The Everyday Scholar

Discover the bond between colonialism and the popularity of classical music. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson explains the role colonialism played in the expansion of classical music influences across the globe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Evolving your writing skills is integral to communicating well. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson discusses the elements of good writing and how to develop your writing expertise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are more than 500 million Spanish speakers in the world.   In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to faculty member Carolina Ghanem-Cameron about how the world is evolving and the Spanish language and culture are constantly evolving along with it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reading works of literature considered rebellious and “outside the canon” of the time period can provide immense cultural insight. In the third and final part of this series, APU’s Dr. Jaclyn Fowler talks to professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the semi-autobiographical book “ Our Nig: or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black ” by Harriet Wilson published in 1859, but only unco...

An in-depth exploration of critical thinking in the college sphere. In this episode, APU's Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to James Lendvay about the role critical thinking plays in the college curriculum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the best ways to use social media tools to attract and engage audiences consistently. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Aikyna Finch about how she developed her social media presence and following. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to send shockwaves around the world. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Karolina Kopczynski shares her personal story of growing up in communist Poland and sheds some light on the geopolitical turmoil that has affected the region for decades. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of "The Everyday Scholar," APU’s Dr. Bjorn Mercer speaks to faculty member Martin Ponti about America’s continuing hesitation to accept bilingualism – and the importance of changing the nation’s direction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Everyday Scholar, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks with APU faculty member James Lendvay about the arguments for – and against – earning a college degree in America. How do society, economics, traditions, the media and other entities play into a young person’s decision to seek higher education?   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reading works of literature considered rebellious and “outside the canon” of the time period can provide immense cultural insight. In the second part of this series, APU’s Dr. Jaclyn Fowler talks to professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the semi-autobiographical book “ Our Nig: or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black ” by Harriet Wilson published in 1853, but only uncovered in...

Reading works of literature considered rebellious and “outside the canon” of the time period can provide immense cultural insight. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Jaclyn Fowler talks to professor and author Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the semi-autographical book, “Our Nig” by Harriet Wilson published in 1853, but only uncovered in 1996. Learn what this book reveals about sexuality, religion, race...

Hiring managers and HR professionals often have misconceptions about the value veterans and military servicemembers can bring to an organization. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to veteran and speaker, Wes O’Donnell, about the three most common myths about veterans. Learn about the benefits of military service, how to translate military skills to the civilian workforce, and much more. Host...

Hear from graduates and faculty members as they celebrate the classes of 2020, 2021, 2022! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Song lyrics are powerful and transformative. In this episode, Dr. Jackie Fowler talks to APU professor and author L.K. Silva about the song lyrics of Lady Gaga and Sam Smith. Learn how songs can promote self-acceptance and the acceptance of others regardless of differences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is digital wellbeing and why is it so important in today’s world? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU communications professor Nicole Rothenay about how to manage a healthy technology relationship. Learn how to monitor and moderate use of digital devices, apps and tools to help bring awareness about usage, and how digital wellbeing is directly tied to overall health and wellbeing.&...

What are social media influencers and what role to they play in marketing? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU communications professor Dr. Amanda McClain about the growth of social media influencers. Learn about the influence of these parasocial relationships, how someone becomes a social media influencer, how they make money, and the difficulties of being a content creator. Hosted on...

History provides significant perspective, especially regarding conflicts. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to professor and retired Marine Dr. Larry Parker about the war in Ukraine. Learn about the history of the region and hear why, from the Russian’s perspective, Ukraine is so desirable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fascism as a concept has existed since there have been humans. The word was applied more specifically with the advent of fascism in the 20th century, but the roots go back thousands of years. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU’s Dr. Terrence Threadwell about the legacy of Plato’s “The Republic” and fascism throughout history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...

In this episode, Dr. Jackie Fowler talks to APU English professor and author L.K. Silva about Maya Angelou’s poem, “Phenomenal Woman.” Learn how this poem applies to the challenges women face today, the importance of self-confidence among everyone, women and men alike, and why it’s so important to build a world of inclusivity to lift all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

On this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Dr. Jaclyn Fowler, Department Chair of APU’s English Department, about the Russo-Ukrainian War and how it compares to the way the Soviet Union was run during the Cold War. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why did Putin invade Ukraine now? What is his goal and motivation? No one really knows, despite endless speculation in the media. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU political science professor Dr. Thomas Kelly about how the invasion of Ukraine has been influenced by the media. Listen to this engaging discussion about who’s more trustworthy, the American media or Russian media? Why do A...

Earning a college degree can be expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost. In this episode, APU’s Dr. Aikyna Finch talks to author Dr. Ouida McAfee about unique and easy ways to minimize the cost of a degree. Hear tips such as creating an academic plan by studying the academic catalog, testing out of courses, maximizing transfer credits, and taking advantage of university services. Also hea...

What is the best process for writing a scholarly paper for a college class? In this episode, Dr. Oliver Hedgepeth talks with Susan Hoffman, the University’s Quality Assurance Editor, about how to write research papers. Learn some useful tips about how to write a research paper and the resources available to University students. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Recent controversy has highlighted the importance of proper representation for Native American and indigenous peoples. In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to Nicole Nesberg, APU history faculty and a member of the Sault tribe. Learn about name changes of two major sporting teams and the need for open conversation about representation as well as the appointment of Native Americans like Deb Haal...

Black History Month is a time to explore the many contributions of Black people to American culture. But do people tend to focus on all the extraordinary accomplishments and leave out the struggles and ongoing inequities? In this episode, Dr. Bjorn Mercer talks to APU professor Dr. Jennifer Fisch-Ferguson about the value of learning about Black history in a holistic way that includes talking about...