AV/IT Amplifier

Special Crossover this Wednesday - Your podcast with Ryan fix will be sated!Today on HETMA Presents..., Ryan sits down with David Lopez, Global Director of Education Strategy at ScreenBeam, to unpack how wireless display has evolved from a convenience feature to a core building block for learning spaces. David traces the roots from Intel WiDi and Miracast to today’s multi-OS reality (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome) and explains why standards-based casting still matters for scale, support, and security. From there, the discussion widens: what higher ed actually needs beyond “put your screen on the wall,” how to ensure a consistent user experience across rooms, and the operational wins when faculty aren’t fighting drivers and dongles.They also cover the bigger ecosystem: USB conferencing that lets BYOD laptops use in-room cameras and mics via ScreenBeam Conference; the receiver as a platform (Signage Plus, Alert Plus, Message Manager) for communications and light digital signage; and practical install touches like compact form factors and magnetic mounting. Looking ahead, David talks instruction-focused tools—whiteboarding that plays nicely with laptops, and moderation workflows (e.g., Orchestrate) that shine in labs and active-learning spaces. The through-line: simple, reliable, and IT-manageable experiences that lower friction for instructors and support teams.Topics DiscussedWhy standards (Miracast/AirPlay/Chromecast) still underpin reliable, multi-platform casting in higher edFrom “wireless display” to “platform on the display”: signage, alerts, and message managementBYOD without the pain: using room cameras/mics with a laptop via USB conferencing (ScreenBeam Conference)Designing for a consistent end-user experience across rooms and buildingsAdmin/management considerations at scale: profiles, groups, updates, and security postureHardware realities: small receivers, flexible power, clean mounting (including magnets)Teaching workflows: inking/whiteboard, annotating, and quick walk-up sharingModeration in labs/active learning: when “raise-hand to share” (Orchestrate) makes sense in higher edDeployment tips: avoiding driver roulette, reducing help-desk calls, and planning for mixed OS fleetsRoadmap mindset: treating the receiver as an extensible edge device for campus communicationsJoin the ConversationWant to weigh in or share your campus approach? Join the discussion at community.hetma.org.Connect with DavidEmail: dlopez@screenbeam.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlopez-edtech/Website: www.ScreenBeam.comConnect with RyanEmail: editor@higheredav.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/Website: www.HigherEdAV.comThis show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media.  Visit www.HigherEdAV.com for new content every day.

In this second half of Ryan’s conversation with Dustin Myers of John A. Logan College and HETMA, the discussion dives into the balance of professional commitments, personal life, and community involvement in higher education technology. Dustin shares how his early InfoComm experiences transformed from solitary tech browsing to full-blown community immersion, illustrating the power of connection and professional development through HETMA. The two talk candidly about managing travel, family, and campus responsibilities while still staying deeply engaged in national conversations.The episode also takes a lighter turn, exploring Dustin’s improv and forensics background, his love of burgers, and even the idea of a Kevin James biopic about the realities of IT support. From AV karaoke to spider-infested computers, it’s a conversation that blends humor with genuine insights into leadership, adaptability, and finding joy in the work. Dustin’s reflections highlight the improvisational nature of technology management and the importance of building trust, community, and balance along the way.Topics DiscussedDustin’s evolution from attending InfoComm as a spectator to being fully engaged through HETMABalancing institutional responsibilities with national professional development opportunitiesThe role of pre-planning and prioritization in making travel and commitments sustainableHow personality traits like extroversion and people-focus shape community contributionsDustin’s improv and forensics background, and how it connects to leadership and tech supportHumor, adaptability, and the importance of “yes, and” in technology managementThe idea of a Kevin James–style IT support movie and real-life funny stories from the fieldFood talk: burgers, Cubans, and the philosophy of whether a hot dog is a tacoThe role of family in professional identity and why AV/IT conversations often skip itHow to connect with Dustin via email, LinkedIn, and the HETMA CommunityConnect with Dustin:Email – dustinmyers@jalc.eduLinkedIn – Dustin MyersHETMA Community – community.hetma.orgConnect with Ryan:Twitter – @Ryan_A_GrayLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/Email – ryan@higheredav.comThis show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media.  Please visit HigherEdAV.com to see more!Voiceover Credit: Chris DechterHave feedback or ideas for the show? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you.

Dustin Myers—Manager of Technology Support at John A. Logan College and HETMA’s two-year at-large board member—joins Ryan to talk about running lean teams that still deliver big results. He breaks down how a 10–11 person IT org moved from rigid silos to a customer-focused, cross-trained culture, and why communication is the real glue when you’re juggling desktop support, classrooms, theaters, events, construction, and the help desk. Dustin shares how a leadership reset and a college-wide realignment opened the door to standardization, shared language across subteams, and the freedom to “let it fail forward” without losing trust. They also dig into the road ahead: cloud-first AV (fewer boxes, more SaaS), AI beyond today’s ML-lite features, and fully immersive learning—from nursing sims to criminal-justice scenario rooms—that adapts in real time to student behavior. The throughline is practical: test small, iterate fast, borrow what works from peers, and publish the lessons back to the community so the next campus can move quicker than the last. Topics DiscussedWearing all the hats: desktop/classroom/event/theater/help-desk under one roof. Cross-training + shared vocabulary to break down silos. From “not my job” to customer-focused operations after a reorg. “Let it fail forward” vs. fear of failure in higher ed IT. Managing chaos: standards, SLAs, and incremental rollouts. Learning from peers to accelerate standardization (and avoid dead ends). Cloud and SaaS as the AV future (and what it breaks/what it unlocks). AI beyond “auto-frame”: adaptive, body-language-aware simulations. Community college advantage: speed, access, and “punching above weight.” Construction meetings, validation by example, and stakeholder buy-in. Connect with Dustin:Email – Dustin.Myers@jalc.eduLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-myers-cts-anp-172375104/HETMA Community – https://community.hetma.org/Connect with RyanTwitter (X) – @Ryan_A_GrayLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/Email – ryan@higheredav.comVoiceover – Chris DechterThis show is a production of Higher Ed AV Media, please visit www.higheredav.com to learn more about this show and a host of other great content.

In this Gray Matter Moment, Ryan takes a thoughtful pause from guest conversations to explore a concept that’s been personally transformative for him: radical acceptance. Sparked by a presentation at Yavapai College’s convocation, he reflects on the psychological roots of the idea, its practical applications in leadership and technology, and how it connects to everyday challenges across higher education.From acknowledging reality without judgment to understanding the circles of control, influence, and concern, Ryan connects these lessons to AV/IT scenarios like AV over IP, organizational change, and team dynamics. He emphasizes that acceptance is not the same as approval or resignation—it’s the foundation for clarity, resilience, and effective action. Along the way, he shares personal experiences from therapy, insights from Stephen Covey, and connections to mindfulness practice. This episode offers both reflection and practical steps for leaders navigating complex transitions.Topics DiscussedWhy the AV/IT Amplifier occasionally pauses and the value of Gray Matter MomentsConvocation at Yavapai College and the theme of navigating changeThe concept of radical acceptance from dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)Acceptance vs. approval: acknowledging truth without resignationExamples of resistance in higher ed technology (AV over IP, cloud control)Stephen Covey’s circles of control, influence, and concernParallels to the Serenity Prayer and recovery wisdomFive skills for practicing radical acceptance in daily lifeThe role of mindfulness, breathing, and role-play in emotional regulationHow radical acceptance expands clarity, influence, and resilienceThe AV/IT Amplifier is a Higher Ed AV Media production. More at higheredav.com.Connect with RyanTwitter – @Ryan_A_GrayLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/Email – ryan@higheredav.comVoiceover by Chris Dechter.We’d love your feedback! Share thoughts on this episode and others by reaching out through social media or email.

Presented without comment.

In this second week of conversation, Ryan Gray welcomes back Jonathan “Jon” Gunzel from John A. Logan College for another lively and candid chat. They dive into Jon’s biggest fear—spiders—and the surprising fact that he’s been bitten four times by brown recluses. Despite his arachnophobia, Jon shares that owning a pet spider would symbolize conquering his fears. The discussion winds through topics from cage diving with great white sharks, to customer service lessons learned as a bartender and liquor store employee, to the elusive secret behind why restaurant ranch dressing tastes so much better than bottled.Jon opens up about balancing introversion and extroversion, why he thinks people are inherently good, and where he’d place himself on the Dungeons & Dragons alignment chart. The episode also covers his past life as a vocalist in a metal band, including the creative process behind writing lyrics, the sounds that shaped his music, and where some of his early work still lives online. Along the way, Ryan and Jon have plenty of laughs—whether plotting a “ranch heist,” casting the movie of Jon’s life (must-have beard included), or reflecting on how a simple “how are you?” can change an interaction.Topics Discussed:Conquering fears and why Jon would keep a pet spiderFour brown recluse bites and no Spider-Man powersWhy great white sharks are fascinating, not just frighteningFinding balance between introversion and extroversion in tech rolesCustomer service lessons from bartending and liquor salesThe secret to restaurant-quality ranch dressingCasting bearded actors to play Jon in the movie of his lifeHis years as a vocalist in a metal band and the collaborative songwriting processPerspectives on human nature and the D&D alignment chartThe importance of genuinely asking “how are you?” before diving into requestsConnect with JonEmail – Jonathan.Gunzel@jalc.eduLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgunzel89/Connect with RyanTwitter (X) – https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_GrayLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagrayEmail – ryan@higheredav.comVoiceover Credit: Chris DechterHave thoughts or feedback? Reach out to Ryan on social or email, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a Wednesday drop.The AV/IT Amplifier Podcast is a production of Higher Ed AV Media.  Learn more about this show and a host of other awesome content at www.higheredav.com

In this episode of the AV/IT Amplifier podcast, host Ryan Gray talks with Jon Gunzel of John A. Logan College about managing AV, IT, and event support in a small college environment. Jon shares how his team covers everything from laptops and desktops to Q-SYS audio systems and classroom support, and why having one department handle all technology has unique advantages and challenges. They dive into how centralized support can reduce communication barriers but also create bottlenecks when staffing is lean, especially during peak times like the start of a semester.The conversation also explores John A. Logan College’s hands-on approach to student learning, including a podcast studio and other experiential learning spaces. Jon reflects on how joining HETMA and attending InfoComm have impacted his professional growth, including stepping up to help with tours and events, building relationships, and finding community in higher ed AV. The episode wraps with a look at how connection, curiosity, and a willingness to pitch in can open doors to new opportunities in the industry.Topics DiscussedManaging AV, IT, and classroom support in one departmentPros and cons of a centralized technology support modelQ-SYS systems and broad technical responsibilitiesBuilding a podcast studio and its potential on campusHands-on experiential learning for studentsJon’s journey into HETMA and the higher ed AV communityFirst-time InfoComm experiences and lessons learnedThe value of peer connection and mentorship in AV/ITGrowth opportunities through volunteering and stepping upBuilding personal and professional networks in higher ed AVGuest Contact & Episode CreditsGuest: Jon GunzelEmail: jonathan.gunzel@jalc.eduLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgunzel89/Host: Ryan GrayLinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/ryanagrayEmail – ryan@higheredav.comThis show is a produciton of Higher Ed AV Media - visit us at www.higheredav.comVoiceover by Chris DechterWe want to hear your feedback! Reach out and share your thoughts.

This debut episode of This Month in Higher Ed AV kicks off a monthly panel discussion reviewing key content posted to Higher Ed AV Media. Host Ryan Gray is joined by Jon Gunzel of John A. Logan College, Renee Benson of Sony Professional Display Solutions, and Erin Maher-Moran, Chair of HETMA from Johns Hopkins University. Together, they explore major trends and insights shaping the higher ed AV landscape, all grounded in fresh articles and columns.The discussion dives into HETMA’s Road to 10K membership growth campaign, which aims to expand global engagement through community initiatives and professional development. The panel also breaks down Sony’s partnership with LiquidView and its innovative use of Pro Bravia displays to create virtual windows, opening possibilities for immersive learning and wellness spaces. Finally, the episode examines DSPs in the Classroom and how practical audio design principles can dramatically improve learning experiences. Listeners will hear industry perspectives, implementation ideas, and authentic reflections on how these topics connect to AV’s role in higher education.https://higheredav.com/breaking-news-hetma-announces-road-to-10k/https://higheredav.com/sonys-pro-bravia-displays-help-liquidview-turn-blank-walls-into-realistic-windows-to-the-worldsony-at-infocomm-2025-tracking-the-future-of-lecture-capture-sony/https://higheredav.com/dsps-in-the-classroom-under-the-hood-of-smarter-sound-sound-perspectives/Guest Contacts:Jon Gunzel – jonathan.gunzel@jalc.edu, https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgunzel89/Renee Benson – renee.benson@sony.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneebenson/Erin Maher-Moran – https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-maher-moran/Topics DiscussedLaunch of This Month in Higher Ed AV as a monthly seriesOverview of HETMA’s Road to 10K membership campaign and six strategic pillarsCommunity-building approaches for higher ed AV professionalsSony Pro Bravia displays powering LiquidView virtual windowsApplications of virtual windows in education and wellness spacesBack-to-basics DSP best practices from Teddy Murphy’s Sound Perspectives columnAudio quality as a foundation for hybrid learning and clear communicationPanel perspectives from higher ed, manufacturing, and association leadershipUpcoming Higher Ed AV Media content, including Chair to Chair and new AI-focused columnsReflections on how AV professionals can leverage industry content for growthJoin the conversation and connect with the community at community.hetma.org.HETMA Presents... is a production of Higher Ed AV Media.  Check out all our content at higheredav.com

Recorded live at the HETMA Roadshow in Chicago, this week’s episode continues the conversation with Atkins Fleming, Assistant Director for Learning Spaces at Texas State University and Treasurer of HETMA. Picking up where Episode 115 left off, this candid discussion drifts from music to meaning, from fake Zoom backgrounds to the real impact of integrity in leadership.Atkins and Ryan go deep into what drives decision-making, the slippery slope of compromised values, and why being a steady, ethical presence in an organization is more powerful than we think. Along the way, they get a little lost in 90s country nostalgia, try to cast the movie of Atkins’s life, and toy with the idea of forming a HETMA house band. This is more than just a follow-up—it’s a masterclass in consistency, character, and how showing up with quiet authenticity shapes a culture.Topics Discussed• What Atkins would do if not in higher ed or tech (spoiler: drums are involved)• His musical roots, band geek origins, and love for 90s country• The challenge of naming the HETMA band and Joe Way’s Slash story• Casting Jake Gyllenhaal in the movie of his life• Whether people are fundamentally good—and how that belief shapes his work• Ethics in leadership, from timecards to treasury duties• The contagious nature of moral culture, good or bad• Travel hacks from Central Texas and the 16-hour rule of driving through Texas• Why Atkins always uses the same Zoom background (and what it says about him)• The most common answer to “a question you wish people asked you”Guest InfoAtkins FlemingAssistant Director for Learning Spaces, Texas State UniversityTreasurer, HETMAatkins@txstate.eduRyan Gray – HostLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/Email: ryan@higheredav.com www.higheredav.comVoiceover by Chris DechterWe’d love your feedback! Email us or find us in the HETMA Community.

Recorded live at the HETMA Chicago Roadshow on the campus of Northwestern University, this episode features a candid and insightful conversation with Atkins Fleming, Assistant Director for Learning Spaces at Texas State University and current Treasurer of HETMA. Ryan finally manages to sit down with Atkins after years of crossing paths, and the result is a conversation full of heart, structure, and purpose.Atkins walks listeners through his HETMA origin story, his evolution from a university AV tech to an administrative leader, and the behind-the-scenes work it takes to run a financially responsible, volunteer-led national organization. From tax filings and credit card systems to the values that underpin budget decisions, Atkins opens up about how his structured mindset has helped shape HETMA’s operational maturity. For anyone curious how an advocacy group like HETMA actually works—or thinking about how they can contribute—this one’s a must-listen.Topics Discussed:Atkins’s 13-year journey at Texas State UniversityThe AV profile and internal integration model at TXSTHETMA’s early days and Atkins’s first exposure to the organizationThe path to becoming HETMA Treasurer and what the role entailsBalancing structure and ambiguity in a volunteer-run organizationMaturing processes: CPA support, credit cards, and reimbursementsFinancial transparency and sponsor accountabilityMoving toward self-sustaining event modelsSuccession planning and setting the next treasurer up for successThe alignment of HETMA’s financial practices with its core valuesGuest Contact Info:Email (HETMA): treasurer@hetma.orgEmail (Texas State): atkins@txstate.eduHost Contact Info:Ryan Gray (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/ryanagrayEmail: ryan@higheredav.comShow Links:Higher Ed AV: higheredav.comVoiceover Credit: Chris DechterFeedback Welcome:If you’re enjoying the AV/IT Amplifier, consider rating and reviewing the show on your favorite podcast platform. You can also leave a comment or send us a message—we’d love to hear your feedback and ideas for future guests.

In this completely off-the-rails, hilariously human second installment, Rebecca Wade returns to the AV/IT Amplifier for a wide-ranging and joyfully unpredictable conversation that barely touches technology—and that’s exactly the point. What begins as a follow-up to her work with Igloo Vision turns into a full character study as Rebecca opens up about introversion, extroversion, road-tripping across America with only the Twilight soundtrack, and the emotional weight of being British in the U.S. the week the Queen died.Ryan and Rebecca riff through a kaleidoscope of absurd hypotheticals, tall-girl tales, celebrity sightings (or lack thereof), and one particularly cursed would you rather involving finger-length legs. If episode one was about immersive tech, this one is about immersive personalities—especially Rebecca’s. It’s the kind of episode that feels more like eavesdropping on best friends at a pub than a formal interview, and it’s all the better for it.• Introversion vs. extroversion and being a remote worker in L.A.• Moving to the U.S. on a whim (and a visa)• The cross-country road trip with nothing but the Twilight soundtrack• Making a band t-shirt quilt while flanked by bulldogs• Mourning Queen Elizabeth at a San Diego tech event• Celebrity gossip and TSA run-ins with Tom Felton• Ordering fast food with a “fake” British accent• The rise and fall of a flawless American impression• Pen pals, stamps, and analog joy• Would-you-rather questions that haunt your dreamsConnect with Rebeccarebecca.wade@igloovision.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-wade-979094154/Connect with Ryanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ryan@higheredav.comVoiceovers by Chris Dechterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/Find out more about this show and a whole collection of other great content from Higher Ed AV Media at www.higheredav.comHave thoughts on this episode? Want to join the conversation? Reach out to us anytime—we love hearing from you.

In this immersive episode recorded live from the HETMA booth at InfoComm 2025, host Ryan Gray sits down with Rebecca “Bex” Wade of Igloo Vision to explore the transformative role of shared immersive spaces in education. From her nickname on her badge to her engineering team’s creative geometry problem-solving, Bex brings energy, humor, and insight to every corner of the conversation.Together, they dig into the flexible applications of Igloo’s tech—from virtual field trips to paramedic simulations to massive esports arenas. They also unpack the supportive community forming among higher ed institutions adopting immersive spaces, offering examples of peer-to-peer collaboration and content sharing. Whether you’re curious about building design constraints or want to see data spreadsheets in a dome, this episode proves you don’t need to wear a VR headset to step into the future.Topics DiscussedThe growing presence of Igloo immersive rooms on the InfoComm show floorHow immersive spaces are being used in higher education and K–12The role of Igloo Vision in transforming classroom experiencesMedical simulation, e-sports, and neuroscience applications of immersive techEngineering challenges (like low ceilings) and creative AV solutionsHow Igloo’s hardware-agnostic platform enables custom buildsThe design and planning mindset of educators vs. enterprise buyersThe “girl math” logic of multi-use investment in immersive roomsBuilding a collaborative user community across higher educationUsing Street View and ThingLink as entry points for immersive engagementConnect with Rebecca:Company: https://www.igloovision.comEmail: rebecca.wade@igloovision.comLinkedIn: Rebecca Wade on LinkedInConnect with Ryan:Twitter: @Ryan_A_GrayLinkedIn: Ryan Gray on LinkedInEmail: ryan@higheredav.comShow Links:Twitter: @HigherEdAVWebsite: HigherEdAV.com🎙️ Voiceover by: Chris Dechter💬Send feedback or episode ideas to ryan@higheredav.com

In this episode of the AV/IT Amplifier, we’re back with the one and only Frank Alaimo, Manager of Classroom Technology Services at UNLV, for part two of our conversation. If you thought the first episode was candid, insightful, and full of AV realness, buckle up. We go deeper into career resilience, camping disasters, philosophical takes on human nature, and what it really means to be a no-nonsense decision-maker in higher ed tech.Frank opens up about rejection, redemption, and why knowing your worth makes you a better collaborator. We talk vendor etiquette, leadership clarity, trust, AI fatigue, ladder mishaps, and how higher ed AV has grown into a true force in the industry. This episode is as funny as it is fierce—and it ends with one of the best mic-drop sign-offs of all time. If you’ve ever had to re-interview for the job you didn’t get, or call your boss from a rooftop after a slip, this one’s for you.Topics DiscussedHow not getting the first UNLV job opened a better doorWhy applying for jobs keeps you sharp—even if you’re not leavingThe evolution of higher ed hiring practicesWhat Frank would be doing if not in AV (spoiler: not firefighting)Why camping sucks until it doesn’tA near-death ladder story that rewired his brainJealousy vs. evil—and which one is harder to detectHow Frank handles vendor relationships with clarity and convictionWhy higher ed should stop calling itself “end user”The origin of “If you’re reading this, it’s already too late”Connect with Frank:https://www.unlv.edufrank.alaimo@unlv.eduhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaimo/Connect with Ryan:https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Grayhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ryan@higheredav.comFollow the Show:https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifierhttps://higheredav.com/ryangrayVoiceovers by Chris Dechter:https://twitter.com/cdechterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Ryan Gray interviews Frank Alaimo, Manager of Classroom Technology Services at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Frank shares his journey from crashing on a friend’s couch to leading one of the most respected AV teams in higher education. They discuss what it takes to build a culture of trust, how to lead without losing your hands-on instincts, and the balance between autonomy, accountability, and just getting things done.The conversation covers leadership transitions, designing teams like projects, and how UNLV’s Rebel Flex program was developed, scaled, and even simplified—sometimes without telling anyone. Frank brings his trademark honesty and humor, talking openly about burnout, control, collaboration, and what it means to build something you don’t want to walk away from.• Falling into higher ed AV and staying for over 20 years• Working at a small Catholic college and pivoting to casinos• Moving to UNLV and building a full-service internal AV team• Transitioning from technician to manager during COVID• Designing teams the same way he designs systems• Creating new roles to retain high-performing student workers• Launching and scaling Rebel Flex classrooms• Simplifying tech for faculty without telling them• Balancing strong opinions with true collaboration• Thinking about legacy, succession, and what might be nextConnect with Frank:https://www.unlv.edufrank.alaimo@unlv.eduhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/frankalaimo/Connect with Ryan:https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ryan@higheredav.com Follow the Show:https://twitter.com/AVITAmplifierhttps://higheredav.com/ryangrayVoiceovers by Chris Dechter: https://twitter.com/cdechterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!

Live from the InfoComm Show Floor, right before opening Ryan gives us an update of where the state of industry tradeshows is and where its going!  Whether your at the show this week or at home get a feel for whats happening and whats to come.

We’re back for a brand-new second conversation with Charity Anne Caldwell — and this time we’re keeping it fun, insightful, and future-focused! Charity and Ryan swap stories about running for school board, building more inclusive spaces in tech, and why conferences like InfoComm are about so much more than just the gear. Charity also shares her sci-fi favorites, what makes great leadership in higher ed, and why asking “Why are we doing this?” is always a good place to start.If you’re packing for InfoComm, tuning in on the road, or just thinking about growing your career — this one’s for you! And remember… you’re going to do great.The real experience of running for school boardWhy representation in leadership matters — in schools and in techFirst impressions of InfoComm and the AV industry’s diversity challengesThe higher ed advantage in leadership representationWhy building community at local events is keyHow sci-fi helps us process the world around us (and why Octavia Butler feels prophetic)Dune, Hitchhiker’s Guide, and the irresistible pull of a good fictional universeThe “why” question higher ed teams should ask more oftenThe importance of building space for others to leadCharity’s advice for anyone facing self-doubt: “You’re going to do great.”Connect with Charity:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charityannecaldwell/Connect with Ryan:https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Grayhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/ryan@higheredav.comFollow the Show:http://higheredav.com/ryangrayVoiceovers by Chris Dechter:https://twitter.com/cdechterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts!Feedback is very welcome — we look forward to hearing from you!

Ryan Gray is joined by Charity Anne Caldwell, Classroom Technology Supervisor for the University of Illinois College of Medicine. In this lively conversation, they explore the unique culture of working in a medical school environment, the tension between tradition and innovation in higher ed, and how personal idealism can shape leadership.Charity shares insights about navigating institutional politics, the evolving role of IT in education, and how staying mission-driven sustains long-term fulfillment. From boundaries and burnout to community-driven strategies for survival, this episode captures the spirit of building meaningful careers — on purpose, not by accident.Life inside a College of Medicine AV departmentDifferences between Gen Ed and Med Ed tech supportGrowing influence in higher education institutionsCentralization vs. local autonomy in ITStaying idealistic in long-term rolesBalancing management and leadershipWhy cross-institutional collaboration is no longer optionalConnect with Charity:LinkedInEmail: charityc@uic.eduConnect with Ryan:TwitterLinkedInEmail: ryan@higheredav.comFollow the Show:WebsiteVoiceovers by Chris Dechter:TwitterLinkedInPlease rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts — we love your feedback!

Welcome back to The AV/IT Amplifier! In Episode 107, host Ryan Gray sits down again with the one and only Jon Hamilton, Senior AV Manager at Emory University’s School of Medicine. Jon is a well-known voice in the higher ed AV world, and this episode gets personal — touching on everything from alternative career paths and deep-sea fishing to building trust, forging partnerships, and staying true to your word.💡 In this episode:Jon imagines his own absurdist podcast ideaDiscusses why military structure might’ve suited himExplains how being an extrovert helped his AV careerShares how he negotiates directly with manufacturers to benefit EmoryGets real about trust, loyalty, and reputation in the industryEnds with a legendary shirtless photo story and an even better sign-offWhether you’re in AV, higher ed, or just trying to be a decent human, there’s something in here for you.📬 Connect with Jon Hamilton:📧 john.hamilton@emory.edu🔗 Jon on LinkedIn📢 Connect with Ryan:🐦 @Ryan_A_Gray🔗 Ryan on LinkedIn📧 ryan@higheredav.com🎧 Follow the Show:🌐 higheredav.com/ryangray🎙️ Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:🐦 @cdechter🔗 Chris on LinkedInPlease rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts. Your feedback helps us grow and improve — and we’d love to hear from you!

What happens when a former dinosaur-hunting integrator turns higher ed AV hero? In this episode, Ryan reconnects with Jon Hamilton — a man whose AV origin story begins in the ’80s and who now serves as a trusted fixture in the higher ed AV landscape.From aggressive integrator days to nurturing secret-service-style classroom support, Jon shares hard-won insights, hilarious metaphors, and a grounded philosophy on service, leadership, and staying calm when tech — or people — break down.Jon’s AV career evolution from thermal fax machines to Emory MedThe “giver” mindset and being proud of being the solid guyWhy working in AV is fundamentally a service industryThe Secret Service metaphor: take the bullet, get no creditKeeping the ducks and bunnies alive (you’ll just have to listen)On callings, middle school teachers, and the discomfort of real compassionAdvice for newcomers: don’t panic — and know enough to call BSWhy calm wins: from Kennedy to control roomsSubject matter expertise vs. impostor syndromeConnect with Jon:📧 jon.hamilton@emory.edu🔗 Jon Hamilton on LinkedInConnect with Ryan:https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Grayhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/📧 ryan@higheredav.comFollow the Show:🎧 http://higheredav.com/ryangrayVoiceovers by Chris Dechter:https://twitter.com/cdechterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback is always welcome — and we look forward to hearing from you!

Chris Kelly returns for Part 2! Ryan and Chris pick up where they left off, diving into everything from AV tech spaces that feel like “home” to the personal and professional journeys that shape us. Chris shares insight into his transition from mental health counseling to IT, how he approaches major life decisions, and why taking a pay cut for the right opportunity can be life-changing.The conversation also explores the realities of introversion in people-heavy fields, the art of self-care at conferences like InfoComm, and the often unseen resilience behind career pivots. Plus, Chris reveals his unique bucket list goal — summiting the highest natural point in every U.S. state — and the spreadsheet precision that fuels his adventures.🔹 Career transitions, risk vs. safety nets🔹 Mental health work vs. IT life🔹 Managing energy as an introvert🔹 Climbing high points across America🔹 Myers-Briggs deep dive: INTJ confirmed!🔹 Stay curious, not judgmental.Stick around for another round of the “last three questions” and a mic-drop final sign-off.Connect with Chris:📧 chriskelly@creighton.edu📬 advisory@hetma.org💬 Message Chris on the HETMA Community!Connect with Ryan:🐦 Twitter🔗 LinkedIn📧 ryan@higheredav.comFollow the Show:🌐 HigherEdAV — Ryan GrayVoiceovers by Chris Dechter:🐦 Twitter🔗 LinkedIn⭐ Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts — feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!