Since I left academia a year ago, the #1 question I’ve been getting is “how’s retirement?” In short, it’s wonderful. To elaborate… A typical day goes something like this: I feel complete Retirement is wonderful, but not because I hated my job. I loved being a professor for over 25 years, and I engaged in […]
When I realized I had been to all but two states, I knew I had to complete all 50 by July 4, 2026 for my own personal celebration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial. In October 2025, I made it to North Dakota, leaving one final destination — Alabama! That’s right, the first alphabetically was the last
This fall, I had the pleasure of visiting North and South Dakota. I had fond memories of South Dakota from 25 years ago when I drove cross country to move to California. North Dakota was a new adventure for me, and I was determined to get there this year. In honor of the upcoming 250th
For the past several years, I’ve been attending monthly Zoom meetings of the #ListenFirst Coalition with representatives of some of the 500+ organizations that are focused on bridging divides and strengthening democracy. Through these virtual convenings, I’ve learned about the varied approaches that are being implemented in local communities, on campuses, and nationwide. I’ve witnessed
1. Articulate an objective (just like you did for every course you taught over the past 30 years). 2. Gather together an amazing event support team. Coordinate through Zoom meetings and email chains. 3. Pick a location that reflects your community engagement and has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, order tacos from Super Cucas
What a delight that my first book festival was the Virginia Festival of the Book! I was in my hometown of Charlottesville at the festival my mother loved to attend, presenting on the grounds of the university where my father was on faculty for decades and where I worked in the 1990’s when I started
Are you feeling overwhelmed by political news, rapid shifts in government, conflict with others over values and views? This downloadable worksheet can help you stay grounded and engaged in these turbulent times. A few tips for completing the worksheet:
2024 was a busy year! This video sums up some of my professional endeavors in a song, and the pictures that follow give you a glimpse into what else I’ve been up to these past 12 months. If you want some deeper dives, check out my posts about visiting Charlottesville for my 40th high school
This past year has been a rough one on college campuses, especially those that experienced public battles over national and international politics, free speech, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As faculty, staff, and administrators shared their struggles, it inspired me to develop programming to meet the moment. In 2024, I offered talks and workshops that
These photos accompany episode 13 of the Ready to Be Strong podcast, Swing State Stories. Listen on your favorite podcast platform to hear what I learned when I talked with, and listened to, voters in Hazleton, PA. In mid-October, I found myself in Pennsylvania after a speaking engagement. I made a last-minute decision to stick