Creators and Guests

Jen Davis
Host
Jen Davis
Jen Davis currently serves as the Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Manager at Joliet Junior College. As a former English instructor, she has spent more than two decades in higher education serving students at various points in their educational and professional careers. In her current role, Jen works to foster meaningful relationships with JJC alumni, bridging past experiences with present opportunities. Her outreach efforts include planning small and large-scale events, designing and executing yearly social media, direct mail and e-campaigns, and collaborating with other departments on campus to keep alumni engaged and connected. On occasion, Jen will also expand her role to that of JJC’s mascot, Wiley Wolf, for on-campus events and print media.
Appears in 8 episodes
Adam Wouk
Guest
Adam Wouk
Adam D. Wouk is an experienced higher education professional with a focus on supporting students with disabilities. He holds a Master of Science in School Counseling from Saint Xavier University and a Type 73 School Counseling Certificate from the state of Illinois. Currently, he serves as the Director of Disability Services at Joliet Junior College, where he manages ADA accommodations for 1,200 students and leads a team of seven specialists. Previously, Adam directed disability services and learning support programs at Roosevelt University, designing policies and faculty training focused on Universal Design. He is a frequent speaker on accessibility topics and has published articles on the college experience for students with disabilities.
Appears in 1 episode
Alisha Brennon
Guest
Alisha Brennon
Alisha Brennon is the Coordinator, Advisor, and Full-Time faculty member of Joliet Junior College's Orthotics and Prosthetics program. A proud 2018 graduate of the same program, Alisha brings a wealth of experience from her time at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, where she worked as an Orthotics and Prosthetics technician. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Robert Morris University and a Master's in Business Administration with a certificate in Data Analytics from the University of Iowa. Passionate about the field and dedicated to her alma mater, Alisha returned to JJC to inspire and educate future orthotic and prosthetic professionals, sharing her deep commitment to the career and the institution that has been her home since 2016.
Appears in 1 episode
Amanda Quinn
Producer
Amanda Quinn
Amanda Quinn currently serves as the Director of Institutional Advancement at Joliet Junior College, where she leads the college's fundraising efforts with a focus on major gifts and corporate support. With over 15 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and marketing, Amanda aligns fundraising strategies with the college’s priorities to ensure growth and success. She has a proven track record of enhancing annual fund programs, organizing key events, and cultivating valuable relationships with donors. Amanda's strategic vision and dedication have significantly contributed to the advancement of Joliet Junior College.
Appears in 8 episodes
Andy Chlebana
Guest
Andy Chlebana
Andy Chlebana, CMPC, CCA, is a distinguished pastry chef and educator with extensive experience in recipe development and culinary competitions. Currently serving as a Professor and Executive Pastry Chef at Joliet Junior College, he has been instrumental in designing and implementing innovative baking and pastry curricula while training future chefs in both theory and practical applications. As the author of "The Advanced Art of Baking and Pastry," he develops and writes manuscripts, researches and creates recipes, and prepares all accompanying images and procedures. Chlebana's competitive prowess is highlighted by his impressive accolades, including serving as a judge and coach for the USA Pastry Team at the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie, as well as winning multiple medals at international competitions such as the IKA Culinary Olympics, Culinary World Cup, Dubai Hospitality World Cup, and the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championship. His dedication to the culinary arts and commitment to excellence make him a prominent figure in the pastry community.
Appears in 1 episode
Caitlin Lee
Guest
Caitlin Lee
Caitlin Lee proudly serves as the Trackman Planetarium Outreach Coordinator at Joliet Junior College. She has spent much of her life exploring the night skies in wonder and sharing cosmological knowledge as a hobby. Caitlin was a JJC student from 2015-2017 and enjoyed passionate involvement with the Honors Program and student activities. She continued higher education pursuits at the University of Saint Francis, later becoming a local substitute teacher, and returning to Joliet Junior College in 2022. Her current role consists of hosting JJC’s public Planetarium shows, frequent field trips, and other organizational events the Planetarium offers the community.
Appears in 1 episode
Christine Veverka
Guest
Christine Veverka
Christine Veverka holds the position of Foundation and Stewardship Assistant at Joliet Junior College. This position allows her the opportunities to connect donors with their scholarship recipients through various platforms as well provide ongoing communication and support to the JJC Foundation Board. Having previously had fifteen years as an elementary teacher, Christine enjoys the chance to assist students at the tail end of their educational paths as well as being a docent for small groups visiting the one-room Cronin Schoolhouse.
Appears in 1 episode
Damon Zdunich
Guest
Damon Zdunich
Damon Zdunich is a lifelong resident of Joliet, Illinois, with a strong commitment to both his community and service. He earned his Associate's Degree from Joliet Junior College in 1980 and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Northern Illinois University in 1982. After joining the U.S. Navy, he served with distinction for 28 years, both active and in the reserves, retiring as a Commander. Professionally, Damon works as an accountant with the Gelber Group for the last 24 years, gaining a wealth of experience in the financial sector. In addition to his career, he is the proud owner of Bishops Hill Winery, blending his passion for local business with a love of winemaking. An active community leader, Damon serves as a Board Member for the Joliet Regional Port District and as Vice President of the Croatian Cultural Club. He is a former Board Member of St. Mary Nativity Grade School and remains deeply involved in his faith as a member of the Holy Name Society at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Joliet. His dedication to his community and country is evident in both his professional accomplishments and his volunteer efforts.
Appears in 1 episode
Esli Ramos
Guest
Esli Ramos
Esli Ramos is a current student at Lewis University studying childcare and special education. During her time at Joliet Junior College, Esli was the President of the Disability Awareness Club and a member of Latinos Unidos, the International Student Club, and Varsity Christian Fellowship. She also supported Black Student Union and the JJC Pride Alliance. Having Retinitis Pigmentosa, which is a serious visual impairment requiring the use of a cane to navigate, Esli relied on the support and services offered by JJC’s Disability Services Department and has become a leading student advocate for disability awareness at Lewis University. There she started a new club called Access-Ability, does audio for the university news and broadcast channel, and is involved in Best Buddies, which is an organization that pairs people with disabilities to engage in different activities together. Esli is a proud 2022 graduate of JJC and enjoys dancing and crocheting in her spare time.
Appears in 1 episode
Joe Limon
Guest
Joe Limon
Joe Limon is an associate professor and department chair in the technical department at Joliet Junior College. He holds an Associate of Science degree in Electrical/Electronic Automated Systems from JJC, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University Northwest. After working for many years in the field, Limon returned to JJC as an adjunct instructor. His love for teaching grew during that time and in 2019, he became a full-time professor. Outside of the classroom, Limon enjoys the work he does with the International S
Appears in 1 episode
John Williams
Guest
John Williams
John Williams is currently heard on WGN Radio weekdays from 10am to 2pm, including the Wintrust Business Lunch noon hour. John also hosts the award- winning weekly “The Mincing Rascals” podcast, a roundtable discussion with Chicago journalists about top news stories. He first came to WGN Radio in September 1997 as midday host. Prior to that, he hosted middays on WCCO Radio, Minneapolis, for four years.  Prior to that, John spent ten years at WMBD, Peoria.  His first radio job out of college was WSPY in Plano, Illinois. John's program is all encompassing. Focusing on current events, he discusses the news of the day, sports, television programs, movies, and books with a thoughtful perspective and quirky sense of humor. John excels at drawing out listener views on all sides of the issues. Inquisitive and curious by nature, he asks what listeners want to know and his guests never get a pass on the tough questions. Over the years, John has received several broadcasting awards, including Personality of the Year, Best Afternoon Show and Best Talent on a News/Talk/Sports Station. John has been voted “Favorite Radio Personality” four years in a row by West Suburban Living Magazine readers. In 2024, John won a Peter Lisagor Award from the Chicago Headline Club for his 2023 interview with the student editor of The Daily Northwestern. He’s been both a finalist and a winner of “Best Radio Personality” Silver Dome Award by the Illinois Broadcasters Association, a category he last won in 2022. John has also been a finalist for a Marconi award from the National Association of Broadcasters. In addition, John's opinion pieces occasionally appear in the Chicago Tribune. His hobbies include hiking (it used to be running), reading, telling people what he's read, and yardwork. He really enjoys yardwork. John is of the opinion the greatest invention ever is either the seedless watermelon or the internet. John and his wife Brenda have two sons, Grant and Griffin, and two granddaughters, Bernadette and Jane.
Appears in 1 episode
Ken Guldenbecker
Guest
Ken Guldenbecker
Ken Guldenbecker is a nonprofit development professional serving as Development Director of the United Way of Will County. Ken is tasked with building and sustaining resources, community engagement, and volunteerism that when combined, drive positive change in Will County, IL. Ken believes in servant leadership and understands the impact of collaboration. He is an alumnus of Joliet Junior College and the University of St. Francis, Joliet; and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration. Outside of his profession, Ken enjoys playing the French horn, golfing, the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
Appears in 1 episode
Michelle Xydakis
Guest
Michelle Xydakis
Michelle Xydakis is a proud JJC alumna and owner of Montage Wine Bar & Spirits in Morris, IL. With a passion for helping people connect and enjoy life’s special moments, Michelle has built a business that reflects her commitment to excellence and service. Though Michelle never anticipated entering the food and beverage industry, life's unexpected journey led her to discover a true love for it—and she wouldn't change a thing. Outside of business, Michelle is a devoted wife and a mother to two wonderful children, aged 17 and 18, balancing family life with the demands of entrepreneurship. Through it all, Michelle continues to embrace life's twists and turns with a positive attitude and an unwavering dedication to creating lasting memories for others.
Appears in 1 episode
Tammy Miller
Guest
Tammy Miller
Tammy Miller is a professor in JJC’s Agriculture, Horticulture and Veterinary Services Department. Miller has taught at JJC for over two decades, teaching courses in agriculture, economics, soil science, agriculture business management and horticulture. She has been a pioneer in developing online and hybrid courses at the college, having taught in the format for over 20 years. Outside the classroom, Miller continues to pursue professional development and extra-curricular opportunities to help JJC and its students grow. Miller is JJC’s agriculture business coordinator, hosts the JJC Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference, serves on the JJC Online Instruction Steering Committee and much more. In 2022, she was recognized for her outstanding work as JJC’s National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) award winner and in 2023, she was the recipient of JJC’s Outstanding Faculty Member Award and asked to be the Faculty Commencement Speaker. Miller is a proud JJC alum and feels grateful to still be a part of this incredible community.
Appears in 1 episode
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