How does experiential learning prepare college students for real-world careers? At Texas State, journalism students don’t just study reporting — they do it. They cover major news events and interview real people.  Students report on impactful stories like the aftermath of the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and the 2025 deadly Central Texas flooding.   In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with <a href='https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/2266636'>Dino Chiecchi,</a> associate professor of practice at Texas State University.  He&apos;s a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of newsroom experience. During our conversation, we explore how classroom instruction meets professional practice.  We talk about why mentorship and real-world experience matter in higher education.What You’ll Learn• Why experiential learning helps students build professional skills  • How expert faculty elevate classroom learning  • The importance of mentoring in developing confidence and resilience  • How students can publish meaningful work before they graduate  • Why telling the stories about real people mattersThe articles written by Texas State University students were published in the Austin American Statesman and the Texas Standard.  Check out the SJMC website for <a href='https://sjmc.txst.edu/newsroom/newsroom-archive/2026-news-archive/journalism-project-hillcountry-story.html'>more information</a>.  You can learn more about Professor Chiecchi&apos;s book here: <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Josue-Young-Mans-Life-Suicide-ebook/dp/B0C4W96LRC'>Josue: A Young Man&apos;s Life Lost to Suicide.  </a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms">Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! </a>Stories that Spark Change and Creativity Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers. You can listen to <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'>Stories of Change and Creativity</a> on all major platforms. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'>let me know.</a> Check out <a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;reserved=0'>my TEDx talk</a>. Why you should take action - then figure it out. #change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset

<description>&lt;p&gt;How does experiential learning prepare college students for real-world careers? &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;At Texas State, journalism students don’t just study reporting — they do it. They cover major news events and interview real people.  Students report on impactful stories like the aftermath of the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and the 2025 deadly Central Texas flooding.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with &lt;a href='https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/2266636'&gt;Dino Chiecchi,&lt;/a&gt; associate professor of practice at Texas State University.  He&amp;apos;s a veteran journalist with more than 30 years of newsroom experience. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During our conversation, we explore how classroom instruction meets professional practice.  We talk about why mentorship and real-world experience matter in higher education.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;What You’ll Learn&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• Why experiential learning helps students build professional skills&lt;br/&gt; • How expert faculty elevate classroom learning&lt;br/&gt; • The importance of mentoring in developing confidence and resilience&lt;br/&gt; • How students can publish meaningful work before they graduate&lt;br/&gt; • Why telling the stories about real people matters&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The articles written by Texas State University students were published in the Austin American Statesman and the Texas Standard.  Check out the SJMC website for &lt;a href='https://sjmc.txst.edu/newsroom/newsroom-archive/2026-news-archive/journalism-project-hillcountry-story.html'&gt;more information&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can learn more about Professor Chiecchi&amp;apos;s book here: &lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.amazon.com/Josue-Young-Mans-Life-Suicide-ebook/dp/B0C4W96LRC'&gt;Josue: A Young Man&amp;apos;s Life Lost to Suicide.  &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms"&gt;Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Stories that Spark Change and Creativity&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can listen to &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'&gt;Stories of Change and Creativity&lt;/a&gt; on all major platforms. &lt;br/&gt;Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'&gt;let me know.&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Check out &lt;a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0'&gt;my &lt;b&gt;TEDx&lt;/b&gt; talk&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt;Why you should take action - then figure it out.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

How does experiential learning prepare college students for real-world careers?  At Texas State, journalism students don’t just study reporting — they do it. They cover major news events and interview real people.  Students report on impactful stories like the aftermath of the school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde and the 2025 deadly Central Texas flooding.    In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with Dino Chiecchi, associate ...

Experiential Learning in Journalism Education: Real-World Reporting and Mentorship with Dino Chiecchi

If you’re a high-achieving professional who feels successful everywhere except your health, this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity might be for you.  I can certainly relate!Many driven professionals excel in their careers but struggle with health in midlife because they apply the same optimization mindset that works at work to their bodies. In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with Tony Sherock, Certified Personal Trainer— Health Behavior Specialist and Tiny Habits® Certified Coach.  He explains how identity-based habits can create lasting health change.This conversation reframes health as part of who you are, not another project to manage. You’ll walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately to rebuild your health in a way that lasts.What You’ll Learn• Why high-achieving professionals often struggle with health in midlife • Why traditional diets and fitness plans fail busy professionals over 40 • The role identity plays in health behavior change • How tiny, adaptable habits create lasting health improvements About Tony SherockTony Sherock is a Health Behavior Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Tiny Habits® Certified Coach. He is the founder of Habits To Health – Tony Sherock, LLC, and works with busy midlife professionals (40+) who are juggling demanding careers, family life, and caregiving responsibilities.Tony helps high achievers rebuild their health by shifting away from fast, optimized effort toward slow, sustainable habit change that fits real life. His work is informed by a background in broadcasting and higher education, as well as his own personal health transformation—from being pre-diabetic and on multiple medications to creating lasting change through behavior science.<a href='https://www.habitstohealthcoach.com/'>https://www.habitstohealthcoach.com/</a>You can find Tony Sherock on Facebook, Instagram, &amp; Skool:<a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/1605709083060117'>https://www.facebook.com/groups/1605709083060117</a><a href='https://www.instagram.com/tonysherock_habits_to_health/'>https://www.instagram.com/tonysherock_habits_to_health/</a><a href='https://www.skool.com/the-habit-hub'>https://www.skool.com/the-habit-hub</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms">Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! </a>Stories that Spark Change and Creativity Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers. You can listen to <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'>Stories of Change and Creativity</a> on all major platforms. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'>let me know.</a> Check out <a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;reserved=0'>my TEDx talk</a>. Why you should take action - then figure it out. #change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset

<description>&lt;p&gt;If you’re a high-achieving professional who feels successful everywhere except your health, this episode of &lt;em&gt;Stories of Change and Creativity&lt;/em&gt; might be for you.  I can certainly relate!&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Many driven professionals excel in their careers but struggle with health in midlife because they apply the same optimization mindset that works at work to their bodies. In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with Tony Sherock, Certified Personal Trainer— Health Behavior Specialist and Tiny Habits® Certified Coach.  He explains how identity-based habits can create lasting health change.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This conversation reframes health as part of who you are, not another project to manage. You’ll walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately to rebuild your health in a way that lasts.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;What You’ll Learn&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;• Why high-achieving professionals often struggle with health in midlife&lt;br/&gt;• Why traditional diets and fitness plans fail busy professionals over 40&lt;br/&gt;• The role identity plays in health behavior change&lt;br/&gt;• How tiny, adaptable habits create lasting health improvements&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;About Tony Sherock&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Tony Sherock &lt;/b&gt;is a Health Behavior Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, and Tiny Habits® Certified Coach. He is the founder of Habits To Health – Tony Sherock, LLC, and works with busy midlife professionals (40+) who are juggling demanding careers, family life, and caregiving responsibilities.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Tony helps high achievers rebuild their health by shifting away from fast, optimized effort toward slow, sustainable habit change that fits real life. His work is informed by a background in broadcasting and higher education, as well as his own personal health transformation—from being pre-diabetic and on multiple medications to creating lasting change through behavior science.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.habitstohealthcoach.com/'&gt;https://www.habitstohealthcoach.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can find Tony Sherock on Facebook, Instagram, &amp;amp; Skool:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/1605709083060117'&gt;&lt;b&gt;https://www.facebook.com/groups/1605709083060117&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.instagram.com/tonysherock_habits_to_health/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;https://www.instagram.com/tonysherock_habits_to_health/&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.skool.com/the-habit-hub'&gt;https://www.skool.com/the-habit-hub&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms"&gt;Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Stories that Spark Change and Creativity&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can listen to &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'&gt;Stories of Change and Creativity&lt;/a&gt; on all major platforms. &lt;br/&gt;Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'&gt;let me know.&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Check out &lt;a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0'&gt;my &lt;b&gt;TEDx&lt;/b&gt; talk&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt;Why you should take action - then figure it out.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

If you’re a high-achieving professional who feels successful everywhere except your health, this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity might be for you.  I can certainly relate! Many driven professionals excel in their careers but struggle with health in midlife because they apply the same optimization mindset that works at work to their bodies. In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with Tony Sherock, Certified Personal Trainer— Health Behavior Specialist and Tiny Habits® Certified Coa...

Why High Achievers Struggle With Health After 40 | How Identity-Based Habits Actually Work with Tony Sherock

If you’re a fan of Outlander, the historical fiction series set in Scotland, like I am, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold, a literary scholar and historian known as the “Doctor of Outlander,” about her academic journey and career path.  We discuss how historical fiction can become public history — inviting people to connect with history beyond textbooks and classrooms.During this episode, you’ll learn how Outlander and other historical fiction can build bridges between fans, public audiences, and academic inquiry. Alex also shares insights from her own path — from studying literature in Germany to completing a PhD in Scotland on Outlander as public history.  You&apos;ll hear how that journey reshaped her understanding of how stories can make reading and history more accessible for everyone.What You’ll Hear in This Episode<ul><li>How historical fiction functions as public history</li><li>Why stories like Outlander make history feel accessible and emotionally resonant</li><li>Dr. Alex Dold’s academic journey — from pursuing language and literature to transforming it into public-facing scholarship</li><li>Practical ways listeners can continue engaging with history and reading outside formal academic spaces</li></ul>Why This MattersHistorical fiction often gets dismissed as “just entertainment.” Alex’s work reframes it as public history.  It&apos;s a way that everyday readers and viewers connect with the past and develop meaningful questions. This episode invites listeners to:<ul><li>see the Outlander stories they love as gateways to learning,</li><li>recognize curiosity as a valid path to knowledge, and</li><li>think about how reading habits can lead to deeper exploration.</li></ul>Guest Info<a href='https://alexdold.com/'>Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold </a>is a literary scholar and historian whose research focuses on historical fiction as public history. She completed her PhD in history examining the Outlander novels at the <a href='https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/research-enterprise/cultural/centre-for-history/'>University of the Highlands and Islands, Centre for History, Dornoch.  </a>Dr. Dold explored the role of Outlander in shaping how people engage with history beyond traditional academic spaces. You can find out more about Dr. Dold and her scholarship below: <a href='https://alexdold.com/'>https://alexdold.com/</a>OutlanderDr. Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning The Outlander series.  You can learn more about about the series and Diana <a href='https://dianagabaldon.com/wordpress/'>here</a>.  The final s<a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms">Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! </a>Stories that Spark Change and Creativity Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers. You can listen to <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'>Stories of Change and Creativity</a> on all major platforms. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'>let me know.</a> Check out <a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;reserved=0'>my TEDx talk</a>. Why you should take action - then figure it out. #change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset

<description>&lt;p&gt;If you’re a fan of &lt;em&gt;Outlander&lt;/em&gt;, the historical fiction series set in Scotland, like I am, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold, a literary scholar and historian known as the “Doctor of Outlander,” about her academic journey and career path.  We discuss how historical fiction can become public history — inviting people to connect with history beyond textbooks and classrooms.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;During this episode, you’ll learn how &lt;em&gt;Outlander&lt;/em&gt; and other historical fiction can build bridges between fans, public audiences, and academic inquiry. Alex also shares insights from her own path — from studying literature in Germany to completing a PhD in Scotland on &lt;em&gt;Outlander&lt;/em&gt; as public history.  You&amp;apos;ll hear how that journey reshaped her understanding of how stories can make reading and history more accessible for everyone.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;What You’ll Hear in This Episode&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;How historical fiction functions as public history&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why stories like &lt;em&gt;Outlander&lt;/em&gt; make history feel &lt;em&gt;accessible&lt;/em&gt; and emotionally resonant&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Dr. Alex Dold’s academic journey — from pursuing language and literature to transforming it into public-facing scholarship&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Practical ways listeners can continue engaging with history and reading outside formal academic spaces&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Why This Matters&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Historical fiction often gets dismissed as “just entertainment.” Alex’s work reframes it as public history.  It&amp;apos;s a way that everyday readers and viewers connect with the past and develop meaningful questions. This episode invites listeners to:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;see the &lt;em&gt;Outlander&lt;/em&gt; stories they love as gateways to learning,&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;recognize curiosity as a valid path to knowledge, and&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;think about how reading habits can lead to deeper exploration.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Guest Info&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://alexdold.com/'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold&lt;/b&gt; &lt;/a&gt;is a literary scholar and historian whose research focuses on historical fiction as public history. She completed her PhD in history examining the &lt;em&gt;Outlander&lt;/em&gt; novels at the &lt;a href='https://www.uhi.ac.uk/en/research-enterprise/cultural/centre-for-history/'&gt;University of the Highlands and Islands, Centre for History, Dornoch.  &lt;/a&gt;Dr. Dold explored the role of Outlander in shaping how people engage with history beyond traditional academic spaces. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can find out more about Dr. Dold and her scholarship below: &lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://alexdold.com/'&gt;https://alexdold.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Outlander&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dr. Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning The Outlander series.  You can learn more about about the series and Diana &lt;a href='https://dianagabaldon.com/wordpress/'&gt;here&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The final s&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms"&gt;Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Stories that Spark Change and Creativity&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can listen to &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'&gt;Stories of Change and Creativity&lt;/a&gt; on all major platforms. &lt;br/&gt;Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'&gt;let me know.&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Check out &lt;a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0'&gt;my &lt;b&gt;TEDx&lt;/b&gt; talk&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt;Why you should take action - then figure it out.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

If you’re a fan of Outlander, the historical fiction series set in Scotland, like I am, this episode is for you. In this conversation, I talk with Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold, a literary scholar and historian known as the “Doctor of Outlander,” about her academic journey and career path.  We discuss how historical fiction can become public history — inviting people to connect with history beyond textbooks and classrooms. During this episode, you’ll learn how Outlander and other historical ...

Outlander as Public History: Dr. Alex Dold on Making History and Reading Accessible

In this music-filled episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with singer-songwriter and education leader Dr. Candace Hastings to explore what it means to live a creative life of purpose.  They talk about identity, community, and meaning. Along the way, you’ll hear excerpts from Candace’s new album, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind,” songs shaped by memory, place, and belonging.<a href='https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/2248023'>Dr. Hastings</a> is the Associate Vice Provost for the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship at Texas State University, an acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter and a tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her Potawatomi name is Mskwagishgokwe [Red Sky Woman].  Candace shares how being adopted and later discovering her Indigenous heritage helped her come “full circle,” shaping both her leadership and her songwriting. This episode features excerpts of Candace’s music, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind.”What You’ll Learn in This Episode<ul><li>How Candace integrates creative practice and leadership in higher education</li><li>How identity and heritage shape her songwriting </li><li>The Potawatomi concept of mno-bmadzewen - walking in a good way on the earth—a life guided by balance, responsibility, and relationship with community and the land</li><li>Why curiosity and creativity are essential for learning, teaching, and innovation</li><li>How work and play overlap when your work is aligned with meaning </li></ul>Creativity and Letting the Song LeadCandace describes her musical genre as Americana—and says each song “tells her what it needs to be.” Sometimes that means swing (as in “Lone Star Christmas”) and sometimes it means a fully layered studio production.The song “Horses I Left Behind,” was written during Candace’s trips to Oklahoma where she deepened her connection to her Potawatomi roots. She told me that she later learned she drove past the cemetery where her grandmother was buried.  This gives special meaning to the song.  Candace has a new album coming out in spring 2026, featuring the following songs:<ul><li>Soft Place to Land (title track)</li><li>Horses I Left Behind</li><li>Love and Cowboys </li><li>It’s Too Damn Hot </li><li>Call Your Mama </li></ul>You can find out more about Candace Hastings and her music here:    <a href='https://www.candacehastings.com/'>https://www.candacehastings.com/</a> This episode was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of <a href='https://www.txst.edu/'>Texas State University.</a>   <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms">Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! </a>Stories that Spark Change and Creativity Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers. You can listen to <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'>Stories of Change and Creativity</a> on all major platforms. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'>let me know.</a> Check out <a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;reserved=0'>my TEDx talk</a>. Why you should take action - then figure it out. #change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset

<description>&lt;p&gt;In this music-filled episode of &lt;em&gt;Stories of Change and Creativity&lt;/em&gt;, Judy Oskam sits down with singer-songwriter and education leader Dr. Candace Hastings to explore what it means to live a creative life of purpose.  They talk about identity, community, and meaning. Along the way, you’ll hear excerpts from Candace’s new album, including &lt;em&gt;“Soft Place to Land”&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;“Horses I Left Behind,”&lt;/em&gt; songs shaped by memory, place, and belonging.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/2248023'&gt;Dr. Hastings&lt;/a&gt; is the Associate Vice Provost for the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship at Texas State University, an acclaimed Americana singer-songwriter and a tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Her Potawatomi name is Mskwagishgokwe [Red Sky Woman].  Candace shares how being adopted and later discovering her Indigenous heritage helped her come “full circle,” shaping both her leadership and her songwriting. This episode features excerpts of Candace’s music, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind.”&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;What You’ll Learn in This Episode&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;How Candace integrates creative practice and leadership in higher education&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How identity and heritage shape her songwriting &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;The Potawatomi concept of &lt;em&gt;mno-bmadzewen - &lt;/em&gt;walking in a good way on the earth—a life guided by balance, responsibility, and relationship with community and the land&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why curiosity and creativity are essential for learning, teaching, and innovation&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How work and play overlap when your work is aligned with meaning &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Creativity and Letting the Song Lead&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Candace describes her musical genre as Americana—and says each song “tells her what it needs to be.” Sometimes that means swing (as in “Lone Star Christmas”) and sometimes it means a fully layered studio production.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;The song “Horses I Left Behind,” was written during Candace’s trips to Oklahoma where she deepened her connection to her Potawatomi roots. She told me that she later learned she drove past the cemetery where her grandmother was buried.  This gives special meaning to the song.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Candace has a new album coming out in spring 2026, featuring the following songs:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Soft Place to Land (title track)&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Horses I Left Behind&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Love and Cowboys &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;It’s Too Damn Hot &lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Call Your Mama &lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can find out more about Candace Hastings and her music here:&lt;br/&gt; &lt;br/&gt; &lt;a href='https://www.candacehastings.com/'&gt;https://www.candacehastings.com/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This episode was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.txst.edu/'&gt;&lt;em&gt;Texas State University.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms"&gt;Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Stories that Spark Change and Creativity&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can listen to &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'&gt;Stories of Change and Creativity&lt;/a&gt; on all major platforms. &lt;br/&gt;Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'&gt;let me know.&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Check out &lt;a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0'&gt;my &lt;b&gt;TEDx&lt;/b&gt; talk&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt;Why you should take action - then figure it out.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

In this music-filled episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with singer-songwriter and education leader Dr. Candace Hastings to explore what it means to live a creative life of purpose.  They talk about identity, community, and meaning. Along the way, you’ll hear excerpts from Candace’s new album, including “Soft Place to Land” and “Horses I Left Behind,” songs shaped by memory, place, and belonging. Dr. Hastings is the Associate Vice Provost for the Center for...

Singer-Songwriter Candace Hastings on Creativity, Purpose, and Living a Good Way (Mno-Bmadzewen) 

What do you say when someone you love is dying—and you know your time together is limited? In this practical and compassionate episode, Judy Oskam talks with Dr. Maureen Keeley, a leading researcher on end-of-life communication, from Texas State University.  Dr. Maureen Keeley offers a research-based framework for anyone caring for an aging parent, supporting a loved one through illness, or anticipating loss.  Listeners will learn what matters most in end-of-life conversations and how small, everyday moments can become the memories that last a lifetime.What You’ll Learn in This Episode<ul><li>How to rethink “final conversations” so you don’t wait until it’s too late</li><li>Why there is no perfect goodbye</li><li>How everyday routines can provide comfort, meaning, and connection at the end of life</li><li>How these conversations help you, not just the person who is dying</li></ul> The Six Themes of Final Conversations (Research-Based)<ol><li>Love messages – expressing love, reassurance, affection, and presence</li><li>Identity messages – affirming strengths, values, and who someone has been in your life</li><li>Spiritual or religious messages – faith, meaning, beliefs about death or the afterlife</li><li>Everyday talk – routine conversations, humor, shared activities, normal life</li><li>Healing difficult relationships – addressing unresolved tension, softening anger, finding peace</li><li>Taking care of the business of death and dying – wishes, living wills, memorial plans, passwords, and practical guidance</li></ol><a href='https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/1921414'>Dr. Maureen Keeley</a> is a Professor of Interpersonal Communication at Texas State University.  She has studied end-of-life communication for more than two decades.  You can find Dr. Keeley and Dr. Yingling&apos;s book below: <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Good-Goodbye-Transformative-Power-Conversation/dp/1401980155'>The Good Goodbye:  The Transformative Power of Conversation at the End of Life</a> by Maureen P. Kelley, Ph.D. and Julie M. Yingling, Ph.D. This episode was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of <a href='https://www.txst.edu/'>Texas State University.</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms">Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! </a>Stories that Spark Change and Creativity Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers. You can listen to <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'>Stories of Change and Creativity</a> on all major platforms. Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please <a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'>let me know.</a> Check out <a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;reserved=0'>my TEDx talk</a>. Why you should take action - then figure it out. #change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset

<description>&lt;p&gt;What do you say when someone you love is dying—and you know your time together is limited? In this practical and compassionate episode, Judy Oskam talks with Dr. Maureen Keeley, a leading researcher on end-of-life communication, from Texas State University.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dr. Maureen Keeley offers a research-based framework for anyone caring for an aging parent, supporting a loved one through illness, or anticipating loss.  Listeners will learn what matters most in end-of-life conversations and how small, everyday moments can become the memories that last a lifetime.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;What You’ll Learn in This Episode&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;How to rethink “final conversations” so you don’t wait until it’s too late&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Why there is no perfect goodbye&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How everyday routines can provide comfort, meaning, and connection at the end of life&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;How these conversations help &lt;em&gt;you&lt;/em&gt;, not just the person who is dying&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;b&gt;The Six Themes of Final Conversations (Research-Based)&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ol&gt;&lt;li&gt;Love messages – expressing love, reassurance, affection, and presence&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Identity messages – affirming strengths, values, and who someone has been in your life&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Spiritual or religious messages – faith, meaning, beliefs about death or the afterlife&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Everyday talk – routine conversations, humor, shared activities, normal life&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Healing difficult relationships – addressing unresolved tension, softening anger, finding peace&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Taking care of the business of death and dying – wishes, living wills, memorial plans, passwords, and practical guidance&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ol&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://faculty.txst.edu/profile/1921414'&gt;&lt;b&gt;Dr. Maureen Keeley&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/a&gt; is a Professor of Interpersonal Communication at Texas State University.  She has studied end-of-life communication for more than two decades.  &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;You can find Dr. Keeley and Dr. Yingling&amp;apos;s book below: &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.amazon.com/Good-Goodbye-Transformative-Power-Conversation/dp/1401980155'&gt;The Good Goodbye:  The Transformative Power of Conversation at the End of Life&lt;/a&gt; by Maureen P. Kelley, Ph.D. and Julie M. Yingling, Ph.D. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;This episode was recorded at Live Oak Studios on the campus of &lt;/em&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.txst.edu/'&gt;&lt;em&gt;Texas State University.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/371849/open_sms"&gt;Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text! &lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Stories that Spark Change and Creativity&lt;br/&gt;&lt;/b&gt;Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;You can listen to &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/'&gt;Stories of Change and Creativity&lt;/a&gt; on all major platforms. &lt;br/&gt;Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please &lt;a href='https://www.changeandcreativity.com/guests/intake/'&gt;let me know.&lt;/a&gt; &lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Check out &lt;a href='https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D9MXx3cjha-I&amp;amp;data=05%7C02%7Coskam%40txstate.edu%7C167d6a77505c4a47839b08dd83614f92%7Cb19c134a14c94d4caf65c420f94c8cbb%7C0%7C0%7C638811176278182461%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;amp;sdata=dGkj4vjMiDTA67iNTQzVNFZwbwZfwBe4NggZCtbd1WY%3D&amp;amp;reserved=0'&gt;my &lt;b&gt;TEDx&lt;/b&gt; talk&lt;/a&gt;. &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt;Why you should take action - then figure it out.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset &lt;b&gt;&lt;em&gt; &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What do you say when someone you love is dying—and you know your time together is limited? In this practical and compassionate episode, Judy Oskam talks with Dr. Maureen Keeley, a leading researcher on end-of-life communication, from Texas State University.   Dr. Maureen Keeley offers a research-based framework for anyone caring for an aging parent, supporting a loved one through illness, or anticipating loss.  Listeners will learn what matters most in end-of-life conversations and ...

What to Say When Someone You Love Is Dying: The Good Goodbye with Dr. Maureen Keeley

A conversation podcast that explores the human side of creativity, careers, and life transitions. Featuring scholars, artists and changemakers reflecting on the turning points that shaped their lives and work. &nbsp;https://linktr.ee/judyoskam

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