On The Spot @ PCC

Welcome to On the Spot, a brand-new podcast brought to you by Internal Communications here at Portland Community College. This is where we get straight to the answers about the questions you—our PCC employees—want to know most about. Every episode, we dive into topics that you have submitted, whether it’s about the college’s operations, our community, or the amazing people behind the scenes.
Episodes
Episodes



Sunday May 18, 2025
On The Spot: AI at PCC with Brandon Gatke (Part 2)
Sunday May 18, 2025
Sunday May 18, 2025
In the second half of our AI deep dive, Associate Vice President of IT and Security Brandon Gatke returns to explore the tools, risks, and future of artificial intelligence at PCC. Learn how the college is integrating AI into everyday operations—from AI note-taking tools and Zoom integration to student advising bots and security systems fighting fake enrollments. Brandon also addresses digital equity, ethical concerns, and the energy implications of AI, offering insight into how PCC is navigating this rapidly evolving landscape with care and strategy.
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.



Sunday May 04, 2025
On The Spot: AI at PCC with Brandon Gatke (Part 1)
Sunday May 04, 2025
Sunday May 04, 2025
In this thought-provoking episode, we welcome Brandon Gatke, PCC's new Associate Vice President of Information Technology and Security, for a deep dive into the evolving world of artificial intelligence. From defining generative AI and its everyday uses to exploring its impact on higher education, Brandon shares how AI is reshaping workflows, enhancing student services, and posing new sustainability challenges. Plus, learn how PCC is already integrating AI tools on campus and what that means for students, faculty, and staff. This is part one of a two-part conversation you won’t want to miss!
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.



Sunday Apr 20, 2025
On The Spot: Sustainability with Briar Wray (Part 2)
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
In Part 2 of our 🌎 Earth Week special, Briar Wray shares how PCC is tackling big sustainability goals—from decarbonizing buildings and electrifying the fleet to growing edible landscapes and supporting student-led climate justice projects. It’s a look at how deep collaboration is making real change across our campuses.
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.



Sunday Apr 06, 2025
On The Spot: Sustainability with Briar Wray (Part 1)
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
Sunday Apr 06, 2025
In honor of 🌎 Earth Week this week's broadcast is a two-parter – and it's all about PCC Sustainability. We're doing so much we couldn't fit it in one episode. We talk to Briar Wray, Associate Dean, Sustainability Strategies.
The podcast On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. Each bite-size episode answers an employee question about the college, its operations, or its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.



Friday Dec 13, 2024
On The Spot Episode 6: Workday ERP with Angela McMahon
Friday Dec 13, 2024
Friday Dec 13, 2024
The podcast, On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. We are getting answers to your burning work-related questions.
In this episode Angela McMahon, Director of Application Systems for Academic Affairs andStudent Affairs sits down with Danielle Gabriel, Director of Marketing to talk about the colleges transition to a new Enterprise Resource Planning System.
Each episode is 15 minutes or less and tackles an employee-submitted question about the college, its operations, and its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.



Friday Nov 22, 2024
On The Spot Episode 5: Catering with Amber Mendel
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
The podcast, On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. We are getting answers to your burning work-related questions.
In this episode Amber Mendel, Director of Auxiliary Services sits down with Danielle Gabriel, Director of Marketing to discuss food services at PCC.
Each episode is 15 minutes or less and tackles an employee-submitted question about the college, its operations, and its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.



Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
The podcast, On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. We are getting answers to your burning work-related questions.
In this episode Kurt Simonds, VP of SPIP sits down with Khylie Gardner, AVP of Marketing and Communication to discuss PCC's Strategy, Policy, and Integrated Planning.
Each episode is 15 minutes or less and tackles an employee-submitted question about the college, its operations, and its people.
Download a transcript of this episode here.



Friday Nov 01, 2024
On The Spot Episode 3: Strategic Planning with Sarah Rose Evans
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Friday Nov 01, 2024
The podcast, On the Spot@PCC! is hosted and produced by PCC staff. We are getting answers to your burning work-related questions.
In this podcast Sarah Rose Evans, Strategic Planning Manager sits down with Danielle Gabriel, Director of Marketing and Communications to talk about operational excellence.
Each episode is 15 minutes or less and tackles an employee-submitted question about the college, its operations, and its people.
For a transcript of this episode, click here.