Host Nick Parker talks with Elizabeth Stephens from the Missouri School of Journalism about how journalism education is adapting for the digital age. They discuss the shift from traditional news tracks to platform-agnostic reporting, training students in SEO and data analytics, teaching the business side of news, and Mizzou's hands-on "Missouri Method." Stephens shares how many graduates are choosing community journalism and catching "the bug" for local news. Essential listening for journalism educators, newsroom managers, and anyone interested in the future of journalism training.

In this engaging episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with the dynamic Ale Sharpton—freelance journalist, photographer, social media influencer, and self-proclaimed beer aficionado. Dive into Ale's rich family history rooted in culinary excellence, his unexpected path into beer journalism, and learn how he carved out a unique space by blending hip-hop culture with craft beer. Hear the captivating story of his encounter with Rev. Al Sharpton, the creation of his iconic brand, and insightful tips on building a personal brand in the evolving world of journalism. From travel tales to the art of beer pairing, this episode is packed with inspiration, flavor, and a dash of hops.

In this candid episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker sits down with colleague Toriano Porter, opinion writer at the Kansas City Star, for a shop-talk conversation about life in the trenches of modern journalism. Porter walks us through his career path from St. Louis reporter to his current opinion role at the Star, sharing the real challenges and unexpected wins when switching from sports to the opinion desk. The two journalists dive into newsroom diversity issues, how opinion writing is adapting to survive in today's media climate, and trading notes on maintaining journalistic integrity when the industry keeps shifting beneath our feet. Porter opens up about his hands-on mentoring as an up-and-coming journalist and how personal experiences fuel his commitment to accountability reporting. Packed with insider anecdotes and practical wisdom, this episode delivers a frank look at the transformations reshaping our profession and the daily realities facing newsrooms across America.