Inside JMS

Dr. Arthur Soto-Vásquez

In a classic case of "better late than never", this episode of the Inside JMS podcast features a conversation with the School's newest (but not-so-new) tenure-track faculty member, Dr. Arthur Soto-Vasquez. After a year-and-a-half of working for the School of Journalism and Media Studies, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse finally get their act together and arrange for an interview with this proud Texan. We learn how Arthur's initial interest in politics led him to study Political Science, but a budding interest in the interplay between politics and media ultimately led him to doctoral work at the American University School of Communication in Washington DC. Arthur shares how his initial work studying what mobilizes the Latino population to vote has been supplemented by a variety of other interests including influencers, artificial intelligence, and pop culture. He also shares insights into his teaching philosophy, his approach to adapting coursework in the age of AI, and why he encourages students to think of their careers less as a linear path and more as an open-world experience . Along the way, the conversation touches on Arthur’s Texas roots, his appreciation for some bombastic musical theater, and the personal interests that shape both his scholarship and his classroom.

Kim Linzy, M.A.

In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Kim Linzy, Assistant Operations Manager and longtime Music Director at KUNV 91.5 FM, to reflect on her more than three decades at the station. Kim traces her journey from volunteer DJ to one of the most recognized jazz programmers in the U.S., sharing how mentorship, adaptability, and a deep love of music shaped her career. Kim offers a look into the inner workings of radio programming, from working with artists, record promoters, and radio charts to balancing business needs with listener trust. She reflects on KUNV’s evolution from vinyl to digital broadcasting and the role of public radio in supporting emerging musicians. The conversation also touches on her experiences working for the IRS (yes, that IRS), her pride in her family, and the lessons she hopes to pass on to students and the next generation of broadcasters.

Dr. Ashton Ridley

In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse turn the tables (or microphone, rather) on Dr. Ashton Ridley, General Manager of KUNV 91.5 FM, to explore his journey in public radio and higher education. Dr. Ridley traces his path from a chance high school internship at KCEP to a 20+ year career mentoring hundreds of young broadcasters. He reflects on how education from workforce development to public policy shaped his management philosophy and prepared him to lead one of Las Vegas’s most successful public radio stations. The conversation also touches on Dr. Ridley's life as a military child, his commitment to paying it forward, and how he balances work, family, and continuous community engagement.

RT Thorp

This episode of Inside JMS features Ryan “RT” Thorp, Video Production Specialist and instructor in the Hank Greenspun School of Journalism and Media Studies. RT shares with hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse how a love of drumming led him from an initial path studying music education to a career in broadcast and live production. He reflects on his professional journey through several Las Vegas television stations, his return to UNLV-TV, and the origins of his production philosophy: “Don’t freak out. Figure it out.” Along the way, RT discusses teaching hands-on video courses including Studio G and the new Sports & Entertainment Production class, his philosophy of bringing real-world experience into the classroom, and how he attempts to balance life, graduate school, and fatherhood.

Jennifer Ream

In this episode, hosts Kevin Stoker and Dave Nourse sit down with Jennifer Ream, Executive Producer of UNLV-TV. Jennifer traces her career trajectory from UNLV communication and broadcast student to her leadership position at UNLV-TV. She reflects on the evolution of UNLV-TV from its early days in the basement of the FDH building to its digital transformation in Greenspun Hall. Along the way, Jennifer discusses the importance of balance between career and family, and offers insights into how technology, creativity, and mentorship continue to shape student success at UNLV.