Jeff and Laura take the first podcast in 2018 to catch up on life and times. Apparently their travel schedules have not allowed for similar time zones or even time to chat with one another. #SorryNotSorry about that. Here’s to starting off the new year right and taking stock in what happened in 2017, and what lies ahead for 2018. Yay:

• Our Team Resolution: “Bring the bar down, people”
• Laura’s Resolution: Get more sleep. Downtime is good for yourself.
• Jeff’s Resolution: He should vacation more. Time off work and with family is good.
• It SNOWED in San Antonio the 1st time in 20 years in December. 
• NEW classes we’re teaching online and face-to-face this semester:
  • Jeff: Sam Houston State University: Research in Higher Education
  • Laura: UNT’s doc course: Theory and Practice of Distributed Learning
• Topics we’re thinking about chatting about this year on the @BreakDrink pod:
  • Online and Digital pedagogy
  • Research Methods to study: distance learning & higher ed
  • Finding Your Fit at Work
  • Planning or Not Planning Your Career
  • Retirement/Financial Planning for the Future [e.g. TRS Rule of 80]
  • It’s a World Cup year! https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/index.html We’ll talk soccer or football... depending on what you call it where you watch.
  • Data Awareness & Taking Back Our Digital Selves from Episode no.13: Tacos and Email (Laura’s post: Re-evaluating my digital self. P.s. 
  • Simplify tech: Facebook might go buh-bye (for Laura). A “dumb” phone without apps (for Jeff). Thinking about being purposeful with tech stuff.
    • Reply All, Episode no. 109: Is Facebook Spying on You?  
    • BreakDrink, Episode no. 10: Have You Read _ Privacy Policy Lately?
  • We’re Over Conferences -- or are they really needed? Only attending #ACPA18 in Houston (Laura in March)
  • Hiking, Adventures, and the Great Outdoors

@BreakDrink Reads

Bored and Brilliant ~ Manoush Zomorodi #GetBored

Yes Please Amy Poehler

Wild Cheryl Strayed

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking Susan Cain

The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell... W. Kamau Bell

@BreakDrink Listens

Up First from NPR 

10% Happier Dan Harris the #116 episode with Manoush

Dr. Katz: The Audio Files on Audible or find the free version on the YouTubes

Heavyweight with Jonathan Goldstein

Slow Burn: A Podcast About Watergate from Slate

The Bible Project 

Mogul: The Life and Death of Chris Lighty -- R.I.P. Reggie Ossé  

Hidden Brain with Shankar Vedantam

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