YC & YOU - A Yavapai College Podcast

In this episode of YC and You, host Michael Grady sits down with Robyn Bryce, Ustadza White, and Thatcher Bohrman to explore the soon-to-open Center for Learning and Innovation (CLI). More than a reimagined library, the new CLI brings together tutoring, immersive technology, teaching support, and collaborative learning spaces under one innovative roof. The team shares the vision behind the project, highlights groundbreaking feature...

In this episode of YC and You, host Michael Grady sits down with Helen Stephenson, Director of Yavapai College’s School of Film and Media Arts and founder of the Prescott Film Festival. Helen explores how video has become an essential language across industries and shares how YC trains students to become skilled storytellers—on screen, behind the camera, and in the editing room. They discuss hands-on learning, new certificates in e...

In this festive episode of YC and You, host Michael Grady unwraps the joyful lineup of December events at Yavapai College Performing Arts Center with guests Inesa Hoover and Chris Tenney.

From the smooth swing of The Gift of Jazz and Ballet Victoria’s stunning Nutcracker to the return of the student musical Spelling Bee, Holiday Harmonies, and Candlelight Carols, the YCPAC offers something for every holiday mood. Rounding out the se...

In this episode of YC and You, host Michael Grady sits down with Diana Dowling, Associate VP of Enrollment Management, and Kelly O’Brien, Senior Financial Aid Advisor and Scholarship Coordinator, to discuss Cash for College—Yavapai College’s unique, one-stop scholarship event. 

They explain how anyone, from high school students to lifelong learners, can connect directly with local funders, find scholarships that fit their story, and...

In this inspiring episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina welcomes Yavapai College’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) advisors Deanna Baker and Brenda Lee, along with student leaders Campbell and Luke. 

They share how FBLA transforms classroom lessons into real-world experience through competitions, service projects, and leadership development. From national awards to Shark Tank–style pitches and Red Cross partnerships, the...

In this episode of YC and You YCNU, hosts Cadu Medina and Mike Grady sit down with Ryan Jones, Research Economist at Yavapai College, to explore the college’s 2025 Economic Impact Study.

Ryan breaks down how YC contributes more than $237 million to Yavapai County’s economy—supporting over 3,000 local jobs and generating a remarkable return of $6.80 for every dollar invested in education.

The conversation dives into how alumni success...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, we go behind the curtain with Heather "Scottie" Scott, Artistic Director for the Jim & Linda Lee Performing Arts Center, and Brierley Graham, who stars as Eleanor Dashwood in their upcoming production of Sense and Sensibility. 

They discuss the unique, fast-paced adaptation by Kate Hamill, which reimagines Jane Austen’s classic as a witty, Regency-era rom-com infused with mode...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, hosts Cadu Medina and Michael Grady sit down with Ryan Avery Follensbee, Director of Viticulture and Enology at Yavapai College’s Southwest Wine Center. Ryan shares his journey from a Park City wine store to leading one of Arizona's premier wine education programs. 

The conversation explores the Southwest Wine Center’s unique hands-on approach to wine education, the growth of the Verde...

In this episode of the YC and You Podcast, guest host Michael Grady is joined by Chris Tenney, Tim Hull, and Inese Hoover to preview an extraordinary October filled with music, art, and performances at Yavapai College. From intimate chamber concerts and mariachi legends to the Transforming Traditions art exhibit and Mavis Staples live in concert, this episode highlights the incredible variety of events happening at the Jim & Li...

In this episode of the YC and You Podcast, host Cadu Medina interviews writer and storyteller Mike Grady about the launch of the new YC & You Magazine. They discuss the magazine’s mission to celebrate Yavapai College’s students, faculty, and programs through compelling stories of perseverance, achievement, and innovation. 

Discover the inspiration behind the magazine, the editorial process, and how this publication captures the ...

In this follow-up episode of the YC and You Podcast, host Cadu Medina sits down with Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine to address unanswered questions from the recent Convocation live Q&A session with the Executive Leadership Team. 

Dr. Rhine provides updates on key topics, including student presence at the Verde Valley campus, the upcoming Center for Learning and Innovation in Prescott, advancements in health science pro...

In this episode of the YC and You Podcast, hosts Cadu Medina and Mike Grady sit down with Marnee Zazueta, CTE Associate Dean at Yavapai College's Chino Valley campus, to discuss the highly anticipated Harvest Fest. Discover the exciting fall activities planned for October 11th, including hayrides, a beer garden, live music, a pumpkin patch, and hands-on demonstrations of Yavapai College programs like agriculture, drone flying,...

In this episode of the YC and You podcast, hosts Cadu Medina and Mike Grady dive into a captivating conversation with Ruth Ellen Elinski from Yavapai College’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Discover how the SBDC empowers entrepreneurs, from turning hobbies into thriving businesses to navigating the complexities of business plans, funding, and growth strategies. Ruth Ellen shares insights on customized consulting, free re...

In this episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina welcomes Tricia Berlowe and Chris Maxwell to explore the transformative opportunities offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Yavapai College. They discuss OLLI’s diverse classes, workshops, and events tailored for adults 50 and older, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and community connection. The conversation also highlights the Jane Reti Speaker Ser...

In this special episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina shares highlights from the 2025 Yavapai College Convocation, featuring a lively Q&A with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). 

Addressing audience-submitted questions, the ELT discusses exciting updates, including new bachelor’s degree programs, workforce development initiatives, the Prescott Pines expansion, and upcoming Health Sciences programs. Learn about the college’s ...

In this episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina chats with Scott Ritchie, Director of Aviation at Yavapai College, about the exciting opportunities within the college’s aviation program. Scott shares his journey from flight instructor to program leader and provides an in-depth look at the program’s offerings, including flight training, air traffic control, and unmanned aircraft systems.

 Discover how YC’s cost-effective, student-cen...

In this episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina talks with Megan Crossfield, Director of Academic Initiatives at Yavapai College, about the transformative impact of Open Educational Resources (OER).

Megan explains how OER provides free, customizable learning materials that reduce costs for students while empowering faculty to create tailored coursework.

Learn about Yavapai College’s leadership role in the statewide OERizona Network, ...

In this dynamic episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina dives into the world of cutting-edge educational technology with Ustadza White, Director of Library and Tutoring Services and a key member of Yavapai College’s Immersive Learning Team. 

Ustadza discusses AI tools like “Sophie,” a revolutionary AI tutor, as well as groundbreaking implementations of virtual and augmented reality in classrooms. Learn how these technologies are enh...

In this episode of YC and You, host Cadu Medina speaks with Christina Goldsmith, an instructional designer at Yavapai College, about the exciting world of micro-credentials. Christina explains what micro-credentials are, how they differ from traditional degrees, and why they’re becoming essential in today’s education and workforce landscape. Learn how these digital badges validate specific skills, enhance employability, and provide...