The PodCAST

Hosted by Kara Snyder

Business CareersInterviews guests

Website RSS feed LinkedIn YouTube

Episodes

Latest episode

Sep 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to The PodCAST, a podcast produced by the College of Applied Science and Technology at Illinois State University. We'll be sitting down with alumni that are innovative thought leaders in their fields. Looking at their career journeys post-ISU, we will talk about turning points, roadblocks, and lessons learned on the road to success. Grab some headphones and settle in to hear stories from alumni that have been there, done that, and have tips to share.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 29, 202613 min

Be thoughtful, be intentional, and be grateful with Dr. Kim Oliver, ELM lecturer

This episode features Dr. Kim Oliver, professor and graduate faculty member at New Mexico State University, ahead of her Esther Larson McGinnis Lecture. Oliver discusses her unexpected path into higher education, her research on girls, physical education, and youth voice, and her activist approach to teaching. She also explores the importance of student-centered pedagogy, listening to young people, and creating more inclusive and meaningful physical activity spaces.

September 15, 202623 min

Now is the time to explore with Jedediah Cantrell, HSC

This episode features Illinois State University alumna Jedediah Cantrell, a Health Information Management graduate whose career has taken her from healthcare roles to hospital leadership and the vice presidency. Cantrell discusses her nontraditional path to ISU, her career journey, leadership philosophy, experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and advice for students considering a career in health information management.

September 1, 202631 min

Rising to the occasion with Dr. Cedric Williams, MSC

In this episode, I talk to Army veteran and ISU Alum Dr. Cedric Williams.

April 7, 202622 min

Leading with the utmost of integrity with Lindsay Vahl Dean, KNR

On this week's episode of The PodCAST we sat down with Lindsay Vahl Dean KNR to talk about her ISU experiences, her tips to going through ISU to have the best college experience one can have!

March 31, 202616 min

Being engaged and finding opportunities with John Heiser, AGR

On this week's episode of The PodCAST we sat down with John Heiser, AGR to talk to him about his ISU experiences, the roots of his career from mentors he's along his way, and his tips for ISU students looking to go into his field!

March 17, 202615 min

Asking the right questions with Ramtin Davanlou, IT

On this episode of the PodCAST, we are joined by Ramtin Davanlou, IT! Hear Ramtin discuss his ISU experiences and how he examines the scope of his career and his helpful tips to ISU students!

March 2, 202621 min

Connecting with people with Eddie Gordon, HSC

On this episode of the PodCAST, we are joined by Eddie Gordon, HSC! Hear Eddie discuss his ISU experiences and his advice towards a well meaning career!

February 23, 202622 min

Being ready for everything with Sara Krewson, FCS

On this episode of the PodCAST, we sit down with Sara Krewson, FCS Hear Sara discuss her growing involvement in her career and her tips for ISU students when it comes to student involvement!

February 16, 202621 min

Simply Be Kind with Troy Deiss, TEC

On this episode of the PodCAST, we sit down with Troy Deiss, TEC Hear Troy speak on his many experiences from ISU to his now role as Vice President of Operations for Morton Industries.

December 13, 202519 min

Continuing your education with Dr. RoDina Williams KNR

On this episode of the PodCAST, we sit down with Dr. RoDina Williams. RoDina is Illinois’ first Black doctorate holder in clinical laboratory science. Hear RoDina discuss her experience working on her second bachelors and further education as well as advice for finding a career you're passionate about.