RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_1e4123d4-b57a-4b0b-9489-9ec570d1efa5 -- Rendered At Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:17:55 +0000 IMPACTful Conversations https://redcircle.com/shows/impactful-conversations en-US All rights reserved. with Andy Vaughn Alliant University While living by your values isn't always easy, it can transform your life and your community. ​ At Alliant International University, we believe the values of Inclusion, Mentorship, Passion, Accountability, Communication, and Teamwork are more than ideals—they’re the foundation for meaningful change. ​ Join Alliant president Dr. Andy Vaughn for conversations with guests who’ve faced challenges, broken barriers, and made a lasting IMPACT by putting these values into action. 1e4123d4-b57a-4b0b-9489-9ec570d1efa5 While living by your values isn't always easy, it can transform your life and your community. ​

At Alliant University, we believe the values of Inclusion, Mentorship, Passion, Accountability, Communication, and Teamwork are more than ideals—they’re the foundation for meaningful change. ​

Join Alliant president Dr. Andy Vaughn for conversations with guests who’ve faced challenges, broken barriers, and made a lasting IMPACT by putting these values into action.

]]> episodic yes Alliant University web@alliant.edu no full Ep. 5: What 2026 Financial Aid Changes Mean for Graduate Students with Deb Spindler Ep. 5: What 2026 Financial Aid Changes Mean for Graduate Students with Deb Spindler 5 1 Alliant University In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant University President & CEO Andy Vaughn sits down with longtime Alliant Director of Financial Aid, Deb Spindler, to unpack the sweeping federal financial aid changes coming in 2026 under the One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Andy draws from his experience as one of the federal negotiators crafting these regulations, while Deb breaks down what students—current and future—need to know about the elimination of the Grad PLUS loan, adjustments to Stafford Direct loan caps, and the new “professional” program designation for Clinical Psychology doctoral programs. Together, they clarify what qualifies students for “legacy” status, how loan limits will work moving forward, what steps students should take today to prepare, and how individual financial situations can receive personalized guidance from Alliant’s Student Finance team.

]]> <p>In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant University President &amp; CEO Andy Vaughn sits down with longtime Alliant Director of Financial Aid, Deb Spindler, to unpack the sweeping federal financial aid changes coming in 2026 under the One Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB). Andy draws from his experience as one of the federal negotiators crafting these regulations, while Deb breaks down what students—current and future—need to know about the elimination of the Grad PLUS loan, adjustments to Stafford Direct loan caps, and the new “professional” program designation for Clinical Psychology doctoral programs. Together, they clarify what qualifies students for “legacy” status, how loan limits will work moving forward, what steps students should take today to prepare, and how individual financial situations can receive personalized guidance from Alliant’s Student Finance team.</p> 3182f53f-8cd4-414a-ab9f-a64cca2dd568 https://www.alliant.edu/podcasts/impactful-conversations Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:00:18 +0000 1023 no full Ep. 4: Partnering to Build a Behavioral Health Workforce with Dr. Dan Gizzo Ep. 4: Partnering to Build a Behavioral Health Workforce with Dr. Dan Gizzo 4 1 Alliant University Alliant is proud to partner with the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy to help Kaiser employees earn degrees and pursue difference-making careers. In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant president Andy Vaughn speaks with Dan Gizzo, PhD, a clinical psychologist, Alliant alum, and executive director of the Academy. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health stigma and the intersection of mental and physical health. Dr. Gizzo shares insights on the challenges faced by mental health professionals, the significance of values in healthcare, and the role of technology in training future clinicians. The conversation highlights the need for a diverse workforce in mental health and the ongoing efforts to support individuals pursuing careers in this field. 

]]> <p>Alliant is proud to partner with the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Scholars Academy to help Kaiser employees earn degrees and pursue difference-making careers. In this episode of <em>IMPACTful Conversations</em>, Alliant president Andy Vaughn speaks with Dan Gizzo, PhD, a clinical psychologist, Alliant alum, and executive director of the Academy. They discuss the importance of addressing mental health stigma and the intersection of mental and physical health. Dr. Gizzo shares insights on the challenges faced by mental health professionals, the significance of values in healthcare, and the role of technology in training future clinicians. The conversation highlights the need for a diverse workforce in mental health and the ongoing efforts to support individuals pursuing careers in this field. </p> 784a5cd5-cd19-407d-aaee-1169aa4e83c5 https://www.alliant.edu/podcasts/impactful-conversations Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:00:04 +0000 1839 no full Ep. 3: Adversity and Adaptability as APA President with Dr. Debra Kawahara Ep. 3: Adversity and Adaptability as APA President with Dr. Debra Kawahara 3 1 Alliant University In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Alliant University President Andy Vaughn visits with Dr. Debra Kawahara, 2025 President of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a Distinguished Professor at Alliant. She discusses her journey to leadership, the challenges faced during her APA presidency, and the importance of adaptability in leadership roles. She emphasizes the significance of unity and diversity within the field of psychology and shares insights on the evolving landscape of education and career opportunities in clinical psychology. 

]]> <p>In this episode of <em>IMPACTful Conversations</em>, Alliant University President Andy Vaughn visits with Dr. Debra Kawahara, 2025 President of the American Psychological Association (APA) and a Distinguished Professor at Alliant. She discusses her journey to leadership, the challenges faced during her APA presidency, and the importance of adaptability in leadership roles. She emphasizes the significance of unity and diversity within the field of psychology and shares insights on the evolving landscape of education and career opportunities in clinical psychology. </p> 42bc9a30-ba73-4405-b2bf-c9e1270975ed https://www.alliant.edu/podcasts/impactful-conversations Thu, 18 Sep 2025 10:00:34 +0000 1796 no full Ep. 2: Navigating History, Identity, and Inclusion with Dr. Lawrence Moore Ep. 2: Navigating History, Identity, and Inclusion with Dr. Lawrence Moore 2 1 Alliant University In this episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Dr. Lawrence Moore shares his journey from a small rural town in Arizona to becoming a prominent board member at Alliant University. He reflects on his experiences growing up as an African-American boy before and after the Civil Rights Act, his military service during the Vietnam era and the Cold War, and the challenges he has faced as a gay man through his 55-year relationship with his now-husband. Dr. Moore emphasizes the importance of being comfortable in one's own skin and the lessons learned from his diverse life experiences, which he brings to his role on the board. He offers advice on navigating change and the future of inclusion at Alliant, highlighting the need for a common vision in community relations.

]]> <p>In this episode of <em>IMPACTful</em> Conversations, Dr. Lawrence Moore shares his journey from a small rural town in Arizona to becoming a prominent board member at Alliant University. He reflects on his experiences growing up as an African-American boy before and after the Civil Rights Act, his military service during the Vietnam era and the Cold War, and the challenges he has faced as a gay man through his 55-year relationship with his now-husband. Dr. Moore emphasizes the importance of being comfortable in one&#39;s own skin and the lessons learned from his diverse life experiences, which he brings to his role on the board. He offers advice on navigating change and the future of inclusion at Alliant, highlighting the need for a common vision in community relations.</p> 35b45209-2258-45ff-a733-40409623696d https://www.alliant.edu/podcasts/impactful-conversations Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:00:52 +0000 1570 no full Ep. 1: Transforming Education Through Values and Skills with Dr. Andrew Shean Ep. 1: Transforming Education Through Values and Skills with Dr. Andrew Shean 1 1 Alliant University with Andrew Shean In the premiere episode of IMPACTful Conversations, Andrew Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster, shares insights on the importance of values in education, the role of AI literacy and critical thinking in workforce readiness, and the future of higher education amidst technological disruption. He emphasizes the need for compassion in local communities and the significance of a well-educated populace for a thriving democracy. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of jobs due to AI and the necessity for educational institutions to adapt and prepare students for the future.

]]> <p>In the premiere episode of <em>IMPACTful Conversations</em>, Andrew Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster, shares insights on the importance of values in education, the role of AI literacy and critical thinking in workforce readiness, and the future of higher education amidst technological disruption. He emphasizes the need for compassion in local communities and the significance of a well-educated populace for a thriving democracy. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of jobs due to AI and the necessity for educational institutions to adapt and prepare students for the future.</p> bd416d7e-bf0a-4805-89ad-fca34e8acdef https://www.alliant.edu/podcasts/impactful-conversations Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:00:00 +0000 2495 no