The Search Bar

Central Michigan University

The Search Bar answers some of the internet's most-asked questions and discusses popular, trending topics. Hosted by Adam Sparkes, The Search Bar is recorded on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

  1. 05/14/2025

    Is work-life balance a reality?

    People talk about work-life balance, but what does it even mean? And is it possible to truly find alignment between the two?     Guest: Neil MacKinnon, president at Central Michigan University  It's the 50th episode of The Search Bar and host Adam Sparkes welcomes Central Michigan University President Neil Mackinnon to the show. The two sit down to discuss the balancing act between your personal and professional life. President MacKinnon shares some insight into how he finds balance, the importance of mentorship and other thoughts on how you can better find work-life harmony.

    37 min

  2. 04/30/2025

    The blurred line: Where art meets photography

    With the ubiquity of smartphones, who's a photographer when everyone's a photographer? And what separates photography from art?  Guest: Kris Sanford, professor of photography at Central Michigan University    Summary  In this episode of The Search Bar, Adam Sparkes welcomes Kris Sanford to the show. The two discuss what makes a photographer truly great, the blurred line between art and photography, the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in the photography industry – and more.

    59 min

  3. 04/16/2025

    Breaking Barriers: The intersection of hearing loss, advocacy and innovation

    Ahead of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month in May, join us for a conversation focusing on the intersection of hearing loss, advocacy and innovation.  Guest: Stacey Lim, associate professor of audiology at Central Michigan University    Summary  In this episode of The Search Bar, Adam Sparkes welcomes Stacey Lim to the show. Stacey shares her personal journey that led to a career in audiology, her love of fashion as it relates to hearing accessibility, stigma surrounding hearing loss and advice for young people considering a career in audiology.

    50 min

  4. 04/02/2025

    How beer kick-started economic recovery during The Great Depression

    National Beer Day isn’t just a made-up holiday by the beer industry. There’s real, historical significance with the legalization of beer having economic ripple effects across the country during The Great Depression.    Guest: Jason Taylor, professor of economics at Central Michigan University and author of The Brew Deal: How Beer Helped Battle the Great Depression    Summary  In this episode of The Search Bar, host Adam Sparkes welcomes Jason Taylor back to the show how beer helped save a struggling U.S. economy during The Great Depression, and how New Beer’s Eve and National Beer Day came to be.

    49 min

  5. 03/19/2025

    Phone down, life up: Being present in a world obsessed with sharing

    Sometimes it feels like we’re scrolling through life more than we’re living it.   Guest: Kirsten Weber, professor of communication at Central Michigan University    Summary  In this episode of The Search Bar, host Adam Sparkes and Kirsten Weber, professor of communication at Central Michigan University, discuss how documenting our lives for social media affects our ability to fully experience the moment. They also provide ways we can find a balance between capturing memories and staying present in the moment.

    40 min

  6. 03/04/2025

    How marching band prepares you for any career

    Participating in a marching band leads to personal and professional growth. What skills can you gain? And how can those skills set you up for success after graduation?  Guest: Jim Batcheller, associate director of bands at Central Michigan University  Summary   Host Adam Sparkes welcomes Jim Batcheller, associate director of bands at Central Michigan University, to the show. The two discuss the value of playing in a marching band and how it sets you up for success in life – even if your career plans have nothing to do with music.

    53 min

  7. 02/19/2025

    Curiosity and Careers: How wonder guides life paths

    Are people born curious? Or is curiosity something that can be nurtured over time?  Guest: Guest: Jen Weible, professor of teacher and special education at Central Michigan University  Summary   Host Adam Sparkes welcomes Jen Weible back to the show to discuss curiosity. What can you do in your everyday experiences to help nurture curiosity? And how can you encourage someone to be more curious? The conversation focuses on what makes people curious, how we can encourage curiosity, and how being curious as a child can help guide our career paths.

    38 min

  8. 02/05/2025

    AI and Education: Empowering teachers, engaging students

    Artificial intelligence is here to stay. So, how can students and teachers embrace it effectively and ethically?    Guest: Jen Weible, professor of teacher and special education at Central Michigan University    Summary  Host Adam Sparkes welcomes Jen Weible to the show to discuss the impact, benefits and potential drawbacks of utilizing artificial intelligence in schools. The two touch on some of the most exciting ways both students and teachers are currently using AI in education. And with advancements in technology happening so rapidly, how can schools ensure AI tools are used safely and ethically?

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Search Bar answers some of the internet's most-asked questions and discusses popular, trending topics. Hosted by Adam Sparkes, The Search Bar is recorded on the campus of Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Information

  • Creator
    Central Michigan University
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Central Michigan University
  • Show Website
    The Search Bar