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

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.

Thursday Oct 09, 2025

JMU Board of Visitors member and National Honorary Chair of VA250 Carly Fiorina describes why the celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's founding is important to all Americans, all Virginians, and, in particular, all members of the community named for James Madison.

Thursday Sep 25, 2025

Hear how JMU's one-of-a-kind Ethical Reasoning in Action program exposes every student to a framework aimed at elevating their decision-making in all aspects of their lives.

S3 E6: Constitution Day

Thursday Sep 18, 2025

Thursday Sep 18, 2025

To celebrate Constitution Day, Dr. Peter Levine of Tufts University, one of the foremost authorities on civics and how to teach it, gave a guest lecture at JMU. While on campus, he stopped by the podcast studio for a discussion about the current state of our civic life. 

Monday Sep 15, 2025

Co-chairs of the strategic planning process and the director of Planning, Analytics & Institutional Research discuss how the process is moving forward and how JMU community members can get involved.

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