L&S Exchange Podcast: All Episodes
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Episode 36: Human Connection in an AI World – Student Perspectives, Part I
In a snapshot of the student learning experience, two L&S undergraduate students share thoughts around adjusting to college, connecting with other students and instructors, and the influence of AI.
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Episode 35: Connecting the Humanities to Student Experiences
Łukasz Wodzyński, Assistant Professor of Polish and winner of the 2026 Chancellor’s Teaching Innovation Award, talks about making learning portable and the value of the humanities in a changing world.
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Episode 34: Approaches to Teaching with Historian Brandon Bloch
In this episode, we speak with 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award winner Brandon Bloch about his approaches to engaging students in their areas of interest and teaching challenging subjects in the age of…
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Episode 33: Supporting First-Year Students
In this Article Remix, IDC team members Maria Widmer and Molly Harris chat about their recent L&S Design for Learning article “Supporting First-Year Students.”
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Episode 32: Reflections on Teaching & Learning with Composer-Pianist Daria Tennikova
L&S Teaching Assistant Daria Tennikova shares her approaches to teaching–from private piano lessons to group music theory courses to YouTube. She provides insights that can apply to any discipline.
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Episode 31: Maximizing Impact – Effective Strategies for Large Lectures
In this Article Remix, IDC team members Laura Schmidli and Molly Harris chat about their recent L&S Design for Learning article “Maximizing Impact: Effective Strategies for Large Lectures.”
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Episode 30: What Instructors Can Learn from Music Educators
We kick off Season 4 with a conversation about music, creativity, and the art of learning. We hear from two music educators, Assistant Professors Amy Lewis and Jesse Rathgeber, as well as…
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Episode 29: Student Perspectives on Teaching and Learning
L&S undergraduate students share stories about what makes an assignment spark curiosity, how interdisciplinary learning brings value to their lives, and why they love a challenging course.
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Episode 28: Community-Based Learning with Patti Coffey
Patti Coffey shares how reflection, storytelling, and active engagement contribute to mutually beneficial partnerships between students and the community, with a focus on the area of prisoner reentry.
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Episode 27: Authentic Learning and the Wisconsin Idea
Mike Wagner shares how he uses assignments and group projects to engage students in issues relevant to their lives, while building students’ practical skills.
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Episode 26: Building Trust in Higher Education with Tony Laden
We partner with Ethics & Education for an episode exploring how higher education asks students to change their trust networks. Featuring philosopher Anthony Laden, L&S students, and Prof. Harry Brighouse.
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Episode 25: Navigating the Hidden Curriculum
To close the year, Molly Harris sits down with Lyn Macgregor of Sociology. They explore a resource that Lyn and her colleagues created to help instructors uncover the hidden curriculum for students.
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Episode 24: Mentorship Among Instructors: Supporting General Chemistry Teaching Assistants
In this episode, we talk with Léa Gustin and Claire Lundberg to explore what it takes to teach one of the largest courses on UW-Madison’s campus: General Chemistry.
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Episode 23: Managing Large Teaching Teams with Sarah Jedd
In this episode, Laura Schmidli sits down with Sarah Jedd, who shares the joys of managing a large teaching team. They talk about ethical education and community-building in Comm Arts 100.
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Episode 22: Building a Reservoir of Trust: Early Semester Tips with Greg Downey
As the school year begins, Jonathan Klein and Molly Harris talk with Professor Greg Downey. From building trust to intervening with care, Greg shares practical strategies for setting students up for success.
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Episode 21: Bonus! Season 3 Preview
We get ready for Season 3 of the L&S Exchange by talking with Shirin Malekpour, Associate Dean for Teaching & Learning in the College of Letters & Science. We share highlights from…
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Episode 20: Behind the Podcast
L&S Exchange Producers David, Molly, and Laura reflect on the successes and challenges of producing a podcast and share what they’ve learned from guests about inclusive teaching. Listen for takeaways for your…
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Episode 19: Roundtable with TA Award Winners: Part II
In the second part of our series with TA Award Winners, we talk with Lucas Wiscons. He shares how the theory of “decentering” has helped him create an inclusive, engaging, and innovative…
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Episode 18: Roundtable with L&S TA Award Winners: Part 1
We feature two Campus-Wide TA Award Winners, Haley Johnson and Patricia Chan, for a roundtable discussion. They discuss the joys of teaching and give advice to new TAs and faculty leading teaching…
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Episode 17: Tell Me More! Pilot
This mini episode features two real-world questions from L&S instructors. We discuss a practical tool for scheduling office hours on demand and a recommendation for weekly assignments in Canvas.
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Episode 16: Preparing for Adversity and Building Resilience with Coach Gary White
In the second episode of our miniseries on coaching, Molly Harris talks with Gary White of UW Volleyball about fostering resilience, setting goals, and giving feedback for individual and team growth.
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Episode 15: Building Community through Shared Adversity with Coach Jon Reader
In the first episode of our miniseries on coaching and teaching, David Macasaet talks with Coach Jon Reader of UW-Madison Wrestling about the inclusive experience of communally conquering a challenge.
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Episode 14: Bonus! Wrap-Up and Teaser
We wrap up 2023 with a thank you to all our guests, supporters, and listeners. And we tease our upcoming limited series. Listen now to find out what’s up next in 2024!
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Episode 13: Authentic Science Assessment: Striking a New Note
Sam Pazicni shares how his background in music performance and the Science Practices from the Next Generation Science Standards have influenced his approach to creating authentic, equitable assessment.
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Episode 12: Community and Relationships in Learning
In this episode, Laura Schmidli speaks with Dr. Janet Batzli about inclusive practices in Biocore, experiential learning, student leadership and mentoring, threshold concepts, and ways of knowing within a discipline.
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Episode 11: Perspectives on the Total Classroom
In this episode, we talk with Cindy I-Fen Cheng, who shares how her teaching practice has evolved to better account for her own well-being and positionality.
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Episode 10: The First Day of Class
We get ready for the first day of Fall semester with three L&S instructors, who share how they prepare for the first class and create an inclusive classroom atmosphere.
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Episode 9: Writing Across the Curriculum in the Age of AI
Emily Hall and Angela Zito share insights into crafting inclusive writing assignments, fostering belonging through writing, and teaching writing in the age of AI.
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Bonus! Episode 8: Season Recap and Fall Preview!
In this bonus episode, we reflect on where we’ve been so far, share episode highlights, and preview what’s to come on the L&S Exchange Podcast.
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Episode 7: The Purpose of the College Classroom
John Zumbrunnen, Professor of Political Science and Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning at UW-Madison, talks about how meaningful learning experiences are grounded in authentic relationships with students. He provides practical guidance…
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Episode 6: Education as a Practice of Freedom: Inclusive Classroom Conversations
In this episode, Professor Christy Clark-Pujara shares proactive steps that instructors can take to create an inclusive classroom atmosphere, as well as tips for facilitating discussions on challenging topics.
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Bonus! Episode 5: Extended Interview with Tony Chambers
This bonus episode features an extended interview with Dr. Tony Chambers, who shares challenges and opportunities for instructors looking to foster a sense of belonging in their classrooms.
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Episode 4: Generosity, Challenge, and Inclusive Teaching
Jonathan Klein, Director of the L&S IDC, sits down with Lori Lopez, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, to discuss the principles of inclusive pedagogy and personal approaches to teaching.
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Bonus! Episode 3: Extended Interview with John Dunne
This bonus episode includes an extended conversation with John D. Dunne, Distinguished Professor of Contemplative Humanities in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures.
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Episode 2: Just Be Where Your Feet Are: Student Belonging and Flourishing on Campus
In this episode, we explore the connection between belonging, student wellbeing, and inclusive teaching with John Dunne and Tony Chambers.
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Episode 1: Challenge Your Students and Meet Them Halfway
In our first episode, Eric Wilcots is interviewed by Shirin Malekpour. They discuss the diverse student body at UW-Madison and adopting inclusive teaching principles to ensure student success.
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