The days leading up to freshman year of college can feel like a flurry of activity.  There’s enrollment, buying textbooks, moving into dorms – but often, it’s the little things you wouldn’t expect that can impact your experience most.

Dr. Ross and student producer Ashley Worley bring five tips each, combining both a professor and student’s perspectives on ten things you can do to prepare yourself for your first day of college.  The list covers simple, often-overlooked advice that may have fallen by the wayside for busy high school seniors in the college transition.  From learning how to manage your “housekeeping” tasks to preventing getting lost on campus, this episode brings the practical insider knowledge that’s essential for every incoming freshman.

Have more questions about prepping for your first day of college?  Email us at [email protected].  We’d love to hear from you!

The first day of college can be overwhelming for anyone.  Just navigating the campus is a common challenge - but what if you'd never even set foot on a high school campus before?  What if you'd never experienced traditional education until today?  This is what homeschoolers are faced with on their first day.

Or is it?

This week, Dr. Ross and (homeschooled) cohost Ashley Worley tackle some of the myths and misconceptions of becoming college-ready as a homeschooler.  Joining them are two formerly homeschooled students with vastly different experiences: senior Economics major Sara Maldonado and freshman Music major Lucy Holden.  Together, they unpack what it's like to be homeschooled, from joining co-ops and purchasing curriculum to building independence and discovering your identity.  There's lots to prepare for when the college transition approaches, and the way homeschooling translates just might surprise you.

Have questions about entering college as a homeschooler?  Email us at [email protected].  We'd love to hear from you!

Veterans have some important decisions to make regarding their next steps after military service.  Whether it's entering the workforce in a new field, returning to a university, or attending college for the first time, there's lots to navigate during this pivotal transition.  

We're here to help.

This week, Dr. Ross and cohost Ashley Worley sit down with two veteran students to unpack the experience of going back to "the civilian world" after serving.  Benjamin Broyles, who served six years in the Air Force, and Cody Vasquez, an English major who served four years in the Marine Corps, offer their perspectives on the topic.  Besides sharing the resources available to veterans, Benjamin and Cody dive deep into their personal history, passion for learning, and life lessons from the military being applied to higher education.  Whether you're an 18-year-old college freshman or a seasoned returning vet, their advice rings true.

Have questions about military life and college?  Email us at [email protected].  We'd love to hear from you!

It's official.

With student producers Nathan Witt and Michaela Murphy passing the torch, there's a new voice on the podcast: sophomore Mass Communications student, Ashley Worley!  Join Dr. Ross and her new co-host in an introductory sit-down chat.  

In typical ADR fashion, they find much more to discuss than your standard icebreakers.  The conversation ranges from get-to-know-you questions to discussions about media impact, transitioning from homeschool to college, and the evolving landscape of AI.  Whether you're a fellow homeschooler, passionate media student, or just curious about the world of higher ed, this episode is for you.

Have questions for Ashley or Dr. Ross?  Email us at [email protected].  We'd love to hear from you!

The first week of freshman year can be overwhelming - but what about week two? Or three? Or eight?  By the time you've reached mid-semester, it can feel like a sink or swim situation.

That's why Dr. Ross and producer Michaela Murphy are checking back in with their freshman guests from episode one.  In the thick of their first semester, Dominic Robinette and Mary Mooney share firsthand experiences with freshman year.  Whether it's switching majors, adapting to an independent lifestyle, or struggling with comparison, their stories offer concrete advice and encouragement for students approaching this challenging life transition.

To hear part one of Mary and Dominic's discussion, check out their previous episode: S2 Ep. 1: What Can I Expect From Freshman Year?

Have more questions about the freshman experience?  Email us at [email protected].  We'd love to hear from you!

Special thanks to Michaela Murphy, who produced and co-hosted season two's opening episodes.  The show goes on because of you!

As an undergrad, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when considering the next phase of your education.  After all, what is graduate school like?  Why add more years of college?  And - most importantly - how do you know if it's right for you?

In this episode, Dr. Ross and producer Michaela Murphy team up with current grad students to tackle these, and other, important questions.  Join Psychology major Caitlyn Walker and English major Caroline Goodman in exploring the life of a grad student.  Whether you're curious about balancing school, work, and personal schedules or want to know about navigating the transition into a Master's program, their stories offer valuable insights on the grad school experience.

Have more questions about graduate school?  Email us at [email protected].  We'd love to hear from you!

Special thanks to Michaela Murphy, who produced and co-hosted season two's opening episodes.  The show goes on because of you!

Note: "TJC" refers to Tyler Junior College, an undergraduate college near the University of Texas at Tyler.

The transition from high school to college can be scary.  There's lots to navigate in your freshman year, from dorm life to academic advising - and we're here to unpack it all.

Join Dr. Ross and producer Michaela Murphy in discussing the freshman experience with four first-year UT Tyler students: Dylan Bennet, Paula Castellanos, Mary Mooney, and Dominic Robinette.  Together, they share stories of their freshman year journeys and the unfiltered realities high school grads face.  Whether it's moving from Ecuador to take classes in another country, building friendships with track teammates, or struggling to connect with professors, each story lends heartfelt and practical advice to students launching into the college experience.

Have more questions about freshman year?  Email us at [email protected].  We'd love to hear from you!

Special thanks to Michaela Murphy, who produced and co-hosted season two's opening episodes.  The show goes on because of you!

How does sensationalist media shape our political outlook and contribute to a widespread sense of hopelessness? Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Kenneth Bryant, an associate professor of political science, as we dissect the impact of mass media on American politics. Inspired by the 1976 film "Network," Dr. Bryant shares his insights on the media's obsession with conflict and scandal, and we explore the cyclical nature of societal pessimism. Equip yourself with tools for critical media literacy to better navigate the barrage of negative news and regain control over your perspective.

Ever feel overwhelmed by the constant stream of negative news? You're not alone. We discuss practical strategies for combating this sense of hopelessness, focusing on what we can control in our own lives. From engaging in small, impactful actions to prioritizing self-care and education, we highlight how these steps can foster a sense of empowerment and well-being. By letting go of grandiose hopes and concentrating on manageable, positive changes, we can all make a meaningful difference within our immediate spheres.

Local politics often flies under the radar, but its impact on our daily lives is profound. We explore the importance of youth engagement in local governance, sharing a compelling anecdote from Segalville, Texas, where a mayoral election was decided by a single vote. Discover why young people are crucial to breaking the cycle of low voter turnout and how consuming information from multiple sources can help you develop a well-rounded perspective. We also touch on media bias and political discernment, empowering you to actively participate in your community and drive meaningful change.

Ever wondered if artificial intelligence could grade your college essays better than your professor, or do we risk losing the essence of critical thinking in the process? Hold on to your hats as we explore the fascinating world of AI, its ethical implications, and its far-reaching impact on higher education. Be prepared for a thrilling discussion on the good, the bad, and the ugly of using AI in higher education, and a verdict that might just leave you pondering!

As you journey with us, you'll uncover intriguing insights about the use of AI in classroom activities, both as a boon and a bane. From AI creation of academic rubrics and plot summaries to its potential misuse in assignments, we're leaving no stone unturned. Listen carefully as we share our perspective on the necessary steps educators are taking to make the use of AI a responsible choice for their students, and not a destructive one. 

In the concluding phase of this episode, we're diving deep into the influence of AI on education and critical thinking. You'll learn about the changing face of writing, the increasing need for students to master AI as a tool, and the possible consequences for critical thinking. Hear us out as we discuss whether AI could be a timesaver for research, or a detractor from original thought. So, tune in and join us as we navigate the future of education in the age of AI!