The Job Pod

Welcome to the Job Pod Podcast . Job Service North Dakota has nine offices located across the state, each serving the unique workforce needs of their communities. Today, we're taking a closer look at our Fargo office and the important role it plays in supporting employers and job seekers in eastern North Dakota. The Fargo office serves Region V, which includes the Fargo metropolitan area — home to...

Welcome to the Job Pod, where we explore the people, programs, and ideas shaping the workforce and business landscape. Today, we're diving into the world of small business support across North Dakota, with a closer look at the Small Business Development Centers and the role they play in helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed. Dusty is joined by two guests who are at the heart of this work:...

Choosing a path after high school can feel overwhelming, but for many students, the journey becomes clearer with the right guidance. Today, we're diving into the vital role high school career advisors play in helping students become "Choice Ready" by the time they graduate—prepared to confidently pursue college, careers, or other opportunities. We're joined by three Career Advisors who are dedicat...

We've all made mistakes in our lives. Bad decisions. Wrong turns. Moments we wish we could redo. But those mistakes don't have to define who we are — or limit where we're going. On this episode, we're diving into a newer program from Job Service North Dakota called JP3 — a program built on second chances and new beginnings. JP3 is designed to help individuals move beyond their past choices and rec...

Today, we're coming to you from an exciting new hub of opportunity and innovation — the Career Innovation Center (CIC) in Fargo. As one of the newest Career and Technical Education centers in North Dakota, the CIC serves students from Fargo, West Fargo, Northern Cass, and Central Cass school districts, creating powerful pathways from the classroom to the workforce. What makes this CTE center espec...

What happens when a community comes together for its students? Grand Forks didn't just support Career and Technical Education—they invested in it. As North Dakota expands CTE centers statewide, Grand Forks stepped up to match federal funds and bring the Career Impact Academy (CIA) to life. In this episode, we're joined by Eric Ripley, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Grand...

What does civility at work really look like—and why does it matter so much? Today, Dusty is exploring how everyday behavior shapes workplace culture and what we can all do to improve it. Dusty recently heard Susan Williams , a trainer with The Village Family Service Center , speak to the Grand Forks local HR association, and her insights were too good not to share. Learn more about The Village Fam...

One of the goals of the Job Pod is to introduce you to employers who are doing things right. In this episode, Dusty heads to Fargo and sits down with Cole Mercier, Communications Manager, and Teri Winkelman, Talent Acquisition Manager at DSG Supply. They give you a closer look and share what makes DSG Supply a great place to work—and why their team is proud to be there.

Today's guest on The Job Pod is here to shed light on the world of home health and hospice—what it is, wh at kind of school or training required , wh y it matters, and how it impact s families and communities. Keisha Spitzer, an experienced RN and the director of CHI Health at Home and Hospice in Breckenridge, Minnesota, brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the conversation.

In honor of Veterans Day, Dusty sits down with Sue Grollimund and Adessa Bentley to talk about employment and what that can look like when you are the spouse of a military veteran. They discuss the unique challenges military spouses face when it comes to finding — and keeping — meaningful employment, as well as the incredible strengths and skills they bring to any workplace. Most people don't real...

On this episode of the Job Pod, Dusty talks and learns about bioscience. Dusty sits down with the brilliant Dr. Jeremy Houser — founder of the nonprofit Houser Labs — to dive into the cutting edge of bioscience, innovation, and how science can serve ND communities. Dr. Houser shares his journey, the mission behind Houser Labs, and what the future of bioscience holds. Don't miss this insightful and...

This week on Job Pod , Dusty sits down with Craig Griesbach , project manager at Ames Construction , to talk about all things Demo Days — a hands-on event sponsored by the Associated General Contractors of ND that's inspiring the next generation of builders and heavy equipment operators. 🏗️👷 ‍ ♂️   Whether you're a student, parent, educator, or industry pro, this episode offers insight into how D...

Join host Dusty Hillebrand in an inspiring conversation with Sara Mitzel, the Adult Education State Director for North Dakota, as they dive into the world of Adult Education – how they're changing lives, creating new opportunities, building partnerships, and helping adult learners reach their goals. Whether you're a lifelong learner, an educator, or someone curious about alternative education oppo...

Banking and finance play a vital role in nearly every aspect of our lives — from keeping our money safe, to helping us buy homes and cars, to funding new businesses and planning for retirement. In this episode of The Job Pod , we're diving into the world of banking with three professionals who've built their careers in this essential industry. Joining Dusty are Tyson Zeltinger, Business Banker wit...

Does the idea of networking make you uncomfortable, or are you a natural? Today's Job Pod is for you! In our latest episode, Dusty sits down with Gon Carlson, Executive Director with the Greater Grand Forks Chamber Young Professionals team and Sara Hand, Chair of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber Young Professionals team for a fun and insightful conversation about networking.  Together, they s...

April is Second Chance Month. Dusty had such a great conversation with Rick Gardner and Chris Clawson of Rough Rider Industries (RRI), we decided to replay the episode. Listen again as Dusty talks with Rick Gardner and Chris Clawson of Rough Rider Industries about the value in hiring justice involved individuals. Chris has the unique perspective of experiencing RRI from inside and out of the justi...

Watford City is the place to be! Listen as Dusty visits with Watford City High School Student, Aiden Pelton, Watford City High School teacher, Amy Polivka, and McKenize County Economic Development Director, Daniel Stenberg talk about their Ambassador Program and the Cooperative Work Experience (CWE) Program and how it has enhanced their community.

Are you or someone you know considering a career within the judicial system? This is the Job Pod for you! In this episode, Dusty visits with the Honorable Judge Don Hager, and Suzy Weber with Weber Law Firm about their career paths and much more.

Join Dusty as he visits with three people that work within the education system. They will talk about their career paths, the ups and down of working in the education industry, and what it takes to start a career in the education field. Enjoy the conversations as Dusty talks to Jason Look who is an elementary teacher, Lee Baker, a middle school teacher, and Mike Wilber who was a high school teache...

In this episode Dusty has the opportunity to visit with Matt Dunlevy, the CEO of the North Dakota Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Council. North Dakota is a leader in the nation of UAS because as a state we see how important it is to the future of so many industries.  The University of North Dakota (UND) offers a UAS degree path. There are also some colleges in North Dakota that offer classes to l...

Happy Veterans Day to all veterans!  Join Dusty as he learns about how the University of North Dakota is a veteran ready campus for veterans, current military members, and their dependents.  His guests from UND are President Andrew Armacost, CEO Energy & Environmental Research Center at UND Charlie Gorecki, and Director of UND Veterans and Military Affairs, Angie Carpenter.  You can visit www.und....

Join Dusty as he speaks with DJ Campbell, VP and Chief HR Officer with Sanford Health in North Dakota.  With 16,000 employees, Sanford is the largest employer in North Dakota.  But it isn't just patient facing employees.  Sanford employs people in all kinds of rolls in their system.  If you are interested in entering the medical industry, this podcast is for you! Visit https://www.ndworkforceconne...

Dusty's guest today is the North Dakota Director of Game and Fish, Jeb Williams and they will be talking about what happens at North Dakota Game and Fish, what kind of career opportunities are available in this type of work, and maybe share some good outdoor stories. You will enjoy this entertaining episode with Dusty and Jeb!

Dusty visits with Jade Scherr, founder of HexaHive in Bismarck, about attracting and retaining top employees. Competing for the top talent is very intense in today's world. Dusty and Jade offer tips about recruiting and retaining your best employees. They also visit about the fact that Job Service has a team of business service advisors that work with employers to help recruit employees, assist wi...

Join Dusty and his guests CEO and President Arik Spencer and Vice President Operations and Outreach Amanda Remynse to learn about what the Greater North Dakota Chamber is and what it does for employers in North Dakota.  Visit www.ndchamber.com to find out what the Chamber has going on or learn how to join to keep North Dakota a businesses friendly state!