Shows / The People of Penn State
The People of Penn State
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…
Episodes
- The People of Penn State
Episode 119–Empowering Female Entrepreneurs with Elyse Lupin
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 People of Penn State
Episode 118–Educational Equity and the Black Alumni Reunion with Forrest Coley
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 117–Behind the Scenes at ESPN with Amanda Gifford Lockwood
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 116–The Family Plan with Jared Freid
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 115–From Human Doing to Human Being with Jim Minarik
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 114–607 West College Avenue with Mattie Leon
In this episode, we chat with Mattie Leon ’09 A&A, a soulful folk singer-songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario, whose journey from student-athlete to musician has…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 113–Designing for the Digital World with Eric Yeamans
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Yeamans, '10 A&A, to explore the intersection of design, technology, and digital strategy. As the leader of digital…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 112–Building Careers and Connections with Eric Wagner and Eric Vishnevetsky
In this episode, we sit down with Eric Wagner '96 Lib and Eric Vishnevetsky '15 Bus to explore their career journeys in wealth management, leadership, and the…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 111–This Week's Forecast with Jackie Layer
In this episode, Jackie Layer '13 EMS shares how childhood weather events sparked a passion that led her to a career in broadcast meteorology. Now the Chief…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 110–Designing a Path to the Olympics with Dan Barefoot
On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Dan Barefoot '13 A&A, a professional landscape architect and Team USA skeleton athlete who…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 109–Learning Undefeated with Jennifer Colvin
On this episode of the People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Colvin ’97 Behrend, chief innovation officer at Learning Undefeated and…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 108–Live from the Anchor Desk with Janelle Burrell
On this episode of the People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Janelle Burrell '05 Lib, Emmy Award-winning journalist and morning anchor at CBS News…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 107–Simplism: Finding Creativity in Chaos with Brian Kappel
On this episode of the People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Brian Kappel ’98 A&A, whose creative career has taken him from Penn State to major brands…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 106–All Roads Lead Back to Penn State with Cade Miller
In this episode, we talk with Cade Miller ’24 Com, Associate Director of Admissions at Shepherd University. Cade reflects on how his Penn State experience and…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 105–Science, Style, and Entrepreneurship with Katie Collins
In this episode, we talk with Katie Collins ’00 HHD, co-founder of both ECM Therapeutics, a regenerative medicine company, and Abigail Collins, a collegiate…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 104–Prepare with Cher with Cheryl Nelson
In this episode, we talk with Emmy-nominated meteorologist Cheryl Nelson, ’02 EMS, about her journey from Penn State to national broadcast news and beyond…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 103–A Story for Every Voice with Kennedy White
On this episode, we’re joined by Kennedy White ’23 Com, who has always known she wanted to use her voice to make a difference. Now a gift officer at Penn…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 102–Where Creativity Meets Community with Kassie Hilgert '97
On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we’re joined by Kassie Hilgert ’97 Com, President and CEO of ArtsQuest, one of Pennsylvania’s largest…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 101–Making a Social Impact with Mohan Sivaloganathan
Welcome to season 6 of The People of Penn State podcast! On this episode, we chat with Mohan Sivaloganathan, who earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2005 and…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 100–The Symbol of Our Best with Mason Reber
It’s our 100th episode! For five seasons, Penn Staters have shared their stories, inspiring past, present, and future generations. We’ve heard from alumni…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast Episode: Tara Bandy ’03
As communications chair of our Vermont Chapter, Tara Bandy ’03 keeps her lifelong Penn State connection strong as one of our volunteer leaders. She discusses…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 99–Pop, Passion & Penn State with Nancy Rosenberg
On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Nancy Rosenberg ('19, Com), Senior Director of Marketing & Creative Services at Crowd Surf…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Theresa Colligon ’93
In serving as president of our Southern New Jersey Chapter, Theresa Colligon ’93 is continuing her lifelong connection to Penn State. She took classes for two…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: John Colwell ’16
This week's episode features John Colwell ’16, social media chair for the New York City Chapter. John received the 2025 Joan M. McLane Recent Alumnus/Alumna…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 98–Planting the Seeds of Passion and Purpose with Audrey Subers
On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we talk with Audrey Subers (’23 Eng), an entrepreneur inspiring environmental education through event…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Isaac Smolko ’06
This week's episode features letterman tight end Isaac Smolko, a key contributor to the 2005 team that finished 11-1 and No. 3 in the country while winning the…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Sam Cipar ’16
This week's episode features Sam Cipar ’16, president of our Greater Chicago Chapter. Sam discusses how he first started volunteering with the chapter, how…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 97–Mentorship, Media, and Making It Happen with Adriana Lacy
In this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Adriana Lacy (’18 Com), an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and digital media…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Michael Kozar ’11, ’11g
This week's episode features Michael Kozar ’11, ’11g, a two-time Penn State grad and co-president of our Tallahassee Chapter. An expert meteorologist who…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 96–Live from the Sidelines with Lisa Salters
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…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Brian Shaunessy ’86
Brian Shaunessy knows the Penn State experience well, having attended Penn State Brandywine and University Park. A 1986 graduate of the Smeal College of…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 95–Storytelling on a Global Stage with Brett King
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…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Dominic DeFreece ’01
Dominic DeFreece ’01 has always been driven to give back and serve his community. The former sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, DeFreece continues to make an…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Steven Williams ’14g
A highly accomplished player and coach, Steven Williams ’14g spent several seasons in Happy Valley (2012-15), serving as an offensive and defensive assistant…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Lehigh Valley Chapter
Volunteer leaders Joe Huxta ’71 and Michael Turk ’87 have deep ties to Penn State and possess a strong sense of volunteerism, especially with wanting to give…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 94–Turning Concepts into Connections with Laura McKinney
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…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Janelle Rushton ’15
This week's episode features Janelle Rushton ’15, longtime volunteer leader for our Philadelphia Chapter and current president-elect of our H&HD Alumni…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 93–Riding for a Cure with Joe Apgar
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…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Jim Keib ’11g
This week's episode features Jim Keib ’11g, president of our Greater Syracuse Chapter. Jim discussed following in his son's footsteps when he earned his…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Bethany Pace ’95, ’98g
The season premiere features volunteer leader Bethany Pace ’95, ’98g, vice president of our Upper Chesapeake Chapter. The two-time Penn State grad shared…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 92–Hitting the Right Notes with John Maurer
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 91–The Road to Music Industry Success with Drew Magid
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 90–Where Pitch Meets Publish with Kylee McGuigan
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 89–From Theater to Psychology with Aaron Brinen, PsyD
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 88–Life in the Air Force with Dr. Jenni Hesterman
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 87 – Finding the Good News with Tressa Glover
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 86 – Paint, Paws, and Pucks with Tom Mosser, owner of Tom Mosser Design
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 85 – Living Life Boldly, With Arianna Davis from TODAY
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 84 — Adaptive Sports Medicine, With Victoria Heasley, MD
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 83 — Drawing A Laugh A Day, With Award-Winning Cartoonist Dave Blazek
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 82 — From Scones to Stardom, With Chef Danielle Sepsy
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 81 — Marketing with Impact: Citi's Mikel Jones On Brand Strategy, Sponsorships and Social Change
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 80 — Making Connection Easy: Alumnus Chad Littlefield’s Formula For Meaningful Conversations
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…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 79 — From Penn State To The Premier Lacrosse League, With TJ Malone and Jack Posey
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…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 78 — Being A Part Of The Penn State Wrestling Dynasty, With Nick Lee '21
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…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 77 — What It's Like Being A Television Meteorologist, With Tim Buckley '09
Tim Buckley '09 is a television meteorologist covering all types of weather in North Carolina. Tim has covered snow, tornadoes, floods, and multiple hurricanes…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 76 — Abandoned Mine Reclamation And Environmental Education, With Robert Hughes '95
Robert Hughes '95 has 30 years of experience in abandoned mine land reclamation, water pollution control technologies, environmental education, and capacity…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 75 — Revolutionizing The Standard For Women’s Health, With Julia Schuller '17
Julia Schuller '17, Schuylkill is a seasoned marketing professional known for driving branding, product strategy and innovation at companies like Merck, The…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 74 — Transforming Healthcare Coaching, With Lillian Liang Emlet '95
As a certified energy leadership coach, Lillian Liang Emlet '95 helps healthcare professionals find their unique path to finding fulfillment at work, achieving…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 73 — Penn State Football Letterman And Longtime Coach, Tom Bradley '78
We have a Penn State football legend on today's episode of The People of Penn State, just in time for the Nittany Lions' College Football Playoff matchup with…