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 StateFootball Letter Podcast: Alumni Association CEO Paul Clifford '20g / Asheville (NC) Chapter President Mandi Duggan '99
The College Football Playoff is here and so is another episode of The Football Letter Podcast! This week on the podcast, we're joined by Alumni Association CEO…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 72 — The Business Of Women's Sports, With Caroline Fitzgerald '12
Caroline Fitzgerald '12 is a leading expert on the business side of women’s sports and a thought leader around gender equity in sports. In 2020, Caroline…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 71 — Next Level Chef Season 3 Champion, Gabrielle Chappel '16
Gabrielle Chappel has risen to culinary fame as the Season 3 winner of FOX's hit TV show "Next Level Chef," earning a coveted mentorship with Chef Gordon…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Oregon Chapter President, Zach Schroeder '04
We're heading out west for this week's Football Letter Podcast as we talk with Oregon Chapter President, Zach Schroeder '04! Oregon is now Big Ten country and…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Michigan Chapter President, Brodie Schultz '15, '17g
This week’s episode of The Football Letter Podcast features Michigan Chapter President, Brodie Schultz '15, '17g! Brodie joined the show to discuss a variety…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 70 — Mental Health Awareness In Young People, With Emily Turner ’17
Emily Turner '17 is the co-founder and current board member of the Patrick’s Purpose Foundation, a southern California based nonprofit focused on improving…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Florida Suncoast Chapter
This week's episode of The Football Letter Podcast features a great conversation with longtime volunteer leader, Chuck Wall. Chuck is the President of our…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Game Days At Beaver Stadium And Beyond With The Penn State Blue Band
This week on The Football Letter Podcast we're talking about the Penn State Blue Band with Associate Director of Athletic Bands, Micki Potlunas Ferguson '07…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Big Ten And Super Bowl Champion, Grant Haley
It's Ohio State week for Penn State Football, so who better to have on the podcast than Nittany Lion letterman Grant Haley, whose iconic scoop and score on a…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 69 — Becoming A Certified Flight Instructor At The United Aviate Academy With Erin Hogge '21
We have liftoff on Season 4 of The People of Penn State 🛫 Erin Hogge ‘21 is a certified flight instructor at United Aviate Academy based in Phoenix, AZ. Erin…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Black Alumni Reunion / Madison Chapter
This week's episode of The Football Letter podcast features two standout volunteer leaders. Alumni Council member and President of the African American Alumni…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Los Angeles Chapter President Heather Maggi '13
This week's episode of The Football Letter Podcast features our Los Angeles Chapter President, Heather Maggi '13! Heather joined the podcast to talk about a…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 68 — 2023 American Mothers, Inc. National Mother of the Year, Dr. Lori Johnson-Vegas
In this episode of The People of Penn State, we're joined by Dr. Lori Johnson-Vegas '83, '22 PhD. In 2023, Lori was awarded "National Mother of the Year"…
The People of Penn StateFootball Letter Podcast: Greater Boston Chapter / Central Texas Chapter
There's a young alumni theme to this week's episode of The Football Letter Podcast! We're joined by Immediate-Past President of the Central Texas Chapter…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 67 — Crafting New Stories Through Broadway And Music With Maria Wirries '18
Join us as we dive into the creative journey of emerging actor, composer and lyricist, Maria Wirries '18! Best known for roles in the Off-Broadway revival of…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast: Memories Of The 1994 Penn State Football Team / Homecoming Preview
This week’s episode of The Football Letter Podcast features Penn Stater magazine editor, Ryan Jones ’95, and volunteer leader Kelly Gibson Caplan ’91. With…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast: Miles Dieffenbach ’15 / Long Island Chapter
The Football Letter Podcast is back from the bye week with a new episode! Long Island Chapter Board Member Lucille Mankowich ’90 shares an overview of the…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast: Arizona Cardinals Linebacker Jesse Luketa ’20 and Metro Washington, D.C. Chapter President, Emily Matyas ’17
This week on The Football Letter Podcast, we're joined by letterman and Arizona Cardinals linebacker Jesse Luketa '20 to preview his third season in the NFL…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 66 — Nittany Lion Inn Renovations With Gary Brandeis '88
Gary Brandeis '88 is the Founder and CEO of Scholar Hotels LLC. Gary started his real estate career in 1990 and has been the principal partner in four real…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast: Letterman Lydell Sargeant ’11 / Broadcast Journalist Destiny Sanchez ’24
A new Penn State Football season means it's also time for a new season of The Football Letter Podcast! 🏈 We kick things off with Broadcast Journalist Destiny…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 65 — Resilience Through Adversity With Tom Morris '03
Join us on this inspiring episode of The People of Penn State as we talk with Tom Morris ('03, Kinesiology), the Assistant Athletic Director For High…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 64 — Two-Time Olympic Wrestler Kerry McCoy '97
The 2024 Paris Olympics are well underway and on today's episode of The People of Penn State we talked with two-time Olympian and Olympic coach, Kerry McCoy…
- The People of Penn State
Episode 63 — Experiences Of Being A Penn State Cheerleader With Alumni Taylor And Danielle Sekelsky
Alumni Taylor and Danielle Sekelsky are among the more impressive Penn State duos around! Taylor (2015, Smeal College of Business) and Danielle (2023, Smeal…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 62 — Writing About American Civil War History With Professor Jonathan W. White '01
Today's episode of The People of Penn State is for all of you history buffs out there as we're joined by accomplished American Civil War author and professor…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 61 — Outer Space National Security With Lockheed Martin's Maria Demaree '90
To infinity and beyond! 🚀🌌 Alumna Maria Demaree '90 has been a part of Lockheed Martin for over 30 years and is currently the Vice President and General…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 60 — Swimming Across The English Channel With Jeannie Zappe '87
Fancy a swim? How about a swim across the entire English Channel? 🤯🏊 On today's podcast, we chat with Jeannie Zappe '87, Speaker and Coach at Eternal Optimist…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 59 — Serving In The U.S. Army's Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps With Lieutenant Colonel Robert Michaels
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Michaels '02, '05 Dickinson Law, has served in the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps since January 2006. During his…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 58 — Autism and Neurodiversity Advocacy With Sarah Kernion '06
Misconceptions of autism and the frequency in which people are excluded, threaten access to the vital information, resources and support autistic people and…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 57 — How To Improve Workplace Culture With Rebecca Friese '93
From Fortune 500 giants to burgeoning startups, Rebecca Friese '93 navigates outdated practices in the workplace, fostering the capacity for impactful cultural…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 56 — Performing On Broadway With Jasmine Forsberg '21
Jasmine Forsberg '21 is an emerging star of Broadway...and she's a Penn Stater! Forsberg is currently performing in the hit Broadway musical "Six" after…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 55 — Documenting Life At Penn State In Photos With Pat Little '77
From early days with the Daily Collegian to time spent with the Centre Daily Times and the Associated Press, photographer Pat Little '77 has chronicled life at…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 54 — Mental Health Awareness For Female Athletes With Erin Strout '97
Alumni Association Paul Clifford '20g is joined by journalist Erin Strout '97 for an engaging conversation on her career — including covering health, fitness…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 53 — Growing Company Human Resources With Anessa Fike '07
Anessa Fike, otherwise known as the "Queen of Fractional HR," is the CEO and Founder of Fike+Co, a multi-million-dollar consulting firm that specializes in…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 52 — Memories Of Playing For Penn State Women's Basketball With Lisa Lambert '89
We have a Lady Lions basketball legend on today's episode of The People of Penn State, as we're joined by Lisa Lambert '89! Lisa's successes as a student at…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 51 — Portland Thorns And U.S. Women's National Soccer Team Star, Sam Coffey '20
Today on The People of Penn State, we chat with professional soccer player Sam Coffey! Sam is a midfielder for the Portland Thorns of the National Women's…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 50 — Videography For The New York Rangers With Antonella Crescimbeni '17
Every day's commute to work is a "pinch me moment" for alumna Antonella Crescimbeni '17. Her office is the "World's Most Famous Arena," Madison Square Garden…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast: Peach Bowl Special
We're feeling peachy! With Penn State Football heading to Atlanta to take on Ole Miss in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, we're bringing you a special postseason…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 49 — A Career In Art And Design With Brian Kappel '98
Since his time growing up in the Finger Lakes in New York, alumnus Brian Kappel (1998 - Visual Arts) has long had a passion for Penn State. This second…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Penn State All-Sports Museum / AAAOs
Welcome to this week's episode of The Football Letter Podcast as we close out the regular season with another great episode. First (0:56), we talk with…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 48 — Experiences Competing On The Amazing Race With Joe Moskowitz '10
The popular adventure reality television show, "The Amazing Race," is now in its 35th season...and one of the contestants is a Penn Stater! Alumnus Joe…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Hawaii Chapter President Angela White
Aloha, Penn Staters, and welcome to the newest episode of The Football Letter Podcast! In this episode, we're joined by our Hawaii Chapter President Angela…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Bob Ceh / John Black
From team manager to starting long snapper, letterman Bob Ceh had quite the journey as a part of the Penn State Football program. On this week's episode, Bob…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 47 — Penn State Field Hockey Legend, Char Morett-Curtiss '79
Both a United States Field Hockey Hall of Fame and a National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee, as well as an inductee of the…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Hunter Kelly / Baltimore Chapter President Hunter Davey
Welcome to this week's episode of The Football Letter Podcast! On today's show, we're joined by letterman offensive lineman Hunter Kelly (0:56) and Baltimore…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: College Football Writer Matt Fortuna and Letterman Johnathan Thomas
Week 9 of the college football season is here and so is a new episode of The Football Letter Podcast! This week, we first talked with Matt Fortuna, Founder of…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 46 — Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Education With Christina Parle '16
It's a pivotal time for justice and equity in the United States. In episode 46 of The People of Penn State, we discussed this critical topic with Christina…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Garrett Sickels and Jeff Hartings
Another great episode for you this week on our Football Letter Podcast, as we were pleased to be joined by two standout lettermen in Garrett Sickels and Jeff…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 45 — Medical Director For Health Equity Of The Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia, Katie E. McPeak, M.D.
On this episode of The People of Penn State, we speak with Katie McPeak, M.D. Katie is a primary care pediatrician and Medical Director for Health Equity of…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Matt Zanellato / Florida Gulf Coast Chapter
This week on The Football Letter Podcast, we were joined by letterman wide receiver Matt Zanellato (2011-15) and Florida Gulf Coast Chapter President Nick…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Rudy Glocker / Greater Chicago Chapter
On this week's episode of The Football Letter Podcast, we talk with Greater Chicago Chapter President Courtney Jackson and letterman defensive lineman Rudy…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 44 — Performing In The Broadway Version Of "Frozen" With Caroline Bowman '10
Fans of Broadway and the hit Disney film series "Frozen" won't want to miss this episode of The People of Penn State, as we're joined by Broadway and Theatre…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Brandon Bell / Houston Chapter
The 2016 Big Ten Championship squad is undoubtedly one of the most memorable teams in Penn State history. In part one (0:55) of this week's episode of The…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Nick Eury / Greater Pittsburgh Chapter
On this week's episode of The Football Letter podcast, we're joined by letterman running back Nick Eury and President of our Greater Pittsburgh Chapter…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 43 — The Role Of A Child Life Specialist With Katie Taylor '07
Katie Taylor '07 is the Co-founder and CEO of Child Life On Call, a digital platform revolutionizing pediatric healthcare by putting parents at the center of…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: Beaver Stadium PA Announcers Rodney Martin and Joe Putnam
Each week during the Penn State Football season, we're bringing you a bonus podcast in our People of Penn State podcast series, featuring interviews with…
The People of Penn StateThe Football Letter Podcast Special: OJ McDuffie / New York City Chapter
The People of Penn State is expanding! Each week during the Penn State Football season, we're bringing you a bonus podcast, featuring interviews with Nittany…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 42 — Pennsylvania Secretary Of Education, Dr. Khalid N. Mumin
On today's episode of The People of Penn State, we're pleased to be joined by Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, Dr. Khalid N. Mumin. For over 25 years, Dr…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 41 — Private Coach and Meditation Instructor, Nick Gancitano '82
On today's episode of The People of Penn State podcast we speak with former Penn State Football placekicker, Nick Gancitano (1986 – Biomechanics), who was a…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 40 — 83rd President Of The Penn State Alumni Association, Anand Ganjam '15
Anand Ganjam (2015 – Finance) is the 83rd President of the Penn State Alumni Association and began his 2-year term as President on July 1, 2023. At the age of…
The People of Penn StateEpisode 39 — Sports Broadcasting And Production With Hannah Mears '20
Hannah Mears (2020 - Bellisario) is a sports broadcaster and producer located in Pittsburgh, currently working as an on-air host for the Pirates, sports…