SU Insider is your gateway to the stories and insights of Southwestern University&#39;s brightest minds. Hosted by David Salvania with co-hosts Ira Worsham and Julia Marshall, come join us every week as we feature engaging interviews with faculty and professors, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and passions driving SU&#39;s pioneers of education.

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For the 17th episode of SU Insider, we sit down with transfer student, Theo, who shares his experience of transferring to Southwestern University from Purdue, mental health struggles, and how his passions translated into his educational journey. It&#39;s a deeply personal episode and we welcome you to listen in!

Student Spotlight: Theo Phocas (Mental Health & Transferring)

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For Episode 16, we invite you to this technical interview with Dr. Wang, Assistant Professor of Business who specializes in International Finance. We explore “Trumponomics 2.0”, focusing on tariffs, economic resilience, and the future of America’s financial dominance. He also analyzes how these policies affect the U.S.’s role as a financial safe haven and whether protectionism attracts or repels global capital.

Tariffs & Economics with Dr. Di Wang

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For the 15th episode of SU Insider, we&#39;re joined by Assistant Professor of Theater, Gabriel Peña! From advice for students to exploring majors and the love for the arts, we cover everything you could want in this fun and bubbly episode. If you worry about where life might take you next, just know you are not alone.

Theater & Exploration with Gabriel Peña

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For the 14th episode of SU Insider, we bring on our very own University President, Dr. Laura Skandera Trombley, to speak on important upcoming plans for the university, some amazing moments in her career, as well as meaningful ways students can spend time with her! Dr. Trombley&#39;s passion for her students and their education is evident through the time we got to spend with her, and we look forward to seeing what comes next for Southwestern in the years to come.

University Plans & Accomplishments with SU President Laura Skandera Trombley

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Joining us for Episode 13 of SU Insider is Dr. Salviander from Southwestern&#39;s Department of Physics! With an extensive background in astronomical research and a passion for helping students understand the mysteries of the Universe, Dr. Salviander has lots to uncover about the magnificent world of space and beyond. This episode gives us only a sneak peak, but Dr. Salviander&#39;s Exploring the Universe courses are a great way to learn more!

Astronomy & Cosmology with Dr. Sarah Salviander

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For the 12th episode of SU Insider, Dr. Moss from the Political Science department joins us to chat about academics, social and environmental student engagement, as well as the wide range of interests students, academics, and citizens alike can take in the scope of Political Science. Discussing the inherent political nature of everyday events is an important topic in society today, and in this episode, Dr. Moss covers some of the best insights!

Political Science & Engagement with Dr. Zoe Moss

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For the 11th episode of SU Insider and the first of the Fall 2025 semester, we had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Alex Anderson from Southwestern&#39;s very own Career Center for Professional Development! Covering a variety of topics from how early to start securing internships to &#34;your network is your networth!,&#34; we got helpful insights for students of all grade levels. Once you&#39;re done listening, don&#39;t hesitate to reach out to the CCPD yourself and book an appointment to get a head start on your plans for the future &#34;you!&#34;

Internships, Careers, & More with CCPD's Alex Anderson

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For our first student spotlight, SGA President and now graduating Senior, Bryce Stiemert, joins us on the pod! We discuss everything from personal projects and philosophies to SU experiences and our greatest mentors. Bryce has done so much for the community during his time at SU, and we wish him a warm farewell and nothing but the best!

Student Spotlight: Bryce Stiemert

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For the 9th episode of SU Insider, we brought on the lovely Jennifer Frias to discuss the importance of First Gen. students and some exciting upcoming opportunities for them! The insight and passion she brings into student life is immeasurable. You won&#39;t want to miss it!

First Gen. & Impactful Moments with Jennifer Frias

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For the 8th episode of SU Insider, Branndon Bargo from Outdoor Adventure joins us to talk about the incredibly eventful and adventure-filled trajectory of his life. We discuss everything from dangerous mountain climbs and biking with the prince of a foreign country to student life in outdoor adventure!

Risks & Adventure with Branndon Bargo

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Joining us for Episode 7 is the seasoned Professor of Economics, Dr. Dirk Early! With a deep-set love for the subject of economics and a passion to help students succeed, Dr. Early discussed with us the fundamental need to fail before succeeding in the college experience, the importance of asking questions, and the inevitability of adulting.

Economics & College Experience with Dr. Dirk Early

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For the 6th episode of SU Insider, we sat down with the ever-energetic Dr. Giuliano to discuss a myriad of fun psychology and travel topics! We uncover Dr. G&#39;s own unique journey to Southwestern, the power of risk-taking in going after what you want, and some of her most comedic Southwestern stories.

Psychology & Travel with Dr. Traci Giuliano

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Joining us for Episode 5 is Southwestern University&#39;s fun-loving, Visual Content Producer, Todd White, and Guest-host Rebecca George! Tune in for discussions on Todd&#39;s amazing past experiences, some of his responsibilities at SU, and a philosophical discussion on the importance of passion and perseverance in work and in life.

Visual Content Production, Passion, & Perseverance with Todd White

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For the 4th episode of SU Insider, we got to know Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Dr. Clark! In this episode, we discussed various aspects of his busy career in psychology, his approach to balancing it, and the importance of health and nutrition.

Psychology & Health with Dr. Robert Clark

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Joining us for Episode 3, we had the pleasure of chatting with and getting to know the lovely Dr. Futamura from SU&#39;s Math department. We dived into the ins and outs of combining math and art in teaching and creation as well as exploring how math can be integrated into any passion imaginable! Dr. Futamura is one of the co-organizers for the 42nd Brown Symposium - Visualizing the Abstract happening next week from March 4th - 6th, 2025. Don&#39;t forget to stop by!

Inquiry-Based Math & Art with Dr. Fumiko Futamura

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Joining us for Episode 2 is the beloved Poli-Sci Professor and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Gaunder! In this episode, we cover a variety of topics from Japanese politics and studying abroad to major flexibility from SU to graduate school and beyond.

Japan & Poli-Sci with Dr. Alisa Gaunder

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For the SU Insider premier, we had the privilege of sitting down with the esteemed and well-loved Dr. Brit Katz to discuss what he loves most about our student-body, fun things planned for the Spring 2025 semester, and ways to combat the recent spread of the student loneliness epidemic.

Gen Z & Higher Education with Dr. Brit Katz

SU Insider is your gateway to the stories and insights of Southwestern University's brightest minds. Hosted by David Salvania with co-hosts Ira Worsham and Julia Marshall, come join us every week as we feature engaging interviews with faculty and professors, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and passions driving SU's pioneers of education.