What can comic books teach us about academic advising? More than you might think! Matt and Ryan dive into the power of story, exploring how heroes like Silver Surfer, Robin, Green Lantern, Ms. Marvel, and Captain America illuminate identity, imposter syndrome, growth, and belonging. From childhood comic racks to conference presentations, they unpack why pop culture can make big advising ideas feel accessible, engaging, and downright fun.

Along the way, they reflect on Peter Hagen’s lasting influence, share favorite characters and personal connections, and show how superheroes can open the door to meaningful conversations about confidence, representation, and possibility. Because students and advisors are never finished stories; every chapter is a chance to grow, adapt, and become something new.

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The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

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Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

As a new academic year kicks off, how do advisors support students without setting themselves on fire in the process? 🔥

In Episode 191 of Adventures in Advising, returning guest host Imani Hill sits down with Brandon Jones and Melissa Cumbia from the Well-being and Advisor Retention Community for a timely conversation about work-life balance, advisor well-being, and staying grounded in a changing higher education landscape.

From actually using that annual leave (yes, really!) to juggling doctoral studies, navigating new technology, enrollment pressures, funding uncertainty, and shifting roles, the group gets candid about what it takes to keep doing meaningful advising work while taking care of yourself, too.

Plus, get a sneak peek at what's coming to the annual conference in Oklahoma City—including Brandon's can't-miss session with a title that says it all: “Stop Setting Yourself on Fire to Keep Students Warm.”

Whether you're heading into another busy semester, questioning how to find balance, or simply looking for a reminder that advisor well-being matters, this episode is for you.

🎧 Press play, protect your peace, and start the academic year with a little more intention.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.

What happens when the advisor becomes the one navigating a major transition?

In Ep. 190 of Adventures in Advising, Matt Markin welcomes back Matt Plescia from Hamilton College for a conversation about career moves, starting over, and discovering how our professional identities change along the way. Inspired by Matt Plescia’s Academic Advising Quarterly article, “Two Suitcases, a Backpack, and a Duffel Bag: Finding Advisor Identity in Motion,” the two Matts unpack what it really means to leave behind institutional knowledge, familiar faces, and comfortable routines for something new.

From cross-country moves and new campuses to loneliness, belonging, work-life balance, and the humbling experience of becoming the “new person” again, this episode explores how transition can make us more reflective—and more empathetic—advisors.

So pack your bags (metaphorically or otherwise!) and join us for an honest, thoughtful, and laughter-filled conversation about taking chances, embracing uncertainty, and realizing that sometimes starting over teaches us exactly what our students need from us.

Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform!

The Instagram, and Facebook handle for the podcast is @AdvisingPodcast

Also, subscribe to our Adventures in Advising YouTube Channel!

Connect with Matt and Ryan on LinkedIn.