Best Scholars Circle Interviews Podcasts (2025)

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Scholars’ Circle – Consequence of Trump’s Gun boat attacks on Venezuelan coast – October 26, 2025 58:01

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4d ago58:01

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Are the US Navy attacks on ships off the coast of Venezuela and Colombia legal? And are they unprecedented? On today’s show we explore the legality of these attacks and the precedents for them under the global war on terror and the war on drugs. [ dur: 58mins. ] Marten Willem Brienen is associate professor of Global Studies at Oklahoma State Univer…

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Game Changers Sports Academy: Building Scholars and Athletes of Tomorrow 54:10

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Send us a text Forget the cliché of “student-athlete.” These founders flipped the order for real. We sat down with the team behind Game Changers Sports Academy to unpack how a bootstrapped vision became a rigorous school where a 3.0 GPA is the ticket to train, block schedules fight boredom, and phones go in a cart so attention can come back to clas…

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Scholars’ Circle – Trump’s anti-green energy policies ; ICJ climate change ruling for all affected states – October 19, 2025 58:01

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Green energy shunned by the Trump Administration, we examine how this affects US economy, energy costs and green technology leadership. [ dur: 22mins. ] Shannon Gibson is Associate Professor of Political Science, International Relations, and Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California. She’s also the author of Climate Change or S…

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Scholars’ Circle – Recruiting Informers For The State, case-study of Communist Czechoslovakia (1945-1989) – October 12, 2025 58:01

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Autocratic regimes often use people throughout the population to serve as informants. Why do people choose to become an informant and collaborate with autocracies? And what constitutes justice against these informants once the state democratizes? We discuss a new book on the topic Informers Up Close with its authors Mark Drumbl and Barbora Hola. [ …

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From Franchisee to Franchisor: Morris Jackson’s Game-Changing Leadership Journey. 46:04

21d ago46:04

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Send us a text What if youth esports had the same structure, safety, and upward path as Little League or AAU? We sit down with Valhallan Esports’ Morris Jackson to unpack how he went from owning a single arena to acquiring the entire brand and relocating HQ to Las Vegas—transforming a scattered scene into a true pipeline for kids, parents, schools,…

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Scholars’ Circle – President Trump’s use of transactional international diplomacy – October 5, 2025 58:01

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By Hosted by Doug Becker

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Episode 37: Binh Danh and Krystle Stricklin 13:57

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Binh Danh in conversation with Krystle Stricklin, Assistant Curator of Photography at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, recorded live at The Jule Museum in September 2025. Danh is the 2024 recipient of the William Collins Smith Auburn Award for Advancing American Art. The annual award, established by the museum in 2023 with a major gift from the…

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Scholars’ Circle – Impact of Independent Films on diversity of stories we see on big screen- September 28, 2025 58:01

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Robert Redford’s passing reminds us that perhaps his greatest legacy is his support for independent film. So on today’s show, what is the impact of independent film on the industry? How has independent film changed in recent years. How has the major shift toward streaming affected our access to independent films? [ dur: 58mins. ] Cynthia Baron is a…

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From the Streets to the Stove, from Cocaine to Foie Gras, Chef Jeff’s Recipe for Redemption 1:14:03

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Send us a text What does it take to transform your life after hitting rock bottom? Chef Jeff Henderson knows firsthand. His journey from South Central LA drug dealer to award-winning chef, bestselling author, and youth mentor is a masterclass in personal reinvention and the power of redirected hustle. Growing up in a single-parent home, Jeff absorb…

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Scholars’ Circle – Reasons for political violence and how it becomes inevitable – September 21, 2025 58:01

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Political violence is on the rise, we get insight into why it happens and ways to mitigate it’s occurrence. With scholars of politics, social inquiry and criminal justice. [ dur: 58mins. ] Roger Petersen is the Arthur and Ruth Sloan Professor of Political Science at MIT. He is the author of Understanding Ethnic Violence: Fear, Hatred, Resentment in…

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Scholars’ Circle – Supreme Court allows deportation based on profiling ; The future of indigenous exhibits – September 14, 2025 58:01

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How does the US Supreme Court decision to allow ICE to target immigrants based on language, accent, race, and employment affect the sweeps of undocumented immigrants in the US. And what are the social and economic impacts of Trump’s deportation policy? [ dur: 29mins. ] Hiroshi Motomura is the Susan Westerberg Prager Distinguished Professor of Law a…

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Blackballed but never broken: Dula-Mite’s real Las Vegas story 1:05:09

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Send us a text Forget everything you thought you knew about making it in music. Abdullah "Dulamite" Franklin pulls back the curtain on an industry built on smoke and mirrors, revealing why artists with millions of streams can still be broke while those you've never heard of are quietly building empires. "A billion streams on Spotify equals fourteen…

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Scholars’ Circle – Threat to Freedom of expression in US ; Author interview on case for universal Child Care for working American – September 7, 2025 58:01

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As part of an ongoing attack on free expression, Donald Trump is trying to criminalize flag burning. Is this proposed ban constitutional? [ dur: 29mins. ] Dennis Baron is Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a frequent commentator on language issues in the national media and has written a number of …

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Scholars’ Circle – Alien Enemies Act policy use to deport immigrants and asylum seekers – August 31, 2025 58:00

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The Trump Administration is using the Alien Enemies Act to seize Venezuelans and ship them to a notorious prison El Salvador without due process. What can be done to protect and uphold the rule of law and human rights in the face of the Trump Administration’s rejection of them? What are some means of legal and political resistance when human rights…

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Episode 36: Binh Danh 13:16

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Binh Danh discusses his approach to photography, landscapes, and his Vietnamese heritage. His exhibition at The Jule features chlorophyll prints and daguerreotype images that blur the line between past and present, examining a transformation of American identity. Danh is the 2024 recipient of the William Collins Smith Auburn Award for Advancing Ame…

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From Vegas Tunnels to The Stage: Rob Banghart’s Journey from Addiction to Inspiration 47:41

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Send us a text What does it mean to lose everything and find your way back? Rob Banghart's journey from addiction to redemption takes us through the darkest corners of Las Vegas—literally beneath the glittering city where few tourists ever venture. Rob shares his raw, unflinching story of how alcoholism and addiction led him from working in prestig…

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Scholars’ Circle – US role in South Caucasus Armenia Azerbaijan peace treaty – August 24, 2025 58:00

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Will the so called peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan legitimize ethnic cleansing? Will it bring peace to the two nations? Or is it a recipe for future conflict? Military aggression and violations of of the notion of sovereignty have marked the conflicts in the South Caucuses region over the last three decades. Will the peace agreement …

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Fashion, Film & Fine Spirits with Lequan “YP” Hunt: The Visionary Behind Certified Ave 26:49

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Send us a text From swap meet hustler to multi-industry entrepreneur, Laquan "YP" Hunt represents the relentless spirit of Vegas beyond the neon lights. As co-founder of Certify Avenue, his journey exemplifies how authentic hometown connections can fuel diverse business ventures in an evolving city. Hunt's entrepreneurial path began with a $20,000 …

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Behind the brand with Zachary King: The hustle of a multi-industry boss. 59:32

3M ago59:32

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Send us a text Dive into the mind of a multi-industry entrepreneur as Zachary King reveals how he built his business empire spanning fashion, restaurants, and candy. From getting Tom Brady to wear his Residency clothing line to managing a restaurant portfolio that includes concepts like Cubana and Earth Cafe, King demonstrates remarkable versatilit…

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Born of a Legend, Teddy Riley Jr., ‘Yung Tash,’ Is Built for His Own Stage 38:18

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Send us a text What does it take to emerge from the shadow of a music legend and create your own path? In this compelling episode, we sit down with Teddy Riley Jr., better known as Yung Tash, who's blazing his own trail in the music industry while honoring the legacy of his father, new jack swing innovator Teddy Riley. Yung Tosh takes us through hi…

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From Prostate Checks to Kidney Stones: A Urologist's Guide to Men's Health 43:47

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Send us a text Ever wondered what really happens during a vasectomy? Or why that morning coffee might be setting you up for kidney stones? Dr. David Ludlow pulls back the curtain on men's health topics most guys are too uncomfortable to discuss. "That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be" – the phrase Dr. Ludlow hears so often from vasectomy pati…

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Framed in Family: Galiano Tiramani on the Boxabl Vision 29:25

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Send us a text How do you solve America's housing crisis? For Galiano Tiramani, co-founder of Boxable, the answer lies in completely reimagining how homes are built, shipped, and installed. The journey from Bitcoin trader to housing revolutionary isn't an obvious career path, but Tiramani's entrepreneurial instincts led him to partner with his engi…

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Frank Fertitta IV & Landon Gyulay Make History for Veterans at the AMAs with Easy Day Foundation 47:04

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Send us a text What happens when two successful business leaders decide to channel their skills toward helping America's military veterans? Frank Fertitta IV and Landon Gyulay reveal the powerful story behind founding Easy Day Foundation, an organization determined to make every day easier for those who've served our country. The name "Easy Day" co…

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The Hibachi King of Vegas: Zach Tolen aka Vanilla Rice’s Story 40:47

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Send us a text Behind every successful restaurant lies a story of grit, determination, and unwavering passion. Zach Tolan's journey from teenage dishwasher to celebrated chef-entrepreneur perfectly captures this spirit of culinary perseverance. The founder of Vanilla Rice Hibachi House began his culinary career at just 15 years old, washing dishes …

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Showcase: Benjamin Bush 4:26

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Benjamin Bush is an Associate Professor in the School of Industrial and Graphic Design. He is interested in the culture and standards native to the industrial design studio and curriculum. Also interested in designing for and instilling "fun" in to all walks of life. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showc…

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Showcase: Mario Bocanegra 4:22

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Mario Bocanegra is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design in the School of Industrial and Graphic Design, where he teaches courses in interactive media, imagemaking, photo communications, and typography. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this…

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Showcase: Robert Finkel 3:47

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Robert Finkel is the Program Chair and Associate Professor of Graphic Design in the Auburn University School of Industrial and Graphic Design. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this podcast series, faculty discuss the process behind the work on…

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Vegas & Tulum Just Got Smarter — Philippe Ziade’s AI Hotels Are Here! 48:11

6M ago48:11

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Send us a text Visionary entrepreneur Philippe Ziade takes us deep into the revolutionary world of AI-powered hospitality with his groundbreaking Otonomus hotel concept, set to open in Las Vegas on July 1st. This episode unveils how technology is fundamentally transforming guest experiences while creating unprecedented value for real estate develop…

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Showcase: Frank Hu and Robert Sproull 3:54

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Frank Hu is Assistant Professor in Landscape Architecture, where he teaches studio in addition to courses in construction and graphic studies. Robert Sproull is an Associate Professor in Auburn’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 sp…

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Showcase: Marguerite Dreyer 4:35

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Marguerite Dreyer teaches Graphic Design in the Auburn University School of Industrial and Graphic Design. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this podcast series, faculty discuss the process behind the work on view at The Jule Museum through July 6, 2025: https://jcsm.auburn.edu/…

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Showcase: Georges Fares 5:30

6M ago5:30

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Georges Fares is an Assistant Professor of Interior Design, Department of Consumer & Design Sciences in the College of Human Sciences. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this podcast series, faculty discuss the process behind the work on view at The Jule Museum through July 6, 2025: https://jcsm.auburn.edu/…

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Showcase: Jia Wu 3:43

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Jia Wu, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor, Department of Consumer & Design Sciences in the College of Human Sciences. Her accomplishments emphasize interdisciplinary and industry collaborations in functional apparel, primarily focusing on usercentered apparel design research. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this podcast…

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Showcase: David Shanks 6:17

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David Shanks is an Assistant Professor in Auburn’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this podcast series, faculty discuss the process behind the work on view at The Jule Museum through July 6, 2025: https://jcsm.auburn.edu/…

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Showcase: Meirav Goldhour 2:26

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Meirav Goldhour teaches in the Department of Consumer & Design Sciences in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this podcast series, faculty discuss the process behind the work on view at The Jule Museum through July 6, 2025: https://jcsm.auburn.edu/…

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Showcase: Courtney Windham 3:35

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Courtney Windham is a designer, maker, and educator serving as an Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Auburn University’s School of Industrial + Graphic Design. She leads courses in kinetic typography, publication design, interactive media, and branding. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025…

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Showcase: Isaac Cohen 5:03

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Isaac Cohen is an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. He has spent this time working with communities around the country on the design of varied public spaces, advocacy and fundraising to build parks, and on engagement and research into critical issues impacting the use o…

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Showcase: Gwendolyn Cohen 3:38

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Gwendolyn Cohen is an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, where she teaches landscape architecture design studios, courses in the Construction Sequence and elective seminars. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specif…

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Showcase: Millian Pham 5:34

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Millian Pham is an Assistant Professor of Printmaking in the Department of Art and Art History. Her current research compares the effects of structural and systemic oppression on the body and spirit through drawing, sculpture, installation, and performance. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 s…

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Showcase: Cait McCarthy and Jordan Young 3:22

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Cait McCarthy is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at the Auburn University School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture. Through her research, teaching, and practice, McCarthy explores the ability of novel analog, digital, and material methods to simultaneously illuminate contemporary challenges and provide unexpected experien…

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Stop Overthinking and Start Executing: Legal Wisdom Beyond the Courtroom 34:15

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Send us a text Attorney Meesha Moulton takes us on her remarkable journey from Toronto to Las Vegas, where she built a thriving immigration and personal injury law practice from humble beginnings. With only $3,000 in her pocket after law school, Misha stayed at a budget motel on Boulder Highway while studying for the Nevada bar exam – a far cry fro…

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Showcase: David Hill 5:12

7M ago5:12

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David Hill is an Associate Professor in Auburn’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture. His current research streams include plant performance and material harvesting and reuse strategies. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In…

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Showcase: Lijun Chao 4:00

7M ago4:00

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Lijun Chao is an artist and faculty member in the Department of Art and Art History. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this podcast series, faculty discuss the process behind the work on view at The Jule Museum through July 6, 2025: https://jcs…

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Showcase: Andy Holliday 4:07

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Andy Holliday is an Assistant Professor of Printmaking in the Department of Art and Art History. His studio practice ranges from printmaking to ceramics and sculpture. Andy's current work explores the roles of communication and collaboration in the creative process. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showca…

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Showcase: Dawn Michaelson 5:50

7M ago5:50

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Dawn Michaelson, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor, Department of Consumer & Design Sciences in the College of Human Sciences. Her research and creative activities focus on apparel studies affecting individuals with health conditions. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on ad…

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Showcase: Sarah Coleman 4:28

7M ago4:28

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Sarah Coleman is an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, teaching design studios as well as in the History, Theory and Practice sequence. Her recent work, undertaken as part of a Fulbright Scholarship, explored the historic health landscapes of the Sadgeri Plateau in the Republic of Georgia. Showcase brings together creative scholarship f…

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Showcase: Young-A Lee 4:31

7M ago4:31

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Young-A Lee, Ph.D. is Under Armour Professor and Department Head of the Department of Consumer & Design Sciences in the College of Human Sciences. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specifically centers on advocacy and process. In this podcast series, faculty discuss the process behind the wor…

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Showcase: Kelly Bryant 6:03

7M ago6:03

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Kelly Bryant is Professor of Graphic Design in the Auburn University School of Industrial and Graphic Design. A design educator for over 30 years, her personal work/research focus on collage and painting as an extension to her design work. Showcase brings together creative scholarship from across Auburn University. Showcase 2025 specifically center…

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From Electric Rides to Medical Mobility – Shaun Powell’s Next Vegas Power Move! 41:22

7M ago41:22

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Send us a text Ever wonder how someone transforms from running teenage house parties to building a mobility scooter empire in Las Vegas? Shaun Powell's entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in recognizing opportunity and building systems that create freedom. Four years after his first appearance on the Vegas Circle Podcast, Shaun returns with an…

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Elevating Human Performance: How Deon Hodges Became a Leading Performance Coach 43:36

7M ago43:36

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Send us a text What does it take to build mental toughness in professional athletes? Deon Hodges pulls back the curtain on the world of elite sports performance training in this eye-opening conversation. As a partner at AI Hospitality and leader of their IBI performance facility in Las Vegas, Hodges has carved out a unique space in the competitive …

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The Power of Partnerships: Bruno Gralpois on Building Billion-Dollar Relationships 46:02

8M ago46:02

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Send us a text Bruno Gralpois captivates with an inspiring journey from barely speaking English as a French immigrant to becoming a marketing powerhouse managing billion-dollar budgets for Microsoft and co-founding Agency Mania Solutions. His remarkable story weaves through Seattle's tech boom, experiencing IPOs, acquisitions, and eventually receiv…