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 2026 deadly Central Texas flooding.

In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam talks with Dino Chiecchi, associate professor of practice at Texas State University. He'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 matters

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 more information.

You can learn more about Professor Chiecchi's book here:
Josue: A Young Man's Life Lost to Suicide.

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Stories that Spark Change and Creativity

Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.

You can listen to Stories of Change and Creativity on all major platforms.

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Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset

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 Sherock

Tony 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.

https://www.habitstohealthcoach.com/

You can find Tony Sherock on Facebook, Instagram, & Skool:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1605709083060117

https://www.instagram.com/tonysherock_habits_to_health/

https://www.skool.com/the-habit-hub

Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text!

Stories that Spark Change and Creativity
Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.

You can listen to Stories of Change and Creativity on all major platforms.
Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know.

Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset

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'll hear how that journey reshaped her understanding of how stories can make reading and history more accessible for everyone.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How historical fiction functions as public history
• Why stories like Outlander make history feel accessible and emotionally resonant
• Dr. Alex Dold’s academic journey — from pursuing language and literature to transforming it into public-facing scholarship
• Practical ways listeners can continue engaging with history and reading outside formal academic spaces

Why This Matters

Historical fiction often gets dismissed as “just entertainment.” Alex’s work reframes it as public history. It's a way that everyday readers and viewers connect with the past and develop meaningful questions. This episode invites listeners to:

• see the Outlander stories they love as gateways to learning,
• recognize curiosity as a valid path to knowledge, and
• think about how reading habits can lead to deeper exploration.

Guest Info

Dr. Alexandra “Alex” Dold 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 University of the Highlands and Islands, Centre for History, Dornoch. 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:
https://alexdold.com/

Outlander

Dr. Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning The Outlander series. You can learn more about about the series and Diana here.

The final

Did you enjoy this episode? send me a text!

Stories that Spark Change and Creativity
Join me for conversations with students, artists, professors, entrepreneurs, writers and everyday change makers.

You can listen to Stories of Change and Creativity on all major platforms.
Do you have an idea for a guest interview? Please let me know.

Check out my TEDx talk. Why you should take action - then figure it out.

#change #creativity #personalgrowth #creativemindset