Claim OwnershipCan I Get A Retake?
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© Great River Learning, 2023
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On Can I Get a Retake? Michelle and Deanna interview educators and authors, discussing their unique stories, areas of study, interests, and of course, their publications. Our goal is to inspire and educate academics in higher ed.
35 Episodes
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Before Atwan was a chemist, an educator, a researcher, a business owner, or a community advocate, he was a kid on his grandmother's porch, making Sunday tea — unknowingly learning about solubility, heat transfer, and acid-base chemistry without a textbook in sight. That origin story shapes everything about the way he teaches today.In this episode, Dr. Antwan Daniels — community college chemistry professor, K-12 instructional coach, and author of Pathways to Allied Health — makes a compelling case that chemistry isn't just for "smart people" or "math people." It's for all people. He shares how constructivist learning theory, built-in social-emotional support, and culturally affirming curriculum are changing outcomes for students who never saw themselves in a science classroom.Antwan has spent his career dismantling one of education's most stubborn myths: that science is for a certain kind of person. Chemistry, he argues, is the central science. It's not a gate. It's a pathway. And there's a difference.
What does it mean to truly learn a language? For Hélène de Fays and Pello Huesa, coauthors of Gente, Lengua Y Cultura and educators at UNC Chapel Hill, it's never just about memorizing vocabulary or conjugating verbs. Language learning is about engaging with the enormous linguistic, cultural, and political diversity within Spanish-speaking communities—and understanding that language itself is identity, history, and collective effort.In this conversation, Pello and Hélène share how they curated a textbook that centers the direct voices of Spanish speakers themselves through articles, letters, videos, songs, and recipes. They discuss the challenges of representing such vast cultural complexity, from Bad Bunny's Caribbean music to ancient Aztec influences on modern tacos. They push back against result-oriented learning that reduces language to grades, arguing instead for patience, persistence, and the deeply human work of communication.Whether you teach world languages or simply want to understand how culture shapes learning, this episode offers a refreshing perspective: language isn't something you master—it's something you live.Learn more about their publication at https://grl.pub/GenteLenguaCultura
In this season finale, we're taking a different approach by celebrating the educators who've partnered with Great River Learning to create their own course materials. You'll hear from faculty across disciplines—from music appreciation to forensics, horticulture to economics—who faced the same challenge: existing textbooks just weren't working for their students or their teaching style.These are stories of frustration turned into innovation. Professors who were tired of compromise, who wanted materials that stayed current, aligned with their pedagogy, and actually resonated with today's students. Whether it was the freedom to update content in real-time, the ability to structure material their way, or creating something truly designed for their classroom rather than a national market, these educators took control of their course materials—and transformed their teaching in the process.This is peer-to-peer inspiration from faculty who've been where you are and found a way forward.
What if the real problem isn't that students struggle with math—it's that we've taught them it's okay to give up on it?In this episode, mathematician and educator Dr. Jeanette Mokry gets refreshingly honest about her own middle school math confusion, the pandemic's lingering impact on student preparedness, and why she's ditching traditional lectures for approaches that let students "create their own knowledge."You'll hear why she believes assessment might be mathematics' biggest stressor (and what mastery-based grading could change), how peer-led learning transformed her college algebra course from isolated work to genuine community, and her controversial take on why we need to stop treating "I'm bad at math" like a personality trait.If you've ever wondered how to help students see math as something they can do rather than something they have to survive, this conversation is for you.Learn more about Mokry's publication, College Algebra: Functions and Applications, at https://grl.pub/college-algebra
What happens when a Peace Corps volunteer contracts malaria in a remote village and discovers that the traditional healer's definition of "health" completely upends everything Western medicine taught her? Medical anthropologist Dr. Diane Hardgrave takes listeners from emergency refugee camps in Somalia to sacred Hopi mesas, revealing why the youngest medical system on Earth (hint: it's ours) might be missing something crucial about healing. In this episode, she shares how a bowl of pungent tea, a sauna conversation in Ethiopia, and women secretly trading emergency wheat rations taught her that humanity's approach to health transcends biology—and why understanding this could change how we think about our own bodies. Learn more about Dr. Hardgrave's publication, Health, Healing, & Culture: https://grl.pub/health-healing-culture
Traditional textbooks are failing students. Bombarded with information from every direction, including their 1500-page business law texts, students tune out. That is, except for Thane Messinger's digital textbook, Business Law: Navigating the turbulent realm of commerce. Messinger, a business law professor at the University of Hawaii, shares his journey from practicing law in Texas and Micronesia to becoming a textbook author. He shares insights on the deep research process that improved his own teaching and the creative challenges of restructuring legal education, and offers valuable perspectives for educators seeking to make complex subjects accessible and engaging in higher ed.
Meet Don Bryn, a musical renaissance man whose journey from globe-trotting performer to innovative educator reads like a composer's symphony—unexpected, layered, and beautifully orchestrated. Having graced stages across 130 countries, Don discovered that music truly is humanity's universal language, a revelation that now drives his mission to shatter what he calls "musical prejudices" in the classroom.From the concert halls of Australia to the State College of Florida, Don weaves together his roles as composer, full-stack developer, and passionate educator with infectious enthusiasm. He challenges students to break free from the "three-minute pop song prison" that has homogenized our musical landscape, using everything from chocolate shop metaphors to ear training apps he's coded himself.In this captivating conversation, Don reveals the physics behind musical composition, shares tales from his film scoring adventures, and delivers a stirring manifesto about reclaiming music's lost diversity. His unique blend of technical expertise, global perspective, and educational innovation offers a fresh take on why opening our ears—and minds—to the world's rich musical tapestry has never been more crucial.Learn more about Don's digital textbook for music appreciation, Now Hear This: https://grl.pub/NowHearThis
Dr. Anne-Valerie Brittan-Leibundgut, a French-born composer, performer, and lecturer at the University of Oklahoma shares her remarkable journey from studying piano at the Conservatory of Cannes to finding her calling in the heart of the US - Oklahoma. There she's dedicated herself to making classical music accessible and engaging for non-music majors. Through her innovative storytelling approach, she connects musical masterpieces to their historical contexts, helping students understand that "music is a reflection of the society that creates it." With warmth, enthusiasm, and a passion for Western cultural heritage, she transforms reluctant students into appreciative listeners who can then discover the joy and relevance of classical music in their own lives. Learn more about Dr. Brittan-Leibundgut's publication: https://grl.pub/noteworthy
In this episode, we chat with Keith Kropp from Great River Learning about how his company went from showing off a simple CD-ROM back in 2001 to becoming one of the go-to names in education tech. Keith shares some great stories, like how they got the company name from an actual road nearby and why they had to rebrand from "Great River Technologies" to "Great River Learning" after years of being mistakenly sent to IT departments. We also dive into how wildly things have changed in higher education. Keith remembers when professors weren't even sure their students owned computers, and now everything is digital-first. The numbers are pretty impressive too - they've grown from just three projects they inherited to over 3,000 titles today. What really comes through in our conversation is how Keith and his team focus on building real partnerships with educators instead of just pushing out generic content. Plus, if you're an instructor who's ever thought about writing your own materials, Keith has some really encouraging thoughts on that front.
Hosts Michelle and Deanna sit down with Dr. Johnny Hrebik, Department Chair of English at Cape Fear Community College and author of "Memories and Melodies: The Essential First Year Writing EP." Dr. Hrebik shares his journey from aspiring musician to English professor, explaining how he revolutionized composition instruction by integrating music into the classroom. His innovative methods include creating collaborative playlists with students, analyzing song lyrics to teach essay structure, using musical transitions as models for writing, and incorporating performance elements that build confidence and critical thinking skills. Through personal anecdotes—including a memorable student interaction with Melissa Etheridge and his own transformative experience with the Goo Goo Dolls—Dr. Hrebik demonstrates how music creates a comfortable learning environment that enables students to express their authentic voices while mastering academic writing conventions.To learn more about his publication with Great River Learning, visit https://grl.pub/WritingEP
Three former state trade directors—Peter Cunningham, Mary Regel, and Liz Cleveland—analyze the current trade wars and economic challenges facing the United States in this episode of "Can I Get a Retake?". Drawing on their extensive experience representing American states internationally, our guests provide economic insights into how protectionist policies can disrupt industries, from automotive manufacturing to agriculture, and damage America's reputation as a reliable trading partner. They explain why tariffs have historically led to economic downturns, higher consumer prices, and lost export opportunities that may take years to recover. This episode offers listeners a rare insider perspective on international trade dynamics and practical advice on understanding the global marketplace's impact on everyday American life. If you enjoy listening to Mary, Liz, and Peter, take a listen to Part 1 of our conversation with them in Season 3, Episode 4, or our conversation with Peter in 2023 in Season 1, Episode 6. To learn more about their publication with Great River Learning, visit https://grl.pub/TradeDiaries
Hosts Michelle and Deanna interview three veteran international trade directors—Peter Cunningham, Mary Regel, and Liz Cleveland—who share their fascinating experiences with international commerce and diplomacy. The trio, who collectively authored "The Trade Director Diaries: Real Life Experiences Navigating International Trade," recount how they shaped state-level international trade programs in Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, working with multiple governors and navigating both diplomatic protocols and unexpected challenges. They offer compelling behind-the-scenes stories from their careers, while emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation, adaptability, and building strategic relationships when conducting international business. Their candid conversation reveals not only the complexities of global trade development but also the personal dedication that shaped decades-long careers connecting American businesses to worldwide markets. Learn more about their publication, " "The Trade Director Diaries: Real Life Experiences Navigating International Trade" at https://grl.pub/TradeDiaries
Hosts Michelle and Deanna talk with Professor Cathy O'Dell. a multifaceted theater professional who brings her extensive acting and directing experience into the classroom. In this episode of "Can I Get a Retake?", O'Dell shares her journey from actor to author and educator, discussing her passion for theater, her approach to teaching introduction to theater, and her insights into the evolving landscape of performance arts. From exploring acting techniques and the collaborative nature of theater production to addressing contemporary challenges like diversity and technological changes, O'Dell offers a compelling look into the world of theater education and performance. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or curious about the arts, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the transformative power of storytelling on stage. Learn more about Cathy O'Dell's publication, Introduction to Theatre at https://grl.pub/theatre
Here's the not-so-secret truth: Higher education is at a breaking point. Students are checking out, traditional methods are falling flat, and the need for real change has never been more urgent. That's why we're here. At Great River Learning, we're redefining how students connect with knowledge and prepare for their futures. Our mission? To create learning experiences that don't just teach—they ignite curiosity and spark excitement for what lies ahead.In this episode, we sit down with Rashetta Stevens and Joan McCall, two passionate. new voices at GRL who aren't afraid to tackle education's biggest challenges head-on. With extensive careers in education and publishing, Rashetta and Joan share what's happening in today's classrooms—from dwindling attention spans to outdated materials—and reveal how GRL is pioneering solutions that actually work.Learn more about GRL and what we create at https://grl.pub/explore
Discover the intricate world of digital textbook publishing with Project Development Coordinator Deanna Ploessl. Deanna provides an insider's perspective on the comprehensive journey from manuscript to published digital textbook. Join us as we unpack the critical steps, challenges, and considerations authors should anticipate when entering the digital publishing landscape. Want to become a published textbook author yourself? See if you're the right fit at www.greatriverlearning.com
For Black Americans in the US, the path to living a healthy lifestyle is littered with remnants of systemic racism. In this mini episode, Dr. Carlton Cooper, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Delaware, takes us inside one of his courses, Race and Health, where he dispels misinformation within the community, and elucidates some of the reasons why people of color statistically have higher incidences of type II diabetes and other preventable diseases.To learn more about and support the Beautiful Gate Outreach Center, visit https://bpgate.org
Most of us probably didn't study real estate investment or tax law in school....in fact, thinking about taxes probably makes most of us cringe. Luckily, we have Mallory Meehan, licensed attorney, realtor, and appraiser, Associate Clinical Professor of Real Estate, and Assistant Director of the Institute for Real Estate Studies at Penn State, to break it down for us. In this episode Mallory demystifies real estate investment strategies like creative and syndicate financing and gives advice to those who want to build their wealth through real estate. She deciphers the tax code and shows us how we can take advantage of tax breaks for homeowners and investors. Whether you want to be a landlord or you just want to grow your wealth, you'll walk away from this episode with insight into how it all works, so you can take the leap! Learn about Mallory's publication: https://grl.pub/realestate
What do you do when students just don't care about the intricacies of microbiology? Drs. Carlton Cooper and Ben Rohe have cracked the code on how to make even the most seemingly dry subjects come alive for their students. And it's not about lecturing (spoiler alert: that's actually the least effective way to teach!). Join us as we dive into their innovative approach, which combines empathy, human emotion, and a healthy dose of comedy to create a learning experience that's both engaging and unforgettable. From the surprising ways that humor can break down barriers to the power of storytelling in education, you'll leave this episode inspired to rethink your own approach to teaching and learning.Check out their textbook: The Exciting World of Microbiology at https://grl.pub/microbiology
To be human is to be constantly evolving: our personalities, our relationships, and the paradigm through which we view the world. Alongside Dr. Heather Von Bank, Professor and Chair of the Department of Family Consumer Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato, we explore the nuances of lifespan development, the micro and macrosystems that affect family dynamics, and how systems of oppression change the way we perceive the world and our fellow humans around us. We also discuss the concept and importance of play, the focus of Dr. Von Bank's research and Tedx Talk, and how risky play supports the physical, mental, and social-emotional development of children and helps them make better decisions as adults.Learn more about Dr. Von Bank's digital textbook, "Lifespan Development: Telling the Human Story" at https://grl.pub/vonbank
As a Mexican-American conservationist, Dr. Erim Gomez knows first-hand the importance of diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. In part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Gomez, professor of Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana, we explore what it means to students, especially those of minority backgrounds, to have mentors and representation in their field. Come along as we explore how to become better stewards of the environment and how to guide the next generation of learners.
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