PsychSessions: Conversations about Teaching N' Stuff

• E224: Don Christensen: Intrinsic motivation, professional growth, sports, and psychology

  In this episode Garth interviews Don Christensen from Shoreline Community College in Shoreline, WA. They discuss the educational and professional journey that led Don from an attempted engineering degree at Stanford to a successful psychology career focusing on teaching and performance enhancement. They discuss Don's early influences, from collegiate golf to motivational psychology, and his transition back to Seattle for graduate studies. Don describes his strategies for integrating authentic assessment and the importance of intrinsic motivation in both academic and athletic settings. The conversation highlights Don's work with aspiring athletes and business leaders, applying mental training principles for peak performance. This episode is packed with insights on education, psychology, sports, and motivational strategies that enhance teaching and learning experiences. [Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

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• E223: Noland White, Part 2: Teacher, writer, builder of student confidence

  In this episode Eric interviews Noland White (Part 2) from Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, GA. They discuss Noland's approach to teaching and the importance of mental health and work-life balance for both students and educators. Noland shares the evolution of his role as a co-author for an intro psych textbook, detailing his journey from attending a focus group to becoming a co-author with Sandra Ciccarelli. Reflecting on his teaching career, he emphasizes the value of continuous learning, the significance of transparent communication with students, and the role of resilience and confidence-building in education. He also touches upon the future of his textbook series and the joys of maintaining a fulfilling career in academia. [Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

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  55:52
• Sidebar 26: BISTOPS 2026

  In this sidebar, Eric describes the upcoming Biennial International Seminar on the Teaching of Psychological Science (BISTOPS), which will be held July 6-10, 2026, in Paris. The organizer is Doug Bernstein ([email protected]) from the University of South Florida. A PDF accompanies this episode, which contains the key details about this opportunity. The deadline to apply for BISTOPS 2026 is January 15, 2026.

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  2:31
• E222: Loretta McGregor, Part 2: The classroom, the leader, the mentor, the friend

  In this episode Eric interviews Loretta McGregor (a Part 2 interview) from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR. Loretta shares insights from her recent tenure as STP President, discussing the challenges and proud moments, including a strategic membership dues increase and launching a high school mentoring program. Loretta also details her new role as Interim Associate Dean at Arkansas State University, explaining her passion for mentoring faculty. The discussion concludes with reflections on late-career transitions, future plans, and the joys of teaching statistics in unique and engaging ways. [Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

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  55:09
• E221: Drew Christopher, Part 2: Leadership, teaching, career transitions, and caffeine

  In this episode Eric interviews Drew Christopher (a Part 2 interview) from Albion College in Albion, MI. The conversation spans various topics, including Drew's career transitions, roles as an editor for the journal 'Teaching of Psychology,' SPSP pre-conference coordinator, and currently as President-Elect of STP. Drew discusses his thought process behind taking on different roles, his eventual rise to STP President, and his strategies for managing career transitions. The discussion also delves into the challenges and changes in the academic landscape, particularly in higher education, and Drew's personal approach to maintaining mental health and work-life balance. They touch on the importance of collegial support, attending conferences, and engaging in meaningful professional interactions. The conversation wraps up with insights into Drew's plans for the future and considerations about retirement. [Note. Portions of the show notes were generated by Descript AI.]

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  58:24

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