NU Idea Podcast

Jon and Bob sit down with long time school choice advocate Virginia Walden Ford. Virginia's passion for educational freedom made for an amazing conversation about a topic that is as relevant as ever, given the state of the public education system in the aftermath of the 2020 covid pandemic.  

Jon and Bob sit down with Mark Perry. Mark is a professor of economics, blogger, and scholar for the American Enterprise Institute. In this episode, Jon, Bob, and Dr. Perry discuss Title IX and VI regulations on universities, and the impact of wage regulations on the post-covid world. 

Jon and Bob chat with Star Parker, founder of CURE America. Star shares her valuable insight on urban renewal, public education, and American values. Star was a guest of Northwood University's 2021 Freedom Seminar. 

Bob and Jon sit down with Professor Jim Hop, chair of both the entrepreneurship and franchise management departments at Northwood University. Professor Hop has work experience in the banking industry, and has been a part owner of several businesses throughout his career. Most recently, he became a franchisee for Biggby Coffee. With Jon and Bob both being entrepreneurship majors, they each had classes with Professor Hop for every semester of their undergraduate degrees, making for a natural and fun conversation. 

Bob and Jon sit down with Dr. Dale Matcheck, Chair of Economics at Northwood University. Dr. Matcheck earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, and his doctorate at Cornell University. He is the co-author of When We Are Free, the book that outlines the philosophies of the Northwood Idea.

Jon and Bob sit down with Northwood University President Kent MacDonald. Together they discuss Northwood's perseverance through strategic changes, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the catastrophic Midland flood in May of 2020. 

In their first episode, cohosts Jon Vokal and Bob Love discuss their intentions for The NU Idea Podcast. They talk about themselves, the topics the podcast will cover, and their history at Northwood University. Episodes from this point on will have a guest.