Courtesy of the Lakeland Live Feed

The Lakeland Community Podcast’s first episode aired on Tuesday, February 20, and will continue to release new monthly episodes.

The Business and Technology Departments at Lakeland Regional High School are working together to launch the Lakeland Community Podcast that places a spotlight on local businesses run by Lakeland alumni. The first episode of the podcast aired on February 20, 2024, and featured Lakeland alumni and owner of Kodiak Landscaping, Bob Pedatella.

The Lancer Ledger interviewed business teacher Ms. Jessica Geyer and technology education teacher Mr. Jonathan Lauder in order to gain more insight into what the podcast would be about. Mr. Lauder explained that the podcast would focus on local businesses run by Lakeland alumni and how being a student at LRHS helped them in the world of business.
Mr. Lauder shared that it was Ms. Geyer who created the idea and then came to him to discuss it. Together, they then brainstormed how to turn it into a reality. He explained, “We are using students from the podcasting and entrepreneurship class to help make the podcast happen.”

Ms. Geyer further elaborated on the origin of the podcast, mentioning how she would assign her Business Management and Dual Enrollment Entrepreneurship 101 courses to make a business podcast. This initial assignment later transformed into a full blown podcast in collaboration with the media classes.

As for what is to come in the future, Ms. Geyer explains that they plan to have a schedule of one episode per month, and have quite a few businesses already on the lineup for upcoming episodes. Ms. Geyer said that they “have plans to feature Kressaty’s Pharmacy, Luigi’s Pizza, Skyline Graphics, Haskell Paving, and many more!” Mr. Lauder adds that he would like to eventually expand to include alumni from other professions and fields, beyond just local businesses.

The Lakeland Community Podcast is out now and available on the Lakeland TV YouTube channel and on Spotify. In the first episode, Ms. Geyer asked Pedatella about his experience at LRHS and his experience in starting up his own landscaping business. He talks about the Lakeland teachers that inspired him and how he got started in landscaping. It started out as just a passion, until during his junior year of high school, he and a group of his friends started Kodiak Landscaping.

“Ever wonder about the hidden gems in your own backyard? Join us, a group of curious high schoolers, as we embark on a podcasting adventure to uncover the vibrant stories behind the local businesses that make our community unique.”