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:
Episodes
Saturday May 23, 2026
Saturday May 23, 2026
Jim Heffernan (’96, ’17M) joins host Andy Perrine (’86) in the studio to recap Season 4 of the podcast and to preview the Spring/Summer issue of Madison magazine.
Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
Hear about how a JMU professor — who also is a successful alumnus — gave his College of Business students an assignment to listen to a Being The Change podcast episode on leadership. Their reactions will surprise you and may even give you new hope for the future.
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787 did not all agree on the nation’s new direction. But they deliberated and compromised until they hammered together a document that has successfully guided us for 239 years.
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
Thursday Apr 30, 2026
The second in a series honoring our founding principles during the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, JMU history professor Dr. Rebecca Brannon describes James Madison’s critical role in shaping the religious freedoms we enjoy today.
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
Thursday Apr 23, 2026
The U.S. Department of Education has granted JMU over $5 million to help K-12 teachers and 40 other universities deploy programs aimed at teaching students civil-dialogue skills that are the foundation of a healthy democracy.
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
Thursday Apr 16, 2026
Generative Artificial Intelligence is changing the nature of education. Hear how, instead of running away or turning into AI cops, JMU is embracing the technology and infusing it in our curricula.
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
JMU’s seventh president reflects on his inauguration, the university’s rich history, and the exciting future he is leading us into with the introduction of The Madison Promise.
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Sunday Mar 29, 2026
Enjoy a discussion on the essence of leadership with JMU's own 3-star Army general and our awesome ROTC battalion's commanding officer.
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Hear how the Ole School Alumni Scholarship Group, which provides mentorship and career support to students, teamed up with JMU’s Summer Abroad Program in Ghana to offer a transformative international experience.
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Discover what's behind JMU's incredible distinction as one of only nine universities nationally to receive both the Leadership for Public Purpose and Community Engagement classifications from the Carnegie Commission.