Beyond The Venue with MG Hodge, Host & Future PhD – Details, episodes & analysis

Thanks for listening to my guests and I over these last few years! It's been a wild ride, and I'm grateful to have had this opportunity! While this is the end of Beyond the Venue Podcast, it's certainly not the end of my podcasting career! 

Thanks for listening!

Cassy and Joey met as doctoral students in Quant 2 in the Fall of 2020. Their friendship grew from a mutual passion for student engagement, community building, and professional development. Once I joined the doctoral student squad, they gave me an incredible opportunity to be able to bring my hospitality skills and values in to the College of Education and Human Development. Our relationship is a prime example of where I have found myself - surrounded by folks from completely different life paths but coming together to form a community and learn and grow from one another. For anyone curious about what life is like as an assessment nerd, educational psychologist, experiential educator, or dissertation defender, this episode is for you!

Additional Topics Include:

• The Limitation of Jobs for Dramaturgs
• Finding Clarity through Research
• Complex Dynamic Systems and the DSMRI
• How to Build Community and Engagement 
• The Importance of Taking Care of your Mental Health
• Avoid Social Comparisons!

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode “Reimagining Hospitality in Education 408 with Cassy Pressimone Beckowski & Joey Eisman”!

About the Guests:
Cassy Pressimone Beckowski is the Director of Assessment & Continuous Improvement at Gwynedd Mercy University. In May 2024, she graduated from Temple University with her PhD in Policy and Organizational Studies: Higher Education. During her time at Temple, she worked in the Office of the Provost to support university reaccreditation, strategic planning, and assessment; she also supported faculty research and graduate student engagement in the College of Education and Human Development. Additionally, Cassy has over 15 years’ higher education experience as a faculty fellow, instructor, and learning support specialist. Cassy is a passionate advocate for equitable student success; her research interests include first-generation college student success, institutional mission and culture, and engaging pedagogy. Her work has appeared at national conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Outside of work, Cassy is a mom of two as well as an avid distance runner, voracious reader, and occasional wedding singer.

Connect with Cassy on LinkedIn.

Joseph I. Eisman is a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education and an adjunct faculty member at the College of Education and Human at Temple University. His research explores the relationships between empathy, emotion, motivation, identity, and creativity in educational contexts using complex dynamic systems theories. He also consults with educational organizations, including camps and after school programs to explore ways to meaningful consider the social, mental, and emotional wellbeing of their staff and participants. Eisman received his PhD at Temple University, and he holds an MA from Teachers College, Columbia University, and BS from the University of Michigan.

Connect with Joey on LinkedIn, Twitter/X, or his Website.

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This episode has been produced in association with Gal Co Productions. 

For our final episode of Season 3, we’re kicking it old school. We’re switching back to a classic interview style with a fellow academic, Dr. Michael Sheridan.

Dr. Mike and I have known each other since we were in graduate school in the STHM program at Temple University. We ran into each other at an event honoring the incredible Dr. Betsy Barber, and I would learn that Mike had JUST become Dr. Mike, having defended his dissertation that very week. 

Following the successful defense of his dissertation on the effects of cyberbullying on student success, Dr. Mike completed his doctoral degree in higher education from the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.

In this episode, we talk more about the difference between an EdD and a PhD, as I will be applying for my PhD over this next month!

Additional Topics Include:

• The Academic’s Thirst for Knowledge
• A Shared Passion for Teaching
• Using our Real World Experience as Teachable Moments
• The Power of Being Vulnerable and Transparent when You’re Not Okay
• State of the Hospitality Industry and the Economics Behind It

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode In Defense of the Dissertation 308 with Dr. Michael Sheridan.

About Dr. Mike:

Dr. Michael F. Sheridan joined the full-time faculty at STHM in 2013 after serving as an adjunct professor in 2012, when he taught undergraduate and graduate students about management, sales, development and other areas of tourism and hospitality.

Dr. Sheridan’s industry experience includes, most recently, serving as director of revenue management for Sofitel Philadelphia, where he was responsible for maximizing revenue for the luxury, four-star hotel through revenue management, inventory control, market-segment pricing, statistical analysis and demand-stimulating initiatives.

From 2005 to 2011, Dr. Sheridan was hotel program director for the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), which is now known as Visit Philadelphia. During his tenure, he served as a liaison between Philadelphia’s tourism-marketing office and the more than 100 hotels in Philadelphia and the suburbs. He also presided over GPTMC’s most successful hotel package, the Philly Overnight Hotel Package, generating more than $21 million in room revenue. 

Dr. Sheridan has served on the boards of the Philadelphia Gay Tourism Caucus, the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Wildwood Hotel & Motel Association.

Dr. Sheridan received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Public Relations and Advertising and his Master of Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University. He earned a certificate in Hotel Revenue Management from Cornell University and, in 2014, earned a Certificate in Teaching Higher Education from the Teaching and Learning Center at Temple University’s College of Education.

In 2022, following the successful defense of his dissertation on the effects of cyberbullying on student success, Dr. Sheridan completed his doctoral degree in higher education from the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week, I’m joined by my friend and now colleague Dr. Ben Torsney. 

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, the three of us listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Josh & Onasis.

If you’re looking to gain insight into motivational teaching styles and creating psychologically safe classrooms, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Building Trust
• The Next Generation of Leaders
• Self Determination Theory
• Comparing Coaching to Teaching
• The Importance of Feeling Like You Belong

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode Coaching in the Classroom 307.

About Ben:

Dr. Ben Torsney (he/him) holds a PhD in Educational Psychology from Temple University and is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Policy, Organization, and Leadership Studies Department. Ben’s research is focused on college students’ engagement in schoolwork at various units of analysis; John Henryism, a form of high effort coping as a response to environmental stressors; college students’ willingness to take environmental action; and the motivation of pre-service teachers to enter the teaching field.

This former “wannabe basketball player” is also a father to a great little girl and a partner to a wonderful lady. 

Connect with Ben via email [email protected].

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

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This week, I’m joined by my friends Alyssa & Nicole. We met through the Fulbright Program as English Teaching Assistants in Germany back in 2006!

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, the three of us listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Armaan & Danny.

If you’re looking to gain insight into disability inclusion work and Asynchronous communication, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• DEI in Organizations
• Importance of Creating an Inclusive Culture
• Self Improvement
• Situational Leadership
• Formal Training vs On the Job Training
• Reconnecting and Rejoining Society After these last Few Years

Alyssa Ryanjoy (she/her) leads a team supporting an equitable and inclusive hybrid work environment at CUNA Mutual Group. Her career has included diverse roles and industries but she has always enjoyed bringing structure to new ideas while coaching and mentoring others. She is deeply involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work with a special focus on disability inclusion.  Alyssa attended the University of Wisconsin - Madison for both her Bachelor’s degree in Economics/German and her MBA. She loves volunteering with local organizations and currently serves on the board of First Unitarian Society of Madison, her faith organization, and Movin’ Out, a disability justice organization focused on housing. 

Connect with Alyssa on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Nicole Walberg (she/her) has worked over the past 18 years as an admissions counselor, academic advisor, fellowship advisor, study abroad advisor, international student advisor, and director of a college advising office. She currently owns her own business, which helps students navigate their college application and academic experience.

She is a Pacific Northwesterner, Fulbright scholar, German speaker, kitchen vixen, lover of the outdoors, and a cancer survivor. She loves to support others as they battle cancer and to help people navigate the path to their future career. 

Connect with Nicole on her website, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Daniel Stonis (he/him) is currently a Temple Graduate Student, studying for his MS in City and Regional Planning.

Connect with Daniel on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Mohamed Armaan Nathani (he/him) is a current student in the Adult and Organizational Development major at Temple University. 

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, DEI & Intersectionality 305 with Becky Yep

About Becky: Becky Yep (she/her/hers) is a Senior Technical Program Manager for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a major technology company.  She works to embed DE&I into technical products and services for an equitable customer experience.  For example, she often works in partnership with the Accessibility team to make sure things like television and gaming remotes, web pages, and streaming content are readily available for folks that may have physical or intellectual disabilities.

Becky's background is in engineering; prior to her current position, she spent 8 years in the aerospace industry in roles ranging from structural analysis, manufacturing, project management, and system safety.  While a job in DE&I may seem like a departure from her educational background, it's really an opportunity borne from passion and engagement.  DE&I involvement was a "side hustle" that has been realized into a dream job!

Alexis (she/her) is a current Adult and organizational development student.

Eve (they/them) is a current Environmental studies and adult organization and development student.

Nasira (she/her) is an Adult and organizational development major. 

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Connect with Becky on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week, I’m joined by Daniela Galdi, an entrepreneur and business, arts, and wellness professional. She’s also the producer of Beyond the Venue Podcast!

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Daniela and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my students Margo & Leslie.

If you’re looking to gain insight into having a conversation as opposed to confrontation, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Leadership in the Non-Profit World
• Management vs Leadership
• Collaborations and Handling Confrontation
• Managing your Emotions

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Empathetic Communication 304 with Daniela Galdi.

Don’t be late to class!

About Daniela: 

Daniela Galdi is a leading creative resource giving the BIG PICTURE on Trending Media, Business Development, and Healthy Living empowering others to see things from new perspectives.  Her professional training as a Media Personality, Entertainer, Entrepreneur and Fitness & Wellness Expert, along with her self-started philanthropic outreach programs are the foundation to her innovative missions.

She is a multi-talented entertainment artist with an extensive background in performing, producing, and teaching fine arts and mixed media for over 15 years.

Daniela's purpose in life is to help people achieve their goals and live their passions. A self-starter and an entrepreneur since 21 years old, she shares her entrepreneurial prowess and expertise for other self-starters to aspire and build on their missions, visions, brands, and talents through her agency, ByVesta Agency, online publications/media network, IV Media, and media appearances, guest speaking, and trainings. 

She loves to meet new people, hear their stories, and help them heal in their journeys. She has been passionate about holistic wellness & self-help methods from a young age, and is a teacher and teacher trainer in fitness and Classical Pilates through with world-renowned training from True Pilates NY. She is also trained in Emotional Empowerment from the International Institute for Emotional Empowerment and is passionate about mental health advocacy through her support and empowerment organization, Still Standing Together and StillRise.

Connect with Daniela

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Margo Haas (she/her) is currently majoring in Human Development and Community Engagement with a Concentration in Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship

Connect with Margo on Instagram and Linked In.

Leslie Garcia (she/her) is currently majoring in Human Development with a Concentration in Community Education

Connect with Leslie on Instagram

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Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week we have another return guest from Season 2! I’m joined by James Varughese, a part of the Customer Experience team serving small businesses that use Intuit QuickBooks Payments products.

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, James and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my former students Sierra & Celia who also care about leading with empathy and understanding their impact on a community.

If you’re looking to gain insight into self awareness as a leader and within community development, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Choosing a Major Based on Passions and Helping Others
• What is Community Development?
• Effective Leadership within Community Development Efforts
• Empathetic and Situational Leadership
• Applying Classroom Knowledge to the Real World
• Sustainability as it Relates to Food Insecurity

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode Mindful Ways to Make an Impact 303 with James Varughese.

Don’t be late to class!

About James: James Varughese (he/him) has built a successful career in both advertising and financial technology industries since moving to California from New York in 2011.

He is currently part of the Fintech Customer Experience team at Intuit. One of his most important responsibilities is to understand V-O-C, or Voice of Customer, across multiple products and channels such as self-help, in-product feedback, app store, and when customers speak or chat with Intuit support experts. 

Analyzing data, creating insights, and telling data backed stories is how James delivers on the promise that QuickBooks has to it's customers to be the source of truth for their business and exceed expectations where & when it matters most. 

Outside of work James loves to spend time with his wife and two young children.

Connect with James on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well as his website. 

Student Info:

Celia Myerov (she/her) a recent Temple grad is currently working as a Program & Expansion Associate.

Connect with Celia on Instagram and LinkedIn.

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Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

This week, I’m joined by Sarah Zero, founder and facilitator of Wellstruck, a supportive community for small business owners who lead with empathy.

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Sarah and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by fellow entrepreneurs, Suzie and her friend and business partner Samantha.

If you’re looking to gain insight into how much MG loves being a part of the Wellstruck community, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Recognizing your Personal Limits
• The Power of No
• Self-Awareness
• Leadership Mentality on Adjusting to Change
• Making Space for Rest
• Managing Anxiety Before it Manages You
• It’s Ok to Not Be Ok 

Thanks so much for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Entrepreneurship with Empathy 302.

Don’t be late to class!

About Sarah: 

Sarah Zero (she/her) is the founder and facilitator of Wellstruck, a supportive community for small business owners who lead with empathy.

At Wellstruck, Sarah facilitates intimate workshops, accountability groups, and masterminds that give small business owners a safe space to navigate the mental and emotional ups and downs of building a life that aligns with their own version of success.

Sarah also recently launched The Wellstruck Podcast, where she interviews small business owners who talk candidly about the messy middle and uncovering zones of genius to create positive change in their communities.

Sarah lives in Delaware with her partner and pup. Lately, she’s been on a mission to get moving — an archery workshop, rock climbing with friends, and walks while listening to Brené Brown’s “Dare to Lead” audiobook.

To learn more about Wellstruck, visit the website. Applications for Wellstruck  mastermind + membership community are opening this Fall.  Subscribe at Wellstruck.com/subscribe to receive reminder emails.

Connect with Sarah on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Student Info: 

Suzie Oswald (she/her) is a recent Temple graduate and currently works as a Senior Mission Support Coordinator Supervisor.

Connect with Suzie on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.

Season 3 of Beyond the Venue Podcast kicks off with Liz Einhorn, Founder of Experience Threee, a hospitality growth consulting firm. 

Liz was a guest on Season 2 of Beyond the Venue Podcast, and I was excited to have her back on the show, but this time with an all new format. 

Incorporating clips from the “podcast project”, Liz and I listen to the clips and carry on the conversation started by my former students Caroline & Sara who also both work in hospitality.

If you’re looking to gain insight into how to work efficiently in a team as well as fun things to do in New Orleans, you’re in the right place!

Topics Include:

• Why Good Leaders Make You Feel Safe (Ted Talk)
• Service Industry Practices, especially with Covid
• Lessons Learned Working in Teams
• Do Schools Kill Creativity? (Ted Talk)
• Boundary Setting & Process Management
• Mindfulness and Attempting to Avoid Burnout

Thanks for listening, and enjoy the following episode, Leadership in Hospitality 301 with Liz Einhorn.

About Liz:

Liz Einhorn (she/her) A native of Philadelphia, Liz cut her teeth in the beverage industry at The Boston Beer Company, playing a pivotal role in launching innovative brands like Truly Hard Seltzer and Angry Orchard Cider throughout her 10-year career at BBC. 

In 2017, Liz founded Experience Threee, a growth consulting firm, to bring her expertise to a portfolio of emerging and established hospitality brands.   

Liz developed the Brewtop Social Beer Garden concept slated to open in Seatac Airport this fall and has contributed and conceptualized beverage menus for concepts nationwide. She is also a Level One Cicerone and a certified Whisky Ambassador.  

Connect with Liz on Instagram and Linked In. Follow Experience Threee on Instagram.

Student Info:

Caroline Nicholson (she/her) is a current student, majoring in Adult and Organizational Development at Temple University. 

Connect with Caroline on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Sara Lenney is a recent graduate of the Adult and Organizational Development program at Temple University. 

Connect with Sara on Instagram and LinkedIn. 

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Connect with MG on Instagram and Facebook, too!

Follow BTV on Instagram and Facebook for all updates and releases.

A ByVesta Production.