We’ve made it through another season of Josie and The Podcast – and as we celebrate the end of Season 6, we’re also celebrating my birthday! To commemorate these milestones, I wanted to use this final episode to reflect on this past season and this era of my life.
One of several themes this season was technology, specifically AI. What better way to help me recap the season than by asking AI to help pull moments that sparked conversation and community for us all. Turns out, we talked a lot about change, community, and mindfulness – a few of my favorite things!
Birthdays are a big time for reflection. I asked you all for questions to answer, and you delivered. The episode is packed with life lessons, reminding you that progress doesn't require a grand plan. I advocate for starting small because the momentum created can be transformative. The episode ends with a powerful message of self-acceptance, reminding you that we are all a blend of strength and vulnerability, deserving of grace and moments to pause.
And while the season may be over, I’d love to stay connected over the summer break! Follow me on social media and/or sign up for my monthly newsletter delivered to your inbox to receive updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and a healthy dose of fun. Plus, don’t miss the Real Talk Higher Ed Series – a monthly show where we tackle the big issues in higher education with an experienced and caring panel of professionals.
Thank you for being part of season 6! I look forward to seeing what's in store for season 7. Until next time – sending all the digital love and hugs.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to
https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/this-is-43-josies-version/
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Mentioned in the episode:
Supervisor Version of Student Social Media Academy
If you ask Dr. Jill Creighton where her favorite place in the world is, she’ll tell you it’s the place she hasn’t been to yet. As a world traveler, Jill leads organizations in global engagement, social impact, and crisis management in the higher education sector.
Before starting in her current role as the Associate Vice President for Global Operations at the Institute for Study Abroad, Jill spent years working in student affairs – a passion that stretches back to her dissertation on American college students’ study abroad behavior. Jill also hosts SA: Voices from the Field, a podcast with NASPA.
In this episode, Jill discusses her philosophy of navigating the world as a traveler and not a tourist, her observations of study abroad programs across the globe, and how the podcast SA: Voices from the Field is sharing the stories of the people who make student affairs come to life.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/being-a-traveler-not-a-tourist-with-jill-creighton/
Connect with Jill:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjillcreighton/
SA Voices email: savoices@naspa.org
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Dr. Kelly Alvarado-Young on LinkedIn
SA: Voices from the Field podcast
Chris Lombardi Acapella on YouTube
Chris Lombardi Acapella on TikTok
Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange
From Qatar to Consultancy: Transitions in Dr. Denny Roberts' Career
Step aside Gen Z, because Generation Alpha is here and making its identity known. Born between 2010 and 2025, Alpha’s are highly digitally-integrated and are set to become the most educated generation.
For insight on Gen Alpha, I brought in a diverse group of guests to speak to what’s ahead. You’ll hear from AJ Lopez, social media & media relations manager at Texas Woman’s University (and parent of two Gen Alphas); Dr. Meghan Grace, researcher, consultant, generational expert; Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost for Student Success at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville (also a parent of a Gen Alpha); and Ava Christopher, a Gen Alpha herself, and the cousin of my marketing manager, Kati Hartwig.
As we gear up for this new generation of diverse, intelligent, and independent people, it’s clear that higher ed is going to have to evolve to fit their needs. So what’s the first step?
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to
https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/little-giants-big-world-of-gen-alpha/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through March 31st!*
NASPA session with Tim Alexander: Is Student Affairs Ready for Influencer Marketing?
Influencer Marketing and Its Place in Higher Education | Josie and the Podcast
AMA Virtual Conference: Marketing in Higher Education
Engaging the Digital Generation
AJ Lopez | Texas Women’s University
Dr. Meghan Grace | researcher, consultant, generational expert
Dr. Amber Williams | University of Tennessee
Gen Alpha will be more diverse than the rest of the US population (Insider Intelligence)
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Inside the Tween Obsession With Drunk Elephant Skin Care (Glamour Magazine)
Preparing for Gen Alpha Students: Everything Will Be Different (Volt)
6 Tips for Marketing Higher Ed to Generation Alpha
Students Like You | Seton Hall University
The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
Generation research from Dr. Meghan Grace and Dr. Corey Semiller
A common theme I noticed throughout today's conversation with Mike Muñoz was a focus on breathing. Whether it was metaphorically taking a breather from doom scrolling, or literally stopping yourself for a quiet moment to feel your chest move up and down. Mike’s commitment to self-preservation, his warm persona and dedication to his campus are a driving force behind his work.
Dr. Mike Muñoz, Superintendent and President of Long Beach City College (LBCC), is a nationally recognized leader, passionate about closing the equity gap, creating inclusive environments, and driving innovation.
He joined me this episode to chat about the innovative strategies he is implementing at LBCC to foster a sense of belonging and support for students, and the role of social media in enhancing accessibility and engagement. Mike discusses on campus initiatives like 'Paletas with the President,' designed to connect with students while honoring his ethnicity, and his approach to addressing challenges faced by specific groups, such as students with dependents and those experiencing homelessness.
He also emphasizes the importance of empathy, authenticity, and self-care in leadership, and highlights how sharing these values through social media can serve as a powerful platform for uplifting and connecting communities.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/protecting-your-light-with-dr-mike-munoz/
Mentioned in the episode:
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through March 31st!*
Long Beach City College (@lbcitycollege) • Instagram
Long Beach City College | LinkedIn
LBCC - President's Circle Funds
Students with Dependents - Long Beach City College
Want to Become a Peer Advisor? - Long Beach City College
LBCC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Long Beach Launch New Service to Help Student Parents
LBCC Launches Pilot Program for Student Overnight Parking
Long Beach City College - YouTube
Long Beach City College - Facebook
LB City College (@LBCityCollege) / X
Connect with Mike:
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Diving into the world of Artificial intelligence (AI) can be intimidating. Or maybe you’re unsure about using it at all. No one is an expert in these tools right now (unless, maybe, you happen to be one of the tool creators), meaning there is so much room for playfulness and exploration open to those willing to try.
In this episode, I’ll cover the importance of staying updated with changing AI trends, discuss possible concerns and benefits of integrating AI in higher ed, provide practical and effective steps for experimenting with AI, and recommend several (several) resources for learning more.
I am also in the early stages of exploring, so I wanted to seek some advice from my colleagues and hear all about how they're using different tools. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear from me; Carrie Phillips, Chief Communications Officer at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Claire Brady, President of Glass Half Full Consulting (and a former Vice President for Student Affairs); and Joel Villarani, Director of Social Media at Florida International University.
AI doesn’t have to be scary, and it can be incredibly helpful! The potential benefits are limitless if we can maintain a humanized approach to AI implementation in higher education.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/in-my-ai-era/
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Mentioned in the episode:
Josie Episode: Building Community vs. Facilitating Community
Carrie Phillips, Ed.D. - University of Arkansas at Little Rock | LinkedIn
Joel Villarini Falbe - Florida International University | LinkedIn
Inside Higher Education 2023 - Benefits and Challenges of AI Report
Higher Ed Pulse Podcast: Beyond Bricks and Clicks: Shaping the Future of Higher Ed Marketing
Risks and rewards higher ed should know when investing in AI
$60M gift to establish major initiative in artificial intelligence at IU
A new collaboration with OpenAI charts the future of AI in higher education | ASU News
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount through April 14th!*
It is so difficult to be mindful online these days. The apps and algorithms are just not designed to keep us in the present. And with so much curation necessary to creative our idea of a “perfect profile,” how can we make sure we are showing up in our digital accounts and profiles in a heartful way?
Well, my guest today has mastered the art and science of being her whole self online. Whether she is weaving the values her grandmother taught her into presentations, or sharing the intimacies of her adoption journey on social media, Dr. Shea Kidd Brown consistently stays true to her commitment to sharing both her personal and professional journeys openly and genuinely.
Shea has enjoyed a long career in college administration at a number of institutions of higher education in the southeastern region and now serves as the Vice President for Campus Life at Wake Forest University.
In this episode, Shea discusses her perspective on storytelling, congruency and the importance of bringing humanity into digital spaces. We’ll also dive into how balancing personal and professional narratives is essential for creating an impactful online presence and how Shea uses these platforms to create active, mindful connections for her campus community.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/shea-kidd-brown/
Mentioned in the episode:
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount!*
Wake Forest News during Black History Month
Wake Forest Campus Fellow Gretchen Castelloe
Kidd You Not Episode 10: Coach Steve Forbes
Connect with Shea:
Who We Are - Division of Campus Life
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Dayana Kibilds sees content as a tool for equity, and strives to help students access the educational institutions they deserve to be a part of. She is also living for unapologetic joy and keeping her work in marketing and communications human-centered.
Dayana, or Day, is strategy director at Ologie, an employee-owned marketing and branding strategy built for education. Prior to Ologie, Day led enrollment and digital innovation work at Penn State, Cornell and Western University in Ontario, Canada. Day is also the host of Enrollify's Talking Tactics podcast, and is co-authoring a book about email to be released in spring 2024.
From Mexico to Germany, Day’s career and homes have spanned the globe. And in this episode, we chat about them all. We’ll talk about making deliberate career choices and how she once left her job without a plan, how email is the ugly duckling of any communications or marketing mix, how her podcast Talking Tactics fills the gap she saw in higher ed, and a bit about how she is utilizing LinkedIn these days.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/talking-human-centered-tactics-with-dayana-kibilds/
Mentioned in the episode:
*Remember to use code JOSIE50 for an exclusive discount!*
Talking Tactics on Apple Podcasts
Higher Ed Social Facebook group
Dayana’s LinkedIn post - Her First Marketing Emails
Day’s 10 Days of Email on LinkedIn
Connect with Day:
Dayana Kibilds - Ologie | LinkedIn
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
If you know me, you know I talk about community - all the time. Reflecting on the work of Marcus Collins, I spend this episode diving into the roles we all play in community, and how we can all evolve together. We’ll discuss how we can show up and be active advocates for our communities, defining belonging as a facet of community and how this all translates to student success.
But we’ll also dig into what a community really is. Is it though the memes we share on our schools’ social media account, the campus itself, the culture the students share, or the staff we bring on at the higher levels?
We’re also trying something new this episode, and sharing an interview I did recently with Tim Alexander, the Resident Director at Chapman University. If you were at the NASPA Western Regional Conference, you may remember he ended up being a big part of my session.
In this episode, Tim talks about how he implemented ideas from my Digital Community Cohort to create meaningful social media content that humanized Chapman’s RAs and staff even before the semester kicked off. He digs into his favorite parts of facilitating community on campus, and how he's serving the unique needs of first-year students.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/building-community-vs-facilitating-community-and-the-work-of-belonging-in-digital-communities/
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Mentioned in the episode:
If you didn’t share a recap video, did 2023 even happen? | The Washington Post
Taylor Lorenz: Washington Post, Instagram, Book: Extremely Online
Dr. Marcus Collins - Professor | Best-Selling Author | Keynote Speaker
For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be by Marcus Collins
Podcast: Crossover episode of the Trusted Voices Podcast and Higher Voltage
Podcast: Influencer Marketing and Its Place in Higher Education | Josie Ahlquist
Emerging social media job titles you need to know for 2024 | Sprout Social
Chapman University The Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience Instagram
With this episode kicking off our new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about time and energy. Balancing time between your work life and home life, investing time in students, time with family, and all the time we lost to the pandemic. Our guest has also been thinking about it today, as she reflects on grief and prioritizes time spent in different places. But also the fun and freeness that being a Swiftie brings.
After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, Rachel Putman close to a decade as a journalist, and joined the world of higher education in 2014, finding her passion at the intersection of story-telling and education.
Today, Rachel is the Director of Communications at the University of Arkansas. She manages a team of incredible student workers on the UAFS campus each year who run BeReal, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook campaigns.
We chat about the power of Taylor Swift, having partners in the music industries, learning grief while building a career, working at regional public colleges. We also get into the good marketing stuff, gushing over UAFS Chancellor Terisa Riley, Rachel’s award-winning student social media outreach campaign Mental Health Monday, and bringing students on board to help with social media.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/bringing-swiftie-energy-to-higher-ed-with-rachel-putman/
Mentioned in the episode:
Rachel and an early IMB Computer from her Grandpa
University of Arkansas at Fort Smith
Northwest Arkansas Business Journal Forty under 40
Terisa Riley // From First Gen to First Fem - Josie and the Podcast
Mental Health Monday | CASE
Digital Leadership in Higher Education
Connect with Rachel:
Rachel Putman - University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Our tree is up, the lights are lit, and the annual gingerbread house competition has been scheduled. It is officially the holiday season. As I reflect on the past year and look ahead to what's coming in 2024, this year theme as been all about students.
My work approach and philosophy are centered; on who we are here to serve, and usually in higher ed, that is, our students. My work approach and philosophy are centered on the people we are here to serve, and in higher education, that is, our students.
In marketing and communications, students are integrated in all formal and informal ways and titles, from student workers, interns, influencers, ambassadors, and student employees. But the TL;DR version of this is students won't solve all your problems, and when you bring them on, there can be a lot of challenges. A lot of them. So, is it worth it?
Students having an active part in your campus social media strategy can be significantly impactful - but you’ll need to find and hire the right students, provide timely and ongoing training, and establish trust with them.
This session will be your cheat sheet to work with students differently in 2024. It’s time to get strategic, just like you do with all your marketing efforts. And trust me, not only will you get great content - but you’ll be positioned to transform the lives of your students - and probably yours too.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/should-we-stop-hiring-students-to-help-with-social-strategy/
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Mentioned in the episode:
Life changes, choosing joy, and expanding beyond the cells higher ed marketers are put in – this episode of Josie and the Podcast is full of inspiring and insightful conversation with my dear friend, Myla Edmond.
Myla is an innovative collaborator with over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications in higher education. She builds teams of leaders and strategic partners by focusing on disruptive thinking, emotional intelligence, active inclusion, and comprehensive integration. Myla currently leads communications and marketing at California State University, Dominguez Hills.
In this episode, we dive into Myla's recent life transition to Los Angeles, discussing the challenges and excitements of relocation. Myla shares insights on prioritizing joy, drawing on her experiences spending two Semesters at Sea, where she navigated the seas and leaned into her emotions through poetry.
But that’s not all. Myla shares a candid perspective on the challenges marketers face in higher education, emphasizing the limitations imposed when they are confined to narrow roles.
Join us as we explore the intersections of life changes, joy, leadership, and the imperative work of creating more inclusive spaces within higher education marketing. Get ready for an episode that sparks inspiration and encourages us all to embrace the transformative power of change!
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/tapping-into-joy/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn
Instagram
Threads
Twitter/X
Facebook
Website
Email
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
Podcast Instagram
Podcast Twitter/X
Podcast Threads
Mentioned in the episode:
More About the Guest:
Welcome back to our 6th season of Josie and the Podcast! I am so glad to have you back and excited to dig into this new season, which is all about change. Changes in life, careers, transitions, and how we can prioritize time management during these crazy periods.
Have you heard of the “pandemic skip?” Whether it was your relationship with your family, your career, traveling, or any other part of life, the pandemic uprooted all of us and stole a few years from us! This season, we're going to talk about it, and I’ll be asking my guests for lessons, things that they're still grappling with, and how we can all continue to move on after those rough and isolating years.
In this first kick-off episode, I'll update you on what's been going on in my life since last year's mental health season. And then we were getting into platform problems. (And yes, if you're humming Champagne Problems right now, you’ve got the right idea.)
We’re diving into the struggle-bus of Twitter/X, how I feel about Threads, the accessibility of all these different platforms, TikTok trends, how social media is the loneliest job on campus, and a few AI resources to take with you towards the end of the show.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM. The show is also sponsored by Element451.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/platform-problems/
Connect with Josie:
Josie and the Podcast is on social too!
We hear about influencers everywhere these days. But what even is an influencer, and where does this kind of person fit into the equation when we are talking about leadership and higher ed?
Well, I’m back from NASPA and ready to wrap up season 5 of the podcast! So in this episode, I will break down some definitions we hear when we’re in the influencer sphere, explore some innovative and successful influencer campaigns, how Higher Ed could start dipping toes into influencer marketing, and some of my best practices for working with influencers of all sizes.
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, which was a theme to this season of the podcast. As we wrap up the school year and this season, I just hope you continue to take care of yourself and your people, and find some ways to keep self care in your routines!
And we’ll see you in season 6!
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM.
For all resources mentioned in this episode, head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/influencer-marketing
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Leadership isn’t a popularity contest featuring Teresa Valerio ParrotInfluencer Marketing Hub: The State of Influencer Marketing 2023
Dillard University Social accounts: TikTok, Twitter, YouTube
Colorado State University Social accounts: Instagram, TikTok
The Ram’s Life: YouTube
University of Georgia Social accounts: Instagram, TikTok, Twitter
Social media ambassadors site for University of Georgia
Heartland Community College Social account: Instagram
University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Social accounts: Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, BeReal
Josie’s Blog - A Student-Centered Campus TikTok: For students, by students
When discussing indigenous students, research often focuses on the small number of students in these communities on college campuses, and often we don't see their experiences represented on campus, in marketing or in data sets.
But our heartcentered guest today hopes her work will help dismantle the deficit narrative, and hold institutions accountable for providing culturally relevant support and space for indigenous students. She is also working tirelessly to visabilize indigenous people.
Dr. Tiffany Smith is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma and is also a descendant of the Muscogee Creek Nation. In her role as Director of Research and Career Support for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), she manages grant-supported research projects and conducts research related to indigenous students and professionals in STEM disciplines.
Dr. Smith joins Josie to chat about her “heartwork” — whether it’s her work within NASPA creating supportive communities for native students in higher ed spaces, her dissertation “Indigenizing the Academy, a Storytelling Journey to Native Student Success and Engineering,” or how marketing and communications teams can better tell stories of indigenous students and staff on their campuses. They also chat about how she is caring for herself, through her recent stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis and treatments. Please send love and light to this warrior as Tiffany continues her journey.
For all resources mentioned, find the show notes: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/tiffanysmith
Josie and the Podcast is a Dr. Josie Ahlquist production produced by University FM.
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Dr. Wilma Mankiller, one of the former principal chiefs of the Cherokee Nation
Toward a Tribal Critical Race Theory in Education, by Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboy
Beyond the Asterisk: Understanding Native Students in Higher Education
Tiffany’s award winning dissertation: INDIGENIZING THE ACADEMY: A STORY-TELLING JOURNEY TO DETERMINE PATHWAYS FOR NATIVE STUDENT SUCCESS IN ENGINEERING
Research Is Ceremony: Indigenous Research Methods by Shawn Wilson
I LOVE professional development, especially a good conference. And as I prepare to head out to the NASPA 2023 in Boston (yes, this is recorded a bit early at the end of March), I wanted to share some tips and tricks to planning and having the best conference experience.
Ever since COVID, travel and attending large crowd events like a conference have become even more difficult than they used to be! Do we wear masks? Is attending in person really better than logging in online? And COVID stuff aside, how do you pick which conferences to go to? Or what goes into proposing a presentation, and what are the best ways to get accepted?
In this episode, I download all the lessons I’ve learned over the last 25 years in the world of conferencing. From booking hotels and packing to connecting with colleagues and networking, I'll cover my own process from start to finish and help you take on your next conference, whether it's your first or fortieth.
For all resources mentioned, find the show notes: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/conferencing/
Josie and the Podcast is a Dr. Josie Ahlquist production produced by University FM.
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Digital Community Building Cohort - 2024 enrollment opens late fall
Grammarly - app and add on
Color contrast in presentation decks
AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education - Chicago, November 2023
NASPA WRC 2023 - Las Vegas, November 2023
“Dr. G” believes it is imperative campus leaders keep students in mind at all times. As he says, “that you aren’t just suited and booted - disconnected from students.” So this VP is advocating and centering students no matter where he is, physically or digitally. But as much as G is the Student's VP, he is the Staff’s VP too, pushing how we recruit, retain and take care of all the humans in our care.
Gourjoine M. Wade is the Vice President of Student Affairs at Texas Lutheran University. A Louisiana native, Grambling State University and Walden University Alumnus, Dr. Wade is a high impact, outcomes-driven, social media connected student affairs thought leader, as well as a Funko Pop connoisseur.
A first-generation graduate, G has dedicated his 18-year professional career towards finding ways to expand higher education attainment for those who desire it. Dr. Wade continues to foster a sincere passion to serve students, especially first gen, HBCU, HSI, and students of color.
In this episode, we chat authentic ways to connect with students and staff, why he is okay ruffling some feathers and causing good trouble in order to push higher ed beyond its “crawl” to change, how he’s recruiting staff differently in the face of hiring challenges, and all the tools in his self-care toolkit.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM.
For all resources mentioned, find the show notes: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/gourjoine_wade
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Tweet: Researching other campuses websites and social pages
Gourjoine’s LinkedIn Pizza Video
March is a big month over in Dr. Josieville. It marks 20 years since I met my husband Lloyd and 3 years since I turned in the final edits of my book: Digital Leadership in Higher Education.
Now that we are three years from when I put on the final touches, I wanted to share my reflections: what things I would add to it, what I would edit, and what I think I got wrong.
I’ll also discuss the core frameworks of this work, and I'll share a few pointers I came across during the book writing process for all future authors!
Podcast listeners can enjoy 30% off the book (e-book, regular book, etc.). Just use the code DLHE2023 (Offer expires 4/30/2023) through Stylus Publishing.
For all shownotes, head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/digital-leadership-in-higher-education/
Josie and the Podcast is a Dr. Josie Ahlquist production produced by University FM.
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Digital Leadership in Higher Education by Dr. Josie Ahlquist
New Team Josie Marketing Manager: Chelsi LeBarre
New Team Josie Digital Strategist: Danisha White
Josie & The Podcast Episode - Content Creators in Love with Lloyd Alquist
Josie & The Podcast Episode - Student Affairs Marketing and Communications: Potential with Purpose
Stylus Publishing - Book Discount Code DLHE2023 (Offer expires 4/30/2023)
Josie and the Podcast Episode - Eight Types Meaningful of Content for Campus Leaders
Josie and the Podcast Episode - Brand Building Blocks
Book exercises: Discernment Roadmap for Digital Leaders
Josie and the Podcast Episode What is your why for leading online - Josie’s
Walter Kimball - Interim Executive Director of the new Black Men’s Research Institute at Morehouse
Josie & The Podcast Episode - Leadership isn’t a popularity contest with Teresa Valerio Parrot
Mordachai Brownlee - President of the Community College of Aurora in Colorado
Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson - San José State University
Josie & The Podcast Episode - Cynthia Teniente-Matson // #OnAMission
La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles Ph.D.
Dr. Daria Willis - President of Howard Community College
What I learned from writing a book - Josie’s blog
Teresa is the Founder, Principal, and “Resident President Whisperer” at TVP Communications. With over two decades of work in higher ed, she has only known a career focused on making higher ed more relatable, presidents' and boards' decisions understandable, and student and faculty successes known.
Teresa and Josie catch up in this episode, diving into what to prioritize on social media, why leaders should move away from wanting to be liked as one of the major metrics for success, taking care of your people and yourself, reclaiming thought leadership as a strategy, as well as mentorship.
Wonder what kind of dog breed best describes Teresa - and Josie? Make sure to tune in and see if you agree.
Josie and the Podcast is a production of Dr. Josie Ahlquist and is produced by University FM.
For all resources mentioned in this episode:
https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/teresa-valerio-parrot/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Connect with Teresa:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresavalerioparrot/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tvparrot
Website: https://tvpcommunications.com/
Email: teresa@tvpcommunications.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Call To Action - Teresa’s Inside Higher Ed Blog
Blog Post - University Leaders Have a Responsibility to Speak Out
CASE - Council for Advancement in Support of Education
PRSA - Public Relations Society of America
American Marketing Association
Trusted Voices: Ep 02-A: Eric Hoover, Senior Writer at the Chronicle of Higher Education
Trusted Voices: Ep 02-B: What We Learned From Our Conversation With Eric Hoover
The Servant Marketer Podcast: Teresa Valerio Parrot | Building Consensus Through Persuasion
The people that you meet online aren't real. It's not lasting. It's not impactful. Blah, blah blah.
We’re constantly surrounded by people who invalidate or don't believe that friendships or connections online count as real. But if you’re like me, I’ve met so, so many of my friends and colleagues on Twitter, in seminars, and in other online spaces.
So today I want to talk about the intersection of friendship, community, networking, and how that shows up online and in all of life, as well as how this translates into our approaches to marketing and communications.
In this episode, we dive into my early struggles with friendships and being bullied — plus how hard it is to make friends as adults. We also discuss the increased levels of loneliness and depression, the difference between friendship and parasocial relationships, and some tips on maintaining these bonds, both in person and online.
Finally, I'll dig into how all this matters to our work in higher ed marketing and communications.
Please note: This episode touches on topics like depression. Take care while listening.
For all notes of this episode head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/are-online-friends-real/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Depression - World Health Organization
The Loneliness Epidemic Persists: A Post-Pandemic Look at the State of Loneliness among U.S. Adults (Cigna)
How to Be a Better Friend By Tara Parker-Pope (NYTimes)
Why Making Friends in Midlife Is So Hard By Katharine Smyth (The Atlantic)
Asking People about IRL Friends on Twitter
The Friendship Report 2020 by Snapchat
How many hours does it take to make a friend? (SAGE)
Epic Rap Battles of History - Youtube
Katie Spencer Johnson / Calle Goodwin Twitter thread
Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make-and Keep- Friends - Dr. Marisa G. Franco
Dunbar's number: you can only maintain 150 relationships
How to Make Friends As an Adult By Emily Burns (The Cut)
College students and depression: A guide for parents (Mayo Clinic)
College Students’ Sense of Belonging and Mental Health Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic (National Library of Medicine)
Building a Sense of Community for All (NSEE)
Fostering Belonging (Northeastern)
With Valentine's Day around the corner, I wanted to incorporate some love, light, and laughter into the show. And I couldn't think of a better duo to do that with than Joy and John Hoffman.
Dr. Joy Hoffman is a consultant and trainer with a focus on advancing equitable, inclusive, and socially-just practices. She previously served in higher education for 24 years, and now works full-time as a consultant.
Dr. John Hoffman is the president of Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College. John previously served in a variety of academic and student affairs roles.
Together truly represent the very best in role modeling, mentorship, and coaching for literally hundreds of others, including me.
Josie sits down with the Hoffmans in this cheerful episode to chat about Joy’s move to consulting work, John’s recent transition to President of Bemidji State College, how partners & spouses of Presidents can support them in that role, the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education, celebrating boundaries, and more about how this couple is just total #RelationshipGoals.
For all resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/relationshipgoals
Connect with Josie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist/
Instagram Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Twitter Podcast: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email Josie: info@josieahlquist.com
Connect with John & Joy Hoffman:
Mentioned in the episode:
I might be biased coming from student affairs, but I see so much potential in student engagement, retention, and recruitment when it comes to higher ed marketing and comms. But overall, efforts are segmented, stretched and many times misunderstood.
So in the spring of 2022, I kicked off an inaugural benchmark research on the state of student affairs and marketing communications. In this episode I share some of my preliminary findings, especially digging into staffing, funding, and centralization.
At the end, I also dig into the partnership (or lack thereof) between Student Affairs and MarComm divisions or offices. So, I’m giving three ways each of these areas can better collaborate in 2023.
Tune in to hear my updates for the start of the year, including what made my In list vs Out list!
For all notes of this episode head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/potential_with_purpose/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josieandthepodcast
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
New Josie and the Podcast Instagram
Josie’s Reel: Free, Flow, Forward
Digital Community Building Cohort
Forever 35 Podcast
Forever 35 Instagram
Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
Hotel Lobby Candle: Holiday Scents
SA Now Podcast
NASPA SA: Voices from the Field Podcast
StudentAffiars.com - One Thing Podcast
Confessions of a Higher Ed CMO Podcast — with Jaime Hunt
Higher Voltage Podcast
Admissions Leadership Podcast by Ken Anselman
Big Heart, Kindness First. It's one of the first things you’ll see in Krista Boniface’s Instagram bio, and really, it's the first word that comes to mind when I think of Krista.
Social media is not always built with wellness in mind, and most days, it certainly seems like it's not built for kindness. But that is part of Krista’s power, creating a digital presence that is inclusive and empathetic.
Getting her start in the Canadian film industry, Krista is now a Senior Social Media Strategist overseeing the central social media presence for the University of Toronto @UofT.
With over 7 years of Marketing Communications experience in higher education, non-profit film organizations, higher and start-up environments, Krista has produced social media activations and video content for the Canadian Screen Awards and Toronto International Film Festival. She is also a faculty member of my Digital Community Building Cohort, and in her free time, Krista is a crafting and gardening extraordinaire.
In this episode, we geek out on all things community building, real talk about wellness for social media managers, how Krista has supported herself in the 12 years since being diagnosed as Bipolar, and a refreshing approach to goal setting called Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.
For all resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/krista-boniface/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Connect with Krista:
Mentioned in the episode:
Revenge bedtime procrastination
Digital Community Building Cohort (#DigiCohort)
I am a recovering goal digger. Any competition, big or small, I was ready to attack it and win. And if you're from my generation, you probably can relate! A lot of these values were baked into us early on.
But it wasn't until recently that I realized part of goal setting needs to include rest. Building in pauses, wellness practices, and learning to enjoy the journey.
So grab a cozy cup of tea, and listen as I reflect on season five thus far before heading into the new year, the “post-goal blues,” getting grounded in our goal setting, and let's tap into our feels a bit.
For all notes of this episode head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/creating-goals-with-soul/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast: Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron
Helping Marketers and Leaders Serve First with Jenny Petty
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Cultivate What Matters Powersheets
The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul by Danielle LaPorte
When Jenny Petty found the Organizational Leadership program and Servant Leadership track at Gonzaga, she said it was like something lit up inside of her. Like the way she always dreamed of showing up in the world exists and has a whole philosophy behind it.
Jenny is now the Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer at the University of Montana and a self-described mom of 3 hooligans, extreme bookworm, and Ted Lasso and Taylor Swift enthusiast.
Now, with close to a decade in higher ed, Jenny sits down with Josie to talk about this philosophy of leadership, the radical responsibility of taking care of your people and yourself, her own podcast The Servant Marketer, and how you can be nice AND strong at the same time.
For all resources mentioned in this episode: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/jenny-petty/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast: Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Connect with Jenny:
LinkedIn: /jennydurnanpetty/
Instagram: @IAmJennyPetty
Twitter: @IAmJennyPetty
Email: Jenny.Petty@mso.umt.edu
Mentioned in the episode:
It's been a while since we’ve seen each other! When we wrapped season 4 in the fall of 2020, we thought of it as a kind of intermission. A 2-year long intermission. But we are finally back!
So we start off today's episode with a little reintroduction to myself, the podcast, and my mission.
But mostly, we want to check in with this shorty episode. This fall semester has been a tough one for me, there has just been a heaviness that I haven’t been able to shake. And I’m guessing I may not be the only one. So I want to check in with you. How are you supporting yourself when work and life get hard? What are your self-care routines, and are you doing them?
And I want to check in with your work. Are you being open and honest with your team about the support you need, and are you giving them the space to be honest with you? We’re hoping to crack the concept that we’re all doing fine. Because higher ed is indeed not doing okay.
For all notes of this episode head to: https://www.josieahlquist.com/podcast/hey-higher-ed-are-you-okay/
Connect with Josie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josieahlquist/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/josieahlquist
Podcast: Twitter: https://twitter.com/JosieATPodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJosieAhlquist/
Website: www.josieahlquist.com
Email: info@josieahlquist.com
Mentioned in the episode:
Josie Shorty: Applying Ease to Podcasting
Digital Community Building Cohort
NASPA Pillars of the Profession
Renew Retreat Series
Cultivating Critical Hope: The Too Often Forgotten Dimension of Critical Leadership Development