The People of Penn State

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...

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 pers...

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 featur...

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 reflec...

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, designin...

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...

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, ...

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 worl...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 ...

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 writer and grant administrator, and coordinator of 26 Commonwealth-wide ...

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 keynote speaker and viral content creator, Julia is dedic...

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 their own unique path less traveled. In addition to her founding ...

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 himself to the program as a coach, including serving...

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 experience, highlight how the Alumni Association an...

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 Sports Podcast by Hashtag Sports.

In addition to leadin...

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’s Health Supportive Culinary Arts program.
 
In thi...