HeyJaredThe Catalyst
Explore the people, programs and partnerships that make Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) more than a campus. From student success stories to behind-the-scenes of athletics, innovation and industry collaboration, each episode answers the question: What’s happening at NICC?
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 7
- Latest publication
- Sep 23, 2026
- Audience
- Checking…
- Earliest in this view
- Jul 15, 2026
Latest episodes
First Responder Trends and Lifesaving Strategies: Tri-State Emergency Responders Conference (opens the original)
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In this episode of The Catalyst , host Amy Lasack sits down with expert guest presenters from the 16th Annual Tri-State Emergency Responders Conference (TERC), hosted by Northeast Iowa Community College. The panel shares critical insights into modern emergency medical services (EMS), pre-hospital care trends, hands-on trauma training and the essential role of ongoing education for first responders across Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Discover real-world lessons from the field, strategies for man
Building Skilled Trade Careers with NICC & Four Mounds (opens the original)
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How can short-term certificates launch your career in the high-demand trades? On this episode of The Catalyst podcast, host Amy Lasack sits down with Becky Bodish from the Four Mounds Foundation to discuss the unique partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College and the City of Dubuque. In this episode, you’ll discover: How hands-on workspace labs prepare students for careers in building construction, trim carpentry and cabinet making. How the “earn-and-learn” model lets you earn money while
Crafting Midwestern Stories and Empowering Student Voices with Keith Lesmeister (opens the original)
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Inside the NICC classroom, students learn storytelling and public speaking straight from an accomplished regional author. Join host Amy Lasack on The Catalyst podcast as she talks with NICC Communications Instructor and published author Keith Lesmeister. Discover the inspiration behind his upcoming short story collection Ask Me About the Money, his creative writing process and his passion for empowering Northeast Iowa Community College students to tell their own stories. Click here to watch a vi
A Shared Vision for Education: Inside the NICC Manchester Center Partnership (opens the original)
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What happens when a community college and a local school district combine forces? In this episode of The Catalyst , we explore the exciting relocation of NICC's Manchester Center right next door to West Delaware High School. Join Center Director Ed Vance and Superintendent Jen Vance as they discuss expanding high school programming, solving local healthcare workforce shortages and maximizing community resources. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media: Facebook | I
From Art Teacher to Cybersecurity Instructor: Making a Mid-Career Switch with Maren Larsen (opens the original)
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Thinking about returning to college for a high-demand tech career? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with NICC Computer Science Instructor and alumna Maren Larsen ('23). Maren shares how she transitioned from an art and corporate background to a thriving career in computer networking and cybersecurity at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, IA. Learn how transferable skills, hands-on IT labs and community college flexibility make a mid-life career change possible.
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