The Rant Podcast

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...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the full potential  within the millions of Americans who have stepped away from higher education. Join the conversation with Tara Crews, the CEO of ReUp Education, as we dissect the multifaceted hurdles that keep 41 million working learners from completing their degrees. This episode isn't just about understanding the barriers; it's about forging pathways to reeng...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the potential of online education as Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Academic Partnerships, joins us to reveal how his company is helping regional universities reach more learners through online programs. This episode promises a deep exploration into how AP is broadening access to affordable, career-centric programs, especially in vital sectors like nursing and education. We dis...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to navigate the latest currents in workforce development as I, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, team up with Matt Gandal of Education Strategy Group to dissect the monumental federal funding flow reshaping education and job training. The CHIPS Act and the Infrastructure Act are more than economic boosters; they are the architects of a skilled workforce for future jobs. We'll discus...

Send us Fan Mail Listen to this episode to unlock the future of education and workforce development with me, Eloy Ortiz Oakley, as we explore a groundbreaking bipartisan initiative that could transform the Pell Grant program. This isn't just another policy discussion; it's a glimpse into an educational revolution where short-term credentials are poised to redefine our approach to upskill...

Send us Fan Mail Summary: Embark on a captivating journey with esteemed guest Ajita Talwalkar Menon, the trailblazing President and CEO of Calbright College, as she shares her inspiring educational odyssey on this episode of our podcast. Ajita's personal story as a student organizer and her influential role within the Obama administration make her insights on equity and innovation in higher e...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to have your assumptions about standardized testing turned on their head as Eloy Ortiz Oakley digs into the heart of the SAT debate with insights from Jon Boeckenstedt and Akil Bello. This riveting discussion slices through the veil of media advocacy for high-stakes exams, revealing potential biases and the untold stories behind the statistics. As we pick apart a recent Ne...