When the Harper Talks podcast launched in 2020, the goal was simple but ambitious.
“I said we’re going to be the Fresh Air of Harper College,” joked Brian Shelton, associate professor of mass communication, who serves as the host of Harper Talks.
A co-production of WHCM 88.3 Harper Radio and Harper Alumni Relations, each episode of the interview show features Brian speaking with an alum about their experiences at the college, as well as their lives and careers after graduation.
Shannon Hynes, director of alumni relations at Harper, is responsible for recruiting potential guests. She said the Harper Talks concept grew out of a desire to give alumni a new way to stay involved.
“We wanted to allow alumni to tell their own stories,” Shannon said. “This is a way to not only connect with alumni but connect their stories to the college.”
Guests have included recent graduates, area business leaders, Harper faculty and many more. Harper Talks airs on WHCM, can be downloaded from Harper’s website and can be found on all podcast streaming services including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
More than five years and 50 episodes later, the award-winning podcast has become a living archive of alumni stories, career journeys and advice for the next generation of Harper students. Over time, the show has evolved with the “looser, longer” early episodes giving way to a tighter format still centered on open conversation. Recent episodes are often captured in Harper’s new podcast recording studio. Brian’s focus remains constant: making guests feel comfortable.
“A lot of them are nervous,” he said. “As host, my goal is to put them at ease. If you can sit down with them and ask about their experiences, people tend to open up.”
Brian Shelton, associate professor, and Shannon Hynes, director of alumni relations,
recently recorded the introduction to the 50th episode of Harper Talks in the Harper
College podcast studio. The milestone episode features advice from different alumni
who have been interviewed on the show during the past five-plus years.
Behind the scenes, Harper students have played a major role in the podcast’s success. Student A/V technician CoBy Pozo has edited episodes for the past two years and WHCM station manager Blue Bailey has helped publish and promote the show. Their work continues the tradition of Harper students gaining real-world experience on campus. Meanwhile, Harper alum Aidan Cashman provided the Harper Talks theme music.
The podcast has earned national recognition, including an award from the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations (NCMPR), but its greatest impact may be the connections it has sparked. Shannon said Harper Talks created a new volunteer opportunity for alumni that didn’t exist, reopening doors for those who hadn’t engaged with the college in years.
“Maybe their first venture back is the podcast,” she said. “Then they learn about what’s happening here and the ways to connect with other alumni or students and even sponsor events. Maybe they even start a scholarship. It’s led to new opportunities.”
The 50th episode features Brian and Shannon reflecting on how the show began and how the pandemic temporarily upended some of their plans. But most of the milestone installment features advice from past guests, including Dr. Christopher Schneider, author and sociologist; Greg Cadichon, owner of Rebound Fitness & Rehabilitation; Dr. Shelomi Gomez, executive leadership coach; and Mike Terson, former public address announcer for the Chicago Cubs. They offer insights on everything from seizing campus opportunities to staying present and involved.
One recurring theme stands out, as shared by alum and former faculty member Laura Pulio Colbert: Be part of the institution and you’ll have a great experience.
That spirit of connection and generosity continues to shape Harper Talks. Looking ahead to the next 50 episodes, Shannon and Brian hope to continue evolving the format, possibly expanding video components while maintaining the authenticity that has defined the show.
“I didn’t know if we’d make it this far, because it’s a lot of work for everybody,” Brian said. “It’s been a great partnership and collaboration.”
For Harper Talks, the conversation is far from over.