Guest host Dr. Margaret Mbindyo welcomes Ben Walker from Oxford Brookes University in the UK, and Chiara Bertolini and Dr. Alessandra Landini from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy, for a rich discussion on academic advising, student success, belonging, mental health, disability support, and the changing needs of today’s college students.

From the UK’s “personal tutoring” model to Italy’s orientation practices and student support, this episode explores how advising looks across borders, and what higher education professionals can learn from one another. Along the way, they discuss the importance of building community, recognizing student struggles early, setting healthy boundaries as advisors, and seeing international students as whole people, not just paperwork.

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In this episode of Adventures in Advising, Matt and Ryan chat with returning guest, Dr. Janet Schulenberg, about NACADA’s newly unveiled definition of academic advising and framework. Janet reflects on how the task force’s work moved from development to a formal resource for the profession. This conversation explores the definition’s central message, its implications for advisor identity and institutional responsibility, and how it can help clarify boundaries, advocate for support, and shape the future of advising practice.

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The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

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Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Matt and Ryan welcome Dr. Hilleary Himes from Penn State for a lively conversation about advising scholarship, professional development, and why the history of academic advising matters more than we might think. Hilleary shares her unexpected journey from anthropology and archaeological digs to academic advising, reflects on how advising structures shape student experiences, and offers practical encouragement for advisors who want to turn everyday questions, conference presentations, or “hmm, I wonder…” moments into scholarship.

Hilleary digs into the publication process, including revise-and-resubmit realities, co-authoring, writing routines, and how rejection can be reframed as part of making the work stronger. Plus, Hilleary explains how long-distance running and long-form writing have more in common than expected: stamina, patience, and trusting the process one step at a time.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.