Thanks for listening to my guests and I over these last few years! It's been a wild ride, and I'm grateful to have had this opportunity! While this is the end of Beyond the Venue Podcast, it's certainly not the end of my podcasting career! 

Thanks for listening!

Cassy and Joey met as doctoral students in Quant 2 in the Fall of 2020. Their friendship grew from a mutual passion for student engagement, community building, and professional development. Once I joined the doctoral student squad, they gave me an incredible opportunity to be able to bring my hospitality skills and values in to the College of Education and Human Development. Our relationship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an assessment nerd, educational psychologist, experiential educator, or dissertation defender, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• The Limitation of Jobs for Dramaturgs
• Finding Clarity through Research
• Complex Dynamic Systems and the DSMRI
• How to Build Community and Engagement 
• The Importance of Taking Care of your Mental Health
• Avoid Social Comparisons!

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Reimagining Hospitality in Education 408 with Cassy Pressimone Beckowski & Joey Eisman”!

About the Guests:
Cassy Pressimone Beckowski is the Director of Assessment & Continuous Improvement at Gwynedd Mercy University. In May 2024, she graduated from Temple University with her PhD in Policy and Organizational Studies: Higher Education. During her time at Temple, she worked in the Office of the Provost to support university reaccreditation, strategic planning, and assessment; she also supported faculty research and graduate student engagement in the College of Education and Human Development. Additionally, Cassy has over 15 years’ higher education experience as a faculty fellow, instructor, and learning support specialist. Cassy is a passionate advocate for equitable student success; her research interests include first-generation college student success, institutional mission and culture, and engaging pedagogy. Her work has appeared at national conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Outside of work, Cassy is a mom of two as well as an avid distance runner, voracious reader, and occasional wedding singer.

Connect with Cassy on LinkedIn.

Joseph I. Eisman is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education and an adjunct faculty member at the College of Education and Human at Temple University. His research explores the relationships between empathy, emotion, motivation, identity, and creativity in educational contexts using complex dynamic systems theories. He also consults with educational organizations, including camps and after school programs to explore ways to meaningful consider the social, mental, and emotional wellbeing of their staff and participants. Eisman received his PhD at Temple University, and he holds an MA from Teachers College, Columbia University, and BS from the University of Michigan.

Connect with Joey on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, or his Website.

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This episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions. 

Sabina is one of the many incredible faculty members in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University. Her glowing reputation preceded her as we finally had a chance to meet this past Spring. Our relationship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an associate professor who is passionate about researching the “skill and will” of reading, working with multilingual learners, and bringing her theatrical nature to the classroom and beyond, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• The Original Vanessa from Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights (fun fact!)
• Literacy as a Space for Social Justice and Empowerment 
• Starting Small to Impact Changes on a Bigger Scale
• Podcasts as Professional Development
• Strategies for Engagement and Interaction in an Asynchronous Class
• Advice for Graduate Students 
• The Beauty of Bringing the Outside in(to a venue)

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Equity in Literacy: A Multimodal Approach for Multilingual Learners 407 with Dr. Sabina Rak Neugebauer!

About the Guest:
Dr. Sabina Rak Neugebauer, Associate Professor of Literacy
Dr. Sabina Rak Neugebauer is an associate professor of literacy in the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University. Dr. Neugebauer’s research focuses on the language and literacy development of students in urban elementary and middle schools. Her work explores two aspects of efficacious reading: vocabulary and reading motivation. She investigates these two facets of reading at three complementary levels of analysis (individual, classroom and school context) to more comprehensively identify ways to support students in achieving equitable educational outcomes. Her scholarship identifies prominent sources of reading differences between individuals, evaluates classroom practices that empower student success, and designs assessments to help schools increase their use of evidence-based programs school-wide.

Dr. Neugebauer’s research has been supported by the Institute of Education Sciences, Spencer Foundation, and U.S. Department of Education to improve the schooling experiences of multilingual students. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Early Career Scholar Award from AERA’s Division C, Learning and Instruction, and the International Literacy Association’s Elva Knight award. She is an associate editor for the Elementary School Journal and her work has been featured in journals including the Journal of Educational Psychology, Reading Research Quarterly, Journal of Literacy Research and the Reading Teacher. She is a coauthor of Interventions for Reading Problems: Designing and Evaluating Effective Strategies, published by Guilford Press, and Indigenous Knowledge and Education: Sites of Struggle, Strength and Survivance, published by Harvard Educational Publishing Group. Her recent book is titled Reimagining Language Instruction: New Approaches to Promoting Equity published by Teachers College Press.

She received her doctorate from Harvard University & her BA from Wesleyan University. She has served as a reading interventionist & collaborated with urban schools in the US and in Latin America to develop multilingual, multi-tiered, & digital reading programs.

To learn more about Sabina’s research, view her publications here. 

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This episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions. 

Kel and I met when they bought the house next door to mine! I was gearing up to start my PhD program, and I would learn that they were an “ABD” (all but dissertation). I would finally learn the “why” through this conversation! Our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as a passionate social worker who loves a two-wheeled life, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Recognizing When You Need to Walk Away from What’s Not Serving You
• Finding Organizations that Align with Your Values
• Supporting and Nurturing Youth Empowerment
• Adjuncting is Essentially Volunteering (from a monetary standpoint)
• The Power of Teaching and Creating Space
• Platonic Nesting in Your 40s

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Empowerment Evolution & Bike Revolutions 406 with Kel Kroehle”.

About the Guest:
Kel Kroehle
Kel Kroehle is the Learning and Development Director at the Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing, a national capacity building organization dedicated to strengthening youth-led and intergenerational movements for transformative social change. Supporting the organization’s funder organizing and research and evaluation efforts, Kel is committed to identifying the lessons emerging from the field and weaving together youth organizing’s lineages, practices, and visions for the world. Prior to joining the FCYO team, Kel served for seven years as Director of The Bryson Institute at The Attic Youth Center in Philadelphia. In this role, they coordinated and resourced a youth-driven education and training program, working alongside queer and trans youth to advance anti-oppressive practices and just policies among the region’s youth-serving systems. Their experience also includes facilitating participatory action research projects on trans student equity and youth sociopolitical development. Kel earned their Bachelors degree in Gender Studies and LGBTQ studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before earning their Master of Social Work degree at the University of Pennsylvania. Beyond the workday, Kel can typically be found connecting with loved ones and other rabble-rousers, negotiating with their four-legged muppet-companion, TumTum Geraldine, or prepping for an upcoming crossword competition.

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Temple University’s mascot is the owl, and my guest this week is the math queen, my friend Katherine. We met in our Qualitative Analysis class that I took in the Spring of 2023, while I was still teaching as an adjunct, before I started my doctoral program full-time. We would go on to have several classes together each semester. Our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as a life-long student, lover of math, and engaged marrier who is planning a wedding while in grad school, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Sometimes We Have to go to Plan C, or D, or E
• SMET vs STEM
• What is Developmental Math?
• Content Creation for Fun
• You Can Always Off-Ramp
• The Lack of a Third Space

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Motivation to Learn OWL-gebra 405 with Katherine Burke”!

About the Guest:

Katherine J. Burke is, a third year graduate student in Temple University's education doctoral program.  She has an extensive academic background, as both a student and educator. She is passionate about mathematics education and deeply believes that everyone can, and has the potential to, learn math. 

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Kizzy and I met (virtually!) in January when she joined a research project I had been working on for the previous few months. We learned during this podcast recording that she and I will have class together this upcoming semester, meaning we will get to meet IRL for the first time! Our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an adjunct professor, part- time EdD student, and full-time Assistant Director of Academics and Student Services, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Passion for Student Success
• Life as K-12 Teacher in Baltimore
• Importance of Self-Reflection to Find Your “What’s Next”
• The Difference Between an EdD and a PhD
• Mutual Dislike for 4pm Friday Meetings
• Physical Exercise as an Outlet
• What to do about AI as an Educator

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Research Approaches & Life Methodologies 404 with Kizzy Davis”.

About the Guest:

Kizzy Davis, Doctoral Student, Adjunct Associate Professor, Assistant Director of Academics and Student Services

Kizzy, a powerhouse in the field of education with over two decades dedicated to transforming learning environments and advocating for marginalized student populations. 

Kizzy’s career has been a journey through nearly every role in K-12 education, from teaching students as young as five to guiding adults as old as sixty. Her extensive experience spans roles such as Teacher, Mentor, Workforce Instructor, Admission Counselor, and Academic Advisor. This rich background underscores her deep commitment to education and her passion for making a difference.

With a B.A. in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Administration, Kizzy's academic foundation is as solid as her practical experience. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of Academic and Student Services at Temple University’s Center City campus, where she plays a pivotal role in student support—from navigating academic programs to career exploration and ensuring student success.

In addition to her role at Temple University, Kizzy is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Human Development, where she teaches General Education courses. She is also an active member of the College Success Research Collaborative (CSRC), which bridges practice, research, policy, and action to enhance the academic and social experiences of postsecondary students.

Kizzy is now pursuing a Doctorate in Higher Education at Temple University, aiming to further her impact and ascend to higher levels of leadership within the field. Her dedication and vision are set on continuing to drive change and foster equitable opportunities in higher education.

Follow Kizzy on Instagram.

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Three Literacy & Learning doctoral students walk into a classroom…and they were super kind and wonderful to MG, the lone non-literacy doctoral student! The four of us shared every Wednesday night together this past Spring Semester, and just like last week’s guest Amy, our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an international doctoral student or what it’s like to be a full time middle school teacher while obtaining their PhD, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Managing a Full Time Job, Full Time Family, & Part Time PhD
• What exactly is “literacy” how does it play a role in preserving democracy?
• Preconceived Notions About US Universities
• Learning to Speak with Agency
• Reading Motivation
• Teaching the Teachers

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode Making Meaning of Meaning Making 403 with MG’s “Learning to Read Classmates” Janine Conti, Youngseo Kim, & Drew Gingrich.

About the Guests:

Janine Conti, English Language Arts Teacher

Janine Conti is a middle school English Language Arts teacher living in New Jersey with her husband, three kids, and a dog. She is pursuing her doctorate in education and plans to use the knowledge and skills gained from her career in the K-12 setting to support and inspire pre-service teachers as they enter the profession. When she is not in the classroom, Janine enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and reading.

Follow Janine on Instagram.

Youngseo Kim, PhD student.

Youngseo Kim is an International PhD student at Temple university and is from South Korea. He is studying in the Literacy and Learners program. He is interested in finding how to motivate, engage, and have fun to read for school age people. He likes books (especially cartoons), dramas, beer, and wine. He has recently completed watching House of cards season 2.

Drew Gingrich, Teacher and Doctoral Student

Drew Gingrich is a 6th grade teacher and a pro-public education advocate. He received his master's degree in education from Villanova University and his undergraduate degree from Penn State University. Drew believes passionately that education is a practice of freedom that can lead to our individual and collective liberation and freedom. Drew is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts and the belief that education can lead to a more equitable, just, and transformed future. 

Follow Drew on Instagram and Facebook

Follow Beyond the Venue on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Amy and I met in our first semester as full-time PhD students in our Philosophical Foundations of Educational Research class. Our friendship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as a doctoral student in her 40s, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• What exactly is a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst?
• Why NOT Teaching?
• Ineffectiveness of “Band-Aid” Solutions
• Importance of Effective Training for those who Teach
• Emotional Transition Required for the PhD
• Morphology of a Writing Group

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, “Philosophical Foundations of Friendship 402 with Amy Wasersztein”.

About the Guest:

Amy Wasersztein is a board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and Pennsylvania licensed behavior specialist (LBS). She holds a Masters degree in behavior analysis and is currently working towards a Ph.D. in special education. She has held a variety of roles in clinical and educational settings serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities for over fifteen years. Amy’s primary research interests are improving fidelity of evidence-based behavioral and teaching practices in special education.   

Amy enjoys spending time with her son, husband, friends and family, traveling, reading, and watching bad reality television!

To learn more about Amy’s research, you can check out her publications here. 

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Beyond the Venue Podcast is back for a 4th and final season! Episode 1 is my reflection on the past year and a half, starting with my acceptance to Temple in January through my first year as a doctoral student. For anyone curious about what life is like as an entrepreneur and hospitality professional turned academic, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• Saying Goodbye to MG the Venue Specialist
• Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together
• A Dramatic Reading of my Favorite Assignment
• Staying True to my Hospitality Roots
• My Unorthodox Trajectory
• My Love for Beyoncé
• Grateful for Having Taken Qual before Quant

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Reflections on Senior Year 401” featuring your host, MG Hodge!

Follow BTV on Instagram for all updates and releases.

This Episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions.

Only a few weeks left of the semester to go, so it’s fitting time to wrap up Season 3!

In Reflections on Junior Year, I share a part of my Statement of Goals that I have been working on over the last several weeks as a part of my PhD application. Taking a PhD level course has been great, but the work I’m having to do to get in is HARD! One of the things I’m trying to better articulate is my WHY. It was so easy as an entrepreneur, but trying to get that elevator pitch version of “why a PhD in Education” has been a work in progress.

Thank you to all of my guests this past season! You all received a personalized thank you in this reflection! Thank you to my students - every single one of you I’ve taught since I was a TA for the freshman business class at Drexel! And of course, I am so grateful to every single person who has taken the time to listen to this podcast. 

Since I’ll be taking Quantitative Research next year, here are a few stats on the podcast:

1,606 total downloads as of November 18, 2022 at 4:12 pm while I’m on a train to BWI - VACATION!!

Industry Shifts with Brandon Thrash, my very first episode, continues to be the most downloaded at 99, followed by Reflections on Sophomore Year with yours truly at 83!

PhD applications are due December 1st, and I’m supposed to hear back in March. I will be teaching again this coming Spring, but instead of Leadership, I’ll be teaching Organizational Processes. And Team Processes is going back to 100% in person! So next semester will be yet another rollercoaster, but you know me, I’m along for the ride!

Follow @beyondthevenuepodcast on IG for updates!