AV/IT Amplifier

In this second week of conversation, Ryan Gray welcomes back Jonathan “Jon” Gunzel from John A. Logan College for another lively and candid chat. They dive into Jon’s biggest fear—spiders—and the surprising fact that he’s been bitten four times by brown recluses. Despite his arachnophobia, Jon shares that owning a pet spider would symbolize conquering his fears. The discussion winds through topics...

In this episode of the AV/IT Amplifier podcast, host Ryan Gray talks with Jon Gunzel of John A. Logan College about managing AV, IT, and event support in a small college environment. Jon shares how his team covers everything from laptops and desktops to Q-SYS audio systems and classroom support, and why having one department handle all technology has unique advantages and challenges. They dive int...

This debut episode of This Month in Higher Ed AV kicks off a monthly panel discussion reviewing key content posted to Higher Ed AV Media. Host Ryan Gray is joined by Jon Gunzel of John A. Logan College, Renee Benson of Sony Professional Display Solutions, and Erin Maher-Moran , Chair of HETMA from Johns Hopkins University. Together, they explore major trends and insights shaping the higher ed AV l...

Recorded live at the HETMA Roadshow in Chicago, this week’s episode continues the conversation with Atkins Fleming, Assistant Director for Learning Spaces at Texas State University and Treasurer of HETMA. Picking up where Episode 115 left off, this candid discussion drifts from music to meaning, from fake Zoom backgrounds to the real impact of integrity in leadership. Atkins and Ryan go deep into...

Recorded live at the HETMA Chicago Roadshow on the campus of Northwestern University, this episode features a candid and insightful conversation with Atkins Fleming, Assistant Director for Learning Spaces at Texas State University and current Treasurer of HETMA. Ryan finally manages to sit down with Atkins after years of crossing paths, and the result is a conversation full of heart, structure, an...

In this completely off-the-rails, hilariously human second installment, Rebecca Wade returns to the AV/IT Amplifier for a wide-ranging and joyfully unpredictable conversation that barely touches technology—and that’s exactly the point. What begins as a follow-up to her work with Igloo Vision turns into a full character study as Rebecca opens up about introversion, extroversion, road-tripping acros...

In this immersive episode recorded live from the HETMA booth at InfoComm 2025, host Ryan Gray sits down with Rebecca “Bex” Wade of Igloo Vision to explore the transformative role of shared immersive spaces in education. From her nickname on her badge to her engineering team’s creative geometry problem-solving, Bex brings energy, humor, and insight to every corner of the conversation. Together, the...

In this episode of the AV/IT Amplifier, we’re back with the one and only Frank Alaimo , Manager of Classroom Technology Services at UNLV, for part two of our conversation. If you thought the first episode was candid, insightful, and full of AV realness, buckle up. We go deeper into career resilience, camping disasters, philosophical takes on human nature, and what it really means to be a no-nonsen...

Ryan Gray interviews Frank Alaimo, Manager of Classroom Technology Services at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Frank shares his journey from crashing on a friend’s couch to leading one of the most respected AV teams in higher education. They discuss what it takes to build a culture of trust, how to lead without losing your hands-on instincts, and the balance between autonomy, accountab...

Live from the InfoComm Show Floor, right before opening Ryan gives us an update of where the state of industry tradeshows is and where its going!  Whether your at the show this week or at home get a feel for whats happening and whats to come.

We’re back for a brand-new second conversation with Charity Anne Caldwell — and this time we’re keeping it fun, insightful, and future-focused! Charity and Ryan swap stories about running for school board, building more inclusive spaces in tech, and why conferences like InfoComm are about so much more than just the gear. Charity also shares her sci-fi favorites, what makes great leadership in high...

Ryan Gray is joined by Charity Anne Caldwell, Classroom Technology Supervisor for the University of Illinois College of Medicine. In this lively conversation, they explore the unique culture of working in a medical school environment, the tension between tradition and innovation in higher ed, and how personal idealism can shape leadership. Charity shares insights about navigating institutional pol...

Welcome back to The AV/IT Amplifier ! In Episode 107, host Ryan Gray sits down again with the one and only Jon Hamilton , Senior AV Manager at Emory University’s School of Medicine. Jon is a well-known voice in the higher ed AV world, and this episode gets personal — touching on everything from alternative career paths and deep-sea fishing to building trust, forging partnerships, and staying true...

What happens when a former dinosaur-hunting integrator turns higher ed AV hero? In this episode, Ryan reconnects with Jon Hamilton — a man whose AV origin story begins in the ’80s and who now serves as a trusted fixture in the higher ed AV landscape. From aggressive integrator days to nurturing secret-service-style classroom support, Jon shares hard-won insights, hilarious metaphors, and a grounde...

Chris Kelly returns for Part 2! Ryan and Chris pick up where they left off, diving into everything from AV tech spaces that feel like “home” to the personal and professional journeys that shape us. Chris shares insight into his transition from mental health counseling to IT, how he approaches major life decisions, and why taking a pay cut for the right opportunity can be life-changing. The convers...

We roll past 100 with momentum! Ryan Gray interviews Chris Kelly, a senior IT support specialist at Creighton University. Chris shares his unique journey from social work to the AV and IT field, emphasizing the importance of human interaction in technology. The discussion explores the intersection of psychology and technology, the value of advisory boards in the AV community, and how individuals c...

In Part 2 of the AV/IT Amplifier’s 100th episode celebration, Ryan is joined by an expanding cast of brilliant and chaotic friends from higher ed and beyond—including Robyn Bryce , Jon Hamilton , Tom Aldridge , Lyle Waldron , and Britt Yenser . What starts as a continuation of gratitude and reflection quickly evolves into a deeply honest conversation about amplifying unheard voices, leading throug...

Welcome to a very special 100th episode of the AV/IT Amplifier! What started as a casual invite to past guests turned into an unscripted, heartwarming, and hilariously chaotic reunion of AV/IT voices from across higher ed. Ryan is joined by Adrian Doughty, Robyn Bryce, Jon Hamilton, and Evan Gray in this first of a two-part celebration. From the origins of the show’s three-digit numbering scheme t...

We're back with week 2! Ryan Gray and Patrick Angielczyk discuss the significance of trade shows in the AV industry, the importance of lifelong learning, and the value of mentorship. Patrick shares his experiences at ISE, his passion for music and lean manufacturing, and his pride in mentoring others in the AV field. They also explore networking opportunities and the role of the Rising Professiona...

In this episode of the AV/IT Amplifier, Ryan Gray interviews Patrick Angielczyk, an AV Technologist at Mohawk College. They discuss the importance of roadshows in the AV community, the value of volunteering, and the opportunities for networking and learning at industry events. Patrick shares his journey into the AV field, the significance of certifications, and how to get involved with the Rising...

We're back for week 2 with Adrian Doughty.  He and Ryan discuss the importance of human connection in the tech industry. Adrian shares his approach to connecting with customers, emphasizing the need to talk with people rather than at them. They explore themes of introversion and extroversion, personal interests in cooking and travel, and philosophical views on humanity and aging. The conversation...

This week Ryan Gray interviews Adrian Doughty, the Director of Sales at Nureva, who shares his unique journey into the AV industry, the evolution of audio technology, and the importance of flexibility in modern learning environments. Adrian discusses Nureva's innovative approach to audio solutions, particularly in higher education and corporate settings, and highlights the company's growth and fut...

The Gray Matter Moment is back!  Ryan discusses his experience with the Authentic Leadership Experience program, focusing on self-awareness, navigating a VUCA world, understanding biases, and the importance of clear communication. He shares insights from his leadership training and the creative presentations that emerged from it, emphasizing personal growth and the value of diverse expression in l...

We're back for week 2 with Troy Powers!  We take a deep dive and explore a variety of topics ranging from personal dynamics of introversion and extroversion to the importance of higher education and the value of documenting history. Troy shares insights into his personal style, love for baseball, and his passion for woodworking, while also discussing the significance of community engagement and up...

This week, host Ryan Gray speaks with Troy Powers, the new vice chair of HETMA, about his transition into this leadership role, the importance of balancing work and volunteer opportunities, and the mission of higher education. They discuss the need for global collaboration within the organization and the challenges of maintaining engagement and consistency in leadership roles. Troy emphasizes the...