PODCAST · education
Western Wednesdays
by Western Carolina University
Welcome to Western Wednesdays, the podcast edition! While Western Wednesdays have been around for 18 months, we’re excited to bring it to you in the world of podcasts. Every month we’ll be sitting down with alumni from all different backgrounds to talk about how WCU influenced them and their careers.
Episodes
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Caring for Community ft. Faviola Olvera
In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we sit down with Faviola Olvera, a two-time Western Carolina University alumna whose undergraduate and graduate experiences helped shape a career centered on serving others. As the leader of the Community Care Clinic in Highlands, Faviola works to improve...
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From Catamount to Club Manager ft. Josh Paris
Josh Paris, a WCU College of Business alumnus and General Manager of Old Town Club, joins Western Wednesdays to discuss his career journey, leadership philosophy, and commitment to supporting future Catamounts through philanthropy, board service, and internship opportunities.
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From Champion to Pro ft. Becca Campbell
From Cullowhee to the global stage, Becca Campbell turned her Western experience into a launchpad. A SOCON champion and English major, she shares how her time at WCU shaped her path, what it took to take the leap overseas, and how she found her place in professional soccer in Germany.
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Growing Something Great ft. David and Lisa Hill
From their days at Western to building a thriving business, David and Lisa Hill have turned passion into purpose. As the owners of Southern Hill Farms in Clermont, Florida, they share how they got their start in farming, the journey that led to their success, and why staying connected to WCU—and...
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A Winning Legacy ft. Miranda Stamper
From Catamount student‑athlete to championship coach and educator, Miranda Stamper’s Western journey comes full circle. Now a PE teacher and the driving force behind the Lady Braves basketball program, she reflects on how her time at WCU shaped her path and how she’s passing those lessons on to…
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Deep Roots, Lasting Impact ft. Frank and Becky Brown
Frank and Becky Brown’s Western story is rooted in Cullowhee and continues through a lifetime of service. From meeting while working in Cherokee to their enduring commitment to WCU, their connection to this place and its people runs deep. Join us as they reflect on where they started and why…
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A Voice for Students, A Leader for NC ft. Dawson Spencer
This episode highlights Dawson Spencer, a two-time Western Carolina University graduate who now serves the state through his work with the NC Department of Public Safety. During his time at WCU, Dawson made an indelible impact as both a passionate tour guide and as SGA President, helping lead the...
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Decades of Dedication ft. Steve White
This episode shines a spotlight on Steve White, a proud WCU alumnus whose dedication to Catamount athletics has spanned decades. After serving many years as Western Carolina’s Sports Information Director, Steve remains a beloved and influential figure across campus. Whether behind the scenes or...
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Champion for Children, Catamount for Life ft. Celina Woods
We close out the 2025 season with Celina Woods, a distinguished 1985 graduate of Western Carolina University, award-winning attorney, and passionate advocate for children. With nearly 20 WCU graduates in her family, Celina’s story is one of deep legacy, leadership, and lifelong commitment to...
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Naylor Nation ft. Larry Naylor
This episode celebrates Larry Naylor, a proud Western Carolina University alumnus and retired Lt. Colonel whose legacy runs deep in Catamount country. With two brothers and two daughters also graduating from WCU, the Naylor family—affectionately known as Naylor Nation—represents generations of...
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From SoCon to Show Time ft. Zebby Matthews
This week, we catch up with Zebby Matthews, Minnesota Twins pitcher and proud Western Carolina University alumnus. Zebby reflects on his time as a Catamount, how WCU helped shape his path to professional baseball, and what life is like now in the big leagues. From strikeouts in Cullowhee to the...
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Engineering Innovation ft. Monty Graham & Brett Banther
This week, we spotlight Monty Graham and Brett Banther, two Western Carolina University alumni who now help lead innovation and industry collaboration at the WCU RAPID Center. As part of the College of Engineering and Technology, they share how their work supports advanced manufacturing and...
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From Catamount to CEO ft. Jake Robinson
In this episode, we feature Jake Robinson, a former WCU student-athlete, current member of the Board of Trustees, and CEO of Champion Credit Union. From the court to the boardroom, Jake shares how his experiences at Western Carolina University shaped his leadership journey and commitment to...
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Commanding the Pitch ft. Danita Johnson
This week, we highlight Danita Johnson, a trailblazing alumna of Western Carolina University and the current President of Business Operations for D.C. United. From her roots in Fayetteville, NC, to becoming the first Black woman to hold this executive role in Major League Soccer, Danita shares…
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When Nature Calls ft. Kinley Cook
Join us this week as we spotlight Kinley Cook, a proud Western Carolina University graduate with a degree in Parks and Recreation Management. Now serving as a dedicated park ranger with the National Park Service, Kinley shares her journey from the mountains of WCU to protecting some of America’s...
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Managing Champions ft. Josh Jones
Join us for an exciting episode of Western Wednesdays as we chat with Josh Jones, the Vice President of Sports Marketing and Management at Kevin Harvick Incorporated. A Western Carolina University alumnus, Josh played football and majored in sports management. Hear about his remarkable journey…
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Marching Foward ft. Matt Henley
Join us for an inspiring episode of Western Wednesdays as we sit down with Matt Henley, the current Director of Athletic Bands at Western Carolina University. A proud alumnus, Matt is celebrating his 35th season with the renowned Pride of the Mountains Marching Band. Tune in to hear about his...
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Breaking Barriers ft. Nora Lynn Finch
Join us on this special episode of Western Wednesdays as we sit down with Nora Lynn Finch, a proud WCU alumna and a pioneering figure in women's college sports. Discover her inspiring journey, the challenges she overcame, and her lasting impact on the world of athletics.
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Balancing Life and Leadership ft. Mike Crawford
Join us on this episode of Western Wednesdays as we explore the inspiring journey of Western Carolina University alum Mike Crawford, who became the COO of Forvis, one of the top accounting firms in the US. Discover how he balanced his successful career with a fulfilling personal life and the...
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Swimming with the Sharks ft. Garrett Ozar
Join us on Western Wednesdays as we chat with Garrett Ozar, co-founder of Eterneva and proud Western Carolina University alum. Discover how his innovative company, featured on Shark Tank, is transforming the way we remember our loved ones.
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The Art of Winemaking ft. Sharon Fenchak
In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we chat with Sharon Fenchak, the esteemed winemaker at Biltmore Estate and a proud graduate of Western Carolina University's MBA program. Sharon shares her journey from the classroom to crafting award-winning wines, offering insights into the art and science...
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Tee Time ft. JT Poston
PGA Tour golfer and Western Carolina University alumnus JT Poston joins us for Western Wednesdays, sharing his inspiring journey from Hickory, North Carolina to the pinnacle of professional golf. Discover the stories behind his passion for the sport, nurtured by his father and grandfather…
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Navigating Recovery ft. Jim Rowell and John Connet
In this episode of Western Wednesdays, join us as we talk with Jim Rowell and John Connet, two local leaders who played pivotal roles in their communities’ recovery after Hurricane Helene. Hear their inspiring stories of resilience, leadership, and the power of community in the face of disaster.
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Wildlife and Waterways ft. Dale Collins and Preston Jacobsen
Join us on this episode of Western Wednesdays as we chat with Western Carolina University alumni Dale Collins, owner of Tuckaseegee Fly Shop, and Preston Jacobsen from Haywood Waterways. Discover their journeys and insights into the world of fly fishing and water conservation!
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Olympic Silver to Bobsled Dreams ft. Manteo Mitchell
In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we chat with alumnus and Olympic silver medalist Manteo Mitchell. Known for his incredible performance in track and field at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Manteo shares his journey and insights. Now embarking on a new adventure, he discusses his exciting...
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NC Teachers of the Year! ft. Heather Smith and Abby Bentley
In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we shine a spotlight on Heather Smith and Abby Bentley, the remarkable educators honored as North Carolina's Teacher and Beginning Teacher of the Year. Both graduates of Western Carolina University, Abby and Heather now inspire and educate students in…
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Drumroll, please... ft. Randall Harris of NEEDTOBREATHE
Join us on Western Wednesdays for an enlightening discussion with Randall Harris, drummer of NEEDTOBREATHE and proud graduate of Western Carolina University. Explore his musical journey and how his education has influenced his craft.
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Ensuring Prosperity ft. Cherokee Indian Hospital
In this episode of Western Wednesdays, alumni and friends of Western Carolina University share their journey from students to healthcare professionals at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, dedicated to serving the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. These incredible catamounts discuss the unique...
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One Day for Western!
Join us for a special live episode of Western Wednesdays as we celebrate WCU's annual day of giving, One Day for Western. Tune in to hear our students share their stories of impact and learn how you can support our university's legacy with a single day of generosity.
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Deeply Determined ft. Amanda Muse
Join us on this week's Western Wednesdays episode as we chat with Amanda Muse, a talented film composer based in Los Angeles, California, who graduated from Western Carolina University. Amanda shares insights into her journey from the mountains of western North Carolina to the heart of Hollywood,...
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Serendipity ft. Brenda Gorsuch
In this episode of Western Wednesdays, we sit down with Brenda Gorsuch, a seasoned educator who graduated from Western Carolina University. With a career devoted to shaping young minds, Brenda shares insights from her journey as a high school journalism and yearbook teacher, offering a unique...
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Right Place at the Right Time ft. Debbie Wright
When she was a high school student in rural eastern North Carolina, Debbie Wright’s algebra teacher happened to submit her name to a National Science Foundation math program. Soon, Debbie was one of ten students selected to participate in the program, which was held in Cullowhee. She was in the...
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Swinging to Success ft. Courtney Gunter and Victoria Ladd
In this episode, we shine the spotlight on Victoria Ladd and Courtney Gunter, two outstanding Catamounts from Western Carolina University's women's golf team. Victoria shares her passion for the game and the dedication that helped propel the team to regional and national success, while Courtney...
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Nature, Addiction, and the Human Condition ft. David Joy
In this episode, we explore the life and work of David Joy, an alumnus of Western Carolina University and a critically acclaimed author. Joy's writing is rooted in the Appalachian region, and his novels and essays often explore themes of poverty, addiction, and the natural world. Join us as we…
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Behind the Camera ft. Will and Deni McIntyre
What do Maya Angelou, Dick Vitale, and Tammy Bakker all have in common? They've all been on the other side of the camera from Will and Deni McIntyre. We had the chance to sit down with these former catamounts to talk about a life, and career, in photography and video production.
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The Costs of College
As we enter into the heart of the college admission cycle, it’s worth asking: what is the value of a college degree? What drives the cost of higher education? What’s the best way to pay for it? We’ve pulled together an expert panel to help answer these questions and more, including Phil Cauley…
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Catamounts in the Classroom
Western Carolina University was founded in the late 19th century as a teachers college and has graduated thousands of educators who have poured their hearts into classrooms in the region and across the state. But it is safe to say that today's public school classroom is unlike any other in…
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An Impact that Reverberates ft. Pride of the Mountains
Few things about WCU’s Pride of the Mountains marching band fly under the radar—a 500-member ensemble is hard to miss, after all. However, Western’s marching band has changed leadership and education in our region in a way that few other organizations at WCU or anywhere in the system can lay…
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The Power of Place: the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and WCU
WCU’s recently updated mission statement specifically calls for a “robust connectedness” with the communities of southern Appalachia, including the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, or EBCI. That relationship is the topic of this month’s Western Wednesday. Join Marty Ramsey as he talks with Sky...
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Fall Catamount Sports Preview
It’s shaping up to be an exciting fall in Cullowhee! Join WCU’s Office of Engagement and the Division of Athletics for a preview of the fall Catamount Sports season at this month’s Western Wednesday! Special guests include: Kerwin Bell, Head Football Coach Karen Glover, Head Volleyball Coach Chad...
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Feeding the Franchise ft. Joey Blake
The Los Angeles Rams have backup quarterbacks. They have a backup coaching staff. But they only have one director of performance nutrition and wellness, and that is Joey Blake '12. Blake, who graduated from Western with a degree in dietetics and nutrition, joined the Rams organization in 2017…
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Bells in the Valley
In this month's episode we'll be taking a behind the scenes look at the making of Bells in the Valley—a 22 minute documentary of the history of Western Carolina University. Originally produced as part of WCU’s centennial celebration in 1989, the documentary was updated in 2012, and then again in...
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War in Ukraine ft. David Dorondo
On February 24th, 2022, Vladimir Putin sent Russian armed forces into the country of Ukraine, beginning a war in Ukraine that is still impacting the region and the world, today. We sat down with associate professor of history, Dr. David Dorondo, to take an in-depth look at what led to this…
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Apodaca Science Building
In the fall of 2021, WCU opened the doors of a brand new, 110 million dollar science building bearing the name of one of the university’s fiercest advocates, Senator Tom Apodaca. This state-of-the-art building was part of a 2 billion dollar state bond that was approved by voters and just one of…
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Henry Logan and Ronnie Carr
While Western Wednesdays have been around for 18 months, we’re excited to bring it to you in the world of podcasts. Every month we’ll be sitting down with alumni from all different backgrounds to talk about how WCU influenced them and their careers. To kick things off, we spent an evening…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Western Wednesdays, the podcast edition! While Western Wednesdays have been around for 18 months, we’re excited to bring it to you in the world of podcasts. Every month we’ll be sitting down with alumni from all different backgrounds to talk about how WCU influenced them and their careers.
HOSTED BY
Western Carolina University
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Western Wednesdays have?
Western Wednesdays currently has 45 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Western Wednesdays about?
Welcome to Western Wednesdays, the podcast edition! While Western Wednesdays have been around for 18 months, we’re excited to bring it to you in the world of podcasts. Every month we’ll be sitting down with alumni from all different backgrounds to talk about how WCU influenced them and their...
How often does Western Wednesdays release new episodes?
Western Wednesdays has 45 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Western Wednesdays?
You can listen to Western Wednesdays on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Western Wednesdays?
Western Wednesdays is created and hosted by Western Carolina University.
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