Episode 92: Junior Achievement
The Job Pod
On this episode Dusty dives back into his own prior experience with Junior Achievement as he sits down to talk with Sara Dzuik, CEO of Junior Achievement North. Sara and Dusty take a closer look at what Junior Achievement is all about and how the organization helps prepare young people for success both in the classroom and beyond. They discuss how Junior Achievement programs are tailored to different grades and age groups, giving students opportunities to learn about financial literacy, career exploration, entrepreneurship, and the skills they need to navigate the world. They also talk about...
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Episode 91: Get to Know the Fargo Workforce Center
The Job Pod
Welcome to the Job Pod Podcast. Job Service North Dakota has nine offices located across the state, each serving the unique workforce needs of their communities. Today, we’re taking a closer look at our Fargo office and the important role it plays in supporting employers and job seekers in eastern North Dakota. The Fargo office serves Region V, which includes the Fargo metropolitan area — home to approximately 267,000 people. It is the largest of our offices in terms of staff and is also the only office that provides all of Job Service North Dakota’s programs under one roof. Joining...
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Episode 90: ND Small Business Development Center
The Job Pod
Welcome to the Job Pod, where we explore the people, programs, and ideas shaping the workforce and business landscape. Today, we’re diving into the world of small business support across North Dakota, with a closer look at the Small Business Development Centers and the role they play in helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and succeed. Dusty is joined by two guests who are at the heart of this work: Tiffany Ford, the State Director of the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers, along with Nicole Evans, the Center Director for the Grand Forks SBDC. To set the stage—entrepreneurship...
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Episode 89: Grand Forks Public Schools Career Advisors
The Job Pod
Choosing a path after high school can feel overwhelming, but for many students, the journey becomes clearer with the right guidance. Today, we’re diving into the vital role high school career advisors play in helping students become “Choice Ready” by the time they graduate—prepared to confidently pursue college, careers, or other opportunities. We’re joined by three Career Advisors who are dedicated professionals from the Grand Forks Public Schools and making a real difference in students’ lives: Angela Beardemphl, Cara Davis, and Megan Folkert. Through their work, they empower...
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Episode 88: JP3 Program
The Job Pod
We’ve all made mistakes in our lives. Bad decisions. Wrong turns. Moments we wish we could redo. But those mistakes don’t have to define who we are — or limit where we’re going. On this episode, we’re diving into a newer program from Job Service North Dakota called JP3 — a program built on second chances and new beginnings. JP3 is designed to help individuals move beyond their past choices and reconnect with meaningful employment and opportunity. We’ll begin with a message from Executive Director Pat Bertingolli and Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation Colby Braun, sharing...
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Episode 87: Career Innovation Center
The Job Pod
Today, we’re coming to you from an exciting new hub of opportunity and innovation — the Career Innovation Center (CIC) in Fargo. As one of the newest Career and Technical Education centers in North Dakota, the CIC serves students from Fargo, West Fargo, Northern Cass, and Central Cass school districts, creating powerful pathways from the classroom to the workforce. What makes this CTE center especially unique is its strong partnership with North Dakota State College of Science — a collaboration that gives students access to advanced training, real-world experience, and college-level...
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Episode 86: Career Impact Academy
The Job Pod
What happens when a community comes together for its students? Grand Forks didn’t just support Career and Technical Education—they invested in it. As North Dakota expands CTE centers statewide, Grand Forks stepped up to match federal funds and bring the Career Impact Academy (CIA) to life. In this episode, we’re joined by Eric Ripley, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education for Grand Forks Public Schools, to talk about why CTE matters, how students are becoming choice ready, and what this means for the future of the workforce and the community. Visit to find out more about...
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Episode 85: Civility in the Workplace
The Job Pod
What does civility at work really look like—and why does it matter so much? Today, Dusty is exploring how everyday behavior shapes workplace culture and what we can all do to improve it. Dusty recently heard Susan Williams, a trainer with The Village Family Service Center, speak to the Grand Forks local HR association, and her insights were too good not to share. Learn more about The Village Family Service Center at https://www.thevillagefamily.org/.
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Episode 84: DSG Supply
The Job Pod
One of the goals of the Job Pod is to introduce you to employers who are doing things right. In this episode, Dusty heads to Fargo and sits down with Cole Mercier, Communications Manager, and Teri Winkelman, Talent Acquisition Manager at DSG Supply. They give you a closer look and share what makes DSG Supply a great place to work—and why their team is proud to be there.
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Episode 83: CHI Home Health
The Job Pod
Today’s guest on The Job Pod is here to shed light on the world of home health and hospice—what it is, what kind of school or training required, why it matters, and how it impacts families and communities. Keisha Spitzer, an experienced RN and the director of CHI Health at Home and Hospice in Breckenridge, Minnesota, brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the conversation.
info_outlineWelcome to the Job Pod Podcast. Job Service North Dakota has nine offices located across the state, each serving the unique workforce needs of their communities. Today, we’re taking a closer look at our Fargo office and the important role it plays in supporting employers and job seekers in eastern North Dakota.
The Fargo office serves Region V, which includes the Fargo metropolitan area — home to approximately 267,000 people. It is the largest of our offices in terms of staff and is also the only office that provides all of Job Service North Dakota’s programs under one roof.
Joining Dusty today are Workforce Center Manager Carey Fry, Job Getting Team Lead and Job Pod editor Tammy DeSautel, and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Lead Jennifer Slavinsky. They’ll share insight into how the Fargo office operates, the services it provides, and how their team works together to serve one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.