In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum talks with Dr. Bobby Vaziri from JMU’s College of Business. Dr. Vaziri shares his transition from industry to academia, inspired by his father’s career and great mentors along the way.

Listen in as Dr. Vaziri discusses:

• How humor, real-world examples, and presence help create inclusive classrooms
• Why Success Workshops are making a difference in student engagement and stress reduction
• How songwriting, fitness, and rest fuel his personal and professional growth
• His advice for staying grounded: focus less on the rush, and more on the journey

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CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

In this episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Dr. Eric Magrum sits down with Professor Yasmeen Shorish to discuss the role of generative AI in higher education and how educators can navigate its use thoughtfully and responsibly. Through conversations centered on learning, awareness, and ethics, the episode emphasizes keeping knowledge-building at the core while addressing important considerations around privacy and cybersecurity.

Tune in to hear:

• How generative AI can support learning and knowledge-building when used intentionally
• Why prioritizing learning—rather than tools—matters in conversations about AI
• What it means to be aware of how AI is used in academic spaces
• How privacy and cybersecurity concerns should shape AI use in the classroom

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CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.

In this Part 2 episode of The CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast, host Eric Magrum continues the conversation with Dr. Julie Gochenour, diving into her personal teaching philosophy and what it means to create an engaging, trust-centered classroom. Through reflections on mutual respect, authenticity, and joy in teaching, the episode highlights how meaningful learning environments are built through connection—and a willingness to have fun along the way.

Tune in to hear:

• How Dr. Gochenour builds mutual trust and respect with her students
• Why classroom engagement is central to her teaching style
• What it looks like to make learning enjoyable for both students and professors
• Why the idea that “if I’m not having fun, you’re not having fun” matters for teaching and learning

Disclaimer: In describing the value of self-disclosure as a tool for building trust with students, Dr. Gochenour shares an experience that includes discussion of suicide and the loss of a parent. Listener discretion is advised.

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CFI Faculty Lounge Podcast would love hearing from you! Do you have a question for our guests, a teaching tip to share, or a story about faculty life? Send us a message by clicking on this text. Your message might make it into a future episode.