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! 

Are you looking to build Alumni Relationship Management tools at scale in your fraternity or sorority? Trailblaize turns outdated spreadsheets and email lists into an interactive community. We're going to find out more today with the founders of Trailblaize: Owen Ridgeway, Ford Hudson, and Adam Perez! In episode 640 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what problem they personally experienced at Ole Miss that made them say, "This needs to be rebuilt from scratch", what was broken with alumni lists and LinkedIn groups, why it was important that joining Trailblaize is free for individual members, how their fraternity experience shaped the way they designed Trailblaize differently than a traditional social network, what are the biggest mistakes fraternities and sororities make when trying to engage alumni, examples of how alumni across different decades have connected in meaningful ways on the platform, what makes landing jobs and internships possible on this platform, advice for chapters that want alumni engagement to move beyond nostalgia and into tangible opportunity, how having a central system of record changes leadership transitions year over year, why national headquarters should think about alumni networks at scale, and what is the first step students should take to rebuild alumni engagement. Enjoy!

Alka Sharma is a powerful public speaker who motivates audiences to achieve their full potential. As an author of "From Cocoon to CEO Living the Life of Your Dreams", she offers simple, practical advice for success. She also champions women's empowerment, guiding women to embrace their inner strength and confidence. And as a real estate investor, Alka uses smart strategies to build lasting wealth. In episode 639 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what was the cocoon phase of her life and what finally pushed her to transform, what is the first sign that it might be time for a personal reinvention, what self-doubt usually sounds like in our heads—and how can students learn to challenge it, what mindset shift had the biggest impact on her success, how she learned to see challenges as things happening for you rather than to you, how women can step into leadership confidently in spaces that may feel male-dominated or intimidating, what is the biggest myth students believe about investing, how personal branding applies to college students, and what is one story from her book that readers say resonates with them the most. Enjoy!

Leadership requires intentional development! A passionate NPHC speaker, Eddie began his leadership journey as president of his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity chapter at Loyola University New Orleans, where he was also vice president of the Interfraternity Council. Because of his leadership, Eddie earned the Spirit of Loyola Award for Racial Understanding. He even choreographed a step routine that won second place at the ever-popular Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands and Greek Show! Eddie later served as an alumni chapter president and campus chapter advisor. Professionally, Eddie is a consultant who led marketing and communications at Southern University at New Orleans, Paul Quinn College, Dillard University, and Talladega College. He is an adjunct instructor for Southern New Hampshire University who has also taught at Tulane University and Dallas College. Additionally, Eddie's diverse professional background includes mass media and talent acquisition. In episode 638 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out the biggest mistakes or struggles for Eddie that eventually shaped the D9 Leadership Blueprint, when he realized that leadership requires intentional development, why he chose to blend research, real-world leadership, and "D9 Old Head Wisdom", how leaders move from survival mode to intentional leadership, what is a self-awareness exercise or mindset shift he would recommend, how Ubuntu show up practically in fraternity and sorority leadership, how understanding followership actually make someone a more effective leader, what is one concept from the D9 Leadership Blueprint that would create the biggest ripple effect, what role do alumni play in reinforcing intentional leadership instead of just critiquing from the sidelines, and how he helps young leaders understand legacy without overwhelming them. Enjoy!

Scott Courtright is a state archaeologist at USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service and a brother of Phi Sigma Kappa from Northern Arizona University. The most unique thing about Scott is that he was struck by lightning on a hike and survived! He's here to tell us all about it. In episode 637 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Scott chose Northern Arizona for his undergraduate experience, what was special about Phi Sigma Kappa that made him want to join, what happened on the day he was struck by lightning on a hike, how that event impacted his relationship with fear, what shifted for him after the lightning strike, how that event reshaped his patience, humility, and long-term thinking, what he wants students to understand about vulnerability, how he views legacy today, how students should think about decision-making when the consequences aren't always visible in the moment, and what he would tell student leaders about responsibility, safety, and looking out for one another. Enjoy!

How students create memorable first impressions should be mandatory content for any recent college graduate or soon to be graduate! Michelle Rupp brings over two decades' worth of local media expertise to the table. Having created a local lifestyle show, stood in front of a business reporting, and sat behind the anchor desk, not only can she help you craft a meaningful message to get noticed by local media, but she has the contacts to help move it along. Michelle has an EMMY and is the Edward R. Murrow winner for reporting. Let Michelle craft your business's heartfelt story to get the publicity it deserves. It will set your organization apart in your community. She's offering a free PDF to our Fraternity Foodie podcast listeners at https://memorable-results-media.kit.com/greek-pdf In episode 636 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what stood out to Michelle in her recent program she delivered at the University of Central Arkansas, why first impressions are still so underestimated by college students today, what are the most common first-impression mistakes she sees students make when meeting employers, how you reframe networking in a way that feels more authentic, how fraternity and sorority members use their chapter roles—president, treasurer, recruitment chair—as real networking advantages, why employers care more about communication and presence than a perfect GPA, what communication skills separate candidates who get callbacks from those who don't, what surprised her about what students at UCA didn't know, how students leverage alumni connections more effectively without feeling like they're "asking for something", and why programs like this are essential for Greek communities right now. Enjoy!

Coach Nigel Romany's journey is rooted in a lifelong passion for educating and helping others. He began his career in the banking business, where he focused on servicing and educating clients. This natural inclination led him to transition into teaching, where he found a similar fulfillment in guiding others. His coaching career began over 20 years ago when he stepped in to coach his eldest daughter's soccer team and quickly fell in love with the sport and the coaching aspect. From soccer, he moved to basketball, where he continues to coach youth sports. He sees coaching and teaching as interconnected roles, both centered on educating others and helping them be better. Coach Romany believes that sports offer invaluable life lessons, including perseverance, hard work, and resilience. In episode 635 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what he learned about people in banking that still shapes how he coaches and speaks, how is being different actually an advantage, how caring for his parents at the end of their life reshaped his definition of success, why is it harder for leaders and caregivers to take care of themselves, why do people often resist the acceptance phase, why he believes true success is not sexy, what does accountability look like when you don't yet have strong mentors or role models around you, what is one practical tool students can use this week when anxiety spikes, how does teaching young people how to think—instead of what to think—build long-term resilience, and what's the biggest mistake leaders make when motivating others. Enjoy!

The value of your own story is bigger than you think! Marcy Barbaro is a bold, heart-led speaker, writer, and coach who believes your story could change — or even save — a life. Hers began to change the day she stopped waiting to feel "ready" and started writing her truth. The result was Beautiful Humans, There's Nothing Wrong With You — a moving, humorous, and soul-stirring collection that's touched thousands. Marcy's most requested talks, Your Story Could Save Someone's Life, and What Would You Say If Tomorrow Was Your Last Chance? challenge audiences to stop holding back and start using their words to heal, connect, and leave a legacy. With a blend of emotional honesty, humor, and real-world insight, she empowers aspiring authors, leaders, creatives, and everyday humans to write and speak with urgency and heart. Her background as a magazine editor, yoga instructor, and co-founder of Working Writers Co. gives her a unique, grounded perspective on how writing becomes a tool for transformation — not just for readers, but for the writer themselves. She brings every audience she meets a powerful message: you don't have to be perfect to be heard — you just have to be willing to be real. In episode 634 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why today's college students don't often see the value of their own story, what college students should do if they get writer's block, how storytelling shifts the mindset from selling to attracting, why we should focus on the deeper "why" behind your chapter culture, how to attract more values-aligned members, how organizations can balance honesty with the fear of being judged or misunderstood, how can fraternities and sororities define who they are for — without sounding exclusive or unwelcoming, her advice for graduating seniors who want to leave behind more than just a position title, one simple exercise fraternity or sorority members could do at their next meeting for authenticity and connection, and how to begin the process if students have an idea for a book they want to write. Enjoy!

Mental health on college campuses in the future is something our next guest is already thinking about. Jack Hellmer is an entrepreneurial leader from Alpha Tau Omega at Florida Gulf Coast University with a social mission to make a positive impact on the mental health of our world. He is focused on reducing the stigma around mental health and supporting others where they are at. Jack is the Founder of UBYou, a student success and wellness hub designed to support the well-being of students and enhance informed decision making for university leaders. UBYou aims to make student lives happier, healthier, and faster. On episode 633 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Jack chose Florida Gulf Coast University, why he decided to join Alpha Tau Omega, why he cares so deeply about mental health in higher education, what is the biggest disconnect right now between students who need help and the systems designed to support them, how technology helps to lower the emotional hurdle of asking for help, how UBYou helps institutions do more with the resources they already have, how Greek organizations can become part of the solution around mental health, what was the hardest leadership lesson he's learned while building UBYou, and what does he hope mental health support on college campuses looks like in five years. Enjoy!

How to pivot in life? We have the perfect guest for you. Donnie Landon knows what it feels like to be counted out before life even begins. With a father incarcerated throughout most of his childhood and the streets often more present than stability, Donnie's early years were marked by trauma, transition, and turmoil. By 19, he found himself standing in a courtroom, facing the same fate as his father — until one decision changed the entire course of his life. In that moment, he made a promise: he would never be the reason his mother cried again. That single choice led him to the U.S. Navy, where he discovered the power of discipline, service, and self-mastery. Years later, Donnie would go on to coordinate daily intelligence briefings for the President of the United States, serving at the highest classified levels of government as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Today, Donnie is on a mission to help students—especially those who feel overlooked or misunderstood—recognize that they are not what happened to them… they are what they choose to become. In episode 632 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out when Donnie first realized that his story was the message, what was the moment when his life made the pivot, what changed inside of him, how he navigates being a single father, what is the Feel It. Flip It. Flex It.™ framework, how Greek organizations can better support first-gen and marginalized members, how becoming a father reshaped his definition of success, what is the biggest myth students believe about success at that elite level, what role do educators, advisors, and student leaders play in making 100,000 students impacted possible, and a decision that students can make today to change the trajectory of their life. Enjoy!

The problem with leveling up too quickly? Stina Leigh is here to answer that. Founder and Owner of Stina Leigh Practice, Stina has been shaking up industries for over 25 years—effortlessly merging experiential marketing, business development, and health + wellness into a career that's as dynamic as she is. Stina Leigh Practice is the culmination of Stina's global expertise in health, fitness, nutrition, and human performance. As an internationally recognized yoga instructor, nutrition practitioner and fitness professional, Stina has guided elite clients and world-renowned brands including CrossFit, ESPN, and Danone International Foods. Her background stretches far beyond the mat—holding advanced certifications in exercise science, corrective science, nutrition, tourism & hospitality management, and various wellness programming. This blend of education and life long experience allows her to approach transformation holistically—bridging body, mind, and lifestyle together in ways few can. Stina Leigh Practice isn't just about movement or diet—it's about creating a lifestyle of balance, vitality, and self-love, designed to meet the standards of both everyday individuals and high-performing professionals around the world. In episode 631 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out which parts of her own identity she had to let go of, how young adults can begin recognizing the conditioning that's holding them back, what healthy reinvention looks like compared to escapism or running from yourself, which mistakes happen when you level up too quickly, what does embodied confidence actually mean, how students can recognize when their self-worth is tied to overachievement or being busy, how her foundation in yoga and somatic movement helps people transform, what goes into creating a retreat that actually leads to lasting personal growth, and what is one small shift students could make this week that would change everything for them. Enjoy!

Finding belonging on college campuses is a specialty for Dr. Kevin Reese, an an experienced higher education professional with over fifteen years of experience working in a variety of roles that provide academic, personal, and professional support for college students that represent diverse and multifaceted backgrounds. Dr. Kev has experience in Admissions and Enrollment Management, Residence Life, Housing, Multicultural Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion, New Student Orientation, Student Organization Advising, Student Conduct, Public Speaking, Leadership Training and Development, and Event Planning. Founder of The Vision of Excellence Scholarship Program (2015) which is geared to assist Black males in their quest of higher education. He's also the Founder of the Wednesday Experience Podcast (2021) which takes listeners on a journey of life, laughter and wisdom! In episode 630 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Dr. Kev chose Kentucky State University for his undergraduate experience, what drew him into higher education and what's kept him committed for over 15 years, how pursuing a doctorate changed the way he approaches his work with students, what separates performative leadership from impactful leadership in student organizations, what small but powerful shifts student leaders can make to improve their chapter culture immediately, how to find belonging on college campuses, what behaviors most often signal that a student organization is heading in the wrong direction, what communication mistakes he sees student leaders make most often when addressing their peers, what he learned about himself through podcasting, and what advice he would give a 19-year-old fraternity or sorority member who wants to leave a positive legacy. Enjoy!

The purpose of The Advisor's Toolkit for 2026 is simple: To give you a clear, efficient look at what is actually working right now on college campuses — and how you can leverage proven programs, interventions, and resources as you plan for the year ahead. You'll hear from our full Greek University team tonight — speakers and consultants with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and lived experiences. Each of them works directly with campuses and headquarters staff across the country and will share a concise snapshot of: • The programs and interventions they're delivering right now • The outcomes advisors are seeing in real time • The issues they're being asked to address most frequently • And how their work can support your goals for 2026 Think of tonight as a curated menu — not something you need to adopt all at once, but a way to identify the right tools, voices, and partnerships that align with your campus culture, challenges, and priorities. Whether you're preparing for Spring new member trainings, onboarding new officers, navigating conduct concerns, responding to mental health needs, or simply trying to be more proactive instead of reactive — our hope is that tonight gives you clarity, confidence, and options. At the end of the session, you'll know exactly which programs might fit your campus, and how our team can support you as a long-term partner heading into 2026. So again — thank you for being here, thank you for the work you do every day, and thank you for trusting us with your time.

Communication skills for dating in college are essential! Dr. Victoria Vaughn, a retired educator and lifelong learner, found herself newly single at fifty-five after a thirty-year marriage. Entering the senior dating pool, she discovered not just frogs but full-suitcases of "baggage"—from the talker and the narcissist to the bully, the cheater, and more. Her memoir, "Oh the Frogs I Kissed Before I Finally Found My Prince", blends humor, honesty, and hard-won wisdom. With stories that are both entertaining and eye-opening, she invites readers to laugh, nod in recognition, and take away insights for their own dating journeys. 10% of all profits from the book will go to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's research. In episode 628 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what was the biggest shock jumping back into the dating world after 30 years of marriage, when she realized these stories could help younger adults who are also trying to navigate modern dating, what early dating behaviors signal "Frog Alert", advice for students to spot "dating profile embellishment" before it becomes a disaster, how can someone tell when substance use crosses the line into a red flag, what were the earliest signs she missed that today's students should pay attention to, why do people override their gut instinct in early dates, what role did self-respect and self-knowledge play in her eventual decision to walk away from men who were clearly wrong, what communication habits should students look for in a healthy partner, and why is it OK to go slowly. Enjoy!

Why early failure is an advantage - the answer might surprise you! Certified Leadership Consultant Steve Williams started his own consulting company in 2013 after spending over 35 years in manufacturing leadership positions working with companies around the world. Steve taught at the master's level for a dozen years, is a public speaker and master storyteller that combines his unique perspective and experience with humor to educate and entertain his audience. An accomplished author, Steve's latest book is "Notorious: Leadership Lessons from History's Most Notorious Leaders". While writing Notorious, Williams combed the history books, researching the techniques, methodologies, and strategies of these infamous figures, and what he discovered caused him to rebrand them as some of the most brilliant leaders of all time. In episode 626 of the Fraternity Foodie podcast, we find out what college graduates misunderstand about entering an unstable economy, what parallels we see in history's most notorious leaders and what college students are experiencing today, why early failure is an advantage, why college graduation the best time in life to fail fast and fail forward, what would the "notorious" leaders in his book would say to someone who feels late or lost at 22, what "control the controllables" looks like for a new grad entering a rough job market, why the first job shouldn't be about money — but about acceleration, how college students can start building contingency plans the right way, and what he would give every graduating senior. Enjoy!

Creating a helpline for eating disorders is now a reality. Sarah Callazzo used to wear smaller jeans and fake a smile. She liked having as many friends as possible. She would never consider herself a leader. Her camera roll was filled with 'progress pictures' of her body. She was fighting a losing battle with herself. She was in denial and was exhausted - but she would've never admitted it. Around five years ago, Sarah decided she didn't want to be that girl anymore. She was exhausted from trying to be the girl that 'does it all.' Rather than trying to be a superwoman for everyone else, she wanted to be her own hero. She has been actively working on her own recovery while encouraging others to do the same. Sarah is a proud sister of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, a former Chapter President at the University of Rhode Island, and author of the book "Unknown Warrior: Battling the Mirror". Sarah just completed her Master of Social Work at Fairleigh Dickinson University in the Spring of 2025, and has recently founded a new organization that she will tell us all about called "Love a Stranger". In episode 625 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out the moment when Sarah realized didn't want to be that version of herself anymore (performative), what does Unknown Warrior mean to her, why is there a documented rise in eating disorders nationwide, what are the warning signs students and chapter leaders should be watching for with eating disorders, what was the moment that sparked the creation of this helpline for eating disorders, what does peer-to-peer support offer that traditional treatment or crisis systems often cannot, what is one practical change we could implement this semester to better support students struggling with body image or disordered eating, and what should students actually feel when they hear ""What you look like is the least interesting thing about you". Enjoy!

Early Warning Signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder from Linda Summersea! Linda is the author of "The Girl With the Black and Blue Doll", an honest and optimistic book about persevering through childhood depression in a dysfunctional household. What she has learned: the healing child will always be present in the adult, but in her case, the Survival and Healing have now become (almost) Forgiveness. Although she spent most of her life as a loner, most of her peers would have never guessed what she was hiding inside. Linda's adult persona has always been quite able to present a strong front. In addition to expressing herself through writing, she loves public speaking, radio, and television as a mediums of expression, along with the arts that have brought her such joy. In episode 624 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired Linda to write the book, how early experiences shaped the person she became in college, what was the hardest thing to write about in the book, what are the most overlooked emotional challenges during that transition to college, what is Body Dysmorphic Disorder, what are the early warning signs of Body Dysmorphic Disorder, what is the distorted reflection teens see through social media, how expedition hiking become part of her healing, how college students can use creativity as a mental health practice, and what can college organizations do to reduce the stigma around depression and body image issues. 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!