A new podcast at Western Nevada College provides listeners with an inside look at the passion, creativity and innovation driving education on campus. 

Wildcat Connection, created by WNC English Professor/Instructional Support Specialist Joshua Fleming and Learning Management System Administrator Ryan Johnson, spotlights teaching, learning and the educators who are making it happen. 

The podcast, hosted on the college’s Center for Teaching Excellence webpage, began last spring and features conversations with WNC faculty, staff and students — including WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. Each episode, running for just under an hour, dives into the stories, ideas and experiences that shape teaching and learning at Western Nevada College. 

“We wanted to create something that celebrates the incredible talent and dedication we see every day at WNC,” said Wildcat Connection Producers Fleming and Johnson. “This podcast gives our campus community a platform to share insights, reflect on their journeys and connect through the shared goal of helping students succeed. 

“We are all engaged in a beautiful thing, and it matters if we know and appreciate each other. It matters that we can inspire one another.” 

In the latest episodes, Fleming interviews Business Instructor E. Marie Brierley, Political Science and History Professor Dr. John Duerk, Fine Arts Professor Rachel Stiff. 

Brierley shares her teaching philosophy, insights from her professional background and experiences transitioning from the corporate and medical worlds to the classroom.  

In his episode, Dr. Duerk chats about civility during this era of teaching, community outreach and impact, as well as investing in social capital. 

Professor Stiff talks about objective art, how AI impacts the creative process and Montana rodeos. 

“The Wildcat Connection podcast reflects the spirit of Western Nevada College — collaboration, curiosity, and community,” said WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe. “It gives our faculty, staff and students a chance to share their stories and the passion that drives their work. Every episode reminds us why education matters and how WNC continues to inspire growth and opportunity across Nevada.” 

A previous episode featured President Dalpe, who reflected on his 28-year career in higher education and his vision for WNC as a college where students “Start Here and Go Anywhere.” Under his leadership, WNC has expanded programs, strengthened inclusion and community partnerships, and reached its highest enrollment in more than a decade. 

“As a community college, WNC opens the door to opportunity,” President Dalpe said. “People walk through our doors to change their lives — and the Wildcat Connection podcast is a wonderful way to share those transformational stories.” 

Fleming and Johnson also envision their podcast serving as a resource for community members and students considering what WNC can provide them. 

“If you’re interested in taking a class or pursuing a career, listen to an interview with a professor who is passionate about that subject,” the Wildcat Connection team said. “Take a peek behind the curtain and get to know the personalities of our teachers, administrators, staff and students. They will tell you exactly what’s great, challenging, irritating, fun, frustrating, inspiring, and so much more.” 

Past and present episodes of Wildcat Connection are available on WNC’s Center for Teaching Excellence webpage at wnc.edu/center-for-teaching-excellence.