THE Electric Chair Podcast: Recent Episodes
Matthew Friess
The podcast where you learn about Electrical Technology students, alumni, faculty/staff, and members of the Community, all tied to NCK Tech in the small towns of Beloit, and Hays, Ks.
These distinguished guests to the podcast come from the Business Management classroom. Erin and Madison talk about their time in the program, why they chose it, and some of the pros to taking the Business Management class at NCK Tech.
Enjoy!
The next guest to the podcast is a Lincoln Kansas product. He is a first year electrical student on the Beloit campus, and not only that, he owns his own small business in Lincoln, Ks. He's had this side hustle since he was 15 years old.
Chantz also talks about why he wanted to come to NCK Tech.
Enjoy!
Julie McShane is the new contracted school psychologist at NCK Tech. She has an important message. It involves suicide and suicidal thoughts.
The conversation I have with Julie introduces her to the public, and then we talk a little about suicide, the causes, the effects, and what some of the signs are.
It's a very good, enlightening conversation that I think a lot of people need to hear.
In this epidsode of the Electric Chair Podcast, I talk with Business Management students (Beloit campus) Kaden Leiker and Elliot Kimminau, on what it was that got them thinking about taking the Business Management course. Most of the conversation hinges on the fact that they learned a TON of stuff in a collegiate schedule that allowed them to work and make money while attending college.
They chat about the curriculum, schedule, and how their business knowledge will help them in their future. Having both taken a technical program the prior year, they point out how employable the combination of business with technical skills will make them.
Enjoy!
My next guest to the podcast is the new Student Activities Coordinator on the Beloit campus. Mrs. Duskie talks about her involvement with Leadership Mitchell County, and Kansas Beats the Virus campaigns. Also, the involvement of the community, and school.
We also hear the story about her Covid-19 experience.
Enjoy listening to Mrs. Shannon Duskie
This format is a bit different. I welcome Dr. Corey Isbell to the podcast, and we go over some to the ins and outs of NCK Tech's Covid protocol. He talks about what happens from the time you test positive, to the time you come back. Also where to go to get tested, and also more resources on the subject. He also calms some nerves for faculty as far as going back to virtual learning.
Enjoy!
Since I’m a trophy husband, (and it’s exhausting) I didn’t get to ask Liz all of the questions I wanted, in part 1, of her Veteran podcast. So, I asked her back.
We talked about her college days after the military, her time as a stock broker, and then we dive back into air traffic control. It was a subject that intrigued me a ton.
I never knew how airline flights worked. I just thought that pilots had total control of where the plane went and how they flew. Liz debunked this.
This is another great podcast with a ton to learn. If you liked the first, you’ll definitely like this one.
Enjoy!!
The Marines just had their 245th birthday, and the next day, for Veteran's Day, I dropped this podcast of Liz Fixsen's. She's a former Marine, and Air Force vet that has a lot of cool stories.
She joined the Marines, on a whim, when she was 24. In boot camp, she was a tad older than some of her drill instructors. She has some cool stories about that.
She switched it up and went into the Air Force after 6 years where she did intel for the 442nd Fighter wing a.k.a. A-10 Thunderbolt "Warthog". She has cool stories about that.
She was an Air Traffic Controller too. Also, she has cool stories about that. I also learned more about the little airport in Beloit, Kansas, than I ever thought I would. Did you know that a C-130 Hercules can't land at the Beloit airfield? Neither did I. She tells why in the podcast.
Give it a listen, you won't be disappointed.
Enjoy!
This episode of the podcast features Danea Buschkoetter. She's an alumnus to the welding department, here at NCK Tech, and last year began her first year as an instructor of the welding department.
We sit and talk about her time as a student in welding, and hearing the fabled, "One more" and how, now as the instructor, she keeps that tradition alive with today's students.
We also chat about what it's like to be a Husker fan, drag racing, and girls garage, which she has recently became a part of. She loves anything that's metal, and goes fast.
Don’t miss out.
Enjoy!
Part 2 of Mr. Dai'Quon Watts
This episode, with Mr. Watts, we talk about some of the real issues in America today, and I get his take on the events unfolding. From Covid, to BLM, and Defund the Police, to the ever-growing cancel culture. We have a good chat about these subjects.
Enjoy the podcast with Dai'Quon Watts!
I kicked off season 3 of the ECP, and decided to interview Eric Burks. It wasn't a bad idea.
This was a good, fun conversation with el presidente of NCK Tech. He's always up for good conversation.
I told him before we got started that I wanted him to understand that this is HIS interview, and I wanted him to chat it up a little, and his reply was, "No worries, Matt. I've done plenty of interviews. It’s all good." And it was a good conversation.
We talk about life growing up, in Jewell, Ks, soaping windows and the things youngsters do when growing up. He talks about teaching, coaching, how he became a principal, and his time as a bus driver. We also tackle the issue of Covid-19 and what the fall looks like in regards to NCK Tech. Oh, and he also chats about being an 8-man All-star, and a state track champion in high school.
Enjoy!!
Finally. Information we all need to hear. This, though, is coming from a health professional. She's been in the thick of things since the start of the corona virus pandemic. This is the real deal.
I sit Cortney Murrow (Merr-oh) down and chat things up about life in several different states, high school, and a little bit about health care. We then dive into things as far as Covid-19 is concerned. We talk about the new "normal", school, and what she went through once this bomb dropped.
This is one you don't want to miss.
*Special guest appearance by Lacey Miller
**The table that the podcast was conducted around was 6ft in length.
My next guest to the podcast is a food genius. Many of you know of him from seeking out legendary grilled cheese sandwiches at the Kettle™️ in downtown Beloit, Ks.
I sit Dai’Quon down to talk to him about what it is that makes a chef a chef, and a cook a cook, what his high school experience was like, and, of course, we talk about NCK Tech, and how that helped him become who he is.
This is a fun one, and one you won’t want to miss!
Mrs. Tice is the General Education Psychology instructor at NCK Tech. She grew up in Barber County, Ks. and she has many a story about her childhood. After graduating, she went and obtained her bachelor's degree at KSU. Then, received her Master's degree, just down the road, a ways, at KU. And little does everybody know, but when he's in a mental funk, Chuck Norris calls up Mrs. Tice to get him back on the right mental path.
I sit Jacee down and we talk about growing up, what the difference between a ranch and a farm are, the difference between KSU and KU, the time she met her husband/bff, her favorite Ninja Turtle, and everything in between.
You won't wanna miss this one. You'll remember it.
Enjoy listening to Mrs. Jacee Tice
The next guest to the podcast is a military veteran of the United States Marines, the I.T. instructor here at NCK Tech, and a close friend of mine. We've known each other forever, which has been practically 4 years. We both came to NCK Tech together in the fall of 2016. Before that, he was a Marine of 22 years (Ret.) He went on 6 deployments with 3 of those being in a combat zone. He was a recruiter, and trained recruits in marksmanship and rappelling.
Jason sits down and talks about growing up in Florida, his dad's cabinet shop, hunting, why he wanted to become a Marine, why he even moved to Kansas, and even dives in to talking about his teaching style, and how he sets up his classes.
Also, stay tuned after the outro to hear about Jason talk of his military awards/medals, and how he got into blacksmithing.
He's got a lot of cool stories.
Enjoy Listening to Jason Rinaldo!
The next guest to the podcast is a military veteran of the United States Army, and also an alumnus to NCK Tech, in the Culinary Arts program. Hadley spent 9 years in the Army, both active duty, and in the reserves. He was a Food Service Specialist in the military, and, currently, the Food Service Director here at NCK Tech. He knows how to feed people, and he knows how to make BBQ sauce.
Hadley tells me all about his time growing up in Howard, Ks, his time in the military, and his transition from an NCK Tech graduate to the Food Service Director.
Stay tuned after the outro to hear about Hadley's awards and medals.
Enjoy listening to Hadley Meyer!
The next guest to the podcast is a military veteran of the United States Army and also the United States Navy. Not only that, but he's an alumnus to NCK Tech in the Automotive department, as well. He joined the Kansas Army National Guard in 1983, and as he says, "he grew up in bootcamp" In 1986, he left the KANG to join up with the United States Navy where he became a very efficient Aircrew Survival Equipment man, or Parachute Rigger. He served on the Dwight D. Eisenhower on a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea. In 1999 he returned to the Army National Guard, and finally retired in 2013. He then became one of the Diesel Technology instructors at NCK Tech.
Roger sits down and talks about growing up, his military career, where he has some pretty cool stories, and his time at NCK Tech. He also talks about how he structures his class, in the Diesel department, here at NCK Tech.
Stay tuned after the outro to listen to Roger explain his military awards and decorations. He also talks about his dead man picture.
Enjoy the podcast, with Roger Meier.
The next guest to the podcast is not only a military veteran of the United States Air Force, but also an alumnus of NCKAVTS, class of '72. After graduating the Carpentry program, he signed up for the USAF in 1973. He was honorably discharged in 1976, found a job, found a wife, and then signed up for the Air National Guard in 1986. In 2014, he began working for NCK Tech in the maintenance department, where he has moved ranks, and become the maintenance director. I've had the pleasure of working for him in the summers between teaching.
AJ tells all about his days growing up on a farm, working for his dad at a grocery store, his stint in the military, and his time at NCK Tech, both in the classroom in '72, and as the current maintenance director. He has a lot of cool stories. I especially liked some of his bombing range stories.
Stick around after the outro music, and listen to AJ tell about his awards and decorations he received in the military.
Enjoy listening to AJ Baxa.
This podcast guest is a 1st year Diesel student, who comes from Sedgewick, Ks. He stopped off at Emporia State to run a little track, and then decided to seek life elsewhere. He chose the Diesel program at NCK Tech. Corbin and I sit down to chat a little about growing up in the town of Sedgewick, how he came to the realization that he wanted to come to NCK Tech, and he also walks us through a typical day in the Diesel department, and much, much more. If you're thinking about taking classes at NCK Tech for Diesel, you'll want to take a listen. This kid will hype you up even more.
Sit back and enjoy the podcast with Corbin Ramsey.
My next guest to the podcast is a former classmate of mine, we took carpentry together in 2002-2003, and we've been, recently, reunited. (*and it feels so good!)
I sit Bart down and talk to him about his life since NCK Tech, and some of his newfound passions. We also talk a lot about old Carpentry classmates, and some of the stories that made us laugh. Anything from house parties to taking trips to get supplies, it's a good time.
Sit back, and chill, cuz Bart said so.
Enjoy!
The next guest on the Electric Chair podcast comes from Hutchinson, Kansas. Before NCK Tech, he ran a successful I.T. business, yet at some point decided to make a little switch (Get it? Switch.), and mess with organized lightning. In this interview I talk to him about car shows, who would play him in a movie about himself, his tattoos, and why he chose to tackle the electrical industry and come to NCK Tech.
Episode 18 is all about that.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Aric Irsik
Kicking off season 2, of THE Electric Chair Podcast, with a referee. How fitting. His name is Kaleb Jones, and he's a hometown boy. He's also one of my first year electrical students this year. Last year he took the Carpentry/Cabinetmaking course. When it's all said and done, he wants to have Carpentry, Electrical, and HVAC under his belt. Then start his own construction business.
I chat with Mr. Jones about his youth, high school days, refereeing, his plans while here at NCK Tech and his future aspirations. You'll also learn a few things about him too. Like: What his favorite poptart flavor is, and his favorite call to make as a ref.
Sit back, and enjoy the podcast with Mr. Jones.
"Since the beginning of time, man has been forced to work so that he and his family might survive. Although years have passed, and civilization has changed, this basic economic concept still exists. A person with a properly developed skill or trade holds one of the keys to the treasures of success and happiness coveted by all mankind. The North Central Kansas Area Vocational Technical School is dedicated to ensuring that all persons desiring such training will be given the opportunity to achieve success and happiness." - Dr. Bob Severance
These words are etched in NCK Tech's history, and what better way to start another school year, than to drop this podcast interview on the first day of school for the '19-'20 school year. My guest is Mr. NCK Tech himself-Dr. Bob Severance. I sat down with Bob and discussed his way of life as a young man; in high school, and in the Navy. He also sheds light on the new beginnings of the tech college (it was actually a Vo-Tech then) in 1964. Listen in as Dr. Severance talks about everything from his days in band, to running up gold medals in competitive swimming. You'll also learn a little bit about his hard work and sacrifice as he helped to make NCK Tech what it is today. Relax, sit back, and enjoy listening to Dr. Bob Severance.
The next guest to the ECP is a mathematical guru. She teaches all subjects pertaining to math at NCK Tech for the Gen Ed program. She's received her bachelor's degree in secondary mathematics, and her master's degree in instructional technology, both of which came from Fort Hays State. She began her teaching career at Solomon, Ks, then taking in a few years at Pike Valley. In 2016, we both began teaching for NCK Tech. She is, by far, way-more liked than I am, has way-more jokes than I do, and knows how to throw party, on Pi day.
Sit back, relax, and be ready for a ton of jokes, and a lot of laughing.
Many of you know him as Liberty One from my Snapchat stories, but, fun fact, his name is actually Raymond Mai. (Pronounced "My") This interview was requested by many of the listeners, so I did it. He has no affiliation to NCK Tech, other than I am his grandson, and I teach at the school. I hit him pretty good on his life growing up in the Depression, what school was like, his experiences with electricity, and his time playing "professional" baseball, all of which were very interesting for sure. He even answers some questions that were posed by Facebook friends.
So sit back, relax, and listen to my grandpa as we chat it up. Enjoy!
Hunter Clapper is a young man from the Kit Carson, Colorado area. He was a student of Electrical Technology I, and will be returning for his second year, here at NCK Tech, to finish out Electrical Technology II and gain his Associate's degree, and take a stab at his Journeyman Electrical license.
Hunter tells me all about growing up in Kit Carson, getting in a lot of trouble crashing a four-wheeler, and how he hates that eastern Colorado is identical to western Kansas. We also talk a lot about 6-man football in the state of Colorado, which he played all four years.
Pop in your ear buds, click the link, and enjoy listening to Mr. Hunter Clapper.
This guest to the ECP is an alumnus to the Electrical Technology program in 2012.
He is also a member of the 2-137th Forward Support Co. of the Kansas Army National Guard. He has 4 deployments: Operation JumpStart (2007)
Operation Iraqi Freedom (2008), Multinational Force & Observers (2010) and Operation Spartan Shield in 2018
We worked together at Agco Sunflower together, and we both left the company on the same day. He was also the maintenance team funny-man.
Tyler tells us stories about his brothers, while growing up, what got him into the National Guard, and why he loves doing electrical work.
My next guest to the ECP is the first Member of the Community interview. He currently owns REV E3, (an E-waste site in Jewell, Ks) and is a veteran of the United States Army.
Tony served 3 overseas tours: 1 in Korea, and 2 in Iraq. He also has a Bachelor’s in Management Information Systems. We both worked at Sunflower at the same time. He in I.T. as a technician, and I in maintenance, as a technician. We would both, later, be supervisors of our respective departments together. We also thought, together, it would be a good idea to start doing Crossfit™️.
I sit down and chat with Tony about his time growing up in Southwest Kansas, and his life in the Army. We round out the podcast by talking about his company REV E3, and what e-waste is all about.
Brent is the Automated Controls Technology (ACT) instructor here at NCK Tech. He’s also an alum of the Electrical Program dating back to 1993. In those years, NCK Tech was still NCKAVTS. I talk with Brent about his time growing up, fighting with his sister, and life at both NCKAVTS, and NCK Tech.
*The pictures that are attached with the main photo are: Brent as a young lad attending NCKAVTS, and the finished product of the door he sent a broomstick through, growing up, while fighting with his sister.
Doing this podcast was a sincere pleasure. Not only is Allison the first female to the ECP, but we also became instructors at the same time, in 2016. When she laughs, which is quite often, her laugh is rendered contagious in the surrounding five counties. She is the daughter of a preacher and is just an all-around fun person.
So sit back, relax and enjoy Allison telling about growing up in Iowa and Kansas, how she met her husband, life as a nurse-both at NCK Tech and away-and see if you cannot crack a smile when she lets loose one of her contagious laughs.
My next podcast guest raised the standards at NCK Tech. He's from Coldwater, Ks. A small town in southwestern Kansas. In high school, he was an 8-man All-Star. At NCK Tech he was an academic all-star. In his three years at NCK Tech, Mr. Colter racked up two Associates degrees (Technical Studies and Electrical Technology), one certificate (Carpentry & Cabinetmaking) and passed his Journeyman Electrical exam with an 87%, which is top-tier in many cases.
Michael tells us all about his experience at NCK Tech, how much he enjoyed growing up with his sisters, and Kansas 8-man football. He also shares with us his future aspirations in the electrical field.
I’m just gonna come right out and say it: This was a fun podcast with Mr. Pearson. He’s a 2nd year student who took Carpentry/Cabinetmaking his first year, and rounded out his NCK Tech experience with one year of Electrical Technology.
Listen in as I chat with Mr. Pearson about life growing up in Galva, Ks, fights with his brother, and sister, his favorite sound in life, and right off the bat you’ll see why he’s one of Ms. O’s favorite math students.
Ever wonder: "Where's Waldo?" Well, it's between Paradise, and the Garden of Eden.
Today's podcast guest actually comes from Waldo. Waldo, Ks. Listen in as I chat with Mr. Tyler Lund about growing up in Waldo, fights with his sisters, his favorite holiday, family camping trips, and we round it out with his NCK Tech experience.
The guest of this podcast episode hails from the small town of Clay Center, Ks. His name? Kaleb Hitsman (Heights-man) Kaleb is a second year student at NCK Tech, but a first-year electrical student. He took Carpentry/Cabinetmaking his first year, and decided to round out his education with some electrical knowledge in his second.
I talk to Kaleb about growing up, his time in high school, and some of the high points of his two-year NCK Tech career.
Listen in as I sit down and chat with Nate over growing up, football, high school shenanigans, and the possibility of becoming a brew-master.
Two mics. Two instructors. They both went to one school, and in this special edition podcast, I interview Welding instructor Curtiss Anderson. (I'm not misspelling his name either. It has two "s"es.) We find out about where he was born, (which was surprising), some of his childhood shenanigans, and zero in on him winning the national championship in Skills USA.
Sit back, pop some earbuds in, and listen to the interview of Mr. Curtiss Anderson.
This episode of THE Electric Chair Podcast brings forth a senator. Not just any senator either, but Tejay Kimminau.
I ask Tejay who his favorite Transformer is, and it all goes south from there. Tejay is a fun-lovin' kid, who just enjoys everything. So sit back, relax and enjoy listening to the senator from Beloit, Ks. tell us about his favorite day, high school, and his NCK Tech experience.
https://youtu.be/_HOdNZ3X8bs?t=166
The link above takes you to National Lampoons Senior Trip. The senator and I talk about this in the podcast.
The first guest to the podcast is a native of Beloit, Ks. Listen in as I ask Pat about life growing up, his journey through a four-year college and what makes NCK Tech a special place.
An intro into the new podcast THE Electric Chair Podcast. I will be releasing one interview a month, if not more.