Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University

Turning connections into interviews is possible! Mark Langford is a Harvard MBA with 30-years of building and working with start-ups through Fortune 500 companies from Main Street to Wall Street both domestically and abroad. He transitioned out of the corporate world in 2013 to help others to identify and live their purpose, tap inner knowing and to release limiting beliefs in order to restore clarity, joy and happiness to their lives and careers. He mentors and supports those who feel unfulfilled, challenged, or uncertain of their next steps using a phenomenal set of career improvement tools & techniques such as the Career Reboot System that he personally developed. In episode 627 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what opened the door for Mark to pivot across eight different industries without fear, what should students learn about navigating a career that isn't linear, what the checklist should look like for a student with only 30 days to reboot and position themselves for a great first job, how students can turn light connections into warm introductions that actually land interviews, how a college student or new grad can use innovative tools to stand out, what are the top three reasons students fail at side hustles, what confidence-building habits should young professionals start NOW to avoid early-career burnout, what are the smartest non-obvious ways students can use AI to build a job search pipeline, and what should a college student actually say when an offer comes in — especially if they're afraid of losing it. Enjoy!

Our next guest, Leia Hunt, is a 2x childhood cancer survivor, founder of the nonprofit known as Leia's Kids, podcast host, inspirational speaker, and author of My Battle Plan Journal. Leia has turned the devastation of her childhood cancer into a testimony of hope and faith. Leia is passionate about sharing her story and has embraced the opportunity to speak at various events. Leia's unique perspective on surviving and thriving is a story that she is willing to share with others. In episode 436 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what Leia's childhood was like with all the side effects from chemo treatment and being blind in one eye, why she started a non-profit and how she helps other families, how does the Board of Directors help the non-profit move forward, what are some of the bills and legislation that you are advocating for, what are the journals that were created for folks who are battling childhood cancer, how Leia can help by speaking on your college campus, what are some of the future plans for Leia's Kids, and how things have gone at Collin College and then Texas A&M Commerce while running the non-profit. Enjoy! 

Ariel Vox is a dynamic speaker and a Destiny Designer. She combines her rich background in various fields to offer a unique perspective on overcoming fear and turning failure into success. Her diverse experiences led her to start her own business, which she sold for a 7-figure sum after just 2 years. Ariel loves to speak at events, where she inspires others to STOP doubting their dreams and START doubting their limitations. She captivates audiences with her stories and practical advice. In episode 658 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what does "LUCK" actually mean in her framework, what lessons from entrepreneurship shaped the ideas behind her book, what are the four distinct personality patterns, how her approach is different from MBTI, DISC, or Enneagram, what are the common mistakes people make when trying to read someone's personality in the first five minutes of meeting them, how understanding personality types can help chapters improve brotherhood, sisterhood, and communication, what personality combinations tend to work well together in leadership roles within student organizations, how understanding personality can be game-changing in a job interview, and how students can overcome procrastination, stress, and uncertainty about the future. Enjoy!

Evelyn Kelly, PhD, based in Ocala, Florida, is an accomplished writer, speaker, and educator with a deep passion for exploration and learning. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, a master's degree, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee, where her studies spanned microbiology, English, and history. With 22 published books to her name—including works on stem cells and a comprehensive two-volume encyclopedia of genetics—Evelyn has taught at four universities. Natalie Kelly, MS, resides in Tallahassee, Florida, where she serves as the Chief Executive Officer of a state organization and is a seasoned writer and public speaker. She earned both her M.S. in Communications and B.S. in Visual Arts and Communications from The Florida State University. Over her 35-year career, Natalie has held prominent leadership roles, including being the youngest female staff director in the Florida Senate and a director in Washington, DC. She has also run her own public relations and lobbying firm. In episode 657 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how a mother-daughter duo ended up traveling the world together, what keeps Evelyn motivated and adventurous at age 91, how college students can realistically plan an unforgettable trip on a tight budget, why national parks are such powerful travel experiences, what makes them special for Gen Z travelers, how travel helps students reset mentally and emotionally, what is their best tips for car-camping or road trips to keep costs low, what makes America so unique to explore, what advice they would give students about traveling with parents, grandparents, or siblings, and what should be your first step in planning an adventure. Enjoy!

Matthew Fornaro is a business law attorney with over two decades of service in South Florida who brings valuable, engaging conversation to audiences. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through both the practical and strategic aspects of building successful businesses, from entity formation and contract drafting to handling complex disputes and mentoring new professionals stepping into the world of business. As a proud graduate and instructor for entrepreneurship programs and someone who has offered pro bono work to veterans, he relates deeply to the sense of purpose and community that our listeners embrace. His background as a law firm founder and his recognition with Marquis Who's Who in Forbes Magazine reflect a dedication to making the often intimidating world of business law approachable and relevant for people at any stage of purposes like Greek life, professional growth, and networking. In episode 656 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Matthew chose FAU, what inspired him to be an attorney, what legal steps should someone should take before launching their first venture, what are the biggest legal mistakes he sees young entrepreneurs make, what are the most common types of business disputes, what college students should do before signing a contract, what skills college students should develop now if they want to become successful entrepreneurs, what role mentorship played in his career, a legal lesson every college graduate understood before entering the professional world, and the most unexpected cases he has worked on. Enjoy!

Before COVID-19 hit the US in 2020, Tammie Osborne spent over a dozen years as an in-demand nationwide healthcare technology executive and consultant, on the road nearly every week. Tammie knew she needed to uncover a new 'normal', one she hoped to find in a coworking space. She soon learned, however, that her corner of Middle Tennessee didn't offer what she envisioned. So, in true entrepreneur fashion, she discovered a new passion: to create that which she was seeking and build a place where busy women could be productive without distraction, continue to grow professionally, socialize, and even exhale. The Sapphire Suite in Franklin, TN is fashioned as a destination—a thoughtful, welcoming place where women can crush their task lists and conquer new frontiers in a dynamic, nurturing environment of like-minded women. In this place, female strengths, intuition, and potential are organically recognized and nurtured; and women will always be made to feel both supported and inspired. In episode 655 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what drew Tammie into healthcare, what was the moment she know that she needed to build something new, how you know when it's time to pivot, why designing a co-working space was so important in Middle Tennessee, how we can design spaces where people feel safe, supported, and inspired, how organizations can balance productivity and social culture, how college students can seek out mentors without feeling intimidated, what nobody told her about starting a business, and why you shouldn't feel pressure to have your whole career mapped out. Enjoy!

On top of Lindsay Barnett's extensive training as a certified Integral Coach, she has spent more than two decades leading and transforming organizations at every stage of growth—from startups to global enterprises like Mattel. She has worked through hypergrowth, integrations, and organizational redesigns, always drawn to the moments when people and systems are in motion and transformation is possible. Lindsay's own career has been a story of reinvention. She has pivoted across roles, industries, and continents — pursuing flexibility and purpose as her life and values evolved. Lindsay has lived and worked abroad, immersed in different cultures, and learned firsthand how perspective expands when you step outside what's familiar. Those experiences taught her that transformation isn't just organizational — it's deeply personal. In episode 654 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what Lindsay is seeing right now in terms of stress, isolation, and division, what happens in the body when we show kindness or even see kindness, why college students underestimate kindness as a stress-reduction strategy, how chronic stress change how we treat each other, what is the connection between burnout and unkindness, how does everyday kindness reduce the likelihood of harmful behaviors, what does "self-kindness" look like for high-achieving students, how we can reframe students from being afraid that kindness equals weakness, how kindness habits formed in college can impact someone's career long term, and how kindness — toward yourself or others — play a role in your recovery. Enjoy!

Brian Dixon — most folks call him Dixon — is a Colorado-based Adventurer, Author, and Speaker, and a recovering midlife man-zombie. For twenty years, he lived misaligned — playing the superhero for everyone but himself. In 2014, a life-threatening mountain bike crash ended years of quiet drift. Alignment took longer — until he made a decision most men his age would never consider. At fifty, he chased down a dream from his youth. He found a mentor, committed to years of training, and flew a paraglider solo off Colorado's Lookout Mountain. It might sound like a midlife cliché. It wasn't—it was clarifying. That flight reset his True North. Everything he teaches fits into a simple mantra: Wake up. Realign. Move forward. Today, he helps men break free from misalignment — so they can Wake Up. Realign. Move Forward. In episode 653 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how a driven, high-functioning guy ends up asleep at the wheel, what happened with his pulmonary embolism after the mountain bike crash, why he launched a paraglider solo off Lookout Mountain, why men drift after college and how to avoid it, what does misalignment look like in your twenties, how you lead others without losing yourself, what does "True North" actually mean for a 21-year-old, how to distinguish between destructive risk and growth-producing risk, what is the moment men give up but never talk about, and what daily habits keep a man awake instead of drifting. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/@GreekUniversity?sub_confirmation=1 Dr. William Lanting has traveled to 6 continents, 84 countries, and all 50 states, covering more than 1.5 million miles. He practiced medicine for 42 years and has also been an attorney, national baseball card dealer, and national lecturer. Through his extraordinary experiences, he shares insights that have reshaped his life and can change yours. In episode 652 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out which one of the 23 near-death experiences changed Bill the most, what goes through your mind when you're staring at what feels like the end, how fear quietly limit college students today, how students cab take bold risks without being irresponsible, how students can create a life of purpose now instead of waiting until after graduation, how Bill wants people to remember him, what travel has taught him about perspective, how working in medicine shapes how he approaches risk, what does wise risk-taking look like in your 20s, and one fear students should let go of. Enjoy!

Taj Simrit is a modern Renaissance man whose journey has been defined by seeking wisdom through experience and transforming hardship into humility. Guided by the belief that true healing begins within, his work reflects themes of self-discovery, peace, and forgiveness. His debut book, Behold My Soul, shares timeless lessons on healing and transformation that resonate across cultures and generations. Beyond the page, Taj is a globetrotter, a travel writer, a public speaker, a retreat facilitator, and a consultant, known for creating transformative experiences that encourage inner growth and meaningful human connection. In episode 651 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how Taj's early life was purposeless and compassionless, whether his 8 years of traveling solo was running away, searching, or something else entirely, what was his "rock bottom" moment, what are some of the biggest ego traps young adults fall into, how students can they lead without being driven by ego, how college students can repair relationships, what happens psychologically and physically when someone carries resentment for years, how students can begin exploring spirituality without feeling like they have to abandon their existing beliefs, why so many men struggle to admit they're hurting, and what college students should do if they don't know their purpose. Enjoy!

Stephen Kelly is a speaker and author. He is a filmmaker and former high school teacher of public speaking, theater arts and religion. He also coached wrestling, basketball and baseball. Steve recently wrote his first children's book called "Butterflied". In episode 650 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what made kindness his message, what patterns he saw in young people when it came to self-esteem and how they treated one another, how kindness is more powerful than a tornado on a college campus, what was the moment in his own life where kindness completely changed his direction, what actually happens in the brain when we perform an act of kindness, what he would say to fraternity men who believe toughness is more important than compassion, can kindness actually improve academic performance and confidence, what is happening psychologically in those moments of hazing or exclusion in college, what are some practical ways fraternity and sorority members can make someone's day on campus, and what does self-kindness look like for a stressed-out college student. Enjoy!

Tom Hicks is the founder and CJO (Chief Juggling Officer) of Throw & Catch Consulting based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He provides practical and fun leadership development experiences that blend storytelling, reflection, and active learning to create deeper connections while playing with a purpose for individuals, teams, and organizations. Tom has worked at all levels in higher education for the past 20+ years and has adapted several of his most popular campus-based workshops for organizations of all types. When he's not on campus or conducting workshops, Tom enjoys cycling and traveling with his wife Megan and cheering on their daughter Emily in all of her activities. In episode 649 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Tom chose Hiram College for his undergraduate experience, how he developed his signature juggling keynote program, how the keynote helps people rethink how they approach challenges in life, how his 20 years in higher education influences his approach to speaking and coaching, why students struggle with failure today, what leadership challenges he sees most often in Greek life, how chapters can use the 4 p's (Patience, Persistence, Purposeful Practice, and Purpose) in recruitment, academics, or chapter management, why trust and collaboration are so difficult to build but easy to lose, what students tell him about college life in his role as Student Support Coordinator, and how he developed the mantra "Be Competent, Curious, & Kind." Enjoy!

For almost 30 years, Danny Karon, a member of Sigma Alpha Mu who went to Indiana University, has successfully represented plaintiffs and defendants in class-action and individual lawsuits. He chairs the American Bar Association National Institute on Class Actions. It's the nation's largest and most prominent non-partisan class-action program for lawyers, judges, and professors. Danny is also passionate about educating our next generation of lawyers. That's why he teaches class-action litigation at the University of Michigan Law School and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and taught complex litigation at Columbia Law School. Danny writes a column on civil justice for Law360, a hugely popular legal daily, and has published articles in countless other publications. His website called YourLovableLawyer.com offers actionable insight on common legal problems and describes pitfalls in a way that everyone can—indeed, needs to—understand. Because in law, as in life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In episode 648 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what first inspired him to pursue law, what surprised him most when he started teaching future lawyers, what he would do differently as a college student today, what are the most common legal mistakes he sees college students or recent graduates make, what are three basic legal habits every college student should develop, what should someone do if they're being harassed or defamed online, what legal risks come with parties, events, and social hosting, how students can protect themselves when signing leases, contracts, or internships, what legal issues student leaders in fraternities and sororities be aware of, and what inspired him to write "Your Lovable Lawyer's Guide to Legal Wellness". Enjoy!

Dr. Tina Tran brings more than 20 years of experience in veterinary practice, education and leadership. Her career includes work in small animal private practice, shelter medicine and academic leadership roles at Portland Community College, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, where she served as founding faculty and clinical relations lead veterinarian. Most recently, Tina is founding dean of the proposed veterinary school at Hanover College in Indiana. Tina is widely recognized for her contributions to veterinary education and her commitment to creating learning environments where all students feel supported and empowered to succeed. Outside of work, Tina likes cooking, traveling, and taking care of her many houseplants. In episode 647 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why she chose UC Davis for her undergraduate experience, what made her want to join Kappa Alpha Theta, how the sorority helped to prepare her for the realities of veterinary school and leadership roles, why you don't have to "choose" between Greek life and a demanding career like medicine, the pressure she felt growing up as a first-generation Filipino-American student, what role mentors played in her journey, how student organizations—especially fraternities and sororities—can be better allies for diversity and inclusion, how she protects her mental health, what animals taught her about leadership and empathy, how working in animal welfare shaped her worldview, and what should students be doing now if they want careers in medicine. Enjoy!

Our next guest is Jonathan Salmen, a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon from the University of Louisville who also served as Regional Director for his National Fraternity where he oversaw chapter operations for 17 chapters. He's worked for Dell Technologies and is now at Northwestern Mutual, but he also does coaching to improve life and career outcomes for young men. On episode 646 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why he chose the University of Louisville, why he decided to join Sigma Phi Epsilon, how his personal experiences shaped a mission of more health, wealth, and happiness, what are the leadership lessons he learned as Regional Director for Sigma Phi Epsilon, how college students can balance academics, leadership, and social life, how to reduce stress for busy chapter leaders, how negative thought patterns limit student success, what conversations about money should students be having before graduation, why community service so important for personal growth, and how to get accountability in student organizations. Enjoy!

Kevin Kocian is a lead cloud engineer and the creator of CliqWave, a great communication tool for Fraternity and Sorority chapters. He's a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Computer Software Engineering. In episode 645 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what pulled him into building technology specifically for fraternities and sororities, what frustrations did he see officers dealing with, why do we still have missed events and burned-out officers, how can we default to proactive help, why it was important to connect calendar, goals, chat, and live location in one workflow, how we get the right nudge without overwhelming members, how do you balance accountability with privacy so members don't feel micromanaged, how features like progress rings, points, and celebration bursts change engagement compared to traditional attendance tracking, what surprised him most when chapters started using CliqWave in real life versus how he expected them to use it, and how CliqWave helped an officer avoid burnout or helped a chapter get back on track. Enjoy!

Check out the Black History Month Celebration for 2026 with the Greek University team! Featured speakers are Professor Tish Norman, Eddie Francis, Edson O'Neale, and Trevon Bryant. More details on their programs for your students on our website: www.greekuniversity.org

Lindsey Jonin is a licensed counselor, licensed and board-certified art therapist, speaker, trainer, and artist. She is the founder of two businesses. The first, Lily Counseling and Art Therapy, supports individuals in NJ and FL, navigating anxiety, life transitions, stress, and emotional overwhelm through talk therapy, art therapy, and somatic practices. She also provides continuing education trainings for mental health professionals. Her second business, Abstract and Aligned, offers presentations and experiential workshops for businesses and organizations, helping teams and leaders strengthen emotional intelligence and lead with greater clarity, creativity, and connection so they can truly thrive. Lindsey also facilitates creative workshops within communities, collaborating with organizations to foster visual expression and connection. There are virtual art workshops offered to any adults anywhere, too! She is a passionate advocate for the arts and believes that creativity is not a talent reserved for a few, but a capacity that lives in everyone. Lindsey views engaging in creativity as a way to reconnect with ourselves, support stress regulation, and help people approach challenges with flexibility and problem-solving, while deepening self-awareness and human connection. In episode 644 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Lindsey chose Caldwell University, what first drew her into art therapy and counseling, how her work experience in clinical supervision and entrepreneurship shaped her perspective on student mental health, how anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism show up in high-achieving student leaders, why so many students struggle to ask for help, how art therapy works and why it's so effective, how creative expression sometimes reaches people when traditional talk therapy can't, what are the sustainable systems that prevent burnout, what inspired her to build a clinical practice and a creative platform, and what the "Quiet to Bold" journey looks like. Enjoy!

Anna Resende is founder of Mamma Terra Health Coaching LLC. She is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certified by The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. With a background in chemical engineering and a successful 25-year tenure in the manufacturing industry, she has honed her expertise in continuous improvement. Throughout her career, she has worked in various plants across Brazil and the United States, but it was her commitment to enhancing people's health and well-being that truly struck a chord within her. Now, as a health coach, Anna can channel her passion for nutrition and a wholesome lifestyle to empower people on their journey toward becoming the best, healthiest versions of themselves. In episode 643 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what Anna wishes colleges understood better about those early warning signs in students, why the "Freshman 15" phrase sticks around, how students can create cultures where checking in on one another feels normal, what wellness skills she would train every fraternity and sorority executive board on, why progress over perfection is important, how students can approach alcohol, technology, and boundaries in a way that supports—not sabotages—their mental health, advice for professionals who want to support student wellness without crossing boundaries, where her book called "Living Your Best Life in College" would fit best on a college campus, what is one small step students could take this week to move toward feeling better, and what does "thriving" in college actually mean. Enjoy!

Dr. Sharon Elefant, Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug, consults with various individuals to form and incorporate 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organizations. Dr. Elefant specializes in supporting nonprofits to develop their organizational and administrative infrastructure, strategic vision, implementation plans, fund and growth development, and relationship cultivation. Additionally, she is adjunct faculty for Central Michigan University, Florida International University, and Pacific Oaks College specializing in health care business curriculum, supporting academic excellence in student advising, mentoring and internship programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Living by the concept of Tikkun Olam, to repair the world, Dr. Sharon Elefant is an inclusive social justice advocate, educator, and nonprofit leader with a proven track record of building, growing, and enhancing organizational and fund development efforts on both a national and global level. Her innovative approaches and excellent communication skills have allowed her to successfully align community programs with specific community needs through various program partnerships and collaborations. In episode 642 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what real belonging look like in a student organization, where she sees strong alignment with nonprofit values and fraternity/sorority values, how Tikkun Olam shows up when she advises organizations, what cultural warning signs suggests that an organization may unintentionally be excluding certain voices, what's usually happening when organizations resist policies or oversight, how student leaders shift from a "one-year term mindset" to a legacy mindset, what values-aligned leadership looks like when tough decisions need to be made, how chapters can partner more intentionally with nonprofits or community organizations, which misconceptions about social justice or inclusion work she wants to challenge for fraternity and sorority leaders, and what gives her hope about the future of campus communities. Enjoy!