Creative Journeys

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie sit down with Peter Dimoulas, Program Administrator for Southern’s Innovation Hub, to talk about creativity where you might not expect it: in science, technology, and workforce development. Peter shares how the Innovation Hub connects students, faculty, and industry partners, helping ideas move from classroom curiosity to real-world possibility.They explore what creativity looks like in STEM fields, why industries need designers and communicators just as much as biologists and chemists, and how emerging technologies like quantum computing will reshape the future. From networking wisdom to unexpected career paths, Peter offers a refreshing perspective on collaboration, opportunity, and embracing the unknown.A great listen for students, educators, and anyone curious about how innovation happens—and how creative thinking drives it forward. Tune in!

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie sit down with Dr. Jesse Gleason, Associate Professor of Spanish in the World Languages and Literatures Department at Southern Connecticut State University, for a conversation that explores creativity through language, technology, and cultural connection. Jesse shares her path from studying linguistics in Chile to earning her doctorate in applied linguistics and technology, and how that journey shapes her teaching today.They dive into podcasting in the classroom, the role of technology in learning languages, and the power of immersive experience—including a life-changing student trip to Patagonia. Together, they reflect on how language learning expands identity, builds confidence, and opens students to entirely new ways of seeing the world.It’s an inspiring reminder that creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about meaning, connection, and the stories we build across cultures. Tune in to discover how Jesse helps students find their voice in another language, and why experiential learning continues to transform lives.

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie welcome Dr. Andrew Parzyck, PT instructor in the Communication, Media, and Screen Studies Department at Southern Connecticut State University, for a conversation about creativity in teaching, learning, and classroom culture. Andrew shares his path from SCSU undergraduate to doctoral scholar, opening up about the importance of adult learning, professional identity, and what students bring to the classroom.Together, they dig into shifting post-COVID learning environments, student engagement, and the evolving role of attendance and structure in higher education. It’s a thoughtful, candid discussion about flexibility, accountability, and how creativity shapes learning for both students and educators.Tune in for practical insight, real classroom stories, and a fresh look at how we teach—and learn—in a changing world.

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie welcome artist and Southern Connecticut alum Carolyn Cody for a conversation about finding creativity in unexpected places—from the neural patterns of the brain to the intricate beauty of sliced vegetables. Carolyn shares how her path from painting to design reflects a lifelong curiosity about art, science, and the connections between them.They discuss the power of family influence, the tension between personal and professional creativity, and the confidence it takes to share work that feels deeply personal. Through laughter and reflection, Carolyn reveals how even the smallest details—a kiwi, a countertop, or a moment of inspiration—can spark art that feels alive.This episode invites listeners to look closer at the world around them and rediscover the creativity hiding in plain sight.Links:Carolyn Cody's Artwork: http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/carolyn-cody

In this special kickoff to Season 2 of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie return to the studio to reflect on summer adventures, share stories of unexpected travel experiences, and set the stage for what’s ahead. This season, the podcast expands its scope—moving beyond faculty spotlights to explore bigger themes of creativity with students, professionals, and voices from across disciplines.The conversation also turns to AI—its promises, its pitfalls, and how it might shape the ways we brainstorm, collaborate, and create. With humor, curiosity, and a few candid tangents, Dave and Melanie invite listeners to join them in reimagining what creativity can look like in the year ahead.Comments and suggestions welcome at: creativejpodcast@gmail.com!

In the season finale of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie welcome two guests—sculptor Jeff Slomba and experimental filmmaker Derek Taylor —for a wide-ranging conversation about how creativity evolves over time, across disciplines, and through changing technologies. From darkroom film cuts to 3D-printed molds, Derek and Jeff share how their practices blend old-school techniques with contemporary tools, and why embracing experimentation (and even failure) is essential to creative growth.Together, they reflect on teaching, technology, and the creative journey as an ongoing process—not a fixed destination. Whether you're curious about analog filmmaking, digital fabrication, or the value of making a mess in the studio, this episode is a celebration of process, persistence, and staying curious in a fast-changing world.

In this episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie sit down with Dr. Jess Gregory, Chair of the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department at Southern Connecticut State University, for a candid conversation about creativity, vulnerability, and the often messy path to becoming a leader. Jess shares her winding journey from classical studies to advertising to education, and how embracing uncertainty has been key to both her personal and professional growth.They dive into how leadership training and doctoral education overlap with creativity, especially in helping students—and educators—build confidence, battle imposter syndrome, and develop curiosity as a strength. Whether it's adapting to teach new topics or learning alongside her students, Jess brings humor, heart, and humility to the classroom.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating big transitions or wondering if they’re “doing it right.” Tune in for an inspiring reminder that the creative path is rarely straight—and that’s what makes it worth exploring.

In this inspiring episode of Creative Journeys, Dave and Melanie talk with Dr. KC Councilor, a professor in the Communication, Media, and Screen Studies Department at Southern Connecticut State University, about how comics became an unexpected and transformative part of his life and academic journey. KC shares how discovering drawing in his mid-30s—thanks to the influence of artist and educator Lynda Barry—helped him reconnect with his creativity, navigate personal identity, and reimagine how students can express themselves.The episode explores the power of comics as a storytelling tool, the importance of drawing as a form of embodied memory and reflection, and the liberating potential of embracing imperfection. Whether he’s helping students find their artistic voice or using comics to explore topics in health, identity, and education, KC brings a deeply human and accessible approach to creative expression.Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about art, vulnerability, and the unexpected ways we discover ourselves through creative practice.