MSU Today with Russ White

Russ White
MSU Today with Russ White

MSU Today is a lively look at Michigan State University-related people, places, events and attitudes put into focus by Russ White. The show airs Saturdays at 5 P.M. and Sundays at 5 A.M. on 102.3 FM and AM 870 WKAR, and 8 P.M. on AM 760 WJR.

  1. Sixth annual Izzo Run, Walk and Roll is April 27 on the MSU campus

    APR 7

    Sixth annual Izzo Run, Walk and Roll is April 27 on the MSU campus

    The Izzo family has partnered with Playmakers to host this premium experience on the campus of Michigan State University. The mission is to connect alumni and the MSU and Mid-Michigan communities in a positive celebration of Coach Izzo's legacy.  The events include a 5K run/walk, 5K roll, 1/2 K walk/roll, kids' races and a virtual 5K. All events will focus on fitness, fun, family, Spartan spirit and charitable giving. Proceeds from the 2025 Izzo Run/Walk/Roll will continue to support an endowment for The Izzo Legacy that will ensure charitable giving for years to come.  Lupe Izzo and Marcy Gillespie Kinzer join me on this episode of MSU Today to discuss the history and mission of The Izzo Legacy and the details of the 2025 Izzo Run/Walk/Roll. Lupe is the founder and president of The Izzo Legacy, and Marcy is the Legacy’s executive director. Conversation Highlights: (0:40) – Lupe, where does your ethos of community, altruism and giving back come from? (1:34) – What led you and Tom to create The Izzo Legacy? (4:52) – What is the mission of The Izzo Legacy? (5:22) – Marcy, what’s your background, and what motivated you to become executive director of The Izzo Legacy? (6:59) – What are the details of the Izzo Run Walk and Roll potential participants should know? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    10 min
  2. National Registry of Exonerations Releases Annual Report

    APR 3

    National Registry of Exonerations Releases Annual Report

    Barbara O’Brien is a Professor of Law at the MSU College of Law at Michigan State University. And she’s editor of the National Registry of Exonerations.  The National Registry of Exonerations records exonerations won by exonerators such as Innocence Organizations, Conviction Integrity Units, and law school clinics.  The registry captures statistics and analyzes trends, which are used by social justice advocates, legislative policymakers, legal scholars and researchers, and the media. The second week or April is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Conversation Highlights: (0:53) - What’s your background? How long have you been at MSU Law, and what attracted you here? (1:33) - What is an exoneration? (3:19) - How did you get interested and involved in tracking exonerations? (4:41) - Why was the National Registry of Exonerations formed and why is it important to document annual exoneration cases? How many cases have you tracked to date? (7:33) - How much work goes intro tracking exonerations? Can you walk us through that process? (9:47) - Every year, you release a report. What were some of the key findings from the 2024 report? (11:59) - Why should people care about this work? How has it helped lead to justice for wrongly convicted Americans? (15:43) - Has our criminal justice and legal system gotten better at investigating and bringing justice for wrongly convicted Americans? (19:54) - Are you able to share any of the applications of the report? Or in other words, are law firms, policy makers, or advocacy organizations using the registry? (21:46) - Where can people connect with the registry? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    25 min
  3. State of the State podcast examines Michiganders’ attitudes toward recycling

    APR 3

    State of the State podcast examines Michiganders’ attitudes toward recycling

    State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. Matt is away this month. Arnold and Charley welcome MSU ecological economist Robert Richardson to this month’s episode. Richardson is interested in the study of the environment and development. He recently led a team at MSU to study attitudes towards recycling in Michigan, especially as it relates to increasing what is known as the tipping fee. That’s a disposal surcharge placed on garbage haulers. Conversation Highlights: (2:25) – Charley comments on the “stunning, shocking, and astonishing” tariffs President Trump has put in place. (10:19) - Is there any indication from prior history on the use of tariffs as to their efficacy in balancing trade or creating new jobs?  (16:10) – Richardson describes his team’s research. (19:25) – What did your survey find? (24:47) – “There’s a great deal of logic if you’re a landfill owner.” (27:46) – How do we encourage more recycling? And are citizens willing to pay more if they could recycle more products? (29:53) – “If you make recycling easy, you get a lot more recycling.” (31:29) – How does Michigan’s bottle bill impact the state’s recycling rate? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    33 min
  4. A Passion for Sports - A love of Detroit and sports broadcasting has Daniella Bruce, ’16, right where she wants to be

    MAR 27

    A Passion for Sports - A love of Detroit and sports broadcasting has Daniella Bruce, ’16, right where she wants to be

    Michigan State University School of Journalism alumna and Ilitch Sports + Entertainment broadcast reporter for the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings Daniella Bruce joins me on this episode of MSU Today to share her Spartan Story. Bruce tells why she chose to attend MSU and how the university impacted her and prepared her for her career. She describes her new TV role with the Tigers and Red Wings and talks about the trend toward streaming of sports programming.  She offers her advice for students today who want to follow in her footsteps and talks about causes she supports. Conversation Highlights: (0:20) – Where did you grow up, and why did you choose MSU for college? (1:37) – How did your MSU experience impact you and prepare you for your career? (3:08) – Describe your role with Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. (6:30) – Who inspired you to get into sports broadcasting, and why are you passionate about this work? (8:51) – How do you see the evolution of broadcasting going with the trend toward more streaming of content? And what are your career goals? (10:09) – What advice would you offer to MSU students today who want to follow in your footsteps? (11:52) – Do you have hobbies or interests outside of broadcasting you like to pursue when you have the time? (12:50) – Are there causes that are important to you that you like to work on? (13:43) – How would you describe what motivates you in your career and your life? (15:18) – What more would you say about where your industry is heading? (16:12) – Are there any professors from your time at MSU that impacted you? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    17 min
  5. Electrification of vehicle fleet a key component in MSU’s sustainability goals

    MAR 26

    Electrification of vehicle fleet a key component in MSU’s sustainability goals

    Michigan State University is working toward climate neutrality by mid-century, doing its part to address the global climate crisis within our own community and on our own campus.    The goal is to provide exemplary stewardship of institutional resources to foster the long-term sustainability of MSU and its high-quality education, research and outreach and engagement programs   Ultimately, a desire to achieve climate neutrality.   Joining MSU Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman on this episode of MSU Today to discuss the electrification of the MSU fleet are Adam Lawver, assistant vice president of IPF operations in Infrastructure Planning and Facilities; Stephanie O’Donnell, university traffic engineer in the MSU Department of Public Safety; and Dr. Mehrnaz Ghamami, associate professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering.   Conversation Highlights:   (2:12) – Adam, how many vehicles are in the MSU fleet? What kinds of vehicles? We began the process of electrification in 2022.  How is that going?     (6:37) - What are the lessons learned so far?   (11:54) – Mehrnaz, as an electric vehicle researcher and based on your work studying electric vehicle issues at MSU and across the state of Michigan, what lessons are you learning?   (20:28) - How do we develop a state-wide or national charging strategy?    (22:34) – Stephanie, what is the role of a university traffic engineer?  How do you spend your workday?   (25:04) – How are electric vehicles impacting your work?   (28:27) - Where are the problem areas or “hot spots” that you’re working to make better?    (32:46) - What changes are on the horizon for MSU parking, transportation, and safety? What will you be working on for the next three to five years?   (34:21) – Mehrnaz, what will you be working on in the years ahead?   (35:21) – Adam, what’s ahead as our university fleet continues to evolve?   (39:58) – Where do you like to travel when you’re not working?   Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    43 min
  6. MSU Law Chance at Childhood Clinic wins life-saving cases for clients

    MAR 25

    MSU Law Chance at Childhood Clinic wins life-saving cases for clients

    The Michigan State University College of Law is home to eight law clinics, each specializing in a public service area of the law that provides professional legal counsel to the most vulnerable people in society.  Each clinic is directed by licensed attorneys who are members of the MSU Law faculty and staffed by law students who gain critical hands-on research and litigation experience. The clinics provide pro bono legal services and have won important cases for clients across the country. MSU Law clinics cover the following areas of the law: immigration, family and juvenile law, housing, small business, public defense, Indian law, tax law, and first amendment. In this law clinic podcast series, MSU Today explores how our law clinics have won life-changing cases for clients and have given students valuable experience to help launch successful legal careers.  For today’s episode, we talk with Joseph Kozakiewicz, director of the Chance at Childhood Clinic, as April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Conversation Highlights: (1:20) – What is your background? What brought you to MSU Law?  (5:23) - You have been directing the clinic for over 20 years, so how did you get involved with the clinic? What are you passionate about this work? (8:27) - Provide us an overview of the clinic. What services do you offer and provide? The clinic is unique in how it engages both law and social work students. It’s important to have students from both disciplines working together on cases. (17:08) - How does Michigan’s child welfare system compare to other states? (19:19) - There is a growing movement and awareness to include social workers when it comes to law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Why is this important? (21:27) – How can people contact the clinic? (22:59) - What types of education and outreach work do you offer to legal and social work practitioners? (25:41) – Joe, what would you like us to keep in mind about the clinic? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    27 min
  7. Advisors drive student success at MSU

    MAR 21

    Advisors drive student success at MSU

    Assistant Dean for University Advising Ebony Green and Vice President for Strategic Initiatives Bill Beekman discuss the evolution of the Student Success Pillar of the MSU 2030 Strategic Plan.   Objective 1 of the theme is to strengthen MSU’s ability to attract and meet the needs, goals and aspirations of dynamic undergraduate students from all backgrounds. And a strategy is to ensure all students have high-quality academic and career advising that grows with them from admission through graduation    Conversation Highlights:   (0:42) – How is MSU 2030 evolving? “Refresh, Reframe, and Reimagine”   (5:08) – What is the role of an advisor at MSU? What do we ask them to do?   (6:53) - Advising lives in all our colleges, but your work is somewhat unique. You lead MSU’s advising team that supports students who haven’t selected a specific major.  Tell us a little about that role.   (14:58) - Many students – and perhaps sometimes their parents as well – believe that a student should have a major firmly in mind when they enter college.  But an alternative perspective is that college should be a place that encourages exploration and changing majors is not only okay but somewhat expected.  What’s your perspective?   (17:25) - Reflecting on my undergraduate days all too long ago, I’ve always felt that much of my learning took place outside the formal classroom setting.  Sometimes it was simply conversations with classmates while at dinner in the residence hall.  Other times it was through more structured activities, in my case an internship.  We now call that experiential learning.  President Guskiewicz has shared that he believes experiential learning is very important for our students.  What role do you think this kind of learning should play in the education of MSU students?   (22:03) - When we think about undergraduate students, we usually have in mind students who have come to us straight out of high school.  But we also welcome transfer students at MSU.  And because they’re coming to us from a different university, their advising is uniquely important.  How does your advising team facilitate the important transition to MSU for our transfer students?   And I understand that we have unique agreements with many of the community colleges across Michigan that make it easier, or at least more straightforward, for students wanting to complete their undergraduate education at MSU?  (Articulation Agreements; LCC – Envision Green)   (28:38) – What pieces of advice would you give students and parents on relating to and taking advantage of MSU advisors?   (31:06) - Ebony, we always end these conversations on a fun note.  You work with undergraduate students every day.  But I’d like you to think back on your own college career.  Do you have a favorite memory from that time?   Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    34 min
  8. MSU scholars examine race and identity in receiving and comprehending news

    MAR 20

    MSU scholars examine race and identity in receiving and comprehending news

    On this episode of MSU Today we’ll examine the role of race and identity in receiving and comprehending news. We’ll do so with Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences scholars Christina Myers and Marisa Smith. Marisa Smith is an assistant professor of advertising and journalism. Through investigating the effects of political information, including disinformation, she examines the influence of race, identity, and politics on public policy support, political polarization, civic engagement, and political opinion. Christina Myers is an assistant professor of journalism. Her research bridges concepts of Critical Race Theory and Mass Communication theory to offer fresh perspectives on the intersection of race and media – specifically examining depictions of Black experiences and the presence of implicit racial bias and racist ideologies in narrative creation in the areas of music, sports and news. Christina is a former journalist. Conversation Highlights: (1:16) – Christina, what’s your background, and what attracted you to MSU? (4:20) – Marisa, what’s your background, and what attracted you to MSU? (7:42) – Marisa, describe your research interests. What are some of your recent research findings as they relate to race, identity and news coverage? (19:37) – Christina, describe your research interests. What are some of your recent research findings as they relate to race, identity and news coverage? (24:57) - What is Critical Race Theory? What are the facts and myths surrounding it? How have Critical Race Theory and Diversity Equity and Inclusion been weaponized? (40:24) - How can consumers be more critical about the information they’re receiving? (48:42) – Summary of the conversation and final thoughts. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    54 min
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About

MSU Today is a lively look at Michigan State University-related people, places, events and attitudes put into focus by Russ White. The show airs Saturdays at 5 P.M. and Sundays at 5 A.M. on 102.3 FM and AM 870 WKAR, and 8 P.M. on AM 760 WJR.

Information

  • Creator
    Russ White
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    407
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Russ White
  • Show Website
    MSU Today with Russ White

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