Leadership Lessons from Westeros

In this episode of Allegedly Higher, Dr. Erin Wheeler and Dr. Candice Jackson navigate the complexities of preparing for a new academic year while diving into the cultural significance of House of the Dragon and Game of Thrones. They explore how these popular series reflect the strategic planning and power dynamics often found in academia. The episode also touches on Project 2025, discussing its implications and how such initiatives intersect with the broader goals of higher education institutions. Additionally, the hosts emphasize the critical need for cognitive rest among educators, the challenges of balancing multiple professional roles, such as managing events like the Jackson Film Festival, and the importance of mental health support within academia. Through a blend of pop culture analysis and personal insights, this episode offers a unique perspective on the pressures and strategies involved in gearing up for a new academic year. Keywords podcast, Allegedly Higher, Jackson Film Festival, July, cognitive rest, Game of Thrones, news stories, politics, higher education, critical thinking, Joe Biden, JD Vance, funds, Project 2025, intellectual diversity, academic freedom, higher education, policy changes, defunding, social sciences, humanities, rewriting history, privatization, academic freedom, civic engagement, misinformation, critical thinking Takeaways Allegedly Higher is a podcast that explores pop culture and higher education with a human-centered lens. July can be a challenging month, both physically and mentally, for educators and parents. Cognitive rest is important for maintaining mental well-being and productivity. Lessons from Game of Thrones can be applied to leadership and decision-making. Recent news stories, such as Nelly's arrest and the passport issue with the name Khaleesi, highlight the importance of attention to detail and personal responsibility. Support for Joe Biden and criticism of JD Vance's views Challenges and issues in higher education, including the misuse of funds The potential impact of Project 2025 on education The importance of critical thinking and intellectual diversity The need for respectful dialogue and the preservation of academic freedom Policy changes can have a significant impact on higher education, including the defunding of social sciences and humanities. The rewriting of history and the suppression of accurate historical narratives can hinder progress and perpetuate inequality. The privatization of education and the focus on market-driven approaches can prioritize profits over student needs and well-being. Academic freedom is essential for intellectual inquiry and the exploration of diverse perspectives. Civic engagement and informed voting are crucial for protecting students' rights and shaping the future of education policy. The spread of misinformation highlights the need for critical thinking and media literacy skills.