Not That Kind of Doctor - Expertise: Generalist and Specialist

Is academia too focused on specialists? What if the real breakthroughs come from thinking broadly rather than digging deeper? In this episode of Not That Kind of Doctor, we’re joined by Wendy Saul and Angela Kohnen to explore why generalist literacies matter in academia and how they can reshape graduate education, research, and publishing. 🔎 In this video, we discuss: ✅ How generalists connect ideas across disciplines 🤝 ✅ Why broad thinking leads to innovation 🚀 ✅ The academic writing & publishing process 📚 ✅ How graduate students can embrace generalist skills 🎓 💬 Are you a generalist or a specialist? Let’s discuss in the comments! ⬇️ 📚 🔗 Resources & Related Content: https://kappanonline.org/kohnen-saul-literacy-instruction-life-online/ https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0031721718762420 https://www.middleweb.com/44425/helping-our-students-identify-as-generalists/ 👉 Check out Wendy & Angela’s book! In a world overflowing with information, how do we equip students with the skills to think critically, adapt quickly, and make informed decisions—not just in school, but in life? In Thinking Like a Generalist, Wendy Saul and Angela Kohnen challenge the traditional focus on specialization, arguing that true success comes from connecting ideas across disciplines. They introduce generalist literacy, a powerful framework that fosters curiosity, open-minded skepticism, and persistence—essential skills for navigating today’s complex world. With practical strategies, classroom-tested examples, and a step-by-step guide for educators, this book shows how to help students become active, thoughtful learners who can synthesize information, evaluate sources, and engage meaningfully with the world around them. Whether you're a teacher, researcher, or lifelong learner, Thinking Like a Generalist offers a compelling case for broad thinking in an age of hyper-specialization. 📖 Get your copy here: https://www.routledge.com/Thinking-Like-a-Generalist-Skills-for-Navigating-a-Complex-World/Kohnen-Saul/p/book/9781625311061?srsltid=AfmBOoqL5ySpgOp8z1SqH5LQfRAP0HWejW_PIYmAWstSOz3OcS07aZkN ⏳ Chapters: 0:00 Academia Often Celebrates Specialists 0:08 The Power of Connecting Ideas Across Disciplines 0:18 Why Broad Thinking Leads to Innovation 0:27 Introducing Wendy Saul & Angela Kohnen 0:40 The Problem with Specialization in Academia 0:50 How Graduate Students Can Benefit from Generalist Thinking 1:16 Meet Your Hosts: Nick Husbye & Guy Trainin 1:36 Wendy & Angela on Generalist Literacies 2:48 Why Being a Generalist Matters in Education 4:08 Curiosity as an Academic Strength 4:21 The Three Key Elements: Authenticity, Autonomy, Community 5:50 How Generalist Thinking Can Reshape Research & Teaching 7:16 The Role of Generalists in Today’s Information Age 9:05 The Intersection of Generalist Literacies & Digital Information 10:56 Experts vs. Generalists: Finding the Balance 13:00 How Generalists Navigate the Overload of Information 17:10 Why Academia is Facing an Identity Crisis 18:50 How to Be a Competent Outsider in Any Field 24:10 Graduate School & Generalist Thinking: What You Need to Know 27:00 Reforming Academic Writing & Publishing with a Generalist Mindset 31:00 The Book Writing Process: What Academics Should Know 35:50 How to Make Your Work Findable in a Crowded Academic World 39:00 Closing Thoughts & Final Takeaways Expertise: Generalist and Specialist - Not That Kind of Doctor with Nick Husbye and Guy Trainin www.youtube.com/@tltenotthatkindofdoctor