Storytelling: Finding the Voice

The Evolution and Inspiration Behind the Series

A desk with dual microphones and materials for podcast recording

I’ve always been a storyteller.

It started back in high school, fueled by a journalism teacher named Mr. Giuliani. He was the one who first ignited that yearning to dig deeper, to find the "why" behind the "what," and to understand that everyone has a narrative worth telling.

I followed that curiosity all the way to a degree in broadcast journalism and eventually landed a dream job at The Associated Press. But here’s the twist: I wasn’t the one behind the camera, the mic, or even the notepad. I was in sales. Talk about a plot twist! But even while I was navigating the business side of the industry, I never lost the curiosity for finding a good story.

The Stories That Stay with You

Years later, I’m still uncovering those narratives, but the setting has changed. Now, I’m looking at the students who are out there making it happen against the odds:

• The ones balancing part-time jobs just to keep the lights on and the tuition paid.

• The students navigating the high-stakes uncertainty of their immigration status while trying to study for a midterm.

  
  

These aren't just anecdotes; they’re my inspiration. When I see these students succeed, I realize their education didn't just happen within the four walls of a classroom. Their "craft" was sharpened by lived experience, by volunteering in their communities, leading student organizations, and seeking opportunities to increase their social capital.

Going "Beyond the Syllabus"

The real magic happens when they meet the "Beyond the Syllabus" village. These are the faculty and staff members who actually know their names. They are the ones who look past the rubric to find experiential learning opportunities, who bring their industry network into the classroom, and who care about a student’s personal growth just as much as their GPA. They see a human being, not just a line item on a roster.

Taking the Leap

After years of keeping my passion for storytelling on the sidelines, I finally decided to take the leap. I’m returning to my roots, but this time, the mic is turned toward the people who are redefining what it means to "teach."

This podcast is a dedicated seat at the academic table for:

• The Change-Makers: Faculty and industry partners who activate transformative learning.

• The Dreamers: First-generation students, veterans, and returning adult learners.

• The Doers: Student entrepreneurs and leaders who are already building the future.

  
  

If you’ve ever felt like there’s more to education than just homework and assessments, you’re in the right place. Take a seat. You’re more than welcome here. Let’s go Beyond the Syllabus together.

Listen to beyond the syllabus pedagogy and purpose on your preferred podcast platforms.