Best Alex Widener Podcasts (2025)

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Funding, Free Riding, and the Future of Canadian Science 26:22

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4d ago26:22

26:22

Join Alex Usher in the latest episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast as he talks with Rob Annan, President and CEO of Genome Canada. They explore the intertwined relationship of science and economic progress, the role of government in science funding, and the shift toward a more utilitarian approach to research funding. The discussion cov…

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A Global Observatory for Higher Education Change: What We’re Learning 18:47

11d ago18:47

18:47

In this episode, Attila Pausits, Professor of Higher Education Research and Development, delves into the inaugural report by the Global Observatory on Higher Education Changes (GOHEC). Attila sheds light on the latest trends in higher education, the role of AI in research, and the importance of a global perspective in understanding educational tran…

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Episode 9: Strong Body, Steady Mind: The Important Connection Between Physical and Mental Health 39:15

3h ago39:15

39:15

In this episode of the Soulfire Sessions, hosts Alex and Mariah engage with guest JJ to explore the profound connection between physical health and mental well-being. JJ shares his transformative journey from struggling with his weight and mental health to embracing fitness and running half marathons. The conversation emphasizes the importance of c…

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Inside the Global Private Higher Education Sector with Dan Levy 24:21

14d ago24:21

24:21

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the complex world of private higher education with Dan Levy, a distinguished professor at SUNY Albany and director of the program for Research in Private Higher Education. They explore the significant variations in private higher education across the globe, the di…

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Episode 8: Igniting Your Passion Through Coaching 34:51

25d ago34:51

34:51

In this episode of the Soul Fire Sessions, hosts Alex and Mariah hang out with Cristina to discuss the transformative power of coaching, especially during times of change and uncertainty. They explore the importance of having a coach to provide clarity, accountability, and a safe space for self-discovery. The conversation highlights who can benefit…

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Does England’s Newest Higher Education White Paper Actually Change Anything? 23:44

25d ago23:44

23:44

Join Alex Usher and Debbie McVitty, editor at Wonkhe, as they discuss the recent white paper on post-16 education released by the Labor Party in the UK. The episode delves into the current state of higher education, the financial challenges universities face, and the muted response to the proposed reforms. McVitty outlines the sector's strengths an…

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Inside the Gaokao: China’s Defining Test with Ruixue Jia 25:57

1M ago25:57

25:57

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Ruixue Jia, a professor of economics at UC San Diego and co-author of 'The Highest Exam: How The Gaokao Shapes China.' They discuss the historical and contemporary significance of the Gaokao, China's university entrance exam, and its profound impact on Chines…

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Episode 7: Purpose Born from Pain: Finding Healing Through Recovery and Community 49:19

28d ago49:19

49:19

In this episode, Brandi shares her powerful journey from being a school superintendent to facing public humiliation due to alcoholism and a traumatic experience. She discusses the spiral into addiction, the impact on her family, and the turning point that led her to seek help. Brandi emphasizes the importance of community, acceptance, and the heali…

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Access and Aftermath: What Racial Quotas Changed in Brazil’s Universities with Luiz Augusto Campos 22:16

2M ago22:16

22:16

Join Alex Usher and Luiz Augusto Campos on 'The World of Higher Education Podcast' as they delve into Brazil's journey from its history of slavery to addressing racial inequality through fixed numerical admissions quotas in higher education. Discover how these policies have transformed Brazil's public universities, making them more inclusive, and t…

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Episode 6: Building Your Brand—Authenticity, Courage & Connection with Cheri from The Detailed Way 36:55

2M ago36:55

36:55

In this episode of The SoulFire Sessions, Alex sits down with digital marketing specialist and owner of The Detailed Way, Cheri, for a powerful conversation about personal branding, online visibility, and the courage it takes to show up authentically in a digital world. From psychology to marketing, Cheri shares her journey and the lessons she’s le…

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Capitalizing on College: Mission, Money, and Survival in Higher Ed with Joshua Travis Brown 26:04

2M ago26:04

26:04

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the intricate economics of higher education with guest Joshua Travis Brown from Johns Hopkins University. They discuss Brown's new book, 'Capitalizing on College,' which examines how private religious institutions navigate rising costs through various financial st…

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Undoing Bologna: Russia’s Conservative Turn in Higher Education with Dmitry Dubrovsky 23:23

2M ago23:23

23:23

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast with Alex Usher, the discussion focuses on the vast reconfiguration of Russian academic life following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Scholar Dmitry Dubrovsky of Charles University shares insights into the slow-motion collapse of Russian higher education, tracing the changes from the d…

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Episode 5: Grounding, Gratitude & Soul Guidance 45:56

2M ago45:56

45:56

In this episode of The SoulFire Sessions, hosts Alex and Mariah welcome Andrea—a gifted energy channeler, sound healer, yoga and meditation teacher—who helps people reconnect with their soul, calm their nervous systems, and step back into alignment with who they really are. Andrea opens the conversation by leading us through a short, grounding brea…

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The Widening Gap: Income, College, and Opportunity with Zachary Bleemer 25:09

2M ago25:09

25:09

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher talks with Zachary Bleemer, Assistant Professor of Economics at Princeton University, about his recent paper co-authored with Sarah Quincy. Their research titled 'Changes in the College Mobility Pipeline Since 1900' reveals that higher education's role as a social elevator ce…

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Crisis or Reform? Higher Education in Milei’s Argentina with Marcelo Rabossi 22:10

2M ago22:10

22:10

In this episode of The World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the changes in Argentina's higher education system under President Javier Milei's administration with Marcelo Rabossi from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. The conversation covers Milei's aggressive measures to reduce government spending, the subsequent impact on publ…

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Episode 4: The Gray Space - From Higher Ed to Higher Purpose 22:24

3M ago22:24

22:24

In our first solo session, Alex shares her personal journey of leaving behind 15 years in higher education to step into higher purpose with The SoulFire Collective (www.thesoulfire.com). She explores what it means to live in the gray space—the in-between of identity, faith, and the unknown. Through honest reflection, Alex unpacks the grief of letti…

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Higher Ed at the Ballot Box: Australia’s Election and the Accord with Andrew Norton 22:41

3M ago22:41

22:41

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher welcomes back Andrew Norton to discuss developments since the drop of the Universities Accord report. They explore changes in student and institutional funding, the introduction of new regulations and a national student ombudsman, and challenges faced by universities due to increa…

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From Funding Formulas to AI: Pedro Teixeira on Higher Education’s Next Challenges 25:23

3M ago25:23

25:23

In this episode, Alex Usher speaks with Pedro Teixeira—higher education scholar at the University of Porto and former Portuguese Secretary of State for Higher Education—about reforming university funding, navigating demographic pressures, and preparing for the impact of AI on the future of learning and work.…

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Episode 3: Granola & Grit: Robert’s Journey from Corporate to Calling 42:59

3M ago42:59

42:59

In this episode of the SoulFire Sessions, Alex and Mariah sit down with Robert to explore his bold leap from a 30-year career in corporate tech into full-time entrepreneurship with his wife's company, Aunt Susie’s Granola. Robert opens up about the fears, identity shifts, and hard truths of leaving a steady paycheck behind to chase this dream with …

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Episode 2: Honoring the Inner Movement 43:54

4M ago43:54

43:54

Your inner movements—those quiet nudges, emotions, and shifts—are your soul’s way of guiding you toward growth and alignment. In this powerful episode of SoulFire Sessions, hosts Alex and Mariah are joined guest Megan to explore how tuning in to these signals can ignite personal transformation. Through heartfelt conversation, practical insights, an…

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Episode 1: The Spark That Started It All 58:57

4M ago58:57

58:57

In this first episode of The SoulFire Sessions, Alex and Mariah share the story behind SoulFire Collective—how it started, what it stands for, and why it matters. They open up about navigating the gray areas of life, uncovering purpose, and the values that guide their work: courage, authenticity, freedom, compassion, growth, and purpose. If you’ve …

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The Year the Money Ran Out: Global Higher Ed Review 24:34

6M ago24:34

24:34

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, co-producer, Tiffany MacLennan is our host and Alex Usher takes a turn in the question seat. Together, they review the most significant global higher education stories of the year, discussing topics such as the impacts of Trump's policies on international education, massification, the role o…

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Cut, Coerce, Control: What Trump Is Doing to U.S. Universities 28:44

6M ago28:44

28:44

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher discusses the Trump administration's unprecedented actions against science and universities. Billions of dollars in funding from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health have been stripped, international students are facing deportation, and low-income …

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Opening January 2026: Inside One of the Biggest University Mergers in Australia 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher discusses the historic merger of two major Australian universities—the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia—set to be completed by January 2026. This merger will form Adelaide University, which will be one of the largest academic institutions in the co…

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Incremental Change or System Overhaul? An Update on Higher Ed Reform in NZ with Roger Smyth 26:06

6M ago26:06

26:06

Join Alex Usher in the latest episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast as he discusses the hyperactive state of New Zealand's higher education policy with Roger Smyth, a former senior New Zealand public servant, now a consultant. The episode delves into the recent activities of the University Advisory Group, government decisions affecting i…

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Between Excellence and Relevance: The Regional University Dilemma 27:17

7M ago27:17

27:17

In this episode of The World of Higher Education Podcast, Alex Usher is joined by Dr. Romulo Pinheiro, a professor at the University of Agder, Norway. They discuss the evolving role of universities in regional economic development, particularly in peripheral areas. Dr. Pinheiro shares insights on the challenges and strategies for universities in le…

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Banking on Human Capital: How RBC Sees the Future of Talent, Innovation, and the Role of Post-Secondary Institutions 26:49

7M ago26:49

26:49

Join Alex Usher on the World of Higher Education Podcast as he delves into the future of Canadian higher education amidst economic shifts with guest John Stackhouse, Senior Vice President at the Royal Bank of Canada. The discussion focuses on the necessity for post-secondary education reform, the vital role of human capital, and how universities ca…

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Lean, Global, and Tuition-Free: The University of the People Model 25:48

7M ago25:48

25:48

Join host Alex Usher in the World of Higher Education Podcast as he interviews Shai Reshef, Founder and President of University of the People. Discover how this online institution serves 150,000 students across 209 countries with a tuition-free model. Learn the economics behind running a mega online university, the role of technology and volunteers…

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Overskilled and Underused? What PIAAC Reveals About the Canadian Workforce 24:41

7M ago24:41

24:41

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into a discussion about the Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) with guest Noel Baldwin, Executive Director of Canada's Future Skills Centre. Baldwin explains the scope and purpose of PIAAC, compares it to PISA, and delves into its implic…

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Innovation Without Borders: Galileo’s Networked Approach to Better Higher Education System 25:49

8M ago25:49

25:49

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher talks with Nicolas Badré, Chief Operating Officer of Galileo Global Education, about the rise of private higher education in Europe. They explore the unique business model of Galileo Global Education, its rapid expansion, and its innovative approaches, including leveraging AI…

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“Anything Can Be Done With Anything”: Innovative Universities with Dara Melnyk 23:08

8M ago23:08

23:08

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher delves into the nuances of innovation in universities with guest Dara Melnyk. They discuss the catalysts for innovation in higher education, the required structure and leadership for sustaining innovation, and the global differences in institutional approaches. Dara shares in…

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The Learning Centred University with Steven Mintz 22:53

8M ago22:53

22:53

In this interview, Alex speaks with Steven Mintz, a renowned scholar and postdoctoral researcher, and author of the book, "The Learning-Centered University: Making College a More Developmental, Transformational, and Equitable Experience" In the following conversation, Mintz discusses what makes a learning-centered university, the benefits of active…

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From Soviet Influence to Market Economy: Mongolia’s Higher Education Journey 21:01

9M ago21:01

21:01

In this episode of the World of Higher Education Podcast, host Alex Usher interviews Dendev Badarch, a professor at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, about the evolution and current state of higher education in Mongolia. They discuss the historical Soviet influence, the impact of Mongolia's transition to a market economy, the rise…

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Connecting Universities in a Divided World: International Association of Universities’ Mission 26:08

9M ago26:08

26:08

Join Alex Usher in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast where he chats with Hilligje van 't Land, Secretary General of the International Association of Universities (IAU). They delve into the evolution and role of IAU, challenges of global higher education, and how universities from diverse backgrounds can work together towards com…

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Why Boycott? Maya Wind on the Case Against Israeli Universities 29:01

9M ago29:01

29:01

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher engages with Maya Wind, postdoctoral scholar at UC Riverside, to discuss her book 'Towers of Ivory and Steel: How Israeli Universities Deny Palestinian Freedom.' Maya Wind discusses the rationale behind the academic boycott of Israeli institutions, the ethical debate surround…

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Students on the Frontlines: The Ongoing Protests in Serbia with Jim Dickinson 25:03

9M ago25:03

25:03

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, to discuss the significant role of student movements in Serbian political history. The conversation covers the origins and growth of the current protests, spurred by a tragic incident at a railway station, and their impa…

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Data, Decisions, and Disruptions: Inside the World of University Rankings 26:08

10M ago26:08

26:08

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Duncan Ross, former Chief Data Officer of Times Higher Education Rankings. Duncan shares his journey from the tech sector to leading university rankings at THE in 2015. He discusses the initial challenges of unifying ranking data, expanding the geographic diversi…

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The Great Brain Race, 15 years later with Ben Wildavsky 28:37

10M ago28:37

28:37

Join Alex Usher on the World of Higher Education podcast as he revisits 'The Great Brain Race' with author Ben Wildavsky. They explore the book's thesis on globalization in higher education, the trends of student and faculty mobility, and the phenomena of global university rankings and branch campuses. They also discuss the current status of the 'g…

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Colombia's Higher Ed Utopia or Illusion? Insights with Javier Botero 21:42

10M ago21:42

21:42

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Javier Botero, a lead consultant at the World Bank and former Vice Minister of Higher Education in Colombia. They delve into the overlooked but significant developments in Colombia's higher education system under President Gustavo Petro. Topics include the implem…

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The Governance of European Higher Education: Convergence or Divergence? with Michael Shattock 24:59

10M ago24:59

24:59

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher sits down with Michael Shattock to discuss the complexities of university governance across Europe. The discussion covers the fundamental differences between the British, French Napoleonic, and German Humboldtian models, and their practical impacts on the relationship between…

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Beyond the Rhetoric: Mexico’s Higher Education Reality with Alma Maldonado Maldonado 23:28

11M ago23:28

23:28

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher welcomes back Alma Maldonado, an education researcher at CINVESTAV, to discuss the state of higher education in Mexico. The conversation covers the transition from former president AMLO to the new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the impact of Morena's policies on universiti…

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Where Canada lies in Global Trends with Alex Usher 22:35

11M ago22:35

22:35

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, Alex Usher discusses global trends and challenges in higher education funding. He outlines systemic issues like slow economic growth, price volatility, and skepticism about the value of higher education, examining how these factors affect countries worldwide. The discussion includes specific…

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Top 10 U.S. Higher Ed Stories of 2024 with Robert Kelchen 23:33

12M ago23:33

23:33

Join Alex Usher and Robert Kelchen as they discuss the top 10 higher education stories in the U.S. for 2024 in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast. Topics include changes in big-time college athletics, college closures, international student trends, state funding dynamics, political realignment, accreditation issues, diversity, eq…

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Skilled for the Future: How China is Transforming Vocational Education with Gerard Postiglione 21:55

12M ago21:55

21:55

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher explores China's vocational higher education system with Professor Gerard Postiglione from the University of Hong Kong. They discuss the origins of China's vocational education policy, recent successes, and the development of vocational universities. Tune in for insights on t…

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From 36,000 to 12,000: Tracking the Decline in EU Students Post-Brexit with Paul Wakeling 23:03

1y ago23:03

23:03

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, we delve into the consequences of Brexit on European students attending UK universities. Host Alex Usher is joined by Paul Wakeling, Professor of Education at the University of York, to discuss the shift in student mobility, financial implications, and broader impacts on UK higher education.…

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Unrest and Reform: Bangladesh’s Youth Movement and Higher Education with Sharowat Shamin 24:17

1y ago24:17

24:17

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, hosted by Alex Usher, we dive deep into the surprising student protests in Bangladesh that shook the government in the summer of last year. The catalyst was a controversial job quota system, but the movement quickly gained momentum against the increasingly authoritarian regime. Joining us to…

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The Lost Potential of Institutional Research: Insights from 'Outsourcing Student Success' 23:18

1y ago23:18

23:18

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher is joined by Joseph Wycoff, author of 'Outsourcing Student Success: The History of Institutional Research and the Future of Higher Education'. They dive into the unique and underappreciated field of institutional research within higher education institutions. Wycoff explores …

1
The University Advisory Group: Reimagining New Zealand’s Higher Ed Future with Chris Whelan 22:47

1y ago22:47

22:47

In this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast, host Alex Usher speaks with Chris Whelan, Chief Executive of Universities New Zealand, about the country's new University Advisory Group. The discussion covers the challenges facing New Zealand's higher education system, including declining government funding and the impact of COVID-19 on st…

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Utopian Universities: A Global History of the New Campuses of the 1960 with Dr. Miles Taylor 23:15

1y ago23:15

23:15

In this episode of 'The World of Higher Education' podcast, Alex Usher speaks with co-editor Miles Taylor about 'Utopian Universities: A Global History of the New Campuses of the 1960s.' They delve into the distinctive characteristics of universities founded during this period, the vision behind their creation, and why these institutions often ende…

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Global Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaboration, and Knowledge Production with David Baker 24:39

1y ago24:39

24:39

Join host Alex Usher in this episode of the World of Higher Education podcast as he interviews Dr. David Baker, coauthor of 'Global Mega-Science: Universities, Research Collaborations, and Knowledge Production.' They delve into the historical transformation of universities into major scientific research hubs, covering the evolution from individual …