Inside JMS

Inside JMS goes global as hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with part-time instructor, graduate student, and Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Patrick Blennerhassett. Patrick details his unconventional career, which began at a power plant near the Arctic Circle and later took him to covering organized crime in Victoria, the Vancouver Olympics, India, Hong Kong, and eventually Las Vegas. He reflects on the editors and experiences that shaped his belief that journalism is a “calling,” not a job, the risks he encountered while reporting on the Chinese Communist Party from Hong Kong, and the curiosity that continues to drive his work as a reporter and teacher. Patrick also shares what he hopes to pass along to JMS students about asking questions, taking chances, and remaining open to where a career might lead. Along the way, we learn how covering a UFC fighter in Hong Kong introduced him to his future wife and ultimately helped bring him to Las Vegas.

 It's a full circle episode of Inside JMS with UNLV Journalism and Media Studies alum and part time instructor Paul Gutierrez. Hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Paul to trace his journey from covering sports for the UNLV student newspaper, The Rebel Yell, to a career that included stints at Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and now Raiders.com. He reflects on the mentors and opportunities that shaped his career, the importance of bringing your own experiences and perspective to journalism, and why the fundamentals of good reporting remain unchanged even as the industry evolves. Paul also shares how returning to UNLV as a sports reporting instructor has given him the opportunity to pay forward the lessons he learned as a student and professional journalist. Along the way, we learn about his Barstow roots, a life changing encounter with Raiders owner Mark Davis, and the trumpet that nearly sent his career in an entirely different direction. 

In this episode of Inside JMS, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with part time instructor and social media entrepreneur, Jamie Grolie. Jamie traces her unlikely path into social media marketing, from being told to “do the Facebook page” before social media marketing was really a thing to launching Spitfire Social Media in Las Vegas. She shares how running an agency eventually led her to the classroom, where she brings real clients, data, and industry challenges into her social media advertising courses. Along the way, Jamie discusses why there is no secret sauce for social media success, how teaching has made her a better marketer, and why students should worry less about following a perfectly linear career path. We also learn how a Bay Area native who initially came to Las Vegas “kicking and screaming” eventually made Southern Nevada home.

In a classic case of "better late than never", this episode of the Inside JMS podcast features a conversation with the School's newest (but not-so-new) tenure-track faculty member, Dr. Arthur Soto-Vasquez. After a year-and-a-half of working for the School of Journalism and Media Studies, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse finally get their act together and arrange for an interview with this proud Texan. We learn how Arthur's initial interest in politics led him to study Political Science, but a budding interest in the interplay between politics and media ultimately led him to doctoral work at the American University School of Communication in Washington DC. Arthur shares how his initial work studying what mobilizes the Latino population to vote has been supplemented by a variety of other interests including influencers, artificial intelligence, and pop culture. He also shares insights into his teaching philosophy, his approach to adapting coursework in the age of AI, and why he encourages students to think of their careers less as a linear path and more as an open-world experience .

Along the way, the conversation touches on Arthur’s Texas roots, his appreciation for some bombastic musical theater, and the personal interests that shape both his scholarship and his classroom.

In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Kim Linzy, Assistant Operations Manager and longtime Music Director at KUNV 91.5 FM, to reflect on her more than three decades at the station. Kim traces her journey from volunteer DJ to one of the most recognized jazz programmers in the U.S., sharing how mentorship, adaptability, and a deep love of music shaped her career.

Kim offers a look into the inner workings of radio programming, from working with artists, record promoters, and radio charts to balancing business needs with listener trust. She reflects on KUNV’s evolution from vinyl to digital broadcasting and the role of public radio in supporting emerging musicians. The conversation also touches on her experiences working for the IRS (yes, that IRS), her pride in her family, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to students and the next generation of broadcasters.

In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse turn the tables (or microphone, rather) on Dr. Ashton Ridley, General Manager of KUNV 91.5 FM, to explore his journey in public radio and higher education. Dr. Ridley traces his path from a chance high school internship at KCEP to a 20+ year career mentoring hundreds of young broadcasters. He reflects on how education from workforce development to public policy shaped his management philosophy and prepared him to lead one of Las Vegas’s most successful public radio stations. The conversation also touches on Dr. Ridley's life as a military child, his commitment to paying it forward, and how he balances work, family, and continuous community engagement.

This episode of Inside JMS features Ryan “RT” Thorp, Video Production Specialist and instructor in the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies. RT shares with hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse how a love of drumming led him from an initial path studying music education to a career in broadcast and live production. He reflects on his professional journey through several Las Vegas television stations, his return to UNLV-TV, and the origins of his production philosophy: “Don’t freak out. Figure it out.” Along the way, RT discusses teaching hands-on video courses including Studio G and the new Sports & Entertainment Production class, his philosophy of bringing real-world experience into the classroom, and how he attempts to balance life, graduate school, and fatherhood.

In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Jennifer Ream, Executive Producer of UNLV-TV. Jennifer traces her career trajectory from UNLV communication and broadcast student to her leadership position at UNLV-TV. She reflects on the evolution of UNLV-TV from its early days in the basement of the FDH building to its digital transformation in Greenspun Hall. Along the way, Jennifer discusses the importance of balance between career and family, and offers insights into how technology, creativity, and mentorship continue to shape student success at UNLV.

Season 3 of the Inside JMS podcast kicks off with a bang with UNLV-TV Editor, multimedia extraordinaire, and proud UNLV Journalism and Media Studies alum, Sean Skottey. Sean shares with hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse his path from UNLV student to media professional, his love of technology and storytelling, and the mentors who helped shape his career. He also reflects on his teaching philosophy, the role of problem-solving in media, and his dedication to serving students, family, and community. Sean’s perspective offers inspiration, wisdom, and a reminder that adding value to others is one of the most impactful things we can do.

In this episode of Inside JMS, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Dr. Matt Eichner, who joined the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies in January 2024. Matt shares his unique journey from a diverse journalism career, including stints as a sports editor and managing editor, to transitioning into academia. After teaching adjunct courses and pursuing a PhD at the University of Oregon, Matt realized his passion for teaching and mentoring young journalists. The conversation delves into his experiences in the newspaper industry, his teaching philosophy focused on producing professional-level writing, and the importance of storytelling across various media platforms. Additionally, Matt gives insight into his personal life, including family adventures and his love for Texas barbecue, sports, and hiking. It’s an engaging look at a faculty member bringing both practical experience and theoretical knowledge to the classroom.