Episodes

  • Tech Center Tuesday - Unlocking your potential with the Prior Learning Program - Dr. Apryl McDonough
    Jul 15 2025

    In this episode, Joel Heslop talks with Dr. Apryl McDonough who discusses the concept of Prior Learning Assessment at Blue Ridge CTC for the Prior Learning Program, explaining how it allows students to earn college credit for their work and life experiences. She highlights the benefits of this program for non-traditional students, the eligibility criteria, and the support systems in place to assist students in navigating their educational paths. They talk about common misconceptions about prior learning credits and emphasizes the importance of taking the first step towards further education and your future!

    Find out how you can get involved with the Prior Learning program at Blue Ridge Technical and Community College!

    Want more information?

    Email - AMCDONOU@blueridgectc.edu

    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/audience/new-student/prior-learning-assessment/


    Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-b_5SRuV5vwIxT5IJ19uy_AQudLmmqcM/view?usp=sharing

    Tech Center Tuesday is a series hosted by Joel Heslop exploring all Blue Ridge CTC has to offer, recorded in the Podcast Studio of the Tech Center. This podcast looks at Blue Ridge CTC's academic programs, student services, and the three colleges within the college. Listen in to hear about exciting happenings and events! Check out more Podcasts here:

    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/about-blue-ridge/podcasts/

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    19 mins
  • WV Tourism Series - the Morgan Arts Council w/ Jordan Warren
    Jun 18 2025

    Welcome to the Blue Ridge CTC's Summer Podcast Series on West Virginia Tourism in the Panhandle, with your host Joel Heslop. We will be highlighting some local businesses in the Panhandle in the Tourism and Hospitality industries.

    This podcast episode explores the intersection of tourism and the arts in West Virginia, focusing on the Morgan Arts Council and its role in the community of Berkeley Springs. Jordan Warren, the executive director, discusses various programs, events, and educational initiatives that promote local arts and engage the community. We look at the importance of collaboration among local businesses and the impact of arts on tourism, as well as personal insights into Jordan's journey and the challenges faced in this industry.


    Want more information?

    https://macicehouse.org/

    https://www.facebook.com/MACicehouse/

    https://www.instagram.com/MACicehouse/


    Transcript:

    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EHVFlpvvfpwypDJp5-h-ZdKSBx0M3_F-/view?usp=sharing


    The WV Tourism series is hosted by Joel Heslop exploring some of the the West Virginia tourism and hospitality industry in the Eastern Panhandle. This podcast looks at local businesses and how they connect with the community.

    Listen in to hear about exciting happenings and events!

    Check out more Podcasts here:


    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/about-blue-ridge/podcasts/

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    32 mins
  • Tech Center Tuesday - Experience the PTA Program - w/ Dr. Chrystal McDonald & Mark Noll
    Jun 17 2025

    In this episode, Joel Heslop discusses the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program at Blue Ridge CTC with program coordinator Dr. Chrystal McDonald and clinical coordinator Mark Noll. They explore updates to the program, including streamlined prerequisites, clinical coordination changes, and the importance of soft skills in patient interactions. They take a look at some personal testimonials which highlight the effectiveness of the program and the positive experiences of students in clinical settings.

    Find out how you can get involved with the PTA program at Blue Ridge Technical and Community College!

    Want more information?

    Email - CMCDONAL@blueridgectc.edu


    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/academic-programs/associates-degree-programs/health-sciences/physical-therapist-assisting/


    Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J5DFmqQriioFBXE7MryVYGXO7c98Y6K-/view?usp=sharing

    Tech Center Tuesday is a series hosted by Joel Heslop exploring all Blue Ridge CTC has to offer, recorded in the Podcast Studio of the Tech Center. This podcast looks at Blue Ridge CTC's academic programs, student services, and the three colleges within the college. Listen in to hear about exciting happenings and events!Check out more Podcasts here:

    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/about-blue-ridge/podcasts/

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    18 mins
  • Tech Center Tuesday - Unlocking Opportunities: The Learn and Earn Grant w/ Amber Butcher
    May 22 2025

    In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Amber Butcher discusses the Learn and Earn Grant, a state initiative that reimburses local businesses for hiring interns from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. The conversation highlights the benefits for both students and businesses, including financial incentives, hands-on experience, and career growth opportunities. Amber explains the eligibility criteria for both students and companies, the application process, and the various fields of study that can benefit from this program. The episode concludes with advice for students and businesses interested in participating in the Learn and Earn initiative.


    Want more information?

    Email - ABUTCHER@blueridgectc.edu

    Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cBwSVPGzuiKLlcB1BiC3CNWtipdNLQkW/view?usp=sharing

    Tech Center Tuesday is a series hosted by Joel Heslop exploring all Blue Ridge CTC has to offer, recorded in the Podcast Studio of the Tech Center. This podcast looks at Blue Ridge CTC's academic programs, student services, and the three colleges within the college. Listen in to hear about exciting happenings and events!Check out more Podcasts here:

    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/about-blue-ridge/podcasts/

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    16 mins
  • Tech Center Tuesday - Hands-On Learning at Green Bank Observatory w/ the STEM Club Trip! ft. Dianne Rose & Nathan Clark
    May 20 2025

    In this episode, Joel Heslop welcomes students Dianne Rose and Nathan Clark to discuss the exciting activities of the STEM club and the Space Team at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, focusing on their recent trip to the Green Bank Observatory. The conversation highlights the hands-on experiences students had with radio astronomy, the collaborative efforts among different institutions, and future plans for more educational trips. They share their awesome experience and excitement for future ones!


    Want more information?

    STEM@bluerridgectc.edu


    Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/16yItT-cKvHaW3vCJ7aK4XevOAkYcLw__/view?usp=sharing

    Tech Center Tuesday is a series hosted by Joel Heslop exploring all Blue Ridge CTC has to offer, recorded in the Podcast Studio of the Tech Center. This podcast looks at Blue Ridge CTC's academic programs, student services, and the three colleges within the college. Listen in to hear about exciting happenings and events!Check out more Podcasts here:

    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/about-blue-ridge/podcasts/

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    38 mins
  • Tech Center Tuesday - Unlocking Career Opportunities at Blue Ridge CTC w/ the Worc 5 Grant
    Apr 11 2025

    In this episode, we explore the various career support initiatives at Blue Ridge CTC, focusing on the WORC5 grant and Learn and Earn grants. Alan, the Career and Employment Counselor, discusses how these programs assist students in overcoming barriers to education and employment, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships and networking in achieving career success.


    Want more information?

    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/financial-aid/grants/


    Tech Center Tuesday is a series hosted by Joel Heslop exploring all Blue Ridge CTC has to offer, recorded in the Podcast Studio of the Tech Center. This podcast looks at Blue Ridge CTC's academic programs, student services, and the three colleges within the college. Listen in to hear about exciting happenings and events!Check out more Podcasts here:

    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/about-blue-ridge/podcasts/

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    11 mins
  • Tech Center Tuesday - Building Community Through STEM at Blue Ridge CTC w/ Don Heumpreus & Dianne Rose
    Feb 20 2025

    In this episode of Tech Center Tuesday, Joel Heslop is joined by Don Heumpreus, IT Program Coordinator and Dianne Rose, current student president of the STEM Club at Blue Ridge CTC.

    This conversation explores the STEM Club at Blue Ridge CTC, highlighting its goals, activities, and the importance of community and support for students in STEM fields. The discussion includes insights from club leaders about fostering engagement, organizing events, and creating a welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their major. We talk about the importance of networking, leadership opportunities, and the role of food in bringing people together.

    Want more information?

    STEM@bluerridgectc.edu


    Transcript: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ydrH5poxCExahHKFBI3SLRBvzPF27Vre/view?usp=sharing

    Tech Center Tuesday is a series hosted by Joel Heslop exploring all Blue Ridge CTC has to offer, recorded in the Podcast Studio of the Tech Center. This podcast looks at Blue Ridge CTC's academic programs, student services, and the three colleges within the college. Listen in to hear about exciting happenings and events!Check out more Podcasts here:

    https://www.blueridgectc.edu/about-blue-ridge/podcasts/

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    25 mins
  • What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? - Ep 13 w/ Olivia Loy of the Ascend Grant
    Dec 23 2024

    In this episode of the Culinary Academy Podcast, hosts Chef Steve Weiss and Chef Miriam Conroy discuss various topics related to culinary education, including the Ascend grant, food safety, kitchen tools, and a traditional Basque recipe.

    Special guest Olivia Loy joins them to discuss the Ascend Grant! They emphasize the importance of supporting students in their culinary journey and explore how food can serve as medicine. The episode also features practical cooking tips and culinary wisdom.



    Episode 13 Show Notes & Podcast Transcript:

    https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z7alBqUfPp1zbQNYYQMRDEXrMPa43AjR/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=101874741515033881353&rtpof=true&sd=true


    Questions or comments? Email: podcast@blueridgectc.edu

    What is What's Bruin at the Culinary Academy? We are just two chefs chewing the fat about all things food related…with insightful and casual conversation in a light hearted manner. We will invite guests every so often to join us at our table such as chefs, industry professionals, students and anyone who is a food enthusiast. So kick back and wrap your paws around your favorite beverage as you are our guests for the next 30 minutes and we hope, you savor the experience.



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    39 mins