The Sound Bearier

Northeast State Community College
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  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Sound Bearier seeks to acquaint listeners with Northeast State Community College news and events. Our hosts Mackenzie Moore-Gent, Matt Poole, and Thomas Wilson interview staff, faculty, students, and alumni to bring you the latest in all things Northeast State! *** All opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of "The Sound Bearier" are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of Northeast State Community College. Any content provided by our hosts or guests is for educational purposes. Northeast State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree. Northeast State also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Northeast State Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

  1. Building Futures: Apprenticeships That Work

    MAY 15

    Building Futures: Apprenticeships That Work

    What does an apprenticeship look like in 2026, and why are more students and employers turning to them as a pathway to success? On this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State Community College Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Holly Free-Ollard and Director of Apprenticeships Dawn Carter to explore how apprenticeships are changing lives across the region. From hands-on training and paid work experience to partnerships with local industries, the conversation dives into how Northeast State is helping students gain real-world skills while meeting workforce needs throughout the Tri-Cities. Whether you're a student exploring career options or an employer looking to invest in the future workforce, this episode highlights the impact and opportunity behind apprenticeship programs at Northeast State. #NortheastState #TheSoundBearier #Apprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted Chapters (00:00:08) - Sound Bearier(00:00:57) - The Office of Apprenticeships at Northeast State Community College(00:05:55) - What is the Knoxville Regional Apprenticeship Program?(00:07:46) - Employment and Training: How do we help our workers?(00:09:28) - What kind of training does an apprentice get?(00:11:32) - What are employers telling you that they need in the future or what(00:15:56) - Are these credits transferable if they do want to eventually pursue an(00:19:53) - What is the Apprenticeship Program at Northeast State University?(00:22:29) - National Apprenticeship Week Celebration(00:24:58) - What types of gaps are employers seeking to fill with their apprenticeships(00:29:23) - What are the opportunities for apprenticeships in healthcare?(00:36:08) - Do Advanced Manufacturing Partners Need an Apprenticeship Program?

    43 min
  2. 60 Years of Growth: A Conversation With Northeast State's First Instructor

    MAY 15

    60 Years of Growth: A Conversation With Northeast State's First Instructor

    In 1966, Northeast State Community College looked very different. The College was known as Tri-Cities Area Vocational-Technical School, classes were just beginning and the foundation for the institution we know today was only starting to take shape. In this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Tom Jarrell — Northeast State’s very first instructor. Jarrell reflects on the College’s earliest days, the evolution of its programs and students and what it has been like watching Northeast State grow over the past 60 years. As the College celebrates its 60th anniversary, this conversation offers a firsthand look at the people and moments that helped shape its history. #TheSoundBearier #NortheastState #WereJustGettingStarted #Since1966 #HereToGetYouThere Chapters (00:00:08) - Welcome to The Sound Bearier!(00:00:58) - Tennessee Vocational Technical School(00:10:00) - Teaching the Trade in the Early Years(00:22:08) - How the College Has Evolved(00:38:16) - Off to The Races: Tricycles Edition(00:42:32) - Six P's for Success(00:48:23) - Thanks for Listening!

    49 min
  3. 60 Years, One Vision at Northeast State

    MAY 4

    60 Years, One Vision at Northeast State

    In this special episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State President Dr. Jeff McCord to reflect on the College’s 60th anniversary. From its earliest days to the momentum building across campus today, Dr. McCord shares insight into how Northeast State has grown, adapted and stayed true to its mission of connecting people to prosperity. The conversation explores where the College is now—and where it’s headed next—as it continues serving students, strengthening partnerships and shaping the future of our region. Sixty years in, and we’re just getting started. Chapters (00:00:00) - 60 Years of Northeast State Community College(00:00:53) - Northeast State College's 60th Anniversary(00:07:32) - The role of apprenticeships in our region(00:11:46) - The whole of Northeast State(00:14:40) - A Moment of Community Engagement(00:19:05) - Donors Make an Impact(00:23:00) - Celebrating the College's 60th Anniversary(00:26:34) - We're Going to Break the Morphic Field(00:32:14) - Let's Break the Morphic Field(00:37:29) - Sen. McKenzie on student engagement(00:40:14) - What are some barriers that prevent people from coming to college?(00:46:01) - longest answer of any podcast interviewee(00:47:51) - Higher education: More than a credential(00:51:54) - Northeast State College's growth plan(00:57:16) - The Journey: Part 3(00:57:31) - Northeast State President Tom Day on Community College messaging(00:59:48) - The Alumni Banquet(01:01:09) - Look at Us, Look at Our Work(01:02:53) - Tell Our Story(01:06:19) - Dr. Tom McCord

    1h 8m
  4. Northeast State's First Radiologic Tech Class

    APR 28

    Northeast State's First Radiologic Tech Class

    Northeast State Community College's Radiologic Technology program is celebrating a major milestone: its first graduating class. In this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with program director Ivan Kennedy and student Leslie Smith, who is preparing to graduate this May as part of the program’s inaugural cohort. Leslie shares her journey through the two-year program, what drew her to the field and how hands-on learning has prepared her for what’s next. Ivan offers insight into building the program from the ground up and what this first class represents for the future of Health Professions education at Northeast State. Chapters (00:00:06) - Welcome to The Sound Bearier(00:01:03) - Radiologic Technology at Northeast State(00:05:49) - What is a Radiologic Tech Student?(00:08:08) - How to Become a Radiologic Technologist(00:16:18) - The Importance of Cross-Training(00:21:42) - Radiologic Tech Prerequisites(00:24:37) - The Oddest Thing You've Seen in an X-ray(00:27:55) - Northeast State's 1st Radiologic Tech Class(00:31:56) - Thanks for Listening to The Sound Bearier

    33 min
  5. A Breath of Fresh Direction with Caleb Owens

    APR 9

    A Breath of Fresh Direction with Caleb Owens

    Recent Northeast State graduate Caleb Owens sits down with The Sound Bearier co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent to share what's next in his respiratory therapy journey. Owens reflects on how he found his path, what shaped his decision and how his experience at Northeast State helped set the foundation for what’s next. Chapters (00:00:00) - Meet Caleb Owens(00:03:03) - Respiratory Therapy at Northeast State(00:07:27) - Respiratory Therapy in Tennessee(00:14:55) - Challenges of Student Life(00:16:06) - Non-Traditional College Experience(00:28:59) - Wonders of College: Advice for Adult Learners(00:31:43) - Getting Involved on Campus

    35 min
  6. From Northeast State to Bell: Taylor Williams

    APR 9

    From Northeast State to Bell: Taylor Williams

    In this episode of The Sound Bearier, we’re joined by Northeast State alumnus Taylor Williams, an Aviation Technology graduate now working as an HR associate at Bell. As part of the College’s 60th anniversary, we’re highlighting alumni who have taken their education to new heights, and Taylor’s path shows there’s more than one way to get there. He shares how his experience at Northeast State helped shape his career, how he found his place in the aviation industry beyond the technical side and what he’s learned along the way. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Sound Barrier(00:00:42) - Employee Taylor Williams on the Journey(00:04:31) - How to Get Your Bachelor's Degree While Working Full Time(00:05:25) - A and P School: Time Management(00:07:56) - Flights and Crews Internships(00:11:03) - What is an Airframe Inspection Certificate (A&P)(00:12:06) - "Push Planes": Students Try Aviation(00:13:46) - Bell Helicopter Interns: Transition from Student to Full Time(00:16:54) - Bell Helicopter's Day to Day Role(00:20:59) - Piney Flats Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Inspection(00:23:11) - Challenges of Starting Your Career in Technology(00:28:53) - Photographer and Bell Helicopter Employee(00:34:58) - Pilot School: Taking Advantage of Opportunities

    40 min
  7. Grit, Growth and Gold: Rose Bleckley’s Story

    APR 9

    Grit, Growth and Gold: Rose Bleckley’s Story

    In this episode of The Sound Bearier, we sit down with Northeast State student and SkillsUSA national gold medalist Rose Bleckley. Rose’s journey hasn’t been easy. After facing health challenges, she refused to let those obstacles define her path. Instead, she pushed forward, earning gold at the SkillsUSA national competition and following it up with a silver medal at this year’s state level. Now, she’s preparing for her next chapter at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Join us as Rose shares her story of perseverance, growth and determination — and what it truly means to keep going, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:01) - Meet Rose Bleckley(00:03:20) - Welding, Tools and All That Fun Stuff(00:04:24) - Candle Projects(00:08:37) - Environmental Issues(00:10:57) - SkillsUSA(00:16:43) - Placing 1st at Nationals(00:21:30) - SkillsUSA State Conference(00:27:04) - The Northeast State Support System(00:47:23) - Anxiety on a College Campus(00:53:02) - Thanks for Listening

    54 min
  8. Legacy in Motion: Greg Walters Reflects on Northeast State

    MAR 30

    Legacy in Motion: Greg Walters Reflects on Northeast State

    As Northeast State Community College celebrates its 60th anniversary, we’re kicking off the year with a conversation rooted in reflection and forward momentum. In this episode, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Greg Walters, a longtime member and friend of the Northeast State community. Though he retired from the College, Greg remains closely connected through his work with the Alumni Association and his continued dedication to Northeast State's mission. Learn how Northeast State has evolved over the years through stories, milestones and behind-the-scenes moments that have helped shape the College into what it is today. From past to present, this conversation offers a look at the people, purpose and progress that continue to define Northeast State. We're just getting started! Chapters (00:01:29) - Northeast State's 60th Anniversary(00:04:40) - Greg Walters at Northeast State(00:26:40) - The Northeast State Student Connection(00:32:30) - The Alumni Association(01:00:55) - Meet the Alumni Director of Northeast State(01:09:26) - Alumni Association: Benefits of Being Involved

    1h 27m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Sound Bearier seeks to acquaint listeners with Northeast State Community College news and events. Our hosts Mackenzie Moore-Gent, Matt Poole, and Thomas Wilson interview staff, faculty, students, and alumni to bring you the latest in all things Northeast State! *** All opinions expressed by the hosts and guests of "The Sound Bearier" are solely their opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of Northeast State Community College. Any content provided by our hosts or guests is for educational purposes. Northeast State Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree. Northeast State also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Northeast State Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Information

  • Creator
    Northeast State Community College
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    75
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020
  • Show Website
    The Sound Bearier