Produced and hosted by Dragon Podcast Manager, Ryan Record, Dragon Talk is a student-focused podcast highlighting topics of interest to our diverse student population at Howard Community College. Tune in to find out what’s happening in Dragon Country!
Step UP to Success: Navigating HCC with a Coach in Your Corner
Starting college is a major milestone, but the transition can often feel more like climbing a mountain than a straightforward path. In this episode of Dragon Talk, host Ryan Record explores Howard Community College’s Step UP program, a dedicated initiative that has been guiding students through the complexities of college life for over 20 years.
Joining the conversation is Naya Patterson, Assistant Director of Step UP, who provides insight into the program’s long-standing mission of fostering student success through personalized care. We also hear from Sandra Lee, a Step UP Coach, who describes how her mentor meetings focus entirely on the student’s individual needs, honest conversation, and emotional support. Finally, HCC student Zinny shares a firsthand testimonial about the reality of being a student in the program and how having a dedicated faculty mentor helped her turn overwhelming moments into manageable goals.
From connecting students to vital campus resources to simply providing a space where someone truly listens, this episode highlights why Step UP is more than just a support program, it is a community. Whether you are a new Dragon looking for guidance or a returning student seeking a stronger connection to HCC, listen in to discover how the right coach can help you reach exactly where you want to be.
11 Dec 2025
Mission: Education–Your Guide to Veteran Resources at HCC
In this episode of Dragon Talk, we’re honoring our veterans and military families at HCC. Join host Ryan Record as he sits down with Assistant Registrar, Lauren Nelson-Smith, VA Cohort Liaison, Jean Melvin, as well as veteran student and Dragon Podcast intern, John Fry, to break down your VA benefits, campus support and resources. Whether you’re a veteran beginning your educational journey, a military family member looking for guidance, or a campus community member wanting to better understand veteran life at HCC, this episode offers clarity, connection, and encouragement. Tune in to learn how HCC proudly stands beside those who served—every step of the way.
15 Oct 2025
Cyber Security Awareness Month: Training a New Generation of Cyber Experts
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and Dragon Talk is celebrating by exploring how Howard Community College is shaping up its digital education sphere. Joel Offenberg, Department Head for Computer Science and Cyber Technology, joins host Ryan Record to discuss why cyber security is an essential skill for everyone to stay on top of. Learn about the amazing apprenticeships and career opportunities available to HCC’s computer science/cyber technology students, and how a game-changing National Science Foundation grant is completely revamping the college’s Cyber Security program. If you are looking into career paths that protect our digital information, or even just want to brush up on your cyber tech know-how, this is a must-listen!
9 Oct 2025
The World is Yours (Part 2): Faculty Perspectives on Global Learning
In this episode of Dragon Talk, host, Ryan Record, once again dives into the HCC Study Abroad Program, but this time shifts focus to the faculty members who make the magic happen. Join him as he sits down with Professor Kling, Chef Milburn, and Dr. Bianchi to hear their unique perspectives on the value of global learning as they discuss the transformative power of teaching students in Bermuda, France, Italy, and Greece. If you’re wondering what it takes to study abroad, this episode offers a rich, behind-the-scenes look that might just inspire you to pack your bags and change your life!
Sound and Music Attribution:
Splash, Jumping, C.wav by InspectorJ -- https://freesound.org/s/352099/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
200116_1025_FR_TraditionalMusic.wav by kevp888 -- https://freesound.org/s/502673/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
Italy Venice Square Day Amb with Live Music_yoh.wav by YOH -- https://freesound.org/s/169535/ -- License: Attribution 4.0
17 Sept 2025
Beyond the Ballot: Meet Your 2025-2026 SGA Leaders
In this special episode, we’re putting your new SGA leadership team for 2025-2026 academic year under the microscope. Join host Ryan Record and Public Relations Manager Kia McLeod as they sit down with the students who are working hard to represent your voice and enhance campus life.
You’ll hear directly from:
Christione Johnson, SGA President
Maryam Abdurrahman, SGA Vice President
Ayanna King-Smith, SGA Club Liaison
Nadia Bayiga, SGA Secretary
They’ll share their visions and goals for the upcoming year. Whether you are a new or returning student, this is your chance to meet the leaders dedicated to advocating for your needs and fostering a vibrant campus community.
Tune in to learn more about how you can get involved and make your voice heard at HCC.
3 Aug 2025
The World is Yours: HCC's Study Abroad Program
Buckle up, Dragon Country! On this episode of Dragon Talk, we’re taking off into the exciting world of Howard Community College’s Study Abroad Program. What if your next classroom was a world away—exploring ancient ruins, immersing yourself in vibrant new cultures, and gaining global experience that complements your degree?
Hear from students who’ve traveled abroad and get expert advice on how to make international study part of your academic journey. Whether you’re curious about logistics, scholarships, or cultural adjustment, this episode will help you turn those travel dreams into reality.
Listen to more Dragon Talk episodes here.
Follow Dragon Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Dragon Talk is produced by Howard Community College.
Music Attribution:
Title: (Ambient) Breath
Author: Kirk Osamayo
Source: Free Music Archive
License: CC BY-SA
25 Jun 2025
Student Success Stories: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
Students Kirpa and Dayana recount their inspiring journeys of overcoming obstacles and transforming setbacks into opportunities for academic success, demonstrating the power of resilience in an interview.
30 May 2025
Navigating Student Mental Health: A Candid Discussion with Natalie Williams
Natalie Williams, Mental Health Counselling Director, discusses student mental health, available resources, and prioritizing well-being on campus in an interview with Dragon Talk.
30 Apr 2025
From Campus to Career: A Celebration of Community Colleges and Apprenticeships
Dragon Talk celebrates Community College Month and National Apprenticeship Day with esteemed guests Anderson Jaggernauth, Feli Sola-Carter, and Dr. Brad Phillips. Hear their inspiring stories and expert perspectives on how Howard Community College is shaping bright futures and building skilled workforces!
25 Oct 2024
Banned Books Week
Every year, in late September or early October, book lovers nationwide celebrate their freedom to read as part of Banned Books Week. The idea of Banned Books Week is that the freedom to explore new ideas and different perspectives is a vital right in our country, and that right is under threat. Howard Community College faculty, staff, and students put on their own celebration of Banned Books Week here on HCC’s campus. Join Dragon Podcasts as we get the inside scoop on what this celebration is all about.
26 Apr 2024
Dragon Talk: National Community College Month
Howard Community College is excited to present Dragon Talk, a new student-focused podcast where we hear from our very own HCC students. Our first episode celebrates National Community College Month by discussing the community college experience with current HCC students. We take a look at what community colleges provide: quality education, affordable prices, and community-building for people of all ages.
Sources:
- COE - College Student Employment (ed.gov) (https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/ssa/college-student-employment)
- COE - Price of Attending an Undergraduate Institution (ed.gov) (https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cua/undergrad-costs)
- Celebrating our Nation’s Community Colleges - ED.gov Blog (https://blog.ed.gov/2023/04/celebrating-our-nations-community-colleges/)
Who has been a guest on Dragon Talk
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Kirpa
Dayana
Natalie Williams
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
812,069
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
26
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
27
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Guest appearances
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