Happy Friday, North Texas!

This week, we’re heading back to The Lab to hear about how changes in technology have impacted the way the media reports on the Presidency, we’ve got our next Eagles Abroad interview with a student who studied in Spain, and we talk to Mean Green women’s soccer head coach John Hedlund about getting his 400th career win a few weeks ago. In this episode: James Mueller, associate dean and professor at UNT's Mayborn School of Journalism, discusses the effects of technology on the media's reporting on the President of the United States. Watch The Lab. (1:25-3:47)Double major Addie (Journalism and Spanish) calls in from Pamplona, Spain, to tell us about her Study Abroad experience, including every international traveler’s worst nightmare, losing her passport. (3:48-18:01)Mean Green women’s soccer head coach John Hedlund talks to us about hitting two major milestones this fall – coaching his 30th season and earning his 400th win. Read more about Hedlund’s decades of dominance at UNT. (18:02-27:54)Q&A: With finals coming up, the hosts discuss their favorite snacks and drinks to fuel late night study sessions. Tell us your thoughts by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (27:55-29:04) Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

It’s Homecoming Week! This episode, we’re talking about all the fun events that have been happening on campus and the big game tomorrow, the final stretch before Election Day and throw in some Halloween talk. It’s a busy time of year around here!   In this episode: We hear from legendary alumni Billy Harper and Kevin Von Erich, respectively, who talk about their time at UNT and how it impacted them. Learn more about Harper’s time with the One O’Clock Lab Band and Von Erich’s playing days for the Mean Green. (1:20-7:35)In our last Democracy Primer segment before Election Day, we talk to political science assistant professor Brian Hamel about down-ballot races and the importance of researching every race before you cast your vote. Texas voting information. (7:36-15:12)Counseling Professor Trent Petrie talks about his work with the Bodies in Motion program, which aims to help female athletes struggling with body image issues. (15:13-36:40)Q&A: With Halloween around the corner, the hosts discuss aliens and ghosts. Tell us your thoughts by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (36:41-38:38)   Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

This episode, we’re talking about a basketball tip-off event that should be a lot of fun for UNT fans, we’ve got the next segment in our Democracy Primer series covering PACs and Super PACs, and the first segment of our new Eagles Abroad series where we talk to students while they’re on study abroad trips around the world.   In this episode: Learn more about UNT Athletics’ Nightmare on Elm Street basketball tip-off event coming to the Denton Square Oct. 16. Learn more about the Nightmare on Elm Street event. (1:45-13:03)In the fourth installment of our Democracy Primer series, political science principal lecturer Wendy Watson returns to give us a better understanding of how PACs and Super PACs work. Find Denton County early voting information. (13:04-24:45)Senior marketing major Ivonne calls into the pod from Rome to tell us about her study abroad experience in our new Eagles Abroad series. Learn more about UNT’s Study Abroad program. (24:46-49:00)Q&A: The hosts discuss their favorite college classes. Tell us about your favorite UNT classes by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (49:01-56:23)   Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Happy Friday, friends! This episode, we’ve got an interview about an innovative approach to tackling pandemic era learning loss, a roundtable discussion with some of our Eagle Ambassadors about how to live your best life in Denton and the next installment in our ongoing Democracy Primer series, this time about the differences between the House and the Senate.   In this episode: As students continue to feel the effects of the pandemic, a new way of learning is hoping to get UNT students back on track with math. The classes, called MATH 340 and MATH 350, are meant for students who did not pass the math portion of the Texas Success Initiative. Anthony Hufford, a master teacher for Teach North Texas who taught the classes last year, shares what makes these classes so different. (1:35-22:24) Learn more about the math program.We sat down with three of our Eagle Ambassadors – verified UNT aficianados – to get the inside scoop on campus life, covering everything from their favorite pieces of UNT trivia to the best places to sneak a nap on campus. (22:25-40:23) Meet our Eagle Ambassadors or Schedule a Tour.For the third installment of our Democracy Primer series, we talked to political science principal lecturer Eddie Meaders to learn more about some of the key differences between the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. (40:24-1:10:37)Q&A: The hosts discuss their fondest memories as students at UNT. Share your favorite UNT memories by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (1:10:38-1:16:48)   Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

We’re finally back, friends! And we’ve got a very back-to-school themed episode with an interview about the Succeed at UNT campaign to connect students with valuable resources, a roundtable-style discussion with members of the UNT Green Brigade marching band and an interview to get to know new UNT President Harrison Keller, Ph.D.   In this episode: An interview with Allicia Washington-White, communications strategist for student retention, about the Succeed at UNT campaign and how students can learn more about the valuable resources UNT provides to help them be successful. Learn more at succeed.unt.edu. (1:12-6:03)Hear from the director and members of the UNT Green Brigade marching band about their favorite band traditions and memories. (6:04-33:58)Get to know President Keller as he talks about his vision for UNT, his leadership philosophy and his favorite color. (34:05-57:36)Q&A: The hosts discuss their favorite part of back-to-school season. Share your favorites by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (57:37-58:49)   Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

It’s our last episode before summer break. Will you sign our yearbook? We have interviews about Juneteenth, the Electoral College and the UNT System Shared Core Values. In this episode: The hosts discuss Scott’s recovery progress and the sole finalist to become UNT’s next president. An interview with food writer and UNT history Ph.D. student Deah Berry-Mitchell about her research on Black Texan foodways to learn more about Juneteenth food traditions. She also shared that she’s lending her historical expertise on exciting new projects under development — including the National Juneteenth Museum planned for Fort Worth. Learn more about the National Juneteenth Museum at thenjm.org. (2:30-34:00)In part two of our Democracy Primer series, we talk to Associate Professor of Political Science Gloria Cox to learn more about the Electoral College. (34:10-55:34)We spoke to one of the organizers of the first annual Values Summit to talk about UNT System’s Shared Core Values. (55:35-1:10:09)Q&A: The hosts discuss which Value is most meaningful to them. Share your stories by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (1:10:10-1:12:46) Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Despite meticulous planning for podcast programming over the summer, sometimes life gets in the way... In this episode: The hosts discuss recent life events that will require the podcast to go on hiatus for the summer – after the next episode June 14. But we promise to come back with a vengeance in August! No segments or Q&A this week, folks – just life talk. Join the conversation by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Inspiration incoming! Hear the stories of three recent UNT graduates as they talk about adversities they’ve overcome, the successes they’ve achieved and how UNT helped them along the way.   In this episode: The hosts discuss their summer travel plans. Rachel Richards graduated a year early with a degree in hospitality management and talks about all the support she’s received from UNT. (2:03-16:51) Marine Corps veteran Mario Pena talks about overcoming extreme poverty and domestic violence to earn a second bachelor’s degree and his plans to come back for his master’s. (16:52-34:45) Setareh “Star” Dehghani-Moslemi talks about her father dying as her family fled Iran to escape religious persecution and having a child while earning her Ph.D. (34:46-51:12) Q&A: The hosts discuss what their career goals were when they came to UNT and how those goals have evolved. Share your advice by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (51:13-55:33)   Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation   Email us at podcast@unt.edu     Call us at 940-565-4341 Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

With President Smatresk having announced his plans to resign from the presidency this summer, we’re sending him out with a very special episode to celebrate everything UNT has accomplished under his leadership for the last 10 years. In this episode: The hosts talk about the results of UNT’s second annual Day of Giving and wish all our graduating students a happy commencement weekend.President Smatresk discusses his favorite UNT memories, his hopes and plans for the future, and who is the best Batman. (1:40-52:48)Q&A: The hosts dole out career advice for out latest batch of grads. Share your advice by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (52:50-55:25) Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Donations, double plays and democracy, oh my! We’ve got info about UNT’s Day of Giving coming up on May 1, the inside scoop with softball star Cierra Simon and some educational election expertise. In this episode: With Finals Week right around the corner, we talk about events to help students relax and destress on calendar.unt.edu.We learn more about UNT’s second annual Day of Giving and how it helps students succeed. (1:55-13:02)Go behind the scenes with Mean Green Softball through our My Day in the Life at UNT YouTube series. (13:03-19:10)Our new Democracy Primer series gets you ready for a big election year with basic explainers of how our elections work. Today’s topic: Primaries. (19:11-36:33)Q&A: The hosts talk about why they chose to come to UNT as students. Join the conversation by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (36:34-41:11)   Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

After all the excitement of the eclipse we’ve got some tips to get through Tax Day and ways to celebrate Earth Day! In this episode: We talk about our eclipse-viewing experience and get excited for EarthFest.Tax Day tips from Dr. Peggy Jimenez, accounting clinical associate professor. (01:15-12:50)Bee boxes are popping up around campus with help from the We Mean Green Fund and the UNT Bee Campus USA Committee. (12:50-22:54)Give your old clothes new life through UNT’s Zero Waste Textile initiative led by Dr. Iva Jestratijevic, merchandising and digital retailing assistant professor. (22:55-46:00)Q&A: We answer a listener question about how we made friends in college when we were students and share resources for current students on how to Succeed at UNT. Join the conversation by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (46:02-49:35)   Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

It’s an eclipse-isode! In anticipation of the solar eclipse coming up April 8, we’re talking about how eclipses can help researchers prepare for natural disasters and how ancient civilizations tracked and interpreted eclipses. Plus, as we’re relaunching our own podcast, we talked to an alum who’s been podcasting for 10 years to get some pro tips! In this episode: We talk about UNT’s Eclipse Watch Parties.Physics lecturer Rebekah Purvis discusses how researchers can better study the sun’s atmosphere during eclipses to prepare for potential natural disasters in our YouTube series, The Lab. (02:24-05:15)History associate professor Zoe Ortiz talks about how ancient civilizations would interpret eclipses as omens and the technology they developed to predict the events. (05:21-20:55)Alumna Cara Santa Maria tells us about her decade of podcasting experience and talks about the plans for one of her shows to visit the DFW area for the eclipse. (20:56-51:58)Q&A: Get to know our hosts a little better as Scott and Alicia discuss when they attended UNT and what they studied – and join the conversation by emailing us at podcast@unt.edu or calling 443-684-2779. (52:00-57:54) Helpful links: Follow our Podcast ⁠Transcripts⁠ Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Happy Friday, North Texas! Welcome to the official podcast of the University of North Texas. Every episode we’ll bring you the stories that make UNT so unique. Whether you’re a future or current student, an alumni, a faculty or staff member, or just a general UNT enthusiast, we’ll have something for you. Don’t miss our premiere episode coming to a podcast player near you on Friday, March 29! Helpful links: Follow our Podcast Transcripts Join the Conversation Email us at podcast@unt.eduCall us at 940-565-4341Connect with us using #HFNT on X @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Recently, UNT launched a campaign called VolUNTary Consent, meant to address trends surrounding consent that UNT’s Title IX staff often noted in the reports they received. The first step was to define exactly what voluntary consent is — words or actions that show an active, knowing, and voluntary agreement to engage in sexual activity. Housed under UNT’s Division of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access, the VolUNTary Consent campaign educates the public about common lingo related to consent, along with local and national resources for sexual assault survivors and tips for what to do if you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault. In this episode, we discuss: ● What consent it ● Common misconceptions about consent ● How the campaign will define its success ● How rhetoric surrounding consent has changed over the years ● Resources for sexual assault survivors Featured in this episode are: ● Eve Shatteen Bell, Assistant Vice President and Director of Title IX/ADA Coordinator, Equal Opportunity & Title IX ● Kayleigh Garcia, Survivor Advocate in UNT’s Division of Student Affairs Helpful links: ● Learn more about VolUNTary Consent Follow our Podcast ● @UNTPod Join the Conversation ● Connect with us on Twitter and TikTok @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Even if new year’s resolutions aren’t your thing, there’s something about closing the book on the previous 365 days that brings new aspirations into focus. For many, those aspirations center on improved fitness, and while it sounds simple enough, the reality can be a little more confusing: After all, fitness can mean different things to different people, and deciding where and how to start can be a challenge. That’s where experts like Dr. Elizabeth Hubbard come in. An exercise psychophysiologist in UNT’s Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation, she teaches exercise testing and prescription, as well as behavioral change strategies and health promotion. The co-director of the Behavioral Neuroscience Research Lab, her research expertise is in developing physiologically potent interventions to improve fitness, neurological function and brain health in clinical and aging populations. In this episode of UNT Pod, Dr. Hubbard discusses how to start – or restart – a fitness routine, how to best set yourself up for success, and how to reap the mental and physical benefits of whatever activity you find most appealing. In this episode, we discuss: ● How to start, or restart, a fitness routine ● How to set SMART goals ● How to think about fitness in a more inclusive way ● The importance of recovery ● Breaking through mental barriers in exercise ● Fitness interventions for those with neurological disorders like MS and for older adults ● The mental/emotional benefits of exercise Featured in this episode is: ● Dr. Elizabeth Hubbard, an exercise psychophysiologist in UNT’s Department of Kinesiology, Health Promotion and Recreation and co-director of the Behavioral Neuroscience Research Lab Helpful links: ● Learn more about Dr. Hubbard Follow our Podcast ● @UNTPod Join the Conversation ● Connect with us on Twitter and TikTok @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Dentonpalooza, set for Dec. 3, is a festival meant to celebrate the people, places and things that make Denton … well … far from normal. The idea started as a random conversation between local musicians and UNT alums Joey Liechty and Eric Michener before evolving into a meme and then a full-fledged event. The lineup features local characters like Tiger Head Keyboard Dude, Denton Spider-Man, Frenchy and Shaun from Midway Mart, musicians like Paul Slavens and Brave Combo, and events like a flat earth pinata party and a Rose Costumes contest. “It just popped into my head, just these Denton fringe characters,” says Liechty. “What if they were all together for no other reason than we all love Denton?” In this episode, we discuss: ● Dentonpalooza’s origins ● The festival lineup ● Denton’s quirkiest people, places and things Featured in this episode are: ● Joey Liechty, UNT alum, local DJ, computer programmer and creator of Dentonpalooza ● Eric Michener, UNT alum and staff member, local musician and performer at Dentonpalooza ● Carl Finch, UNT alum and member of the “nuclear polka” band Brave Combo, which will perform at Dentonpalooza ● Paul Slavens, UNT alum and coordinator of dance musicians, host of the Paul Slavens Show on KXT 91.7, and musician who will perform at Dentonpalooza Helpful links: · See the original flyerthat started it all. · See the festival lineup and buy tickets. Follow our Podcast ● @UNTPod Join the Conversation ● Connect with us on Twitter and TikTok @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Dr. Aleshia Hayes is an assistant professor in UNT’s Department of Learning Technologies and director of the SURGE XR Lab, which is dedicated to advancing research in virtual, augmented, mixed and extended realities. As a kid, a desire to be better at Ms. Pac-Man – and an unexpected Christmas gift from her parents – jumpstarted her love of technology. “If you get the sense that you can explore technology without any fear, then you can do all kinds of things,” she says. And that’s exactly what she does in her lab, where she investigates not just emerging technologies, but human-computer interactions. One of her biggest questions centers around user experience and design thinking: Is a particular digital tool an engaging and effective device for learning, and if not, can it be reconfigured to become one? On this episode, we delve into Hayes’ research, as well as her commitment to diversifying the STEM field through her Girls SURGE into STEM XR camp, which introduces underrepresented female students in grades 6-12 to design thinking. In this episode, we discuss: ● The differences between AR/XR/MR/VR ● Emerging technologies as learning tools and vehicles for empathy ● Representation in avatars ● Diversifying the STEM field Featured in this episode is: ● Dr. Aleshia Hayes, assistant professor of learning technologies Helpful links: ● Learn more about the Girls SURGE into STEM XR Camp Follow our Podcast ● @UNTPod Join the Conversation ● Connect with us on Twitter and TikTok @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Just because something isn’t easy to see doesn’t mean it can’t have significant impacts on our environment — and our well-being. Dr. Alexandra Ponette-González, a biophysical geographer and associate professor in UNT’s Department of Geography and the Environment, has been bringing the invisible to light for years through her research that examines human-atmosphere-biosphere interactions, including projects that have investigated the use of trees as natural urban air filters, the influence of drought-induced dust on nutrient and pollutant inputs to ecosystems in Texas, and the accumulation of black carbon on bird feathers. In this episode, we discuss: ● The importance of biophysical geography ● Ponette-González’s research, which includes examining the effects of global environmental change on atmospheric deposition (which consists of materials that enter ecosystems from the atmosphere), as well as terrestrial ecosystems spanning tropical forests to urban areas ● How she sees science having an impact in these areas moving forward. Featured in this episode is: Dr. Alexandra Ponette-González, a biophysical geographer and associate professor in UNT’s Department of Geography and the Environment Helpful links: ● Read more about Dr. Ponette-González and her work: o Clearing the Air o Particulates in Precipitation o UNT Ecosystem Geographer Selected for EPA Committee o Oak Trees as Urban Air Filters o UNT Geographer Receives NSF Career Award Follow our Podcast ● @UNTPod Join the Conversation ● Connect with us on Twitter @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT

Great professors can serve as guiding lights — teachers whose passion, dedication and support help students see what’s possible, and set them on a path to making the world a better place. A couple of months ago, we put out a call asking students and alumni to tell us about current UNT professors who have done just that — and the response, unsurprisingly, was staggering. While there were nearly 100 professors who were nominated, on this episode of UNT Pod, we shine a spotlight on the seven finalists, who we’re calling our first-ever “North Stars” — the kind of mentors who steadfastly illuminate the way to a brighter future. Featured in this episode are: · Dr. Kimi King, professor, Political Science — Segment begins at 00:10 · Paho Mann, associate professor, Studio Art — Segment begins at 12:36 · Dr. Katsura Aoyama, associate professor, Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology — Segment begins at 16:36 · Brittany McElroy, lecturer, Broadcast Journalism— Segment begins at 21:32 · Dr. John Quintanilla, University Distinguished Teaching Professor, Mathematics — Segment begins at 26:39 · Dr. Angie Cartwright, associate professor, Counseling and Higher Education — Segment begins at 31:32 · Dr. Rick Reidy, University Distinguished Teaching Professor, Materials Science and Engineering — Segment begins at 37:12 Helpful links: · Learn more about the UNT professors featured in this episode: o Dr. Kimi King o Paho Mann o Dr. Katsura Aoyama o Brittany McElroy o Dr. John Quintanilla o Dr. Angie Cartwright o Dr. Rick Reidy Follow our Podcast ● @UNTPod Join the Conversation ● Connect with us on Twitter @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT.

In flipping the pages of a book, you can be transported anywhere and introduced to people and cultures you’ve never experienced before. For kids, the content in books can be especially impactful, encouraging a sense of wonder and curiosity as well as nurturing their development and understanding of the world. On this episode of UNT Pod, we talk with UNT History Associate Professor Kathryne Beebe and Assistant Professor of Bilingual Education Dan Heiman about the origins of children’s literature, the role books can play in meaningful conversations with our kids inside and outside the classroom and the efforts to bring more diversity and inclusion to the genre. We’ll also learn about how they are applying their academic expertise to their own children’s book projects. In this episode, we discuss: ● Origins of children’s literature and how the genre has evolved ● The role books can play in meaningful conversations with our kids both inside and outside the classroom ● The efforts to bring more diversity and inclusion to the genre ● Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ decision to stop printing some of the famed children’s author’s books that contain racist and insensitive imagery ● Children’s books in the Gustine Courson Weaver Collection in UNT Special Collections ● Dr. Beebe’s children’s books including Brother Hugo and the Bear; Nile Crossing; Thunder Trucks; Good Morning, Harry, Good Night, Daddy and her forthcoming books, The Pilgrimage of Friar Felix and The Very Nosy Babies ● Behind My Mask: Detras de mi cubrebocas, a book Dr. Heiman developed with his wife and an art education graduate student Martha Samaniego Calderón to talk with kids about mask wearing, identity and the emotions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic A few children’s book recommendations from Drs. Beebe and Heiman: ● A Different Pondby Bao Phi ● Black is a Rainbow of Color by Angela Joy ● Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard ● Legendborn by Tracy Deonn ● We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom ● When Aidan Became a Brother by Kyle Lukoff ● When We Love Someone, We Sing to Them by Ernesto Javier Martínez ● Under My Hijab by Hena Khan Featured in this episode are: ● Dr. Kathryne Beebe, associate professor in the Department of History in UNT’s College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences ● Dr. Dan Heiman, assistant professor of bilingual education in UNT’s College of Education Helpful links: Learn more about the Gustine Courson Weaver Collectionin UNT Special Collections See digitized images of early German children’s book, Struwwelpeter Learn more about Dr. Beebe’s children’s books Learn more about Behind My Mask: Detras de mi cubrebocas Follow our Podcast ● @UNTPod Join the Conversation ● Connect with us on Twitter @UNTSocial or on Instagram @UNT