In this episode of Learning Innovation, host Kris Hodgson-Bright chats with Shawn Pinder and Brandon Regier of Runner's Soul about how running connects to education, personal growth, and community. They share stories from triathlons, Ironman races, ultras, and local events while exploring goal-setting, discipline, mental toughness, and the value of celebrating small wins. Lethbridge Polytechnic has strong connections to the community and this episode explores the connection to an integral part of the local running community.

The guests highlight Runner's Soul's impact on Lethbridge's running scene, their support for Lethbridge Polytechnic's Kodiaks athletics, and practical advice for new runners: start where you are, get out the door, and let routine and community guide your progress.

During the show, guests and Kris (host) mention:

Jill Burrows (psychology professor), Dean Kolebaba (instructor and Program Chair for the School of Justice Studies), and Lyle Ruggles (e-learning specialist) chat about the innovative teaching and learning pathways virtual reality (VR) is creating at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

This trio discuss how they have integrated narrative-driven VR into their classrooms, including what's worked, what hasn't, and what new developments they'll continue to adopt in the future. 

Jill, Dean, and Lyle share how VR technology is helping students practice public speaking and interpersonal communication skills in a safe environment, and how it’s helping to nurture greater empathy, compassion, and understanding for individuals struggling with mental health challenges (like autism and schizophrenia). 

During the show, guests and Donna (host) mention:

Monica, Aderiyike, Jude, and Divine — nursing students at Lethbridge Polytechnic — share their experiences of cultural identity and community support as they navigate (sometimes discriminatory) systems in Canada.

The group discuss resilience and the importance of community for mental health and belonging, along with what they appreciate about Black History Month at Lethbridge Polytechnic.

“Ultimately, my focus is on making space for perspectives that have historically been excluded and ensuring our work contributes to the systemic change.” ~ Dr. Kirsten Fantazir, Research Chair at Lethbridge Polytechnic 

Dr. Kirsten Fantazir (Instructor and Research Chair at Lethbridge Polytechnic), and Dr. Jami Albright-Tolman (Instructor and Researcher), share about public safety applied research projects that are fostering connection with Blackfoot communities, and preparing students for careers in public safety. 

Kirsten and Jami expand on Community Integration Through Art Pissatsinaskssini (CITAP), and how its Creative Circles can foster healing, trust, and reconciliation.  

CITAP brings together Indigenous elders, students, and community partners to share meals, art, and cultural practices—and challenge stereotypes about houseless and vulnerable populations. Kirsten and Jami highlight early results, ethical practices, and the importance of authentic relationships and Indigenous ways of knowing. 

During the show, guests and Donna (host) mention:

"We know WIL has this really magical ability to create a stronger connection between students and this community." ~ Perry Stein, City of Lethbridge Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Manager

Dr. Natalie Barfuss (business instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic) and Perry Stein (Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Manager at the City of Lethbridge) share the overwhelming benefits of WIL for students and their communities.

Work-integrated learning (WIL) helps students develop skills like teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. These real-world skills help students step out more confidently into their careers. Because WIL allows students a glimpse into the community, these experiences can even kindle an interest in staying around Lethbridge after graduation.

Natalie also shares how instructors can dip their toes in WIL experiences. Hint—it's easier than you think!

During the show, Perry, Natalie, and Donna (host) mention:

"Teaching is not only about giving information, right? It's not about giving facts or explaining concepts or putting things together. It's creating a certain environment where learning is happening and I still think that humans are better at this than AI.” ~ Dr. Olga Klymenko 

A recent study from MIT shows that over-reliance on LLMs for writing accumulates cognitive debt (weaker brain connectivity, less ownership over the finished product).  

Dr. Olga Klymenko, instructor and language expert, is grappling with how to address over-reliance on AI writing in her classroom. 

Olga doesn't believe in banning or even policing the use of AI. Instead, she believes the answer lies in choosing to engage—that is, aiming to be collaborators in the process of knowledge building. 

Olga shares her insights, including: 

During the show, Olga and host (Donna) mention:

Dr. Brad Donaldson, President and CEO of Lethbridge Polytechnic, unpacks how the institution is navigating national shifts in post-secondary funding, and what it means to take control of our collective future as a PSI in Alberta.

He shares practical strategies for ethical domestic recruitment, applied learning and research, and fostering a “critically kind” campus culture that empowers educators, supports students, and strengthens community impact.

During the episode, Brad and Donna (host) mention:

Ryan Mann, Faculty Development Facilitator at SAIT’s Centre for Academic Development and Innovation, and Eric Mitchell, an Automotive Services Instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic, are actively responding to teaching and learning gaps in the Trades through innovative—and technically scholarly—work.

Despite the improvements they're making, Ryan and Eric don't really consider their work as scholarly—but framing it differently could amplify the impact.

Ryan and Eric are joined by the polytechnic's Jaddon Park (Academic Services Manager) and Craig McCarthy (Learning Experience Designer). The four discuss the value of reframing work as scholarly, the power of integrating student feedback, and the joy in discovering creative ways to pass along knowledge. 

During the show, guests and host (Donna) mention:

Download Ryan's AI guidebook here: A Guide to Generative AI for Educators

Beyond the obvious benefits exercise has on your body, research shows that it has powerful benefits on your brain, too—like improved memory, attention, and processing speed.

Simon Schaerz (Exercise Science instructor at Lethbridge Polytechnic), David Selles (Physical Education student from the University of Lethbridge), and Tyler Duffy (Exercise Science student at Lethbridge Polytechnic) discuss exercise cognition and its profound impacts on the brain—specifically, on executive functioning.

During the show, guests and host (Craig) mention:

Instructor Kathie Ervin and Instructional Designer Craig McCarthy collaborated to revamp Kathie's Distance Learning (DL) course in the Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Therapeutic Recreation Gerontology program. 

The goal? Create a more hands-on learning experience for DL students. 

Kathie and Craig outline their revision strategy, share stories about student creativity and community, and explain why they think the project was so successful. The pair also share tips on how other instructors can revamp their DL courses. 

During the episode, Donna (host) and guests mentioned: