In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Judith Cardenas, a higher-education leader and consultant who has been working on AI strategy long before generative AI went mainstream.
Judith shares what she’s learned from more than a decade of consulting with institutions and leadership teams—and why AI leadership today has far less to do with being technical and far more to do with curiosity, courage, and comfort with ambiguity.
Together, they explore:
This conversation is especially relevant for presidents, provosts, deans, CIOs, and faculty leaders navigating AI strategy at the institutional level. Rather than focusing on tools, this episode focuses on mindset, governance, and human leadership in an era of rapid change.
If you’re responsible for guiding others through AI adoption—and feel the weight of that responsibility—this episode is for you.
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler is joined by Matt Newlin, a higher education consultant with over 20 years of experience in financial aid, equity, and student success.
Matt brings a powerful rural perspective to the AI conversation, framing artificial intelligence as a democratizing force—one that has the potential to level the playing field for rural, first-generation, and low-income students if implemented thoughtfully.
The conversation explores why many rural educators feel hesitant to adopt AI, the risks of blanket bans, and how institutions can build faculty capacity while still prioritizing critical thinking, equity, and durable skills. Matt also shares practical examples of how AI can support admissions, recruiting, faculty workflows, and student learning—without replacing human judgment.
This episode is a grounded, honest look at how AI can expand access and opportunity in higher education, especially in communities that are often left out of emerging technology conversations.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Pravin Kaipa to explore creativity, artificial intelligence, and what it truly means to support learning in modern classrooms.
Grounded in the idea that “creativity is just intelligence having fun,” this conversation challenges traditional grading models and reframes AI as a guide on the side—not a replacement for educators, but a powerful creative and pedagogical partner.
Together, Zach and Pravin unpack how AI can democratize creativity, support differentiated instruction, and open new possibilities for students who have historically been underserved by traditional systems. The episode also dives into how educators can move away from “gotcha” teaching moments and instead use AI to foster curiosity, engagement, and deeper understanding.
🎨 In this episode, you’ll hear:
This episode is a thoughtful reminder that when used intentionally, AI can make learning more human—not less.
This week, I sat down with Dr. Betty Chandy, Director of AI & Technology Enhanced Learning Initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education — and this conversation is a masterclass in what real AI integration should look like.
Betty’s journey is incredible.
She grew up in classrooms without even chalkboards… and now leads AI literacy and professional development initiatives at one of the top schools of education in the world. The through-line in her story is powerful:
“The key to change is the teacher.”In this episode, Betty breaks down the core tension in education right now:
And yet — she brings a refreshing, grounded optimism.
We talk about how to build ongoing professional learning communities, how to teach AI literacy through real-world examples students actually care about, and why IT departments and educators must collaborate instead of working in silos.
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler is joined by Austin Levinson, an award-winning international educator with over two decades of teaching experience and a deep commitment to rethinking how we teach critical thinking in the age of AI.
From dissecting a Gulf War headline to launching programs that merge design thinking, ethics, and artificial intelligence, Austin’s approach to education is all about creating “learners who wonder.”
This conversation explores how educators can maintain the human fingerprint in a world increasingly shaped by technology—and why AI literacy isn’t optional anymore.
In this episode, we cover:
Austin’s work reminds us that education isn’t about creating workers—it’s about developing thinkers who are ready to question, adapt, and create meaning in an AI-driven future.
n this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler talks with Luca Caniato, an 18-year-old freshman at CU Boulder studying finance and management information systems — and already an AI consultant and fly-fishing guide.
Luca’s story is a perfect example of what happens when curiosity meets opportunity. From using AI to study, to teaching peers, to landing early consulting work, he shows how students can turn experimentation into real-world impact.
🎧 In this episode, we discuss:
Luca’s message is clear: AI isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about amplifying your curiosity and preparing for a future where those who adapt fastest thrive.
In this Smarter Campus Podcast episode, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Scott Carr, a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience transforming classrooms for students who’ve often been left behind by traditional systems.
Scott shares his journey from being a disengaged student himself to spending two decades teaching special education in Milwaukee’s inner city—and now helping districts reimagine alternative education with AI as a catalyst for change.
The conversation dives deep into what truly drives engagement: relevance, experimentation, and permission to fail forward. Rather than chasing the next tool, Scott challenges educators to focus on connecting learning to life, freeing up time for meaningful interactions, and building a culture of innovation where educators feel empowered to experiment.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Scott’s story is both grounding and inspiring—a reminder that technology alone won’t transform education, but the people using it can.
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Galen Ziegler, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Harford Community College, to explore how AI is quietly revolutionizing the world of nursing education.
From limited clinical access to overworked faculty, Galen paints a clear picture of the challenges today’s nursing programs face—and how thoughtfully implemented AI tools can bridge those gaps.
This conversation goes far beyond theory. Galen shares the four-step AI module she built for her students and unpacks how tools like Google Bard, Google Lens, and Boodle Blocks are helping nurses think more critically, access better information, and prepare for a workforce shaped by technology.
If you’ve ever wondered what AI in a high-stakes, human-centered field like nursing really looks like… this one’s a must-listen.
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler talks with Mike Kentz, founder of Zentex Educational Advisors and former middle and high school teacher.
Mike’s story is one that every educator should hear: he went from actively avoiding AI to building an entire company around helping teachers not just adopt AI—but thrive with it.
This isn’t just a conversation about tools—it’s a deep, personal, and empowering discussion about mindset, transformation, and what it means to be an educator in an AI-powered world.
In this episode, you'll hear:
Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or education leader, this episode offers a roadmap to AI literacy grounded in honesty, humility, and hope.
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Michael Curtin, Innovation Coordinator and Adjunct Faculty in Informatics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Michael’s path is anything but ordinary — moving between the worlds of video game development and academia, he’s built a rare perspective on how to bridge creativity, technology, and education.
Together, Zach and Michael explore how the skills that make great game designers — experimentation, iteration, and imagination — are exactly what higher education needs to navigate the AI era.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Michael’s story shows that the future of education isn’t just about adopting new tools — it’s about rethinking how we connect creativity, communication, and technology across disciplines.
What happens when you hand powerful AI tools to a curious 7th grader?
You get insights that most adults overlook.
In this special episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Dawson Brown, a 7th-grade student from Sacajawea Middle School in Bozeman, Montana. Dawson shares his unique perspective on AI in education—and trust us, he’s got a lot to teach us.
Topics covered:
This is the kind of conversation that will make you rethink how early AI literacy should start—and who should be leading it.
Whether you're an educator, a parent, or just someone interested in how the next generation is learning, this episode is a must-listen.
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach Kinzler sits down with Matt Biggins, Managing Director of the Wolverine Fund at Utah Valley University and a dynamic force in student-run venture capital.
From decathlete to venture capitalist, Matt’s unorthodox journey shapes a unique perspective on AI, education, and the future of work. Together, Zach and Matt explore:
Matt’s advice? Use AI to sharpen your thinking, not skip it. And double down on the human skills machines can’t replace.
Whether you're a student, educator, or professional navigating this AI-driven shift, this episode will leave you inspired to think deeper, learn smarter, and stay human.
This special edition of the Smarter Campus Podcast flips the mic.
In this crossover episode, Sean Amaso—student creative, AI skeptic, and host of the brand-new podcast The Other Side—takes the interviewer seat for his show’s very first episode... and his first guest is none other than Smarter Campus host, Zach Kinzler.
Together, Sean and Zach dive deep into:
This isn’t your usual tech hype. It’s honest. It’s critical. It’s thoughtful. And it’s the start of a new kind of AI conversation.
Welcome to The Other Side.
In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with Austin French, Director of Career Pathways and Employer Engagement at the University of Maine Farmington and co-host of the More Than the Outdoors podcast.
Austin brings a fresh and relatable perspective to AI integration—not as an expert, but as a “casual user” who had to master AI tools out of necessity. Drawing from his background in outdoor recreation and workforce development, he offers an actionable blueprint for educators and professionals looking to harness AI without feeling overwhelmed.
Key Highlights:
This episode is perfect for educators, workforce leaders, and anyone interested in starting their AI journey with practical, low-barrier steps that create big results.
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, I sit down with Chris Agnew — ed-tech entrepreneur, experiential learning evangelist, and the driving force behind Stanford’s Generative AI for Education Hub.
Chris shares his unconventional journey into AI, from wilderness expeditions and lab schools to leading Teton Science Schools and working in venture-backed edtech during the release of ChatGPT. His background informs a vision for AI in education that is less industrial and more experiential, personalized, and student-centered.
We dive into:
This episode captures a pivotal moment in AI adoption: one where the right balance between innovation and responsibility could redefine education for the next generation.
In Episode 27 of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach Kinzler is joined by Princeton University student Samantha Reeves for a deep dive into the evolution of AI on campus—from cautious curiosity to thoughtful critique.
🔥 In this episode, we explore:
🎧 Whether you're a student, faculty member, or educational leader, this conversation offers a raw and thoughtful look at how one of the world’s top universities is navigating AI's impact on academic life.
In Episode 26 of The Smarter Campus Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Anzar Khaliq, Chief Learning Officer and an outspoken advocate for reimagining education—entirely from scratch.
With a background that blends physics, improvisational theatre, radio hosting, and educational leadership, Dr. Khaliq shares powerful insights into what teaching should look like in the age of AI.
What We Discuss:
Dr. Khaliq’s message is clear: education must evolve faster than it is—and AI is the catalyst to rethink not just how we teach, but why.
In Episode 25 of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler sits down with award-winning educator and AI literacy pioneer Tina Austin to explore what it means to navigate, not master, the age of AI in education.
In this episode:
Tina’s thoughtful, nuanced approach to AI in education is a must-listen for anyone shaping the classroom of tomorrow.
In Episode 24 of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler is joined by EdTech founder and former educator Gary Hensley to explore how AI can solve real problems in education—and what’s holding us back.
Key highlights from the episode:
This is a powerful conversation for anyone passionate about building real solutions for real problems in education.
In this episode of the Smarter Campus Podcast, host Zach Kinzler is joined by Professor Anat Lior, Assistant Professor at Drexel University’s Thomas R. Kline School of Law, for a deep dive into the rapidly evolving intersection of AI, law, and education.
Professor Lior shares her journey from researching cyberbullying to becoming a leading voice on AI policy and liability. Together, they explore topics like:
This episode is a powerful primer for educators, legal professionals, and anyone navigating the future of AI governance. Lior’s perspective offers both caution and optimism—encouraging proactive thinking as we build an AI-powered world.