The Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast

Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt
The Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast

The "Higher Ed Breakfast Club" is a dynamic and engaging podcast dedicated to exploring the multifaceted world of higher education as well as all things breakfast! Join the hosts and their guests each week as they cover a variety of topics in the higher education space and the many, many, many breakfast options available in the world. What a time to be alive!

Episodes

  1. From egg bites to extremism...

    DEC 4

    From egg bites to extremism...

    Join us for a post-Thanksgiving feast of conversation on the Higher Ed Breakfast Club podcast! This week, Chris and Brian are joined by the insightful and dynamic Lisa Pescara-Kovach Director of the Center for Education in Mass Violence and Suicide at the University of Toledo. In this episode, we explore the pressing challenges facing higher education, including navigating post-election tensions and supporting students through trauma-informed care. Lisa shares her expertise on creating more understanding and flexible classroom environments while addressing broader societal issues like extremism and threat assessment. Together, we discuss how higher education can lead the charge for kindness and connection during these turbulent times. Of course, no episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club would be complete without plenty of breakfast talk. From Lisa’s MIL's homemade egg bites to Brian’s legendary Thanksgiving leftovers waffle, to Chris' stuffing cups, we dive into the ultimate breakfast creations while keeping things light and engaging. And yes, there’s even a lively discussion about Hot Frosty (IYKYK). Don’t miss this episode packed with serious insights, hearty laughs, and thoughtful reflections on the state of higher education today. Listen now and subscribe for more episodes filled with conversation and connection.

    47 min
  2. Waffles, War Rooms, and Women Crush Wednesdays...

    NOV 27

    Waffles, War Rooms, and Women Crush Wednesdays...

    Dive into the second half of our chat with the incredible Eloiza Domingo on the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast! From syrup debates at IHOP to navigating diversity in a turbulent political climate, this episode serves up a mix of humor, humanity, and hard truths. Eloiza shares her insights on rebranding DEI, surviving professional crises, and a passion project, "Women Crush Wednesday." Plus, get the inside scoop on pecan pie secrets and the sociology of deviance. Catch this episode for a deliciously candid conversation about the intersection of breakfast, equity, and resilience. Don’t miss out—grab your headphones and waffles!

    48 min
  3. Brunch, Bias, and Ballots: Navigating Waffles and the Election Aftermath...

    NOV 19

    Brunch, Bias, and Ballots: Navigating Waffles and the Election Aftermath...

    In this episode, Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt sit down with the brilliant Eloiza Domingo, founder and CEO of 410 LLC, to dive into the future of higher ed in uncertain times, navigating personal and professional challenges post-election, and honest takes on leadership, integrity, and what it means to lead inclusively. We talk breakfast (crepes, anyone?), biracial parenting, and even how political divides hit the Thanksgiving table. Whether you're here for the laughs, the insights, or the comfort of knowing you're not alone in processing the world, this episode is for you. #HigherEdBreakfastClub #Podcast #DEI #Leadership #PostElection #InclusiveLeadership #BreakfastTalk

    47 min
  4. If you go to jail, establish dominance immediately...

    NOV 2

    If you go to jail, establish dominance immediately...

    Welcome to the Higher Ed Breakfast Club, where today’s conversation goes deep! In this episode, our guest, Dr. Tammy Hodo, shares her journey through academia, white supremacy, and the roots of her DEI-focused company, All Things Diverse. Tammy dives into the political charge around school board takeovers, the weaponization of CRT, and how diversity efforts are often met with defensiveness instead of empathy. Together, we tackle why diverse lived experiences and open-mindedness are so crucial in today's divided climate, with Tammy challenging us to think about what we might accomplish if we came together. And, of course, no Higher Ed Breakfast Club episode is complete without a savory exploration of breakfast favorites—from hash browns to the never-ending crunchy versus smooth peanut butter debate. Pour yourself a mimosa (or two) and dig into a rich discussion on diversity, equity, and how breakfast brings us all together.

    34 min
  5. Sweet grits and the diaspora...

    OCT 22

    Sweet grits and the diaspora...

    Join us on the latest episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club podcast, featuring special guest Dr. Tammy Hodo! We discuss her experiences as a runner, a veteran, and a diversity advocate, have a powerful discussion on the backlash against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, especially in Florida and beyond, and discuss the ongoing struggles and systemic racism in higher education and society. We also talk breakfast including grits and how one should season them. Grab a cup of joe and get in here! Don’t miss out! Stream now! #HigherEd #HEBC #DEI #RacialJustice

    48 min
  6. Legos, Spam, and a Big Reveal...

    OCT 1

    Legos, Spam, and a Big Reveal...

    In this episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club podcast, hosts Chris and Brian sit down with JS Bragg, a passionate educator who has transformed student engagement through innovative teaching methods, including using games to illustrate leadership concepts. JS shares insights into his unique approach to the classroom, revealing how he incorporates his love for gaming into lessons, leading to statistically significant improvements in students' understanding of leadership. Listeners will also get a taste of JS's culinary skills as he talks about his favorite meals to cook and his impressive burger-making abilities. Plus, there's a big reveal that you won't want to miss! Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation, and prepare to be surprised!

    53 min

  7. SEP 25

    Biscuits are a whole other thing...

    In this episode of Higher Ed Breakfast Club, hosts Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt sit down with J.S. Bragg, Assistant Director for Student Activities at Miami University in Ohio. They dive into a lively discussion that covers everything from their favorite breakfast orders to the challenges faced by today's college students post-pandemic. They share some laughs over breakfast traditions, nostalgia for monster cereals like Count Chocula, and the rise of Waffle House in Oxford. But it’s not just all about breakfast. J.S. gives insight into the lasting impact of COVID-19 on student engagement, mental health, and leadership development on campus. 🍳 Grab your coffee and catch this tasty conversation, full of humor, higher ed insight, and of course, breakfast talk! #HigherEdBreakfastClub #Podcast #CollegeLife #BreakfastChat #MiamiUniversity

    51 min

  8. SEP 18

    Yeah, but can AI butter an English muffin?

    Welcome back to the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast! In this episode, we continue our conversation with Amy, diving deeper into her insights on academic integrity, accountability, and the growing influence of AI in higher education. Amy shares her reflections as a faculty member teaching predominantly online and discusses the lessons learned from the pandemic, especially around flexibility and student support. We also explore the balance between maintaining academic standards and embracing new technologies like AI. Plus, we can't forget the breakfast talk! Tune in as we chat about Texas breakfast treats, including kolaches, bacon, and more tacos, and wrap up with some fun food banter. Join us for another informative and tasty episode! Find out more at higheredbreakfastclub.com.

    40 min

  9. SEP 10

    A Lady and Two Tramps Walk into a Waffle House...

    In this episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club podcast, hosts Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt sit down with special guest Dr. Amy Murphy, associate professor from Angelo State University. Together, they dive into everything from breakfast favorites—like the ongoing crunchy vs. creamy peanut butter debate and Amy’s love for breakfast tacos—to more serious topics in higher education. The conversation explores current challenges surrounding Title IX regulations, campus burnout, and the complexities of preparing for another contentious election season. Join us for a cup of java.

    43 min

  10. SEP 5

    Just after where it all begins...

    Part two of episode one. A little more higher ed chat and a lot more breakfast chat, like, a lot, including more mentions of the now infamous Trader Joe's Meat Bag, toast options, syrups choices, and more.

    46 min

  11. SEP 3

    Where it all begins...

    Welcome to the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast! We're thrilled to launch our podcast with an inaugural episode that sets the stage for a deliciously irreverent dive into all things higher ed and breakfast. Hosts Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt bring their signature mix of wit, insight, and a touch of chaos as they introduce the podcast, discuss its structure, and hint at the great guests lined up for future episodes. But it’s not all serious academia—expect plenty of breakfast banter, from the merits of scrambled eggs to the debate over whether breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. So whether you’re tuning in for the higher ed insights or the mouthwatering breakfast talk, this episode is just the beginning of a journey that’s sure to be as nourishing as it is entertaining. Stay tuned for more episodes, guest bios, and some tasty discussions ahead!

    50 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The "Higher Ed Breakfast Club" is a dynamic and engaging podcast dedicated to exploring the multifaceted world of higher education as well as all things breakfast! Join the hosts and their guests each week as they cover a variety of topics in the higher education space and the many, many, many breakfast options available in the world. What a time to be alive!

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