Far and Widener

Widener student Anthony Pompilii interviews Dr. Lise Deguire, author of Flashback Girl: Lessons on Resilience from a Burn Survivor about her experience as a TEDx speaker. Deguire’s TEDx Talk “SCARRED Not Scary” confronts the prevailing stereotypes in movies and other media of disfigured people as evil villains and pathetic creatures. These depictions have serious negative consequences, creating bi...

Greg Potter interviews Doug Wolfberg about his new book The Beatles Fab but True: Remarkable Stories Revealed. Both Potter and Wolfberg are avid Beatles fans and passionate musicians. Wolfberg shares some fascinating Beatles information, including how Liberace’s lawyer cost the Beatles approximately 100 million dollars and how the Beatles created an infamous painting together while sequestered dur...

It is the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, and Greg Potter interviews Delaware Law School Dean Todd Clark about his expertise with Hip Hop culture and law. Clark defines Hip Hop as a function of black culture, and they discuss how Clark's Hip Hop law class establishes belonging and provides a sense of comfort and of having a place. Clark notes that Hip Hop artists like André 3000, Jay-Z, and Dr. D...

In 2023, Widener University welcomed its largest and most diverse incoming undergraduate class in its history. Greg Potter interviews Widener’s Vice President of Enrollment Joseph Howard on the efforts, strategy, and drivers that led to Widener’s recruitment success. They also discuss trends in university admissions, student loans and financial aid, the value and cost of higher education—including...

In this episode, Marcus Bagby interviews Amy Franzini, a Widener communication studies professor and a research expert who focuses on popular media. They discuss how caregivers can intentionally watch television and movies with their children, tweens, and teens to help build healthy relationships, find teachable moments, and create a safe space to communicate about difficult issues. They look at t...

Greg Potter interviews Dante DiBattista, author of The Transformational Leadership Experience , host of The Pursuit of Self-Actualization Podcast, inspirational speaker, consultant, and transformational leadership coach. Dante is listed as one of the "8 Top Leadership Coaches to Follow in 2023" by LA Weekly . In this episode, Dante and Greg discuss the need to make higher education more...

Marcus Bagby interviews Fred Akl, now-retired dean of Widener's School of Engineering. Akl led engineering at Widener University for a quarter of a century. They discuss the challenges in academia surrounding STEM, how the creation of Living-Learning Communities on campus increased retention and supported engineering students in all areas of life, and how Akl spearheaded ground-breaking engine...

In this episode, Greg Potter interviews Domenic Colasante, CEO and a founding member of 2X—a pioneering offshore B2B (business-to-business) marketing firm. Before founding 2X, Domenic held several marketing leadership positions with SAP, Siemens, and WGroup. He is also a Widener Board of Trustees member and an alumnus. Greg and Domenic discuss artificial intelligence (AI), especially how it benefi...

In this episode, Marcus Bagby interviews John Vanore, an alumnus, director of Widener's Jazz Ensemble, and Widener Artist in Residence. John is also the head of Abstract Truth, an award-winning band formed in the 80s that combines the intimacy of a small group with the power of a big band. John's fascinating story begins with his interests in engineering and science and how those interests...

Widener student Anthony Pompilii interviews Professor Robert Reutter, director of Widener's Lone Brick Theatre Company, and Luis Aguilar, a Widener biomedical engineering alumnus and longtime member of Lone Brick. They discuss Lone Brick's 10th anniversary and growth over the years, immersive theater and audience participation, and how theatrical productions have had to adapt and change during and...

In this Far and Widener interview, Marcus Bagby interviews Anthony Wheeler, dean of Widener's School of Business Administration, and Jill Alspach, a Widener MBA alumna, adjunct professor, and managing partner of Spock Logistics. They discuss the 4th industrial revolution and the future of work, including how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation will impact industry and workers...

In this Far and Widener interview, Greg Potter interviews Widener University President Stacey Robertson. She reflects on what attracted her to Widener, her first 100 days here, the opportunities and challenges that Widener faces in the future, including the upcoming enrollment cliff faced by all institutions of higher learning, the national discussion about the cost of higher education and the act...