Faculty Lounge Podcast

🎙️ About Faculty Lounge

Faculty Lounge is a podcast for educators who need a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the heart of teaching. Hosted by Valerie Akbulut, this show creates a low-pressure but high-value space for faculty to share stories, explore practical strategies, and support one another through the real, messy, meaningful work of education. Whether you’re grading papers late at night or listening during a commute, each episode offers encouragement, insight, and small wins you can try right away.

Episodes

Episode 3: Seeing the Whole Student - RADAR

In this episode, hear from Kathy Gamboa as she explores how the RADAR framework comes to life in the online classroom and why it remains essential for supporting today’s students. She shares practical strategies for respecting students’ complex lives, building meaningful online community, and helping learners develop the perseverance needed to complete their programs. You’ll also hear how instructors can encourage growth through feedback, apply effective learning techniques, and recognize student achievements in ways that boost motivation and persistence. Plus, Kathy offers powerful reminders about the importance of empathy, communication, and connection in helping students succeed on their educational journey.

Aired March 11, 2026

Episode 2: Owning Your Education: Why Some Students Thrive—and Others Don’t

In this episode, hear from Nick Keeling as he dives into why students sometimes disengage and what faculty can do to stay student-centered without taking it personally. You’ll get practical strategies for inspiring engagement, understanding changing goals, and making a real impact on students’ learning journeys. Plus, a reminder of the powerful role you play in shaping lives without burning out yourself. If you’ve ever felt frustrated when students show up but don’t fully participate, this episode is for you.

Aired December 1, 2025

Episode 1: Pull Up a Chair

In this first episode, get to know the host and find out what Faculty Lounge is all about — a chill, no-pressure spot for instructors to share stories, swap tips, and feel a little less alone in the teaching hustle. You’ll hear what kinds of topics will be covered and get three easy ideas to try right away that can boost your connection with students and help you take care of yourself too. Plus, learn how to get in-service credit just by listening!

If teaching sometimes feels like a juggling act, this episode is for you.

Aired September 19, 2025

In-Service Credit Option

Listening to Faculty Lounge can count toward your in-service credit! It’s simple and flexible:

Listen to an episode whenever it fits into your day.
Submit a short summary of what you learned and a reflection on how you might apply the ideas in your own teaching.

You have two options to submit your summary and reflection:

Email Submission:
Send a quick email to Valerie Akbulut (valerie.akbulut@bryanuniversity.edu) with your summary and reflection.
Course Submission:
Submit your summary and reflection directly in the Webinar Course in Canvas, using the designated Podcast Reflection Assignment.

No forms, no extra meetings — just real listening and reflection. Credit will be updated in the Webinar Course once your submission is received.