Best WGU Podcasts (2024)

1
How education and inclusivity champion empowers others (Cole Frandsen-Smith) 28:22

2M ago28:22

28:22

On this episode of the WGU Alumni Podcast, learn how Cole Frandsen-Smith, a 2023 WGU graduate in Human Resource Management, has become a strong champion for education, inclusivity, and the power of community. Also, learn how Cole's life, and that of his family's, has been enriched by the example of his mother and how her referring Cole to WGU has h…

1
Empowering Healthcare Leader and Trailblazing Nurse at Cedars-Sinai (Ebony Gray) 26:00

3M ago26:00

26:00

Meet Ebony Gray, a WGU graduate and former president of WGU's Student Nurses Association, share her experiences. From her 13-year tenure at Cedars-Sinai to her leadership roles, Ebony's journey exemplifies the tenacity required to succeed in the dynamic field of healthcare. Takeaways: How Ebony navigated the challenges of nursing with determination…

1
Pausing to Accelerate | Taking a break from Podcast to complete WGU degree 1:32

3M ago1:32

1:32

Announcing that I am taking a break from the Blak Cyber podcast to complete my WGU degree.I will return with more content to bring value to the cyber security community. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blakcyber/support

1
Forbes 30 Under 30 Entrepreneur, Teacher, Mother, and 4x WGU Graduate (Jessica Shelley) 26:39

3M ago26:39

26:39

Meet Jessica Shelley, a WGU alumna who's revolutionizing education and entrepreneurship while balancing family life with five children and supporting her husband's academic journey at WGU. Explore her journey from elementary teacher to Forbes' 30 under 30 powerhouse and discover her groundbreaking educational platform, Dailies, disrupting pre-K thr…

1
How I Failed The CISSP And How You Can Learn From It 10:48

3M ago10:48

10:48

On this podcast episode I go over my Lessons Learned from my unsuccessful attempt of the CISSP exam. What I did right: 1. Purchased the "Peace of Mind" voucher (Basically two tries for the price ofone, or almost one) #1 is why I took some calculated risk during this prep. 2. During the exam I used the Think Like A Manager method. 3. I used the from…

1
The vCISO In The Green Glass Corner Office - The CISSP Mentality 13:03

3M ago13:03

13:03

Unlock the secrets to thinking like a manager and ace your CISSP! In this podcast episode, I break down the key concepts and strategies you need to master to tackle managerial scenarios effectively. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your CISSP journey, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you succeed. Don't miss…

1
Add Vibranium to your Work Routine 7:54

4M ago7:54

7:54

Welcome to the Blak Cyber podcast, where we explore strategies and tips to help you thrive in your professional life, and "secure your place in the industry. In today's episode, we're diving into the topic of productivity and discussing five actionable ways you can boost your efficiency and effectiveness in the workplace. 5 ways you can increase pr…

1
Male postpartum nurse, half marathon enthusiast, and WGU graduate shares his zeal for life 29:59

4M ago29:59

29:59

Nontraditional graduate, Washington Native Eric Miller, joins the alumni podcast to share his motivation on his WGU journey, his passion for nursing, and his interesting hobbies such as cross-stitching and running half marathons, more than 100 to date.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
You might need a Cyber Sensei! 7:22

4M ago7:22

7:22

This episode is about seeking mentors, becoming mentors, and giving back in the cybersecurity community. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blakcyber/support

1
Cyber is no longer the Holy Grail, but it's still a Game Changer! 3:57

4M ago3:57

3:57

In the recent years, Tech and more surprising Cyber has started to perform lay-offs in unprecedented numbers. Big tech companies like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have made headlines with recent downsizing. In an industry were not too long ago we felt unstoppable and almost dare I say it, "Lay-off Proof". The recent news is hard to stomach as my hea…

1
The Dirty Little Secret about Cybersecurity 12:42

4M ago12:42

12:42

In this episode I dive into an under utilized tool in Cybersecurity, and how to leverage it to add rocket fuel to your career trajectory. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blakcyber/support

1
Reflections on Season 2: The Evolving Workforce and Future of Higher Education 41:20

4M ago41:20

41:20

Welcome to the final episode of Season 2. Join our Sage Advice hosts, Chris Bonnell and Emma Salomon, for this series’ wrap-up episode. Join Chris and Emma as they revisit some of their favorite moments, such as: - Teaching students market-ready skills - Preparing the next generation of cyber security experts - Combatting the teacher shortage and t…

1
Episode 21: How to decide between Cyber Skills or Cyber Certifications? 5:30

5M ago5:30

5:30

Discussing the debate between Cyber Skills or Cyber Certifications? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blakcyber/support

1
How to Navigate Your Professional Career with Dr. Adaira Landry and Dr. Resa Lewiss, Authors of MicroSkills 39:19

5M ago39:19

39:19

Welcome to this episode of Sage Advice. Host Chris Bonnell is joined by Dr. Adaira Landry and Dr. Resa Lewiss, the authors of the new book MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact. Join them as they: - Discuss the concept of microskills - Delve into the importance of mentorship and support - Explore the importance of taking initiative Dr. Adaira Land…

1
Propelling Students to Achieve in the Workforce with Dr. Lisa Herring, President of PROPEL 40:57

5M ago40:57

40:57

In this episode of Sage Advice, host Emma Salomon is joined by Dr. Lisa Herring, President of PROPEL and strategic advisor to the U.S. Secretary of Education. Join them as they: - Discuss Dr. Lisa Herring’s journey from administrator to president of PROPEL - Discuss the importance of preparing students for the workforce - Speak on the challenges of…

1
The Future of Workforce Development: Navigating Skills-Centric Learning with Sarah DeMark 39:45

6M ago39:45

39:45

In this episode of Sage Advice, host Chris Bonnell is joined by Sarah DeMark, Vice Provost of Workforce Intelligence and Credential Integrity at Western Governors University (WGU). Join them as they: - Discuss Sarah’s transition from traditional education to skills-centric learning - Delve into skills-based education, stackable credentials, and mee…

1
The Future of Learning Through Disruptive Innovation with Michael Horn 32:37

6M ago32:37

32:37

In this episode of Sage Advice, host Chris Bonnell is joined by Michael Horn, co-founder of Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation. Join them as they: - Discuss how Yale and Harvard Business School led Michael to the Clayton Christensen Institute - Dive into what disruptive innovation means in education and how it’s already happeni…

1
Future-Proofing Careers: Adopting a Skills-Based Approach to Higher Education with Kacey Thorne 38:45

6M ago38:45

38:45

In this episode of Sage Advice, host Chris Bonnell is joined by Kacey Thorne, Senior Director of Skills Architecture at Western Governors University. Join them as they: - Highlight the importance of skills in a rapidly changing job market. - Explore aligning educational models with workforce demands and how WGU is leading the way in skills-based hi…

1
Newest alumni team member walks the talk after graduating with two WGU degrees 33:52

6M ago33:52

33:52

Recent WGU graduate and current member of the alumni team, Ginny Ersery, joins the podcast to share her thoughts on her recent commencement experience in Chicago, and how things are going in her new role.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Bowling Hall of Fame Inductee talks "rolling turkeys" after WGU degree 32:55

6M ago32:55

32:55

Recent WGU Graduate, bowling coach, and two-time bowling hall-of-fame inductee Ronald Simms Jr. joins the podcast to share his thoughts on his WGU journey, his experience speaking at WGU's commencement last spring, and how his bowling team challenged him to go back to college thirty years after he quit the first time.…

1
Revolutionizing Business Education: A Conversation with WGU’s Mitsu Frazier 28:58

7M ago28:58

28:58

In this episode of Sage Advice, host Emma Salomon is joined by Mitsu Frazier, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the College of Business at Western Governors University. Join them as they: - Delve into the evolution of business education. - Discuss WGU’s approach to competency-based education for evolving business needs. - Shine a light on…

1
Safeguarding the Digital Frontier with Paul Bingham 34:01

7M ago34:01

34:01

In this episode of WGU Sage Advice, host Chris Bonnell is joined by Paul Bingham, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the College of Information Technology at Western Governors University (WGU). Join them as they: - Discuss Paul's journey from FBI agent to educator - Delve into the importance of upskilling amidst rapidly evolving threats - …

1
Revolutionizing Higher Education through Competency-Based Learning with Stacey Ludwig Johnson 49:04

7M ago49:04

49:04

In this episode of WGU Sage Advice, host Chris is joined by Stacey Ludwig Johnson, Senior Vice President of Western Governors University (WGU) and the Executive Dean of the School of Education. Join them as they: - Discuss the future of competency-based learning - Elaborate on WGU's impactful one-by-one approach to learning - Talk about the reason …

1
Catching the Alumni Vision with WGU Leadership 45:29

7M ago45:29

45:29

As we kick off the new year, listen to the latest episode to hear WGU Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, Gene Hayes, and Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Development, Robert Sullivan, share their insights into exciting alumni opportunities in 2024 and beyond.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
How WGU is Changing the Face of Nursing Education with Kim Kelly-Cortez 41:26

7M ago41:26

41:26

In the first episode of Season 2 of WGU Sage Advice, host Emma Salomon is joined by Dr. Kim Kelly-Cortez, Senior Associate Dean and Director of Undergraduate Programs at Western Governors University (WGU) and the Vice President of Nursing for the Leavitt School of Health, to discuss the future of nursing education and the innovative approaches bein…

1
Welcome to WGU Sage Advice with Chris Bonnell 1:35

7M ago1:35

1:35

Higher education is at a crossroads, with traditional models being challenged and reimagined every day. At Western Governors University, we're not just participating in this transformation; we're leading it. Welcome to Sage Advice. We bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and educators from WGU to discuss our unique approach to learning tha…

1
WGA and WGU with Jim Ogsbury 32:47

1y ago32:47

32:47

In this episode of the Sage Advice podcast, host Chris Bonnell interviews Jim Ogsbury, former Executive Director of the Western Governors Association (WGA). They discuss the powerful bipartisan collaboration between the WGA and Western Governors University (WGU), and their shared mission to impact the Western states and beyond. WGA, a non-partisan …

1
The Power of Partnerships with David Quam 34:59

1y ago34:59

34:59

Our guest today, David Quam, has had a fascinating career. From his high-paced start as a young employee working on the Contract with America in the mid-1990s to founding his firm, 56 Capitals, two and a half decades later, there has been no shortage of excitement, long hours, and hard-won negotiations. In our conversation with David, we discuss hi…

1
Bridging the Digital Divide with Michael Grote 18:51

1y ago18:51

18:51

Mike Grote is a political consultant and WGU’s voice in the great state of Missouri. He has played a pivotal role in helping the university to make high-quality, low-cost online education available to Missourians. Tune in to hear his story of working closely with legislators to empower students’ journeys, with a vision to see an impact for generati…

1
The Importance of Telling Our Story with Allen Clarkson 30:23

1y ago30:23

30:23

In this episode of the Sage Advice podcast, host Chris Bonnell speaks with Allen Clarkson, Government Relations Manager at Western Governors University (WGU), discussing the incredible growth and evolution of the university over the years. Clarkson, who joined WGU as a contracted employee in 2005, shares his journey from grading papers for the IT c…

1
Competency Based Education with Lucas Kavlie 26:00

1+ y ago26:00

26:00

Episode 02: Show Notes. Achieving a baccalaureate degree in a single year sounds impossible, but what if accreditation was based on competency instead of credit hours? Today, we are discussing competency-based education with the Vice President of Western Governors University, Lucas Kavlie. Tune in to hear the story of Lucas’s background with accred…

1
WGU by the Numbers with Kurt Gunnell 27:36

1+ y ago27:36

27:36

Show Notes. Today Kurt Gunnell joins us to share a little of his world and unpack his role as the Director of Institutional Research at WGU. As someone so focused on the important data of the university, he has amazing insight and ideas around how the data can be leveraged to best serve the students and staff, and we get a real inside look at some …

1
Investing in Students, Investing in States with Bob Collins 34:29

1+ y ago34:29

34:29

Episode 03: Show Notes. There are multiple avenues that students can pursue when it comes to acquiring financial aid. But many aren’t aware that your resultant debt can vary substantially based on a few key choices, and can be greatly minimized through good advice and a personalized financial plan. Today on the show we welcome Bob Collins, WGU’s Vi…

1
Serial Entrepreneur and WGU MBA Grad Corey Alexander 30:36

1+ y ago30:36

30:36

Serial entrepreneur, WGU MBA graduate, and Nashville resident Corey Alexander joins the alumni podcast to share how he manages to run six different business while balancing family and other commitments in the community. A former cornerback with the University of Tennessee and a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, Alexander earned his degree fro…

1
Episode 51_WGU's Alumni Events Specialist Michael Daniel 14:35

1+ y ago14:35

14:35

We are talking alumni events with Michael Daniel from WGU's alumni team. Next up is WGU alumni's annual virtual 5K, the Night Owl Trot. Michael highlights the 5K and the Alumni Celebration, and recaps the Kindness Quest. Visit www.wgu.edu/events for all of the upcoming exciting alumni events.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Season 3 Episode 6: Interview with Jon Sternstein 32:22

2y ago32:22

32:22

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: The Blak Cyber podcast sits down to talk to Jon Stern about Third-Party Risk, and his automated tool for risk assessment "Velocity" Please subscribe and share to support this podcast. Jon's Websites: 1. Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-sternstein/ 2. Professional Website: https://www.sternsecurity.com/ 3. Veloc…

1
Season 3 Episode 5: 3 Tips for Cybersecurity Interviews 4:55

2y ago4:55

4:55

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode I talk about 3 tips for answering cybersecurity interview questions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blakcyber/support

1
Episode 50_WGU VP Paul Bingham and two-time WGU IT grad Chris Abbey talk new Cyber Security Web Series 21:30

2y ago21:30

21:30

WGU College of IT Vice President Paul Bingham and two-time WGU IT graduate Chris Abbey join the alumni podcast to highlight the new Cyber Security Web Series on LinkedIn. Learn about the series, why it's important, and watch the first episode entitled "Risky Business" with Paul and Chris. You can watch the episode here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwqI…

1
Small Business Owner leverages capstone project to take ice cream business to the top 36:04

2y ago36:04

36:04

WGU Graduate and small business owner Nathan Todd joins the alumni podcast to share how his business capstone at WGU led him to purchase a local Iowa ice cream business and who he's successfully expanded into three locations.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 48_WGU IT Graduate and Author Bill Burns 26:01

2y ago26:01

26:01

Two-time WGU graduate and recently published author Bill Burns joins the podcast to discuss his journey as a Senior Principal DevOps Engineer at a Fortune 50 company as well as his latest project: publishing his first book.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Season 3 Episode 4: The Importance Of A Strong Cybersecurity Team 11:38

2y ago11:38

11:38

ABOUT THIS EPISODE: In this episode of the Blak Cyber podcast I turn a lost unpublished blog into a vlog podcast discussing the importance of why it is vitally important to foster a strong, positive, and impactful cyber and information technology team. Please subscribe and share to support this podcast. Websites: https://www.cybrary.it/ Podcast Lin…

1
Episode 47_ Professional Soccer Player beats the competition with WGU's model 33:32

2+ y ago33:32

33:32

Professional Soccer star and WGU Graduate Samantha Johnson joins the alumni podcast to share her experience earning her degree while competing in the National Women's Soccer League and also how she's using her degree in education to impact kids, making them better and more resilient.By WGU Alumni Relations

1
Episode 46_WGU's Senior Vice President of Regional Operations Gene Hayes 29:20

2+ y ago29:20

29:20

Gene Hayes joins the alumni podcast to share WGU’s focus on increasing access and outcomes in higher education. Gene joined WGU in 2020 as Senior Vice President of Regional Operations and is committed to advancing WGU’s mission. In addition to talking about the success of WGU graduates, we talk inspiration, music, and we have a lot of fun with Gene…

1
CEO of Professional Sports support network talks success after WGU journey 21:44

2+ y ago21:44

21:44

WGU grad Amanda Banks is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sports To Suits, LLC. She is also the host of the weekly live show "Sports To Suits", an enterprise sales leader, strategic partnerships creator, and joy enthusiast. She joins the alumni podcast to discuss her WGU journey and life as a successful entrepreneur. The episode also features a special gu…

1
Episode 44_WGU Business Alum Devi Pariya 25:32

2+ y ago25:32

25:32

Raised in Nepal, WGU student Devi Pariyar is fueled with the desire to give back and help the next generation. She’s seen firsthand the importance of compassion, good leadership, and the power education has on changing lives. On this episode she shares her WGU journey and her plans to return to Nepal with her husband to open a school that will help…

1
7. Masters in IT Management Degree Pays Off! 9:16

2+ y ago9:16

9:16

M.S. in IT Management Graduate Rick shares his experience and the benefits he gained while completing the M.S. in IT Management program. Rick found that the MSITM degree helped position him for a promotion and he gained competencies that positioned him for success in his new elevated role.

1
6. IT Leadership in the Cloud w/ Dr Andre Alfred – Microsoft Partner 26:26

2+ y ago26:26

26:26

In this episode, we discuss Dr. Alfred’s role at Microsoft, views on IT education, and vision of managing IT in the coming year.

1
Episode 43_ IT Grad Chad Welch and WGU Texas Chancellor Linda Battles 31:27

2+ y ago31:27

31:27

WGU Texas was created 10 years ago as a partnership between the state of Texas and WGU to expand access to more Texans. On this episode of the podcast, we visit with WGU's Regional Vice President and WGU Texas Chancellor Linda Battles about the growth in Texas as well as hear from IT grad and Texas resident Chad Welch.…

1
5. Individual Victories - The Path from Military to College Grad 25:56

2+ y ago25:56

25:56

Have you ever had someone put limits on you? Learn how WGU can help you to prove them wrong!

1
4. Everything In-Between: Take it One Step at a Time 37:48

2+ y ago37:48

37:48

Sometimes the hardest thing is to take the initial step of faith and get started. After that, it is just one step at a time. Listen in to a conversation with CSS Global Tech.

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