Birds Up Podcast
The Alumni Association's Birds Up Podcast showcases the voices, stories, and experiences that shape the UT San Antonio Community. Recorded in San Antonio, each episode features conversations with alumni and special guests who share their journeys on one of our campuses, the paths their careers have taken, and the lessons they have learned along the way. From inspiring milestones to unexpected turns, these stories highlight the passion, resilience, and impact of alumni everywhere. Hosted by Andrew Addison & Melissa Adame. Produced Josh Amparan and Lost in Sound Recording Studio. Assistance from Jacob Cavazos, Madison Downing, and Russell Wagner.
Episodes
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jessica Treviño Jones joins Birds Up to share a journey that began on San Antonio’s South Side and ultimately brought her home to help change how patients understand and address their risk for cancer.
A breast medical oncologist at the Mays Cancer Center, founder and director of the Cancer Risk Reduction and Education (CaRE) Clinic, and 2026 UT San Antonio Alumni Gala honore...
From sourcing products around the world for H-E-B to helping build one of San Antonio’s most recognizable cultural celebrations, Tony Villarreal’s journey has been shaped by entrepreneurship, creativity and a willingness to pursue the things he’s passionate about.
In this episode of Birds Up, Tony shares his journey from Monterrey to San Antonio and his time at UTSA, including rushing TKE and discovering a passion ...
Randy Daniels likes to say that UT San Antonio chose him, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made. From meeting his future wife on campus to earning his degree in finance and beginning his career through an internship, his Roadrunner experience helped shape the leader, entrepreneur and community advocate he is today.
In this episode, Randy shares his journey from commercial banking and Merrill Lynch to cofoun...
The Alamo Audible crew joins the Birds Up Podcast to break down everything Roadrunner fans need to know heading into the 2026 UTSA Football season. We’ll discuss key returning players, new additions, position battles, must-watch matchups and the biggest questions facing the team.
Can UTSA contend for an American Conference championship and return to the postseason? Tune in for expert insight, bold predictions and plenty of Ro...
Leadership isn't confined to the boardroom—and healing doesn't happen by chance. This week, we're joined by Executive MBA alumna Dr. Holly Keyt, Medical Director of the Lung Transplant Program at UT Health San Antonio, to explore how business leadership and medicine come together to transform lives. From leading one of the country's most respected lung transplant programs to expanding access to specialized care across Texas, ...
Season 5 is officially in the books, and what a journey it's been!
Join Andrew, Melissa and Josh as they reflect on an incredible season of the Birds Up Podcast, revisiting some of their favorite interviews, memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories and the conversations that made this season so special. From distinguished alumni and industry leaders to coaches, entrepreneurs and changemakers, every guest brought a unique perspe...
Fresh off a historic 2025 American Conference Championship season, UTSA Soccer Head Coach Derek Pittman joins the Birds Up Podcast to talk about the journey of building one of the most successful programs in Roadrunner Athletics. Since arriving at UTSA in 2018, Pittman has transformed the program into a championship contender, leading the Roadrunners to conference titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, record-setting attendance, and ...
Join us for an inspiring conversation with San Antonio native and UTSA alumnus Dr. Joshua Austin, nationally recognized dentist, educator, speaker, and Editorial Director of Dental Economics. From his early days at Health Careers High School and UTSA to becoming one of the most respected voices in dentistry, Dr. Austin shares the journey that helped shape his career and passion for helping others.
In this episode, we discuss the ra...
We made it to Episode 100! Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane with two of the voices who started it all, Drew and Yvonne Addison! They share stories, laughs, and the journey behind the Birds Up Podcast, as we celebrate the entire team who helped get us here.
We’re incredibly grateful to the many guests who have joined us along the way, and to you—our audience—for being such an important part of this jour...
From storyteller to city shaper, Connie Gonzalez joins the podcast to share her journey from broadcast journalism to Chief Strategy Officer at Brooks, one of San Antonio’s most dynamic mixed-use developments. She discusses how Brooks has transformed from a former Air Force base into a $1B+ economic engine and what that growth means for the future of the city—especially the South Side. Connie offers insight into her inte...
UT San Antonio alum Clay Killinger’s journey to executive leadership is one of resilience, grit, and unexpected opportunity. After transferring to UT San Antonio and navigating a non-traditional path to graduation, Clay went on to build an impressive career in finance, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CST Brands and holding senior leadership roles at Valero Energy.
Known as “The Fixer,&...
Fresh off a return from NASA with UT San Antonio students who won a national competition, Dr. Chris Packham joins us for a powerful update on the groundbreaking work happening at the intersection of research, innovation, and student opportunity. From collaborations with Blue Origin to leadership roles connected to the James Webb Space Telescope and the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, Dr. Packham shares how UT San A...
UTSA Baseball season is officially here—and this episode sets the tone. In our annual UTSA Baseball Preview, Birds Up teams up once again with Alamo Audible for a deep dive into what’s next for one of the hottest programs in college baseball.
We’re joined by UTSA Baseball alum, fan favorite, and newly drafted pro James Taussig, who reflects on UTSA’s historic run, the culture that fueled it, and what it truly...
This powerful episode features David Spencer, a mission-driven entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist whose career bridges a military upbringing, engineering, and life-saving medical innovation.
While David is a graduate of UT Austin, his passion for higher education is deeply connected to UT San Antonio. Together with his wife Jennifer, David has become one of UTSA’s most influential supporters, with a shared vision that ...
We’re halfway through Season 5 and have enjoyed getting to know Roadrunners representing UT San Antonio across a wide range of industries. Along the way, we heard from Alumni Association President Laura Beth Garcia, a graduate of both UTSA and UT Health San Antonio, as she began her term during the historic formation of UT San Antonio. We also explored unique career paths and perspectives from CPS Energy’s Jonathan Tije...
After growing up in Austin, TX, Dan found a home at UT San Antonio following encouragement from his parents, who wanted him to experience college life and new opportunities. Still unsure of what direction he wanted to take professionally, he leaned into his naturally outgoing personality, getting involved on campus and discovering a talent for connecting with people. That openness eventually led to an unexpected radio audition that...
In this episode, Josh Gerken, who leads Asset Management at UT San Antonio, shares how the university strategically manages its physical growth to align with long-term academic and institutional priorities. As part of the university's Facilities, Real Estate, Construction & Planning team, Josh oversees space planning and sustainability initiatives.
A proud graduate of UT San Antonio's Executive MBA program, Josh brings a wealth ...
From Floresville, Texas to the national boxing stage, Amanda “Supernova” Sendejo’s journey is one of grit, grace, and Roadrunner pride. A two-time national champion and proud UTSA alumna, Amanda shares how watching her older brothers train first sparked her love for the sport — and how she laced up her own gloves at 17 to carve her own path.
Her small-town beginnings instilled discipline and determination, va...
From student government president at UTSA to one of San Antonio’s leading voices in land use and economic development, attorney Rob Killen has dedicated his career to building both community and opportunity. In this episode, Rob reflects on how his Roadrunner experience prepared him for leadership in law, business, and civic service. As Chairman of the Metro SA Chamber and longtime advocate for smart growth, he shares unique ...
In this episode of the BirdsUp Podcast, we sit down with UT San Antonio alum Jonathan Tijerina, Vice President of Corporate Development at CPS Energy, to explore his journey from Roadrunner to executive leader in San Antonio’s energy sector. Jonathan reflects on how his UT San Antonio experience shaped his career path, the lessons he’s learned through roles in communications, economic development, and corporate strategy...
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