Intro To Mass Comm

This is a special episode. We are joined by Jamie Zapata, and Kasandra Alicea AKA The Real Estate Dolls. The Real Estate Dolls are known for their viral, high-energy videos that blend luxury listings with pop culture and humor. In 2025, they were named Social Media Influencers of the Year by the San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR). Beyond real estate, they are prominent advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.

On this episode, we talk with Rain Garcia, so much more than a podcast host (Unfiltered Beauty x Rain). She is an activist and advocate for the transgender community based in San Antonio, TX. With a non-traditional educational journey, she has overcome adversity and thrives as she brings awareness not only to the trans community but also to the HIV/AIDS community. Follow Unfiltered Wings on Facebook

On this episode, we talk to our first acting professional. Allison Victoria-Wolfe is a San Antonio-based actress and member of SAG-AFTRA. We met at the local YMCA,take a listen to hear that story.Also check her out on Instagram: @allison_vic or on IMDB.

On this episode, we chat with Lilly Wyatt, founder of Socios PR. She provided great insights into the world of Public Relations, and had excellent advice for anyone pursuing a career in the field. In our next episode, we will be talking with our first professional actress.

In this episode, we sit down with Naphtali Bryant—award-winning educator, strategic communicator, and recognized intrapreneur. Naphtali shares the blueprint for transforming your education into a powerful career launchpad.His journey is a masterclass in strategic career change: after a 13-year schooling gap, he returned to college, going from retail to national scholarships and international study in Asia. Now, as the founder of Spark-ED University and a leader at United Way, he helps students align their degrees with real-world impact.To find and network Naphtali, check out his LinkedIn page.

On this episode, we catch up with Melissa Vela Williamson. The last time we chatted with her was 5 years ago. If you would like more information on her work, visit her website.Music track: Sparkling by DagoredSource: https://freetouse.com/music

On this episode, we turn the mic around and interview one of the co-hosts of the Mass Comm. Podcast, Time Molina.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to the hosts of the NVC WildCast spinoff, before they go off on new adventures at Brown University and Texas Tech University. Listen to the end for a bonus story.Check out Audrey's music on Spotify: Check out the NVC WildCast.Music in this episode was from: Music track: Skyline Vibes by AylexSource: ⁠⁠https://freetouse.com/music

In this episode, I have a chat with a board game designer, Sam Kulbeth. I met him at the Alamo City Game Convention (yep, I'm a nerd). My wife and I had a blast playing the game he has in development, Role to Reign , a fantasy board game. We discuss the process and what goes into designing a board game.Music in this episode was from: Music track: Skyline Vibes by AylexSource: ⁠https://freetouse.com/music

On the third floor of the Redbud Learning Center (RLC for short), a group of students gather, not for a class or extra credit, but for community. The members of the NVC Wildcast club write, record, and produce at these Friday meetings. These meetings wouldn't have been possible without our guest today, Andrea Hernández. The Mass Comm podcast co-host, Tim Molina, is the faculty sponsor of this club. He spends his free time leading the students and watching the club grow and flourish. Music in this episode was from: Music track: Skyline Vibes by AylexSource: https://freetouse.com/musicNVC WildCast Podcast

In this episode, we talk to Shelley Wolfe about her work as an educator and entrepreneur. We discuss her work with Stories in My Backyard and her latest venture, Toolbox Entertainment.

In this episode, we will be discussing some media that has interested us recently in our media moment. We will catch up our listeners with the happenings of the start of the semester and what has been happening in our lives. Finally, we will interview Emily Garcia.

In this episode, Tim and Mark interview a "non-traditional" student, JD Ward.

Our podcast needs a new name. Take a listen to Tim Molina and Mark Farris discuss life as a faculty member for a community college in San Antonio, TX. We started as a Mass Communication podcast, then became faculty-focused, and now we are just trying to make it in the higher ed. landscape. Give the podcast a listen, and help us come up with a new name. Be sure to check out the student-led NVC Wildcats Podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nvc-podcast/episodes/ep--1-march-events--plus-stem-e2169c5

In this second episode of the Faculty Forum format Tim and I take a field trip. We record live from the St. Phillips College Fiesta of Teaching Technology event. We talk to several individuals who were in attendance about how technology is being used in the Alamo Colleges District.

Tim and I steer the boat in a new direction. We sit just with each other and talk about PBL, Chat GPT, and other musings of the semester.

This small clip introduces the audience to the new format of the podcast.

"Dr. Stewart began his career as a sportswriter before becoming an attorney. He has served as the editor-in-chief of Dispute Resolution Magazine, a city editor and columnist at the Columbia Missourian, and is licensed to practice law in Texas. He is the co-founding editor of Community Journalism, the online, peer-reviewed official journal of AEJMC’s Community Journalism Interest Group." https://schieffercollege.tcu.edu/faculty_staff/daxton-chip-stewart/ Follow Dr. Stewart on Twitter: @MediaLawProf

Jose Ortiz is the creator behind the Pet Rock Media Channel. Tim chats with him because I was stuck in traffic and am horrible at scheduling sometimes. 

Over the past ten years, Ryan's work has taken him to six continents and 40+ countries, telling stories in some of the most remote and challenging environments on earth. Ryan’s career has been an unpredictable journey: from reality TV and independent filmmaking to disaster photography, the common thread has always been telling true stories. In 2008, fresh out of college with a film degree from TCU, Ryan bounced around as a freelancer and assistant producer for media companies, reality TV, and faith-based organizations. From there, he would go on to become a lead news photographer for CBN News, many of his stories airing on major television networks. Frustrated with broadcast news, Ryan made a dramatic career change and took a job with Operation Blessing International, a disaster relief organization. For a year, Ryan lived and worked in active disaster zones, telling heartbreaking stories of loss and tragedy. In 2012, Ryan moved to Colorado to lead a documentary filmmaking program for Compassion International. In 2015, Ryan completed a Masters of Public Administration in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Regent University. Currently, Ryan leads a team of world-class storytellers for Compassion International, a humanitarian and child development organization. Ryan's work has been featured on a variety of news networks and print/digital publications: FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC, CBN, The Weather Channel, the Christian Post, Christianity Today, USA Today, and Mission Network News. Ryan has received numerous recognitions for his work: national ADDYs, Bronze and Silver Tellys, and multiple awards from various film festivals. Ryan also routinely speaks to high school and college students about storytelling, content marketing, and photography. When he’s not traveling, Ryan can be found exploring the mountains of Colorado with his wife, son, and daughter. https://ryanjohnsonfilms.com/

Senior Marketing Programs Developer at SWBC Prior to this role, Stephen worked 10 years in the requestsmarketing communications field for nonprofits, an engineering firm, and for a public relations agency. The day-to-day during these past roles is different every day. One day you could be coordinating an event, another day you might be writing and distributing a press release, pitching and fielding media request, writing, developing strategic plans, supporting social media efforts, and more.

An often-overlooked element of the higher ed classroom is empathy. It is a skill that is difficult to teach and is not immediately helpful when learning math or science. However, Brianda Carrasco feels that teaching empathy is a crucial part of teaching. Brianda is a proud first-generation college graduate and first to graduate in her family. She received a BFA in Theatre in 2014 and a Master's in Secondary Education with a minor in Adult Education and teaching concentration in dual credit in 2017 from Texas State University. She recently received her Master of Arts in Theatre from Regent University in 2020. She has worked in higher education for seven years and has been an adjunct with Northeast Lakeview College for 3 years. Her life has been non-stop theatre for about 15 years as an actress, director, stage manager, designer, and technician. She REALLY hopes that once it is safe, she can get back out there! She loves theatre, the power of education, walking outside, bike riding, baking, anything chocolate, loving on her two pups and cat, and reading theatre scripts.

James is a dynamic storyteller, speaking coach, writer, and motivational speaker. He uses humor, illustrations, and crowd engagement to produce powerful speech experiences in the local community! In the classroom and the stage, he draws on his experience in Dallas as a former on-air radio personality and from years in Los Angeles as a stand-up comedian and musical artist. In 2016, he began Undefeated Speaker as a way to inspire students taking his college and high school speech courses. He started by creating speeches for SoundCloud that featured storytelling mixed with popular musical instrumentals. It was in 2018 when he worked as a speaker coach for the Palo Alto College TEDx Conference, he was inspired to create his own motivational speaking events for the local community. These events featured local speakers, student performers, artists, dancers, singers, and poets. In the fall of 2018 the first event, Comeback Season, hosted 90 attendees. Word quickly spread about this new campus event of inspiration open to the community. The spring of 2019 the second event, Recharge Season, hosted over 250 attendees. The third event, Transformation Season, swelled to over 400 attendees. Recently, Undefeated Speaker released the brand's first motivational art album GRANDMASTER on all music platforms. The album features spoken word and storytelling to music in classic Undefeated Speaker style. Today, James Harris continues to inspire his students in the classroom and work on building the Undefeated Speaker brand for the next chapter of motivational storytelling. Undefeated Speaker on YoutTube

We meet up with Julie Salazar, NVC Student, a former employee at a radio station in Laredo Texas.  Julie will talk with us about her educational journey, experience in working at a small regional radio station in Laredo Texas.

Phillip Morales A filmmaker, screenwriter, playwright, and blogger, Phillip Morales has made a career utilizing the  written word to create compelling stories through a variety of mediums. A graduate of Southern  Methodist University’s film school, Phillip has sharpened his creative video production toolset in a  variety of industries including nonprofit organizations, bilingual journalistic publications, multimedia  production houses, and personal entrepreneurial ventures. Phillip is currently a Production Manager in  the Marketing Department of the State Fair of Texas where he manages email campaigns, video  productions, graphic designs and website content curation. documentary Oral Fixation

On this episode Tim and Mark tell their stories. How did they get into the teaching profession? What advice would they give college students today? 

On this episode, In we talk about reminding yourself that you are a human, and so are your students. This semester I drafted a diversity statement for my classroom. Here it is if you would like to use it as a starting point for your own. Brave Space Statement In my classroom, I believe the number one value is transparency. If anyone feels wronged, offended, put down, or silenced that is unacceptable. Being that we are learning about things happening right now it is easy for conversations and discussions to get heated and become personal. That is what makes this field so amazing. I want you to make it personal, I want you to get to know me and I want to know you. I  want my classroom to be a brave space. Space where people can be who they truly are, no matter what that is. If at any point during this class, you feel less than brave I need to know. Whether you tell me in the moment or tell me privately it is important that every student have a  voice and feel like they can stand in their truth. If you have any  questions about why this is in my syllabus do not hesitate to ask. I  would be happy to discuss it further.

Fares Sabawi has been a  journalist in San Antonio for three years. He has covered several topics but focuses on crime courts and record requests the most. He also has a recurring appearance on KSAT News at 9's Trending Now segment. Find him on Twitter @FaresInSA

This 10th episode was dedicated to Tim Molina's Uncle who passed away due to the Corona Virus As a Social Media Strategist, I work with brands to provide the strategy and solutions needed to amplify their message. I have achieved success with leading national events and brands such as Fiesta®  San Antonio, City of San Antonio, Downtown San Antonio, Howl at The  Moon, LLC, and San Antonio Start-Up Week. I’m a TEDx speaker and have presented at various conferences and summits. My social media expertise has landed me appearances on business podcasts. In addition, I teamed up with my best friend of 20 years, Michelle  Vallejo to co-found Hustle + Socialize. Hustle + Socialize is an impact-driven women’s entrepreneurship conference & community of  South Texas.  H+S brings the most diverse women’s business community of  South Texas together and curates meaningful experiences that feature exclusive insights from amazing women leading in our communities. When I’m not behind a laptop, you can find me exploring San Antonio with my husband Pete! We love to hang out at The Historic Pearl and San  Antonio River Walk. We also love to travel, drink coffee at local coffee shops, go wine tasting, binge-watch TV Shows, and be with our  Tuxedo-cat, Maddy. Follow me on Instagram @TheSocialButterfly Gal and on Twitter @ChristinaSBG.

On this episode, we talk to Ruben E. Cantu about working for Univision and being a part of the media during these crazy times. Check Ruben out on Instagram.

Writer, reporter, and editor with several years of experience in digital media; including news media, journalism, advertising copy, and marketing. Previously worked as a university instructor, researcher, and academic publisher in higher education.       Currently working as a writer and editor at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Melissa Monroe-Young, APR, a former journalist, is the manager of Marketing & Strategic Communications at Northwest Vista College where she has worked over 10 years. She’s a member of several organizations including the San Antonio Public Relations Society of America and the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Marketing Advisory Committee. She’s also one of the founding members of the San Antonio Association of Black Journalists. Lisa McDaniel has worked for over 16 years at Northwest Vista College in Marketing & Strategic Communications as the strategic communications coordinator. Her expertise is in public relations, marketing and advertising, as well as graphic design, copywriting, and event planning. She is a member of the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations, the American Marketing Association, and the Public Relations Society of America – San Antonio where she is a past member of the board. Since 2013, Lisa has also been an adjunct instructor at Northwest Vista College in speech & communication studies. Pre-pandemic, she enjoyed being a member of the American Poolplayers Association and singing karaoke, which she hopes to return to again, soon.

As a Data Analyst within Blizzard Entertainment’s B&OP (Battle.net & Online Products) team, Matthew Williams works with Product Managers, Designers, and Engineers to implement, collect, and analyze insights around how users are engaging with the company’s vast ecosystem of game websites and mobile applications. Matthew has over eight years of experience working with stakeholders across the IT, Ecommerce, entertainment, and consulting industries to incorporate a “data-informed” culture into their team’s day-to-day decision making. When he’s not geeking out about data and games, Matthew can be found on the running trails or rooting for the TCU Horned Frog football team. Connect with our guest: Twitter, Linkedin

In this episode, Tim and I talk with Marina Riker of the San Antonio Express-News. We discuss what it is like to be a journalist for a local paper.

In this episode Tim and I talk to Melissa Vela-Williamson about her role at mvw360.com and the world of Public Relations. 

Dr. Ralph Hanson talks to us about his textbook; Living In A Media World 7th edition. 

We start our conversation discussing chapter 1 of this book, and discuss how this concept extends into our classrooms.

Active vs. passive learning. How do we engage students better? Linda Cuellar guides us on our first episode of Intro to Mass Communication. Hear the meaning behind Linda's Twitter handle.

We introduce ourselves, and provide a brief vision of what we imagine this podcast accomplishing.