Best Penn State Alumni Association Podcasts (2025)

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Football Letter Podcast: Steven Williams ’14g 23:31

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1d ago23:31

23:31

A highly accomplished player and coach, Steven Williams ’14g spent several seasons in Happy Valley (2012-15), serving as an offensive and defensive assistant and assistant strength and conditioning coach. With the Nittany Lions, he created weekly scouting reports, organized practices and assisted with the Nittany Lions’ wide receivers, secondary an…

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Football Letter Podcast: Lehigh Valley Chapter 40:59

2d ago40:59

40:59

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 back to the University and our alumni. In overseeing our Lehigh Valley Chapter—one of our largest affiliate groups—they’ve aligned their personal and professional passions, while keeping more …

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Episode 94–Turning Concepts into Connections with Laura McKinney 22:58

6d ago22:58

22:58

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 conc…

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Football Letter Podcast: Janelle Rushton ’15 30:05

16d ago30:05

30:05

This week's episode features Janelle Rushton ’15, longtime volunteer leader for our Philadelphia Chapter and current president-elect of our H&HD Alumni Society. Janelle discussed her path to becoming a Penn Stater, the mission of the Philadelphia Chapter, why she's passionate about higher education fundraising and engagement, and much more. To lear…

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Episode 93–Riding for a Cure with Joe Apgar 37:29

20d ago37:29

37:29

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 degre…

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Football Letter Podcast: Jim Keib ’11g 38:38

22d ago38:38

38:38

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 graduate degree from World Campus in 2011, memories of spending time with his family on the University Park campus, and the importance of giving back to his community, both on behalf of Penn State …

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Football Letter Podcast: Bethany Pace ’95, ’98g 32:39

30d ago32:39

32:39

The season premiere features volunteer leader Bethany Pace ’95, ’98g, vice president of our Upper Chesapeake Chapter. The two-time Penn State grad shared wonderful stories of her time at Penn State, why she’s kept the sweatshirt she bought downtown after taking her final exams as a senior, and the importance of staying connected through an affiliat…

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Episode 92–Hitting the Right Notes with John Maurer 44:55

1M ago44:55

44:55

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 Woods…

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Episode 91–The Road to Music Industry Success with Drew Magid 26:58

2M ago26:58

26:58

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…

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Episode 90–Where Pitch Meets Publish with Kylee McGuigan 27:35

2M ago27:35

27:35

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 a…

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Episode 89–From Theater to Psychology with Aaron Brinen, PsyD 39:16

3M ago39:16

39:16

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 Prof…

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Episode 88–Life in the Air Force with Dr. Jenni Hesterman 35:28

3M ago35:28

35:28

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, whe…

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Episode 87 – Finding the Good News with Tressa Glover 47:16

3M ago47:16

47:16

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…

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Episode 86 – Paint, Paws, and Pucks with Tom Mosser, owner of Tom Mosser Design 39:11

4M ago39:11

39:11

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 …

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Episode 85 – Living Life Boldly, With Arianna Davis from TODAY 29:16

4M ago29:16

29:16

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 …

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Episode 84 — Adaptive Sports Medicine, With Victoria Heasley, MD 33:14

5M ago33:14

33:14

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…

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Episode 83 — Drawing A Laugh A Day, With Award-Winning Cartoonist Dave Blazek 49:54

6M ago49:54

49:54

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 sy…

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Episode 82 — From Scones to Stardom, With Chef Danielle Sepsy 49:25

6M ago49:25

49:25

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 n…

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Episode 81 — Marketing with Impact: Citi's Mikel Jones On Brand Strategy, Sponsorships and Social Change 31:41

7M ago31:41

31:41

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 mean…

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Episode 80 — Making Connection Easy: Alumnus Chad Littlefield’s Formula For Meaningful Conversations 38:46

7M ago38:46

38:46

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 creat…

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Episode 79 — From Penn State To The Premier Lacrosse League, With TJ Malone and Jack Posey 47:29

7M ago47:29

47:29

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 Hap…

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Episode 78 — Being A Part Of The Penn State Wrestling Dynasty, With Nick Lee '21 43:53

7M ago43:53

43:53

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…

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Episode 77 — What It's Like Being A Television Meteorologist, With Tim Buckley '09 48:06

8M ago48:06

48:06

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 20…

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Episode 76 — Abandoned Mine Reclamation And Environmental Education, With Robert Hughes '95 34:02

8M ago34:02

34:02

Robert Hughes '95 has 30 years of experience in abandoned mine land reclamation, water pollution control technologies, environmental education, and capacity building in coalfield communities throughout Pennsylvania. As the Executive Director of the Eastern PA Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation (EPCAMR), Robert is a coalition builder, grant wr…

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Episode 75 — Revolutionizing The Standard For Women’s Health, With Julia Schuller '17 30:12

8M ago30:12

30:12

Julia Schuller '17, Schuylkill is a seasoned marketing professional known for driving branding, product strategy and innovation at companies like Merck, The Hershey Company, and P&G. Julia is the co-founder of Bloom Health, a digital health company revolutionizing the standard for women’s health with a science-backed natural birth control app. A ke…

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Episode 74 — Transforming Healthcare Coaching, With Lillian Liang Emlet '95 43:54

9M ago43:54

43:54

As a certified energy leadership coach, Lillian Liang Emlet '95 helps healthcare professionals find their unique path to finding fulfillment at work, achieving their goals, and finding clarity on their journey in life. Coaches at Lillian's company, Transforming Healthcare Coaching, help frontline healthcare professionals and executive leaders find …

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Episode 73 — Penn State Football Letterman And Longtime Coach, Tom Bradley '78 33:59

9M ago33:59

33:59

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 SMU this weekend! Tom "Scrap" Bradley '78 played for Penn State as a standout defensive back from 1975-1978 before transitioning to coaching. Over the next thirty seven years, Tom dedicated h…

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Football Letter Podcast: Alumni Association CEO Paul Clifford '20g / Asheville (NC) Chapter President Mandi Duggan '99 50:56

9M ago50:56

50:56

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 Paul Clifford '20g and Asheville (NC) Chapter President Mandi Duggan '99. Paul stopped by the show (0:51) to talk about his lifelong connection to Penn State, recap the Big Ten Championship …

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Episode 72 — The Business Of Women's Sports, With Caroline Fitzgerald '12 51:26

10M ago51:26

51:26

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 founded the women’s sports business media outlet & consultancy, GOALS, and created The Business Case for Women's Sports Podcast, which is presented by Ally and was named the 2024 Best Women’s Spor…

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Episode 71 — Next Level Chef Season 3 Champion, Gabrielle Chappel '16 50:38

10M ago50:38

50:38

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 Ramsay through 2025! Based in Los Angeles, Gabrielle graduated from Penn State in 2016 with degrees in Spanish and broadcast journalism. She is also graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education…

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Football Letter Podcast: Oregon Chapter President, Zach Schroeder '04 38:16

10M ago38:16

38:16

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 Zach joined the show to discuss how he played a part in reigniting the Oregon chapter in 2015, the atmosphere of the chapter's game day watch parties, and the value of staying connected to Pe…

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Football Letter Podcast: Michigan Chapter President, Brodie Schultz '15, '17g 35:38

10M ago35:38

35:38

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 of topics, including staying engaged with Penn State as a volunteer leader, making the Michigan Chapter watch parties feel like a Beaver Stadium game day, how the Michigan Chapter is supportin…

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Episode 70 — Mental Health Awareness In Young People, With Emily Turner ’17 37:27

10M ago37:27

37:27

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 mental health and wellness of teens and young adults. The organization is named in honor of Emily's youngest brother, Patrick, who died by suicide in 2018. Emily joined The People of Penn State …

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Football Letter Podcast: Florida Suncoast Chapter 35:02

11M ago35:02

35:02

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 Suncoast Chapter in Florida and much of his life has been connected to Penn State, from meeting his wife Cindy while a student at University Park to graduating in 1978 to his many years as a chap…

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Football Letter Podcast: Game Days At Beaver Stadium And Beyond With The Penn State Blue Band 40:26

11M ago40:26

40:26

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, '21g! In addition to her duties with the Blue Band, Micki is also a Penn State faculty member for the School of Music in the College of Arts & Architecture. If you love the Blue Band (who does…

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Football Letter Podcast: Big Ten And Super Bowl Champion, Grant Haley 40:15

11M ago40:15

40:15

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 blocked field goal helped the Nittany Lions capture their memorable upset win over the Buckeyes in 2016. Grant joined our Football Letter Podcast to talk about his memories of that iconic 2016…

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Episode 69 — Becoming A Certified Flight Instructor At The United Aviate Academy With Erin Hogge '21 38:38

11M ago38:38

38:38

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 started her pilot training in 2023, earning her commercial pilot and flight instructor certificates earlier this year. A former news editor of The Daily Collegian, she switched career paths af…

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Football Letter Podcast: Black Alumni Reunion / Madison Chapter 48:58

11M ago48:58

48:58

This week's episode of The Football Letter podcast features two standout volunteer leaders. Alumni Council member and President of the African American Alumni Organization (AAAO) of Washington, D.C., Jeremy O'Mard '13 Behrend, talks about the mission our AAAOs, previews this weekend's Black Alumni Reunion, and discusses the importance of representa…

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Football Letter Podcast: Los Angeles Chapter President Heather Maggi '13 29:22

12M ago29:22

29:22

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 variety of topics, including: Penn State's trip to USC this weekend; What Penn Staters can expect for their visit to LA; How she got involved with the Los Angeles Chapter and became the chapter…

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Episode 68 — 2023 American Mothers, Inc. National Mother of the Year, Dr. Lori Johnson-Vegas 40:24

12M ago40:24

40:24

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" honors from American Mothers, Inc. She has also previously been recognized as the 2014 Armed Forces Insurance Tinker AFB Military Spouse of the Year. Having grown up, served, and married into the …

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Football Letter Podcast: Greater Boston Chapter / Central Texas Chapter 57:31

12M ago57:31

57:31

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, Derek Turner '17 and Communications Chair of the Greater Boston Chapter, Andrew Flatley '19. Both Derek and Andrew have made a tremendous impact as volunteers in such a short time since graduatin…

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Episode 67 — Crafting New Stories Through Broadway And Music With Maria Wirries '18 33:38

12M ago33:38

33:38

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 Kinky Boots, Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway and its national tour, and Penelope or How The Odyssey Was Really Written, Maria takes us behind stage for an inside look at her career so far. Curren…

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The Football Letter Podcast: Memories Of The 1994 Penn State Football Team / Homecoming Preview 1:20:24

1y ago1:20:24

1:20:24

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 Penn State honoring the 1994 team during Saturday’s Homecoming game against Illinois, Jones discusses the comprehensive oral history he authored in 2014, “The Legends of ’94,” the definitive sto…

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The Football Letter Podcast: Miles Dieffenbach ’15 / Long Island Chapter 54:56

1y ago54:56

54:56

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 chapter and how it unites Penn Staters on game days, additional chapter activities, and her role as a Penn State parent. We also chat with letterman Miles Dieffenbach ’15. Miles discusses playing…

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The Football Letter Podcast: Arizona Cardinals Linebacker Jesse Luketa ’20 and Metro Washington, D.C. Chapter President, Emily Matyas ’17 44:09

1y ago44:09

44:09

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. We also talked with Jesse about his nonprofit organization, the 40 Reasons Foundation, which cultivates a healthy and safe environment for children to be able to enhance their sense of creativ…

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Episode 66 — Nittany Lion Inn Renovations With Gary Brandeis '88 42:57

1y ago42:57

42:57

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 estate investment funds, investing over $350 million in all property types and investment strategies since 2010. He acquired his first hotel in 2006 and since then, Scholar has developed, redeve…

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The Football Letter Podcast: Letterman Lydell Sargeant ’11 / Broadcast Journalist Destiny Sanchez ’24 1:03:02

1y ago1:03:02

1:03:02

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 Sanchez '24 (0:50) to talk about her passion for sharing compelling and accurate stories of sport with the public, spending game days at Beaver Stadium reporting from the sidelines, and earnin…

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Episode 65 — Resilience Through Adversity With Tom Morris '03 57:29

1y ago57:29

57:29

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 Performance at Penn State. Renowned for his expertise in optimizing athletic performance across professional, Olympic, and collegiate levels, Tom shares his journey of fostering an athlete-centric mod…

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Episode 64 — Two-Time Olympic Wrestler Kerry McCoy '97 53:10

1y ago53:10

53:10

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 '97! Kerry competed at the Olympic Games of Atalanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. A three-time All-American and two-time NCAA Champion, Kerry is one of the greatest wrestlers in Penn State's illustrio…

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Episode 63 — Experiences Of Being A Penn State Cheerleader With Alumni Taylor And Danielle Sekelsky 53:36

1y ago53:36

53:36

Alumni Taylor and Danielle Sekelsky are among the more impressive Penn State duos around! Taylor (2015, Smeal College of Business) and Danielle (2023, Smeal College of Business) were both varsity cheerleaders during their time at Penn State and had the unique opportunity to dance together at THON 2024. Professionally, Taylor works in capital market…