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Welcome to The People of Penn State, the podcast from the Penn State Alumni Association sharing the stories of Nittany Lions making an impact on the world.
Hosted by Katie Farnan ’19, each episode features conversations with Penn Staters who are making their mark in business, science, sports, the arts, and beyond. From career journeys to personal milestones, discover the experiences, ideas, and connections that make the Penn State community so special.
Wherever life takes Penn Staters, there’s always a story worth sharing.
158 Episodes
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On this episode of The People of Penn State, Elyse Lupin ’02 Bus, founder of Elysium Marketing Group, shares her journey from working with major brands like The Walt Disney Company, NBC, and New Balance to building her own full-service marketing agency. Elyse reflects on her time at Penn State, how she stays connected to the University, and the lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in business and her commitment to suppo...
In this special episode of The People of Penn State, we talk with Forrest Coley '85 HHD, '90g Bus, a member of the Educational Equity Advisory Board, about the University’s Office of Educational Equity and his participation in Penn State’s Black Alumni Reunion. Forrest shares why educational equity matters, the importance of supporting first-generation students, and how alumni can help create opportunities for the next generation of Penn Staters. He also reflects on the power of bringin...
In this episode, we chat with Amanda Gifford Lockwood ’04 Com, Edu, a senior vice president of production at ESPN, where she helps lead coverage of some of the network’s biggest sporting events. Amanda reflects on her time at Penn State and the experiences that shaped her career, shares the journey that led her to ESPN and her work in sports production, and talks about how she stays connected to the Penn State community. She also discusses the lessons she’s learned throughout her career...
This week, we chat with Jared Freid ’07 Bus, a stand-up comedian, podcaster, and author known for his sharp, relatable take on dating, relationships, and everyday life. But comedy wasn’t always the plan. After graduating from Penn State, Jared began his career in insurance before leaping to pursue comedy full-time. Jared looks back on his time at Penn State and the unexpected path that led him to a career in comedy. He talks about deciding to leave insurance, building a career as a come...
Jim Minarik ’75 Bus, ’77 MBA is an author, investor, board member, and CEO coach who began his entrepreneurial journey as a Penn State student. After a 25-year career as a CEO, Jim went on to create Sound United, a billion-dollar global home audio business with brands including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and Polk Audio. Now, Jim is the author of Reckoning: A Journey Through Tragedy, Triumph, and Transcendence, a deeply personal book about navigating tragedy, achievement, loss, and ...
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