In this season finale of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent turn the microphone toward someone usually behind the scenes: sound technician and Northeast State alumnus Jordi Barradas.

A graduate of the College’s Entertainment Technology program, Jordi shares how his time at Northeast State helped shape his path from student to staff member and how hands-on learning prepared him for a career in audio production and media. The group also discusses the evolving world of entertainment technology and the importance of creative collaboration.

Thank you to Jordi for everything he does behind the scenes to make The Sound Bearier possible and for sharing his own Northeast State story with us for the season finale.

#TheSoundBearier #NortheastState #EntertainmentTechnology #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted

• (00:00:00) - Behind the Soundboard
• (00:00:51) - Meet the Lab Tech at Northeast State
• (00:02:36) - Capstone Program First Year Class
• (00:04:23) - Having just graduated from the AV Program at UVA,
• (00:06:14) - How to Make a Podcast
• (00:07:46) - Post-Bacc MS in Journalism
• (00:09:01) - Working on a Live Event
• (00:11:08) - How Does Wireless Work On the Field?
• (00:15:36) - Several certifications available in AV and Entertainment Technology at Northeast State
• (00:18:03) - Post-Bacc MS in Music Program Alumni
• (00:19:41) - What You Need to Know Before Recording a Podcast or Concert
• (00:26:03) - How To Edit Your Music
• (00:28:30) - Flat Rida and Billy Joel
• (00:32:25) - Mixing Music and Entertainment Technology
• (00:36:59) - How Much Does Equipment Cost For Live Sound?
• (00:38:30) - How To Make Music In A Pro Studio
• (00:42:54) - In the Studio: Brandon and Will
• (00:44:50) - Do Independent Artists Need To Be Signed?
• (00:50:26) - Kanye West On Sampling
• (00:53:44) - How Lighting Is Advancing With AI
• (00:57:03) - Mixing Producers: What You Need to Know
• (01:01:00) - What's A Chunky Drum Sound?
• (01:02:32) - What Makes a Podcast or a Video Look Professional?
• (01:08:56) - Local EDM talent coming through NE Tennessee
• (01:17:00) - An Oregon Organ in the Studio

No two paths in emergency medical services are exactly alike, but they're all united by one goal: helping others.

In this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State Community College Paramedic instructor Nicholas Santiago and student Chelsea Harris to discuss their journeys through emergency medical services.

Both Nicholas and Chelsea completed Northeast State’s EMT program 14 years ago. Today, Chelsea continues serving patients as she works toward furthering her education in the field, while Nicholas returned to the classroom to help train the next generation of EMT, AEMT and paramedic professionals.

The group reflects on the realities of working in emergency services, the challenges and rewards of the profession and how Northeast State helped shape their paths.

Thank you to Nicholas and Chelsea for sharing their experiences and for the work they do to care for others in moments that matter most.

Listen to The Sound Bearier on your favorite streaming services.

#TheSoundBearier #Paramedic #EMT #AEMT #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted

• (00:00:00) - Welcome to The Sound Bearier!
• (00:00:55) - EMT/Paramedic programs at Northeast State
• (00:04:40) - A Day in the Life of a Paramedic
• (00:06:15) - Let's Talk Clinicals
• (00:08:37) - Mental Health in Emergency Medical Services
• (00:10:16) - Safety on the Scene
• (00:22:45) - Inside the Helicopters
• (00:24:51) - Paramedic to RN Pathway
• (00:28:46) - Population Growth and Medical Demand
• (00:31:45) - Paramedic Shortages in the Region
• (00:46:25) - Most Memorable Calls
• (01:01:37) - What Can We Do To Help Our Emergency Responders?

What does an apprenticeship look like in 2026, and why are more students and employers turning to them as a pathway to success?

On this episode of The Sound Bearier, co-hosts Thomas Wilson and Mackenzie Moore-Gent sit down with Northeast State Community College Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development Holly Free-Ollard and Director of Apprenticeships Dawn Carter to explore how apprenticeships are changing lives across the region.

From hands-on training and paid work experience to partnerships with local industries, the conversation dives into how Northeast State is helping students gain real-world skills while meeting workforce needs throughout the Tri-Cities.

Whether you're a student exploring career options or an employer looking to invest in the future workforce, this episode highlights the impact and opportunity behind apprenticeship programs at Northeast State.

#NortheastState #TheSoundBearier #Apprenticeships #WorkforceDevelopment #HereToGetYouThere #WereJustGettingStarted

• (00:00:08) - Welcome to The Sound Bearier!
• (00:00:57) - Northeast State Apprenticeships
• (00:07:46) - Training at RCAM
• (00:11:32) - Employer Needs
• (00:22:29) - National Apprenticeship Week Celebration