Tyler Merritt returns home for a raw, powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and survival. In the electrifying first episode of Season 6 of the Workforce Connections podcast, the bestselling author and Las Vegas native reflects on his viral video Before You Call the Cops, surviving cancer, and the power of storytelling. It’s a fast-moving, unforgettable episode about owning your story and turning adversity into meaning.

Tyler Merritt Project:
Published Author ─ The Tyler Merritt Project

“Before You Call the Cops” (YouTube):
https://youtu.be/wKeITMzMn7w?si=9tTz4cL-IZQxZ5UT

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Stacy Klippenstein, the new president of the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), takes us on a powerful journey from his Montana roots to the helm of one of the region’s most impactful institutions. As he shares his vision for CSN, the future of workforce development, and the growing alignment across Southern Nevada’s education and economic partners, the episode unfolds like the story of a leader built for this moment. It is an honest, energizing look at how community colleges shape lives, communities, and the region’s future.

CSN Website:
https://www.csn.edu/

In the final episode ever recorded in the original WC studio, host Jaime Cruz sits down with entrepreneur Jason Briggs, who went from a garage in Chino to building and selling multimillion-dollar companies. Their conversation unfolds like a real-life comeback story as Jason reveals how raw talent, relentless drive, and a deep shift in purpose carried him from a young technician to a leader shaping the future of AI and mental wellness. It is a gripping look at transformation, ambition, and the power of choosing who you want to become.

ControlWorks BAS:
ControlWorks

Superintendent Jhone Ebert has led education systems from Nevada to New York and now oversees 300,000 students in the nation’s fifth-largest school district. She joins the WC Podcast to share the journey that shaped her and the vision she is driving at the Clark County School District. This episode uncovers the moments, challenges, and decisions behind one of the most influential roles in public education.

Clark County School District:
https://ccsd.net

In this episode of the Workforce Connections podcast, Mark and Samantha Steele are the powerhouse siblings behind The Blooming Bistro and the Restaurant Hospitality Institute. Their mission is to transform lives in Las Vegas through hospitality, hope, and opportunity for at-risk youth and adults.

The Blooming Bistro
https://www.thebloomingbistro.com/

Restaurant Hospitality Institute
https://rhinstitute.com/

In this episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) President Dr. Chris Heavey shares his inspiring journey from Chicago to Las Vegas and how he’s leading the charge to align higher education with Southern Nevada’s workforce needs. From groundbreaking programs in cybersecurity and healthcare to innovations that turn desert air into water, Dr. Heavey highlights how UNLV is driving the region’s growth and opportunity.

UNLV:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas |

A new era is rising in Southern Nevada. When Danielle Casey, President and CEO of LVGEA, takes the mic, she reveals what it really takes to transform a region. From her climb through Arizona, California, and New Mexico to leading the charge in Las Vegas, Casey shares insider stories on power, progress, and the people building the economy of tomorrow. Get ready for strategy, vision, and a front-row look at how industries like Haas Automation are shaping Nevada’s next big chapter.

Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA):
https://lvgea.org/

In this special episode of the Workforce Connections Podcast, host Jaime Cruz sits down with Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a former sheriff, soldier, and lifelong public servant, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, accountability, and workforce transformation. From his early life in Japan to championing education reform and second-chance programs like Hope for Prisoners, Lombardo shares how collaboration and innovation are shaping Nevada’s future.

Hope for Prisoners
https://hopeforprisoners.org/

National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWDP)
The Forum 2026 | NAWB