Meet Don Bryn, a musical renaissance man whose journey from globe-trotting performer to innovative educator reads like a composer's symphony—unexpected, layered, and beautifully orchestrated. Having graced stages across 130 countries, Don discovered that music truly is humanity's universal language, a revelation that now drives his mission to shatter what he calls "musical prejudices" in the classroom.

From the concert halls of Australia to the State College of Florida, Don weaves together his roles as composer, full-stack developer, and passionate educator with infectious enthusiasm. He challenges students to break free from the "three-minute pop song prison" that has homogenized our musical landscape, using everything from chocolate shop metaphors to ear training apps he's coded himself.

In this captivating conversation, Don reveals the physics behind musical composition, shares tales from his film scoring adventures, and delivers a stirring manifesto about reclaiming music's lost diversity. His unique blend of technical expertise, global perspective, and educational innovation offers a fresh take on why opening our ears—and minds—to the world's rich musical tapestry has never been more crucial.

Learn more about Don's digital textbook for music appreciation, Now Hear This: https://grl.pub/NowHearThis

Dr. Anne-Valerie Brittan-Leibundgut, a French-born composer, performer, and lecturer at the University of Oklahoma shares her remarkable journey from studying piano at the Conservatory of Cannes to finding her calling in the heart of the US - Oklahoma. There she's dedicated herself to making classical music accessible and engaging for non-music majors. Through her innovative storytelling approach, she connects musical masterpieces to their historical contexts, helping students understand that "music is a reflection of the society that creates it." With warmth, enthusiasm, and a passion for Western cultural heritage, she transforms reluctant students into appreciative listeners who can then discover the joy and relevance of classical music in their own lives.

Learn more about Dr. Brittan-Leibundgut's publication: https://grl.pub/noteworthy

In this episode, we chat with Keith Kropp from Great River Learning about how his company went from showing off a simple CD-ROM back in 2001 to becoming one of the go-to names in education tech. Keith shares some great stories, like how they got the company name from an actual road nearby and why they had to rebrand from "Great River Technologies" to "Great River Learning" after years of being mistakenly sent to IT departments. We also dive into how wildly things have changed in higher education. Keith remembers when professors weren't even sure their students owned computers, and now everything is digital-first. The numbers are pretty impressive too - they've grown from just three projects they inherited to over 3,000 titles today. What really comes through in our conversation is how Keith and his team focus on building real partnerships with educators instead of just pushing out generic content. Plus, if you're an instructor who's ever thought about writing your own materials, Keith has some really encouraging thoughts on that front.

Hosts Michelle and Deanna sit down with Dr. Johnny Hrebik, Department Chair of English at Cape Fear Community College and author of "Memories and Melodies: The Essential First Year Writing EP." Dr. Hrebik shares his journey from aspiring musician to English professor, explaining how he revolutionized composition instruction by integrating music into the classroom. His innovative methods include creating collaborative playlists with students, analyzing song lyrics to teach essay structure, using musical transitions as models for writing, and incorporating performance elements that build confidence and critical thinking skills. Through personal anecdotes—including a memorable student interaction with Melissa Etheridge and his own transformative experience with the Goo Goo Dolls—Dr. Hrebik demonstrates how music creates a comfortable learning environment that enables students to express their authentic voices while mastering academic writing conventions.

To learn more about his publication with Great River Learning, visit https://grl.pub/WritingEP

Three former state trade directors—Peter Cunningham, Mary Regel, and Liz Cleveland—analyze the current trade wars and economic challenges facing the United States in this episode of "Can I Get a Retake?". Drawing on their extensive experience representing American states internationally, our guests provide economic insights into how protectionist policies can disrupt industries, from automotive manufacturing to agriculture, and damage America's reputation as a reliable trading partner. They explain why tariffs have historically led to economic downturns, higher consumer prices, and lost export opportunities that may take years to recover. This episode offers listeners a rare insider perspective on international trade dynamics and practical advice on understanding the global marketplace's impact on everyday American life.

If you enjoy listening to Mary, Liz, and Peter, take a listen to Part 1 of our conversation with them in Season 3, Episode 4, or our conversation with Peter in 2023 in Season 1, Episode 6.

To learn more about their publication with Great River Learning, visit https://grl.pub/TradeDiaries

Hosts Michelle and Deanna interview three veteran international trade directors—Peter Cunningham, Mary Regel, and Liz Cleveland—who share their fascinating experiences with international commerce and diplomacy. The trio, who collectively authored "The Trade Director Diaries: Real Life Experiences Navigating International Trade," recount how they shaped state-level international trade programs in Mississippi, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, working with multiple governors and navigating both diplomatic protocols and unexpected challenges. They offer compelling behind-the-scenes stories from their careers, while emphasizing the importance of thorough preparation, adaptability, and building strategic relationships when conducting international business. Their candid conversation reveals not only the complexities of global trade development but also the personal dedication that shaped decades-long careers connecting American businesses to worldwide markets.

Learn more about their publication, " "The Trade Director Diaries: Real Life Experiences Navigating International Trade" at https://grl.pub/TradeDiaries

Hosts Michelle and Deanna talk with Professor Cathy O'Dell. a multifaceted theater professional who brings her extensive acting and directing experience into the classroom. In this episode of "Can I Get a Retake?", O'Dell shares her journey from actor to author and educator, discussing her passion for theater, her approach to teaching introduction to theater, and her insights into the evolving landscape of performance arts. From exploring acting techniques and the collaborative nature of theater production to addressing contemporary challenges like diversity and technological changes, O'Dell offers a compelling look into the world of theater education and performance. Whether you're a theater enthusiast or curious about the arts, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and the transformative power of storytelling on stage.

Learn more about Cathy O'Dell's publication, Introduction to Theatre at https://grl.pub/theatre

Here's the not-so-secret truth: Higher education is at a breaking point. Students are checking out, traditional methods are falling flat, and the need for real change has never been more urgent. That's why we're here. At Great River Learning, we're redefining how students connect with knowledge and prepare for their futures. Our mission? To create learning experiences that don't just teach—they ignite curiosity and spark excitement for what lies ahead.

In this episode, we sit down with Rashetta Stevens and Joan McCall, two passionate. new voices at GRL who aren't afraid to tackle education's biggest challenges head-on. With extensive careers in education and publishing, Rashetta and Joan share what's happening in today's classrooms—from dwindling attention spans to outdated materials—and reveal how GRL is pioneering solutions that actually work.

Learn more about GRL and what we create at https://grl.pub/explore