Episode 7 - Advice to Your Freshman Self, Finding Your People, and Different Doesn't Mean Less Posted on 4/27/2021 by Dr. Michael Thomas and Tyler Haase As the inaugural season of the Between 2 Presidents podcast comes to a close, hosts Concordia University Irvine President Michael Thomas and ASCUI President Tyler Haase reflect on the end of an era as they sum up their first years as presidents…during a pandemic. Advice for the future, cherishing memories, and seizing the day make up the convo about a year that was different, but not less. Listen to Podcast
Episode 6 - Ideas on Napkins, Travel with a Purpose, and Changed Heart Posted on 4/1/2021 by Dr. Michael Thomas and Tyler Haase As world travel came to a halt due to the pandemic, what lies ahead for study abroad as the world begins to open up? Join Concordia University Irvine's Between 2 Presidents podcast hosts and their special guest, Concordia University Irvine English Professor John Norton, as they share cautionary tales about traveling as college students back in the day, possibly missing a plane, train or ferry along the way, and returning home with humbled hearts. Norton also profiles Concordia’s exclusive study abroad program, Around the World, and how students can earn credit while traveling the globe. Listen to Podcast
Episode 5 - The Prancing Pony, Motorcycle Rides, and Standing on Top of Two Cultures Posted on 1/26/2021 by Dr. Michael Thomas and Tyler Haase Join the hosts of Concordia University Irvine’s Between 2 Presidents podcast in their first installment of 2021 as they talk about taking on growth challenges—a.k.a. resolutions—for themselves. Fire pits and s’mores, traveling abroad, and motorcycle riding are just some of the hosts’ goals. But more important is how special guest Concordia University Irvine Spanish Professor Maria Wilbar’s new Spanish class—Spanish for Heritage Speakers—can help students who are heritage Spanish speakers improve their native language for the sake of new goals such as standing out from other candidates for that job or internship, or just getting back to their cultural roots. Listen to Podcast
Episode 4 - Holiday Fire Hazards, Christmas Gumbo, and Catching Santa Ring-handed Posted on 12/21/2020 by Dr. Michael Thomas and Tyler Haase In this final installment of the year (but wait, there’s more), the hosts of Concordia University Irvine’s Between 2 Presidents talk about their family Christmas memories and traditions. Can you guess who hated hiking in the woods to cut down their family Christmas tree? Who do you think learned in second grade—thanks to his sister—that Santa wasn’t real? These and other burning questions are answered as the hosts also welcome Concordia University Irvine students, faculty and staff who share their favorite Christmas traditions growing up, and today. Listen to Podcast
Episode 3 - Greek (and Latin) Sauria, an Existential Crisis, & The Cessation of People Thinking for You Posted on 12/1/2020 by Dr. Michael Thomas and Tyler Haase This third installment of the Between 2 Presidents podcast revisits the topic of dinosaurs with special guest Dr. Rod Soper, Concordia University Irvine Professor of Biology. The presidents are schooled by Dr. Soper on dinosaurs before discussing with him the Hows and Whys of science, connecting both to the unique core classes offered as well as Concordia University Irvine's Lutheran liberal arts tradition. Listen to Podcast
Episode 2 - Gangsters, Unassuming Arrogance, & the Use of Ordinary Bread Posted on 10/30/2020 by Dr. Michael Thomas and Tyler Haase This episode of Concordia University Irvine’s Between 2 Presidents podcast kicks off with a follow-up conversation about how Dr. Thomas uses the opening scene from The Godfather as an introduction to the Gospel. Listen to Podcast
Episode 1 - Dinosaurs, Disembarking Habits, and It's My Parents' Fault Posted on 9/25/2020 by Dr. Michael Thomas and Tyler Haase This episode of Concordia University Irvine’s Between 2 Presidents podcast kicks off with the two Presidents asking each other questions, not unlike those asked on a blind date. Listen to Podcast