POLKcast

Polk State College

Polk State College’s official podcast.

  1. 04/07/2025

    POLKcast: Why does it matter? Part 2 of understanding the relevance of coursework

    In this season finale of POLKcast, President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, Academic Coach and Recruitment Specialist Jeannette Grullon, Professor of Nursing Viridiana Coyt, and Professor of Biology and Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Advisor Anthony Cornett discuss the value in connecting coursework to career and life goals. Missed Part 1? Listen here. POLKcast’s fifth season was developed by the students and advisors of Polk State College’s award-winning Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter. It tackles the pressing challenges faced by students with insights drawn directly from a survey conducted by the Xi Pi Chapter. Each episode explores various topics, from emotional and mental stress to the cost of attending college and preparing for classes. With a focus on raising awareness and providing actionable solutions, the Xi Pi Chapter invites a range of expert guests and community leaders to offer valuable resources and guidance for student success. POLKcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and polk.edu. The post POLKcast: Why does it matter? Part 2 of understanding the relevance of coursework appeared first on Polk State College.

  2. 03/24/2025

    POLKcast: Why does it matter? Understanding the relevance of coursework

    In this first episode of a two-part finale of POLKcast’s fifth season featuring Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi, Professor and Advisor Anthony Cornett facilitates a productive conversation with Polk State President Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, Academic Coach and Recruitment Specialist Jeannette Grullon, and Professor of Nursing Viridiana Coyt connecting coursework to career and life goals. This episode delves into why some students may struggle to see the value in their classes, offering insights from experts on how general education courses can align with long-term aspirations, even when the immediate connection to a future career isn’t clear. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding how coursework contributes to developing real-world skills and emphasizes the significance of finding relevance in every aspect of academic life, regardless of the specific subject matter. The post POLKcast: Why does it matter? Understanding the relevance of coursework appeared first on Polk State College.

  3. 02/12/2025

    POLKcast: Getting ready for success and overcoming academic under-preparedness

    In this episode of POLKcast, the Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter focuses on the challenges many students face when they feel unprepared for the academic demands of college. The discussion dives into why some students struggle to keep up with college-level coursework and how to overcome these hurdles. Key topics include bridging gaps in academic preparedness through resources like remedial courses, tutoring, and study groups. Guests for the episode include: Kelly Tye, former Xi Pi member and writing tutor, who discusses how tutoring, writing centers, and workshops can help students improve their academic skills. Chris Fullerton, Teaching Learning Computing Center (TLCC) and Learning Resources Director, who elaborates on the available academic support services. Jarrod Jones, Librarian, who shares insights into how library resources can assist students in overcoming academic challenges. They share practical advice for students on how to persevere and succeed, even if they start their college journey feeling behind. This episode offers valuable tips and resources for students looking to overcome early academic struggles and set themselves up for success. The post POLKcast: Getting ready for success and overcoming academic under-preparedness appeared first on Polk State College.

  4. 01/24/2025

    POLKcast: Being a student caretaker, balancing studies and family

    In the latest episode of POLKcast, Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi delves into the challenges faced by students who must juggle the responsibilities of caring for sick or elderly family members while pursuing their academic goals. This episode discusses the emotional and practical pressures these students face, such as the struggle to balance coursework, caregiving, and personal well-being. Arielyz Armaiz, a former Xi Pi Vice President of Service and caretaker for her mother during her battle with cancer, offers encouragement and advice to students in similar situations, sharing her journey and the strategies that helped her succeed. Anthony Cornett, Xi Pi Chapter Advisor and Professor of Biology, shares how students have successfully navigated the delicate balance between their academic and caregiving duties. Through these perspectives, the episode provides practical solutions and emotional support for student caregivers.   The post POLKcast: Being a student caretaker, balancing studies and family appeared first on Polk State College.

  5. 01/10/2025

    POLKcast: Overcoming emotional stress and finding balance in college

    Disclaimer: This episode of POLKcast contains conversations revolving around suicide, depression, and trauma. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.  In this episode of POLKcast, the Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter tackles the topic of emotional stress—one of the top concerns facing college students today. Guests explore the common challenges that contribute to stress, including balancing academic demands, personal responsibilities, and social life. Students Alijah Martinez, Xi Pi Vice President of Fellowship, and Rebecca Pace, Xi Pi Treasurer, share their personal experiences with emotional stress and the coping strategies they’ve found most effective, such as mindfulness, exercise, and time management. Kim Pearsall, Director of Disability & Counseling Services at Polk State College, offers expert insight into how students can recognize emotional stress early and benefit from campus resources such as the BayCare Student Assistance Program which provides Polk State students with free, confidential access to counseling services. This episode highlights valuable tools for students to manage stress, stay focused, and maintain balance in their college journey.   The post POLKcast: Overcoming emotional stress and finding balance in college appeared first on Polk State College.

  6. 12/12/2024

    POLKcast: Balancing college, kids, and a busy life

    In this episode of POLKcast, the Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter explores the challenges and strategies for maintaining a family while attending college. Balancing academic demands with parenting responsibilities can be overwhelming, but guest Tania Sanchez, a mother of three and former Xi Pi Chapter President, offers practical advice and personal insights. Anthony Cornett, Xi Pi Chapter Advisor and Professor of Biology, discusses the various pressures faced by student-parents and highlights the resources available to help navigate this journey, from flexible class schedules to childcare options. This POLKcast episode provides valuable perspectives on how to successfully bridge the family-college divide. Whether you’re a current or prospective student-parent, this episode offers helpful tips and inspiration for juggling both responsibilities.   The post POLKcast: Balancing college, kids, and a busy life appeared first on Polk State College.

  7. 12/09/2024

    POLKcast: Breaking the mental health stigma in college

    In this episode of POLKcast, Phi Theta Kappa’s Xi Pi Chapter explores common mental health challenges faced by students, such as anxiety and depression, and discusses strategies for addressing these issues. Guests include Kim Pearsall, Director of Disability and Counseling Services, who shares insights into campus resources like the BayCare Student Assistance Program. Listeners will also hear powerful stories from student guests, Madison Desoto and Alyssa Hall, who open up about their personal experiences with mental health struggles and the importance of reducing stigma on campus. Tune in to learn more about how students can access support and promote mental health awareness in their communities.   The post POLKcast: Breaking the mental health stigma in college appeared first on Polk State College.

  8. 11/18/2024

    Phi Theta Kappa launches Pathways to Success series

    POLKcast returns for its highly anticipated fifth season, featuring Polk State College’s Phi Theta Kappa Xi Pi Chapter. Hosted by Cole Johnson, the chapter’s Vice President for Leadership, this season tackles the pressing challenges faced by students—insights drawn directly from a survey conducted by the Xi Pi Chapter. Each episode explores a variety of topics, from emotional and mental stress to the cost of attending college and preparing for classes. With a focus on raising awareness and providing actionable solutions, the Xi Pi Chapter invites a range of expert guests and community leaders to offer valuable resources and guidance for student success. This season, POLKcast is more than just a conversation—it’s a resource for students to find the support they need to thrive at Polk State College and beyond. In this introductory episode, Johnson sits down with Polk State College President Angela Garcia Falconetti to announce the latest season of POLKcast.   The post POLKcast: Phi Theta Kappa launches Pathways to Success series appeared first on Polk State College.

See All (20)

About

Polk State College’s official podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Polk State College
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 POLKcast
  • Show Website
    POLKcast