Unofficial Office Hours

Where higher ed drops the syllabus and starts the conversation.
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Unofficial Office Hours is where higher education drops the formalities and talks honestly about digital innovation, teaching, and campus culture. Each week, host Dr. Justin Hodgson gathers a mix of educators, technologists, and campus leaders to unpack what’s really happening in higher ed — from classroom AI to institutional change. Smart, candid, and a quite a bit caffeinated, it’s insightful conversations for an evolving higher ed.

Episodes

  1. AI, History, & Opening Possibilities

    FEB 19

    AI, History, & Opening Possibilities

    In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson, joined by co-host Remi Kalir, sits down with historian Alex Lichtenstein for a deep dive into the craft of historical practice in the age of generative AI. Rather than asking abstract questions about technology, the conversation begins with something more fundamental: What does a historian actually do? Where does interpretation happen? When does writing become thinking? And how might AI tools alter—or illuminate—those processes? Alex describes himself as a “skeptical evangelist” of AI—deeply cautious about its risks, yet committed to engaging it thoughtfully. Together, the trio explores how generative AI intersects with archival research, authorship, interpretation, and power. They consider how historians are responding to AI within departments and across the field, and what it might mean for the future of historical scholarship and teaching. A reflective and probing conversation about discipline, judgment, and what it means to practice history responsibly in an era of rapidly evolving AI tools.

    51 min

  2. FEB 12

    Thinking With AI: Edward de Bono’s Six Hats as a Framework

    In this solo episode, host Justin Hodgson explores a classic framework for better thinking—and asks what it might teach us about working with AI. Drawing on Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats, this episode maps each “hat” onto practical strategies for engaging AI as a thought partner rather than just a tool. What happens when we deliberately shift from critical mode to creative mode with ChatGPT? How might we use AI for emotional checks, risk analysis, or disciplined optimism? And what does structured thinking look like in an age of generative systems? This episode offers a practical, reflective guide for educators, leaders, and knowledge workers who want to move beyond prompt tricks and toward more intentional cognitive collaboration with AI. If we’re going to think with machines, we might as well do it well.

    26 min
  3. AI, K-12, and the Future of Higher Education

    FEB 4

    AI, K-12, and the Future of Higher Education

    n this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Anne Leftwich, Professor of Instructional Systems Technology in the School of Education at Indiana University and Associate Vice President for Learning Technologies in UITS. Dr. Leftwich’s work focuses on the design of technology and computer science education, with particular emphasis on K–12 curriculum development and professional learning for teachers and teacher educators. The conversation centers on the evolving role of AI in education, beginning with how AI is already shaping learning, development, and student readiness in K–12 classrooms—and why those shifts matter deeply for higher education. As students arrive on campus with increasing exposure to AI tools and AI-informed ways of thinking, colleges and universities will need to reconsider long-standing assumptions about teaching, assessment, and preparation for life beyond the institution. A timely discussion about responsibility, readiness, and how educators can thoughtfully prepare students both entering and leaving higher education in a rapidly changing AI landscape.

    49 min
  4. BYTE: Branding Your Teaching Excellence

    JAN 28

    BYTE: Branding Your Teaching Excellence

    In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, the conversation centers on a challenge many faculty face: how to tell the story of their teaching in ways that are visible, credible, and impactful. Teaching-focused educators do meaningful, innovative work every day, yet often struggle to articulate that work in ways that matter for recognition, advancement, and long-term success. Host Justin Hodgson is joined by Miranda Rodak and Gabrielle Stecker Woodward, the creators of BYTE—Brand Your Teaching Excellence. Together, they explore how branding can be reframed as a form of digital storytelling—one that helps educators clarify their teaching identity, highlight impact, and advocate for their work with intention and clarity. The episode examines how frameworks like BYTE make teaching excellence legible without compromising authenticity, offering timely insights for faculty, academic leaders, and anyone invested in the future of teaching in higher education.

    49 min
  5. AI Responsibility, Pedagogy, and 2026 Predictions

    JAN 21

    AI Responsibility, Pedagogy, and 2026 Predictions

    In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined once again by Dr. Kevin Jones for a conversation that takes the pulse of artificial intelligence in higher education. The episode opens with a look into the current AI landscape, including what the recent Grok incident reveals about risk, governance, and responsibility for institutions. From there, the conversation turns to Schmitz and Laird’s AI-powered pedagogy article in EDUCAUSE Review and what it suggests for teaching, learning, and faculty practice. The episode closes with forward-looking predictions for 2026, inspired by a recent eSchool News article by Laura Ascione om emerging EdTech and AI trends. A timely discussion for educators and leaders thinking critically about innovation, ethics, and what’s coming next in higher education. Also, referenced in this podcast: 7 AI Decisions That Will Define Higher Education in Forbes Magazine

    54 min

  6. JAN 15

    AI, Ethics, and Edu: A Few Considerations in Light of Grok Disaster

    In this solo episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson takes a critical look at the recent Grok controversy and what it reveals about the risks of unregulated AI systems. Using the incident as a case study, the episode explores how failures in ethical oversight—ranging from the inappropriate generation of content to culturally and religiously harmful outputs—highlight deeper structural problems in how some AI tools are being developed and deployed. Beyond the specifics of Grok, this episode asks larger, urgent questions for higher education: What happens when institutions partner with or adopt AI systems that lack clear ethical standards? How should universities think about responsibility, governance, and values when integrating emerging technologies into teaching, research, and operations? And what guardrails must be in place to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of dignity, safety, and trust? A timely reflection on AI, accountability, and the future of ethical decision-making in higher education.

    29 min
  7. Vlogging Academia: Building Community & Culture

    JAN 7

    Vlogging Academia: Building Community & Culture

    In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Sarah Fisher, Assistant Professor of Writing Studies at the University of Miami, and returning guest Remi Kalir as co-host, for a rich conversation about vlogging, visibility, and public-facing scholarship in higher education. We explore Sarah’s work as a YouTuber and scholar of rhetoric and writing, feminist rhetorics, embodiment, and multimodal composition—examining how academic vlogging functions as a disruptive practice that challenges traditional norms of scholarly work. Sarah reflects on her life vlogging approach, how building content and community through YouTube shaped her research, and what it means to think, write, and teach with a public facing orientation to her work. The conversation also turns to academic identity and transition, unpacking Sarah’s move from graduate student to tenure-track faculty and the opportunities and tensions that come with navigating both traditional and non-traditional academic spaces. Together, we consider what vlogging reveals about power, labor, care, and culture in academia—and how digital media can open new pathways for connection, creativity, and scholarly belonging. Check out Sarah's work here: web - professorsarahfischer.com YouTube - @SarahFischerVlogs

    1h 4m
  8. New Year, New Rules? Rethinking Learning with AI

    12/31/2025

    New Year, New Rules? Rethinking Learning with AI

    In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Sheneese Thompson for a wide-ranging and timely conversation about where higher education is headed with AI—and whether institutions are moving too quickly, not quickly enough, or in all the wrong ways. Drawing on headlines, classroom practices, and student perspectives, the conversation explores resistance to AI in education, student perspective (and faculty assumptions) about AI, and whether the college essay as we know it is due for reinvention. We also dig into Dr. Thompson’s designing of engaging, student-centered learning experiences that use low-lift AI tools—like Adobe Podcast—to empower students with agency, creativity, and ownership over their work. This episode closes by looking ahead: What do we hope for higher education in 2026?

    59 min
  9. Disruption, Innovation, & the "Hire AI" Approach

    12/24/2025

    Disruption, Innovation, & the "Hire AI" Approach

    In this episode of The Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Miranda Rodak, Senior Lecturer and Associate Director of the Communication and Professional Skills Department at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. With extensive cross-disciplinary teaching experience—spanning writing, rhetoric, communication, and business—Dr. Rodak brings an incredible blend of pedagogical depth, innovation, and leadership to the conversation. Together, we explore her highly successful and widely discussed Hire AI assignment and how it reframes student writing by positioning AI as a consultant rather than a shortcut. We also trace Dr. Rodak’s journey across disciplines—transitioning from the Kelley School of Business to English and then back again—and unpack what those shifts reveal about the differing epistemologies, expectations, and cultures within higher education. Along the way, we talk about the unique ways business education responds to disruption, the growing tension between task-based instruction and deeper learning objectives, and how students thrive when we emphasize growth, agility, and multimodal digital literacy. Fueled by Dr. Rodak's expertise in faculty development, generative AI, and active learning design, this episode offers not only fun conversation amongst friends, but rich insights into what it means to teach, create, and lead in an AI-enabled world. A thoughtful and energizing conversation for anyone invested in the future of learning and classroom innovation.

    1h 2m
  10. AI, Education, & the Age of Acceleration - with Dr. Kevin Jones, AI Strategist, Associate Professor of Management, and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at IU Columbus

    12/17/2025

    AI, Education, & the Age of Acceleration - with Dr. Kevin Jones, AI Strategist, Associate Professor of Management, and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at IU Columbus

    In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Dr. Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Kevin Jones, AI Strategist, Associate Professor of Management, and Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at IU Columbus. Recorded while Dr. Jones was on location at the World Summit AI in Doha, Qatar, this conversation brings a uniquely global lens to the rapidly evolving relationship between AI, higher education, industry, and organizational change. We take a quick-hitting approach to some of the big questions shaping innovation in higher ed today before delving more deeply into specific areas: How is AI accelerating—not just disrupting—traditional models of teaching and learning? What does the backlash to AI actually reveal about faculty identity and institutional culture? And how do campus leaders and instructors prepare students for a professional world that’s adopting AI far faster than universities? Dr. Jones shares insights from both his change-management scholarship and his conversations at the Summit, arguing that we’re not living in the age of AI so much as the age of accelerated transformation. Together, we situate these rapid shifts in the broader landscape of higher education and explore what they mean for students, faculty, and the future of institutional leadership. A fast, thoughtful, globally informed conversation about the road ahead for teaching, learning, and innovation.

    53 min
  11. Dignity, AI, & the Power of Annotation - with Dr. Remi Kalir, Associate Director of Faculty Development and Applied Research at Duke University Learning Innovation & Lifetime Education

    12/10/2025

    Dignity, AI, & the Power of Annotation - with Dr. Remi Kalir, Associate Director of Faculty Development and Applied Research at Duke University Learning Innovation & Lifetime Education

    In this episode of the Unofficial Office Hours podcast, host Justin Hodgson is joined by Dr. Remi Kalir, Associate Director of Faculty Development and Applied Research at Duke University’s Learning Innovation and Lifetime Education. Dr. Kalir is an accomplished author whose two books on annotation explore both how annotation supports learning and how the act of annotating can meaningfully shape public discourse, agency, and power. The conversation ranges widely—in the best ways—touching on dignity in higher education, the evolving landscape of AI, whether higher education is facing a true digital fluency crisis among faculty, emerging approaches to professional development, and the critical pedagogical and cultural importance of annotation. It’s a rich, layered discussion about what it means to teach, learn, and lead in a moment of profound digital transformation. Unofficial Office Hours is part of the EdUp Experience Podcast Network

    57 min

  12. TRAILER

    The Unofficial Trailer

    The Unofficial Office Hours podcast is where higher education drops the formalities and gets real about teaching, technology, and transforming a campus culture. Each week, host Dr. Justin Hodgson brings together a rotating crew of campus insiders, technologists, and educators to talk about what’s actually happening in higher education—candidly exploring the intersections of teaching and learning, technology, student success, and digital innovation. From AI in the curriculum to higher education and industry partnerships, Unofficial Office Hours is equal parts conversation, critique, and community. Regular co-hosts bring their own “beats” to the conversation — teaching and learning, digital strategy, student experience, leadership, change management — while special guests join to spark honest, sometimes provocative dialogue about what’s working, what’s broken, and what’s next for higher ed. No jargon. No PR spin. Just smart people having real (fun) conversations about how universities are (or should be) adapting, experimenting, and learning their way into the future.

    2 min

Trailer

About

Unofficial Office Hours is where higher education drops the formalities and talks honestly about digital innovation, teaching, and campus culture. Each week, host Dr. Justin Hodgson gathers a mix of educators, technologists, and campus leaders to unpack what’s really happening in higher ed — from classroom AI to institutional change. Smart, candid, and a quite a bit caffeinated, it’s insightful conversations for an evolving higher ed.

Information

  • Creator
    Where higher ed drops the syllabus and starts the conversation.
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Where higher ed drops the syllabus and starts the conversation.
  • Show Website
    Unofficial Office Hours