Palm Beach State College’s Official Podcast Expands with Workforce Series

The Panther Experience at PBSC podcast is expanding its focus beyond campus with the launch of the Workforce Development Forum, a new series expected to connect Palm Beach State College students with local employers, internships and career opportunities. Hosted by Shanique Collins, a business pre-law student, the series will feature Matthew Lenihan, PBSC’s director of business and community relations, as co-host.

PBSC’s podcast began in 2024 when former student trustee Daniel Gil Sanchez launched the podcast and served as its first host. Since then, the podcast has grown quickly, producing 14 episodes in its first year, 15 in its second year and 45 so far this year, according to Billy Reddy, technology specialist for The Panther Experience.

Departing co-host Areshika Stephens, a psychology student, graduated summa cum laude with an Associate in Arts degree in psychology in spring 2026 and will transfer to Florida Atlantic University’s Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, but not before passing the microphone to Shanique Collins, both figuratively and literally, in the first episode of the podcast’s new workforce series.

Because Collins’ new biweekly co-host for the workforce series serves as PBSC’s director of business and community relations, he brings relationships with employers and workforce partners throughout Palm Beach County. Those connections could help the podcast introduce students to area businesses, internships and other work-based learning opportunities

Lenihan’s work with Jupiter Medical Center is one recent example of how business partnerships can support students through internships, career exploration and hands-on learning opportunities.

“Typical episodes of The Panther Experience would include deans, faculty members, the president, provost — people you would see on the campus. It was internal,” Reddy said. “But the workforce one provides the last step, external.”

The Workforce Development Forum podcast series could connect student stories with the employers and industries seeking trained talent. Highlighting skilled trades and other workforce programs has long been a goal for The Panther Experience team. Stephens said the new series “stays true to the ethos of The Panther Experience.”

These conversations with employers may also prove valuable for students still on the fence about what career to pursue and wanting to hear more from a professional in their desired field.

Reddy added: “A student interested in the marine industry may be asking, ‘How do I know that I’m a good fit for the marine industry? I like the water, but is there something deeper?’ We are having those kinds of conversations so they can understand.

The Panther Experience at PBSC releases new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, spotlighting the students, faculty, alumni, programs, and experiences that shape Palm Beach State College. Available in both audio and video formats on Spotify and iHeartMedia, the podcast gives students a way to listen, watch, and stay connected to the stories unfolding across PBSC.