Steve Sullivan joins me for a lively conversation about podcasting, tutor videos, and digital A&P teaching. We explore how he humanizes online learning, why students crave multiple approaches, and what he’s learned after 23 years of teaching. From LMS-independent course design to global podcast reach, Steve shares practical strategies and inspiring stories that can help any A&P instructor evolve their teaching.

0:00:00 | Introduction

0:00:49 | This Episode

0:02:28 | Becoming Steve Sullivan

0:06:41 | Your Teaching Voice*

0:07:30 | Why Start a Podcast?

0:14:03 | Farewell to TAPP ed*

0:15:45 | Growing a Podcast & Growing Through It

0:19:56 | Authors Alert *

0:21:05 | Digital Teaching That Actually Helps

0:30:59 | When Our Tools Disappear*

0:32:48 | A&P Tools That Fit Any Textbook

0:48:36 | Collaboration Audit*

0:49:14 | What 23 Years of A&P Reveals

1:01:10 | Innovation Check *

1:01:44 | Staying Connected

* Breaks

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-156.html

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

📰 Get the once-or-twice-weekly TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

“Technology will never replace great teachers, but technology in the hands of great teachers can be transformational." (George Couros)

This Episode

1.5 minutes

Kevin introduces Steve Sullivan, our special guest for this episode.

Becoming Steve Sullivan

4 minutes

Steve introduces how he became an A&P instructor, beginning with chiropractic training, tutoring peers, and eventually stepping into the classroom. His path reflects that mix many of us recognize—clinical experience, a spark for teaching, and an opportunity that suddenly opens. He shares what drew him in, what kept him hooked, and why A&P has become the center of his professional life.

Your Teaching Voice *

1 minute

A brief moment to reflect on the tone and personality we bring into our teaching—whether in class or in audio—and how a small shift in our teaching voice can make learning feel warmer and more inviting.

Why Start a Podcast?

6.5 minutes

Steve explains how his long-standing love of podcasts led him to create Anatomy & Physiology: Bit by Bit. Starting with simple tools meant for his own students, the show soon reached thousands around the world. Steve talks about early inspirations, favorite podcasts, and why audio gives students a flexible, motivating way to tackle hard content while living their daily lives.

Farewell to TAPP ed *

1.5 minutes

A short update announcing the official wrap-up of the TAPP ed micro-credentials, why the program is ending, and how listeners can still access their badges through 2025.

Growing a Podcast & Growing Through It

4 minutes

Here Steve talks about the surprising reach of his show, the long break he took, and how student feedback pulled him back. We explore the challenges of maintaining a creative project during COVID and how stepping away can renew energy. His reflections highlight the emotional side of teaching—motivation, burnout, renewal—and the growing global audience for A&P learning.

Authors Alert *

1 minute

A quick notification for authors about the Anthropic court settlement and how to check whether their textbooks, lab manuals, or scholarly works were used in AI training without permission.

Digital Teaching That Actually Helps

10 minutes

Steve describes the evolution of his digital teaching from narrated PowerPoints to polished animated tutor videos. He explains why multiple modalities matter, how students benefit from short targeted videos, and what pushed him to build his own website to escape constant LMS migrations. His story offers practical strategies we can all adopt to give students better access and ourselves more control.

When Our Tools Disappear *

2 minutes

A reminder that tech tools come and go — including the TAPP app — reinforcing the importance of flexibility and resilience in our teaching toolkits.

A&P Tools That Fit Any Textbook

16 minutes

We talk about the A&P Digital Suite and how it became a book-agnostic set of tools. Steve explains why instructors wanted digital resources that weren’t tied to a single textbook and how the suite supports OER courses as well. We discuss lab simulations, adaptive questions, and accuracy review—a useful look at how digital tools grow into teaching ecosystems far beyond one classroom.

Collaboration Audit *

0.5 minute

A moment to think about reaching outside our usual circles for collaboration, and a gentle prompt to reconnect with another A&P educator to share ideas.

What 23 Years of A&P Reveals

12 minutes

Steve reflects on what he wishes he had known earlier: the power of giving students resources upfront, the challenge of teaching combined A&P without ever taking it, and how much teaching evolves. We explore shifts in online A&P, simulation labs, resistance to change, and the importance of communities like HAPS. It’s a thoughtful end to a wide-ranging conversation that celebrates growth and experimentation.

Innovation Check *

0.5 minute

An invitation to reflect on one teaching idea you’ve been curious about but haven’t yet tried—and what might happen if you simply gave it a test-drive.

* Breaks

Links

Anatomy & Physiology: Bit by Bit (podcast)
Student-facing A&P podcast by Steve Sullivan
AandP.info/850ce0

McGraw Hill Connect – A&P Digital Suite
Digital courseware including tutor videos and lab simulations
AandP.info/c76750

HAPS – Human Anatomy & Physiology Society
Professional community for A&P faculty
theAPprofessor.org/haps

Northeast College of Health Sciences
Online MS program in Human Anatomy & Physiology Instruction (HAPI)
theAPprofessor.org/hapi

TAPP ed (retired) and badge access
What we built, what we learned, and how to access badges
theAPprofessor.org/education

TAPP Podcast no-cost subscription options
Ways to listen now that the standalone app is retired
theAPprofessor.org/podcast-subscribe

TAA Anthropic Settlement Information
Guidance for authors regarding potential compensation
www.taaonline.net/anthropic-settlement

Revisionist History
Malcolm Gladwell's podcast recommended by Steve Sullivan
AandP.info/9b3291

★ SomeTAPP episodes and related resources related to this episode's topics

The Surprising Power of Digital Textbooks | TAPP 76

Give Your Course a Half Flip With a Full Twist | Episode 6

Textbooks to Slides: IP Attorney Brenda Ulrich on Legal Image Use in Anatomy & Physiology | TAPP 150

Our Teaching Persona in Anatomy & Physiology Class | TAPP 137

★ List of TAPP podcasts (sortable list with titles, links to episode pages, and topics)

theAPprofessor.org/podcast-list.html

★ TAPP Jukebox (a fun way to browse and play TAPP episodes)

theAPprofessor.org/podcast-jukebox.html

People

Production: Aileen Park (announcer),  Andrés Rodriguez (theme composer,  recording artist),  Kevin Patton (writer, editor, choreographer, producer, host).

Not People

Robotic (AI) audio leveling/processing by Auphonic.com, initial draft transcript by Rev.com, and the content, organization, spelling, grammar, style, etc., of this episode and notes are assisted by various bots, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and QuillBot.

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-156.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-156.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

Follow The A&P Professor on  Facebook, Mastodon, TikTok,LinkedIn, Blogger, Substack, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

 

Murray Jensen joins Kevin Patton to explore dual enrollment in anatomy & physiology. From guided inquiry to the power of teacher communities, this conversation reveals why messy classrooms often yield the best results.

00:00 | Introduction

00:48 | Murray Jensen, HAPS President's Medal Laureate

02:27 | What Is Dual Enrollment, Anyway?

11:44 | Two-Word Check-In*

12:53 | Guided Inquiry, Not Guided Napping

25:51 | Concept Echo*

26:37 | No, Not Nightly Recorded Lectures

31:09 | Rigor Reality Check*

32:11 | Rigor, Range, & Real Talk

39:25 | Respect Reframe*

40:02 | Why It Matters: Heart, Head, & High School

47:55 | Slide Diet*

49:06 | Money, Mission, & a Playbook for Best Practices

54:04 | Staying Connected

* Breaks

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-155.html

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Substack, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the once-or-twice-weekly TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

“The classroom remains the most radical space of possibility in the academy.” (bell hooks)

Murray Jensen, HAPS President's Medal Laureate

1.5 minutes

Kevin introduces his guest, Murray Jensen, a Professor of Biology Teaching and Learning at the University of Minnesota. He highlights Murray’s research focus on teaching and learning in human anatomy and physiology, his emphasis on POGIL and cooperative learning, and his many awards, including the 2024 HAPS President’s Medal. Kevin also notes Murray’s warm reputation as a mentor and colleague, framing the conversation as both professional and deeply personal.

What is Dual Enrollment, Anyway?

9 minutes

Murray explains how dual enrollment works in Minnesota through the College in the Schools program, which currently involves 28 high schools and 1,100 students. He emphasizes the importance of professional development and the community of practice that keeps teachers connected, supported, and inspired. Kevin shares his own experiences with dual enrollment, reflecting on how it shaped his career and outlook as an educator.

Guided Inquiry, Not Guided Napping

13 minutes

This segment digs into pedagogy. Murray describes his approach to selecting teachers, focusing on passion and spark, and how he encourages them to adopt guided inquiry and cooperative group learning. He shares stories about the challenges of letting go of control in the classroom, and how productive messiness often leads to deeper learning. Kevin adds his own examples, reinforcing that guided inquiry transforms classrooms into vibrant, memorable learning spaces.

No, Not Nightly Recorded Lectures

4.5 minutes

Murray makes the case against online-only dual enrollment models that rely on recorded lectures. He insists that learning must remain face-to-face to preserve rigor and connection. The conversation turns to the politics of funding and the pressure to push students through college more quickly. Both Kevin and Murray stress that dual enrollment should not be about speed but about helping students grow and make informed choices about their futures.

Rigor, Range, & Real Talk

7 minutes

Kevin raises the skepticism some faculty hold toward dual enrollment. Murray responds by acknowledging the range of rigor but emphasizing that many high school programs are every bit as challenging—if not more so—than their college equivalents. He reflects on his path into dual enrollment, the importance of maintaining standards, and the need to respect teachers while navigating the politics of education.

Why It Matters: Heart, Head, & High School

7.5 minutes

Murray shares the personal side of his work, recalling visits to high schools and the deep respect he has for teachers and students alike. He explains how writing curriculum, providing tools, and supporting teachers keeps him motivated. The discussion highlights the passion, respect, and community at the heart of dual enrollment, even as financial pressures loom.

Money, Mission, & a Playbook for Best Practices

5 minutes

Looking to the future, Murray describes his vision for creating a best practices guide for dual enrollment in anatomy and physiology. He underscores the importance of focusing on core concepts, guided inquiry, and cooperative learning while moving away from passive slide-based teaching. Kevin and Murray agree that active learning consistently outperforms lecture-heavy approaches, especially in entry-level science courses.

Links

Teaching to Transgress by bell hooks (book)
geni.us/TDCa6G

Murray Jensen (U of M faculty page)
AandP.info/jd1

Human Anatomy & Physiology Society (organization)
theAPprofessor.org/haps

POGIL Project: Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (organization)
pogil.org

University of Minnesota College in the Schools Program (program info
cce.umn.edu/college-in-the-schools

National Association of Biology Teachers (organization)
nabt.org

Foundations in physiology: an introductory course using the core concepts (article in Advances in Physiology Education)
AandP.info/zkx

★ List of TAPP episodes and related resource related to this episode's topics

Concept Lists Help Students Build Conceptual Frameworks

Big Ideas: The Essential Concepts of A&P | Episode 35

Running Concept Lists Help Students Make Connections | Episode 8

★ List of TAPP podcasts (sortable list with titles, links to episode pages, and topics)

theAPprofessor.org/podcast-list.html

★ TAPP Jukebox (a fun way to browse and play TAPP episodes)

theAPprofessor.org/podcast-jukebox.html

People

Production: Aileen Park (announcer),  Andrés Rodriguez (theme composer,  recording artist),  Kevin Patton (writer, editor, producer, host).

Not People

Robotic (AI) audio leveling/processing by Auphonic.com, initial draft transcript by Rev.com, and the content, organization, spelling, grammar, style, etc., of this episode and notes are assisted by various bots, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and QuillBot.

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-155.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-155.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

Follow The A&P Professor on  Facebook, Mastodon, TikTok,LinkedIn, Blogger, Substack, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

b

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

 

Kevin Patton tackles one of A&P’s slimiest subjects: mucus. In this playful but powerful episode, he reveals ten (or eleven) reasons mucus deserves more attention in our teaching. From immunity to fertility, mucus does it all.

00:00 | Introduction

00:45 | Mucus & Mucous

04:27 | Virtual HAPS Conference *

05:41 | Mucus: Body-Wide Protector

10:13 | Gross Episodes *

11:15 | Mucus in Motion

15:46 | Kerry Hull Honored *

16:28 | Mucus & the Human Story

20:42 | Running Concept Lists

21:11 | Mucus is Vital

26:05 | Staying Connected

* Breaks

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-154.html

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Substack, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the once-or-twice-weekly TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

“If life hands you a painful irritant, cover it in an iridescent mucus‑like substance until it becomes a pearl.” (Sarah Rosenshine)

Mucus & Mucous

3.5 minutes

What’s the difference between mucus and mucous? One is a noun, the other an adjective—but that subtle difference trips up a lot of students. This short segment makes a strong case for calling out that distinction early and often in your A&P course.

Virtual HAPS Conference

1.0 minute

Need new ideas for your A&P course? This brief segment promotes the upcoming virtual HAPS conference and Kevin’s own flipped-session presentation—packed with audio strategies for teaching.

Mucus: Body-Wide Protector

4.5 minutes

Reasons:

• Mechanical Barrier
• Immunological First Responder
• Homeostasis Helper

Mucus forms a body-wide protective network—physically trapping invaders, launching immune responses with secretory IgA and enzymes, and maintaining pH and hydration across exposed epithelial surfaces.

Gross Episodes

1.0 minute

This short segment encourages instructors to lean into the gross-out moments. Why? Because they’re often where the best learning happens. And yes, that includes mucus, poop, and pee.

Mucus in Motion

4.5 minutes

Reasons:
4. Lubrication
5. Trap-and-Transport System
6. Environmental Sentinel

This segment gets things moving—literally. Mucus lubricates tissues, rides the mucociliary escalator to clear debris from the lungs, and even signals health status through color and consistency changes.

Kerry Hull Honored

0.5 minutes

Kevin pauses to celebrate A&P educator Kerry Hull, who received the HAPS President’s Medal. It’s a quick but heartfelt recognition of excellence and contribution to our teaching community.

Mucus & The Human Story

4.0 minutes

Reasons:
7. Microbiome Mediator
8. Fertility Facilitator
9. Digestive Ally
10. Indicator of Health

In this segment, mucus supports friendly microbes, gets involved in reproduction, protects the gut from self-digestion, and signals health changes. It’s a slimy but vital player in our human physiology narrative.

Running Concept Lists

0.5 minutes

Want to reinforce deeper learning? Use mucus in a running concept list. Kevin explains how this recurring theme links systems and encourages students to build long-lasting conceptual connections.

Mucus is Vital

4.5 minutes

Reasons:
11. Mucus is Vital to Understanding the Human Body

Kevin wraps it all up by calling mucus what it is: vital. It’s not just a side note in A&P—it’s a unifying, system-spanning feature worth revisiting throughout the course.

Links

1. What Is Mucus, Anyway? (popular explainer article in Popular Science)

AandP.info/154-1

2. Hagfish Slime Expands Faster Than Almost Anything Known (research-based article in Popular Science)

AandP.info/154-2

3. Mucus Has Evolved at Least 15 Times in Mammals (article in New Scientist discussing evolutionary biology)

AandP.info/154-3b

4. Personal Lubricant Made from Cow Mucus May Protect Against HIV (biomedical research article summary in New Scientist)

AandP.info/154-4

5. Mucus, Slime, and Other Sticky Substances (open-access review in Journal of Functional Biomaterials)

AandP.info/154-5

6. That’s Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion by Rachel Herz (book exploring the science of disgust, includes discussion of mucus)

geni.us/154-6

7. Slime: How Algae Created Us, Plague Us, and Just Might Save Us by Ruth Kassinger (book blending science and storytelling about slimy lifeforms, including mucosal adaptations)

geni.us/154-7

8. Future Fibers May Be Spun From Slime (short video + article in Science Friday)

AandP.info/154-8

9. Seeking medical insights in the physics of mucus (article in Science Daily)

AandP.info/154-9

10. Preparation and applications of artificial mucins in biomedicine (scientific review in Current Opinion in Solid State and Materials Science)

AandP.info/154-10

★ HAPS Virtual Conference page

AandP.info/5455a4

TAPP episodes related to this episode's topics (NOTE: the episode numbers mentioned in the audio narration are incorrect; use those below)

The Pee Episode | Teaching Urinary & Renal Concepts | TAPP 125

The Poop Episode | Using Fecal Changes to Monitor Health | TAPP 121

Running Concept Lists Help Students Make Connections | Episode 8

★ List of TAPP podcasts (sortable list with titles, links to episode pages, and topics)

theAPprofessor.org/podcast-list.html

★ TAPP Jukebox (a fun way to browse and play TAPP episodes)

theAPprofessor.org/podcast-jukebox.html

People

Production: Aileen Park (announcer),  Andrés Rodriguez (theme composer,  recording artist),  Kevin Patton (writer, editor, producer, host).

Not People

Robotic (AI) audio leveling/processing by Auphonic.com, initial draft transcript by Rev.com, and the content, spelling, grammar, style, etc., of this episode and notes are assisted by various bots, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and QuillBot.

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-154.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-154.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

Follow The A&P Professor on  Facebook, Mastodon, TikTok,LinkedIn, Blogger, Substack, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

 

"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future," said Yogi Berra, but that's never stopped me before! In this annual episode, we'll revisit last year's educational forecasts, explore what's popped (and what's fizzled), and check the tea leaves (and little gray cells) once again. With help from colleague Jerry Anzalone—and some cheeky assistance from AI—we'll bravely map out what's next for anatomy and physiology education, all seasoned with empathy, wit, and a cautionary look at history’s lessons. Buckle up: predicting the future is a bumpy—but fascinating—ride!

0:00 | Introduction

0:42 | Season 7 Debrief

7:32 |  Virtual Library of TAPP Episodes*

10:15 | How Did We Do Last Year?

27:29 | Manuel the AI Assistant*

33:45 | Jerry Calls in to the Podcast Hotline

34:55 | Jerry's Look at the Coming Year

42:05 | Badges and LinkedIn*

44:31 | Kevin's Look at the Coming Year

52:39 | Staying Connected

*Breaks

★ If you cannot see or activate the audio player, go to: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-153.html

🏅 Apply for your credential (badge/certificate) for listening to this episode: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-153.html/#badge

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Please rate & review this podcast so that others can decide whether to give it a try: RateThisPodcast.com/theAPprofessor

❓ Please take the anonymous survey: theAPprofessor.org/survey

☝️ Questions & Feedback: 1-833-LION-DEN (1-833-546-6336)

✔️ Follow The A&P Professor on Twitter, Facebook, Blogger, Substack, Tumblr, or Instagram! @theAPprofessor

📰 Get the once-or-twice-weekly TAPP Science & Education Updates theAPprofessor.org/updates

It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future. (Yogi Berra)

Season 7 Debrief

7 minutes Looking back at Season 7, I'm amazed (and slightly relieved) how each carefully spaced episode became a hidden gem—proving quality really does beat quantity. Time to unpack what we learned before moving forward.

Virtual Library of TAPP Episodes

2.5 minutes Brain break time—stretch those muscles, maybe shake out your fascia, and mentally recharge. Learn a bit about the huge collection of content in the TAPP podcast library—and how to conveniently access it. When we're back, we'll face the music on last year's forecasts, evaluate our hits and misses, and share some fascinating analysis that even surprised me..  

How Did We Do Last Year?

17 minutes Were last year's predictions spot-on, or just a near miss? With some helpful (and slightly intimidating) AI analysis, I'll honestly assess where we succeeded, stumbled, or soared—spoiler alert: the AI was more generous than I would've been.  

Manuel the AI Assistant

6.5 minutes Another quick breather to recover from my yearly dose of humility. Hear about Kevin's new AI assistant to help you when you visit The A&P Professor website. His name is Manuel and he's based on a semi-fictional character I've used for decades in my courses, now living a new life as my website host and troubleshooter. Up next, we welcome Jerry Anzalone's thoughtful predictions for the year ahead. Jerry always offers plenty to think about—get ready for some fresh perspectives.

Jerry Calls in to the Podcast Hotline

1 minutes Re-introducing our friend, fellow faculty, and futurist, Jerry Anzalone!  

Jerry's Look at the Coming Year

7 minutes My friend Jerry Anzalone takes the mic with his thoughtful—and sobering—predictions for the upcoming year. From shifts in federal oversight to fascinating new intersections of technology in anatomy, Jerry paints an honest, nuanced picture worth hearing.  

Badges and LinkedIn

2.5 minutes Okay, Jerry’s given us plenty to ponder. Stretch those legs, refill your beverage of choice, and return refreshed. And learn how to proudly display your badges or other digital credentials on LinkedIn. It keeps your followers up do date on your activities and it spreads the word about professional development opportunities. Coming up next: my own fearless forecast for 2025. Buckle up—this might get wild.  

Kevin's Look at the Coming Year

8 minutes Ready for my boldest predictions yet? From TikTok-inspired teaching strategies to the stealth return of overhead projectors, I'll outline surprising shifts I foresee shaping anatomy education, delivered with my usual blend of seriousness and playfulness.  

Staying Connected

5 minutes Not my usual wrap-up! In unsettling times, educators must stand together. Drawing on lessons from history, I’ll gently remind us that our strength and protection lie in awareness, unity, and mutual respect—even across differences.  

Links

★ We're in the Midst of an Authoritarian Takeover (article from The Chronicle of Higher Ed) AandP.info/183d11

★ Six Ways to find Your Courage During Challenging Times (article from Greater Good magazine) AandP.info/a0ab23

★ What Higher Ed Will Look Like in 10 Years (free report from The Chronicle of Higher Ed)

★ Assessing the Damage After the Education Department’s Mass Layoffs (from Inside Higher Ed)

★ Perplexity AI (Wikipedia article about this AI search engine) AandP.info/5fa8f8

★ StudentHelp4AP (Steve Sullivan's YouTube channel) youtube.com/@StudentHelp4AP

★ Wendy Riggs YouTube Channel youtube.com/@wendy-riggs

★ Display Badges on LinkedIn (walk-through of the simple process of displaying your digital credentials on LinkedIn—including your TAPP badges) https://aandp.info/33f950

★ Greg Crowther’s STEM songs my-ap.us/CrowtherSongs

★ Manuel My Assistant (a character Kevin is using for his AI assistant) lionden.com/manuel.htm

★ Interested in checking out Jotform? Use my affiliate link, so I can earn something jotform.com/ai/agents/?partner=kevin-patton-RXT4Sb0Slz

★TAPP episodes related to this episode's topics

Pulse of Progress: Looking Back, Moving Forward | TAPP 147

Blueprints for Learning: Justin Shaffer on Structured A&P Course Design | TAPP 148

Examining the Anatomy & Physiology Exam: Chatting with Greg Crowther and Ben Wiggins | TAPP 149

Textbooks to Slides: IP Attorney Brenda Ulrich on Legal Image Use in Anatomy & Physiology | TAPP 150

Muscling Through Barriers: The A&P Student Accommodations Handbook Unveiled | TAPP 151

Test Debriefing Boosts Student Learning | Episode 11

Playful & Serious Is the Perfect Combo for A&P | Episode 13

Test Question Templates Help Students Learn | TAPP 70

Quickly Moving to Remote Delivery—The Musical | Bonus Episode 64b

★ List of TAPP podcasts (sortable list with titles, links to episode pages, and topics) theAPprofessor.org/podcast-list.html
★TAPP Jukebox (a fun way to browse and play TAPP episodes) theAPprofessor.org/podcast-jukebox.html

People Production: Aileen Park (announcer),  Andrés Rodriguez (theme composer,  recording artist),  Karen Turner (Executive Editor), Kevin Patton (writer, editor, producer, host). Not People Robotic (AI) audio leveling/processing by Auphonic.com, initial draft transcript by Rev.com, and the content, spelling, grammar, style, etc., of these episode notes are assisted by various bots, such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, and QuillBot.

If the hyperlinks here are not active, go to TAPPradio.org to find the episode page.

★ More details at the episode page: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-153.html

★ Transcript available in the transcript box: theAPprofessor.org/podcast-episode-153.html

★ Need help accessing resources locked behind a paywall? Check out this advice from Episode 32 to get what you need! my-ap.us/paywall

Take The A&P Professor experience to the next level!

★ theAPprofessor.org/community

Earn cash by referring other A&P faculty to this podcast:

★ theAPprofessor.org/refer

Tools & Resources

★ TAPP Science & Education Updates: theAPprofessor.org/updates

Follow The A&P Professor on  Twitter, Facebook, Mastodon, Reddit, TikTok,LinkedIn, Blogger, Substack, Tumblr, or Instagram @theAPprofessor

The A&P Professor® and Lion Den® are registered trademarks of Lion Den Inc. (Kevin Patton)

Click here to listen to this episode—or access the detailed notes and transcript.

 

Episode 152 centers on a lively conversation between Kevin and Dr. Kate Oland Galligan as they trace her path from a curious undergrad to a passionate fascia educator and clinician. The duo challenges old perceptions of fascia, recounting stories from early lab experiences where fascia was simply “ripped out,” and contrasting them with new insights on its dynamic, interconnected nature. They reveal how subtle fascial restrictions can cause significant clinical symptoms—linking pelvic imbalances to jaw pain—and explore the emerging field of mind-body connections in fascial therapy.

0:00:00 | Introduction

0:00:55 | Introducing Kate Introducing Fascia

0:17:06 | Fascia Mini Lesson *

0:20:00 | Rip That Fascia Out!

0:37:14 | Get Ready for Annual Debriefing

0:39:00 | The Hip Bone is Connected to the Jaw Bone

1:03:08 | We’re on Substack! *

1:06:13 | Mind-Body Connections

1:21:45 | Staying Connected

* Breaks

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Understanding fascia requires abandoning the traditional anatomical view of separate structures and embracing a model of interconnected, living tissues. (Jean-Claude Guimberteau)

Introducing Kate Introducing Fascia

16 minutes

In this segment, Kevin reconnects with Dr. Kate Oland Galligan, a former student who has since become a passionate fascia educator and clinician. They reminisce about their time studying physiology together, sharing a nostalgic moment about the infamous Krebs cycle. Kate shares her professional journey from graduate school to clinical practice, detailing how she discovered her deep interest in fascia. As she explains, her dual role as both an instructor and practitioner has given her unique insights into why fascia deserves more attention in undergraduate education. Their conversation sets the foundation for an in-depth exploration of fascia’s overlooked importance in both teaching and clinical applications.

Fascia Mini Lesson

3 minutes

In this short break, Kevin introduces lionden.com, a website he created to offer students supplemental resources for learning A&P. He highlights the value of his “mini lessons,” which provide quick, digestible overviews of complex topics like fascia. These digital outlines help students reinforce their understanding beyond textbooks, offering interactive elements and structured learning aids. He encourages listeners to explore the site for additional learning tools, emphasizing the importance of creative, digital-friendly resources in modern anatomy and physiology education.

Rip That Fascia Out!

17 minutes

This segment takes a deep dive into how fascia has traditionally been misunderstood, especially in dissection labs where it was often “ripped out” to expose muscles, minimizing its true significance. Kate recalls her early anatomy lab experiences and how her perspective on fascia evolved once she began working in clinical practice. They discuss groundbreaking research showing how living fascia is dynamic and responsive, unlike the dehydrated tissue seen in cadavers. The conversation delves into the clinical impact of fascial restrictions, revealing how small, seemingly minor adhesions can generate significant pressure and pain throughout the body. These insights challenge the old paradigm that fascia is merely a passive, structural tissue.

Get Ready for Annual Debriefing

3.5 minutes

In this "brain break," Kevin teases the upcoming annual debriefing episode, a tradition where he reflects on past predictions about A&P teaching and makes new ones for the coming year. He invites listeners to contribute their own thoughts, concerns, and expectations for the future of anatomy and physiology education. This segment reinforces the podcast’s interactive and community-driven nature, encouraging engagement and discussion among educators.

The Hip Bone is Connected to the Jaw Bone

12 minutes

During  this segment, Kevin and Kate explore the surprising connections within the fascial system, such as how pelvic imbalances can influence jaw function and why scar tissue in one area can affect movement and pain in another. Kate explains her approach to treating fascial restrictions, emphasizing the importance of sustained holds, sometimes lasting several minutes, to allow the tissue to release and rehydrate. Their discussion highlights how posture, embryological development, and past injuries all interact through fascia, reinforcing the idea that the body is not a collection of separate parts but rather an interconnected whole.

We're on Substack!

3 minutes

During this break, Kevin shares exciting news about his weekly science and teaching updates now being available on Substack. He explains how this platform blends newsletters with social media-style engagement, allowing educators to stay informed about the latest A&P breakthroughs and pedagogical trends. He encourages listeners to explore Substack as a way to connect with a broader community of professionals who are passionate about anatomy and physiology education.

Mind-Body Connections

15.5 minutes

This segment shifts the discussion toward the emotional aspects of fascial therapy. Kate delves into the idea that past trauma—both physical and emotional—can become “stored” in the fascia, sometimes manifesting as pain or tension. She shares experiences from her clinical practice where patients have had unexpected emotional responses during treatment, suggesting a deeper link between fascia and the nervous system. Kevin and Kate discuss ongoing research into tissue memory, acknowledging that while much remains to be studied, the connections between fascia, emotional well-being, and physiological function are becoming increasingly evident. This conversation bridges science and clinical practice, opening the door for more integrative approaches to healing.

Note: Kate's new search engine to find healing where you are right now—Thrive Anywhere—will be available in June 2025. Stay tuned to The A&P Professor for more news on this.

Links

★ Books:

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma (Bessel van der Kolk) geni.us/FvQBXS

🏅 Claim your credential for reading this book. AandP.info/zoh

Architecture of Human Living Fascia: The Extracellular Matrix and Cells Revealed Through Endoscopy (Jean-Claude Guimberteau, Colin Armstrong) geni.us/oj0v2

Functional Atlas of the Human Fascial System (Carla Stecco) geni.us/iPkbA

Anatomy Trains: Myofascial Meridians for Manual Therapists and Movement Professionals (Thomas Myers) geni.us/42JLTw

Anatomy & Physiology (textbook by Kevin Patton, Frank Bell, Terry Thompson, Peggie Williamson; includes online article Whole Body Muscle Mechanics that relates to the fascial system) geni.us/hcRF

★ Myofascial Release (John Barnes website) myofascialrelease.com

★ Strolling Under the Skin (YouTube video) youtu.be/eW0lvOVKDxE?si=7_GYm5TG-sonoujz

★ The Strength for Tension and Bursting of Human Fasciae (scientific summary of tension in fascia) AandP.info/t1g

★ Fascia Documentary: The network of the body without beginning or end (YouTube video) youtu.be/3uK92zS8qq8?si=5B3V21KWXHfrMHxp

★ Bone Tissue is an Integral Part of the Fascial System (journal article about whether organs can be part of the fascial system) AandP.info/55098e

★ Clinical Anatomy: Volume 32, Issue 7. Special Issue on Fascia. AandP.info/1t7

★ The body electric: soft tissue makes electricity under stress (article in Nature) AandP.info/c0416a

★ Response to Mechanical Properties and Physiological Challenges of Fascia: Diagnosis and Rehabilitative Therapeutic Intervention for Myofascial System Disorders (article in Bioengineering) AandP.info/e0f65e

★ Brain Breaks are Essential for Learning AandP.info/ksx

★ Related episodes & resources

Fascial System Mini Lesson (Kevin's sketchy overview outline for students)  lionden.com/fascial-system.htm

Chaos Mini Lesson (explains how concepts of chaos, including fractal geometry, applies to the human body) lionden.com/chaos.htm

The Fractal Body Mini Lesson (introduces the concept of fractal-like anatomy in the body) lionden.com/fractal_body.htm

Pulse of Progress: Looking Back, Moving Forward | TAPP 147

Is Anatomy Finished? | A Review of New Discoveries | TAPP 105

Ten Things We Forget to Tell Students About Cells | A Forest in My Office | TAPP 126

Test Debriefing Boosts Student Learning | Episode 11

People

Production: Aileen Park (announcer),  Andrés Rodriguez (theme composer,  recording artist),  Karen Turner (Executive Editor), Kevin Patton (writer, editor, producer, host).

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