Finding the Common Thread: A Conversation with Logan Barrett

Episode 1: "Teaching to Transfer"

Have you ever noticed how certain people just click? There’s this inevitable common thread that weaves us together, whether it’s a shared belief, a similar "in the trenches" experience, or just a mutual passion for what we do.

In the world of academia, those threads are everywhere. We find them at workshops and late-night conference mixers that act like a loom, weaving together new ideas that eventually change how we show up for our students.

That’s how I met my very first podcast guest.

The "Aha" Moment at SMA

I was at the 2026 Society for Marketing Advances (SMA) annual conference. If you’ve never been, it’s a whirlwind of reconnecting with old colleagues, geek-ing out over research, and building new networks. It’s a collaborative space that really strengthens the "design" of marketing education.

I happened to be sitting in on a session about teacher innovation when I met Logan Barrett. We started talking, and it didn't take long to realize our pedagogical threads were identical.

Meet Logan Barrett: More Than Just a Syllabus

Logan wears a lot of hats. He’s the Executive Director of Career & Academic Success & Advising at Spring Hill College, a doctoral candidate, and an instructor. Because he sits at the intersection of "academic" and "career," his vantage point on student development is incredibly broad.

What I admire about Logan’s approach is how much his students influence his innovation. He works with learners who are:

• Determined to shift their socioeconomic trajectory.

• Gritting their teeth through tough academic challenges.

• Hungry for real-world career experience.

  
  

Logan doesn't just lecture; he uses problem-based learning. He brings real-world industry scenarios into the classroom, driving students to see their academic progress not just as a grade, but as a toolkit for a shifting job market.

Expanding the Tapestry

The more Logan and I talked, the more our "small talk" turned into a deep dive into transformative learning.

If you remember my "Storytelling"  post, I talked about a vision for Beyond the Syllabus: Pedagogy and Purpose. I’ve always wanted to create an inclusive storytelling space where educators move past traditional lectures and toward holistic practices that actually change lives.

Logan was the first thread in that vision.

I’m excited to share our full conversation with you. Grab a coffee, take a seat, and join us as we pull on these threads together.

Listen to Beyond the Syllabus Pedagogy and Purpose on your preferred podcast platforms.