We Went to Miami

In this engaging conversation, Rebecca Messina shares her remarkable journey from an intern at Coca-Cola to becoming a global chief marketing officer ( 2X) . She discusses her experiences living in various countries, the importance of leadership roles, and how her academic background in diplomacy has shaped her marketing career. Rebecca emphasizes the value of taking risks, embracing one's identity, and the impact of extracurricular activities on personal development. She reflects on her time at Miami University, the challenges of balancing career and relationships, and offers insightful advice for young professionals navigating their careerAs always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not reflect the opinions of Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite streaming platform so you don’t miss an episode!If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

In this inspiring episode, Vada Stephens II shares his journey from a young intern to becoming the youngest Chief of Staff in Hamilton County's history. Vada emphasizes the pivotal role of mentorship and community in shaping his path, illustrating how guidance from mentors and a supportive network can unlock potential and drive personal growth. Join us as we explore the power of giving back, the impact of a nurturing village, and the transformative influence of mentors who see more in us than we see in ourselves. Tune in to discover how community and mentorship can be the catalysts for change in your own life.As always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode! Want to connect with Vada? Find him as Vada Stephens II on all platforms.If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

In this episode, join Amitoj as she sits down with Kayla Carson ‘18, a dynamic HR professional and personal branding enthusiast. Kayla shares her journey from a management trainee at Macy's to her current role at Coca-Cola, highlighting the power of storytelling in career development. Discover how Kayla's passion for connecting with people and her knack for storytelling have shaped her career path and personal brand. Whether you're a young professional or considering a career pivot, Kayla's insights on flexibility, community, and the art of storytelling offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to stand out in today's competitive job market.As always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode! If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

In this episode of We Went to Miami, Amitoj catches up with Luke, a fellow 2023 Miami University alum whose post-grad journey took some unexpected—and seriously cool—turns. After starting in finance, Luke realized the corporate world wasn’t his forever home. What followed? A bold pivot fueled by curiosity, creativity, and a knack for understanding people. He shares how building viral social media accounts not only taught him marketing in real-time but also helped him carve out a career that actually felt right. If you've ever felt stuck following a path that wasn’t yours, this episode will remind you that trusting your gut (and maybe your meme skills) can go a long way.As always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode! Want to connect with Luke? Follow him @LukeSawhook on most platforms.If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

In this special episode of We Went to Miami, we sit down with Critics Choice Award-nominated actor and proud Miami alum Eric Lange (‘95) for a conversation that’s equal parts nostalgic and inspiring. From his early days performing on campus stages to landing iconic roles in Narcos, Lost, Escape at Dannemora, and more—Eric reflects on how his time at Miami shaped his path in Hollywood.We talk about the professors who pushed him, stealing door knobs from a building getting demolished, and the moments that changed him, and the memories that still make him smile. Whether you're a fellow RedHawk, a fan of Eric’s work, or just someone chasing a dream, this one’s got something for you.As always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode!

In this episode, Warwick Reider shares his journey from being a student at Miami University to becoming a contestant on The Bachelorette and transitioning into a successful modeling career. He discusses his academic background in sports management and kinesiology, the unexpected path that led him to reality TV, and the friendships he formed during his time on the show. Warwick also reflects on the support he received from friends and family, the challenges of post-grad life, and offers valuable advice for those at a crossroads in their careers.As always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode! Want to connect with Warwick? Find him @warwickreider on Instagram.If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

In this engaging conversation, comedian Beth Stelling ‘07 shares her journey from Miami University to becoming a successful stand-up comedian. She reflects on the impact of her education, the balance between her comedy career and her passion for field hockey, and the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry. Beth emphasizes the importance of maintaining connections with friends from college and the lessons learned from her early jobs, she even divulges Bagel and Deli lore. The discussion also touches on memorable experiences at Miami and her aspirations for the future.View Beth’s specials/ show information here: Beth StellingAs always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode! Want to connect with Beth? Find her as Beth Stelling on all platforms.If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

In this episode, Heather Kristin shares her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood in New York City to finding her place at Miami University and eventually becoming an actress and writer. She discusses the importance of community, the struggles of navigating the acting world in New York City, and the power of storytelling in reclaiming her narrative. Heather emphasizes the significance of mentorship and giving back, as well as the challenges and rewards of being a non-traditional student. Her story is one of resilience, authenticity, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.If you would like to connect with Heather, you can follow her on Instagram @heatherkristinwriterHeather's latest article on her time on SATC:https://www.huffpost.com/entry/sex-and-the-city-and-just-like-that-kristin-davis-stand-in-me-too_n_6818a607e4b064ed9fd4df55As always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode! If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

This week, Amitoj sits down with Donna Boen, Miami alumna and longtime editor of Miamian, who has spent more than three decades shaping the way Miami’s story is told. From her start as a student journalist to leading a national award–winning magazine, Donna reflects on the power of storytelling, the lessons she learned from her corny (and wise) father’s letters, and why she still loves learning something new—whether it’s quantum computing or the history of Elliott Hall.We talk about navigating uncertain job markets, what it means to truly love your work, and how Miami connections—from freshman roommates to faculty mentors—have shaped her journey. Plus, Donna shares her secret life in a bell choir, her favorite Miami concert memories, and the advice she has for anyone hoping to land a story in the Miamian.If you’ve ever wondered about the person behind the stories that connect Miami alumni across generations, this episode is a rare chance to hear Donna’s own.As always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode! Want to read past issues of the Miamian? Look here:Miami University - Fall/Winter 2024If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

Join us for a fun episode with Jeff Pegues 92’ a former football player, turned into a 3x Emmy award winning journalist. Jeff walks us through his journey of finding himself at Miami through the football team and taking his first-ever media class, which unlocked a deep passion for journalism. His career landed him as CBS News’s former Chief National Affairs and Justice correspondent, where he covered terrorist attacks, and major events in US history. Jeff also currently sits on Miami’s Board of Trustees!As always, views expressed in this episode from our host and guest are their own and do not represent Miami University.Follow us on Instagram, @wewenttomiami and make sure to follow our show on your favorite platform so you don't miss an episode! Want to connect with Jeff? Find him as Jeff Pegues on all platforms.If you notice any misspellings or mistakes in the closed captions, please email us at alumnisocial@miamioh.edu

Want to know what to expect? Listen here for our trailer.