Blue Ridge CTC Podcast
by Blue Ridge CTC
Welcome! Blue Ridge CTC is proud to launch its podcast channel from the new podcasting studio at the Blue Ridge CTC Technology Center! The podcasts on the BRCTC channel showcase programs, events, our world-class faculty and staff, and emerging trends and technology in education and training.
Episodes
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New Program at Blue Ridge CTC: Applied Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
In this episode, we explore the new program at Blue Ridge Community & Technical College of applied artificial intelligence and data science with Coordinator Bruce Tepke. Discussing program development, career prospects, and the future of AI technology. Program Coordinator: [email protected]...
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Creative Writing Club at Blue Ridge CTC: Community & Growth in the Arts
In this episode, Joel Heslop sits down with Dr. Katherine Cox, Joe Holliday, and student Spencer Faircloth to explore the vibrant Creative Writing Club at Blue Ridge Community College, featuring insights from faculty and students about their activities, publishing opportunities, and how the arts...
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Welcome to Blue Ridge Technical & Community College: Fall 2026
Welcome to the Fall 2026 semester at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Let's look at essential information about registration, resources, and opportunities for involvement on campus. Joel Heslop takes a look at the importance of utilizing tools like Blackboard and Bridge, highlights the...
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Unlocking AI's Potential in Business & Education w/ Jay Slonaker
In this episode, Jay Slonaker shares insights on how AI is transforming business, education, and digital marketing, emphasizing practical applications and future trends. Joel and Jay discuss how students and entrepreneurs can leverage AI tools to innovate and succeed. Hear how Blue Ridge…
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Computer Network Engineering: How we stay connected with the World w/ Madan Nepal
In this episode, Joel Heslop talks with Madan Nepal, Program Coordinator for Computer Networking Engineering. We explore the fundamentals of computer networking, its history, career opportunities, and the importance of certifications and hands-on experience for aspiring network engineers. Perfect...
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How Blue Ridge Empowers Students for the tech industry: Kigani Kao's Journey
Joel Heslop talks with a recent Cyber Security graduate, Kigani Kao, about her successful journey at Blue Ridge and her transition into the field. This interview with Kigani explores her journey from medical assisting to Cybersecurity at Blue Ridge Community & Technical College. She shares…
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The future of education & AI w/ Dr. Mohamed Reda Sayed Ibrahim
In this episode, Joel Heslop interviews Dr. Mohamed Reda Sayed Ibrahim about the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), its impact on jobs, industry, and education, and how Blue Ridge Community Technical College is preparing students for the future of AI. Dr. Mo's wealth of…
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New Opportunities as a Building Systems Technician - w/ Eric Stahle
Joel Heslop takes a look at the new Building Systems Technician program at Blue Ridge Community & Technical College, led by industry veteran and program coordinator Eric Stahle. Learn about career opportunities as a Building Systems Technician working with HVAC, data centers, and large commercial...
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Hands-On Science: Inside Blue Ridge's Applied Lab & Environmental Science Tech Programs w/ Jessica Kolek
In this episode, Joel Heslop interviews Jessica Kolek, program coordinator for the Applied Lab Tech program at Blue Ridge Community & Technical, about applied lab tech and environmental science tech programs. They explore career opportunities, hands-on learning, internships, and how these…
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Exploring the Early Childhood Development field with Rebecca Lewis
In this podcast episode, Joel Heslop interviews Rebecca Lewis, the Career Advancement Program Manager at Blue Ridge Community Technical College, focusing on the Early Childhood Education program. They discuss the program's structure, opportunities for students, the importance of internships,...
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Taking Small Businesses to the next level w/ Tiffany Hine & Custom Training at Blue Ridge CTC
In this episode, Joel Heslop talks with Tiffany Hine, Director of Small Business Education and Training, to explore how Blue Ridge Community College collaborates with small businesses to provide tailored training programs that foster growth, improve communication, and enhance leadership skills....
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Tech Center Tuesday -Building Bridges: Homeschooling, College, & Beyond w/ Jamila Fleet
In this conversation, Joel Heslop Digital Media Faculty & Kim Graves, Associate Dean of the Division of Information Technology & Mathematics are joined by recent graduate Jamila (Mimi) Fleet and her mother Jamila Fleet, discussing the journey of homeschooling and dual enrollment at Blue Ridge...
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WV Tourism Series - Opportunities at Hollywood Casino: Part 3 w/ Paul Espinosa Jr.
Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries. This conversation explores the intersection of tourism and hospitality at...
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WV Tourism Series - Opportunities at Hollywood Casino: Part 2 w/ Abu Ehsanuddin & Jessica Sprowls
Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Summer Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries. This conversation explores the intersection of tourism and...
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WV Tourism Series - Opportunities at Hollywood Casino: Part 1 w/ Jassi Mason & Victor Johnson
Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Summer Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries. This conversation explores the intersection of tourism and...
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Tech Center Tuesday - Unlocking your potential with the Prior Learning Program - Dr. Apryl McDonough
In this episode, Joel Heslop talks with Dr. Apryl McDonough who discusses the concept of Prior Learning Assessment at Blue Ridge CTC for the Prior Learning Program, explaining how it allows students to earn college credit for their work and life experiences. She highlights the benefits of this...
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WV Tourism Series - the Morgan Arts Council w/ Jordan Warren
Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Summer Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries. This podcast episode explores the intersection of tourism and the...
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Tech Center Tuesday - Experience the PTA Program - w/ Dr. Chrystal McDonald & Mark Noll
In this episode, Joel Heslop discusses the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Blue Ridge CTC with program coordinator Dr. Chrystal McDonald and clinical coordinator Mark Noll. They explore updates to the program, including streamlined prerequisites, clinical coordination changes, and…
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Tech Center Tuesday - Unlocking Opportunities: The Learn and Earn Grant w/ Amber Butcher
In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Amber Butcher discusses the Learn and Earn Grant, a state initiative that reimburses local businesses for hiring interns from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. The conversation highlights the benefits for both students and businesses, including...
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Tech Center Tuesday - Hands-On Learning at Green Bank Observatory w/ the STEM Club Trip! ft. Dianne Rose & Nathan Clark
In this episode, Joel Heslop welcomes students Dianne Rose and Nathan Clark to discuss the exciting activities of the STEM club and the Space Team at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, focusing on their recent trip to the Green Bank Observatory. The conversation highlights the hands-on...
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Tech Center Tuesday - Unlocking Career Opportunities at Blue Ridge CTC w/ the Worc 5 Grant
In this episode, we explore the various career support initiatives at Blue Ridge CTC, focusing on the WORC5 grant and Learn and Earn grants. Alan, the Career and Employment Counselor, discusses how these programs assist students in overcoming barriers to education and employment, emphasizing the...
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Tech Center Tuesday - Building Community Through STEM at Blue Ridge CTC w/ Don Heumpreus & Dianne Rose
In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop is joined by Don Heumpreus, IT Program Coordinator and Dianne Rose, current student president of the STEM Club at Blue Ridge CTC. This conversation explores the STEM Club at Blue Ridge CTC, highlighting its goals, activities, and the importance…
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? - Ep 13 w/ Olivia Loy of the Ascend Grant
In this episode of the Culinary Academy Podcast, hosts Chef Steve Weiss and Chef Miriam Conroy discuss various topics related to culinary education, including the Ascend grant, food safety, kitchen tools, and a traditional Basque recipe. Special guest Olivia Loy joins them to discuss the Ascend...
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Tech Center Tuesday - The Future of Cybersecurity w/ James Yarnall & Kay Ogilvie
In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop talks with James Yarnall, senior director of cybersecurity operations at a large financial institution and Kay Ogilvie, Cybersecurity Program Coordinator here at Blue Ridge CTC. They take a look at the Cyber Security program and the future of...
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Tech Center Tuesday - Explore new Opportunities w/ the PTA program w/ Dr. Chrystal McDonald & Mark Noll
In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop talks with program coordinator, Dr. Chrystal McDonald and Mark Noll about the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Blue Ridge We discuss the roles and responsibilities of PTAs and all the exciting opportunities available to them. They...
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Tech Center Tuesday - Hands-On Training in the EDET Program w/ Joshua Benton, Dustin Dell & Hunter Ours
In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop talks with Josh Benton, the Dean of the Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Department, Dustin Dell, an instructor for the EDET program, and Hunter Hours, a student in the EDET program. They discuss the EDET program, which stands for…
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Tech Center Tuesday - Mechatronics & the Future of Industry w/ Dr. Peter Checkovich & Joshua Benton
In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, College President Dr. Peter Checkovich and Associate Dean Joshua Benton discuss the Mechatronics program at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. They highlight the various facets of the program, including advanced manufacturing, PLCs, programming,...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? - Ep 12 w/ Alli Zito of Maple Leaf Farms
In this episode of the What's Brewing at the Culinary Academy podcast, the hosts invite Allison Zito, the National Accounts Manager for Maple Leaf Farms, to talk about all things duck. They discuss the variety of duck products offered by Maple Leaf Farms, including whole body birds, duck breasts,...
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Tech Center Tuesday - Moises Mendoza on the Evolving Landscape of Digital Media
Today's episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel talks with Moises Mendoza, the owner of SC Studios, and two interns David Donohue & Jonathan Wilfred from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College to discuss the impact of internships on students and the digital media industry. They talk about the...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? - Ep 11 w/ Diego Losada of Garage on King
In this episode, the hosts of the What's Brewin' at the Culinary Academy podcast Chef Steve and Chef Miriam are joined by Diego Lasada, owner of The Garage on King (https://www.thegarageonking.com/). They discuss the concept of a food hall and the benefits it offers to small restaurants. He...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? - Ep 10 w/ Chef Rampey of Hillbrook Inn
In this episode, the hosts of the What's Brewin' at the Culinary Academy podcast Chef Steve and Chef Miriam are joined by Chef Rampey from Hillbrook Inn. They discuss his background, the importance of food safety, and the internship experience at Hillbrook Inn. In this podcast episode, the hosts...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? - Ep 9 - German Exchange student Eric Schmidt
In this episode, Chef Steve and Chef Miriam are joined by special guest Eric Schmidt from Germany. They discuss Eric's favorite dish, his experience with different cuisines, and the differences between German and American food. Chef Miriam even made Eric's favorite German dish, Schäufele! They…
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LIVE Tech Center Tuesday - Digital Media Week w/ Sandra Baker
Today's episode of Tech Center Tuesday was recorded LIVE with Joel Heslop and Digital Media Faculty Sandra Baker as a part of the Digital Media Week that happened at the Tech Center in our new Podcast Studio in Fall 2023! Check in with Joel and Sandra as they talk all things Digital Media: career...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? - Ep 8 - Holiday Food Prep!
Our eight episode of What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy is a special holiday food episode! Join Chef Steve and Chef Miriam as they introduce culinary student (soon to be alumni!) Emma Berst to the show! Emma talks about her experience at the Culinary Academy at Blue Ridge CTC, a delicious...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? Episode 7 w/ Dr. Peter Checkovich
We are just two chefs chewing the fat about all things food related…with insightful and casual conversation in a light hearted manner. We will invite guests every so often to join us at our table such as chefs, industry professionals, students and anyone who is a food enthusiast. So kick back and...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? Episode 6 w/ Chef John Lane
We are just two chefs chewing the fat about all things food related…with insightful and casual conversation in a light hearted manner. We will invite guests every so often to join us at our table such as chefs, industry professionals, students and anyone who is a food enthusiast. So kick back and...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? Episode 5
We are just two chefs chewing the fat about all things food related…with insightful and casual conversation in a light hearted manner. We will invite guests every so often to join us at our table such as chefs, industry professionals, students and anyone who is a food enthusiast. So kick back and...
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Dr. C & See Podcast! Episode 2
We are pulling back the curtain on higher education by chatting with Blue Ridge CTC President Dr. Peter Checkovich and Vice President of Enrollment Management, Leslie See. Hear candid conversations on where higher education is, where it is heading, and lessons they have learned along the way. In...
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The Importance of Customer Service - Tech Center Tuesday
In today's episode Joel is joined by Tiffany Hine, Director of Small Business Education and Training, and Jassi Mason, the Advertising Manager at Hollywood Casino in Charles Town West Virginia, to take a look at all things Customer Service and why hospitality matters! Tech Center Tuesday is a...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? Episode 4
We are just two chefs chewing the fat about all things food related…with insightful and casual conversation in a light hearted manner. We will invite guests every so often to join us at our table such as chefs, industry professionals, students and anyone who is a food enthusiast. So kick back and...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? Episode 3
We are just two chefs chewing the fat about all things food related…with insightful and casual conversation in a light hearted manner. We will invite guests every so often to join us at our table such as chefs, industry professionals, students and anyone who is a food enthusiast. So kick back and...
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What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? with Chef Steve & Chef Miriam - Episode 2
We are just two chefs chewing the fat about all things food related…with insightful and casual conversation in a light hearted manner. We will invite guests every so often to join us at our table such as chefs, industry professionals, students and anyone who is a food enthusiast. So kick back and...
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First2 Summer Immersion Camp - Opportunities for the future at Blue Ridge CTC!
In today’s episode Joel sits down with Kim Graves, Associate Dean in the Division of IT and Math, as well as students and a community partner to talk about the Summer Internship Experience for incoming Blue Ridge students. Find out about opportunities this Summer and Fall for students to get...
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Start your Career in Gaming - Tech Center Tuesdays
Did you know you can earn the skills you need to work in table games as fast as three weeks or even earn credits while working at Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, WV? Today we are joined by Diana Crouse, Gaming Career Institute Program Coordinator and Ken Suits, GCI Lead Instructor to talk about...
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Join Chef Steve & Chef Miriam with "What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy?"
We are just two chefs chewing the fat about all things food related…with insightful and casual conversation in a light hearted manner. We will invite guests every so often to join us at our table such as chefs, industry professionals, students and anyone who is a food enthusiast. So kick back and...
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Tech Center Tuesdays - Cyber Security Awareness Month: What Jobs & Opportunities are available in this field?
Tech Center Tuesday is a series hosted by Joel Heslop exploring all Blue Ridge CTC has to offer, recorded in the Podcast Studio of the Tech Center. This podcast looks at Blue Ridge CTC's academic programs, student services, and the three colleges within the college. Listen in to hear about…
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Tech Center Tuesdays - Cyber Security Awareness: How to Protect yourself on the Internet
Tech Center Tuesday is a series hosted by Joel Heslop exploring all Blue Ridge CTC has to offer, recorded in the Podcast Studio of the Tech Center. This podcast looks at Blue Ridge CTC's academic programs, student services, and the three colleges within the college. Listen in to hear about…
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The First Blue Ridge CTC Podcast with Dr. Checkovich and Leslie See
We are pulling back the curtain on higher education by chatting with Blue Ridge CTC President Dr. Peter Checkovich and Vice President of Enrollment Management, Leslie See. Hear candid conversations on where higher education is, where it is heading, and lessons they have learned along the way. In...
About this show
Welcome! Blue Ridge CTC is proud to launch its podcast channel from the new podcasting studio at the Blue Ridge CTC Technology Center! The podcasts on the BRCTC channel showcase programs, events, our world-class faculty and staff, and emerging trends and technology in education and training.
Hosted by
Blue Ridge CTC
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