗 Dr. Chelsie Smith on Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=VBHVujkAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao 🔗 Connect with Dr. Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelsie-smith-4a6b7563/ 🔗 Research and resources discussed during the interview: Dr. Smith and colleagues’ paper: ‘Well,actually’: investigating mansplaining in the modern workplace: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-management-and-organization/article/well-actually-investigating-mansplaining-in-the-modern-workplace/19B44D34153E37F0C49A26BE8DDD2525    Let me mansplain: studies reveal impact of condescension, The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/feb/03/let-me-mansplain-studies-reveal-negative-impacts-of-behaviour (about Dr. Smith’s research with commentary from Rebecca Solnit).        Compentence-Questioning Communication and Gender: Exploring Mansplaining, Ignoring, and Interruption Behaviors: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10869-022-09871-7(research referenced by The Guardian) Mansplaining is rude,belittling and not going away. Here’s how to shut it down, The Globe and Mail: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-mansplaining-is-rude-belittling-and-not-going-away-heres-how-to-shut/   💬 Memorable Quotes from this episode: "Intent is not part of the definition. People aren't necessarily intending to speak down to others—but the impact is still real." "Never attribute malice to the person. The vast majority of times people are doing this accidentally and with the best intentions." "It all comes down to setting the culture. Do people feel psychologically safe enough to speak up when something doesn't feel right?"   🔗 Connect with Make This Make Sense If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for moreepisodes where we break down the systems, trends, and ideas with experts who make them make sense. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Copyright © 2026, Make This Make Sense Team. All RightsReserved. Reuse/remix allowed with attribution.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro 🎙️ 00:00:43 Meet the Hosts ☕ 00:03:15 Dr. Chelsea Smith & Her Research Journey 🎓 00:07:30 What Is Mansplaining? (And What the Research Says) 📊 00:16:30 The Real Impact of Workplace Incivility 💼 00:29:00 Why These Behaviors Matter for Employees & Organizations ⚖️ 00:39:42 What Leaders Can Do Better 👥 00:47:58 Advice for Students & Early Career Professionals 🚀 00:53:06 Final Takeaways 💡

    The Research behind Mansplaining: Make This Make Sense ep1 with Dr. Chelsie Smith

  10. Trailer

    Welcome to Make This Make Sense

    Make This Make Sense brings together three Entrepreneurship professors unpack the systems, trends, and social dynamics everyone is confused about — with the women who actually understand them. Guests include academics and entrepreneurs covering various industries diving into the latest research and sharing their experiences. Introducing your cohosts: Dr Colleen Robb: Since Colleen started teaching entrepreneurship and business in 2004, she's never looked back. She's been involved in startups in the athletic, cosmetic, manufacturing, nonprofit, retail, and technology sectors, but loves teaching more than anything. She's been blessed to work with thousands of entrepreneurs, be they students, veterans, or community members to grow their businesses beyond what they thought is possible. Check out her blog which is loaded with years of lessons on entrepreneurship and teaching: www.colleenrobb.com Annie Stout: For over a decade, Annie has developed entrepreneurship education at every level at Florida Gulf Coast University, starting from a single first-year course to establishing a Living-Learning Community and creating a faculty development program that integrates entrepreneurship across various disciplines, including Engineering, Math, Education, Health, Hospitality, Legal Studies, and Music. Kelly Werder: Entrepreneurship Instructor turned crypto podcaster, Kelly Werder created the first Blockchain course for Entrepreneurs in a university Entrepreneurship program, leading to a first of its kind minor/concentration in Blockchain at Florida Gulf Coast University. Kelly left her full-time position in 2024 to focus on her livestream/podcast  @GMFarcaster  with her cofounder/cohost Adrienne, still streaming live 2x per week. Kelly is the production arm of this crazy MTMS experiment. NOTE: The views expressed on Make This Make Sense are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent Florida Gulf Coast University or any other institution with which they are affiliated. Learn more about the cohost and how we got her in this Make This Make Sense trailer and look for new episodes dropping each Wednesday starting July 1, 2026.

Trailer

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About

Make This Make Sense brings together three Entrepreneurship professors unpack the systems, trends, and social dynamics everyone is confused about — with the women who actually understand them. Guests include academics and entrepreneurs covering various industries diving into the latest research and sharing their experiences.

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  • Creator
    MakeThisMakeSensePod
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
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    © MakeThisMakeSensePod
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    Make This Make Sense