Eric Jankowski: Efficiency Expert, Whiskey Blender, 380-Mile Failure
A 24-hour mountain bike race, a 380-mile bikepacking “failure,” and a custom whiskey blend might sound like unrelated stories, but they all point to the same theme: how we learn, how we collaborate, and how we get better without wasting effort. I’m joined by Dr. Eric Jankowski, director of the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering at Boise State University, for a wide-ranging conversation that stays grounded in real moments, real trade-offs, and real joy. We talk about the Smoke...
18 Mar 2026
Anne Hamby: Dreadmills, Tater Tubes, and the Stories We Tell
A great story doesn’t just entertain, it changes what we believe is possible. I sit down with Boise State marketing professor Dr. Anne Hamby to unpack why storytelling is so powerful, how it works in marketing and education, and why the most persuasive narratives often sound less like a sales pitch and more like a real human confession. We start somewhere unexpected: ultra running. Anne explains the “exercise in extremes” behind 50Ks and 50-milers, the mental trick of moving from mile 10 to ...
14 Jan 2026
Megan Smith: What Happens When A Community Chooses Connection Over Crisis
Megan Smith, Boise State professor, discusses how prioritizing community connection and upstream prevention can improve youth mental health, making thriving the norm in this interview.
14 Nov 2025
Amber Warrington: So Maybe Not All Longhorns Are the Enemy
Associate Professor Amber Warrington discusses how communities of practice revolutionize writing assessment and student belonging, enhancing the joy of teaching in this interview.
16 Sept 2025
Jeremy Ford: From Hoops to Hope
Dr. Jeremy Ford discusses his work at Boise State University creating pathways to college for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering insights into inclusive education, in this interview.
13 May 2025
Leslie Ordal: From DNA to Decisions
Leslie Ordal's work as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director for the Master's in Genetic Counseling program at Boise State University bridges the gap between complex genetic science and practical healthcare decisions for patients and providers. She shares her journey from early social media adopter to helping create the first fully online genetic counseling program in the United States. • Genetic counseling helps people understand and adapt to how genetics affects their...
17 Mar 2025
Beth Ramsey: The Jedi Archives Hold a Lesson for Our Digital Age
Beth Ramsey's journey from newspaper graphic artist to high school teacher to academic librarian didn't happen by accident. Her diverse career path perfectly positioned her to tackle one of today's most pressing issues: the unchecked spread of misinformation in our digital landscape. What makes us so susceptible to false information? Ramsey explains how our ancient cognitive processes—designed for quick decision-making in simpler times—struggle with the overwhelming flow of digital con...
21 Jan 2025
Owen McDougal: Can Bike Trails and Ski Slopes Promote Innovation?
Discover the art of balancing passions and profession with Professor Owen McDougall from Boise State's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Owen shares his unique perspective on how outdoor activities like cycling and skiing have not only shaped his personal life but also invigorated his academic endeavors. His routine—a 17-mile mountain bike ride to work coupled with family ski trips—creates a space for mental clarity and innovative problem-solving. Owen’s story is an inspiring testamen...
5 Nov 2024
Jared Talley: Does a Fish Know Water?
Picture this: a sixth-generation Idahoan with roots deeply planted in the rugged soils of Idaho’s high deserts finds his voice in the world of environmental philosophy. Dr. Jared Talley from Boise State joins us, sharing a tapestry of personal anecdotes that weave through the challenges and curiosities of life amidst Idaho's distinct landscapes. From tales of cattle ranching and blacksmithing to the academic pursuits that led him from Idaho to Michigan, Jared's stories paint a vivid picture o...
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Megan Smith
Amber Warrington
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