Harper College
Alumni

Harper Talks Podcast

Harper Talks Alumni PodcastA co-production of Harper Alumni Program and WHCM Radio.

Listen in as Harper alumni share their stories , experiences , and life journeys. Through Harper Talks conversations led by Associate Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton , Alumni are invited to share how education, career successes and failures and human connection have impacted them along the way.

Harper Talks is a co-production of WHCM 88.3 Harper Student Radio and Harper Alumni Relations. WHCM students assist with editing and production of each episode. Original podcast theme music composed by former Harper College student Aidan Cashman.

Harper Talks episodes can be found on all podcast streaming services including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or other platforms and downloaded below. Learn more about WHCM and support radio students.

Raeghan Graessle, Marie Lapidus, Kevin Long

Harper Talks Bonus Show 7 - Teaching in a Pandemic

In a special bonus episode of Harper Talks Assistant Professor of Communication Arts, Brian Shelton, is joined by his colleagues to discuss the adjustments and adaptations they have made this past year in response to the shifting educational environment. Assistant Professor of Physics, Raeghan Graessle, Assistant Professor of Business and Entrepreneurship, Marie Lapidus and Associate Professor of Speech, Kevin Long, all join Brian Shelton in conversation about their first hand experience with transitioning to isolated learning. Listen to Episode 7

Jamie Pritscher

Harper Talks Show 6 - Jamie Pritscher

2013's Distinguished Alumni award-winner Jamie Pritscher comes from a family of entrepreneurs, drawing from that when she co-founded That's Caring, a socially-conscious and eco-friendly solution to gift baskets. Jamie also founded nuphoriq, a full-service marketing agency specializing in the catering industry, as well as sitting on the boards of the Community Character Coalition and Friends of Busse Woods. Join Jamie and Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton as they discuss getting started, getting involved, and how working for yourself can really be. Listen to Episode 6

Greg Cadichon

Harper Talks Show 5 - Greg Cadichon

2019 Distinguished Alumni Greg Cadichon injured his hamstring training for a National Junior College Athletic Association track meet while enrolled at Harper College. He is no stranger to hardship, and the experience proved to be an education. During the recovery from his injury he became fascinated with the rehabilitation process, eventually founding Rebound Fitness in Northbrook. Join Greg and Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton as they discuss focusing in school, finding a calling, and more on Harper Talks. Listen to Episode 5

Reveca Torres

Harper Talks Show 4 - Reveca Torres

Reveca Torres earned her associate degree from Harper College in 2002, and went on to earn a degree in theatre arts from the University of Arizona in 2004. This is a path made difficult by her paralysis, caused by a car accident at 13 years of age. In 2009, Reveca Torres founded Backbones, a non-profit providing support for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Listen in as Reveca Torres and Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton discuss accessibility, her artistic work, and accomplishments on Harper Talks. Listen to Episode 4

Joe McEnery

Harper Talks Show 3 - Joe McEnery

Alumnus Joe McEnery attended Harper College then majored in education at Illinois State University and taught for 4 years as a middle school teacher. With that beginning you would not assume Joe McEnery would be where he is today, a lieutenant and paramedic in the Elk Grove Village Fire Rescue Department. His experience at Harper College has shaped his career as a public servant. Join Joseph McEnery and Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton as they discuss making life changing career decisions, service to the community and more topics on Harper Talks. Listen to Episode 3

Ann Portmann

Harper Talks Show 2 - Ann Portmann

Ann Portmann had a 20-year career as a financial planner and accountant before she discovered a different calling in nursing. Her experience in the Harper College nursing program started her on the path to earning hospice, palliative nurse, and wound care certifications. She works as the care team manager at JourneyCare Barrington and is a 2020 Harper College Distinguished Alumni. Join Ann Portmann and Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton as they discuss career leaps, hospice care, and more topics on Harper Talks. Listen to Episode 2

Scott Lietzow

Harper Talks Show 1 - Scott Lietzow

Scott Lietzow is the Harper College 2020 Outstanding Recent Alumni Honoree. Having served in the U.S. Marine Corps, Scott Lietzow used the G.I. Bill to earn an education at Harper College. Hear as he and Assistant Professor of Communication Arts Brian Shelton discuss how his time at Harper College and in the Marines prepared Scott for his future. Scott became a member of former U.S. Rep. Bob Dold's congressional campaign and would come to work at Allstate as a military talent senior consultant. Listen to Episode 1

Last Updated: 8/8/24