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Apply NowThe Search Bar Podcast
Welcome to The Search Bar.
You've got questions, so let's find some answers. Bypass Google and hear from Central Michigan University's team of experts as they help answer some of the internet's most asked questions.
Latest episodes
How do you start competing in esports? And how easy is it to turn a love for gaming into a college scholarship and even a career?
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38 minutes
From City Hall to the White House: Why young voters count
Young voters will have louder voices in the 2024 presidential election than ever before. What are the long-term implications of engaging and empowering young voters for the future of democracy and governance both nationally and closer to home?
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33 minutes
For better or worse: NIL is changing college sports
The NCAA’s Name, Image and Likeness rule is changing the landscape of college sports. How is it impacting recruitment? What are some of the benefits and drawbacks? And what’s its impact long-term?
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39 minutes
Study abroad myths, tips and life-changing benefits
Volunteer rates are down across the country as the need for volunteers continues to go up. How does donating your time help benefit organizations in need as well as the volunteers themselves?
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25 minutes
How can volunteering improve your health and professional skills?
Volunteer rates are down across the country as the need for volunteers continues to go up. How does donating your time help benefit organizations in need as well as the volunteers themselves?
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29 minutes
What's fueling the rise in popularity of women's sports?
Women’s sports are reaching new heights in popularity. So, what’s behind that surge – and how can women’s sports continue to grow and evolve?
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34 minutes
Are there any health benefits to wine?
Is cheap wine worse than expensive wine? And are there any health benefits to drinking wine?
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27 minutes
What can you do to eat healthier?
What are some tips for eating healthy on a budget? And what are some misconceptions when it comes to diet and nutrition?
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34 minutes
What happens to baby boomers' businesses when they retire?
What are some of the most important skills for an entrepreneur to have, and what do you need to know when launching or acquiring your own business?
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26 minutes
How was the night sky taken from us?
How does light pollution impact humans and wildlife? And how can we mitigate light pollution and preserve night sky visibility?
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46 minutes
How can games help teachers engage their students?
Game-based learning has been around for thousands of years. What makes games so effective as a learning tool? And how can you implement games into everyday learning?
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38 minutes
Why are autism diagnoses becoming more prevalent?
Why has autism become more prevalent? And what’s the difference between autism awareness and autism acceptance?
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30 minutes
Why is the 2024 total solar eclipse a big deal?
Why is the 2024 total solar eclipse such a big deal? And, where and how can you see it safely?
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57 minutes
What is process mining?
It’s one of the most important skills employers are looking for in the business world today: process mining. What is it and how can businesses use it to leverage data and become more efficient?
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57 minutes
What do first-generation students need to be successful?
What challenges do first-generation students face compared to other groups?
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34 minutes
Is remote work going away?
As more companies demand that employees return to the office, is the work from home era ending?
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31 minutes
How is climate change impacting the Great Lakes?
Zach Johnson, a climate scientist and meteorology professor at Central Michigan University, discusses how climate change is impacting the Great Lakes region.
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30 minutes
How do I get the most out of networking events?
Networking events can be intimidating. How can you stand out while also getting the most out of networking events?
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15 minutes
What's the secret to career success?
How can mentorship and sponsorship set you on the path for professional success?
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26 minutes
How does mentorship in college foster success?
What makes a good college mentor, and how does having one set you on the path to success?
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42 minutes
Why should all students complete the FAFSA?
What is the FAFSA form and why should every student fill it out? And what do you need to know about the major changes coming to the FAFSA submission process for the 2024-2025 academic year?
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23 minutes
How does El Niño affect Michigan and the Midwest?
Get answers to some of the most asked questions about El Niño and its impact on Michigan and the Midwest.
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18 minutes
Why do we believe what we believe?
Get answers to some of the most asked questions about justified belief and what drives belief in conspiracy theories.
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38 minutes
What is trauma?
Get answers to some of the most asked questions surrounding trauma and what can be done to lessen its lasting effects.
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24 minutes
How can I land my dream job with a philosophy degree?
Get answers to some of the most asked questions about turning a philosophy degree into your dream job.
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19 minutes
How do I build my professional network?
Get answers to some of the most asked questions surrounding how to build, cultivate and maintain a professional network.
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19 minutes
How do I apply to college?
Get answers to some of the most asked questions surrounding the college application process.
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20 minutes
Why are difficult conversations important?
Why is it so hard to have difficult conversations about uncomfortable or polarizing issues? And what are some of the best and worst things you can say when disagreeing with someone?
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22 minutes
How can I reduce my family's screen time?
How does excessive screen time impact our health? And what are some ways to regain control and reduce screen time altogether?
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19 minutes
Why is good leadership important?
What is leadership and why should we care about it? What makes an effective leader? And can followers be leaders?
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19 minutes
What are the ethical concerns with AI?
With continued advancements in Artificial Intelligence, what are some of the biggest ethical concerns around AI when it comes to creating content, the entertainment industry, misinformation and its use in the military?
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19 minutes
What's the difference between stress and anxiety?
What signs let us know when someone is becoming overwhelmed? And what steps can we take when we start feeling overwhelmed? Melissa Hutchinson joins us on The Search Bar.
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16 minutes
How do I stand out in my job search?
How can you add more experience to your resume? How can you improve your personal brand? And, where do you start when thinking about a career change?
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15 minutes
What is inflation?
What's causing inflation and rising interest rates, and what can you do to better navigate an economy that's much different than it was not that long ago?
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15 minutes
How do I protect my teen on social media?
Nearly all teenagers in the U.S. use social media. How is it impacting mental health? What steps can people take to keep their kids safe on social media?
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15 minutes
Meet your host
Adam Sparkes is a nearly 20-year veteran of commercial, editorial, news and travel photography. A lover of news, pop culture, board games and gluten-free pizza, Adam is eternally curious to learn about anything and everything.
In addition to his role as host for “The Search Bar,” Adam serves as CMU’s associate director of multimedia and photography where he can be found crawling on the ground or sprinting down the sidelines to get the perfect shot.
Be a guest