Conversations with COJO

Jody Heemstra

Student host Anna Poull talks with COJO alum Jody Heemstra. Jody graduated from SDSU in 1998 with a degree in Agricultural Journalism.  She produced the Dakota Ag Newsline at SDSU in the late 90s and went on to be the assistant news director and farm director for KWAT/KIXX/KDLO Radio in Watertown for 13 years.  She also worked for the Red River Farm Network from 2013-2015, and then as public relations director for the SD Department of Agriculture. She is currently the news and farm director for the Dakota Radio Group.

Dean Lynn Sargeant

This week student host Demetria Gilkey speaks with Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Dr. Lynn Sargeant. Dr. Sargeant earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Russian History from Indiana University, Bloomington. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in Music Education from the University of Minnesota and Russian Area Studies from the University of Washington.

Elise Heesch

Student host Anna Poull talks to COJO graduate student Elise Heesch.  Elise majored in advertising with a management minor and has her own advertising business that works with websites, social media, and graphics.

Vernon Brown

Graduate student Anna Poull talks with 1990 COJO graduate Vernon Brown. Brown has worked as a reporter for KELO-TV, served as a Sioux Falls city councilor, worked as the VP of Marketing and Community Relations for SDN communications, and is currently the Associate Vice president of External Affairs for SDSU while also co-owning The Spice & Tea Exchange in Sioux Falls with his wife, Tami.

Dr. Shola Aromona

Our first episode of the Fall 2003 semester features a conversation with Master of Mass Communication graduate student Demetria Gilkey and new COJO faculty member Shola Aromona, who has a doctorate in journalism and mass communication from the University of Kansas. 

Jordan Rusche

Our last podcast of the season features Journalism and English senior Jordan Rusche.  Jordan talks with student host Demetria Gilkey about her experience working with student media, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, and the Pulitzer Center.

We will be back this fall with new episodes. Thanks for listening!

Morgan Larson

Student host Taylor Storbakken talks with COJO Alum Morgan Larson.  Morgan is the CEO/Co-Founder at duet, an agency that works with content creators, podcasters, entrepreneurs, and startups create impactful short-form content.  Taylor and Morgan met as part of the SDSU alumni mentor program. They both talk about their relationship and student experience in COJO.

Sam Schauer

This week student host Anna Poull talks with former Coffee with COJO host, Sam Schauer. Anna and Sam discuss Sam's work with On Call with the Prairie Doc and Jack's News.

Melissa Herrboldt

Student host Demetria Gilkey talks with KXLG Radio General Manager Melissa Herrboldt about her journey in radio and how Watertown radio legend Bob Faehn influenced her career.

Bryan Horwath

In this episode, COJO graduate student Demetria Gilkey visits with journalist Bryan Horwath.  Bryan is a graduate of the Master of Mass Communication program and is currently the senior reporter at KTNV in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Demetria spoke with Bryan about his career and experience as an online graduate student at SDSU.