Voices of Mason features conversations with George Mason University alumni who majored in Communication, produced content in Student Media or both! Each episode explores their academic journey, campus involvement, career paths, and how their Mason experience shaped their professional lives. From journalism and broadcasting to strategic communication and digital media, Voice of Mason amplifies the stories, lessons, and voices of Mason graduates making an impact beyond campus.
From the Newsroom to Strategic Communications: Nicole Livas on Journalism, Public Relations & Leadership|Voices of Mason
How do the skills of a journalist prepare someone to become a successful communications leader?
In this episode of Voices of Mason, host Rodger Smith welcomes Nicole Livas, Director of Communications for Virginia Beach City Public Schools and a veteran broadcast journalist whose career reflects the evolving landscape of professional communication.
Nicole begins by looking back on her years in television news, discussing how broadcast journalism has changed through advances in technology, digital media, audience expectations, and newsroom workflows. She also reflects on the enduring values that continue to define outstanding journalism: accuracy, credibility, and public service.
In the second half of the conversation, Nicole explains why she transitioned from journalism into public relations and strategic communications. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at leading communications for one of Virginia's largest public school divisions, emphasizing the importance of transparency, crisis communication, community engagement, and building public trust.
Whether you're interested in broadcast journalism, strategic communication, or public relations, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how communication skills can open doors to diverse and rewarding careers.
Topics include:
• Broadcast journalism
• The evolution of television news
• Strategic communication
• Public relations
• Community engagement
#VoicesOfMason #GeorgeMasonUniversity #GMU #BroadcastJournalism #PublicRelations #StrategicCommunication #Communications #MediaCareers #Leadership #SchoolCommunications #PublicInformation #Storytelling #Podcast
28 Jul 2026
From WGMU to Washington TV: Kaitlyn Koegler's Journey to DC News Now
How do unexpected opportunities shape a successful media career?
In this episode of Voices of Mason, host Rodger Smith welcomes George Mason University alumna Kaitlyn Koegler, Assistant Newscast Director at DC News Now in Washington, D.C.
Kaitlyn reflects on her time in George Mason's Student Media program and WGMU, where she developed the production skills and confidence that launched her career in broadcasting. She also discusses her experience teaching English in Seoul, South Korea, sharing how living and working abroad broadened her perspective and strengthened her communication skills.
In the second half of the episode, Kaitlyn takes listeners inside the fast-paced world of live television news, explaining the role of an Assistant Newscast Director and what it takes to help produce daily newscasts in one of the country's most competitive media markets. She concludes by offering practical advice for college students preparing to begin careers in journalism, television production, and media.
Whether you're interested in broadcast journalism, television production, international experiences, or career development, Kaitlyn's story demonstrates how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new challenges can lead to rewarding opportunities.
Topics include:
• George Mason Student Media
• WGMU
• Television production
• DC News Now
• Teaching English in South Korea
• Behind-the-scenes television news
• Career preparation
• Advice for journalism and communication students
Kaitlyn's LinkedIn Site: Kaitlyn Koegler | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaitlynkoegler/)#VoicesOfMason #GeorgeMasonUniversity #GMU #StudentMedia #WGMU #DCNewsNow #BroadcastJournalism #TVNews #TelevisionProduction #MediaCareers #Journalism #StudyAbroad #SouthKorea #CareerDevelopment
18 Jul 2026
From Mason Student Media to Award-Winning Investigative Storytelling: Bria Lloyd|Voices of Mason
How do you build a career telling stories that make a difference?
In this episode of Voices of Mason, host Rodger Smith welcomes George Mason University alumna Bria Lloyd, an award-winning journalist whose career has taken her from Mason's Student Media to local television, international news organizations, investigative reporting, narrative podcasting, and documentary filmmaking.
Bria begins by reflecting on her time at George Mason, the experiences that shaped her as a young journalist, and the lessons she learned through Mason Cable News and Student Media. She then takes listeners behind the scenes of two impactful projects from her time at Connecticut Public: an investigation examining communication accessibility challenges for Deaf patients and In Absentia, the acclaimed investigative podcast exploring political corruption and election integrity in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
In the second half of the conversation, Bria discusses directing a $700,000 documentary project chronicling the history and legacy of Douglass High School in Leesburg, Virginia, preserving the stories of one of the region's historic Black schools. She concludes by offering practical advice for journalism students preparing for careers in today's rapidly evolving media landscape.
Whether you're interested in investigative journalism, podcasting, documentary filmmaking, or simply the art of telling meaningful stories, this episode offers valuable insights into the many paths a communication degree can take.
Topics include:
• Student Media at George Mason
• Investigative journalism
• Narrative podcast production
• Audio storytelling
• Documentary filmmaking
• Preserving Black history
• Public media
• Career advice for journalism students
Follow Bria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bria-lloyd-452586104/
#VoicesOfMason #GeorgeMasonUniversity #GMU #InvestigativeJournalism #Documentary #Podcasting #PublicMedia #Storytelling #Journalism #StudentMedia #AudioJournalism #ConnecticutPublic #MediaCareers
17 Jul 2026
From Mason to Strategic Communications: Rachel Sutherland's Career in Public Relations & Leadership|Voices of Mason
How do you build a successful career in public relations and strategic communications?
In this episode of Voices of Mason, host Rodger Smith welcomes George Mason University alumna Rachel Sutherland, Director of Public Relations and Communications for the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).
Rachel shares her professional journey from George Mason to leadership in strategic communications, discussing how storytelling, media relations, public affairs, and relationship building have shaped her career. She also reflects on the evolving communications landscape, the importance of credibility and trust, and the skills that today's communication students need to thrive in an ever-changing profession.
Whether you're pursuing a career in journalism, public relations, corporate communications, or public affairs, Rachel offers valuable insights into leadership, professional growth, and lifelong learning.
Follow Rachel on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rsutherland1/
#VoicesOfMason #GeorgeMasonUniversity #GMU #PublicRelations #StrategicCommunications #Communications #PublicAffairs #Leadership #Storytelling #MediaRelations #Podcast #CareerDevelopment
8 Jul 2026
From George Mason to Award-Winning Anchor: Doug Currin on Storytelling, Leadership & Military Matters | Voices of Mason
What does it take to build a successful career in broadcast journalism?
In this episode of Voices of Mason, host Rodger Smith sits down with George Mason University (Communication major) alumnus Doug Currin, an Emmy, Edward R. Murrow, and Associated Press award-winning journalist and evening news anchor at ABC Columbia in South Carolina.
Doug reflects on his journey from George Mason to television newsrooms across the country, sharing stories from a career that has included covering major breaking news, national events, and the everyday stories that connect communities. He also discusses Military Matters, his reporting beat dedicated to telling the stories of service members, veterans, and military families.
Throughout the conversation, Doug offers insights into the evolving world of local television news, the importance of strong storytelling, and the skills aspiring journalists need to succeed in today's media landscape.
Whether you're a student considering a career in journalism, a media professional, or simply someone who appreciates great storytelling, you'll find inspiration and practical advice in this conversation with one of George Mason's accomplished alumni.
#VoicesOfMason #GeorgeMasonUniversity #GMU #BroadcastJournalism #Journalism #LocalNews #TelevisionNews #Storytelling #MilitaryMatters #MediaCareers #Podcast #Communication
6 Jul 2026
From MMJ to News Producer: A George Mason Graduate's Journey Through Local TV
What does it really take to build a career in television news?
In this episode of Voices of Mason, I sit down with Olivia Whitehouse, one of my former George Mason University students, to discuss her journey from the classroom to the newsroom.
After graduating, Olivia began her career as a multimedia journalist (MMJ) at WHSV-TV in Harrisonburg, Virginia, where she reported, shot, and edited stories covering the Shenandoah Valley. She has since taken the next step in her career as a news producer for the NBC affiliate in Little Rock, Arkansas.
We discuss what it's like to work in local television news, the challenges of being an MMJ, the transition into producing, memorable stories she's covered, and the skills that helped prepare Olivia for success in the industry. Olivia also offers practical advice for students and aspiring journalists hoping to launch careers in broadcast news.
Whether you're interested in reporting, producing, or simply curious about how local news comes together each day, this conversation offers an inside look at the fast-paced world of television journalism.
Voices of Mason highlights the experiences, careers, and insights of George Mason University students, alumni, faculty, and media professionals.
#VoicesOfMason #GeorgeMasonUniversity #GMU #BroadcastJournalism #Journalism #LocalNews #TelevisionNews #NewsProducer #MMJ #Broadcasting #MediaCareers #WHSV #NBC #Podcast #MediaStudents #CareerJourney
3 Feb 2026
An Officer & a Gentleman: Ted Arnn
Ted served as the WGMU Music Director while studying to work in the law enforcement field. Learn about his time at Mason (which eventually included leading the Mason Alumni Association) and his thoughts about his law enforcement career.
3 Feb 2026
Sports is Her Passion! Valerie Preactor
Find out about the journey of former Student Media reporter Valerie Preactor, who worked her way to reporting on the Orioles and Ravens at WBAL-AM.
3 Feb 2026
Multiple Emmy Winner! Zach Hamilton
He provided play-by-play and color commentary for George Mason sports teams while at Student Media. What led him to his sports production career at Monumental Sports? Find out more about Zach Hamilton in this interview!
12 Jan 2026
From WGMU to Executive: Kitty Gambel
Kitty Gambel worked her way up from an Associate Producer for shows such as Judge Judy to Senior Vice President for Unscripted and Alternative Television at MGM. Her journey started at WGMU and George Mason University!
Learn about Kitty's journey as a show runner to an executive overseeing shows such as American Gladiator.
3 Jan 2026
From Mason Student Media to Network Correspondent — Reuben Jones, George Mason Alum
Reuben discusses his career in journalism, specific stories he's produced, his perspective on recent elections and advice for students interested in journalism careers.
#GeorgeMasonUniversity
#GMU
#MasonNation
#MasonAlumni
#GMUComm
#Patriots
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