In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse turn the tables (or microphone, rather) on Dr. Ashton Ridley, General Manager of KUNV 91.5 FM, to explore his journey in public radio and higher education. Dr. Ridley traces his path from a chance high school internship at KCEP to a 20+ year career mentoring hundreds of young broadcasters. He reflects on how education from workforce development to public policy shaped his management philosophy and prepared him to lead one of Las Vegas’s most successful public radio stations. The conversation also touches on Dr. Ridley's life as a military child, his commitment to paying it forward, and how he balances work, family, and continuous community engagement.

This episode of Inside JMS features Ryan “RT” Thorp, Video Production Specialist and instructor in the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies. RT shares with hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse how a love of drumming led him from an initial path studying music education to a career in broadcast and live production. He reflects on his professional journey through several Las Vegas television stations, his return to UNLV-TV, and the origins of his production philosophy: “Don’t freak out. Figure it out.” Along the way, RT discusses teaching hands-on video courses including Studio G and the new Sports & Entertainment Production class, his philosophy of bringing real-world experience into the classroom, and how he attempts to balance life, graduate school, and fatherhood.

In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Jennifer Ream, Executive Producer of UNLV-TV. Jennifer traces her career trajectory from UNLV communication and broadcast student to her leadership position at UNLV-TV. She reflects on the evolution of UNLV-TV from its early days in the basement of the FDH building to its digital transformation in Greenspun Hall. Along the way, Jennifer discusses the importance of balance between career and family, and offers insights into how technology, creativity, and mentorship continue to shape student success at UNLV.

Season 3 of the Inside JMS podcast kicks off with a bang with UNLV-TV Editor, multimedia extraordinaire, and proud UNLV Journalism and Media Studies alum, Sean Skottey. Sean shares with hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse his path from UNLV student to media professional, his love of technology and storytelling, and the mentors who helped shape his career. He also reflects on his teaching philosophy, the role of problem-solving in media, and his dedication to serving students, family, and community. Sean’s perspective offers inspiration, wisdom, and a reminder that adding value to others is one of the most impactful things we can do.

In this episode of Inside JMS, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Dr. Matt Eichner, who joined the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies in January 2024. Matt shares his unique journey from a diverse journalism career, including stints as a sports editor and managing editor, to transitioning into academia. After teaching adjunct courses and pursuing a PhD at the University of Oregon, Matt realized his passion for teaching and mentoring young journalists. The conversation delves into his experiences in the newspaper industry, his teaching philosophy focused on producing professional-level writing, and the importance of storytelling across various media platforms. Additionally, Matt gives insight into his personal life, including family adventures and his love for Texas barbecue, sports, and hiking. It’s an engaging look at a faculty member bringing both practical experience and theoretical knowledge to the classroom.

Bumsoo Park is the featured guest in this episode of Inside JMS. Bumsoo joined the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media studies in the summer of 2023 as an assistant professor specializing in sports media and strategic communication. Hosts Kevin and Dave chat with Bumsoo about how growing up playing soccer in Seoul, South Korea sparked a lifelong passion for sports which eventually led him to pursue a Masters degreein Sports Management from Florida State University and a PhD from the University of Alabama. The conversation covers a wide range of issues from NIL (name, image and likeness), to college football, to cooking steak. It's a great time getting to know the School's newest researcher and scholar!

One of the newest faculty members in the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies joins us for this episode of Inside JMS. After a distinguished sports reporting career at broadcast television stations across the country, Kevaney Martin joined the faculty in Fall 2023 as a Visiting Lecturer. Kevaney shares with hosts Kevin and Dave how after spending four years playing Division 1 collegiate basketball she took an unpaid internship in Sioux Falls, South Dakota which primed her for a career in sports media. Now as a new faculty member we learn how Kevaney is inspiring the next generation of sports media professionals. There's a lot to unpack in this episode, including how, even after SIX knee surgeries, Kevaney's still out running trails, and the reaction from basketball great Reggie Miller when she met Kevaney's dog, Reggie Miller.

We launch season two of Inside JMS with a conversation with Dr. Gregory Borchard. Greg is a full professor in the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies and wears additional hats as the School's Associate Director and Undergraduate Coordinator. Outside of his teaching and administrative duties, Dr. Borchard has authored several books and he recently completed editing the second edition of The Encyclopedia of Journalism, which contained more than a million words! In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse chat with Greg about what fuels his passion for the 19th century press, what he's currently working on, and just how long it took him to complete a 13,500-piece jigsaw puzzle.