In this milestone episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt and Ryan welcome Maureen “Mo” Schafer, Assistant Provost for Academic Advising and Director of the Academic Advising Center at the University of Iowa, for a conversation packed with insight, honesty, and a few beautifully relatable metaphors. From her journey as a first-generation student and former campus tour guide to her leadership in a campus-wide advising self-study, Mo reflects on what it really takes to build student-centered systems that work.

Along the way, she shares what institutions should know before launching major advising change efforts, why implementation always gets a little messier before it gets better, how leadership shows up at every level, and why the heart of advising still lives in one simple act: sitting down with a student and listening. Thoughtful, practical, and full of wisdom for advisors and administrators alike, this episode is a reminder that meaningful change starts with people.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

On this special global edition of Adventures in Advising, Dr. Margaret Mbindyo brings together Yoshinobu Onishi, Megumi Yamasaki, Jushan Cheng, and Chiahuan Chen for a rich, eye-opening conversation about how academic advising is taking shape in Japan and Taiwan. From helping students navigate major choice, family expectations, and mental health, to exploring the role of technology, study abroad, and holistic student support, this episode shines a light on the shared advising around the world. Tune in for thoughtful insights, cross-cultural wisdom, and a powerful reminder that great advising can help students find clarity, confidence, and their path forward.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt chats with Chad Cain from Texas Tech University for a conversation filled with insight, warmth, and authentic reflections on the work of supporting students. From Chad’s higher ed origin story and the mentors who shaped his path, to the many hats he wears in the Honors College, this episode explores what it means to lead with care, curiosity, and a deep commitment to student success. Along the way, Chad shares insights on honors education, medical pathway programs, meaningful student connections, and why the best work in higher ed is always personal. There is coffee, there is wisdom, there is a tiny baseball rivalry, and there is plenty of inspiration for anyone who believes in the power of showing up for students.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.