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Applied Podcast

Helping you discover, learn, and apply new knowledge in your life.

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The award-winning Applied podcast from CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension gives you access to stories happening at CSU and all across Colorado, from laboratories to classrooms, campuses to communities, and beyond.

Latest Episode

The Economics of Sustainable Development and Social Entrepreneurship

Featuring Niroj Bhattarai

According to recent estimates by the UN, in 2023 nearly 700 million people across the globe were subsisting on less than $2.15 a day ($785 a year). In this episode, we speak with Niroj Bhattarai, an assistant professor of economics with more than 20 years of teaching, research, and field work experience. We discuss poverty, economic development, government, access to education, and social entrepreneurship as a driver for sustainable change.

Topics: Entrepreneurship, Community, Education

Ep. 11

AI and Academic Integrity

Featuring Joseph Brown

What does the future of higher education look like in a world where every student has access to powerful AI tools like ChatGPT? How can educators be more prepared to handle this rapidly evolving landscape? What should students know?

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Ethics, Education

Headshot of Mark Schreiber

Ep. 10

Entrepreneurship Should be for Everyone

Featuring Mark Schreiber

What is entrepreneurship? Should it be taught in K-12 school? What could that look like and what are the barriers?

Topics: Business, Entrepreneurship, Education

Headshot of Deryn Davidson

Ep. 9

How to Get Started with Sustainable Landscaping in Colorado

Featuring Deryn Davidson

When it comes to creating more sustainable green spaces in Colorado, there is no one-size-fits-all method. Find out how CSU Extension defines sustainability and how to create vibrant, long-lasting landscapes.

Topics: Horticulture, Landscaping, Sustainability

Headshot of Dr. Sudeep Pasricha.

Ep. 8

Data Centers, Energy, and Environmental Impact

Featuring Sudeep Pasricha

As they invest in new AI technology, corporations like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon continue to build large data centers, which consume vast amounts of energy. Meanwhile, researchers are looking for new ways to increase operational efficiency.

Topics: Technology, Energy, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability

Headshot of Mindy Van Kalsbeek, M.S.W.

Ep. 7

Working and Learning as a Social Work Professional in Colorado

Featuring Mindy Van Kalsbeek

Some of the most challenging aspects of being a social worker can also be the most rewarding. In this episode, we discuss the importance of mindfulness, mentorship, and continuing education in the social work profession.

Topics: Social Work, Careers, Education, Health & Well-being

Headshot of Dr. Nate Riggs

Ep. 6

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

Featuring Nate Riggs

Learn more about the growing field of prevention science and how the CSU Prevention Research Center partners with schools, organizations, and communities to help promote programs that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Topics: Community, Education, Health & Well-being

Headshot of Dr. Brad Conner.

Ep. 5

How We Understand Addiction (and still have a lot to learn)

Featuring Brad Conner

As more states have moved to make cannabis both medically and recreationally legal, the research to better understand cannabis-use disorder remains in early stages. Researchers also face legal hurdles due to a complex regulatory landscape.

Topics: Addiction, Health & Well-being, Community

Headshots of Dr. Ray Black and Dr. Eric Ishiwata.

Ep. 4

Why There’s No Formula for DEI Work (Part 2)

Featuring Ray Black and Eric Ishiwata

In part two of our episode on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), we speak with both Eric Ishiwata and Ray Black, Associate Professor of Ethnic Studies and African American studies at CSU. Dr. Black’s work focuses on how students of color succeed.

Topics: DEI, Education, Community

Headshot of Dr. Eric Ishiwata.

Ep. 3

Why There’s No Formula for DEI Work (Part 1)

Featuring Eric Ishiwata

In this episode, we speak with Eric Ishiwata about his approach to better understanding and implementing DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in both workplaces and communities.

Topics: DEI, Education, Community

Headshots of Dr. Blythe LaGasse and Dr. Jess Rushing.

Ep. 2

Exploring the Incredible Healing Power of Music Therapy

Featuring Blythe LaGasse and Jess Rushing

Music has an amazing capacity to enhance lives. It can even help us cope with trauma and support mental health. In this episode, we talk with two faculty members in CSU’s Music Therapy dept. about why music therapy works and how it fits into a holistic healthcare system.

Topics: Music, Health & Well-being

Headshot of Dr. Zach Mercurio

Ep. 1

Applied Positive Psychology: Finding Strength in Human Potential

Featuring Zach Mercurio

Until recently, most psychologists focused on what can go wrong and how to fix or prevent it. In contrast, the field of positive psychology specifically studies what’s working and what we can achieve if we better understand and foster each other’s strengths.

Topics: Psychology, Health & Well-being

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