The Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast

On this latest episode of Higher Ed Breakfast Club, we’re joined by longtime student affairs pros and cinnamon roll philosophers Alex Belisario and Emily Sandoval for a rich and ridiculous ride through:🥐 Spam fried rice and bruléed bananas📍 30 years in Santa Cruz📚 Pivoting from housing to policy👠 The death of heels post-pandemic💡 And why climbing the ladder isn’t always the moveAnd yes, we absolutely rate cinnamon rolls using a real rubric.(Gooey center, crispy squishiness ratio, icing density. We did the work.)🎙️ “Nothing worse — you get to the middle and it’s dry.”Trust us. It applies to more than breakfast.#HigherEdBreakfastClub #StudentAffairs #CareerPivot #Burnout #BreakfastWisdom #CinnamonRollLogic

Yep, we disappeared again.A little surgery (I'm fine), a little taking a kid to college for the first time (he's fine, me and his mom, we're coping)Fits and starts, folks. Fits and starts.But we’re actually back now, and this episode is worth the wait.😮 You think you’re ready for MJ Raleigh’s story...but somewhere between the IRA, limericks, and college deans, our jaws hit the floor. You need to hear this one: #HigherEdBreakfastClub #PodcastDrop #WildStories #IRALegacy #HigherEdUnfiltered

🎙️ New Episode Drop!🥄 Mac & cheese bars. 🍳 Poached egg tutorials. ☕ Cardamom rolls.Also: mental health, kids, higher ed, and whether “caramelized” should be pronounced with three syllables or four.🎧 After a hot two-month hiatus, The Higher Ed Breakfast Club is back with caffeine, chaos, and a vengeance. Our guest is the one and only MJ Raleigh: school psychologist, former higher ed warrior, environmental studies PhD, and proud owner of a coffee mug featuring a caffeinated crow.This one’s got it all:🧠 Pandemic pivots & student support🧀 Lobster-less mac & cheese👶 Kindergarten dyslexia wins📚 Breakfast as professional development🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts. And remember: Nutella is just bread frosting.

Ever wonder what it really takes to help first-year students thrive in college? Or what happens when old high school rivals reconnect in higher ed?On the latest Higher Ed Breakfast Club, Chris & Brian are joined by Kim Sousa Peoples—Senior Director for First Year Student Engagement at a North Carolina university (and fellow high school alum from back in the Kettering Fairmont days!).We talk the joys and chaos of welcoming new students, surviving college as a “townie” kid, higher ed’s work/life balance crisis, and the hard truths of student affairs—plus: hash brown preferences, vegan breakfast hacks, and a live American taste test of Australia’s mysterious Vegemite.Listen in for real talk, honest laughs, and maybe a few hot sauce recommendations.

Higher Ed Breakfast Club New Episode Drop!The beads are flying, the Diet Coke is spilling, and Brian’s becoming a New Orleans legend (whether he wants to or not). In Part 2 of our convo with Kenneth Johnson, we go full storytelling mode—from shuttle mishaps and Mardi Gras mayhem to awkward poolside plantation debates and breakfast taco wisdom.🥯 Plus: the crew digs into hot takes on donuts, energy drinks, and the controversial cereal rankings you didn’t know you needed.🎓 And we don’t stop there. Kenneth gets real about the future of higher ed—DEI audits, shifting political winds, and how student leadership is evolving in the face of it all.🔥 Oh, and did someone say Vegemite taste test and Australian shout-out? It’s coming.Tap in now. Laugh, learn, and maybe rethink your next breakfast taco order and find out Brian's nickname.👉 Listen wherever you get your podcasts.🍳 #HigherEdBreakfastClub #NewEpisode #BrianSpillsAgain #DonutsAndDEI #BreakfastTalksRealTalk

🔥 NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🔥Brisket for breakfast? Fighting okra? Waffle House wisdom? Yeah, this episode has everything.Join The Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast as hosts Chris Taylor & Brian Van Brunt sit down with Kenneth Johnson (Texas A&M) to talk:🍳 His journey from student affairs to strategic partnerships🏈 Great stories from his days as a college athlete 🥑 Why Texas breakfast tacos changed his lifeAlso, we finally answer the big question: Are you extraordinary? (Hint: Kenneth has a legendary speech for that.)#HigherEd #Podcast #BreakfastTalk #WaffleHouseWisdom #BrisketForBreakfast #StudentAffairs #FightingOkras

Welcome back to the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast—where we serve up hot takes on higher ed with a side of crispy hash browns.This week, we’re back with Part Two of our episode featuring Robert Scholz, and it’s a breakfast deep dive like no other. Shocking revelation: Robert has NEVER eaten at Waffle House. Should we be concerned? Should we stage an intervention?We unpack the art of cereal mixing, the psychology of breakfast choices, and the undeniable truth that Bob Evans is just Waffle House for people who don’t like to fight.PLUS: It gets personal when we reveal which Breakfast Club character we identify with most. Who’s the misunderstood rebel? The brain? The basket case? The jock? The verdict may surprise you (or maybe not).Don’t miss this hilarious, insightful, and slightly judgmental discussion.

What happens when a licensed therapist and two higher ed pros walk into a podcast? You get deep conversations about masculinity, therapy, and… the ultimate breakfast burrito. Join Chris Taylor & Brian Van Brunt as they sit down with Robert Scholz, a marriage and family therapist who works with men navigating big life transitions.How therapy helps guys open upWhy motivational interviewing is a game-changerWhat makes up a really good breakfast burritoAnd wait—a HUGE Waffle House revelation!Listen now and join the Higher Ed Breakfast Club!#HigherEdBreakfastClub #Podcast #MentalHealth #Therapy #MotivationalInterviewing #BreakfastDebates #WaffleHouse

This week onHigher Ed Breakfast Club, we’re sitting down for part 2 withDave DeNino—crisis response expert, counselor, and all-around breakfast aficionado.What doWaffle House hash browns,New Orleans brunch, andhelping people through disasters have in common? More than you’d think.Breakfast Takes You Need to Hear:The bestand most overrated breakfast spots in New OrleansWaffle House—is stopping at every exit a valid strategyThe ultimate syrup debate—restaurant brand, real maple, or a secret syrup flask?Serious Topics You Can’t Ignore:How higher ed professionals can support students & staff through crisesThe biggest mistakes schools make when responding to mental health emergenciesWhy self-careisn’t optional when working in student affairs & crisis responseThis episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and (of course) strong breakfast opinions.#HigherEdBreakfastClub #HigherEd #CrisisResponse #MentalHealth #StudentSupport #Podcast #BreakfastCulture

On this episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club, we’re joined by Dave Denino, a seasoned college administrator, counselor, and crisis response expert. Together, we explore what it takes to support both students and staff in high-stress environments, the importance of mental health first aid, and how to create more trauma-informed campuses. We discuss:🍳 Supporting students facing stress and trauma☕ How supervisors can look out for their staff’s well-being🥓 Why comfort matters—whether it's leadership style...or breakfast And yes, we talk breakfast: grits, bagels, toast hierarchies, and peanut butter preferences. It’s an honest, insightful, and tasty conversation you won’t want to miss. Available now wherever you get your podcasts!

Do you like it when the syrup touches everything else on your plate or no? In part two of our episode with Chris Usher, we tackle the ultimate breakfast debates—McDonald’s Big Breakfast vs. Burger King Croissanwich, the underrated magic of Waffle House, and even Chick-fil-A’s bagel sandwich, AKA "sin chicken." We also talk bodega breakfast sandwiches, why French toast just might reign supreme, and a few hilarious breakfast blunders. But this isn’t just about breakfast—Chris dives into the complexities of campus policing, security, and the challenges of keeping communities safe while fostering trust. It’s bold, insightful, and the perfect way to kick off your day. Stream it now wherever you listen to podcasts and join the conversation!#HigherEdBreakfastClub #BreakfastTalk #FrenchToastWins #WaffleHouse

In this episode of the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast, Chris Taylor and Brian Van Brunt chat with guest Chris Usher, whose incredible career spans from the Marines to diplomatic security, and now to higher education and safety training. Here’s a taste of what we discussed: Roux. And I mean a lot of talk about roux. I'm serious. Eye-opening perspectives on law enforcement, cultural diplomacy, and campus safety. The differences in campus and non-campus policing and the importance of knowing the difference. What's the best fast food breakfast? Oh, and we didn’t forget about Hubig's Pies—a New Orleans fried pie classic! Tune in to hear how skills like conflict resolution, cultural understanding, and yes, breakfast preferences, connect to higher education and building better communities. #HigherEdBreakfastClub #CampusSafety #LawEnforcement #OnlineLearning #BreakfastTalks #NewOrleansVibes #CampusPolicing #IACLEA

After our holiday hiatus, we welcome Lisa Pescara Kovach back to the Higher Ed Breakfast Club Podcast. Part two with Lisa looks at the deep complexities of higher education, faculty challenges, and fostering meaningful dialogue in today’s polarized climate. Key topics discussed include: Navigating Controversial Topics in the Classroom: How educators balance neutrality, academic freedom, and student sensitivities. Faculty Burnout: The emotional toll on faculty managing difficult conversations and administrative pressures. Media Literacy as a Core Skill: Why teaching students how to critically evaluate information is more vital than ever. The Role of Colleges in Facilitating Dialogue: Examining how institutions can create safe spaces for challenging conversations while remaining true to their mission. Breakfast and Brunch Musings: A lighter note as the hosts and Lisa explore breakfast favorites, the perfect mimosa variations, and the potential for new brunch traditions. This episode blends serious insights with moments of humor and warmth, making it a must-listen for educators, administrators, and anyone invested in the evolving landscape of higher education.

Get ready to laugh, reminisce, and maybe even rethink your holiday traditions as Chris and Brian take you on a festive journey like no other. This special episode is packed with heartwarming stories, a touch of chaos, and plenty of good humor. Whether it’s navigating Christmas morning rituals, reflecting on cookie recipes that span generations, or the brilliance of having breakfast at any time, this is the perfect way to add a little joy to your season. From eggnog experiments and nostalgic holiday meals to the quirks of gift-opening traditions, Chris and Brian share family stories and even take a philosophical dive into burning things responsibly (or not) and how the magic of the holidays comes from the unexpected moments we share with the ones we love. Whether you’re lighting the menorah, enjoying a quiet moment by the fire, or simply indulging in a little holiday chaos, this episode is here to make your season a little brighter. Join us for a celebration of food, family, and the sheer absurdity of the holidays. Listen now and unwrap the joy!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!