Being The Change

Being the Change is the official podcast of James Madison University. It features members of the JMU community who are combining intellect with action to live lives of purpose and meaning. The podcast was conceived by Jim Heffernan (’96, ’17M), editor of Madison magazine, and Andy Perrine (’86), head of University Marketing and Branding. Thanks to Jenna Polk (’14, ’21M) and the team at Rose Library Studios, where the show is recorded by Steve Aderton (’19), Cody Troyer and Olive Santos (’20). Original music by Neal Perrine (’19). Voice talent by Ciara Brennan (’17).

Listen on:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • YouTube
  • Podbean App
  • Spotify
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio

Episodes

6 hours ago

Because good mental health greatly enables learning, JMU is constantly offering new programs to help students, faculty and staff find pathways to peace. In this episode, we spotlight one such program, the Serenity Center, which was founded by Dr. Mark Gabriele (’95), a neuroscientist.

S4 E1: Discovery of a Lifetime

Thursday Jan 15, 2026

Thursday Jan 15, 2026

Come along on a fabulous journey of discovery with JMU anthropologist Dr. Dennis Blanton and two of his former archaeology field-school students, Kyle Mitchell (’24) and Grace Gordon (’22), as they describe a significant find involving one of North America's earliest explorers.

S3 E16: The Path to the Playoff

Thursday Dec 18, 2025

Thursday Dec 18, 2025

As the Dukes prepare to take on Oregon in the first round of the 2025 College Football Playoff, Athletic Director Matt Roan reflects on JMU’s culture of winning, which includes becoming the first program from Virginia to make the CFP. 

S3 E15: Financial Literacy

Thursday Dec 11, 2025

Thursday Dec 11, 2025

Head of Financial Aid Brad Barnett also teaches courses on financial literacy. Hear from him and one of his students, senior Jameson Glynn, on why this aspect of wellness is so important and how students can get there.

Thursday Dec 04, 2025

JMU recently received a coveted distinction for being a driver of economic prosperity and innovation, joining just 94 other research universities nationally. Hear Drs. Anthony Tongen and Keith Holland (’00) describe what this milestone portends for JMU’s future. 

S3 E13: Gravestone Recipes

Thursday Nov 20, 2025

Thursday Nov 20, 2025

Just in time for Thanksgiving, hear how viral TikTokker Rosie Grant (’12) traveled the globe collecting recipes etched into gravestones, became an internet sensation, and authored To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes.

Thursday Nov 13, 2025

As JMU continues to evolve as a research institution, not all of the research is in a laboratory. Dr. Jennie Rosier shares her research about how relationships work and how her students engage with the inquiry in ways that can change them.

Friday Nov 07, 2025

Hear how JMU's largest research grant ever is funding comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to understanding and supporting the holistic development of children by the Center for Advancement Research in Education.

Thursday Oct 30, 2025

Dr. Alan Levinovitz, a professor of religion at JMU who has appeared in media ranging from The Atlantic to The Joe Rogan Experience, discusses a new study he co-authored on the healing power of diagnosis.

S3 E9: Friendly City Foodies

Thursday Oct 16, 2025

Thursday Oct 16, 2025

Whether you’re local to Harrisonburg or visiting for university events such as Homecoming, discover what makes our phenomenal culinary scene tick with two of the ’Burg’s top foodies.

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