Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University

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! 

Surviving to thriving in college? Today we speak to Tonya Comer, winner of the 2024 Nautilus Gold Book Award for Business & Leadership for the book: "In High Heels on a Ladder: The 7 Power Tools for Designing Your Life". She has also been named one of the Top 20 African American Interior Designers in the United States. As a visionary who is bringing design to life, Tonya writes, speaks, coaches, leads, designs, and loves. And when she isn't doing all of that, she lives life out loud as an adventure-seeking, rollercoaster-loving, jump-out-of-a-plane-first spirit. In episode 623 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out about early defining moments that shaped Tonya's ambition and resilience, what helped her move from "surviving" to truly "thriving", what she would say to students wearing a mask of perfection, what are some practical strategies students can use today to overcome self-doubt and claim their confidence, what authenticity looks like for young adults navigating campus leadership roles, what is the biggest myth college students believe about "working hard" and success, what inspired her to write "In High Heels on a Ladder: The 7 Power Tools for Designing Your Life", what is The RISE Method, what blind spots college students may have in friendships or romantic relationships, and advice for those trying to design a life. Enjoy!

How sales can set you apart in you career! David F. D'Orazi, a successful salesman and California native still residing in the Los Angeles area, has just published his new book "Sell, Sell, Sell!". David pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to thrive in sales, not just for a quarter, but for a career. Drawing from nearly a half-century of real-world experience, raw journal entries, and time-tested strategies, he delivers the straight truth about what works, what doesn't, and how to rise to the top—no gimmicks, no fluff. Whether you're brand-new to sales or already performing at a high level, you'll walk away with: • Proven techniques to close more deals • A mindset built for long-term success • Real stories from the field that teach, inspire, and entertain • Hard-won lessons that can save you years of trial and error In episode 622 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why David believes sales is the single best career path for a recent college graduate today, why everyone is a salesperson, how college students can reframe rejection as part of the process, the role attitude plays in landing your first job, how to connect authentically with recruiters or employers, what does active listening look like in a job interview, what does excellent follow-up look like for students trying to land a dream job or internship, how job seekers can differentiate themselves in a crowded field of applicants, why you should write your goals every January, and the top 3 sales skills every young professional should master. Enjoy!

Perseverance despite unimaginable loss is something our next guest knows very well. Darnell Hardy is a highly respected fitness coach and the founder of Optimize VO2 (OVOO), a metabolic fitness company dedicated to helping individuals achieve peak performance. With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, Darnell has worked with a diverse clientele, ranging from everyday individuals seeking to improve their health and fitness to elite athletes competing at the highest levels of CrossFit and Hyrox. Darnell's expertise lies in optimizing metabolic function and aerobic capacity, enabling clients to achieve significant improvements in their pursuits. A sought-after speaker and seminar host, Darnell travels the country sharing his knowledge and insights on metabolic fitness. Darnell is also Aerobic Capacity certified and serves as a subject matter expert at the prestigious Power Monkey Camp, further solidifying their reputation as a leader in the field. In episode 621 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what it was like for Darnell to grow up in St. Louis, why he had to say no to drugs, violence, and peer pressure, how he was able to process his trauma as he got older, how he ended up at Missouri State, why he chose Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and how the unimaginable loss of his brother, best friend, and grandparents changed how he sees conflict, pain, and perseverance.

How to avoid mistakes when facing reputation damage is something that we discuss on the podcast today. After 25+ years working in the high-stakes, high-speed world of NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula 1, Mike Mooney has seen firsthand how elite teams consistently outperform the competition—not because they have more talent, but because they execute brilliantly in the micro-moments others overlook. That's the foundation of his work today—helping executives, leaders, and teams unlock championship-level performance under pressure using a dynamic framework he has developed called Your E.P.I.C. Pursuit™. This framework empowers leaders and teams with the four essential keys that all high performers use - and you should be too! Mike's keynotes, workshops, and coaching programs have helped companies like Frito Lay, U.S. Bank, U.S. Army, PepsiCo, and Advance Auto Parts drive daily leadership habits that deliver measurable business results. If you're ready to equip your leaders and teams to show up strong, execute with precision, and thrive under pressure—connect with Mike Mooney today! On episode 620 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why he chose Elon University for his undergraduate experience, why he joined Sigma Chi Fraternity, how his journey began in the motorsports industry, what leadership lessons he learned on the way to Senior Vice President at Roush Fenway Racing, what inspired him to write the book "Reputation Shift", what is reputation capital, how we can avoid mistakes when facing reputation damage, what is Mike's E.P.I.C. Pursuit™ Framework, and how students can reframe failure so it becomes part of their growth story. Enjoy!

Healing from childhood traumas is possible! Avonley Lightstone is the author of Strength of Scars, Letting Go, It's Just Temporary, and Going From Old to Gold. Her mission is to bring healing in to a world that often feels broken. She believes trauma and trials, when faced with courage, can become powerful challenges that strengthen us and create a ripple of hope and resilience. Through her own story, she inspires others to say, "I got this — we're doing this together." Avonley holds a deep personal hope of reconnecting with her family in India, where her journey began, and offering her father forgiveness and peace. She currently resides in Utah with her husband, Christian, and their three daughters. Together they enjoy the outdoors, baking, and cheering on their girls in sports. In episode 619 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how Avonley was able to save her mom from a house fire at just three years old, how an abusive environment in a foster home affected her sense of identity and belonging, how she help others recognize when they're masking pain instead of healing it, how to heal from childhood traumas before it starts to impact your growth, what are some physical or emotional signs that someone's body might be holding onto unresolved trauma, why she dreams of reconnecting with her family in India to offer forgiveness and peace, how her scars — physical and emotional — became a source of strength for others, how we can create a culture that prioritizes mental health and emotional safety, and what she hopes readers of "Strength of Scars" will take with them into their own lives. Enjoy!

How to get emotionally thriving relationships will be answered in this episode! Terry and Carol Moss are dynamic voices in the world of relationships. Terry is widely recognized as a pastor in the marketplace and a wholeness architect committed to helping individuals and couples thrive emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. A retired corporate executive with a thirty-six-year career in commercial underwriting—including leadership as second vice president at a nationally recognized insurance firm—Terry now devotes his life to full-time ministry, coaching, and teaching. With over five decades of ministry experience, Terry brings the rare blend of pastoral care, professional insight, and practical relationship wisdom. He is known as a professor, teacher, leader, and relationship expert—roles he continues to embody through One Flesh Ministries, the nonprofit he co-founded with his wife, Carol. Together, they have touched lives across the US and internationally, equipping couples and ministry leaders with biblical tools for healthy, lasting relationships. Their passion is simple: helping people become whole so their relationships can thrive. In episode 618 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what brought Terry and Carol together to form One Flesh Ministries, what inspired Terry to write "Whole You Before Two" and why that's important for college students, what does it mean to be "whole" before entering a relationship, what are the three keys to emotionally thriving relationships, how emotional and spiritual health go hand-in-hand, how spirituality plays a role in emotional recovery for young adults who've been hurt, what lessons about leadership and emotional health they wish every student leader understood, what is one consistent truth about relationships they've seen hold across all ages, and what they would say to a student listening who feels stuck in an unhealthy relationship. Enjoy!

Don't be afraid to ask for help in college. With over 7 years of experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Colleen Gigante has developed a passion for helping children and families overcome mental health challenges and achieve their full potential. She has a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology which equip her with the knowledge and skills to provide effective and evidence-based interventions for various psychological issues. Colleen has contributed to the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that promoted mental health awareness and education in the community. In episode 617 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how Colleen was able to transform that pain into empowerment in her life, how college students can reconnect with their authentic selves, what mental health challenges she sees most frequently among college students, how she helps clients move from surviving to truly thriving, what colleges and fraternity/sorority leaders can do to make seeking therapy or counseling feel more normal and supported, how to use adversity as fuel for growth, and her advice for college students trying to balance authenticity with acceptance. Enjoy!

Deep conversations with grandparents are critical for so many reasons. God used an avalanche that took Nick Stevens' daughter in 2008 to put him on a path to help dads and granddads fulfill their unique roles for their family. Building heritage is a God-given responsibility and opportunity. Nick is the author of a book coming out in early 2026 called "The Power of Granddad's Voice: Seven Blessings Your Family Needs from You." In episode 616 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how his experience of loneliness on campus shaped his life's work, why loneliness is so pervasive in this generation, why he focuses on the relationship between grandfathers and grandchildren, what are some questions for deep conversations with grandparents, why young adults need these conversations, how reflecting on family heritage help them find direction during those uncertain times, what lessons from climbing mountains apply to college life and leadership, how fraternity and sorority members can apply these ideas about intergenerational wisdom within their own organizations, and how students can use the upcoming book as a tool for deeper connection in their own families.

Getting back in balance during stressful times is very important. We talk more about that with Trupti Gokani, M.D., an award-winning, board-certified neurologist, health & mindset coach, ayurvedic expert, and Master Practitioner of NLP, who has dedicated her life to developing a unique blend of ancient wisdom with modern approaches. By melding these approaches, she's become a highly sought-after speaker and coach, sharing holistic wellness strategies with larger-than-life media personalities like Dr. Oz, global pharmaceutical giants, and coaching clients from all over the world. She has been a blogger for Huffington Post and served on the faculty for The Shift Network and Metagenics. She is best known for her revolutionary integrative approach to treating migraine, one of the most disabling neurological conditions, through The Zira Mind & Body Center which she founded in 2006. In episode 615 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired her to bridge Western neuroscience with Eastern Ayurvedic medicine, why stress so misunderstood - even by medical professionals, what are the three stress personality types, how students can get back in balance after stressful situations, how stress personality framework help chapters better support one another's mental health, how the three-brain connection shows up in young adults dealing with burnout, her unique advice do you have for fraternity men versus sorority women in managing stress, and how students can deal with setbacks like rejection, failure, or academic stress. Enjoy!

Exercise helps college students manage stress! In 2002, certified personal trainer Holly Kouvo had a vision: to create an independent personal training company that teaches clients innovative ways to fit exercise into their daily lives. You can improve balance and strength using chairs, build strength by doing arm curls with a gallon of milk while waiting in line at the grocery store, or exercise with bands in a hotel room. Holly's philosophy differs from the traditional "create-a-standard-routine-for-the-gym" mantra. She prides herself on creating customized programs that fit each client's unique lifestyle. Holly takes your goals, likes and dislikes, strengths, and time constraints, and helps you to fit fitness in to your day. In episode 614 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired Holly to dedicate her life to helping others "fit fitness in", how college students in their 20s can start investing in their long-term brain and body health, some of the biggest misconceptions young adults have about aging and wellness, how exercise helps college students to manage stress, what are some simple, creative ways college students can "fit fitness in" throughout their day, how much exercise does a college student really need to see benefits, how nutrition plays into brain health and longevity, how fraternity and sorority leaders can model this within their chapters to build healthier, more energized communities, and what lessons we can learn in her upcoming book, "Fitting Fitness In: Staying Fit, Sharp, and Independent as You Age". Enjoy!

Getting to forgiveness is very possible! Our next guest is Melissa Jean Rod, but you can call her M.J. She is a writer, speaker, sunset-chaser, and accidental detective of her own family tree. She helps women navigate the heartbreak of father wounds, the confusion of family secrets, and the questions of identity with honesty, hope, and a healthy dose of humor. Her debut book, The Daddy Files tells the true story of what happened when she found out the man she thought was my father… wasn't. It's part memoir, part mystery, and all about how God shows up in the middle of our mess. If you've ever felt left out, let down, or like you're carrying questions no one's answering—she sees you. She has been there. And she wrote this story for you. In episode 613 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired MJ to write "The Daddy Files", how that truth changed her life, how growing up without a father shaped the decisions she made, how college students can start healing from the "father wound" if they've never had that relationship modeled in their lives, why it's important to get to forgiveness, how her faith evolved through the process of uncovering family secrets, why humor is essential in overcoming trauma, what advice she has for others who discover unexpected truths about their families through DNA testing, how her family relationships changed after the truth came out, and what MJ would tell her 20 year-old self. Enjoy!

The problem of declining fertility rates globally will have a significant impact on the future. Dr. Marina Straszak-Suri is an OBGYN with over 30 years of practice dedicated to women's health, fertility, and reproductive education. With a unique blend of clinical expertise and a deep commitment to evidence-based, holistic care, she empowers individuals and couples to take charge of their reproductive journey. Dr. Marina is also a passionate educator and mentor, with years of experience teaching medical students, residents, and healthcare professionals through her work as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa. She is known for her warm, accessible teaching style and ability to translate complex medical science into practical, actionable guidance. In episode 612 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired Dr. Marina to combine medical science with a holistic approach, what motivated her to write "Optimize Your Fertility Naturally", why younger people are surprised to learn that lifestyle affects fertility, why college students should care about reproductive health and fertility today, what are the early warning signs that a woman's reproductive health may be suffering, how diet, exercise, and sleep influence hormone balance and reproductive health, what are the most effective ways to reduce its impact on reproductive health, why declining fertility rates globally is an urgent problem, and what myths about women's fertility she would like to see disappear once and for all. Enjoy!

Chuck Marting is the author of "Mastering the Impairment Code", endorsed by New York Times bestselling author Jack Canfield. With 30 years in law enforcement and drug recognition, he's trained hundreds of organizations on workplace safety and impairment. Chuck has spoken at national conferences including the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association, the Substance Abuse Program Administrators Association, and the Federal Transit Administration. He also hosts two podcasts—The Language of Leadership and Clearing the Haze—focused on building safer, stronger organizations. In episode 611 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired Chuck to dedicate his life to teaching others how to recognize impairment, why he decided to write the book called "Mastering the Impairment Code", why students should not assume that marijuana, vapes, and edibles are harmless, how substances like fentanyl are being mixed into everyday use, what are the signs of impairment that fraternity and sorority members should be watching for in their peers, how we can build build safer and more accountable fraternity and sorority communities, what are the biggest myths he wishes college students would stop believing about "functional" use of substances, what does the future of impairment recognition look like, and how universities, national Greek organizations, and alumni partners work together to support student wellness and safety. Enjoy!

Dr. Dean Rudoy is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins University, trained at the New York University-Bellevue Medical Center, and received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Fordham University. He is author of three books, including his latest — EMISSARIES: Stories and Reflections — a collection of 60 stories lived and lessons learned over the past three quarters of a century — which has been described as "a quiet book for chaotic times". In addition to practicing, teaching, and writing about psychology, he has been devoted to causes — children, peace, social justice, and human rights — serving as consultant to national and international organizations and on various boards, including that of The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, on whose Board of Trustees he currently serves. In episode 610 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired Dr. Rudoy's shift from political to psychological healing, how those early experiences in social justice shaped the way he approaches healing and empathy today, what he means by "give what you need", what it means to have "a quiet book for chaotic times", how students can do daily acts of service on campus, how students can accept that we are whole as we are, how students can develop inner confidence and compassion for themselves, how they can recognize and trust the emissaries in their lives, and what advice he would give his 21 year-old self about living a meaningful life. Enjoy!

How can college students start their mindfulness journey? Let's talk to Laurie S. Jacobson, an author, speaker, and Certified Health Coach. She has spent more than 25 years promoting health and wellness through education, media, and personal appearances. She's been featured in local and national publications, and hosted Cooking for Health on WJAC-TV. In episode 609 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired her journey to a Buddhist monastery and what those first few days were like, what advice she would you give to students who might see those same abusive or toxic signs in their own relationships, how college students can bring mindfulness into their day, what happened when she practiced silence for 22 days at the monastery, what is the role of physical health in supporting emotional and spiritual wellbeing, what misconceptions about health and wellness does she see most often, and what freedom felt like after years of control and fear. Enjoy!

Let's talk about the elephant in the room, and the 5 questions you MUST ask your next lover. Leonarda Minutillo is a poet, writer, teacher, mom, and speaker (even in ASL). She studied at York University in Toronto with an Honours BA with Physical Education /Psychology; B.Ed at University of Toronto; Deaf Ed at York University; and then, with an International Rotary Scholarship attended Gallaudet University in WDC, the only university in the world tailored to Deaf students. It was a dream come true. Leonarda is now making a big career shift slowly leaving the classroom and stepping into the role of writer and poet where she has not only found great healing but also a long-awaited connection to her intuition. After publishing her first poetry book, "The Day I Bought a Teddy Bear and a Vibrator", Leonarda says the whole process has been incredibly transformational. In episode 608 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired Leonarda to start writing poetry and how that helped to reclaim her voice, how learning to listen to her intuition changed the trajectory of her life, how college students can channel creativity to heal from heartbreak or self-doubt, how she defines self-love in a world where people often seek validation from others, what are the 5 conscious questions to ask a potential lover so you can take care of yourself, what is the P.I.E. Principle, how studying at Gallaudet University shaped her perspective on communication and connection, how young people learn to see endings as beginnings, what role does community play in healing and self-discovery, how transitioning from teaching to writing and speaking full time taught her courage, and what advice she would give her younger self. Enjoy!

Careers in the trades or manufacturing are of interest to you? Terry Iverson is a manufacturing leader, author, and keynote speaker dedicated to reshaping America's perception of skilled trades. As founder of CHAMPION Now!, and author of Finding America's Greatest Champion and Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing, Terry brings over 45 years of experience mentoring and inspiring the next generation of makers. In episode 607 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired Terry to become the founder of an organization changing how America perceives manufacturing, what are the biggest misconceptions college students have about careers in the trades or manufacturing, how student debt can be America's potential career killer, how college students or recent grads can get involved in apprenticeship or internship opportunities to gain hands-on experience, how mentorship shaped his journey, how leadership principles from the manufacturing floor translate to leading a team or a chapter, what is the connection between gamers and digital CNC manufacturing, lessons from his books called "Finding America's Greatest Champion" and "Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing", and what is one action students can take this week to begin discovering their own path to becoming a champion. Enjoy!

Solving problems on college campuses is everyone's job. Suzanne Smith is a nationally recognized community strategist, professor, TEDx speaker, and founder of Social Impact Architects. A Duke MBA, she has spent more than two decades helping leaders tackle complex issues in education, poverty, healthcare, and workforce development. She has also worked with government agencies—including the federal government—and is trilingual in government, policy, and business, giving her a rare perspective on how meaningful change happens. Suzanne is the author of Social TrendSpotter, ranked among the nation's top nonprofit blogs, where she has analyzed philanthropy and nonprofit trends weekly for over 13 years. Known for her straight talk and storytelling, she helps audiences see what's really happening behind the headlines, learn why society's toughest problems are so difficult to solve, and discover what solutions have been proven to really work. In her TEDx talk, "Everyone Can Be a Changemaker," she shows how ordinary people can take small steps that create extraordinary ripple effects. Whether breaking down giving trends, unpacking nonprofit scandals, or highlighting community solutions, Suzanne makes the case that everyone has a role to play in making change possible. In episode 606 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired Suzanne to start Social Impact Architects, how fraternity and sorority students can begin to see themselves as changemakers, how service work helps to rebuild purpose and connection, how students can design community service projects that actually make an impact, what could change if we used frameworks like Social Alchemy to solve complex problems at college, and what excites her most about the next generation of changemakers on college campuses. Enjoy!

Achieve personal success and financial independence today. Chris Livezey is a living testament to the power of personal transformation. Despite facing significant challenges during his adolescence, Chris defied the odds and emerged as a remarkable success story. His life took a pivotal turn at the age of 16 when his father gifted him the book "See You at the Top" by Zig Ziglar, igniting a fire within him to achieve greatness. Motivated by the belief that he could conquer any challenge and prove his doubters wrong, Chris set ambitious goals for himself. Dedicated to personal development, Chris embarked on a self-education journey, prioritizing his own learning over traditional academia. Venturing into real estate investing, he pursued his entrepreneurial dreams while honing his skills as a public speaker. Now, Chris's highly anticipated book, "The Shortcut to Magnificence," has launched, receiving widespread acclaim for its transformative power. Seamlessly integrating into readers' lives, it weaves together powerful statements, actionable exercises, and captivating stories. The book's relatable style and profound insights leave an indelible mark on readers' perspective, guiding them through their personal transformation. With an impressive journey of overcoming obstacles and a wealth of knowledge, Chris Livezey empowers individuals to unlock their true potential and live magnificent lives. In episode 605 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what Chris learned from Zig Ziglar's book called "See You at the Top", what business lessons from the world of real estate still influences how he approaches personal success and financial independence today, what is one principle of success college students can apply today, how he defines the balance between personal ambition and making an impact on the community, one daily practice that has been a game-changer for him, What does he mean by "The Shortcut" to Magnificence, and what is his lasting legacy. Enjoy!