A Razorback on the table, a Longhorn on the mic, and a conversation that turns from tailgates to the true engine of school change: teachers learning with teachers. We sit down with Associate Professor Amber Warrington to explore how small, intentional communities of practice can transform writing assessment, student belonging, and the daily joy of teaching.

Amber shares how an early love of reading became a life of teaching English, then reveals the moment she noticed a gap—student-centered writing with teacher-centered assessment. That question sparked a collaborative inquiry where educators read research, traded classroom wisdom, and designed a strength-based approach that invites students into the assessment process. The surprising outcome wasn’t just a better tool; it was a better way to learn together. That insight fuels her upcoming book, Disruption Through Design, which shows how educators can turn challenges like AI, post-pandemic shifts, and policy changes into purposeful improvements through design thinking.

We dive into the Boise State Writing Project, part of the National Writing Project network, where teachers lead teachers. From the month-long summer institute to advanced strands on Indigenous Voices and democracy-building instruction, the program builds real capacity for K–12 literacy across Idaho—including rural districts through statewide workshops and campus housing. Amber also highlights the Pathway to Academic Success initiative for multilingual learners and a narrative writing project that helps middle schoolers share personal stories, build voice, and strengthen classroom community. Her throughline is simple and powerful: when educators claim agency, collaborate deeply, and keep one foot in the classroom, students feel it—in feedback that affirms, in lessons that connect, and in a stronger sense of belonging.

Come for the football banter; stay for a practical roadmap to more humane assessment, richer professional development, and classrooms where young people thrive. If this conversation sparks ideas, share it with a colleague, subscribe for future episodes, and leave a review with the biggest disruption you’re ready to design.

Education should be a doorway open to everyone who wants to walk through it. That's the guiding philosophy behind Dr. Jeremy Ford's  work at Boise State University, where he's creating pathways to college for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have traditionally been excluded from higher education.

As a former school psychologist who found his way to academia, Ford brings a unique perspective to his role in the College of Education. "I was spending time working in schools and I didn't know all the things I needed to know to help the students and families I was working with," he explains. This drive to learn more and create bigger impact led him to develop multiple innovative programs that are transforming lives and changing what's possible in Idaho.

Ford's work inclcudes the PEERS program (Providing Exceptional Education and Raising Standards), a two-year college experience where students with intellectual disabilities earn a certificate in community and career readiness. Unlike segregated programs, PEERS students take standard university foundation courses alongside typical students and select electives based on their interests. "For some students, the PEERS program will be their college experience. For others, it's a stepping stone to an associate's or bachelor's degree," Ford notes.

What makes Ford's approach distinctive is his commitment to authentic inclusion. Students in PEERS aren't isolated—they're integrated into campus life, building relationships with fellow students who serve as allies and mentors. As Ford proudly shares, "A colleague observing a class couldn't identify which students were in the PEERS program. These are just individuals with some learning differences who you run into all the time in our communities."

Beyond PEERS, Ford's Prep Academy gives high school students with disabilities a taste of college life through summer immersion experiences, while his ASSIST lab engages undergraduates and graduates from diverse disciplines in research supporting students with disabilities. The impact ripples outward, influencing how K-12 schools prepare students and changing what families believe is possible.

Discover how one professor's vision is building bridges between communities, challenging assumptions about who belongs in higher education, and creating spaces where all students can discover their potential. This isn't just about access—it's about belonging.

Leslie Ordal's work as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director for the Master's in Genetic Counseling program at Boise State University bridges the gap between complex genetic science and practical healthcare decisions for patients and providers. She shares her journey from early social media adopter to helping create the first fully online genetic counseling program in the United States.

• Genetic counseling helps people understand and adapt to how genetics affects their health during critical decision-making periods
• Boise State's program supports rural healthcare by training counselors who can work remotely and create resources for far-flung providers
• Social media played a surprising role in Leslie's career path, starting with early adoption of platforms like LiveJournal and Twitter
• Student capstone projects focus on creating practical resources like infographics for doctors and children's books about rare genetic conditions
• ReadingFrame.org, created by a student, serves as an online repository making books about genetic conditions accessible worldwide
• The field addresses the challenge of helping doctors identify genetic conditions when they can't possibly keep up with all genetic advances
• Leslie lives and works remotely from Toronto, Canada, demonstrating the program's commitment to the virtual education model they teach

If you're interested in finding a genetic counselor in your area, visit findageneticcounselor.nsgc.org to connect with qualified professionals who can help navigate genetic testing decisions.

Beth Ramsey's journey from newspaper graphic artist to high school teacher to academic librarian didn't happen by accident. Her diverse career path perfectly positioned her to tackle one of today's most pressing issues: the unchecked spread of misinformation in our digital landscape. 

What makes us so susceptible to false information? Ramsey explains how our ancient cognitive processes—designed for quick decision-making in simpler times—struggle with the overwhelming flow of digital content. Our tendency toward confirmation bias (readily accepting what aligns with existing beliefs) and motivated reasoning (finding flaws only in opposing viewpoints) leaves us vulnerable to manipulation, especially when content triggers strong emotional responses.

Through a Department of Homeland Security-funded project aimed at preventing domestic terrorism through media literacy, Ramsey trained undergraduate students to become "truth influencers" in their communities. Her approach avoids confrontation in favor of curiosity: "You're not going to change minds directly—you're helping people change their own minds" by creating space for self-reflection through thoughtful questions and genuine dialogue.

The science comparison is apt—just as scientific understanding evolves with new evidence, our approach to information should remain flexible and humble. Ramsey teaches practical skills anyone can use: slow down when encountering emotionally charged content; practice "lateral reading" by investigating sources in multiple tabs; recognize that even authoritative-looking charts and citations require verification; and deliberately break out of social media echo chambers.

Want to become more misinformation-resistant? Start with Wikipedia as a launching point (not a destination), use quotation marks in search engines to narrow results, and approach conversations as collaborative problem-solving rather than debates to win. As Ramsey puts it: "We're sowing seeds for people to grow themselves." Ready to cultivate a healthier information diet? May the facts be with you.

Discover the art of balancing passions and profession with Professor Owen McDougall from Boise State's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Owen shares his unique perspective on how outdoor activities like cycling and skiing have not only shaped his personal life but also invigorated his academic endeavors. His routine—a 17-mile mountain bike ride to work coupled with family ski trips—creates a space for mental clarity and innovative problem-solving. Owen’s story is an inspiring testament to how integrating personal passions into daily life can foster creativity and balance.

Journey into Idaho’s flourishing food and dairy processing industry, where cutting-edge technology meets innovation. Despite facing workforce challenges, the Food and Dairy Innovation Center stands out as a beacon of progress, mitigating risks and boosting competitiveness with collaborations from industry giants like Anheuser-Busch. This episode spotlights the Build Dairy Program, where student-led research aligns with industry needs, driving forward advancements in dairy and nutritional science. Learn how this synergy between academia and industry not only enhances educational outcomes but also propels Idaho’s economic landscape.

Celebrate collaboration and mentorship with stories like Tyson Hardy's, who transitioned from a Boise State student to a valued industry professional. We also explore the evolution of the Food and Dairy Innovation Center, emphasizing the importance of real-world experience and hands-on industry collaboration in education. By personalizing student projects and nurturing their passions, institutions like Boise State are crucial in preparing the next generation for success in dynamic sectors like dairy and nutritional science.

Picture this: a sixth-generation Idahoan with roots deeply planted in the rugged soils of Idaho’s high deserts finds his voice in the world of environmental philosophy. Dr. Jared Talley from Boise State joins us, sharing a tapestry of personal anecdotes that weave through the challenges and curiosities of life amidst Idaho's distinct landscapes. From tales of cattle ranching and blacksmithing to the academic pursuits that led him from Idaho to Michigan, Jared's stories paint a vivid picture of Idahoan life and the environmental philosophies that have shaped his path.

Our conversation takes a reflective turn as we explore pivotal life transitions, such as moving from high school to higher education during the 2008 recession. We recount the economic hurdles of the time, the cultural quirks unique to Idaho, and the unexpected educational paths that followed. With an emphasis on the importance of mentors and the joys of learning, we discuss how these experiences have guided us both in our respective educational and professional journeys. Jared's insight into environmental ethics and stakeholder engagement offers a fresh perspective on natural resource management, challenging common misconceptions and highlighting the critical role of community voices in policy-making.

As we wrap up, the importance of embracing discomfort as a catalyst for growth comes into focus. By examining ecological systems and personal development, we underscore the necessity of challenges in fostering innovation and adaptability. Whether through philosophical discussions on rangeland management or personal anecdotes about returning home, the episode concludes with a call to reflect on shared values and the transformative power of giving back to one's community. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of identity, resilience, and the enduring connection to the lands that shape us.