In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice from our very first season—Dr. Dale Wesson. Known for his insightful and candid perspectives, Dr. Wesson joins us for a thought-provoking (and perhaps a bit controversial) discussion on the coveted R-1 designation in higher education.

Drawing from his recent opinion piece in Inside Higher Ed, Dr. Wesson unpacks the implications of the updated criteria for the Carnegie Classification and what “R-1” should truly signify for colleges and universities. We explore how this redefinition could reshape institutional priorities, impact funding and prestige, and influence the broader mission of higher education.

Whether you’re in academia, policy, or simply curious about how these classifications drive competition and change, this conversation challenges assumptions and invites you to think critically about the future of research universities

In this milestone 100th episode rebroadcast, we revisit an inspiring conversation with Dr. Calvin Mackie — engineer, entrepreneur, author, and the dynamic founder and CEO of STEM Global Action, formerly known as STEM NOLA.

Born out of a vision to bring hands-on STEM education to the youth of New Orleans, STEM NOLA has grown into a national movement, impacting communities across the country through STEM Global Action. Dr. Mackie shares how a simple mission — to inspire, engage, and expose K–12 students to science, technology, engineering, and math — has evolved into a powerful force for equity, empowerment, and education.

In this episode, Dr. Mackie reflects on the early days of STEM NOLA, the challenges of scaling a grassroots effort, and what drives him to keep pushing forward. His passion for creating opportunities where none existed before is both contagious and deeply moving.

Tune in to celebrate this landmark episode with us and be reminded of the transformative power of purpose-driven leadership in STEM education.

In this reflective solo episode of STEMulating Conversations, we pause for a personal check-in with a powerful reminder: time is our most valuable resource. Titled "A Note to Self", this episode unpacks the real meaning behind work-life integration—not balance—and the necessity of aligning our actions with what truly matters.

With candid honesty, we explore how to manage the many demands on our time without losing ourselves in the hustle. You'll hear a fresh perspective on three timeless truths:
⏳ Time is Equal – Everyone gets 24 hours.
♻️ Time is Nonrenewable – Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
💰 Time is Money – So how are you spending it?