Listen to Aubrey Penney, Gamze Mert, Maia Dennis, and Taylor Tims talk about their transfer student experiences and hear why they chose MTSU!

In this inspiring episode of Honors Spotlight, we talk with Alex Roberecki, a Canadian-born Honors College student majoring in Commercial Songwriting and minoring in Entrepreneurship.

Alex opens up about his journey to faith through music, how his creative work helped him escape a destructive lifestyle, and the role that MTSU and the Honors College have played in shaping his path.

From writing heartfelt songs to releasing music as a country-Christian artist, Alex shares what drives his passion and purpose—and why he believes music can heal.

(Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.)

Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. 

Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

For more information, visit honors.mtsu.edu.

In this episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with two extraordinary Honors students, Taylor Tims and Ariel Nicastro, as they reflect on their transformative study abroad experiences that took them across continents and deep into their fields of study.

Taylor, an anthropology major, shares what it was like to hike into the Amazon Rainforest for a real archaeological excavation in Brazil—and how her adventures continued in Tanzania with a field school experience that expanded her view of global heritage and culture. Meanwhile, Ariel, a physics major and Goldwater Scholar, discusses her summer in Canada, where she took a deep dive into religious studies and explored the rich cultural and political life of Montreal and Toronto.

Together, they offer a powerful look at what it means to step outside the classroom—and your comfort zone—to learn, grow, and connect with the world in bold new ways.

🌎 In this episode:
– Digging for history in the heart of the Amazon
– Faith, science, and cultural discovery in Canada
– Learning to adapt in unfamiliar environments
– How the MTSU Honors College supported their journeys
– Advice for students considering studying abroad

(Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.)

Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. 

Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

For more information, visit honors.mtsu.edu.

In this powerful Constitution Day episode of Honor Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Dr. Amy Sayward—Professor of History and the new Director of the American Democracy Project at MTSU—for a deep dive into civic life, personal responsibility, and the enduring relevance of the U.S. Constitution.

From her early experiences with student-led activism in rural New York to her family’s legacy of military service, Sayward shares how her personal journey shaped her passion for democratic engagement. The conversation explores how students can live out constitutional values, why civic participation matters, and what to expect from this year’s keynote speaker, journalist David Brooks.

Whether you're a history buff, a future changemaker, or just curious about how democracy intersects with student life, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a call to action.

🎧 Highlights include:

• Sayward’s first taste of civic action—and a bold graduation protest

• Reflections on growing up in a military family and its impact on civic values

• How MTSU students are shaping democracy through the American Democracy Project

• A preview of Constitution Week events and David Brooks’ campus visit

Constitution Day is September 17—get involved, stay informed, and be inspired.

(Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.)

Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. 

Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

For more information, visit honors.mtsu.edu.

In this quick teaser episode of Honors Spotlight, we’re giving you the inside scoop on all the exciting events and upcoming podcast episodes this month! From the Student Organization Fair to the ice cream social, Buchanan inaugurations, and Homecoming, September is packed with opportunities to connect and celebrate.

Plus, don’t miss what’s coming on the podcast: Dr. Amy Sayward on Constitution Day (Sept. 9) and a special study abroad episode featuring Ariel Nicastro and Taylor Tims (Sept. 23).

Tune in and mark your calendars!

In this debut episode of Honors Spotlight, host Robin Lee sits down with Colman Connolly—an MTSU Honors student, world champion accompanist, and passionate steward of Irish musical heritage. Colman takes us on a journey through his creative thesis project, which brings new life to the legendary recordings of Michael Coleman, a master fiddler who transformed traditional Irish music in the early 20th century.

Blending his deep cultural roots with cutting-edge AI technology, Colman remasters Coleman’s historic recordings, removing harsh accompaniments and restoring their original brilliance. Hear about his process, his personal connection to the music, and how this work preserves not only sound, but spirit.

🎧 In this episode: 

• The legacy of Michael Coleman and the Sligo fiddle style 
• How AI stem separation is revolutionizing music restoration 
• Colman’s upbringing in the Irish-American trad scene 
• A before-and-after audio comparison of remastered tracks 
• Why preserving cultural authenticity matters more than ever

(Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.)

Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. 

Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

For more information, visit honors.mtsu.edu.

An introduction of what is to come from the MTSU Honors College beginning this fall!

(Intro music by MTSU Music major Elloise Layus.)

Thanks for joining us. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share with others. 

Follow us on social media. @MTSUHonors

For more information, visit ⁠honors.mtsu.edu⁠.