Harper Talks Podcast

Harper Talks Alumni Podcast A 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.

Harper Talks Episode 51 – Maham Khan

Harper alumna and current mass communication professor Maham Khan’s journey started at Harper with uncertainty—and during the tumultuous days of 9/11—and lead to her discovering her voice through leadership, speech and debate, and ultimately journalism. She reflects on overcoming stigma around community college, transferring to Northwestern, and building a career in Chicago media before returning to Harper as faculty. Maham also discusses her upcoming memoir project with a wrongfully convicted exoneree and offers meaningful advice to students about embracing growth, resilience, and self discovery. Listen to Episode 51

Episode 50 - A Look Back

Episode 50 is here! Countless stories. One powerful community. In this milestone episode of the Harper Talks Alumni Podcast, we’re revisiting the powerful advice from alumni over the past five years — the moments that inspired our listeners to say yes, take risks, and create their own paths. Their journeys started at Harper. Their impact reaches far beyond. Tune in and get inspired. Episode 50 is live! Listen to Episode 50

Harper Talks Episode 49 – Phyllis Higgins

US Army veteran and Harper College alumna Phyllis Higgins joins Harper Talks to share her inspiring journey from military service to corporate success. Phyllis reflects on returning to school through Harper’s Fast Track program, balancing work and family, and finding her passion in supporting others. Now an apprenticeship talent navigator at Zurich Insurance, she champions opportunities that help students and career-changers thrive. Phyllis shares a powerful reminder to take the leap, invest in yourself, and “just do it.” Listen to Episode 49

Harper Talks Episode 48 – Izabela Pieniadz

Meet Izabela Pieniadz, 2012 Harper College graduate and a 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. From discovering her passion for art and history at Harper to leading the Ellwood House Museum in DeKalb, Illinois, Izabela shares how curiosity, saying “yes” to opportunities, and a love of historic preservation shaped her path. Tune in as she discusses her time at Harper College, getting her start at the Art Institute of Chicago, earning two master’s degrees, her impactful work in arts and culture, and her advice for students finding their own way. Listen to Episode 48

Harper Talks Episode 47 – Maria and Jose Macias

Meet Maria and Jose Macias, a Harper College love story that grew into a life of leadership, community impact, and successful careers. On this episode of Harper Talks, the married alumni duo shares how Harper gave them opportunities to explore their educational curiosity, build connection through Latinos Unidos, and ultimately meet each other. Today, Jose leads in real estate and financial literacy education, while Maria drives innovation in restaurant design around the world. Their journey highlights resilience, passion for curiosity, and the power of finishing what you start. Listen to Episode 47

Harper Talks Episode 46 – Dr. Joseph Sagerer

Dr. Joseph Sagerer, a 2024 Harper College Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, began as an uncertain high school student and flourished into a physics Ph.D. and pioneering researcher. In this episode of Harper Talks, Dr. Sagerer shares how Harper helped launch his academic career and discusses his current work using cosmic rays to map the ancient Chichen Itza pyramid in Mexico —offering his undergraduate students at Dominican University a rare hands-on research experience. Tune in to hear how physics, archeology, and education collide in this real-life Indiana Jones story. Follow along with Dr. Sagerer's project to search for hidden chambers in Kukulcan's pyramid at the world heritage site in Chichen Itza, Mexico. Listen to Episode 46

Harper Talks Episode 45 – Ushna Zamir

In this episode of Harper Talks, alumna Ushna Zamir shares how Harper College shaped her journey—from finding lifelong friendships to discovering a passion for communications. She shares how her experience on the speech team and support from mentors helped her shift from a STEM path to a new field of study. Now thriving in HR at Raytheon, she encourages students to be open to new opportunities, get involved, and trust the process. Listen to Episode 45

Harper Talks Episode 44 – Steven Mastandrea

Harper College alumnus Steven Mastandrea shares his journey from Harper to the University of Illinois, where he studied computer engineering. During his time there in the 1990s, he gained early exposure to the internet boom which helped shape his career. Mastandrea also discusses his dual career paths — serving as Vice President of Engineering at Vibes while dedicating years to firefighting, EMS, and dive rescue work. Steven emphasizes the value of starting at a community college to explore interests and save money before transferring to a university. Listen to Episode 44

Harper Talks Episode 43 - Andrew Payette

Harper Talks host Brian Shelton sits down with alumnus Andrew Payette, a 2018 Harper College graduate and current constituent services liaison for U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. Andrew shares how his involvement with Harper’s speech and debate team led to an internship that evolved into a full-time role in public service. He discusses the apolitical nature of his work, assisting constituents with government-related issues, and reflects on how his Harper experience prepared him for his continued studies at Northwestern University. Andrew also offers insight into the realities of working in government and his aspirations for a future in public service. Listen to Episode 43

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