In this milestone episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt and Ryan welcome Maureen “Mo” Schafer, Assistant Provost for Academic Advising and Director of the Academic Advising Center at the University of Iowa, for a conversation packed with insight, honesty, and a few beautifully relatable metaphors. From her journey as a first-generation student and former campus tour guide to her leadership in a campus-wide advising self-study, Mo reflects on what it really takes to build student-centered systems that work.

Along the way, she shares what institutions should know before launching major advising change efforts, why implementation always gets a little messier before it gets better, how leadership shows up at every level, and why the heart of advising still lives in one simple act: sitting down with a student and listening. Thoughtful, practical, and full of wisdom for advisors and administrators alike, this episode is a reminder that meaningful change starts with people. 

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On this special global edition of Adventures in Advising, Dr. Margaret Mbindyo brings together Yoshinobu Onishi, Megumi Yamasaki, Jushan Cheng, and Chiahuan Chen for a rich, eye-opening conversation about how academic advising is taking shape in Japan and Taiwan. From helping students navigate major choice, family expectations, and mental health, to exploring the role of technology, study abroad, and holistic student support, this episode shines a light on the shared  advising around the world. Tune in for thoughtful insights, cross-cultural wisdom, and a powerful reminder that great advising can help students find clarity, confidence, and their path forward. 

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In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt chats with Chad Cain from Texas Tech University for a conversation filled with insight, warmth, and authentic reflections on the work of supporting students. From Chad’s higher ed origin story and the mentors who shaped his path, to the many hats he wears in the Honors College, this episode explores what it means to lead with care, curiosity, and a deep commitment to student success. Along the way, Chad shares insights on honors education, medical pathway programs, meaningful student connections, and why the best work in higher ed is always personal. There is coffee, there is wisdom, there is a tiny baseball rivalry, and there is plenty of inspiration for anyone who believes in the power of showing up for students. 

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What makes academic advising and personal tutoring truly effective? In this guest-hosted episode, Dave Lochtie is joined by co-authors Andrew Stork, Ben Walker, and Alison Raby to unpack the second edition of Effective Personal Tutoring and Academic Advising in Higher Education. Together, they explore what has changed since the first edition, why relationships matter more than ever, and how advising can move from a vague check-in to a meaningful, high-impact part of the student experience.

From coaching conversations and inclusive tutoring to managing expectations, measuring impact, and supporting students in an increasingly AI-shaped world, this episode is packed with practical ideas for higher education professionals. Whether you are building a campus-wide advising model or simply looking to make your student interactions more purposeful, this conversation offers fresh insight, global perspective, and plenty of food for thought.

Get the second edition of Effective Personal Tutoring and Academic Advising in Higher Education!

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Matt and Ryan welcome Dr. Lindsey Grites Weeks from Neumann University for a wide-ranging conversation on advising, identity, and the future of the field. Lindsey discusses advising nursing students as a “non-nurse,” building trust through authenticity, and using meaning-making to help students navigate challenges and setbacks. Lindsey reflects on growing up around advising through her father’s legacy, and why, in a world of rapid change, relationship and empathy remain irreplaceable. The conversation also dives into the importance of honoring advising history and what NACADA's Advising Community restructure could unlock for new connections across the profession. 

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What happens when a two minute self portrait becomes the doorway to deeper reflection? When advising slows down just enough for students to breathe? And when feminist pedagogy quietly reshapes the way we listen? Guest host Matt Plescia sits down with Hannah Stubley from Hamilton College for a conversation that blends theory, creativity, and heart.

Hannah shares her journey from growing up in a small factory town in upstate New York to studying Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies and returning to her alma mater as a holistic advisor. Along the way, she explores:

• ✏️ Why she begins advising sessions with a silent two minute self portrait
• 🌱 How feminist pedagogy lives beyond the classroom and into advising spaces
• 🐢 What “slow scholarship” looks like in a fast moving institutional world
• 🎓 How first generation students navigate hidden rules and unspoken expectations
• 🎶 Why playlists, bookstores, and campus talks matter more than we think

This episode is a reminder that advising is not just transactional. It is relational. It is creative. It is deeply human.

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In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt and Ryan sit down with Julie Montgomery, academic advising generalist manager at Sinclair Community College (Mason Campus), who leads with equal parts clarity, compassion, and “let’s-get-this-done” energy. Julie serves up practical wisdom on building a healthy advising office culture (hint: purpose + philosophy + communication make the whole thing rise) and introduces a powerful concept every team needs: compassionate colleague correction, aka how to fix mistakes without torching trust.

You’ll also hear Julie break down Virginia Gordon’s “Three I” career conversation framework so advisors can navigate those “this was supposed to be course planning, but now it’s a life crossroads” appointments with confidence. 

Along the way: community college myth-busting, leadership lessons from Les Mis, Wicked, and Hamilton, and the real talk behind the dissertation grind. 🎓✨

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In this episode of Adventures in Advising, we explore a bold redesign of student support with guests Steven Schaffling, Cindy Zazzara, Molly Clock, and Ryan Howlett from Syracuse University! They share how they dismantled silos, rewrote the advising playbook, and built an integrated academic/career student success model! We talk:

✨ Holistic advising that connects the dots between academics and careers
 📊 Data, formative assessment, and why holds aren’t the magic answer
 🧠 Building “advisor tools” that free up brain space for real conversations
 🤖 How AI can offload the transactional so advisors can double down on the relational
 🎓 And what it takes to shift culture without losing heart

With over 14,000 one-on-one meetings a year and retention gains to show for it, this team proves that when students don’t have to retell their story five times, everyone wins. 

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In this energizing episode of Adventures in Advising, Imani Hill steps in as guest host to lead a powerhouse panel on advisor well being, retention, and the research that is reshaping the field. Joined by Rebecca Helms, and Chisom “Chi Chi” Anunobi, and Brandon Jones, this dynamic crew from NACADA’s Well Being and Advisor Retention Advising Community dives into the heart of what keeps advisors thriving instead of just surviving. From burnout and boundaries to job satisfaction and institutional responsibility, the conversation gives you the behind the scenes reflections on their latest research brief plus real talk about compensation, caseloads, leadership, AI in advising, and why retention of advisors directly impacts retention of students. The message is clear: when advisors are supported, students succeed.

Check out the Wellbeing & Advisor Retention (WBAR) Advising Community’s most recently published Research Brief: Advisor COVID-19 Pandemic Experiences Research Brief

If you’re interested in following WBAR or joining their steering committee, go here: Ways to follow/join WBAR

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In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Ryan flies solo for a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Patricia (Patti) Griffin, Director of Academic Systems and Advisor Development at Fort Hays State University, a longtime NACADA leader, communication scholar, and proud member of Starbucks’ top 4% worldwide. ☕ Yes, really.

Patti reflects on grit, growth, 18 office moves, and a steadfast belief that listening is one of the most powerful tools an advisor can carry.

You’ll hear:

• How to balance big-picture systems thinking with day-to-day student realities
• What professional development should actually feel like
• And why sometimes the breakthrough comes after you almost give up

This conversation is equal parts practical wisdom and reflective fuel for advisors navigating change, complexity, and the ever-shifting landscape of higher education.

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The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

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