Brittany Young

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock sit down with Dr. Katherine L. Chiou, Associate Professor of Anthropology at The University of Alabama and Co-director of the Artificial Intelligence Teaching Enhancement Initiative. They explore how AI is reshaping higher education, research, and the workforce. The conversation examines whether AI is helping humans think more critically or simply work faster, and what it means for learning when students rely on AI to write, research, and solve problems. Dr. Chiou also discusses the importance of responsible AI use and ethics as these technologies influence innovation, hiring, and everyday life.

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock welcome Dr. Jeremy Carr, Central Alabama Community College Chemistry Instructor, to the studio to discuss the power of student-driven discovery, why microgravity is the ultimate laboratory, and what this means for the future of scientific innovation. They dive into an incredible student-led research project happening right here in Alabama. From sparking curiosity in the classroom to designing and defending a real space experiment, they explore how undergraduate students are taking science from the lab bench to low Earth orbit.

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock sit down with Dr. Andrea Cevasco-Trotter, Director & Professor of Music Therapy at The University of Alabama, and Singer-Songwriter & Recording Artist Matt Jones to explore why music, poetry, film, and art can trigger powerful emotional responses—and why those responses differ from person to person. It begins with a personal experience of hearing the same song twice but reacting differently the second time, raising a larger question about how changes within us, rather than changes in the art itself, shape what we feel. The discussion sets up an exploration of the brain, emotion, memory, and personal experience from two perspectives.

In this episode of BrightPath, hosts Lisa Jones and Johnnie Aycock sit down with Dr. Andrea Cevasco-Trotter and musician Matt Jones spotlights the visionary people and research shaping the state's future. The series debuts with hosts Lisa Jones & Johnnie Aycock speaking with The University of Alabama President Dr. Peter Mohler, exploring how UA is training future leaders and driving groundbreaking innovation across the state.

BrightPath spotlights the visionary people and research shaping the state's future. The series debuts with hosts Lisa Jones & Johnnie Aycock speaking with The University of Alabama President Dr. Peter Mohler, exploring how UA is training future leaders and driving groundbreaking innovation across the state.

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with Olive Branch, Mississippi native Madison Young. Madison is a senior and the starting pitcher for St. Benedict at Auburndale High School's softball team. She's also the starting pitcher for the Mississippi Bombers 18u National Knight and a University of Texas San Antonio signee. The Youngs, who are related, discuss the history of softball in their family and Madison's journey on the diamond to get to where she is now. Madison also talks about some goals she has for her final high school softball season.

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with guest J.J. Nelson Sr. to talk about his time as a standout athlete at Midfield High School, his experience on the gridiron at The University of Alabama at Birmingham and in the NFL, and his short stint coaching at Rice University. Nelson has now transitioned into coaching for the San Tan Youth Football League and doing speed and agility training in Arizona.

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with former basketball teammate Courtney Green, who's a two-time state champion and former MVP at Midfield High School. She was also honored as a McDonald's All-American nominee, Gatorade Player of the Year and Miss Basketball for the state of Alabama. Green went on to play college basketball at LSU and professionally in Portugal. Young and Green discuss Courtney's time as an athlete, her transition into entrepreneurship, marriage and motherhood, and how she's developed a passion for mentorship and mental health.

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with women's basketball player and Birmingham Blaze AAU girls basketball coach Amber Jones. They discuss Amber's playing days at Fairfield High School, Shelton State Community College, Auburn University at Montgomery, and now with Team Free Game in the MLK Women's Basketball League. They also talk about the pros and cons of Jones coaching her daughter during AAU and how she's able to balance being a coach, coach's wife, and mom, while running her Sweet Jones Dessert Shop business. Finally, Young and Jones talk WNBA, giving their takes on some of the Dawgs of the W and some changes that should be made to the playoff format.

Sports Minded host Brittany Young sits down with Tiffany Willis to talk about her officiating career - the sports she's called, the roles she's held, the opportunities that are available, and the pros and cons of the field. Willis is a former official for the West Central Alabama Association and the Baton Rouge Association where she spent five seasons. She's currently a member of the West Virginia Football Association and the ODAC/USA South DIII conference. At the collegiate level, she's worked the line of scrimmage, primarily as the head line judge. This year, she'll be on the opposite side working line judge.