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Welcome to the People of Penn State Podcast — the podcast from the Penn State Alumni Association that brings you the incredible stories of Nittany Lions making their mark on the world!
Each episode, a rotating cast of hosts sit down with Penn State alumni who are changing the game in business, science, sports, the arts, and beyond. You never know who you'll hear from next — but you do know it'll be a conversation worth tuning in for!
129 Episodes
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In this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Lisa Salters (’88 Com), an Emmy-winning sports reporter with more than 30 years of experience. As the longest-tenured sideline reporter in Monday Night Football history and a familiar face on NBA broadcasts, Salters has built a trailblazing career in sports media. Lisa reflects on her early days as a news reporter, her transition into sports broadcasting, and the lessons she’s learned while covering unforgettable moments on...
On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Brett King (’81 Lib), producer, creative consultant, and longtime media executive. As the founder of NON LP B-SIDE, Brett partners with legacy media, emerging technologies, brands, and creators to amplify stories that are both culturally specific and globally relatable. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Culture & Editorial at Network in a Box (NAIB), a media operations partner for advertisers, platforms, broadcasters...
On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Laura McKinney (’20 Com), founder of StrataBrand. After graduating amid a global pandemic, Laura took the skills she developed at Penn State to New York City, where she launched StrataBrand to bridge the worlds of marketing, PR, and strategy. Her company helps to move ideas from concept to reality with speed and authenticity. Her work spans industries and scales: from collaborating with the head of a global media company and co...
In this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we talk with Joe Apgar (’08 Bus), CEO of Pelotonia. During his senior year at Penn State, Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer. After his recovery, he began riding and fundraising for Pelotonia, a nonprofit founded in 2008 to support lifesaving cancer research. After earning his finance degree in 2008, Joe joined Rockbridge Capital, where he focused on capital raising and strategic initiatives, and co-founded RTRX, a leadership event ce...
In this episode of The People of Penn State, we chat with John Maurer ('15g A&A), a trumpet and flugelhorn artist, educator, and recording musician who has performed across North America. He teaches trumpet at Marywood University in Pennsylvania and serves as a lead Teaching Artist at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, the historic site of the Woodstock festival. John has performed in renowned venues such as Lincoln Center, the Kimmel Center, and the Banff Centre, and has appeared ...
In this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we spotlight Drew Magid ('11 Com), a music industry leader and founding member of Track Management. Drew has toured the globe with superstar acts including Imagine Dragons, Charlie Puth, alt-J, and Florida Georgia Line, earning the Live Production Summit’s Young Gun Tour Manager of the Year award. After a decade on the road, he transitioned into artist management with Big Loud in Nashville, guiding top talents like Chris Lane, Ernest, and M...
On this episode of The People of Penn State, we chat with Kylee McGuigan (’20 Com), Associate Production Manager for Vogue.com. Kylee always dreamed of living in New York City and working in fashion. But graduating during a global pandemic delayed those plans. She spent time working in local boutiques and freelancing before landing her first role as Associate Commerce Editor at Hearst Magazines, and the rest is history. Today, Kylee manages cover launches and events and keeps Vogue’s digit...
On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we talk with Aaron P. Brinen, PsyD (‘97, A&A). Dr. Brinen is a co-developer of recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R), co-author of the original CT-R manual, and author of the recent book Living Well With Psychosis. A clinical psychologist in private practice, he also serves as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to his clinical work, ...
In this episode of The People of Penn State, we talk with Dr. Jenni Hesterman ('86, EMS), a retired U.S. Air Force colonel with an incredible story of leadership, service, and exploration. Dr. Hesterman served in three Pentagon tours and held multiple field commands. Her final military assignment was as Vice Commander at Andrews Air Force Base, where she led installation security, including the protection of Air Force One. Since retiring from the Air Force, she’s become a leading expert ...
In this episode of The People of Penn State, we welcome Tressa Glover ('97, A&A), actor, writer, and host of the Pittsburgh-based podcast Yinz Are Good. Yinz Are Good is dedicated to spotlighting the positive stories happening in our communities and the individuals making a difference. In addition to interviewing organizations, groups, and everyday heroes who are helping those in need, Tressa invites listeners to share personal experiences—acts of kindness, expressions of gratitude, and i...
In this episode of The People of Penn State, we sit down with Tom Mosser ('82, A&A), founder of Tom Mosser Design and Lucas Paw, LLC. Tom shares the story behind his inventive artistic style, ranging from his unique loop and flow techniques to his signature Sports Ball Impressionism, where he transforms ordinary sports balls into striking works of art. He also reflects on the viral success of his Museum Series, which features dogs gazing thoughtfully at paintings of floating tennis b...
In this episode of The People of Penn State, Katie sits down with Arianna Davis (’09 Com), the Digital Editorial Director at TODAY. Arianna leads the TODAY Show's digital strategy and frequently appears on air to highlight the top stories making waves online. She’s also the author of What Would Frida Do? A Guide to Living Boldly, a vibrant tribute to the life and legacy of artist Frida Kahlo. In this conversation, Arianna reflects on her time at Penn State and how it helped shape her path, sh...
In this episode of The People of Penn State, we speak with Dr. Victoria Heasley (’14 Eng - Schreyer, ’18g Medicine), assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati in the departments of Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Biomedical Engineering. Victoria shares how her multidisciplinary background drives her work in adaptive sports medicine—providing comprehensive clinical care, designing specialized equipment for athletes with disabilities, ...
Ever think it’s too late to start something new? Think again! This week on The People of Penn State, we’re joined by Dave Blazek ('79), an award-winning cartoonist behind the syndicated comic "Loose Parts." Dave has drawn a cartoon a day for more than 25 years — but here’s the twist: he didn’t even learn to draw until he was 42! "Loose Parts" is syndicated everywhere and appears daily in nearly 200 newspapers and websites in the United States and Canada. Dave also has produced nine books and ...
In this episode, we’re diving into the world of pastries, perseverance, and passion with Chef Danielle Sepsy ('12), founder and creative genius behind The Hungry Gnome, the popular and innovative wholesale bakery and catering company based in New York City. Danielle’s love for baking began at just 13 when she launched a small business selling her now-famous scones to friends, neighbors, and local cafes. Fast forward to today, and her delicious creations are found in top coffee shops, re...
In this episode of The People of Penn State, we're joined by Mikel Jones ('15), Senior Vice President of Marketing and Content at Citi. Mikel explores the intersection of brand strategy, sponsorships, and social impact. From managing media coverage for Citi’s partnerships in sports, entertainment, and culture to leading PR campaigns that drive meaningful change, Mikel shares insights from his career shaping one of the world’s most recognizable financial brands. His work with Citi has ta...
In a world where true connection can feel harder than ever, how can we foster meaningful conversations that build trust and engagement? In this episode, we sit down with Chad Littlefield ('13, '15g) , co-founder and Chief Experience Officer of We and Me, TEDx speaker, and bestselling author, to explore the power of asking better questions and creating conversations that matter. Dubbed a “global expert on asking questions that build team trust and connection” by Forbes, Chad shares insights fr...
Two episodes in one day? That's crazy talk! 🤯 We’re kicking off Season Five of The People of Penn State with another fantastic conversation—this time featuring former Penn State men’s lacrosse stars TJ Malone ('23, '23 MBAN, '24 MBA) and Jack Posey ('23, '24 MBA)! 🥍 The former teammates and now lifelong friends take us through their journeys to Happy Valley, sharing memories from the recruiting process that brought them to Penn State and the bond they built along the way. They open up about o...
What does it take to be part of one of the most dominant college athletics programs of all time? 🏆 On the Season Five premier of The People of Penn State Podcast, we step onto the mat with Nick Lee '21—NCAA Champion, Penn State wrestling great, and now assistant coach for the Nittany Lions. Nick shares his journey from student-athlete to coach, the lessons he learned competing at the highest level for coach Cael Sanderson, and what makes the culture within the wrestling program so speci...
Tim Buckley '09 is a television meteorologist covering all types of weather in North Carolina. Tim has covered snow, tornadoes, floods, and multiple hurricanes across the state, from Matthew to Florence to Sandy and Helene. He’s received awards and recognition for his coverage, which includes being nominated for 10 regional EMMY awards. Tim is a 2009 graduate of the Penn State Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. While in school, he was a member of the Penn State Blue Band. ...
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