The Non-Traditional Scholar Podcast.

In this episode of the Nontraditional Scholar, we get to know Ms. Jenn Williams. The Founder of Kidney Contenders and healthcare advocate for all. Jenn discusses her unique trajectory towards creating her Volunteer Advocacy Organization and gives deep insight on the intricacies of the medical industry. Jenn explains why getting the right information out to people is vital for better health outcome...

In this episode of the podcast, we have a conversation with Dr. Jacqueline Pena. Jackie discusses her non-traditional route to what she's doing currently and why she's on a mission to empower voices through education. Dr. Pena unpacks the meaning behind the word leader and how real leadership needs to be creative, critical, and communicate effectively in order to make an impact. Please enj...

On this episode of the Nontraditional Scholar, we get to know Mr. Travis George. Director and Chief of Public Safety at Miami Dade College, Hialeah Campus. Travis discusses how he found his calling in his darkest moments. Mr. George also discusses his mission behind his organization: G.E.O.R.G.E., and how it' "ain't how you start, it's how you finish." Enjoy. Connect. Inspire...

In this episode, we continue getting to know Mr. Rollie Gilliam III. Mr. Gilliam III takes us on his journey into Chapter 2 of his Nontraditional route in life. We get to discover how Rollie pivoted from his "Beautiful Collision" (First episode) to "The Beautiful Integration." (Chapter 2.) Enjoy. Connect. Inspire. To connect with Rollie and his Interior Design Company, please contact him below: Em...

In our first episode of Season 5, we interview Cam Quelquejeu. A Writing and Speech tutor and Sociology major at UCF. Cam discusses his Non-traditional experience in education and how his identity has shaped his path towards academic success. Take a deep dive into Cam's unique experience and share the episode with your universe. The Non-traditional Scholar Podcast: Our intention is to have the...

In this episode, we explore the work of psychological scholar William Schutz. We examine the three needs of Inclusion, Affection, and Control that Schutz's reveals are only satisfied through human interaction. We dive into the types of relationships humans experience in their life, and how the weight of committed relationship can be heavier than an Atomic Bomb. Please share this episode with a...

In our first episode in 2026, we dive into the dialectic tensions theory. We listen to Scholar Leslie Baxter and her work in unpacking relational dialectics. She explains the importance of valuing the interplay that exists in the tensions of all our relationships. Link to Leslie Baxter's full interview: (Credit to "A First Look at Communication Theory's" YouTube channel.) Griffin...

In this episode, we get to know Dr. Karen Leader. An Associate Art History Professor at Florida Atlantic University. Dr. Leader guides us through her non-traditional path to finding her purpose and her life's work. She discusses the power of art, the necessity of human expression, and how art embodies our ability to find our voices like no other species or technology on this planet. Please enj...

In this episode, we get to know Ms. Samantha Tarano. A first generation college student on her way to Pharmacy School from Community College. Samantha discusses her non-traditional path to becoming a Dr. in Pharmacy and how her milestones are also celebrations for her support system. Please enjoy Samantha's story and remember to rate, like, and subscribe. Enjoy. Connect. Inspire. Data from the...

In this episode, we get to know Mr. Tyrel Pablo. The Academic Success Coach at Diné College in New Mexico. Mr. Pablo is also of the Navajo Tribe. We get to know Tyrel and his Indigenous culture on a deeper level. Tyrel also discusses how his college is impacting the lives of students. Many who are Navajo identity as well. Please enjoy this powerful and enlightening testimony titled Warrior's S...

In Part 2 of The Kuvo Effect, we get to know more about the co-founders of the App, Jas, and Vlad. Ulises also joins us as we taking a deeper dive into the intricacies of developing and app like theirs. We explore some of the challenges they face, where they forecast themselves to be with Kuvo in the future, and we will put the three guys to the test! Please enjoy, comment, and share. To get in to...

In this episode, we get to know Ulysses Cheong Borges. Founder of the Kuvo App. We discuss how he took his idea and developed it with his Co-founders of the App to where it is today. As an App that fills a need and on the verge of becoming the next big thing people download to their devices. Please enjoy part 1 of The Kuvo Effect, and stay tuned for part 2! To contact Kuvo: Link to the App: https:...

In this moving episode, we get to know Gabi Cardenas. Director of Retention Services at Miami Dade College: North Campus. Gabi's testimony speaks volumes on how our titles and professions are just a fragment of who we are. Gabi explains how her role at the college creates an impact in the lives of her students, and how her colleagues and the college served as her greatest comfort in her most c...

In this episode we get to know Lee Norwood. A College Consultant at Annapolis College Consulting and founder of College Sharks. Lee's discusses her desire to make an impact after a 23 year career in the Pharmaceutical industry and creating College Sharks to "take a bite out of the college admissions process" for all! Please enjoy the latest episode on the podcast and rate it 5-stars....

In this episode of the podcast, we get to know Mr. German Ortiz Soris. A current student at MDC who studies Physics and is a K-12 Mathematics Tutor. Mr. Ortiz Soris wants to use what he's learned in English and Communication to bridge the gap for students who have difficulty with Math and Science courses. Ultimately, German is driven to use his research to make an impact for the 99 percent of grad...

In this episode, we get to know Ms. Yasiara Ortiz, Chief Dream Officer at Misstudy. An organization that helps students stand out from the rest in pursuit of their academic dreams across the globe. She discusses her company's mission, her personal experience, and how she connects people with colleges and universities on multiple continents. Yasi believes that travel and education are key inter...

In our 51st episode of the podcast, we get to know Isabella Anais Llobera. A graduate from Miami Dade College with her Bachelors degree in Supply-chain Management. With a concentration in Human Resources. She explains her route towards academic success and how she's been a Non-traditional student since day #1, Kindergarten! Please enjoy the latest episode on the podcast and rate 5-stars! Alway...

In our second episode of season 4, we get to know Mr. Dale Leatherwood. Chief Marketing Officer at Columbia Southern University. Dale dives into how Online institutions like his are catering higher education for non-traditional students, breaking the stigma of pursuing degrees online, and some of the challenges he faces in his position. Join me in listening to his insightful testimony on the Non-t...

In this episode, we get to know Mr. Andre Bruce, and Non-traditional student who never imagined arriving at the career and degree he's earned. We discuss his journey, the field of Sports Psychology, and how such a field intersects with other fields of study and experiences that help complete "full circle" moments. Please rate our podcast 5 stars! Like, comment, and share with the wor...

In the first episode of 2025, we get to know Amanda Nuckles. Who is pursuing an Interdisciplinary degree in Art History, Anthropology, and Philosophy. She dives deep into her Non-traditional route to pursuing her degrees, and how her trials and tribulations redefined the trajectory of her passions. Please enjoy our latest episode and rate us 5-stars! Always grateful.

In this episode, we get to know Tracy Baynes. The CEO of the STEP initiative and organization. Tracy discusses how consistently following her passions allowed her to help others through STEP's mission: Generational Change in the lives of low income high school students in Arizona. Please enjoy this powerful episode on STEP and how its transforming lives and breaking barriers in the lives of high s...

In this episode, we get to know Mrs. Andrea Black Evans. Executive Director at the Surge Institute. She explains the mission of the Surge Institute and why the work they do is shaping a movement and surging people forward! Please enjoy this episode and rate our podcast 5 stars. Always grateful.

In this episode, we get to know Mr. Edgar Palacios. Founder of the Latinx Education Collaborative and Revolucion Educativa. Mr. Palacios dives deep into his motivations for creating the initiatives and the impact he's trying to make for generations to come. Join me in listening to his story and how Climbing the Mountain bit by bit can lead to a better representation for all. Please rate us 5-stars...

In this fascinating conversation, we take a dive into culture with Maria Kuntz. We explore how culture and identity are continuously evolving and integrated. We also touch on how Cross Cultural Communication can help build bridges in a very divisive climate. Please enjoy this episode of our podcast and remember to rate 5-stars. Share with everyone in your universe! Always grateful.

In this episode of the Non-traditional Scholar, we get to Gabriella Castillo. A Non-traditional student who took a scenic route toward pursuing higher education. Through some persuasion from her family, she decided to reroute back to school for the first time in 2 years. Upon return, not only was she inspired by getting A's, but she discovered an opportunity of a lifetime. Please enjoy the lat...