60 episodes
AV/IT Amplifier Ryan Gray
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- Education
Higher education institutions rely on audio-visual (AV) and information technology (IT) solutions as a key backbone for modern teaching and learning. The AV/IT industry plays a critical role in providing these solutions, and it is important to highlight the latest trends, innovations, and perspectives in this sector. The podcast “The AV/IT Amplifier” aims to fill this gap by featuring interviews with people from Higher Education Institutions and the AV/IT Industry who have an idea, concept, perspective, event or product that would be helpful or interesting to the target audience of higher education technology managers. The host of the podcast is Ryan Gray, Assistant Director of IT at Yavapai College.
“The AV/IT Amplifier” podcast will have a bi-monthly schedule with two recordings per month, each being split in half to provide for weekly episodes. Each episode will be targeted for 30 minutes to be about the length of an average commute. The first half of each recording will focus on the primary topic for that guest, while the second half will be a profile of the person.
The podcast will not only focus on technical topics but also on non-technical ones such as effective people management, pedagogy, community building, building a personal brand, career planning, professional development and other similar topics for our audience. The split episode format allows for a dive into the topic and the opportunity to get to know the person and perhaps draw the connections between why that topic is so important to that guest.
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Godfather of the In-House Integrators with Tom Aldridge
Recorded live at ACCTO 2024, we welcome Tom Aldridge and have a conversation that explores the journey of in-house integration in higher education and AV/IT circles, focusing on the development of an in-house integration team at Yavapai College. It delves into the challenges, strategies, and impact of building and scaling an in-house integration department, as well as the future of technology in construction and design.
Takeaways
-The development of in-house integration in higher education and AV/IT circles is a significant topic, with a focus on the journey of building and scaling an in-house integration team at Yavapai College.
-The conversation highlights the challenges and strategies involved in creating an in-house integration department, as well as the impact and future of technology in construction and design.
-The concept of scalability and the importance of professional development and certification in the field of in-house integration are key takeaways from the conversation.
Connect with Tom:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-aldridge-ms-cts-b34663b/
Tom.Aldridge@nv5.com
Connect with Ryan:
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
ryan@higheredav.com
Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
https://higheredav.com/
Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/
Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you! -
059: Have A Good One with Craig Underwood
We're back for week two with Craig Underwood, the director of AV Engineering at Moravian University. They discuss various topics, including Craig's introverted-extroverted personality, his sessions at Infocom, his teaching style, his career choices, and his perspective on people. Craig emphasizes the importance of understanding the 'why' behind learning and the value of practical examples in teaching. He believes that people are generally good and tries to approach interactions with empathy and a willingness to help.
TakeawaysUnderstanding the 'why' behind learning is crucial for student engagement.Practical examples and project-based learning can help students see the value in what they are learning.Approaching interactions with empathy and a belief in the goodness of people can lead to positive outcomes.
Connect with Craig:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caunderwood/
Connect with Ryan:
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
ryan@higheredav.com
Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
https://higheredav.com/
Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/
Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!
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058: The Formula for Success with Craig Underwood
In this conversation, Ryan Gray interviews Craig Underwood, the director of AV Engineering at Moravian University. They discuss Craig's journey in the AV industry and his keys to success, which include staying humble, being curious, being persistent, and paying it forward. Craig emphasizes the importance of continuously learning and adapting to new technologies, as well as the satisfaction of solving problems and making a positive impact. He also highlights the value of sharing knowledge and supporting others in the industry. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights for AV professionals at all stages of their careers.
TakeawaysStaying humble, being curious, being persistent, and paying it forward are key factors for success in the AV industry.Continuous learning and adaptability are crucial in a rapidly changing industry.Solving problems and making a positive impact are rewarding aspects of working in AV.Sharing knowledge and supporting others in the industry is important for personal and professional growth.Humility and curiosity go hand in hand, as being humble allows for a willingness to learn and explore new ideas.Persistence is essential in troubleshooting and finding solutions to complex problems.Paying it forward by helping others and sharing experiences contributes to the growth and success of the AV industry.
Connect with Craig:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/caunderwood/
Connect with Ryan:
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
ryan@higheredav.com
Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
https://higheredav.com/
Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/
Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you! -
057: That Thing You Think Is Not Normal, It's Super Normal with Molly Gray
We're back for week 2 with the most popular guest of the show's first year, Molly Gray. Don't miss this chat about topics including Halloween costumes, facing fears, the importance of touch, hard conversations, pets, sandwiches, puzzles, and plants. Molly shares her love for the Thanksgiving sandwich and expresses her desire to talk about plants with someone. They end the conversation with their usual sign-off phrases.
Takeaways
Facing fears can lead to personal growth and empowermentThe Thanksgiving sandwich is the absolute bestPuzzles provide a sense of accomplishment and help to still the mindMolly enjoys talking about plants and would like to connect with other plant enthusiasts
Connect with Molly:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymgray/
Molly.M.Gray@asu.edu
Connect with Ryan:
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
ryan@higheredav.com
Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
https://higheredav.com/
Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/
Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you! -
056: Navigating Difficult Conversations with Molly Gray
In this episode, Ryan Gray celebrates the one-year anniversary of the AVIT Amplifier podcast by bringing back his wife, Molly Gray, who is an HR professional. They discuss the topic of having difficult conversations, both in personal and professional settings. Molly shares insights on how to prepare for and approach difficult conversations, emphasizing the importance of normalizing the difficulty and acknowledging the fear and stress involved. She also provides strategies for reducing defensiveness and building empathy in these conversations. The episode highlights the need for practice and experience in handling difficult conversations and explores the impact of the environment on these interactions.
Takeaways
Difficult conversations are common in both personal and professional settings and can be challenging to navigate.Normalizing the difficulty of these conversations is important to reduce isolation and shame.Recognizing and managing the fear and stress involved in difficult conversations is crucial.Strategies for reducing defensiveness include giving ground, asking questions, and focusing on facts.Building empathy and considering the other person's perspective can lead to more productive conversations.Experience and practice are key in developing skills for handling difficult conversations.The environment can impact the dynamics of difficult conversations and should be taken into account.
Sound Bites
"Normalizing that tension and that stress around difficult conversations is a big part of what I do.""Your brain is having an extraordinarily hard time checking in with you. All it wants you to do is react.""Defensiveness is hands down the worst thing you can bring to a difficult conversation."
Connect with Molly:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollymgray/
Molly.M.Gray@asu.edu
Connect with Ryan:
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
ryan@higheredav.com
Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
https://higheredav.com/
Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/
Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you! -
055: I am the Michael Scott of the Office with Chris Dieterich
In this episode, Ryan Gray interviews Chris Dietrich, the manager of the Learning Technologies team for the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix. They discuss topics such as introversion vs. extroversion, the importance of pushing oneself out of their comfort zone, the TV show 'The Office,' and the concept of the multiverse. Chris shares his background in finance and his passion for helping others with their financial goals. He also emphasizes the value of having a set schedule and accomplishing what you intend to do each day.
Keywords
introversion, extroversion, comfort zone, The Office, multiverse, finance, schedule, accomplishment
Takeaways
Pushing oneself out of their comfort zone is important for personal and career growth.
Toastmasters can be a helpful resource for improving public speaking skills.
Having a set schedule can increase productivity and help accomplish daily goals.
Whitney Houston is considered an iconic singer with an unmatched voice.
It's important to reflect on one's accomplishments and ensure that there are no regrets at the end of the day.
Connect with Chris:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-dieterich-cts-22843190/
cdieterich@arizona.edu
Connect with Ryan:
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
ryan@higheredav.com
Follow the Show:
https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifier
https://higheredav.com/
Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/
Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!