McMurry Minds: The Professors Podcast

McMurry Minds is a podcast that explores the intellectual vibrancy on McMurry’s campus. Join your host, Dr. Paul Fabrizio, as he talks with colleagues about their inspirations and aspirations as they shape students’ minds. Explore beyond the lectures halls and discover fun facts about what occupies these professors’ time outside the classroom – their sources of fulfillment. Delve into the challenges they may face and learn what drew them to McMurry.

Your host, Dr. Paul Fabrizio, a respected professor in the Political Science Department at McMurry with over two decades of experience in radio and television, guides you through this insightful exploration with his colleagues. McMurry Minds is a production of the Division of Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences at McMurry University. Tune in for a thought-provoking and enriching experience.

Episodes

A conversation with Lucas Cardona, Visiting Assistant Professor of English. We talk about Sylvia Plath, Barcelona, and Chicago style pizza.

This is the first episode of Season 2 of McMurry Minds. In this episode, we revisit with Mr. Thompson; we talk about life in the oil field, Philosophy, and the act and study of creative writing.

A conversation with Dr. Jose Gomez, Professor of Spanish. We talk about the Ecuadorian Air Force, immigrating to the United States, and how to study a language not your own.

A conversation with Jeff Scott, the Director of the Servant Leadership Program and the First Year Experience. We talk about the town of Happy, Texas, social welfare, and the homeless populations.

A conversation with Dr. Larry Bonds, a professor of English. We talk about Shakespeare, deer hunting, and Theresa Great Vowel Shift.

A conversation with Dr. Tina Bertrand, Professor of Political Science. We talk about the United Nations (UN), Model United Nations (MUN), and Audrey Hepburn.

A conversation with Dr. Mary Anna Kidd, assistant professor of Communications Studies. We talk about Thailand, the Texas Panhandle, sojourner readjustment.

A conversation with Jim Quinnett, the author of Memories Time Can’t Heal: A Vietnam War Novel, and the retired webmaster for McMurry University. He discusses the San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, being in the army during the Vietnam war, and writing a book during lunch hour.

A conversation with Dr. Robert Wallace, Professor of Sociology and Criminology. We talk about the Texas Panhandle, New York City, and people wrongfully convicted.

A conversation with Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth, Professor of Sociology and Criminology. We talk about the Vietnam War, child poverty on Native American reservations, and long distance running.

A conversation with Garrison Shin, a student born in Russia and now sophomore at McMurry University. We discuss his winning a prestigious Hatton Sumners Foundation scholarship for students interested in public service.

A conversation with Juan Nava, a senior from Mexico graduating from McMurry in spring 2024. We discuss his receiving a graduate fellowship from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio to study Public Administration.

A conversation with Dr. Stephen Hardin, Professor of History. We talk about San Marcos; Clio, the Muse of History; and vampires.

A conversation with Beth Laurence, Instructor of English and the Coordinator of the writing Center. We talk about writing and how to get over a fear of writing.

A conversation with Dr. Bryan Stewart, Professor of Religion and Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy. We discuss the Church Fathers, Presbyterian preaching, and Western Pennsylvania.

A conversation with Dr. Philip Le Masters, Professor of Religion and Director of the McMurry University Honors Program. We talk about theology, ethics, and Beaumont, Texas.

A conversation with Dr. Jori Sechrist, Professor of Sociology and Director of Institutional Effectiveness at McMurry University. We talk about the McMurry family, student success, and data.

A conversation with Cole Thompson, Professor of English about a new movie based on his book. Cole is the author of “Chocolate Lizards”, which was adapted into a movie called “Accidental Texan.” The movie opens in theaters on March 8.

A conversation with Dr. Ann-Marie Lopez Esquivel, Professor of English. She talks about the craft of writing and the teaching of writing. Her family, fifth generation West Texans have a long relationship with McMurry.

A conversation with McMurry Minds host Dr. Paul Fabrizio about the upcoming Texas primary election. Dr. Fabrizio is a Professor of Political Science.

A conversation with Dr. Annette Wren, an assistant professor of English. We talk about Sherlock Holmes, zombies, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

A conversation with Dr. David Wahl a professor of sociology and criminology. He is a researcher of social psychology, human sexuality and, human trafficking.

An interview with Dr. Mark Waters Professor Religion and Chair of the Division of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences.