The Education-Focused Academic Podcast

The Education-Focused Academic podcast, hosted by Dr Rushana Khusainova and Prof. Sally Everett, shares stories, strategies, and insights to support academics pursuing education-focused careers. From teaching excellence and pedagogical innovation to career development and community building, each episode offers ideas, inspiration, and practical guidance to help you navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and thrive on the education-focused pathway. Join us on this journey to shape and celebrate education-focused careers.

The Education-Focused Academic Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Rushana Khusainova and Sally Everett, with 17 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Rushana Khusainova and Sally Everett hosts The Education-Focused Academic Podcast, a education show with 17 episodes published.

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  Episode #18

  Season Finale: Education-Focused Careers, AI and the Future of Higher Education

  Aug 20, 202641 minS1

  In this final episode of Season One, co-hosts Dr Rushana Khusainova and Professor Sally Everett reflect on what they have learned from the podcast, their book, and the diverse academic journeys shared by contributors from around the world.We explore what these stories tell us about the evolving education-focused pathway and some of the bigger challenges facing higher education, including generative AI, assessment, student engagement, wellbeing and employability. We also consider why education-focused academics may be particularly well placed to shape what comes next.We share some personal career lessons around patience, embracing opportunities, building supportive networks and accepting both the busy and quieter seasons of academic life.Finally, we look ahead to Season Two, with conversations planned around AI, EDI, academic identity and visibility, SoTL culture, funding and turning educational ideas into impact. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

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  The Education-Focused Academic Podcast

  Episode 17. Teaching-Focused Careers in Australia: Lessons from the Other Side of the World with Associate Professor Michael Baird

  Aug 6, 202636 min

  In this episode, we are joined by Dr Michael Baird , Associate Professor and Director of Learning and Teaching at Curtin University, Australia, to explore what the education-focused academic pathway looks like from an Australian perspective. We chat about Michael's career journey into academia and examine how teaching-focused careers are structured, recognised and promoted in Australia. We discuss leadership, scholarship of teaching and learning, promotion, and the balance between teaching, research and educational innovation. A central theme of the episode is the importance of embracing opportunities. Through examples including a case of contract cheating, generative AI and educational leadership, Michael reflects on how saying "yes", building a national reputation, and turning challenges into opportunities can shape a rewarding and impactful education-focused career. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

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  The Education-Focused Academic Podcast

  Episode 16. Education-Focused Careers in the United States: The Professor of Practice Pathway with Dr Zach Thompson

  Jul 30, 202633 min

  In this episode, we are joined by Dr Zach Thompson from the University of Tennessee, USA, to explore the education-focused academic pathway in the United States and the growing role of the Professor of Practice career route. Zach shares his unconventional journey from the charity sector and entrepreneurship into academia, reflecting on how industry experience can enrich teaching, curriculum design and student employability. We discuss the different promotion pathways available in US universities, how teaching excellence is recognised, and why industry engagement is increasingly valued alongside educational leadership. A central theme of the episode is preparing students for an AI-enabled workplace. Zach discusses authentic assessment, integrating generative AI into teaching through a university AI fellowship, and why educators should move beyond simply policing AI use towards helping students develop AI literacy and professional judgement. The conversation also explores work-life balance, mentoring, podcasts as educational outreach, and finding meaningful impact through an education-focused career. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

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  Episode #15

  Episode 15. Belgium, Academic Careers and the Power of Following Opportunity with Dr. Samir Nuseibeh

  Jul 23, 202635 minS1

  In this episode, we are joined by Dr Samir Nusseibeh from KU Leuven, Belgium, to explore academic careers, teaching and professional development in the Belgian higher education context.Samir reflects on his journey from laboratory research in pharmacology into teaching-focused roles, before moving into talent development and technology transfer at KU Leuven. In this conversation we discuss cultural differences, courage to change careers and locations and the limited visibility of formal education-focused pathways in Belgium.A central theme of the episode is the importance of following opportunities and building strong professional networks. We also discuss assessment and AI, the value of critical thinking, and how academic expertise can evolve into new roles beyond the traditional university career path. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

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  The Education-Focused Academic Podcast

  Episode 14. Academic Careers in Mexico: Research, Teaching and Social Impact with Dr Mark Speakman

  Jun 25, 202633 min

  In this episode, we are joined by Dr Mark Speakman from the Autonomous University of Guerrero, Mexico, to explore academic careers and higher education in the Mexican context. Mark reflects on his unconventional journey into academia, from teaching English in Mexico to completing his university education later in life and building an academic career in tourism and sustainable development. A central theme of the episode is the relationship between teaching, research and social impact. We discuss how academic careers are recognised in Mexico, the opportunities and challenges facing education-focused academics, and the growing importance of engaging with Indigenous communities and knowledge systems. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not represent the positions of their universities or employers. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or career advice. Participation by guests is voluntary and by invitation, and their contributions are shared with permission. All book-related content is © the respective publisher and used with permission. This podcast is an independent project and is not an official production of any university.

  ListenShow Notes

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