The Rant Podcast

Send us Fan Mail The education landscape has transformed dramatically over the past six months, and we're only at the beginning of what promises to be a defining era for colleges and universities nationwide. As we wrap up Season 3 with our milestone 65th episode, we reflect on the seismic shifts reshaping higher education while looking ahead to even greater disruption in 2025 and beyond. Thro...

Send us Fan Mail The higher education landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with a new focus on measuring value and ensuring economic mobility for students. In this revealing conversation with Kelly McManus, Vice President of Higher Education at Arnold Ventures, we explore the reconciliation bill currently moving through Congress and its far-reaching implications for colleges, univers...

Send us Fan Mail The American higher education system stands at a crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges that threaten its very foundation. In this revealing conversation, Eloy Ortiz Oakley sits down with Ted Mitchell, President of the American Council on Education (ACE), to discuss how colleges and universities across the country are responding to these threats. Mitchell, whose organization...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when artificial intelligence meets human connection? Magic, according to Andrew (Drew) Magliozzi, CEO and co-founder of Mainstay. In this eye-opening conversation from the ASU GSV Summit, Drew reveals the surprising secret behind effective AI in education: human involvement. After a decade of deploying conversational AI to support college students, Mainstay discovered...

Send us Fan Mail Ellie Bertani, CEO of GitLab Foundation, revolutionizes philanthropy with a data-driven approach that puts measurable economic impact at the center of every grant decision. This eye-opening conversation reveals how GitLab Foundation aims to generate at least $100 in increased earnings for every dollar they invest – a "North Star 100X goal" that guides their work across t...

Send us Fan Mail When higher education comes under attack, who stands up to defend its core mission? In this compelling conversation, Chancellor John King of the State University of New York brings his unique perspective as a former high school teacher, Secretary of Education under President Obama, and leader of a major education advocacy organization to address the most pressing challenges facing...

Send us Fan Mail The drumbeat against higher education continues to grow louder. In this revealing conversation with Janet Napolitano—former Arizona Governor, Secretary of Homeland Security under President Obama, and President of the University of California—we explore the existential threats facing America's great research universities. Janet pulls no punches when discussing the political he...

Send us Fan Mail Republican political consultant Mike Madrid joins host Eloy Ortiz-Oakley to examine the seismic shifts occurring in American democracy through the unique lens of Latino voter behavior. As co-founder of the Lincoln Project and author of "The Latino Century," Madrid brings data-driven insights that challenge conventional wisdom about minority voting patterns. The conversat...

Send us Fan Mail The pursuit of higher education has always been seen as a pathway to success, but how effectively are colleges serving low and moderate-income students? In this episode, we engage with Michael Itzkowitz to unveil the California Mobility Index, a new tool that examines how various institutions rank in terms of creating genuine opportunities for their students. The Mobility Index se...

Send us Fan Mail What if the challenges plaguing the edtech sector are actually opportunities in disguise? Join us as we welcome Phil Hill, the publisher of the On EdTech newsletter, who offers a wealth of insights into the complexities of the education technology landscape. Together, we tackle the financial struggles of major players like 2U and Anthology while uncovering the potential for stabil...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how immersive, real-world learning can redefine higher education? Join us as we engage with Brandon Busteed, the innovative CEO of BrandEd, as he unravels the transformative power of work-based learning, especially during disruptive times like the Trump years ahead. Brandon shares his unique vision for BrandEd since his 2024 appointment, highlighting partnerships wit...

Send us Fan Mail This episode delves into the transformative changes in higher education under the Biden Administration, featuring insights from Undersecretary of Education James Kvaal. Key topics include student loan forgiveness achievements, the simplification of FAFSA, and the future of education amidst emerging technologies and political challenges. • Highlights the significant accomplishments...

Send us Fan Mail The future of higher education faces uncertainty as 2025 approaches, emphasizing the need for innovation, inclusivity, and economic mobility. The episode discusses the critical role of artificial intelligence, the challenges rejective institutions will face, and the ongoing fight for equity. • Reflection on 2024 achievements and past guests  • Challenges and opportunities for high...

Send us Fan Mail Join Eloy Ortiz-Oakley for an interesting conversation with Bijal Shah, the trailblazing CEO of Guild, as we unravel the company's transformative journey in reshaping talent development. Want to uncover how a mailroom employee discovered their true potential as a pharmacy technician? This episode reveals the secret sauce behind Guild's innovative coaching services that u...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the key to higher education's future as we dissect the post-2024 election landscape with me, Eloy Ortiz-Oakley, on the Rant Podcast. This episode promises to unravel the pressing demand for transparency and career alignment within the education sector, highlighting the vital shifts needed to match academic offerings with the economic ambitions of today's students....

Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative journey of Alliant International University with insights from Andy Vaughn, its President and CEO, as he unveils the institution's strategic focus on professional practice degrees in mental health, nursing, and teaching, all designed for state licensure. Andy shares the university’s storied legacy of inclusivity and social justice, along with its e...

Send us Fan Mail What if the future of higher education doesn't lie in reinventing the wheel, but in reimagining who the wheel serves? Join me for an insightful conversation with Dr. Lisa Vollendorf, president of Empire State University, where we tackle this compelling question head-on. As a trailblazer in the SUNY system, Dr. Vollendorf shares how Empire State is setting new standards for on...

Send us Fan Mail Can higher education be the key to economic mobility for low and moderate-income learners in California? In our latest episode, we welcome back Michael Itzkowitz from the HEA Group to delve into this pressing question. Uncover the surprising findings of his latest report with the College Futures Foundation, "California Programs that Pay: Measuring Return on Investment Across...

Send us Fan Mail Discover a groundbreaking approach to teacher education as Dr. Mallory Palish, former chancellor of REACH University and CEO of Craft Education, unveils her innovative solutions to the pressing challenges in academia. This episode promises to enlighten listeners on how REACH University’s apprenticeship model is bridging the gap between higher education and the teacher labor market...

Send us Fan Mail Hollywood film producer Scott Budnick, known for blockbusters like the Hangover Trilogy and Just Mercy, shares his journey from making hits to transforming lives through prison reform. What triggered a successful Hollywood producer to dedicate his life to mentoring incarcerated youth? Scott reveals the heart-wrenching encounters that steered him down this path and how his collabor...

Send us Fan Mail What if setbacks could actually fuel your success? This week on The Rant Podcast, we kick off season three with the extraordinary Tim Storey, a global thought leader and life strategist known for his transformative impact. We unravel the complexities of the mental health crisis in higher education and provide valuable insights for college students navigating obstacles. Tim undersc...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to lead a university through two decades of transformative change? Join us as Paul LeBlanc, the former president of Southern New Hampshire University, unpacks his remarkable 21-year tenure. Recorded at the ASU GSV Summit in San Diego, Paul opens up about his decision to step down, the growth of SNHU under his leadership, and his vision for the future. You'll...

Send us Fan Mail What if the future of higher education is already here, driven by cutting-edge technology and strategic innovation? In this episode, we sit down with Laura Ipsen, CEO of Ellucian, live from the bustling ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego. Laura provides a front-row seat to the pivotal conversations reshaping higher education. From the integration of AI to enhance learning outcomes and st...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to unlock the future of higher education as we sit down with Dr. Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University, at the 14th ASU+GSV Summit. Discover how pioneering technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are revolutionizing the learning landscape. With two decades at the helm of ASU, Dr. Crow shares his insights on democratizing education and using tech to...

Send us Fan Mail Get behind the data and value of higher education as I engage in a focused conversation with Michael Itzkowitz of the HEA Group. Together, we dissect the College Futures Foundation commissioned "Golden Opportunities" report, delving into the intricacies of California's higher education investments and what they mean for students from low-to-moderate-income economic...