The Higher Ed Podcast

Striking the Right Chord: The Musical Experience

In this engaging episode, we’re joined by Joel Schnackel — educator, performer, and co-author of The Musical Experience — for a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and purpose behind one of today’s most innovative music appreciation textbooks. Joel shares his journey not only as a teacher but as a performer, and how that dual identity shapes his approach to making music come alive for students. He walks us through how he became involved in the creation of The Musical Experience and what drives the forthcoming revision — including fresh updates to better reflect the modern music landscape and student experience. We explore the book’s unique thematic approach, which connects music to real-life moments, and how it boldly breaks away from traditional textbook models. Joel shares the intentional choices behind interactive features, assessment tools, and a robust online music library — all designed to make learning music immersive and accessible. Whether you’re a music appreciation instructor or just love hearing how education evolves to meet the needs of today’s students, this episode strikes the right chord. Be sure to follow us below! Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/ [https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/] Interested in publishing with us? Contact Jen Lewis at jrlewis@kendallhunt.com

From Move-In to Mindset: Guiding First-Year Students to Success

The first year of college is a major transition—for students and their families alike. In this episode, we sit down with Laurie Hazard and Stephanie Carter, authors of two complementary books that offer a roadmap for navigating this critical time with confidence and intention. The Habits of Mind for Success in College: Claiming Your Education helps students build the mental, emotional, and academic foundations they need to thrive. With an emphasis on social-emotional learning, personal responsibility, and the mindset shift required to "claim" rather than simply receive an education, this book empowers students to take charge of their college experience from day one. At the same time, Your Freshman Is Off to College: A Month-by-Month Guide to the First Year offers parents and caregivers a compassionate, practical framework for supporting their students without overstepping. From the challenges of homesickness and academic pressure to the joys of newfound independence, it provides timely insight, tools, and encouragement for every stage of the first year. Together, these books highlight the parallel journeys of students and families, bridging academic adjustment with emotional growth—and helping everyone involved navigate the first year of college with clarity, courage, and connection. LEARN MORE: Your Freshman Is Off to College: a Month-by-Month Guide to the First Year | Higher Education [https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/your-freshman-college-month-month-guide-first-year] The Habits of Mind for Success in College: Claiming Your Education | Higher Education [https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/habits-mind-success-college-claiming-your-education] CONNECT WITH THE AUTHORS: Laurie Hazard | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-hazard-a4913ab/] Stephanie Carter | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-carter-4077871/] Be sure to follow us below! Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/ [https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/] Interested in publishing with us? Contact Jen Lewis at jrlewis@kendallhunt.com

Beyond the Page: Reinventing Textbooks for the Digital Student

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Matthew Barton and Jonathan Holiman, who didn’t just write a textbook—they reimagined what one could be. Their interactive online publication has captured the attention of students and faculty alike by breaking free from the conventional mold of academic reading. We dive into the vision behind their unique digital format and explore the challenges of engaging today’s students—many of whom are digital natives with evolving reading habits. The authors reveal the strategies they use to write content students actually want to read, from real-time testing and design thinking to deliberate rule-breaking in traditional textbook structure. Whether you're an educator frustrated by unread assigned readings or a fellow author curious about new approaches to digital content, this episode offers practical takeaways and a fresh perspective on how to meet students where they are—without lowering the bar. Introducing Communication: A Digital Learning Experience | Higher Education [https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/introducing-communication-digital-learning-experience] Jonathan Holiman | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-holiman-4aa82760/] Matt Barton | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-barton-b6881567/overlay/photo/] Be sure to follow us below! Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/ [https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/] Interested in publishing with us? Contact Jen Lewis at jrlewis@kendallhunt.com

From Stage to Syllabus: Reimagining Meisner for the Classroom

In this engaging episode, we welcome authors Scott Trost and Emmy Levine to Kendall Hunt Publishing to discuss their dynamic new course, The Meisner Technique: Learning the Acting Ropes. Designed with higher education theater and fine arts programs in mind, their course invites students and instructors alike into a transformative, hands-on exploration of Sanford Meisner’s legendary acting method. Scott and Emmy share how their approach prioritizes interactivity, experiential learning, and the power of learning by doing. With an emphasis on authentic emotional connection and active participation, they explain how the Meisner Technique prepares students not just for performance, but for deep personal and artistic growth. Whether you’re a professor seeking a more immersive curriculum or a student hungry for practical training rooted in professional tradition, this episode will inspire you to rethink what it means to teach—and learn—acting. The Meisner Technique: Learning the Acting Ropes Course Meisner Technique: Learning the Acting Ropes | Higher Education [https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/meisner-technique-learning-acting-ropes] Scott Trost: Scott Trost | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-trost-6b9820118/] Emmy Levine: Emmy Frank Levine | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmy-frank-levine-87712311/] The Meisner Institute: Meisner Institute - International Actor Training & Teacher Training [https://www.meisnerinstitute.com/] Be sure to follow us below! Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/ [https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/] Interested in publishing with us? Contact Jen Lewis at jrlewis@kendallhunt.com

From Rough Draft to Rhythm: The Publishing Process

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Larson, Assistant Professor of Composition at the Glenn Korff School of Music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to explore his firsthand journey as a published author in the world of music education and jazz history. Known for his acclaimed books The History of Rock and Roll, Modern Sounds: The Artistry of Contemporary Jazz, and The History and Tradition of Jazz, Tom opens up about the behind-the-scenes realities of publishing—from concept to contract to classroom impact. With decades of experience as a jazz pianist, composer, and educator, Tom brings a unique perspective to the publishing process, blending his deep academic insights with his creative instincts. Hear how his background performing with legends like Bo Diddley and Bobby Shew, as well as scoring major PBS documentaries, has informed his writing voice and pedagogical approach.  Whether you're a musician, writer, educator, or just someone who enjoys the rich stories and sounds of music, join us for an engaging conversation about creativity, dedication, and the fulfilling process of sharing your work with the world. Interested in Tom's Books? History and Tradition of Country Music | Higher Education [https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/history-and-tradition-country-music] History and Tradition of Jazz | Higher Education [https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/history-and-tradition-jazz-0] History of Rock and Roll | Higher Education [https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/history-rock-and-roll-0] More information on Tom Larson: https://tomlarsonmusic.net/ Be sure to follow us below! Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company [https://www.linkedin.com/company/kendall-hunt-publishing-company] Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/ [https://www.facebook.com/KendallHuntHE/] Interested in publishing with us? Contact Jen Lewis at jrlewis@kendallhunt.com