What can one conversation change? In this inspiring episode of Adventures in Advising, guest host Dr. Melinda Anderson sits down with newly minted Dr. Erika Nixon-Lambert to explore how a chance encounter, the guidance of caring academic advisors, and the power of community transformed her path from the cosmetics industry to earning her Doctor of Pharmacy.

Together, they discuss resilience, mentorship, nontraditional student success, and why advisors have the opportunity to shape lives one conversation at a time. It's a heartfelt reminder that while dreams may be delayed, they are never denied—and that the right support can help students discover just how far they're capable of going.

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What happens when a passion for mathematics evolves into a passion for student success? In this episode, Giancarlo Labruna from Penn State shares his unique journey from mathematics faculty member to academic advisor, reflecting on the mentors, experiences, and opportunities that inspired him to pursue a career dedicated to helping students thrive.

We also dive into the growing role of scholarship in academic advising, exploring graduate education, research, professional development, and the future of the profession. Whether you're new to advising or a seasoned professional, this conversation offers valuable insights on mentorship, leadership, and the lifelong pursuit of learning.

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In this thought-provoking episode of Adventures in Advising, guest host Dr. Gerron Scott sits down with Brandi Byers, academic advisor at the University of South Carolina and chair of NACADA’s Advising Students with Disabilities Community. Together, they explore disability identity, accommodations, accessibility, and the critical role advisors play in supporting students through their educational journeys.

This conversation highlights the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and meeting students where they are. Whether you're an advisor, educator, or student affairs professional, this episode offers meaningful insights into creating more accessible and equitable pathways to student success.

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In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Ryan heads north for a lively conversation with Canadian advising leaders Aysha Haq, Elizabeth Venton-Parnell, Jing Yao, and Shoshana Kalfon. Together, they explore what makes academic advising in Canada distinct, from provincial policies and immigration changes to holistic student support, institutional pressures, and the magic of those “light bulb” student moments.

The panel also digs into the evolving role of the Canada Advising Community, the NACADA restructure, place-based advising, and why connection across institutions matters more than ever. Whether you advise in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, California, or somewhere in the academic wilderness beyond, this episode is a thoughtful, funny, and practical reminder that advising may look different across borders, but the heart of the work travels well. 🧭

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Guest host Dr. Margaret Mbindyo welcomes Ben Walker from Oxford Brookes University in the UK, and Chiara Bertolini and Dr. Alessandra Landini from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, for a rich discussion on academic advising, student success, belonging, mental health, disability support, and the changing needs of today’s college students.

From the UK’s “personal tutoring” model to Italy’s orientation practices and student support, this episode explores how advising looks across borders, and what higher education professionals can learn from one another. Along the way, they discuss the importance of building community, recognizing student struggles early, setting healthy boundaries as advisors, and seeing international students as whole people, not just paperwork.

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In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt and Ryan chat with returning guest, Dr. Janet Schulenberg, about NACADA’s newly unveiled definition of academic advising and framework. Janet reflects on how the task force’s work moved from development to a formal resource for the profession. This conversation explores the definition’s central message, its implications for advisor identity and institutional responsibility, and how it can help clarify boundaries, advocate for support, and shape the future of advising practice.

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In this episode, Matt and Ryan welcome Dr. Hilleary Himes from Penn State for a lively conversation about advising scholarship, professional development, and why the history of academic advising matters more than we might think. Hilleary shares her unexpected journey from anthropology and archaeological digs to academic advising, reflects on how advising structures shape student experiences, and offers practical encouragement for advisors who want to turn everyday questions, conference presentations, or “hmm, I wonder…” moments into scholarship.

Hilleary digs into the publication process, including revise-and-resubmit realities, co-authoring, writing routines, and how rejection can be reframed as part of making the work stronger. Plus, Hilleary explains how long-distance running and long-form writing have more in common than expected: stamina, patience, and trusting the process one step at a time.

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The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

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In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt talks with Arjun Arora, founder of Advisor AI, about where artificial intelligence fits into the future of academic advising, and where it absolutely does not. From chatbots and career pathways to implementation headaches, ethical guardrails, and the myth that AI can replace advisors, this conversation dives into the real people, processes, and possibilities behind emerging technology in higher education.

Arjun shares how Advisor AI is working to support students from enrollment through graduation while keeping advisors, career professionals, faculty, and student success teams at the heart of the journey. Along the way, Matt and Arjun unpack what institutions should ask vendors, how campuses can measure success beyond “we launched it,” and why the human side of advising remains the secret ingredient no algorithm can bottle.

Grab your metaphorical compass, because this episode explores AI, advising, and the winding road toward more intentional student support. 🤖🧭

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The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

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Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.