The Academy Podcast

What if everything that feels like learning is actually working against you? Dr. Mark Guadagnoli sits down with Dr. Bob Bjork and Dr. Elizabeth Bjork, the married power couple behind some of the most influential research in the science of learning. Bob is a member of the National Academy of Sciences; Elizabeth was just elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Together they’ve spent 50...

Is AI ruining education or could it be the best thing to happen to it in decades? Dr. Mark Guadagnoli talks with Dr. Chad Lane (University of Illinois, director of the $20M NSF-funded Invite Institute) about nearly 30 years working at the intersection of AI and learning. From building AI museum guides at USC to teaching astrophysics through Minecraft.

Neuroscientist Dr. Thad Polk (University of Michigan) joins Dr. Mark Guadagnoli to explain why aging isn't all decline, it's a process we have real control over. They discuss why brains "de-differentiate" with age, the role of GABA, how exercise and diet reshape brain structure, why addiction is biology (not moral failure), a wild goose-and-volleyball study on "supernormal stimuli," AI's impact on...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Jack Feldman, a pioneer in neuroscience and how it connects to our breathing. He is the David Geffen School of Medicine Distinguished Professor of Neurobiology at UCLA, recipient of the Hodgkin–Huxley–Katz Prize, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. His lab has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers, including landmark 2016 an...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Marvin Chun, one of the world's leading cognitive neuroscientist. He's the Richard M. Colgate Professor of psychology at Yale University and a former dean of Yale College. In this conversation, we explore attention, memory, context, the brain report card, and what neuroscience can teach us about seeing ourselves and the world around us.

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Barbara Atkinson, founding Dean of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, about her career and the development of the medical school. Dr. Atkinson discusses what she is most proud of, including building a medical school focused on community, diversity, and service, and educating students who want to make a difference. She talks about her early interest in...

In this episode we chat with Entrepreneur and visionary Tristan Walker. He is the founder of Walker & Company and one of TIME’s 100 Next Leaders. Dr. Mark Guadagnoli and Tristan have a fantastic conversation about values, legacy, and stability. Tristan opens up about his remarkable journey from growing up in Queens to Wall Street, Stanford, and Silicon Valley. He shares lessons he’s learned ab...

In this episode Dr. Mark Guadagnoli connects with Amy Weiss, Founder/CEO, Weiss Public Affairs. Amy shares stories from her time steps away from the Oval Office, advising high-profile cultural icons, and elevating safety in professional sports. We explore how she’s stayed grounded through it all, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the thread of purpose that drives her.

In this episode Dr. Mark Guadagnoli chats with Joann Strobbe, Executive Associate Dean for Administration at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine. They discuss physician finances, the impact of AI on healthcare, and efforts to improve the quality of care in Southern Nevada. Gain valuable insights into the future of healthcare and how innovation is shaping the region.

This week, Dr. Mark Guadagnoli sits down with the trailblazing Dr. Joe Thornton, an associate professor at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV and the first full-time colon and rectal surgeon in Nevada. 🏥✨ Discover Dr. Thornton’s inspiring journey to becoming a pioneering physician, the hurdles he faced along the way, and his invaluable advice for aspiring surgeons. Plus, dive into a c...

Join us for the latest episode of The Academy podcast , where host Dr. Mark Guadagnoli sits down with Dr. Navdeep Singh, the Chief Medical Officer for the Las Vegas Raiders at the NFL. They delve into the rapid growth of sports and sports medicine in Las Vegas, explore the latest advancements in sports medicine technology, and share Dr. Singh's journey to working in the National Football League. D...

In this episode, our host Dr. Mark Guadagnoli and Dr. Jeffrey Cummings discuss the human cost of Alzheimer’s Disease, the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s treatment research, lifestyle advice for Alzheimer’s prevention, and the future of Alzheimer’s care. Dr. Jeffrey Cummings is a Research Professor at UNLV and Director of the Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience.

In this episode of The Academy Podcast, Dr. Mark Guadagnoli sits down with Dr. Daniel Schacter, professor of psychology at Harvard University and author of The Seven Sins of Memory, a 2001 New York Times Notable Book of the Year. Dr. Schacter shares insights from his research on human memory and discusses the many factors that effect the accuracy our memories. He also shares how we can utilize wha...

In this episode of The Academy Podcast, Dr. Mark Guadagnoli sits down with Dean Marc Kahn, dean of the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV and vice president for health affairs at UNLV.  The dean shares his insights on the future of medical education, how to address the physician shortage in Nevada, and how Las Vegas can become a hub for sport's medicine in the country.

In this episode of The Academy Podcast Dr. Mark Guadagnoli sits down with Mason Van Houweling, CEO at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, NV. Mason shares his insights on leadership, healthcare in Nevada, and his path to UMC. The Academy is a podcast and program within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV with a mission to improve the lives of all those associated with the school...

This special episode of The Academy Podcast is hosted by our first guest host, Dr. Irma Corral. Dr. Corral is the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health at Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. In this episode  In this episode Dr. Corral chats with Dr. Annie Weisman, the Director of Well-Being & Integrative Med...

In this episode, our conversation is with Dr. Mario Gaspar de Alba, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician specializing in autism spectrum disorder. Our conversation with Mario spans from autism to its surprising ties with DEI to favorite superheroes. You'll also learn more about how Mario's life journey has led him to his medical practice. The Academy is a podcast and program within the Kirk Ker...

In this episode, our conversation is with Branden Collinsworth, Nike Global coach and founder of Warrior Retreats. Our podcast with Branden spans from Las Vegas, to Peru, to journeying inward and reaching your greatest potential. The Academy is a podcast and program within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV with a mission to improve the lives of all those associated with the school thro...

In this episode, our conversation is with Cam MacDougall, trauma-release breathwork specialist and founder and CEO of Inbodied Elite Coaching. Our conversation with Cam spans from the science and art of breathwork to trauma release to what it takes to transform and grow. You'll also learn more about how Cam's life journey has been one of profound transformation.  The Academy is a podcast and progr...

Presenting The Academy podcast, a program within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV with a mission to improve the lives of all those associated with the school through education, information, and some cool stories.  In this episode, our conversation is with Dr. Richard Baynosa, professor and chair of the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Me...

Presenting The Academy podcast, a program within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV with a mission to improve the lives of all those associated with the school through education, information, and some cool stories.  It is our pleasure to share with you the third and final episode of our Women in Leadership roundtable series moderated by Kristin Steffen-Zonsius, former Senior Director of...

Presenting The Academy podcast, a program within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV with a mission to improve the lives of all those associated with the school through education, information, and some cool stories.  It is our pleasure to share with you the second episode of our Women in Leadership roundtable series moderated by Kristin Steffen-Zonsius, former Senior Director of Faculty...

Presenting The Academy podcast, a program within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV with a mission to improve the lives of all those associated with the school through education, information, and some cool stories.  It is our pleasure to share with you the first episode of our Women in Leadership roundtable series moderated by Kristin Steffen-Zonsius, former Senior Director of Faculty A...

Presenting The Academy podcast, a program within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV with a mission to improve the lives of all those associated with the school through education, information, and some cool stories.  In this episode, our conversation is with Dr. Irma Corral, Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine and Jay Guilford...

Presenting The Academy podcast, a program within the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV with a mission to improve the lives of all those associated with the school through education and information. In this episode we have Dr. Charles St. Hill, surgical oncologist and chair of the department of surgery. Dr. St. Hill discusses the certainty of a cancer surgeon, the uncertainty of medical stu...