How do sports, culture, and communication shape who we are? In this episode, Judy Oskam talks with University of Alabama Sports Scholar Dr. Kenon Brown. Dr. Brown is a professor of advertising and public relations, co-director of the Beyond Sports Initiative, and co-author of the book - The United States of Sport: Media Framing and the Influence of the Intersection of Sports and American Culture. During our conversation we explore how sports reflect American ...

What’s your relationship with money? Do you worry about having enough? Does money guide all of your decisions? In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, I talk with Mary Liz Burns about the psychology of money. She has more than two decades of experience in personal finance communications and media. Mary Liz has an MBA with a focus on financial psychology and is a certified senior advisor. After a successful career in corporate communications and public relations — inc...

For our 100th episode, I sit down with Dr. Kelly Damphousse, the 10th president of Texas State University. A sociologist by training, President Damphousse talks candidly about the midnight moment that set the tone for his presidency. He shares his personal journey – from growing up in a trailer court with no plans for college to becoming a university president. We also discuss the university’s momentum — from a campus master plan to the research trajectory toward R1 and a move to the P...

Do you know your values? You might think you know your values, but are you living your values, right now? In this solo episode, Judy Oskam reflects on a recent experience she shared with her daughter, Danielle. Together, they attended the Becoming You intensive led by Dr. Suzy Welch at the NYU Stern School of Business. The New York workshop centered on values and purpose. It encouraged participants to explore what matters most and to design a life that aligns with those priorities. Ju...

What does it really mean to be free? In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity, Judy Oskam sits down with Christian Ray Flores—a high-performance coach, entrepreneur, and author of the Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America: A Love Letter from an Immigrant. Christian has lived through revolutions and the fall of the Soviet Union. From that perspective, he offers a powerful take on the American spirit and freedom. He also shares how living your brand and leaning into ...

In this powerful episode, Ontario veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford shows us what it truly means to live with passion and a sense of adventure. He's called the Worldwide Vet. Dr. Redford travels the world combining his veterinary practice with global volunteer work. Over the years, he has helped animals and communities in Jamaica, India, Panama, India and Ukraine. Dr. Cliff's journey proves that change is something to embrace no matter what your age. Whether he's perfor...

Why are companies firing Gen Z employees — and what can be done to help them succeed? In August, I attended the 2025 Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication conference in San Francisco. My colleague, Dr. Nandini Bhalla of Texas State University, led a stellar panel titled “Why are companies firing Gen Z employees? Workforce Strategies and Solutions for PR’s Next Generation.” The panel featured an all-star lineup of experts: Caitlin Haskins – Vice President of AI,...

On this episode I talk with Christine Blosdale – expert authority coach and podcaster – about how to overcome imposter syndrome and establish yourself as a leader in your field. Christine offers real-world strategies to boost your confidence and elevate your personal brand. Christine had a challenging childhood and it taught her resilience and the power of voice. Her mom was a single mother who worked nights. Christine's mother instilled a knowingness in her that her opinion mattered.&n...

In this short solo episode, I share some thoughts about my study abroad experience in Scotland. It pushed me and my students out of our comfort zone, but that was a very good thing. I taught one of the first Edinburgh hub classes for Texas State University based at Queen Margaret University. Our hub programs are short-term study abroad experiences where students earn credit while spending 3-weeks living and learning overseas. Takeaways • Students connected wi...

How do you keep moving forward when the road isn’t clear? In this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity – Scotland Edition, I sit down with Bety Téllez Mora, Content and Campaigns Officer at Queen Margaret University - Edinburgh. Bety navigates challenges and career pivots—across countries and creative fields. From journalism to digital storytelling, Bety shares how embracing change, taking risks, and staying curious has helped her shape a meaningful creative journey—one step at a time....

Study abroad Scotland. An unforgettable experience of culture, courage, and personal growth. Texas State University junior Jamin Ochoa signed up for a public relations class in Scotland and it's been a life-changing experience. Jamin shares his journey of personal transformation from the campus of Queen Margaret University near Edinburgh. Key Takeaways • Jamin connected to his family heritage in Scotland • Campus-based programs allow students to truly experien...

Just say yes to opportunities. Grace White, a rising sophomore public relations major at Texas State University, shares her transformative experiences about her three-week study abroad program in Scotland. Grace was a student in my Intro to Public Relations class at Queen Margaret University. We sat down in the library on campus and I recorded our conversation on my iPhone. We talked about how a classroom presentation evolved into a life-changing journey. Key Ta...

Education abroad gives students the chance to discover the world beyond their familiar borders. On this episode of Stories of Change and Creativity: Scotland Edition, I had the chance to talk with Angie Olmos. Angie is a sophomore Mass Communication major minoring in International Studies at Texas State University. She's in the Intro to Public Relations class I'm teaching this summer at Queen Margaret University near Edinburgh. Together we chat about how global experi...

What’s it like to leave the U.S. for the first time and study in a new country? In this short series I'm highlighting our Texas State University education abroad program in Scotland. Students and faculty spent three weeks living and working on the campus of Queen Margaret University, near Edinburgh, Scotland. Join me as I sit down with students, faculty, and local professionals to capture their stories. Tori, a sophomore advertising major, shares her journey as a first-time internationa...

Are you a professor, researcher or writer? Do you battle with distraction and writer's block? If so, a writing retreat might be just what you need to finish your project. Retreats provide academics with distraction-free environments to focus solely on their writing projects, helping them make significant progress in a short time. While teaching a class at Queen Margaret University in Scotland, I stumbled upon a writing retreat just down the hall from my classroom. I as...

For college grads In this short solo-episode, I hope to send a message of encouragement to college grads. Standing at life's crossroads after graduation doesn't mean you need to have all the answers—just take that first step. You've got this. The path reveals itself through action, so it's important to make a start. Key Takeaways • Feeling uncertain is normal and where the significant growth begins • Life isn't about having a perfect plan, but about learning as you go...

Judy Oskam shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating and delivering her TEDx talk at Texas State University. She turned the microphone over to her long time friend and mentor Carole Barasch about the process, challenges, and insights gained. Earlier in her career, Carole was an award-winning TV news anchor and reporter and public relations professional. This is an honest conversation about the emotional and strategic work that powers a successful TEDx talk—mentorship, messa...

In this episode of Stories of Change & Creativity, I talk with Kyle Hawley, founder of Letterpress PLAY and creative director at 26 Keys. Kyle shares how growing up in a multi-generational household shaped her creative journey and her approach to entrepreneurship and motherhood. 🎙️ In this episode, you’ll hear about: Kyle’s path from a theater and mass communication student at Texas State University to entrepreneurHow a thesis project on post-WWII playgrounds led to the creation of L...

Andy Bell had a life changing event that rocked his world. And now he's working to change the world of education. As CEO of Thinkery, Andy shares his vision for revolutionizing education by combining AI technology with joyful learning experiences. During our conversation you'll learn: • how a brain cancer diagnosis gave Bell clarity and urgency about his mission to transform education • that our traditional education system was designed for industrial era skills, not the c...

Mark Paz II shares his journey from shy kid to award-winning communication professor and TEDx coordinator and coach at Texas State University. He's on a mission to build strong relationships and develop good people. Mark was my TEDx coach and I think he's a rock star. Thanks to his coaching, I was able to find my voice, craft my message and deliver my talk from the red carpet. During our interview, you will learn how: • Growing up with parents who emphasized service ...