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.
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.
Listen on:
Episodes
Episodes



May 4, 2025
May 4, 2025
16 min
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.



Apr 20, 2025
Apr 20, 2025
11 min
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.



Apr 6, 2025
Apr 6, 2025
15 min
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.



Dec 13, 2024
Dec 13, 2024
18 min
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.



Nov 22, 2024
Nov 22, 2024
18 min
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.



Nov 15, 2024
Nov 15, 2024
13 min
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.



Nov 1, 2024
Nov 1, 2024
17 min
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.



Oct 17, 2024
Oct 17, 2024
12 min
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 Josh Peters McBride, Associate VP College Operations. talks about weather and how we prioritize safety during inclement weather.
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.



