SHORT the Squirrel is Alabama’s official literacy mascot. His mission is to help children discover the magic of reading and teach them that “waiting time is reading time.”
In this episode: “Why SHORT Loves to Read” by Monica Anderson Young and Dr. Dee Dupree Bennett
What’s your favorite book or story? Send a message to SHORT by Tree-mail at contact@shortthesquirrel.com
In this selection from the Trojans Talk Research podcast, host Barry McKnight talks to Dr. Jacqueline Jones within Troy’s Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences, about her research on prostate cancer.
Hear the full episode of Trojans Talk Research: https://trojanstalkresearch.podbean.com/e/trojans-talk-research-dr-jacqueline-jones/
Host Barry McKnight sits down with Dr. Jacqueline Jones to explore her prostate cancer research, focusing on how tumors metastasize to bone, the role of growth factors, and the transcription factor FOXE3.
The conversation covers lab methods and validation, next steps including mouse models and peptide development, and Dr. Jones’ passion for lifelong scientific inquiry and mentoring future scientists.
For the very first time on this podcast series, “The Voice of the Trojans” Barry McKnight goes to Malone Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus and the home of the Department of Art and Design, to talk with Troy professors Will Jacks and Sarah Dismukes about research within Art & Design, on the latest Trojans Talk Research Podcast.
For the very first time on this podcast series, “The Voice of the Trojans” Barry McKnight goes to Malone Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus and the home of the Department of Art and Design, to talk with Troy professors Will Jacks and Sara Dismukes about research within Art & Design, on the latest Trojans Talk Research Podcast.
In this episode, we sit down with business owner and singer-songwriter JB Roberts. JB is part owner of Moseley Industrial Supply Company and Lawrence/Ace Hardware here in Troy AL. As well as a father, husband, musician, and IDEA Bank member, JB talks about what it really looks like when your way isn’t working. He shares how learning to surrender, work under authority, and stay consistent through failure shaped both his businesses and his leadership. As he puts it, “work for someone else for several years. Learn what it’s like to have decisions made for you before making them for others, and learn how to be under authority before becoming the authority.” From waking up early and doing the hard work to facing fear and trying again, this conversation highlights the foundation most young entrepreneurs skip.
We also get into building businesses that genuinely serve people, the importance of clear communication, and why humility is essential before stepping into leadership. This episode is especially for students and young leaders who want to grow the right way, not the fast way. Go stream his album More Than You Know and be on the lookout for his next album.
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In this conversation from the InChoir podcast, hosts Diane Orlofsky and Scott Sexton talk to composer Christohper Tin and naturalist Scott Weidensaul about Tin’s 2022 album, The Lost Birds. Tin describes the album as both a memorial to extinct bird species and a celebration of their symbolism as messengers of hope, peace, and renewal.
Hosts Kait Nesbitt and Brooke Moseley sit down with Nurse Practitioner Justin Rigoloso, who shares highlights from a 20-year nursing career that spans critical care, helicopter and ground transport, NICU work, and an emergency department observation unit.
Justin explains what an ED observation unit is, describes memorable transport and patient stories (including carrying a severed finger), and reflects on the rewards and challenges of nursing and transitioning to an NP role — including scope-of-practice issues, precepting, and burnout after COVID.
He also discusses practical tools and advice for students and clinicians, including the use of AI resources like OpenEvidence and ChatGPT.
Hosts Kate Nesbitt and Brooke Mosley sit down with nurse practitioner Justin Rigoloso, who shares highlights from a 20-year nursing career that spans critical care, helicopter and ground transport, NICU work, and an emergency department observation unit.
Justin explains what an ED observation unit is, describes memorable transport and patient stories (including carrying a severed finger), and reflects on the rewards and challenges of nursing and transitioning to an NP role — including scope-of-practice issues, precepting, and burnout after COVID.
He also discusses practical tools and advice for students and clinicians, from using AI resources like OpenEvidence and ChatGPT as clinical adjuncts to the core lesson: treat the whole patient, not just the numbers.
In Season 5, Episode 4, “Building Businesses by Taking Chances,” we sit down with two of the three winners of the 2025 Business Idea Pitch Competition Program at The IDEA Bank to talk about what happens when you step up and share your vision. Wesley Tilghman pitched “Trojan Tailgate,” a full-service tailgate experience designed to elevate game days at Troy University. While Emma Rollins brought her already operating business, “Drone Sharks,” to the stage with a bold next step, securing funding for a thermal drone that will expand her services and unlock an entirely new client base. What started as a pitch became a launchpad, opening doors neither of them expected.
In this episode, you’ll hear how the competition became more than a contest, it became a catalyst. From building meaningful connections to meeting mentors and supporters who will help scale their businesses, both Wesley and Emma share how taking a chance changed their trajectory. Emma even received a job offer from the competition sponsors, MAX Credit Union, after setting herself apart during the program. Their stories highlight the true power of opportunities like this: you don’t need a perfectly polished idea to begin. Sometimes it’s the brainstorming, feedback, networking, and unexpected doors that make the biggest impact. If you’ve ever considered pitching an idea, or even just exploring one, this conversation will inspire you to take the leap. And keep an eye out for details about this year’s Business Idea Pitch Competition coming in Fall 2026.
