PODCAST · education
Random Acts of Knowledge
by Random Acts of Knowledge
Heartland Community College presents Random Acts of Knowledge, a podcast where we explore the worlds of continuing education. The goal of each episode is to learn something new. No matter the topic, we'll pick up some random knowledge from experts who can give us a short and interesting lesson about their field.
Episodes
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S4 Ep10: Ready for the Workplace: Everyday Professional Skills
Today, getting a job and succeeding at a job requires more than just a degree or training. Employers are looking to hire people who understand how to navigate the workplace, with soft skills such as time management, effective communication, and problem-solving. The Everyday Professional Skills...
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S4 Ep9: Women in Leadership: Connecting Power to Purpose
Even though women have come a long way in the workplace, they still face barriers, visible and less visible, even if they are in leadership positions. Organizers of the conference, Women in Leadership: Connecting Power to Purpose discuss the barriers that women face in the workplace and how they...
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S4 Ep8: So you want to drive a big rig? - Inside the trucking industry
Commercial trucking drivers remain remains a booming industry in the U.S. Brendon Nussbaum with Nussbaum Transportation talks about the modern state of the trucking industry and what individuals interested in gaining their license to drive a big rig should know. View the transcript here.
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S4 Ep7: Dr. Wendy Pearlman on the Voices of Refugees
Individuals forced to flee their homes due to war, famine, crime, or natural disaster often struggle long after they have found a new place to live. Dr. Wendy Pearlman has interviewed hundreds of Syrian refugees and shared their stories in three books and a recent lecture at Heartland Community...
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S4 Ep6: Student Profile: Oksana Perestoronia, displaced by war and finding a new life as a nurse
Oksana Perestoronina and her husband fled their home of Ukraine in 2022 when war came to their doorstep. Her search to start a new life led her to Heartland Community College, where she took English as a Second Language Courses. After gaining some confidence with language Oksana took the next…
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S4 Ep5: From worms to squids and more: STEM Anatomy Workshops for kids
Getting kids interested in biology can start from the inside out. Instructor Jacinda Shoot discusses the STEM Anatomy Workshops that bring middle and high school kids into a Heartland Community College lab. Jacinda also talks about an interesting hobby that requires some heavy lifting. View the...
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S4 Ep4: Documentary chases the cultural impact of tornadoes
The impact of a tornado can extend far beyond the damage done to persons and property. In his documentary "A Brief History of Chasing Storms," filmmaker Curtis Miller travels to towns defined by tornadoes in one form or another. The film will kick off the Heartland Hawk Film Festival on May 6…
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S4 Ep3: Peer Supports Specialists can provide a missing piece for addiction recovery
Clinical services for substance abuse and mental health disorders are an important part of every community healthcare system. Yet, even in a clinical environment, individuals might struggle to engage in recovery. Clinical psychologist Charles Drebing, PhD, discusses the value that Peer Support...
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S4 Ep2: Beyond the Verdict: Barton McNeil
Was 3-year-old Christina McNeil killed by her own father or, instead, by a suspect who later would be convicted of another murder? Barton McNeil is serving a 100-year sentence for the killing of his daughter. He has long claimed that the murder was committed by an estranged girlfriend, Misook...
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S4 Ep1: Navigating the barriers of reentry after incarceration
Resources for individuals who are leaving prison are available but many incarcerated people have no idea what is really waiting for them on the other side. Support for formerly incarcerated people extends beyond just navigating the rules of release but also includes a change of mindset, according...
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S3 Ep52: Heartland Q&A: Whitney Rapp
Whitney Rapp is Director of the Electric Vehicle Career Pathway Program at Heartland Community College. One of the projects Whitney works on is to promote the Certified Manufacturing Associate Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program. This program consists of students completing modules that are set…
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S3 Ep51: The ongoing case of Jamie Snow
Jamie Snow is in prison, convicted in 2001 for the 1991 shooting of a gas station attendant, William Little, in Bloomington, IL. For the last several years, a diverse group of people who learned the details of Snow’s case and found troubling elements in his trial have been advocating for his...
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S3 Ep50: Learning Dungeons & Dragons
In an age with long-form videogaming, the appeal of Dungeons & Dragons might not seem apparent to some. But unleashing creativity and storytelling with a little teamwork and a handful of dice takes players to places not found on video screens. An instructor who introduces prospective game players...
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S3 Ep49: Connecting Greek Mythology to the modern classroom
What does the story of Medusa have to do with the Me Too movement? How does the Hercules depicted by Disney differ from the hero celebrated in 900 BCE? Heartland Community College Outstanding Faculty of the Year Tom McCulley is teaching Greek Mythology not only to college students but also to…
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S3 Ep48: COUNTRY Financial Scholars get jump on college at Heartland
Dual Credit programs, such as the College NOW program at Heartland Community College, offer not only an early opportunity for students in high school to gain college credits, but they also offer a pathway for students to transform their lives. Three high-achieving students who were selected in…
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S3 Ep47: Politics and Parole: Ronnie Carrasquillo spent 47 years in prison
Ronnie Carrasquillo spent nearly half a century in prison. Sentenced in 1977, Carrasquillo first sought parole in 1984 and went before the board over 30 times before finally gaining release in October of 2023. Carrasquillo talks about his initial sentence of 200-600 years, growing up in prison…
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S3 Ep46: Lincoln's Lost Speech
In May 29, 1856, Abraham Lincoln gave the keynote address at a political convention in Bloomington, IL. His remarks were called, by his law partner William Herndon, “the grand effort of Lincoln’s Life.” Today, no written copy of this speech exists. And some differ on what it was Lincoln said....
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S3 Ep45: Electric cars in the 50s? Looking at the forgotten history of electric vehicles
The recent rise of electric vehicle manufacturers such as Tesla and Rivian has shown there is a market for transportation that does not rely as heavily on fossil fuel. But despite the buzz around today’s electric cars and trucks, the concept is far from new. Bill Kemp with the McLean County…
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S3 Ep44: Artist uses trash to create 'An Unblighted Area'
Artist and activist Jessica McGhee was devastated to a community garden she and others had cultivated in their neighborhood was removed without much explanation. Unable to create a new garden, she funneled her energy into the creation of art projects using discarded items such as plastic, wire…
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S3 Ep43: The uneven impact of incarceration
The impact of the criminal justice system on an individual extends far beyond the sentenced punishment for a crime. Beria Hampton, an ambassador for the Illinois Prison Project, discusses how her upbringing and environment left her ill prepared for how criminal charges (which she eventually…
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43: Service Learning: Comparing Healthcare with South Africa
Heartland Community College Health Sciences Faculty discuss how a service learning trip to South Africa opened their eyes to the differences in health care around the world. Health Sciences students at Heartland can register for a 10-day program in Cape Town, South Africa. The program provides 3...
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S3 Ep42: Poet reflects on motherhood, parental loss, and memory-making
For poet Cathy Gilbert, the joy and chaos of having twin infants was mixed with the heartbreak of losing a parent to dementia. Heartland Community College professor of English Gilbert discusses the major life events that led to her new poetry collection "My Limbs a Cradle, My Whisper a Song."…
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S3 Ep41: Documentary examines mental health needs of farmers
Farming can be one of the most stressful professions one can have. The documentary Greener Pastures captures the day-to-day lives of four small, Midwestern, multigenerational family farms over the course of three years. Filmmaker Sam Mirpoorian talks about the film, which is the guest feature at...
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S3 Ep40: The present and potential future of AI
The exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI) capability has been celebrated in some circles and caused concern in others. In academic circles, some instructors and administrators are worried that AI presents a threat to the way they evaluate student work. In this episode, Roy Magnuson…
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S3 Ep39: Getting a start in amateur standup comedy
Being a or a class clown or workplace cutup is one thing. Getting laughs on stage is another. For those who have thought about trying out for an open mic night or competing in an amateur comedy show, there are a few tips to consider. Joe Strupek, longtime emcee of the Heartland Community College...
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S3 Ep38: Sustainable Ag with an Edible Windbreak
Keeping farmland productive is challenging in many ways. One of the greatest enemies to a good crop is erosion. An edible windbreak of fruit and nut trees and bushes planned for the agriculture instructional grounds at Heartland Community College will not only serve to help fight off the Central...
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S3 Ep37: Justice Denied - The story of Kristine Bunch
One fateful night in 1996 Kristine Bunch woke to a home full of flames. She struggled to extract her young son from the fire but failed. Much to her surprise and horror, she was charged with setting the fire that killed her child. Bunch was convicted on expert testimony which was later held in...
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S3 Ep36: Supporting the Mental Health of College Students
No matter their age or background, when students go to college there are new stresses that can tax their mental health. The challenges of COVID-19 put the spotlight on the importance of mental health for college students. But, as in the past, the largest barrier is getting individuals to not…
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S3 Ep35: How Bloomington, Illinois became entwined with the Circus
Before television captured the attention of the nation, the traveling circus was the most popular form of entertainment in America. During this time, the midwestern city of Bloomington, Illinois became a home for many circus performers and the "birthplace" of famous aerial acts. Maureen…
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S3 Ep34: 'Albatross' examines lasting effect of pollution
Inspired by photographs of sea birds engorged with plastic waste picked up in the water, fiber artist Ann B. Coddington has created an exhibit that combines the ancient craft of basketry with discarded plastic. The artists discusses her exhibit, 'Albatross,' which offers a literal glimpse inside…
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S3 Ep33: Learning Cannabis Cultivation in College
The legalization of cannabis for recreational use in Illinois has generated 440 million dollars in tax revenue for the state. With any growing industry comes the need for a trained workforce. Agriculture instructor Victoria Zamora talks about the relatively new pathway to a job in the industry...
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S3 Ep32: Illinois Communication and Theatre educators tackle the post-COVID classroom
The disciplines of communication and theater education are facing new challenges in the post-COVID classroom. Factors ranging from the impact of remote learning to the introduction of AI technology are creating some new wrinkles for teachers. The Illinois Communication and Theatre Association,...
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S2 Ep31: Integrated Humanities: a new approach to core curriculum
Students learn key skills in the liberal arts and social sciences classes that are required for most 2-year degree programs. Yet, many students seeking degrees in technical trades and specialized fields don't immediately see how a 100-level course in English or Communications benefits their…
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S2 Ep30: College students going ALL IN for democracy
The 2020 U.S. general election saw some of the largest voter turnout numbers in decades. Yet, even with this bump in turnout, voter participation in the U.S. trails 30 other democratic countries. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge strives to empower colleges and universities to cultivate...
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S2 Ep29: College for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities
The Heartland Academy for Learning Opportunities program (HALO) is designed to bridge the educational gap for students aged 18 to 28 with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The program teaches students life skills, technology proficiency, and also fosters social development. Kori…
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S2 Ep28: The plight of Afghan women shown in 'With This Breath I Fly'
The documentary film ‘With This Breath I Fly’ tells the story of two women imprisoned for what the state of Afghanistan determined were moral crimes. The creation of the film was funded by the European Union. But once officials with the EU saw the footage, they tried to shelve the film and stop…
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S2 Ep27: News Literacy
In an age of social media, 24-hour cable news, and constant online battles about what is real or "fake" news, it is harder than ever to know what outlets to trust. With so much information available, and the debates of a network's responsibility for responsible reporting recently entering the...
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S2 Ep26: Woodcut Printmaker Cathie Crawford
Woodcut art is the oldest form of printmaking. Peoria-based printmaker Cathie Crawford discusses her process of making woodcut prints and the inspiration behind some of her work. Crawford's work is featured in the exhibit "The Floating World" running through May 11, 2023, at the Joe McCauley...
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S2 Ep25: Incarceration and Motherhood
The United States leads the world in incarcerating people. Although only 10 percent of the prison population is made up of women, since 1980 the rate of growth for female imprisonment has been twice as high as that of men. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over half of imprisoned…
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S2 Ep24: Connecting Japan to the Midwest
Traditional Japanese ironwork, flower arranging, and a traditional tea ceremony bring far East perspective to the Midwest with an event held at Heartland Community College. Heartland Community College faculty Zach Petrea and Sanae Ferrier are organizers of the Heartland Japanese Cultural Festival...
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S2 Ep23: Native Bees and their Environment
There are over 400 species of bees in Illinois. But changes in climate and the impact humans have had on the ecosystem is having an effect on pollinating creatures such as bees. Beekeeper and naturalist Patti Koranda discusses the differences between types of bees, how bees are affected by an...
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S2 Ep22: Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Globally, 1 in 5 people is neurodivergent. Yet many workplaces aren't accommodating for those whose brains simply work differently than others. Heartland Community College staff Kristi Glesne and Christina Schulz discuss how managers and employers can create an inclusive workspace that helps...
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S2 Ep21: Mental Health First Aid
Fundamental first aid and CPR courses are widely available for those willing to help in a crisis situation. But mental health concerns aren’t part of that training. Just like with a physical health crisis there are ways anyone can help to respond to a mental health crisis. Megan Moser with McLean...
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S2 Ep20: Finding and Training the Nurses of Tomorrow
Nursing is one of the most in-demand professions in the U.S. today. But how do healthcare providers and educators inspire more people to go into nursing... and deal with a training logjam with the influx of students? Solutions might be found in grammar schools and even in cyberspace. Nurse…
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S2 Ep19: Working on the Railroad (in the 21st Century)
What does it mean to work on the railroad in the 21st century? Transportation industry jobs remain one of the in-demand of workers. But they also can be demanding. A representative from a major rail company provides some insight into the modern day life of a railroader. View the transcript here.
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S2 Ep18: Virtual Reality in the Classroom
With everything from online instruction to digital textbooks, technology is playing a larger role in the modern classroom. With the emergence of accessible Virtual Reality (VR) technology, instructors can now offer learning experiences to students that had previously not been available. Dr. Anna...
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S2 Ep17: Iranian artist pushes for change
2022 has been an eventful and violent time in Iran. As mass protests have erupted in Iran many of those who have fled the country are joining together to spread the word about how women have suffered under the current regime. Two Iranian siblings hope to spread the word about the events in Iran…
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S2 Ep16: Recycling: behind the scenes
Most of us don’t know what happens to the bottles, paper, and cans we throw into a recycling bin. Unsurprisingly, not all recyclable materials are created equally. Some are only recyclable under certain circumstances. Many items are only partially recyclable. A recycling industry insider…
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S2 Ep15: Training service dogs and your dog
Dogs evolved along with humans to be helpers. As a result, they are often "looking for a job," even if the job is just getting treats. Dog trainer Sam Stocking discusses training dogs as service animals to help humans with issues such as diabetes and developmental disabilities. View the…
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S2 Ep14: Zero Waste Lifestyle
How much material are you putting in the landfill? Tossing items in the recycling bin is a step toward cutting down on permanent waste, but most people still generate a lot of garbage. Zero waste lifestyle advocate Linda Stroh gives tips on cutting down on non-recyclable waste and discusses her...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Heartland Community College presents Random Acts of Knowledge, a podcast where we explore the worlds of continuing education.
The goal of each episode is to learn something new. No matter the topic, we'll pick up some random knowledge from experts who can give us a short and interesting lesson about their field.
HOSTED BY
Random Acts of Knowledge
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How many episodes does Random Acts of Knowledge have?
Random Acts of Knowledge currently has 140 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Random Acts of Knowledge about?
Heartland Community College presents Random Acts of Knowledge, a podcast where we explore the worlds of continuing education. The goal of each episode is to learn something new. No matter the topic, we'll pick up some random knowledge from experts who can give us a short and interesting lesson...
How often does Random Acts of Knowledge release new episodes?
Random Acts of Knowledge publishes regularly with 140 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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Random Acts of Knowledge is created and hosted by Random Acts of Knowledge.
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