Krisstal D. Clayton, a clinical professor, director of undergraduate programs, and associate chair of academics for the Department of Psychology at the University of North Texas, recently sat down with PsychSessions' Garth Neufeld for an in-depth discussion of all things teaching psychology. She discusses how heavy workloads, commuting, work, and caregiving contribute to students' AI use. She also argues for explicitly teaching AI literacy, its limits, and responsible use. 

Krisstal describes building connection and engagement in a 210-student lecture hall through weekly team activities, team exams, and gamified, real-world assignments (including an ultra-processed “Texas State Fair food” concept-mapping activity). She explains her approach to required reading, attendance-based course design, and Sage Vantage quizzes to track learning and spot irregularities. 

She also discusses becoming first author on a new edition of an Intro Psych textbook (Essentials of Psychology, Second Edition), what pedagogical features they kept (“What’s Your Prediction?” and applied examples), and updates she “went hard” on, including a methods-focused chapter, mindfulness and wellness content, and topics driven by student needs (sleep, social media/mental health, vaping, neurodiversity).

About the Author

Krisstal D. Clayton is a clinical professor and director of undergraduate programs in the Department of Psychology at the University of North Texas. Known for her engaging teaching style, she uses gamification, storytelling, and real-world examples to bring psychology to life. Her research often includes student collaboration, with a focus on how higher education shapes perspectives. 

Outside of academia, Krisstal is a yoga enthusiast, vinyl collector, NPR podcast fan, and proud dog mom to Arya and Phoebe. She’s also a music lover who creates playlists for her students and loses her voice at concerts—Stevie Nicks forever!

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Curious how others are teaching Political Science in today’s divisive environment? Three experienced instructors discuss real strategies for turning today's polarization and misinformation into opportunities for richer, more effective learning.

Summary
Teaching political science in today’s dynamic and polarized environment presents unique challenges and opportunities. In this roundtable discussion, three distinguished Sage authors explore strategies for navigating these complexities. From addressing misinformation to fostering respectful dialogue, this episode offers practical insights for educators and students alike.

Whether you’re an instructor looking to inspire critical thinking or a student eager to engage meaningfully with the political landscape, this conversation provides tools to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing field.

 What We Talk About
Here’s what’s covered in the episode:

• Creating Respectful Classroom Environments:
  • Establishing ground rules and encouraging diverse perspectives.
  • Addressing the politics of language and challenging assumptions about students’ backgrounds. 
• Engaging Constructively with Students:
  • Reinforcing critical thinking and fact-based arguments.
  • Using historical and comparative examples to de-escalate controversial topics.
• Combating Misinformation:
  • Teaching fact-checking and data analysis skills. 
  • Exploring foundational concepts like democracy and authoritarianism to contextualize current events.
• The Role of AI in Education:
  • Balancing the use of AI for research with the importance of original thought and skill development.
  • Rethinking assignments to promote critical analysis over AI-generated content.
• Fostering Trust and Credibility:
  • Encouraging students to place current issues in historical perspective.
  • Highlighting the importance of diverse demographics in understanding political systems.
• Adapting to Evolving Political Landscapes:
  • Structuring curricula to cover foundational knowledge before addressing current examples.
  • Using historical parallels and international perspectives to connect with contemporary issues.

About the Authors
Dr. Christina Bejarano
Dr. Bejarano is a Professor of Political Science at Texas Women’s University and coauthor of The Enduring Democracy. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, race, and political behavior in the U.S., with a particular emphasis on the contributions of women and ethnic minorities.

Dr. SoRelle Gaynor
Dr. Gaynor is an Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy and coauthor of Congress Explained: Representation and Lawmaking in the First Branch. With experience on Capitol Hill and expertise in congressional leadership and institutional reform, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the classroom.

Eric Langenbacher
Eric is a Teaching Professor and Director of the Honors Program at Georgetown University, as well as the author of Comparative Politics: Mapping Institutions, Power, and Legitimacy. His global perspective and extensive teaching experience enrich his approach to political science education.

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Investing can feel intimidating, but it’s a critical step toward financial independence. In the final episode of the Making Money Real series, Dr. Kristen Carioti, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary University, breaks down the fundamentals of investing. With her expertise in economics and passion for financial education, Dr. Carioti shares actionable strategies to make investing accessible and approachable for everyone. From understanding the difference between saving and investing to exploring the appeal of cryptocurrency, this episode equips listeners with the tools to confidently take their first steps into the world of investing. Whether you’re a college finance instructor or someone looking to grow your financial knowledge, this episode is packed with insights to help you or your students succeed.

What We Talk About
Here’s what’s covered in the episode:

• Saving vs. Investing: Why investing is essential for long-term financial freedom.
• Beginner-Friendly Strategies: The power of dollar-cost averaging, index funds, and automating contributions.
• Making Investing Accessible: How to help students see themselves as investors and take their first steps.
• Cryptocurrency: Its appeal, risks, and why it’s more of a hobby than a retirement plan.
• Practical Classroom Applications: Guiding students through setting up accounts, understanding options, and seeing the magic of compounding.
• Empowering Students: Why financial freedom is achievable for everyone, regardless of their starting point.

About the Author
Dr. Kristen Carioti is a Sage author, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary University, and a passionate advocate for financial literacy. With over two decades of teaching experience, she specializes in personal finance, applied economics, and creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Carioti is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to build lasting financial independence, inspiring them to think of themselves as savvy investors and confident decision-makers. 

Beyond academics, she enjoys weightlifting, journaling, and spending time with her family. Her textbook, Introduction to Personal Finance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Freedom, empowers learners to make informed financial choices with clarity and confidence. 

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Student loan debt is more than just a financial obligation—it’s a challenge that shapes careers, mental health, and long-term opportunities. In Part 2 of the Making Money Real series, "Straight Talk on Student Loans," Dr. Kristen Carioti, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary University, shares her expertise on navigating the complexities of student loans. With a background in economics and years of experience helping students manage debt, Dr. Carioti offers practical advice to empower borrowers to take control of their financial futures. Whether you're a college finance instructor guiding students or someone managing your own loans, this episode provides essential insights and tools for success.

What We Talk About

Here’s what’s covered in the episode:

• The Emotional Toll of Debt: How student loans impact mental health and life transitions.
• Debunking Myths: The risks of relying on forgiveness programs, the differences between federal and private loans, and the consequences of defaulting.
• Smart Choices for Students: Tips for choosing the right degree, exploring careers through internships and job shadows, and minimizing unnecessary borrowing.
• Repayment Strategies for Graduates: How to identify loan servicers, explore repayment plans, and create a budget that works.
• Encouraging Data: Why most borrowers ultimately find value in their education despite initial doubts.

About the Author

Dr. Kristen Carioti is a Sage author, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary University, and a passionate advocate for financial literacy. With over two decades of teaching experience, she specializes in personal finance, applied economics, and creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Carioti is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to build lasting financial independence, inspiring them to think of themselves as savvy investors and confident decision-makers. 

Beyond academics, she enjoys weightlifting, journaling, and spending time with her family. Her textbook, Introduction to Personal Finance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Freedom, empowers learners to make informed financial choices with clarity and confidence. 

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

How does AI fit into a profession as deeply human-centric as public relations? Valerie Fields, a leading expert with 30 years of industry and teaching experience, breaks down how AI is reshaping PR— from drafting press releases in seconds to navigating AI-driven crises—while sharing strategies to prepare students for a field where human creativity, critical thinking, and trust continue to be essential. Designed for educators guiding the next wave of communication leaders, this episode delivers insights that matter. 

Summary

Valerie Fields, a public relations professional with over 30 years of experience as both a practitioner and educator, examines the evolving role of AI in public relations and its implications for the skills future industry leaders will need.

The episode outlines practical approaches for incorporating AI-driven tools into classroom teaching while emphasizing foundational values such as trust, authenticity, and relationship-building. Fields also discusses ways educators can adjust their curricula to address emerging trends, ensuring students are equipped to integrate innovation into their work while maintaining creativity and meaningful communication.

This overview is particularly relevant for professors focused on preparing students for an industry that merges technological advancements with the enduring importance of human connection.

 What We Talk About

Here’s what’s covered in the episode:

• Balancing technology and humanity: Exploring how PR professionals can use AI as a tool without losing focus on the human connection, trust, and strategic creativity that define the field.
• AI’s impact on PR: Discussing how AI is transforming public relations through enhanced efficiency, while underlining the importance of foundational skills and the dangers of over-reliance on automation.
• Social change and ethics: Preparing students to work authentically and ethically in an environment influenced by societal, political, and economic shifts.
• Skills for future professionals: The essential skills students need to thrive in the industry, including critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and adaptive storytelling in the context of technological advancement.
• Experiential learning in education: Leveraging real-world projects and service-learning experiences to help students bridge the gap between theory and practice.
• AI's potential for mistakes: How PR professionals can counteract AI's errors, like fabricated information, to maintain accuracy and credibility.
• Relevance of press releases: Highlighting the adaptability and continued usefulness of press releases as a key tool for communication, even in the digital age.

 About the Author

With nearly 30 years of experience as a PR practitioner and educator, Valerie “VK” Fields brings a unique blend of real-world expertise and academic insight to her work. As a senior lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's School of Media and Journalism, she has spent 18 years equipping students with the skills to succeed in the evolving PR landscape.

She is the founder of PR Pros, a Raleigh-based, award-winning agency that has partnered with high-profile clients like McDonald’s and Disney to deliver effective communication strategies. VK is also the author of Public Relations Writing: Essential Tools for Effective Storytelling, a trusted resource for aspiring PR professionals.

Dedicated to ethical, human-centered communication, VK combines creativity and strategy to inspire the next generation of PR storytellers. 

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Bring fresh perspectives on financial literacy into your classroom. Sage author and personal finance expert Kristen Carioti shares practical methods for teaching budgeting, saving, and investing in ways that connect with students. This conversation offers innovative tools, real-life examples, and strategies to engage diverse learners. Whether you want to enhance your curriculum or help students build lasting financial independence, you’ll find actionable insights to make a difference.

Summary

Empowering students with financial literacy is essential for fostering their long-term success. In this episode, Sage author and personal finance expert Dr. Kristen Carioti discusses equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to take charge of their finances. From practical budgeting and emergency fund strategies to reframing financial habits through a growth mindset, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for educators and learners alike. Dr. Carioti emphasizes the importance of making financial literacy relatable and accessible, addressing the diverse needs of students and the systemic challenges they may face. Whether you’re trying to strengthen your curriculum or empower students to break free from living paycheck to paycheck, this episode offers tools to make an immediate impact.

What We Talk About

• Financial literacy as a life skill: Why mastering financial basics is essential for student success both in and beyond college.
• Escaping the paycheck-to-paycheck trap: Practical strategies like emergency funds, budgeting, and reducing debt dependency.
• The power of a growth mindset: How reframing mistakes as learning opportunities empowers students to manage their finances with confidence.
• Investing is for everyone: Breaking down the basics of IRAs, 401(k)s, and the importance of early investing for wealth creation.
• Empowering women in finance: Addressing financial literacy gaps and societal perceptions to help women gain control of their financial futures.
• Technology’s dual role: Using tools like online calculators for financial planning while staying vigilant against scams and misinformation.
• Making financial education universal: Why including personal finance courses in college curriculums ensures every student is equipped for financial independence.
• Identity-driven habits: Teaching students to align their financial behaviors with empowered identities like “savvy money manager” or “confident investor.”

About the Author

Dr. Kristen Carioti is a Sage author, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Mount Mary University, and a passionate advocate for financial literacy. With over two decades of teaching experience, she specializes in personal finance, applied economics, and creating inclusive learning environments. Dr. Carioti is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to build lasting financial independence, inspiring them to think of themselves as savvy investors and confident decision-makers. 

Beyond academics, she enjoys weightlifting, journaling, and spending time with her family. Her textbook, Introduction to Personal Finance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Freedom, empowers learners to make informed financial choices with clarity and confidence. 

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Summary

What makes cults so fascinating, and how can they become a powerful tool for teaching psychology? Dr. Wind Goodfriend, social psychologist and Sage author, provides the complete toolkit for a class where the psychology of cults becomes a catalyst for sparking curiosity, critical thinking, and active engagement among students.

This episode dives into how cults, with their gripping narratives and psychological intricacies, can be used to explore everything from social influence to cognitive dissonance. Wind shares insights from her popular course "The Psychology of Cults," offering a roadmap for educators to teach about the psychology of persuasion, brainwashing, and human behavior in ways that resonate deeply with students.

What We Talk About

Here’s what’s covered in the episode:

• Using Cults as a Teaching Tool: Creative ways to incorporate cult studies into lessons, whether for a single class or an entire semester.
• Fostering Critical Thinking: How controversial and complex topics like cults challenge students to engage with the nuances, question assumptions, and build their analytical skills.
• Exploring Real-World Applications: Stories and case studies on infamous cults that connect psychological theories to real-life scenarios.
• Creating Engaged Classrooms: How psychology instructors can make learning more relatable and memorable, encouraging lifelong curiosity.

Wind also shares activities, assignments, and resources she uses to engage students while guiding them to understand psychological manipulation tactics and how to apply those lessons beyond the classroom.

About the Author

Dr. Wind Goodfriend is a Professor of Experimental Psychology and Assistant Dean for Liberal Arts at Buena Vista University, where she has been a dedicated educator for 19 years. Known for her impactful teaching, she has been named Faculty of the Year three times and earned the prestigious Wythe Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her research focuses on combating relationship violence, sexism, and homophobia.

An accomplished author, Wind’s latest textbook, Psychology and Our Curious World, published by Sage, adds to her portfolio of 12 books, dozens of journal articles, and contributions to psychology in pop culture. She also created and appeared in The Great Courses docuseries on cult manipulation. A passionate mentor, her work continues to inspire students and enrich psychology education. 

You can email Wind at [email protected].

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Summary

Are today’s performance management practices holding your organization back? Bias and outdated methods in evaluations can have a larger impact than many realize. Join guest expert Dr. Herman Aguinis for an engaging conversation on creating more equitable, effective workplaces. Herman—renowned researcher, speaker, and author in performance management—brings his expertise to the table, sharing actionable strategies to tackle bias and foster fairness.

Whether you’re a business leader, an HR professional, an educator or student, or someone just entering the workforce, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you rethink your approach to performance management, create inclusive environments, and build trust within your teams.

What We Talk About

Here’s what’s covered in the episode:

• Uncovering Hidden Biases: Understand how biases can sneak into performance reviews and learn how to combat them effectively.
• Why Structure Matters: Explore why having a formal, consistent performance management system is essential for fairness and equity.
• Manager Training: Gain practical tips for training supervisors to spot and mitigate bias while promoting inclusivity.
• The Role of Technology: Discover how AI and data analytics are revolutionizing performance evaluations, making them more transparent and objective.
• Fairness and Loyalty: Hear how standardized practices can enhance employee trust and loyalty, especially during challenging times like downsizing.
• The Big Picture: Learn about the long-term benefits of equitable performance management, including better engagement, retention, and organizational culture.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Aguinis provides research-backed insights and real-world examples to help listeners take meaningful steps toward building healthier workplace practices.

About the Author

Dr. Herman Aguinis is the Avram Tucker Distinguished Scholar and Professor of Management at George Washington University. A leading expert in performance management, organizational behavior, and talent management, Herman bridges research and practice to help organizations build fair and effective workplace systems.

He is the acclaimed author of multiple textbooks, including Applied Psychology in Talent Management and Performance Management, resources widely used by HR professionals and leaders globally. Known for his practical insights and evidence-based strategies, Herman continues to shape the future of workplace practices, equipping organizations to foster trust, equity, and lasting change. 

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply a curious listener, this episode will equip you with the tools to become a smarter consumer of news.

Misinformation is everywhere, but how do we combat it? Join Dr. Vince Filak, award-winning journalism professor and accomplished author, as he tackles the pressing issue of misinformation in today’s digital world. Drawing on his years of expertise in journalism, media writing, and education, Dr. Filak examines how misinformation spreads, the role of media literacy, and why skepticism is critical for navigating the modern media landscape.

What We Talk About:

• The Age of Misinformation: How digital tools, algorithms, and our own media bubbles allow false information to spread rapidly.
• Evaluating Credibility: Why it’s increasingly challenging to trust sources and how to approach relatability versus expertise in media consumption.
• The Case for Media Literacy: The importance of teaching media literacy as a fundamental life skill to help people critically interpret and evaluate the news.
• The Power of Skepticism: Dr. Filak’s concept of “non-denominational skepticism” encourages questioning all content—agreeable or not—before accepting it as true.
• Practical Tools for Critical Thinking: Simple strategies for assessing sources, questioning headlines, and improving your own media habits.

About the Guest:
Dr. Vince Filak is a professor of multimedia journalism at the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and the author of six textbooks, including Exploring Mass Communication, Connecting with the World of Media, published by Sage. With extensive experience in teaching, research, and writing, Vince is an advocate for improving media literacy and helping others make informed decisions in an often-chaotic media environment.

Check out his blog, The Dynamics of Writing, where he shares invaluable resources for educators, students, and anyone seeking better tools to understand the media landscape.

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.

Dr. Wind Goodfriend, a professor of Experimental Psychology at Buena Vista University, recently sat down with PsychSessions' Garth Neufeld to discuss her career and journey from a challenging childhood in Ames, Iowa, to becoming who she is today. Wind recounts her experiences with undiagnosed Tourette's Syndrome and autism, her expulsion from a religious school for protesting sexist policies, financial hardship, and cultural barriers. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, fueled by a lifelong passion for understanding human behavior. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and inclusivity in education and discusses her research on the psychology of cults. Most notably, Wind reveals how her upcoming intro psych textbook, "Psychology and Our Curious World," aims to make psychology relevant and engaging for students of all backgrounds by exploring real-world examples and thought-provoking questions.

This episode brought to you by Sage Vantage. Learn more at collegepublishing.sagepub.com/vantage.