PsychSessions: Conversations about Teaching N' Stuff

In this episode Eric interviews Karly Schleicher and Jen Blush, both currently graduate students at the University of Texas-El Paso, representing The Novice Professor website/blog on the podcast. Founded by Ciara Kidder, TNP has curated an audience seeking advice on multiple aspects of success in higher education; an example being a popular blog about the job interview process, which yielded mentoring advice. Karly and Jen share their experiences about current graduate student challenges today.

In this episode Garth and Eric host their very first live podcast event featuring STP Legends Randy Smith and Jane Halonen recorded at the Oct. 2018 Annual Conference on Teaching. It was a lovely evening, with topics ranging from serious topics to roasting. Jane and Randy talked about their teaching tribe beginnings at the Mid-America Conference for Teachers of Psychology, STP today, Charles Brewer memories, baseball game first pitches, Richard Crenna, and their mentors. We finish with audience tributes.

In this episode Eric interviews Teresa Ober and Charles Raffaele, both representing STP's Graduate Student Teaching Association (GSTA); Teresa and Charles are both graduate students at the City University of New York (CUNY). After we review the operations GSTA and what it offers, we discuss the current challenges of graduate students today, as well as the career trajectories for Teresa and Charles. PsychSessions is thankful for GSTA and its leaders for their continuing contributions to psychology.

In this episode Garth interviews Charlie Blair-Broeker from Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, IA (after 39 years at Cedar Falls H.S.). High school psychology is in Charlie's DNA, as he has been a part of the Advanced Placement (AP) reading since its inception. An early teaching inspiration was a negative role model, but he found positive influences and role models through Ludy Benjamin, Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS), and others. "We don't teach psychology, we teach people."

In this episode Garth interviews Rik Seefeldt from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in River Falls, WI. Rik is the chief reader for AP Psychology, so you can imagine the cool insider's conversation. They then shift into Rik's origin story, from high school psychology to pursuing a doctoral degree in counseling psychology. Rik's interest shifts dramatically when he starts teaching. The passion in his voice about teaching is remarkable, even 31 years later. Oh yes, there's study abroad too.

In this episode Garth and Eric discuss, reflect, and ponder the first year of existence of the PsychSessions podcast. From the original planning March 2017 to the our launch on iTunes October 3, 2017, PsychSessions has become more than "just a podcast" for the two of us. We discuss our experiences, what we have learned, and future ideas to pursue. We are grateful for each and every listener who has an interest in what we do, and this episode provide a bonus peek behind the curtain. Enjoy!

In this episode Eric interviews Raechel Soicher from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. Raechel, at the time of this interview, is a graduate student about to start her dissertation. But her pedagogical wisdom and collegial generosity are highly accelerated, as evidenced by so many conversational topics (from publisher dinners to the imposter syndrome to badging for teacher competencies and more). We still had time to discuss Buffy the Vampire Slayer and everyone's teaching hero, Jane Halonen.

In this episode Eric interviews Jennifer Dyer-Seymour from California State University-Monterey Bay in Marina, CA. It's a whirlwind interview from discussing a relatively new campus with high psychology enrollments to training 16 undergraduates to do a replication study in a natural environment. Jen shares her own stories of aspiring to be an actress to the value of improv. We close by discussing work-life balance, a mothers' parenting responsibilities while also serving as a department chair, and more.

In this episode Eric interviews Robert Biswas-Diener from the Noba Project in Portland, OR. No singular paragraph can describe Robert's eclecticism. Serving as the Editor of the Noba Project is one example of a family tradition of 'giving back,' but listen to the story of the difficulty of 'giving away' introductory psychology. Researching happiness around the world led him to world-class opportunities, including two TED talks and a great topic for a third TED talk. And don't forget about the tattoo.

In this episode Eric interviews Martha Zlokovich from Psi Chi in Chattanooga, TN. Trained as a developmental psychologist, after 18 years as a faculty member she became the Executive Director of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology. Beyond Psi Chi and the operations of the Central Office, other conversational topics include strong parental role models, a leadership theme among siblings, and how Martha's international travel bug started with a self-scheduled high school travel exchange.

In this episode Eric interviews Kris Leppien-Christensen from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA. Kris tells the story of the best job he ever had was the one he did not get, and we learn about how his MSW and three years on the job with intense writing helped him succeed in his I/O doctoral program. Then the conversation turns to his national service, including WPA, PT@CC, CABE, and Psi Beta. But don't forget about his vast experiences on cruises, and stay tuned for that story he tells at the end.

For this IntroPsychSessions bonus episode, Garth interviewed Stephen Chew from Samford University in Birmingham, AL. Enjoy this back-to-school energy booster shot discussion about introductory psychology.

For this IntroPsychSessions bonus episode, Garth interviewed Noland White from Geogria College & State University in Milledgeville, GA. Enjoy this back-to-school energy booster shot discussion about introductory psychology.

For this IntroPsychSessions bonus episode, Garth interviewed Virginia Welle from Chippewa Falls Senior High School in Chippewa Falls, WI. Enjoy this back-to-school energy booster shot discussion about introductory psychology.

For this IntroPsychSessions episode, Garth interviewed Danae Hudson from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Enjoy this back-to-school energy booster shot discussion about introductory psychology.