Best Derek Bruff Podcasts (2025)

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65. Wingspan (2025) 27:18

10d ago27:18

27:18

In this episode, we grab our binoculars and our field guides to go birdwatching in Wingspan. Wingspan is a 2019 game designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and published by Stonemaier Games. Most days, if you ask me what my favorite board game is, I'll tell you it's Wingspan. It's my most played game, and it's the one that Emily and I are most likely to pu…

1
64. Mr. Cabbagehead's Garden 11:37

1M ago11:37

11:37

In this episode, we plant a prize-winning vegetable garden while dodging tedious neighbors in Mr. Cabbagehead’s Garden. Mr. Cabbagehead's Garden is a solo game designed by Todd Sanders first released in 2016 as a print-and-play and later published by LudiCreations. The game is inspired by the whimsical illustrations of anthropomorphic vegetables fo…

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Increasing Leadership Capacity using AI with Dr. Melik Peter Khoury 39:00

2M ago39:00

39:00

In this forward-thinking episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Melik Peter Khoury, DBA, to explore how higher education leaders can harness the transformative power of AI—not just as a technological tool, but as a driver for architectural, workflow, and cultural change in universities. Rather than dwelling on AI as a source of academic anxiety …

1
Showing Value in Centers of Teaching and Learning with Derek Bruff 34:07

2M ago34:07

34:07

Could a better way to support faculty actually decide which universities survive the coming years? In this episode, Sarah Holtan, PhD, talks with Derek Bruff, the Associate Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at the University of Virginia, about how Centers for Teaching and Learning (CTLs) shape a college’s future, even when budgets are …

1
63. Challengers 13:05

2M ago13:05

13:05

In this episode, I play capture the flag with seven of my friends in Challengers! Challengers! is 2022 game for 2 to 8 players designed by Johannes Krenner and Markus Slawitscheck and published by Z-Man Games with art by Jeff Harvey. It’s a little hard to describe. If I said it’s a deck-building, auto-battler built around a capture-the-flag tournam…

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What Colleges Can Learn from Corporate L&D with Brandon Moore 36:25

3M ago36:25

36:25

Sarah Holtan, PhD speaks with Brandon Moore, Executive Director of Learning & Development at the Kacmarcik Center for Human Performance. Higher Ed is struggling with shrinking resources and shifting student needs—but what if colleges could learn a thing or two from how the corporate world approaches workforce training? Brandon shares how his team t…

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Parks (Encore) 20:57

3M ago20:57

20:57

Our last episode on second editions of the games Santorini and Tortuga 1667 reminded me about another second edition of a family favorite game that’s out now: Parks designed by Henry Audubon and published by Keymaster Games. We covered the first edition of Parks way back on episode 7 of the podcast, and I thought I would reshare that episode here o…

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Financial Questions Every College Leader Should Ask with Bruce Hoeker 27:50

3M ago27:50

27:50

Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Bruce Hoeker, CFO at the Association of Business Administrators of Christian Colleges (ABACC), to cut through the confusion on college finances. If you think understanding your institution’s business operations is just for the CFO, Bruce wants you to think again—and shows why the financial future of your college dep…

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62. Back to the Island(s) 16:33

3M ago16:33

16:33

In this episode, we go back to the island in second editions of podcast favorites Santorini and Tortuga 1667! Santorini: Pantheon Edition takes the original Santorini and its “Golden Fleece” expansion and presents them in a new package with revised rules and upgraded components. The teenager and I have been playing it regularly since we got it, and…

1
Smart Pricing Strategies for Tuition with Lucie Lapovsky, PhD 33:54

3M ago33:54

33:54

Sarah Holtan, PhD, sits down with Lucie Lapovsky, PhD, a financial expert in higher education and Principal of Lapovsky Consulting. In today's episode, discover how tuition pricing strategies could hold the key to college sustainability, especially in the face of declining enrollments and a challenging educational landscape. Lucie's insights offer …

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The Human Dimensions of Change Management with Nicole Gahagan, EdD 36:49

4M ago36:49

36:49

Sarah Holtan, PhD sits down with Nicole Gahagan, Ed.D., Associate Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Madison Area Technical College, to talk about the intricate world of change management within higher education. In this episode, Dr. Gahagan shakes up the conventional approach to institutional change by focusing intently on human needs. Loo…

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61. Black Orchestra (First Play) 13:44

4M ago13:44

13:44

In this episode, we conspire together to take out one of the worst evils of the 20th century in Black Orchestra! Black Orchestra is a 2016 cooperative game for 1 to 5 players designed by Phillip duBarry with art by Lucas Soriano published by Tabletop Tycoon. In Black Orchestra, players take on the role of conspirators in Nazi Germany working togeth…

1
Achieving ROI through Collaboration Tactics with Elliot Felix 31:43

5M ago31:43

31:43

Sarah Holtan, PhD chats with Elliot Felix, who is a Student Success Author, Speaker, and Consultant, about breaking down the silos in higher education to truly support students. Discover practical ways to shift from fragmented efforts to intentional collaboration for better student outcomes. Elliot shares a transformative example from the Universit…

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Exploring the Frustrations of College Search and Affordability with Liane Crane 22:53

5M ago22:53

22:53

Sarah Holtan, PhD interviews Liane Crane, owner of The College Dollar, about the realities of college costs and the steps we can take to demystify them. With first-hand experience guiding her own children through college and assisting countless families, Liane's insights shine a light on the often murky world of college finance. Many parents and st…

1
60. Knarr 8:55

5M ago8:55

8:55

In this episode, we sail the high seas on our Viking ships to establish trading routes and not pillage in Knarr! Knarr is a 2023 game designed by Thomas Dupont with art by Antoine Carrion published in the US by Pandasaurus Games. Knarr celebrates the trading life of a Viking. In the game, players take on the role of Viking traders, recruiting crew …

1
Prioritizing Career Advancement of Students with Jackie Slaats 36:41

6M ago36:41

36:41

Join Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she sits down with Jackie Slaats, Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Career Advancement at Lake Forest College. Jackie’s commitment to career readiness has transformed Lake Forest into a leader in integrating career services into college life. This episode is packed with strategies that can redefine how institut…

1
59. Keep the Faith 20:24

6M ago20:24

20:24

In this episode, we work together to tell the story of how a religion changes over the centuries in… Keep the Faith! Keep the Faith is a storytelling game for 2 to 5 players about religions in transition. Each player represents a sect within a fictional religion. Players collaboratively make up the story about the religion and how it changes over f…

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Course Expenses Deter Student Success with Julia Seaman, PhD 30:24

6M ago30:24

30:24

Sarah Holtan, PhD explores the hidden impact of course material expenses on student success with Julia Seaman, PhD, Director of Research, Bay View Analytics. Discover startling statistics and explore surprising insights into how these costs shape students’ academic journeys and choices. Course materials often play an invisible yet powerful role in …

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58. Everdell Duo (First Play) 9:58

6M ago9:58

9:58

Today we have a FIRST PLAY review of Everdell Duo, a 2025 game designed by James and Clarissa Wilson with art by Andrew Bosley and Enggar Adirasa, published by Tabletop Tycoon. The game is a two-player version of the popular 2018 game Everdell, a game that launched a trend in board games featuring friendly anthropomorphic forest animals. Both games…

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Capitalizing on Enrollment Trends with Robert Nowak 31:50

6M ago31:50

31:50

**Note** This episode was recorded in December 2024 and was based on a preliminary report that has since been updated. The more recent findings from the National Student Clearinghouse show that undergraduate enrollment is actually up by 4.5%, not the 3% as stated in the episode. The majority of the take-aways and the broader conversation still appl…

1
Building a Financial Picture for a College with Matt Hendricks, PhD 47:03

7M ago47:03

47:03

If you think managing a university's finances is complex, imagine simplifying it with the expertise of a data scientist who can turn numbers into actionable insights. Join Sarah Holtan, PhD as she hosts Matt Hendricks, PhD, founder of Perspective Data Science, to discuss financial transparency in higher education. In this episode, Dr. Hendricks sha…

1
57. Kariba 10:05

7M ago10:05

10:05

In this episode, we gather around an African watering hole to see who can chase away the most animals in Kariba! Kariba is about animals gathering around an African watering hold, so the cards are all elephants and giraffes and zebras and meerkats and such. Players take turns playing cards from their hands to the watering hole in the middle of the …

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Generating Revenue through Athletics with Josiah Castro 27:14

8M ago27:14

27:14

Sarah Holtan, PhD chats with Josiah Castro, Deputy Athletics Director for East Texas A&M, about the cutting-edge strategies he's using to boost university revenue through athletics. This conversation is packed with insights on the importance of athletics in enrollment, branding, and community engagement. Josiah shares how athletics act as the "fron…

1
Building and Monetizing an Athlete's Brand with Chellee Siewert 34:57

8M ago34:57

34:57

Sarah Holtan chats with Chellee Siewert, President of Capture Sports and Entertainment, about how athletes can shape their legacy through their brands. This episode tackles the evolving landscape of personal branding, showing athletes how to use their influence for social good and prepare for life beyond sports. Chellee underscores the importance o…

1
56. Dead of Winter 16:01

8M ago16:01

16:01

In this episode, we fight zombies and frostbite and maybe stab our friends in the back in Dead of Winter! In Dead of Winter, a 2014 game designed by Isaac Vega and Jonathan Gilmour with art by Fernanda Suarez, players take on the role of survivors of a zombie apocalypse, trying to find the resources they need to fend off zombies and hunger and cold…

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How Student and Employee Engagement Pays Off with Gill Hunter, PhD 35:42

9M ago35:42

35:42

Sarah Holtan, PhD welcomes back Gill Hunter, PhD, Presidential Fellow for Experience and Engagement at Eastern Kentucky University, to explore the essential strategies for making colleges feel like a second home to students. Gill shares insights and actionable approaches that are reshaping student retention and engagement. Imagine your daughter is …

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Applying a CEO Skill Set to College Leadership with Tim Sullivan 43:45

9M ago43:45

43:45

Sarah Holtan engages Tim Sullivan, Business Leader and Dean of the Sullivan School of Business and Technology at Carroll University, in a discussion about the potential of business strategies in revitalizing struggling universities. With a background spanning academia and executive roles, Tim brings a rare perspective that challenges the traditiona…

1
Jonathan Chaffer (Designer Interview) 21:59

9M ago21:59

21:59

In this bonus episode, I share an extended cut of my recent interview with Jonathan Chaffer, designer of the Holiday Hijinks series of 18-card escape room games. Jonathan had a lot to say about the design constraints he faced in creating these games, more than I could fit in last episode's review of the series. If you're interested in tabletop game…

1
55. Holiday Hijinks 18:45

10M ago18:45

18:45

In this episode, we save Christmas and a lot of other holidays from potential catastrophe in Holiday Hijinks! Holiday Hijinks is a line of 18-card holiday-themed escape room games designed and illustrated by Jonathan Chaffer and published by Grand Gamers Guild. Each one offers the cooperative puzzle solving of an escape room in just 18 cards. There…

1
The ROI of Technical and Trades Degrees with Jessie Cannizzaro 35:48

10M ago35:48

35:48

Ever feel like you’re swimming against the tide of conventional career advice? If so, this episode is tailored for you. Many people still underestimate how rewarding and viable careers in the trades can be, even though they often lead to high salaries and job security without the burden of student debt. Join Sarah Holtan as she sits down with Jessi…

1
Boosting Value in a Technology Tool with Joe Sallustio, EdD 34:54

10M ago34:54

34:54

Sarah Holtan chats with Dr. Joe Salustio, VP of Industry Engagement and Co-founder and Host of the EdUp Experience Podcast, about the transformative role technology plays in higher education and the crucial steps institutions must take to stay competitive. Imagine operating your entire college on outdated software while your competitors soar ahead …

1
54. Finca 12:59

10M ago12:59

12:59

In this episode, we load up our donkey carts with fruit to deliver around the island in Finca! In Finca, players take on the role of farmers at harvest time on the Spanish island of Mallorca. Move your farmers around the windmill to generate resources, collect colorful chunky fruit tokens, deliver fruit strategically around the island with your don…

1
The Cost of Shared Governance with Brian Rosenberg, PhD 36:32

11M ago36:32

36:32

Sarah Holtan, PhD explores the complexities of college leadership with Brian Rosenberg, PhD, Visiting Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education, focusing on the pressures modern college presidents face. They discuss the need for transparent, honest, and authentic communication, especially in times of social media outrage. Brian discusses the …

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Should a Merger be in Your Future? with Ricardo Azziz 39:02

11M ago39:02

39:02

Sarah Holtan, PhD and Ricardo Azziz, the Director at the Center for Higher Education Mergers & Acquisitions and Principal at the SPH Consulting Group, explore the strategic significance of early action and planning in addressing challenges in higher education, with a particular focus on the complexities of college mergers. They discuss important as…

1
53. Sirens (First Play) 20:17

11M ago20:17

20:17

Today we have a FIRST PLAY review of Sirens, a 2024 game for two players designed by Art Casey with illustrations by Gabi Naftaly and published by Envy Born Games. In Sirens, players take on the role of the sirens of Greek myths, those creatures whose beautiful singing lured Odysseus’ sailors into the sea and to their doom. In the game, players dra…

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52. Tír na nÓg (First Play) 18:03

12M ago18:03

18:03

Usually when I review and recommend a board game here on the podcast, I’ve played that game at least ten times. That way I know the game well and I know it has some staying power. That means I usually review older games, but I like to play new games, too. So here’s a FIRST PLAY review of a new game that I think you might like! Today we’ll take a lo…

1
51. Daybreak 24:07

1y ago24:07

24:07

In this episode, we build the technologies and societies needed to fight climate change in Daybreak! Daybreak is a 2023 game published by CMYK and designed by Matt Leacock and Matteo Menapace. In this cooperative board game, up to four players take on the role of world powers like the U.S. and China enacting climate action policies. The goal of the…

1
50. Five Games to Start Your Collection 18:48

1y ago18:48

18:48

In this episode, we celebrate four years (and 50 episodes) of the podcast by recommending my top five games to start your board game collection! I started First Player Token to provide some advice to people who like playing board games with family and friends but maybe get a little overwhelmed when shopping for board games at Target or Barnes & Nob…

1
49. Color Field (First Play) 11:58

1y ago11:58

11:58

Usually when I review and recommend a board game here on the podcast, I’ve played that game at least ten times. That way I know the game well and I know it has some staying power. That means I usually review older games, but I like to play new games, too. So here’s a FIRST PLAY review of a new game that I think you might like! Today we’ll take a lo…

1
Boosting Employment Potential of Female Graduates with Jen Dirks 40:08

1y ago40:08

40:08

Today, we're joined by a powerhouse in the world of business and academia, Jen Dirks, the CEO and president of Tempo Milwaukee, who brings over two decades of experience in strategic planning and business operations. In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial issues surrounding higher education, particularly the representation of women in leade…

1
48. Raiders of the North Sea 10:02

1+ y ago10:02

10:02

In this episode, we put on our funny Viking hats and go plundering in Raiders of the North Sea! Raiders of the North Sea is a two to four player game published in 2015 by Garphill Games. It was designed by Shem Phillips with art by Mihajlo Dimitrievski. The game is about building your Viking crew, raiding settlements, and bringing back plunder for …

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International Student Recruitment and Growth Strategies Jim Burkee, PhD 34:36

1+ y ago34:36

34:36

Sarah Holtan, PhD, hosts Jim Burkee, PhD, in a conversation about overcoming unique challenges in international student recruitment and the expansive growth in enrollment at Avila University. They discuss the necessity of flexible infrastructure to support a diverse student body and share personal anecdotes from their experiences abroad. Episode Hi…

1
Strategies to Maximize the College Search with Angela Walmsley, PhD 40:13

1+ y ago40:13

40:13

Sarah talks with Dr. Angela Walmsley, PhD, renowned education consultant and president of Interactive College Prep. They delve into the art of making informed decisions in the college search process. Dr. Walmsley brings clarity to the nuances of modern college admissions and shares expert strategies for students and their families. Dr. Walmsley's a…

1
47. Tortuga 1667 13:12

1+ y ago13:12

13:12

In this episode, we board the Jolly Roger and steal from treasure from a Spanish galleon in Tortuga 1667! In Tortuga 1667, players take on the role of pirates attacking Spanish ships near the island of Tortuga and stealing their gold. Half of the players are secretly working for the British and half for the French. At the start of the game, you kno…

1
An Operational To-do List for AI in Academia with Sean Jones 41:38

1+ y ago41:38

41:38

Join your host, Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she engages with Sean Jones, an influential figure in the AI academic sphere. They delve into how AI technologies like ChatGPT are redefining the academic landscape, the imperative challenges they pose, and how institutions can adapt to embrace AI while ensuring academic integrity and addressing bias. Episode H…

1
An Operating Model that Leads to Enrollment Growth with Dr. Melik Peter Khoury 35:53

1+ y ago35:53

35:53

Join Sarah Holtan, PhD, as she sits down with Melik Peter Khoury, DBA, President of Unity Environmental University to navigate the dynamic landscape of contemporary higher education in an era that demands educational innovation. Learn how Unity's revolutionary strategies have shattered the conventional and elevated the institution to new heights of…

1
46. The Wolves 16:27

1+ y ago16:27

16:27

In The Wolves, we build our packs and carve out our territory! The Wolves is a 2022 game designed by Ashwin Kamath and Clarence Simpson with art by Pauliina Linjama and a quality production from publisher Pandasaurus Games. In The Wolves, between two and five players each controls a pack of wolves vying for territory across a wilderness. This game …

1
A Strategic Plan That Gets Results with Nicki Nabasny, Ed. D. 35:07

1+ y ago35:07

35:07

Sarah Holtan, PhD, engages with strategic planning maestro Nicki Nabasny, EdD to unravel the complexities of creating impactful strategies within higher education institutions. Gear up for a deep-dive into the art of stakeholder mapping and the pivotal role of leadership sponsorship in ensuring a successful strategic transformation. Nicki, with yea…

1
Efficient Academic Operations at a Satellite Campus 35:38

1+ y ago35:38

35:38

Sarah Holtan, PhD talks to Sarah Lukas, Ed.D., who brings her flair for innovation to the table, discussing the crucial role of empathy and adaptability in higher education leadership. Dive into a candid conversation on how institutions can thrive amidst change and why the fear of the new should be left behind. Sarah, who is the Director of Academi…

1
45. Under Falling Skies 13:11

1+ y ago13:11

13:11

In this episode, we try to save the planet from a relentless alien invasion in Under Falling Skies! Under Falling Skies is a 2020 board game designed by designed by Tomáš Uhlíř published by Czech Games Edition with art by Petr Boháček and Kwanchai Moriya. It’s a solo game about repelling an alien invasion that clearly takes some inspiration from th…

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