Creative Journeys

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie sit down with Tarah Loy-Ash, Associate Professor in Southern’s Department of Recreation, Tourism, and Sport Management, for a conversation about creativity, care, and the human need for connection. Tarah shares the story behind Southern’s Memory Cafe, a community-centered program that supports caregivers and loved ones living with Alzhe...

This is the fifth of five episodes of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work. In this conversation, SCSU students Steven and Isaac reflect on physics, engineering, musi...

This fourth of five episode of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work.  In this conversation, SCSU students Gisela and Joel share their perspectives from inside th...

This third of five episode of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work.  In this conversation, Jamai Scarlett reflects on his journey from Jamaica to Southern Connec...

This second of five episode of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work.  In this conversation, Melissa Jagrosse reflects on her journey from SCSU alum to Ph. D. sci...

This first of five episode of Creative Journeys recorded live at the Spring 2026 Bridging Pathways Conference, hosted by the SCSU Innovation Hub, where students, educators, and professionals came together to explore creativity, mentorship, leadership, and the many pathways that shape meaningful work.  In this conversation, Marcus Paca reflects on his own nonlinear career journey, from marketi...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Steven Brady joins the conversation to explore creativity through the lens of science, curiosity, and the natural world. As he reflects on his work studying wood frogs and the environmental pressures they face, the discussion opens into bigger questions about research, discovery, and what it means to follow ideas wherever they lead. It’s a thoughtful ep...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie sit down with Peter Dimoulas, Program Administrator for Southern’s Innovation Hub, to talk about creativity where you might not expect it: in science, technology, and workforce development. Peter shares how the Innovation Hub connects students, faculty, and industry partners, helping ideas move from classroom curiosity to real-world pos...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie sit down with Dr.  Jesse Gleason , Associate Professor of Spanish in the World Languages and Literatures Department at Southern Connecticut State University, for a conversation that explores creativity through language, technology, and cultural connection. Jesse shares her path from studying linguistics in Chile to earning her doct...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie welcome Dr.  Andrew Parzyck , PT instructor in the Communication, Media, and Screen Studies Department at Southern Connecticut State University, for a conversation about creativity in teaching, learning, and classroom culture. Andrew shares his path from SCSU undergraduate to doctoral scholar, opening up about the importance of adu...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie welcome artist and Southern Connecticut alum  Carolyn Cody  for a conversation about finding creativity in unexpected places—from the neural patterns of the brain to the intricate beauty of sliced vegetables. Carolyn shares how her path from painting to design reflects a lifelong curiosity about art, science, and the connectio...

In this special kickoff to Season 2 of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie return to the studio to reflect on summer adventures, share stories of unexpected travel experiences, and set the stage for what’s ahead. This season, the podcast expands its scope—moving beyond faculty spotlights to explore bigger themes of creativity with students, professionals, and voices from across disciplines....

In the season finale of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie welcome two guests—sculptor Jeff Slomba and experimental filmmaker Derek Taylor —for a wide-ranging conversation about how creativity evolves over time, across disciplines, and through&nbs...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie sit down with Dr. Jess Gregory, Chair of the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department at Southern Connecticut State University, for a candid conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and the often messy path to becoming a leader. Jess shares her winding journey from classical studies to advertising to education, and how...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie sit down with Bill Farley, archaeologist and Associate Professor at Southern Connecticut State University, for a conversation that digs deep into the unexpected intersections of&...

In this inspiring episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie talk with Dr. KC Councilor, a professor in the Communication, Media, and Screen Studies Department at Southern Connecticut State University, about how comics became an unexpected and transformative part of his life and academic journey. KC shares how discovering drawing in his mid-30s—thanks to the influence of artist and educ...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie sit down with Dr. Lauren Tucker, an expert in assistive technology and special education, to explore how creativity enhances accessibility and learning. Dr. Tucker shares how adaptive tools—from switch-activated toys to tactile coloring books—help individuals of all abilities engage more fully with the world around them. The conversatio...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie welcome Dr. Miriah Kelly, an environmental scientist and professor at Southern Connecticut State University, to explore the intersection of creativity, science, and our connection to the natural world. Dr. Kelly shares her work on the  Ocean Identity Initiative , a project that examines the emotional and social connections people h...

Creative Journeys  is back! After a brief hiatus, Dave and Melanie return with fresh ideas, a new approach, and exciting plans for the future of the podcast. In this special episode, they reflect on past conversations, discuss their evolving vision, and invite listeners to be a part of the journey by sharing topic ideas and feedback. They also introduce upcoming changes, including the additio...

In this episode of *Creative Journeys*, Dave and Melanie welcome Dr. Maria Krol, Chair of the Nursing Department at Southern Connecticut State University, to discuss how creativity shapes healthcare and nursing education. Dr. Krol shares her inspiring journey from Peru to becoming a trailblazer in her field, emphasizing her commitment to mentorship, diversity, and innovative problem-solving. The c...

**Episode 4: Featuring Mike Skinner – The Art of Sound Design and Creativity in Theater** In this episode of *Creative Journeys*, Dave and Melanie sit down with Mike Skinner, Chair of the Theater Department at Southern Connecticut State University, to explore the intersection of sound design, storytelling, and the creative process. Mike shares his journey from musician to sound designer, recountin...

In this episode of Creative Journeys , hosts Dave and Melanie are joined by Dr. Zara Waldman DeLuca, a speech-language therapist and dedicated researcher committed to empowering young children, particularly those with hearing loss, through creative approaches to language and literacy. Dr. DeLuca shares her unique perspective on working with families and children with disabilities, emphasizing a ho...

In this episode of Creative Journeys , hosts Dave and Melanie are joined by Dr. Braxton Kerrigan, Professor of Mathematics at Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Kerrigan shares his unexpected journey into mathematics, explaining how his initial love for sports evolved into a passion for exploring the deeper truths behind mathematical concepts. He emphasizes that math is far more than solvi...

In this episode of  Creative Journeys , Dave and Melanie welcome Nicole Henderson, Director of the First Year Experience Program at Southern Connecticut State University, to discuss the role of creativity in higher education. Nicole reflects on how her work with first-year students and faculty involves rethinking traditional approaches to teaching and learning, particularly in creating progra...

In this engaging episode of  Creative Journeys , hosts Melanie and Dave dive into the complexities of the creative process. They share personal stories about overcoming creative blocks and navigating self-doubt, reminding us that these struggles are a universal part of being an artist or creative professional. Discover how Dave finds inspiration through relaxing activities like puzzles and Le...