The 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
What factors contribute to imposter syndrome and how we can overcome it?
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46 minutes
From access to achievement: Closing the gap in higher education
Equity and access in higher education is about more than just making sure people have equal opportunity to apply and attend.
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40 minutes
Learning through film: Navigating truth, history, and Hollywood
Using films in classrooms isn't new, but using them purposefully as teaching tools presents unique challenges.
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41 minutes
Right or wrong? The challenges of making ethical choices
Explore ethical decision-making with Adam Sparkes and Anne Hornak on The Search Bar podcast: insights on leadership and mindset.
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45 minutes
Game On: How esports can shape your future
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 play a pivotal role in the 2024 election. Discover the importance of their engagement for the future of democracy.
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33 minutes
For better or worse: NIL is changing college sports
NIL is reshaping college sports. What's its impact on recruitment, benefits, drawbacks, and long-term effects?
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39 minutes
Study abroad myths, tips and life-changing benefits
Discover how donating your time can benefit organizations in need and enhance your own experience.
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25 minutes
How can volunteering improve your health and professional skills?
Volunteer demand rises as rates fall. Discover the benefits for organizations and volunteers when you donate time.
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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?
Discover why games are engaging learning tools and explore ways to implement them in everyday education.
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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?
Discover process mining and how it helps businesses use data to boost efficiency.
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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?
Discover why students should complete the FAFSA and learn about upcoming changes for 2024-2025.
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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?
Explore how to approach challenging conversations and learn effective communication strategies when facing uncomfortable topics.
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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?
Ethical concerns in AI: content creation, entertainment, misinformation, and military use.
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19 minutes
What's the difference between stress and anxiety?
What are signs of being overwhelmed? Melissa Hutchinson discusses dealing with stress and anxiety on The Search Bar podcast.
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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