2020 Penn State graduate Ashley Ferrara is the most recent alum to become a Hotdogger for Oscar Mayer! She spent a year touring the country in the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile and shares her time on the road, meeting some very interesting people (and dogs!) and of course driving the famous hot dog. An episode filled with puns, you'll be sure to laugh your buns off! Jump right into: (7:12) - Becoming a Hotdogger (9:17) - Student Question of the Episode presented by The Daily Collegian : Driving the W...
Sep 30, 2021•46 min•Ep. 30
2007 Penn State grad Ashley Bisman entered college just a few years after her father's death in the September 11th World Trade Center terrorist attack. With an electric personality and positive outlook on life, Ashley shares her story on coping with the tragedy and finding love in her new book "Chasing Butterflies: The True Story of a Daughter of 9/11." The book is available on Amazon with a portion of proceeds benefitting Tuesday's Children. This episode is dedicated to Ashley's father, Jeff Go...
Sep 09, 2021•30 min•Ep. 29
2003 Penn State graduate John Colaneri’s name may sound familiar! If you watch HGTV, you’ll know him as one “the cousins” from the franchise of home design and renovation shows. John shares his journey from the corporate world to television. We’re also excited for him as he will be the Grand Marshal for 2021 Penn State Homecoming. Jump right in: (5:43) - Moving from the corporate world to the family business (8:51) - The opportunity with HGTV (15:23) - Working with his cousin (16:45) - The Cousi...
Sep 02, 2021•42 min•Ep. 28
1990 Penn State grad Mike Xenakis has had quite an adventure - from entering the Air Force to helping build OpenTable and guiding it through both an IPO and acquisition to joining Vacasa, a vacation rental company, just prior to the pandemic. Join Mike as he shares his wisdom and key lessons along the way, including his decision to choose Penn State over Notre Dame. Jump right into: (3:34) - Going into the military after Penn State (4:55) - Vacasa’s unique offering (7:26) - Seventeen years at Op...
Aug 19, 2021•41 min•Ep. 27
1954 Penn State graduate Dave Jones is a true storyteller. Would you expect anything different from a former journalist and editor? Dave’s career spans two of the world’s most prestigious papers - The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. Dave shares some amazing stories, including how he broke a story on confidential information, his coverage of a US President and his effort championing women in the work force. Jump right into: (6:21) - Time in the Air Force (7:34) - Student Question of t...
Aug 12, 2021•39 min•Ep. 26
Special 25th episode edition presented by Lions-Pride.com ! Co-hosts Jared Melzer and Ross Weisbrot talk about their experiences at Penn State, their great friendship and their journeys post graduation. Jump right in: (1:43) - Meeting at Penn State (5:27) - Choosing Penn State (11:54) - Favorite Penn State memory (15:19) - Life after graduating (25:54) - Staying connected to Penn State Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting Lions-Pride.com . Keep up with all ...
Aug 05, 2021•35 min•Ep. 25
1993 Penn State grad Elizabeth Miller was stressed, feeling overwhelmed and faced with a longer than normal to-do list when she became a caregiver for her ailing parents and disabled brother - in addition to raising her children and working a full-time job. Elizabeth not only found a way to manage, she took control and made sure she focused on ways she could be happy and healthy. Realizing that she was far from being the only one in this situation, she created Happy Healthy Caregiver to lend sup...
Jul 15, 2021•37 min•Ep. 24
1982 and 1984 Penn State graduate Lisa Baird is paving a new path for women and women's sports. As Commissioner of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), Lisa talks about her journey from Penn State to some of the biggest brands in the world to entering the sports business world in prominent roles at the NFL, USOC and now the NWSL. She also shares a great story involving The White House and how she helped make a wrong, a right. There's no doubt - Lisa's a true game-changer! Jump right in: (6...
Jul 08, 2021•26 min•Ep. 23
2013 Penn State graduate Rob Lawless is on a big mission - to meet 10,000 strangers! Yes, that's a one with four zeroes! If you're wondering why, how and where - then you'll enjoy this episode with Rob. Jump right into: (5:49) - The genesis of the idea (9:31) - Student Question of the Episode presented by The Daily Collegian : Impact of the pandemic (14:58) - Common themes and favorite stories (21:31) - Key takeaways (25:01 )- Making a living (27:41) - Lions Den presented by Lions-Pride.com : Pe...
Jun 24, 2021•40 min•Ep. 22
1984 and 1989 Penn State graduate, Dr. Cedric Bryant, has always found ways to get people moving for a healthier lifestyle. From academia to StairMaster and now the American Council of Exercise (ACE), Dr. Bryant's impact on the industry and people everywhere has earned him many recognitions, including this year's Penn State Distinguished Alumni Award. Jump right into: (7:27) - American Council of Exercise’s mission (9:05) - The impact of the pandemic on the health and fitness industry (12:38) - ...
Jun 17, 2021•35 min•Ep. 21
1983 Penn State graduate Joe Battista is one of the most passionate people you'll meet. In this episode, he shares his Pragmatic Passion philosophy that has shaped his career and impacted countless others. Coach Battista, commonly known as JoeBa, also gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how he helped take Penn State from club hockey to the varsity powerhouse it is today. After listening to the episode, be sure to buy Joe's book - Pragmatic Passion at PragmaticPassion.com . Use code " Passi...
Jun 03, 2021•47 min•Ep. 20
2016 Penn State graduate Matt Enderle enjoys sharing his passion of the outdoors and the National Parks with visitors. Currently based in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, Matt tells so many great stories, including his encounter with a bear and some changes he'd like to see to increase diversity. Jump right in: (8:13) - Life as a National Park Ranger (9:21) - Being an interpretive Ranger (10:44) - Process of becoming a National Park Ranger (12:54) - Passion as a kid (14:33) - Most interestin...
May 27, 2021•51 min•Ep. 19
2010 Penn State graduate Ashlyn Sparrow is in one of the fastest growing industries - gaming. However, her role is a bit unique and goes beyond pure entertainment. As Assistant Director of the Weston Game Lab at the University of Chicago, Ashlyn works on developing games to create socio-cultural impact. In this episode, she dives into what that truly means, how she wants to see more Black women in the gaming industry, and more! Jump right in: (4:17) - Weston Game Lab and Ashlyn’s role (5:05) - A...
May 20, 2021•44 min•Ep. 18
2002 Penn State graduate Lisa Benson has walked the red carpet with her clients at the world's biggest fashion shows. As Vice President of IMG Models, Lisa gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the industry, how its evolved over the years, as well as stories of her family friend, the late professional golfer, Arnold Palmer. ** Apologies for some slight audio difficulties Jump right in: (4:51) - What it means to be a model (6:53) - Lisa's interest in fashion as a child (8:54) - Lisa's career ...
May 13, 2021•32 min•Ep. 17
1983 Penn State graduate Brian Cuban's time in Happy Valley was not all that happy. Battling numerous addictions (eating disorders, alcohol, cocaine, etc.) at Penn State and throughout his life, Brian shares his very honest journey to sobriety. Today, Brian spends his time as a public speaker and author - on a mission to help others who are in similar situations. Jump right in: (5:22) - The importance of sharing his story of addiction (7:06) - Trauma during Brian's childhood and at Penn State (1...
May 06, 2021•40 min•Ep. 16
1987 Penn State grad Jean Oelwang is determined to create a better world. Jean is President and CEO of Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group. In this episode, Jean shares about starting her career in the mobile phone business, some of the amazing projects she has worked on at Virgin Unite, how leaders can change their businesses to "do good" and more! Jump right in: (6:07) - Virgin Unite's mission and projects (13:51) - The impact of the pandemic (17:33) -...
Apr 29, 2021•50 min•Ep. 15
2014 Penn State graduate Paul Suhey is on a mission to electrify urban mobility. In this episode, Paul shares his journey of going from a big oil company to founding an electric mobility company, the different ways Revel is helping people get around cities, how they helped during the pandemic, and more! Jump right in: (2:49) - The legacy of the Suhey name at Penn State (3:45) - Revel's mission to electrify cities (9:23) - The difference with Revel's charging stations (10:54) - Using electric bik...
Apr 22, 2021•34 min•Ep. 14
2002 Penn State graduate Bridget Lasda has worked at two of the world's largest beverage companies: Coca-Cola and Heineken. Currently, she serves as Chief Customer Officer at Calypso Lemonades. In this episode, Bridget talks about finding her way into the beverage industry, selling to major retailers such as Target, her transition to Calypso Lemonades, and more! Jump right in: (5:09) - Getting into the business world (7:11) - Selling Coca-Cola products to Target (10:44) - Differences between sel...
Apr 15, 2021•34 min•Ep. 13
2003 Penn State graduate Clifton Tay has worked for some of the world's most exciting tech companies - GE, Facebook, Uber, Zillow and now Genentech. In this episode, Clifton shares his work recruiting talent for these companies, his perspectives on the future of work and more! Jump right in: (4:06) - Getting into the talent acquisition field (5:45) - Moving from GE to Facebook (8:24) - The competition for talent (10:39) - Joining Genentech (11:53) - Differentiating yourself in the candidate pool...
Apr 08, 2021•36 min•Ep. 12
2005 Penn State graduate Neil Goldman saw a need in the hospitality market, created a solution and then figured out how to help underprivileged children. In this episode, Neil shares his entrepreneurial journey, why it's important to give back and more! Jump right in: (5:43) - The business of Hotels for Hope (6:56) - The birth of the idea (12:10) - The evolution of technology (13:30) - The challenges of entrepreneurship (14:33) - The meaning of conscious capitalism (17:59) - Hotels for Hope's wo...
Apr 01, 2021•30 min•Ep. 11
2014 Penn State graduate R.T. Custer and Penn Stater Tyler Wolfe formed a friendship in college that led them to founding Vortic Watches, an engineering and manufacturing company that pairs classic watchmaking techniques and traditions with innovative, modern technology. In this episode, R.T. and Tyler share how they came up with the idea for the company, winning a lawsuit against a large watch company and advice for entrepreneurs. Jump right in: (5:48) - Founding Vortic Watches (9:00) - Buildin...
Mar 25, 2021•50 min•Ep. 10
2012 Penn State graduate Jen Wahl (Masters, Educational Leadership) is dedicated to making an impact in her students' lives. After talking with Jen about her background, philosophy and continuous learning mentality, it's no surprise that she was recognized as the 2018 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. After this episode, be sure to thank the teachers who have made an impact on you and your family. Jump straight into: (7:43) - Teaching during the pandemic (11:46) - The impact of technology on edu...
Mar 18, 2021•41 min•Ep. 9
2009 Penn State graduate Andrew Weinert has always had a passion for flying. Today, he's putting that to good use at Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Lincoln Laboratory where he's involved in drone regulations and setting standards for unmanned travel. In this episode, Andrew discusses his research (on a non-technical level) and how drones will impact our lives and industries in the not too distant future. Jump straight into: (7:07) - Working on drone regulations at MIT's Lincoln La...
Mar 11, 2021•41 min•Ep. 8
2007 Penn State graduate loves to discover new ways to develop himself both personally and professionally. He's now sharing his passion with the masses through "Everybody Pulls The Tarp" podcast where he talks with Olympians, pro athletes, CEOs, elite coaches, bestselling authors, and other high-performers to uncover their secrets to success. In this episode, Andrew shares some of the key learnings from his guests, as well as starting Autism Speaks U. Jump straight into: (5:54) - Everybody Pulls...
Mar 04, 2021•39 min•Ep. 7
2003 Penn State graduate Abbey Meltzer has always loved telling stories about health! At the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), Abbey promotes the great medical breakthroughs taking place, including advancements with COVID treatments. In this episode, Abbey shares her journey from being on camera in small town Ohio to behind the camera at CNN to her role today at the FNIH. She also has an epic story of being on-call when a President passed away! Jump straight into: (5:12) -...
Feb 25, 2021•43 min•Ep. 6
2008 Penn State graduate Mallory Brooke absolutely loves the snow! So it's only fitting that she earned her meteorology degree and later founded her own weather consulting company in Maine. In this episode, Mallory shares her early interest in weather, how she helps New England ski resorts, and more! Jump straight into: (5:55) - Being a weather consultant (8:27) - Various clients for weather forecasts (12:45) - Using weather models (14:05) - Developing a passion for weather at a young age (16:28...
Feb 18, 2021•38 min•Ep. 5
1965 Penn State graduate Jim Alexander has helped design some of the most impressive and historical landmark projects. As Senior Principal of Finegold Alexander Architects, Jim details his work preserving Ellis Island, how architecture has evolved since he graduated, the importance of designing environmentally sustainable buildings, and more! Jump straight into: (4:43) - Working on historical preservation projects (6:55) - Restoring Ellis Island (13:27) - The makings of a successful architect (1...
Feb 11, 2021•37 min•Ep. 4
2010 Penn State graduate Eric Christian is not someone who wants to be put in the spotlight, but he certainly deserves it! As an Emmy Award winning lighting director across theater, television and concerts, Eric has played an integral role in some amazing productions, including the Puppy Bowl and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert. Jump straight into: (4:25) - The role of lighting director (5:20) - Getting started in the career (7:00) - Differences in lighting with television, concerts and t...
Feb 04, 2021•26 min•Ep. 3
2003 Penn State graduate Shannon Furman has spent over fifteen years bringing fans great features and stories about their favorite NFL teams and players. As Director and Producer at NFL Films, Shannon talks about working on Hard Knocks, her career advice to women entering the sports business industry and the time she found about Bill O'Brien leaving Penn State before anyone else! Jump straight into: (2:00) - Winning and giving away Emmy Awards (3:40) - Career start and growth at NFL Films (7:55)...
Jan 28, 2021•30 min•Ep. 2
2004 Penn State graduate Doug Bennett plays an integral role in the health and performance of the world's elite athletes. As Head Athletic Trainer of the Carolina Hurricanes, Doug shares his experiences from his days at Penn State to the challenges of the COVID pandemic and the one time that a zamboni driver became an emergency goalie in a NHL game. Jump straight into: (5:00) - The start of the pandemic and initial reactions from the team (7:50) - The stoppage/pause of the NHL season (11:20) - L...
Jan 21, 2021•34 min•Ep. 1
