Enlighten Me

Dr. Shannon Herrin’s, Asst. Professor of Physical Therapy, teaches and researches “Interprofessional education and collaborative practice.” It’s a way of getting health care providers out of their silos and giving patients more effective, more connected care across specialties and gaining a better understanding of patient needs. 

Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of gun violence, death, self-harm, and domestic abuse. Since 2013, the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center has been recognized as the national standard for active shooter response training by the FBI.  In this episode of Enlighten Me, Hunter Martindale, Research Director for ALERRT, discusses how their practical research efforts help train first responders and civilians across the United States. Social Work professor Dr. Rael Morley also explores some of the latest research into what motivates people to commit acts of violence.

The news industry and the world of journalism has changed drastically since the creation of the newspaper. From the rise of the internet to the decline of ad sales that keep traditional newspapers in business, journalists have adapted to news ways of getting their stories to the masses. This episode brings together Dr. Gwynne Ellen Ash and Eraldo “Dino” Chiecchi whose vast work and teaching experience explores literacy assessment, critical media literacy, the journalism business, how newspapers have changed over the years, and how Texas State University is preparing the next generation of journalists. Listen to new episodes of Enlighten Me every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, The Current, and States Up.

In this episode, hosts Rodney Crouther and Jeremy Thomas take Enlighten Me out of the studio and onto the Quad for a special edition. Listen as we hand the mic to our Bobcats who share stories of joy, gratitude, and connection. From favorite professors to lessons of friendship and community, this episode focuses on what makes TXST so special — our students. 

In a world increasingly shaped by stress, disconnection, and trauma, traditional talk therapy isn't the only path to healing. This episode brings together experts Dr. Christine Norton, Dr. Mais Aljunaidy, and Dr. Nadim Adi whose work explores how creative engagement with nature and interior design can facilitate transformation. Together, they offer a deeper understanding of therapeutic practices that go beyond the clinical setting, offering healing that’s embodied, expressive, and culturally connected. Listen to new episodes of Enlighten Me every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, The Current, and States Up. 

Enlighten Me will be back next month with a new episode. But for now, we introduce you to Try @ TXST. This series dives into the experiences of the students, faculty, and staff who are behind the different organizations and programs featured in our Try @ video series on Instagram. In this episode, Giselle chats with David Coleman, director of The Witliff Collections on the seventh floor of Alkek Library.Learn more about the series from the TXST Podcast Network: https://www.txst.edu/podcast-network.html

The globe has long been obsessed with post-apocalyptic media and depictions of the end of the normal world as we know it. From Fallout, 28 Days Later, and The Road, to The Last of Us, Contagion and Station Eleven, there are countless examples of the end of the world and the reasons behind it — fungi, disease, monsters, man-made disasters, and zombies. In this episode of Enlighten Me, we discuss the reasons why people are so obsessed with the apocalypse and what the end of the world could look like. We also discuss the history of disease, what could actually pose a threat to humanity, cordyceps, and the benefits of fungi. Listen to new episodes of Enlighten Me every month on the TXST Podcast Network. Other podcasts on the network include Try @ TXST, Office Hours, The Current, and States Up. 

In this powerful episode, we dive into the topic of men's health. Exploring men's physical and mental health, and the importance of creating space for them to find support, this conversation shows how we can all make a difference. Whether you're navigating your own mental health journey or supporting someone else's, this episode is a reminder that being a man doesn't mean being silent.

From 2000 to 2022, Texas gained more than 9 million new residents. This population boom is reshaping nearly every aspect of life in the state—from housing and the economy to infrastructure and transportation. In this episode, we talk with TXST's Dr. Haiyong Liu and Dr. Billy Fields about how to navigate this rapid growth and what it means for Texas’ future.

Across pro and college sports in America, women’s sports and athletes are enjoying a bigger spotlight than ever before. Is it just a trendy culture moment or is the playing field finally starting to level out? On this episode of Enlighten Me, we look at the past, present and future of women in sports on the field, in media and behind the scenes. 

Are we swiping toward love or just doomscrolling for a glimpse of romance? Listen to our latest episode of Enlighten Me, where we talk with #TXST faculty member Jessica James about the realities of dating apps

Discover how artificial intelligence is being studied and embraced at Texas State. In this episode, we dive deep with university faculty and staff to explore AI research, how it's being used across the university, and how it's shaping the future of education and the Bobcat community.

Before you go to the polls in November, join us on Enlighten Me for a look how voting become the center of citizen participation in government. We’re looking at the roots of voting in America, how has voting changed since the Founders’ generation? How does voting work in other countries? And most importantly, does your single vote really matter? (It absolutely does!) With Paul Hart, Director of the Center for International Studies and Michael Faber, Associate Professor,  Department of Political Science.

Your relationship to food can reflect your values, celebrate your community, or even broadcast your worldview. This month, Enlighten Me explores how what we put on our plate can be an insight into what’s in our soul. Interviews with Dr. Deborah Harris (Professor, Sociology), Dr. Lauren Butler (Assistant Professor, School of Family & Consumer Sciences) and Lindsey Menge (Senior Lecturer, School of Family & Consumer Science).

What is Texas music and how does it affect local and national culture? Dr. Joseph Kotarba discusses music experiences across the life course, Dr. Kevin Mooney talks music and identity, and Jason Mellard the importance of Texas music history. Listen to the songs mentioned, plus more Texas Music here!

On the next episode of Enlighten Me, we’re delving into the past, present, and future of Texas State to celebrate our 125th anniversary with Texas State Librarian Margaret Vaverek, TXST Chief Research Officer Shreek Mandayam, and Texas State President Kelly Damphousse. We’re retracing how we’ve grown and adapted to meet the changing needs of Texas through the decades and looking forward to see how Texas State is working today to shape our tomorrow. Explore more TXST history at https://125.txst.edu/

We delve into the pressing issue of teacher turnover in Texas. Hear from educators and researchers on the front lines as they explore potential solutions to this critical challenge facing education in the Lone Star State. We converse with TXST's Dr. Millie Cordaro, Dr. Priscilla Goble, and Dr. Michael O'Malley.

In this episode, we discuss Earth Day, conversation organizations at TXST, and everyone's favorite holiday rabbit. 

This month on Enlighten Me, we’re shining the light on what humans get out of our obsession with sports of all kinds, from looking at the re-invigorated fan culture at Texas State sparked by our football team's first bowl winning season, to the social and economic impact of sports fandom across our global culture, and how communities built around sports can be healthy for humans.

In this episode of Enlighten Me, we connect with TXST faculty to discuss the importance of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, especially as we enter the new year.  

In this episode we cover San Marcos' forgotten underwater clown and discuss TXST's first bowl game in program history against in-state rival Rice University.  See Glurpo: https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/true-story-glurpo-underwater-clown/

Nurses are often the faces, and the literal hands, of hands-on healthcare. This month on Enlighten Me, we talk to nurses and other care providers about how the last three years have impacted the way they approach their work, and they reveal some the ways they help keep our communities healthy every day.

We delve into the haunted world of ghosting, where relationships fade away like spirits in the night. Join us as we explore the phenomena of these sudden disappearances. 

Trial by jury of your peers…it’s one of the pillars of our legal system, a fundamental American right. But what exactly do those words mean? Is jury duty a burden, an obligation or a privilege? Let’s shed some light on how the jury system works!

The Hill Country Studios is coming to San Marcos — what does this mean for the community and our beloved river? TXST experts weigh in on the ripple effects this growth can have on San Marcos and beyond.

The TXST Podcast Network. Real stories from our expert faculty and amazing students, exploring important ideas for Texas and sharing how we’re shaping what comes NEXT. New episodes released weekly.