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Take a trip down memory lane with other Cornellians. Weekly conversations with Michelle and Stephanie will introduce you to past and present Cornellians to hear where they are now and why they are most thankful to Cornell. (Not affiliated with or sponsored by Cornell University)
204 Episodes
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Have you ever met anyone who actually worked on the Hot Truck with Bob Petrilose? Well, Michelle met Jeff Weintraub on the Human Ecology Alumni Association Board, where his kindness and commitment to Cornell were immediately obvious. What wasn’t obvious? That Jeff has almost as many letters after his name as the Hot Truck menu board: MD, MBA, CFP. Jeff takes us through his fascinating journey from practicing medicine to managing money, and how he earned the nickname “Dr. Jeff Finance.” He tal...
He puts the heart in Hartford. In this episode, we talk to NBC Hartford’s beloved meteorologist, Bob Maxon, who is celebrating 30 incredible years on the air. We talk about his snowy hometown of Oswego, NY, where his fascination with wild weather began, and how Cornell University shaped both his career and his lifelong friendships. We also dive into his broadcasting career that’s seen it all — blizzards, hurricanes, and unforgettable community moments. He's the voice Hartford wakes up to ever...
This week we welcome Pam Chertok Caine ’88. We were so happy to see her and spend time with her. We have not seen her since she graduated. Pam reflects on her time at Cornell with warmth and nostalgia, before sharing a profoundly personal story of love, loss, and resilience. When faced with unimaginable heartbreak, Pam chose to honor her experience by helping others. Through her work at Griffin Cares Foundation, she and her husband and children have built a community for individuals and famil...
On just her fifth day at Cornell, freshman Alex Benson ’29 joined us for a quick but energizing conversation. Broadcasting straight from her triple in High Rise 5, Alex shared what it’s really like to experience those first whirlwind days of orientation week. She talks about the unique excitement of being one of thousands of freshmen all starting together, orientation events, dining hall discoveries, and then we shuddered at her mention of communal bathrooms. We wrapped up with a quick round ...
By the time he got to Cornell, Nathan Eapen had already faced challenges most people never encounter. After enlisting in the Army right out of high school, he trained as an infantryman, deployed to Europe on NATO missions, and faced a career-ending injury that forced him to rethink his future. That path ultimately led him to Cornell, where sprint football gave him a new team and Cornell Human Ecology gave him a new mission. Michelle first met Nathan while onboarding him for the Human Ecology ...
This week we talk with Hallie Goldman Hohner ’91, whose path proves you can succeed brilliantly in more than one world. At Cornell’s ILR School, Hallie graduated in the top 1% of her class before launching a distinguished law career. But her story didn’t stop there. Driven by her lifelong love of singing and theater, she went on to create Broadway Camp for Adults - a Broadway camp that has become a destination for aspiring performers — a place where passion, talent, and dreams collide. ...
Mary Maxon Grainger ’79 has spent her life showing up for the people and places she cares about most. From leading alumni groups to mentoring women to advocating for girls’ hockey, she’s made an impact that stretches across Cornell and the Ithaca community. In this episode, Mary shares how a gregarious first-year student in Baker Tower became a lifelong connector, volunteer, and leader. Her story is thoughtful, honest, and full of the kind of perspective you can only get from decades of servi...
You’ve heard of triple threats — but none quite like Bruce Hulse: a Cornell two-sport athlete, a globetrotting supermodel, and a lifelong seeker of spiritual truth. We talk to Bruce about his evolution from athletic star to one of the most recognizable male models of the 1980s and beyond. With a modeling career spanning over 40 years, Bruce has worked with icons like Bruce Weber, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren... and Cindy Crawford. He's also an incredible surfer — and yes, he was naked on Cornel...
In this episode, we talk to Emily Chen, Cornell Human Ecology Class of 2020, who is redefining what it means to put humans first—as a user experience (UX) researcher for Harvard. Emily shares her journey to becoming a bold Cornell connector, diving into how a love for doodling led her to the Design and Environmental Analysis major. She opens up about rebranding herself socially, finding the perfect blend of science and empathy in her studies, and eventually discovering the little-known but hu...
Before he was producing Netflix’s #1 true crime documentary, Jon Houseman was making salsa in Ithaca and hustling through NYU Stern (with Michelle). In this episode, the Emmy-winning storyteller shares his journey from Cornell history major to global media entrepreneur—and reveals how a spicy startup and a passion for untold stories led to streaming success. He’s the best, he’s the most fun, and we can’t wait for you to hear his story. Find out more about Jon on his LinkedIn: Jon Housma...
If you went to Cornell, chances are you heard his voice echoing through Bailey Hall to 2,000 rapt students at a time. In this heartfelt tribute to Professor James Maas, we remember the magic of Psych 101, his pioneering role in sleep science, and the multimedia lectures that made his class unforgettable. Stephanie shares her personal experience as his TA and advisee, along with the memories that still give her and Michelle goosebumps. He will be missed. Not sponsored by or affiliated ...
What’s a 5-letter word for brilliant? ROBYN. Robyn Weintraub (’91) is a crossword puzzle constructor for the New York Times, New Yorker, People, and more. She joins us to share her road from U-Hall 3 to puzzle fame, how she constructs with personality, and what makes a great clue. Special thank you to her husband, Jeff Weintraub, who introduced us to Robyn and gave us a day filled with fun, learning, and an inside look at a world we were dying to understand. Google Robin’s puzzles...
From Miami roots to navigating snow boots and shutdowns, Abby Siegel (’23) shares her story of flexibility, friendship, and finding her stride at Cornell—despite a freshman year no one could have predicted. In this episode, Abby takes us through her transition from sunny South Florida to icy Ithaca, the sudden arrival of COVID during her first spring, and how she found meaning, connection, and unexpected joy in the years that followed. She’s thoughtful, funny, and on her way to me...
We just spent an hour with Dana Gershon and have one major regret: that we didn’t know her in college. She’s the kind of person who makes you feel smarter just by listening to her—and happier just by being around her (even over Zoom). A powerhouse attorney, mom of four, marathon runner (x4), and immediate past president of NCJW, Dana has done it all—and somehow makes it look effortless. She’s brilliant, warm, and wildly accomplished, but still totally down-to-earth. We left this conversation ...
She’s not a decorator — she’s a designer with vision, edge, brilliance and a strict no-word-art policy. Lucie Ayres ’98 brings bold taste, smart strategy, and signature style to every space she touches. You won’t believe the magic she creates — or the industry giants featuring her work. Tune in for Craigslist romances, accent wall crimes, and how a garage playroom launched a design empire. Oh, and you'lll head a little bit about her other work with Mariah Carey - you won't guess... Find Lucie...
She met her husband on day two, got tear-gassed in Collegetown, and now she writes the stuff everyone’s hoping someone is brave enough to publish. She is. Journalist and essayist Laurie Yarnell joins us to talk about her Cornell roots, the art of freelancing for Good Housekeeping and HuffPost, and why some stories—second marriages, senior sex, and nosy neighbors—need to be written. Thankfully she counseled herself out of counseling and into so many publications we all love to read...
Cornell has waited 48 years for this. Frank Kelly—alum, former player, and father of current team member JK—joins us 24 hours after the NCAA men’s lacrosse national championship to share what it felt like to be there, what makes this team and the coaches special, and what this win means to the Cornell community and especially the forever-connected Cornell lacrosse community. From tailgates to team culture to tears in the final seconds—it’s all here. Go Big Red (and apparently also, Let’...
He has set the bar high for Hotelies everywhere. (pun intended) In this episode, we talk to Justin McManus '03, a proud graduate of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and fourth-generation owner of the iconic Peter McManus Cafe in Chelsea, New York City. Peter McManus Cafe has been serving up drinks, award-winning burgers, and unforgettable memories since 1911—and Justin is now carrying that torch with heart, hospitality, and a healthy dose of humor. We had a lot of fun with him. We tal...
Well, "here's to" one of our most delightful guests yet: Sophia Johnston '22, Hotelie, wine enthusiast, and founder of Sip With Sophia. You'll hear inside tips, what the best wine is to bring to a dinner party, and what she has in common with Michelle and Steph. Also - she's a twin...and a skater..and has a very impressive day job. Very. We loved everything about her. And you will too! Cheers! Find Sophia on Instagram: @sipwithsophia.nyc Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell ...
In this episode, we interview Lauren Hass ‘96, aka The Clutter Kicker, who’s helping people clear their spaces and their minds. Inspired by her organizing magic, we tackled our own spring cleaning — and let’s just say, it felt amazing. Lauren shares her Cornell story, how a toddler playdate sparked a new career, and her go-to method for deciding what stays and what goes — it's genius, and you may want to print it on a mug (but don’t tell her). Here’s where to find Lauren: Website: www.clutter...
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