Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University

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!

Help for college students signing leases is on the way! Stan Lucas is the Co-Founder and COO of LeaseWisely. LeaseWisely is the first and only tenant empowerment platform. They believe tenants should have leases that are fair and easy to understand, access to technology and data and a network that supports them throughout their entire lease journey. In episode 604 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Stan chose Indiana University - Bloomington for his undergraduate experience, why he ended up joining Kappa Sigma Fraternity, what inspired him to help build LeaseWisely, what are the biggest mistakes he sees college students and recent graduates make when signing leases, how students can establish clear expectations with their roommates, landlords, and housing corporations before signing a lease, what tools they provide to reduce legal disputes and improve mutual accountability among all parties, how to streamline onboarding for new tenants or members moving into chapter houses, and what red flags should officers or house managers should watch for in their lease agreements. Email Stan and tell him that you heard about LeaseWisely on the Fraternity Foodie Podcast to get a free self-guided review of your lease! Enjoy!

Dr. Lyman Montgomery is a best-selling author, international speaker, and leadership coach with more than three decades of experience helping leaders and organizations align faith, purpose, and performance. As a certified life and business coach, Six Sigma Black Belt, and seasoned HR professional, he has trained thousands worldwide, inspiring people to live with clarity, discipline, and impact. His work has been featured in multiple publications, and his books, including Harmony in the Hustle and Shattered Masks, have touched the lives of readers across the globe. He is also the Founder & Creator of Sacred Greeks, a faith-based movement and media platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of Christianity and Black Greek Letter Organizations. Through Sacred Greeks, Dr. Montgomery brings together teaching, testimonies, and cultural insights to challenge myths, redeem traditions, and empower believers to see that faith and Greek life can coexist to the glory of God. His mission is simple yet profound: to help others discover that true brotherhood, sisterhood, and purpose are ultimately found in faith. In episode 603 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out the pivotal moment that shaped his faith, how his experience as both a clergy leader and a proud member of a historically Black fraternity (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.) inspired "Sacred, Not Sinful", why membership in Black Greek Letter Organizations has sometimes been viewed as "sinful" or incompatible with Christian faith, what drives this tension between faith and fraternity life, why the church has remained silent—or misinformed—on this topic for so long, how BGLOs can actually be modern mission fields, advice he would give to someone feeling pressure to choose one over the other, and what non-Black Greek members can learn from the way BGLOs balance cultural heritage, community service, and faith. Enjoy!

Cindy Wageman is a captivating author, speaker, and survivor of Multiple Sclerosis. She graduated from Light University through the International Christian Counselors Association and is an Advanced Certified Relationship/Life Coach. Cindy is an informative and inspirational speaker who delivers powerful messages on healing, health, and hope. In her book, "Completely Healed", she lays out a plan created to inspire and motivate you to change and develop a lifestyle that is not only attainable but abundant. She passionately offers hope, empathy, and holistic healing to our world: one survivor at a time. In episode 602 of the Fraterntiy Foodie Podcast, we find out how she reacted when she was first diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at just 24 years old, what helped her shift from fear to determination in the early stages of the diagnosis, how stress impacts our physical health, how college students can start to regulate their stress responses or build resilience, why learning to say "no" so important for personal and emotional health, what role nutrition played in her recovery journey, how Fraternity and Sorority chapters ca create spaces that support emotional and physical wellness, and how leaders can normalize conversations about stress, mental health, or faith without stigma. Enjoy!

College students honoring their authentic self is an important concept, despite our need to always "fit in". Marcel Vögeli is the legacy voice and passionate advocate of The Key to Self-Liberation®, the groundbreaking Encyclopedia of Psychosomatics by the late visionary Belgian life philosopher and author Christiane Beerlandt®. For over 12 years, Marcel has worked closely with Dr. Dirk Lippens and Christiane Beerlandt's life companion — carrying forward her profound insights into the symbolic, emotional, and psychological origins of diseases and other phenomena. Today, he brings her life-changing work to new audiences worldwide with clarity, compassion, and conviction. Marcel is pleased to offer our students an exclusive 10% discount (discount code: GREEK10) on "The Key to Self-Liberation" when they order through www.christianebeerlandt.com.

What should we be teaching law enforcement? Jeff Wenninger is a nationally recognized law enforcement expert with 33 years of experience, most notably as a lieutenant with the LAPD. He has dedicated his career to understanding and improving police practices, specializing in police use of force, crowd management and control, school and campus safety, and security protection measures. He just released a new book called "On Thin Ice: An LAPD Veteran's Journey to Reimagine Policing". As the Founder & CEO of Law Enforcement Consultants, LLC, he provides clear and practical expert testimony and consulting services. He uses his extensive experience to help legal professionals, cities, schools, and more navigate the complexities of law enforcement in today's challenging environment. Jeff's goal is to boost public trust and safety by offering straightforward, actionable advice and ensuring objectivity in every assessment. In episode 600 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out the unexpected way that Jeff decided to go into law enforcement, what police and college students often misunderstand about each other, why abuse of power is so dangerous, how his upbringing in a multiracial family shaped his views on justice and equity, what moments challenged his integrity as an officer, what does "reimagine policing" actually mean, what we should be teaching law enforcement, lessons that law enforcement should learn from past tragedy on campuses, how fraternities and sororities can build better relationships with law enforcement, and Jeff's concerns in terms of policing that is done by the National Guard.

How can college students step out of their comfort zone? Tim Conniff is a Keynote Speaker. He offers keynote talks that combine stand-up comedy along with a motivational message on the importance of getting out of your comfort zone, overcoming failures and avoiding negative self-talk, with clients such as Aetna, Corning, Dow Jones, Johnson & Johnson, and many more. In episode 599 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Tim chose the University of Scranton, what inspired him to transition into keynote speaking and comedy, when he realized he needed to step out of his own comfort zone, what are the four zones of comfort, fear, learning, and growth, how you can reframe failure as feedback, how you can silence the inner critic and replace negative self-talk with resilience-building habits, why humor is such an effective tool for teaching personal growth, what is Tim's favorite interactive moments from a keynote, and how his message helps students find courage. Enjoy!

Overcoming setbacks in college is possible, and Dr. Al is here to tell you how! Dr. Allen Lycka is acknowledged as one of the leading cosmetic dermatologists in the world. A pioneer in his field, he helped develop several new technologies and has spoken at podiums worldwide. In 2003, his life changed when he was misdiagnosed with ALS (formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease), and given six months to live. After fighting the diagnosis, he is here today as a result of his courage and determination. Having been given a "golden ticket," Dr. Lycka used his experience to co-author the book "The Secrets To Living A Fantastic Life," with an introduction by #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Jack Canfield, author of "Chicken Soup For The Soul" and "The Success Principles." He is an internationally sought-after keynote speaker, a mentor and trainer, living a fantastic life and sharing his journey with others. In episode 598 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Dr. Al chose the University of Calgary for his undergraduate experience, how college students can overcome setbacks, how students can build a long lasting career, how students can manage stress, why giving back is so important for college students, how to build lost lasting relationships, and how to live a fantastic life. Enjoy!

Building an empathy-centered culture in your organization is possible! Erika Sinner is a CEO, an empathy driven culture advocate, and the guiding force behind Directorie®, an Inc5000 company dedicated to propelling life science organizations forward in bringing vital products to market. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Erika's innovative spirit has fostered successful teams and elevated brands within the pharmaceutical industry. For Erika Sinner, empathy is more than understanding another person's perspective—it's about creating environments where people feel seen and valued. Growing up in a household marked by instability, she also learned how important it is to create spaces where people feel safe. Erika is not merely a CEO or an author; she's a catalyst for healing and transformation. In episode 597 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how early life instability shaped her views on leadership and empathy, why she chose Lindenwood University, how she was able to learn to navigate challenges without losing her sense of compassion, her advice for building an inclusive, empathy-centered culture in organizations, learn more about TinySuperheroes® and her mission to bring a "superhero culture" to children's hospitals, how Greek organizations get involved in bringing hope and empowerment to kids in hospitals, why she decided to write "Pets Are Family" after her dog Kingston passed away, whether pet bereavement leave will be widely adopted, and what drives her to confront societal gaps head-on. Enjoy!

How to overcome imposter syndrome? Talk to Armida Espinoza, a first-generation Mexican American and a retired bilingual teacher. Armida hopes to write stories that shed light on second-language learners' academic and emotional challenges, meeting them where they are and validating their reality. Armida hopes that second language learners might glean insight from her experiences on how to walk through their fears and insecurities in life by providing them with techniques that can help them manage their inner voice. Armida is a member of the International Society of Latino Authors (ISLA), the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, and an alumni of the Children's Book Masterclass Program and Publishing Mastermind with Miriam Laundry Publishing Company. Armida lives in Fresno, California, with her husband, Leonard, and three furry friends: Luna, Sol, and Cutie Boy. In episode 596 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Armida chose Cal State Fresno, when she decided to rewrite her own story from struggling with reading in high school to becoming an international award-winning author, what unique perspective her teaching experience gives on how early self-doubt can take root in children, what are some early signs that someone might be struggling with confidence, how fraternity and sorority students can recognize the difference between healthy humility and harmful self-doubt, how to "welcome and befriend" your imposter, how to replace negative self-talk with empowering thoughts, what Armida would say to her younger self in 1st grade, and how to walk hand-in-hand with your imposter beyond fear. Enjoy!

Dr. Akeya Simeon is the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of South Florida. Dr. Simeon brings a wealth of experience as a scholar-activist, higher education leader, and social work educator. She most recently served as Assistant Director for FSL at West Virginia University, where she also taught in the School of Social Work and earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education. She's passionate about hazing prevention, student development, and creating empowering spaces. Read her dissertation research here: https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/12669/ In episode 595 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what experiences shaped her as an "unapologetically student-centered, justice-driven" leader, how her background in social work influenced the way she approaches leadership in fraternity and sorority life, what is "The Kaleidoscope Effect" in hazing prevention, examples of replacement activities in hazing prevention, what are the differences in attitudes between IFC and PHA members regarding hazing, what are the institutional barriers that make it difficult for campuses to address hazing effectively, how campuses build institutional memory and long-term hazing prevention efforts that actually stick, and her initial priorities at the University of South Florida. Enjoy!

The harm of diet culture in college is real! A Mental Health Registered Dietitian, Lauren Dorman is a Nutrition Therapist and Body Image Expert who has 22 years of experience working alongside children and adults struggling with food anxiety, body image, and self-esteem, as well as disordered and emotional eating. She is also a certified diabetes educator. After graduating from Penn State University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Nutrition, she obtained a Master's degree in Nutrition from Rutgers University. Lauren is the owner of Schools, Master Food and Mood, presenting regularly to school districts (both professional development and student lessons) and at webinars, conferences and wellness events. She is also a frequent podcast guest. Lauren is known as a change leader, devoted to strengthening the next generation's mental, physical, and emotional well-being. She believes that everyone deserves to have access to education from a Registered Dietitian -- an expert in nutrition science who can help navigate nutrition misinformation, teach sustainable health habits, enhance brain health, and focus on a self-care behavioral approach toward developing a strong relationship with food, mind, and body. Join her email community with all the resources at: https://admirable-waterfall-367.myflodesk.com/auppulni98 In episode 594 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Lauren chose Penn State and Alpha Phi, what led her to specialize in body image, food anxiety, and emotional eating, how her approach to health is different than what students might see online from "wellness influencers", what is the difference between body positivity and body neutrality, how sororities and fraternities can create an inclusive environment around body image and food, what are the biggest nutrition myths or red flags on platforms like TikTok or Instagram, how college students can protect their mental and physical health from diet culture, what are common emotional eating triggers for students, how college students can get sustainable energy without caffeine or junk food, and trends on student wellness and nutrition. Enjoy!