Adventures in Advising: Podcast Review
What if the conversations that shape student success often happen behind the scenes, guided by people whose influence is rarely celebrated? Adventures in Advising, created and hosted by Matt Markin and Ryan Scheckel, shines a spotlight on the evolving world of academic advising, offering practical wisdom, professional inspiration, and meaningful conversations for everyone committed to helping students thrive.
What is the Podcast About?
Adventures in Advising explores the dynamic profession of academic advising through thoughtful conversations with experienced advisors, higher education leaders, researchers, and student success professionals from around the world. Each episode examines the real challenges and opportunities advisors encounter every day, from building authentic relationships with students to navigating institutional change, embracing new technologies, and creating more inclusive educational environments. Rather than presenting one-size-fits-all solutions, the podcast highlights diverse perspectives that encourage listeners to think critically about their own advising practices.
Beyond practical strategies, the show celebrates advising as both a profession and a lifelong learning journey. The hosts regularly feature conversations about leadership, career development, ethical decision making, professional identity, mental well-being, and emerging trends such as artificial intelligence and global advising practices. By combining research-informed discussions with personal stories and real campus experiences, the podcast creates an engaging learning space where new advisors and seasoned professionals alike can discover fresh ideas while feeling connected to a broader community dedicated to student success.
Podcast Details
Category: Self Improvement
Frequency: Semimonthly
Starting Year: 2020
Language: English
Podcast Creator
Core Theme
At its heart, Adventures in Advising champions the idea that effective academic advising is fundamentally about building meaningful human relationships. While policies, technologies, and institutional structures continue to evolve, the podcast consistently emphasizes empathy, trust, communication, and genuine care as the foundation of successful advising. Episodes encourage professionals to move beyond transactional interactions and instead cultivate conversations that empower students to develop confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of purpose throughout their educational journey.
Another central theme is the importance of continuous professional development. The hosts regularly explore how advisors can strengthen their leadership skills, adapt to changing educational landscapes, embrace innovation responsibly, and learn from colleagues across different institutions and cultures. Whether discussing research, emerging technologies, global perspectives, or practical advising techniques, the podcast reinforces the belief that great advisors never stop learning, reflecting, and refining their craft in service of their students.
Podcast Takeaways
Some key lessons from the Podcast:
- Strong advising begins with authentic relationships built on trust, empathy, and active listening.
- Student success is strengthened when advisors collaborate across departments and institutions.
- Professional growth requires continuous learning, reflection, and openness to new perspectives.
- Technology and artificial intelligence should enhance, not replace, meaningful human connection.
- Inclusive and culturally responsive advising creates better outcomes for diverse student populations.
- Leadership in higher education is developed through curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to mentor others.
- Sharing experiences across the advising community helps professionals solve challenges more creatively and confidently.
Podcast Strengths
One of the podcast’s greatest strengths is its ability to combine scholarly insight with practical, immediately applicable advice. The hosts consistently welcome knowledgeable guests from across higher education while maintaining an approachable and conversational tone that never feels overly academic. This balance allows listeners to gain evidence-informed strategies, thoughtful reflections, and fresh perspectives without losing sight of the everyday realities advisors face, making each episode both intellectually stimulating and genuinely useful.
Who This Podcast Is For
This podcast is an excellent choice for academic advisors, student affairs professionals, higher education administrators, faculty members involved in advising, graduate students preparing for careers in education, and institutional leaders seeking to improve student success initiatives. It also appeals to anyone interested in educational leadership, mentoring, organizational development, and the human side of higher education.
Why Should You Listen To This Podcast?
If you want to become a more thoughtful, effective, and informed educator or advisor, Adventures in Advising offers an outstanding blend of practical guidance and inspiring conversation. Each episode introduces new ideas that can improve advising relationships, strengthen professional confidence, and broaden understanding of today’s higher education landscape, making it a valuable resource for anyone committed to helping students reach their full potential.
Questions This Podcast Helps Us Explore
- How can academic advisors create deeper relationships that genuinely support student growth?
- What qualities distinguish outstanding advising from routine administrative guidance?
- How should higher education balance technological innovation with meaningful human connection?
- What responsibilities do advisors have in creating more equitable and inclusive learning environments?
- How can continuous learning transform both advising professionals and the students they serve?
Concluding Thoughts
Adventures in Advising demonstrates that academic advising is far more than course scheduling or administrative support. Through engaging conversations, experienced guests, and thoughtful exploration of contemporary issues, the podcast reveals how skilled advisors can profoundly influence students’ academic journeys, personal development, and long-term success while continuing to evolve professionally themselves.
Whether you are just beginning your advising career or have spent decades working in higher education, this podcast offers a steady stream of ideas, encouragement, and practical insights that remain relevant in a rapidly changing educational landscape. Its emphasis on collaboration, lifelong learning, and student-centered practice makes it an inspiring companion for anyone passionate about making a meaningful difference in higher education.
→ You can listen to Adventures in Advising on Apple Podcasts and other leading platforms, or explore more at their website.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an impact-driven creator at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 life goals around the globe. Tal's journey and recent book, The Art of Fully Living, inspired him to found Elevate Society.
