VOScast

Hosted by Geographic Solutions

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May 2026

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About the show

The VOScast is an official podcast of Geographic Solutions, brought to you in partnership with Workforce180. Through insightful interviews with workforce development leaders, policy experts, and innovators, the VOScast illuminates the latest trends, ideas, and success stories related to equipping and empowering America's workers. With over 30 years as pioneers in the workforce technology space, Geographic Solutions utilizes their unparalleled industry access and perspective to produce a podcast that gets into the stories that matter for workforce professionals. To learn more about Geographic Solutions, visit www.geographicsolutions.com

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23 recent

May 1, 2026Episode 2325 min

E23: The Future of Global Workforce Development

In this episode of the VOScast Podcast, host Evan Brenner sits down with Miguel Peromingo, consultant for employment policy and well-being, for a wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping workforce development around the world. They explore the growing skills mismatch, why job quality is declining, and how policymakers are responding to rapid changes in labor markets. The discussion also looks at the evolving role of technology and AI in employment services, the continued value of in-person job centers, and why more individualized support is critical for job seekers facing barriers to work. The episode also touches on apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, and the importance of reintegration and second-chance employment for returning citizens.

April 27, 2026Episode 227 min

E22: VOScast Live: 2026 NCIA Conference with Troy Shanks

At the 2026 NCIA Conference in Jacksonville, Geographic Solutions hosted live, on-site recordings of the VOScast Podcast, bringing together voices from the corrections, reentry, and workforce development communities. In these conversations, guests shared their reflections on Second Chance Month, highlighted emerging or underrated technologies and trends shaping the corrections and reentry space, and offered their perspectives on the future of corrections and second-chance employment. Each episode provides insight into the programs, partnerships, and innovations helping individuals overcome barriers, access meaningful opportunities, and build stronger pathways to successful reentry. This episode features Troy Shanks, Chief Customer Officer at TRICOR Insurance and NCIA board member.

April 27, 2026Episode 216 min

E21: VOScast Live: 2026 NCIA Conference with Rodney White

At the 2026 NCIA Conference in Jacksonville, Geographic Solutions hosted live, on-site recordings of the VOScast Podcast, bringing together voices from the corrections, reentry, and workforce development communities. In these conversations, guests shared their reflections on Second Chance Month, highlighted emerging or underrated technologies and trends shaping the corrections and reentry space, and offered their perspectives on the future of corrections and second-chance employment. Each episode provides insight into the programs, partnerships, and innovations helping individuals overcome barriers, access meaningful opportunities, and build stronger pathways to successful reentry. This episode features Rodney White, Workforce Development Manager, Virginia Correctional Enterprises.

April 27, 2026Episode 206 min

E20: VOScast Live: 2026 NCIA Conference with Debi Kamakani

At the 2026 NCIA Conference in Jacksonville, Geographic Solutions hosted live, on-site recordings of the VOScast Podcast, bringing together voices from the corrections, reentry, and workforce development communities. In these conversations, guests shared their reflections on Second Chance Month, highlighted emerging or underrated technologies and trends shaping the corrections and reentry space, and offered their perspectives on the future of corrections and second-chance employment. Each episode provides insight into the programs, partnerships, and innovations helping individuals overcome barriers, access meaningful opportunities, and build stronger pathways to successful reentry. This episode features Debi Kamakani, Deputy Director, California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority.

April 27, 2026Episode 197 min

E19: VOScast Live: 2026 NCIA Conference with Torrey Leach

At the 2026 NCIA Conference in Jacksonville, Geographic Solutions hosted live, on-site recordings of the VOScast Podcast, bringing together voices from the corrections, reentry, and workforce development communities. In these conversations, guests shared their reflections on Second Chance Month, highlighted emerging or underrated technologies and trends shaping the corrections and reentry space, and offered their perspectives on the future of corrections and second-chance employment. Each episode provides insight into the programs, partnerships, and innovations helping individuals overcome barriers, access meaningful opportunities, and build stronger pathways to successful reentry. This episode features Torrey Leach, Workforce Development Manager at North Carolina Department of Adult Correction and Correction Enterprises.

January 27, 202619 min

E18: Inside the Data: What the Labor Market Is Telling Us in 2026

In this episode, we are joined by Phillip Sprehe, Lead Economist at Geographic Solutions, for a focused conversation on how labor market forecasts are built and what the data reveals about the U.S. workforce in early 2026. Phillip pulls back the curtain on the Economist Corner, explaining how internal indicators, unemployment claims data, and real-world adjustments shape monthly forecasts ahead of the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. The discussion explores a softening labor market, sector-level performance, rising concerns about chronic unemployment, and the growing role of AI in both hiring and productivity, offering practical takeaways for workforce boards, analysts, and economic development professionals navigating an increasingly complex labor landscape.

December 22, 202520 min

E17: Expanding Access to Learning in a Rapidly Changing World: AI, Human Skills, and the Future of Upskilling

In this episode, we're joined by Kerry Twomey, Director of Account Management at Metrix Learning, for a timely conversation about AI, upskilling, and what truly matters in today's workforce. Kerry shares insights on why human skills like critical thinking, communication, and empathy remain essential in an age of rapid technological change—and why learning how to use AI may be just as important as understanding its limits. We explore SkillUp America and how equitable access to training is helping communities, nonprofits, justice-impacted individuals, and emerging leaders build meaningful career pathways through lifelong learning. From reskilling during disruption to real-world success stories, this episode offers a grounded and hopeful look at the future of workforce development.

October 8, 202523 min

E16: Leading Through Change: A Conversation with Keidrian Kunkel, President & CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay

Tune in as we sit down with Keidrian Kunkel, President & CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay, for a powerful conversation about leading through change in today's evolving workforce landscape. Keidrian shares insights on Tampa Bay's remarkable recovery from back-to-back hurricanes, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and innovative strategies to strengthen local talent pipelines. From empowering youth and supporting veterans to embracing AI as a tool for inclusion and efficiency, she offers a forward-looking perspective on how collaboration, accountability, and adaptability are shaping the region's economic future.

August 22, 202522 min

E15: Shaping the Future of Workforce Development with Ron Painter

Tune in for a conversation with Ron Painter as he discusses how policy shifts, skills based hiring, and the rise of data and AI are creating new opportunities for states and local regions. He also reveals the importance of collaboration, agile leadership, and credentialing in strengthening workforce systems. Finally, he offers insights on keeping entry level pathways open, personalizing service delivery, and building strategies that help organizations thrive in times of uncertainty.

August 1, 202525 min

E14: Education, Equity, and Employment: A New Vision for Reentry

Tune in to explore how we can create real second chances for people returning from incarceration. You'll learn why digital literacy, skills based hiring, and education are essential to long term success. This episode breaks down the barriers justice impacted individuals face, from over 44,000 documented restrictions to basic access issues like email and transportation. You'll hear practical ideas for making workforce systems more inclusive, how AI is starting to reshape career exploration, and why apprenticeships hold promise if we make them more accessible. Walk away with a deeper understanding of what it really takes to build a fairer and more effective path to opportunity.