The People of Penn State

Penn State Alumni Association

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 always a story worth sharing.

  1. Oct 29

    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 Walt Disney Company, NBC, and New Balance to building her own full-service marketing agency. Elyse reflects on her time at Penn State, how she stays connected to the University, and the lessons she’s learned as an entrepreneur. She also discusses the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in business and her commitment to supporting fellow female entrepreneurs through mentorship and advocacy. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  2. Oct 15

    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 University’s Office of Educational Equity and his participation in Penn State’s Black Alumni Reunion.  Forrest shares why educational equity matters, the importance of supporting first-generation students, and how alumni can help create opportunities for the next generation of Penn Staters. He also reflects on the power of bringing Black alumni together to celebrate shared experiences, strengthen connections, and shape the future of the Penn State community. Hear from other BAR attendees about their experience on our YouTube channel! For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  3. Oct 1

    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 network’s biggest sporting events. Amanda reflects on her time at Penn State and the experiences that shaped her career, shares the journey that led her to ESPN and her work in sports production, and talks about how she stays connected to the Penn State community.  She also discusses the lessons she’s learned throughout her career, the people who have influenced her along the way, and more. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  4. Sep 17

    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 everyday life.  But comedy wasn’t always the plan. After graduating from Penn State, Jared began his career in insurance before leaping to pursue comedy full-time. Jared looks back on his time at Penn State and the unexpected path that led him to a career in comedy. He talks about deciding to leave insurance, building a career as a comedian and podcaster, and his first book, Walking Red Flag: Dating Advice From Your Favorite Guy Friend. He also discusses his 2026 Netflix special, The Family Plan, and how his perspective on comedy, dating, and relationships has evolved throughout his career. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  5. Sep 3

    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 career as a CEO, Jim went on to create Sound United, a billion-dollar global home audio business with brands including Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, and Polk Audio. Now, Jim is the author of Reckoning: A Journey Through Tragedy, Triumph, and Transcendence, a deeply personal book about navigating tragedy, achievement, loss, and transformation. Jim shares his story and reflects on how those experiences changed how he sees life, success, and what it means to be present in the moment. Learn more about Jim and purchase Reckoning: A Journey Through Tragedy, Triumph, and Transcendence. Listener note: This episode includes conversations about suicide, murder, death, and grief. Some listeners may find these topics difficult or emotionally challenging. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  6. Aug 20

    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 taken him far from the golf course and back to Penn State in an unexpected way. Mattie shares what it was like balancing life as a student-athlete at Penn State, accepting a golf scholarship, and making memories that would stay with him long after graduation. We also talk about his transition from competitive golf to a career in music and the stories, places, and experiences from his time at Penn State that inspired his newest album, 607 West College Avenue. Listen to part one of the album! For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  7. Aug 6

    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 initiatives at Actual Size, Eric shares how he leverages emerging technologies, data-driven insights, and innovative marketing strategies to help organizations grow their digital presence and create meaningful audience engagement.  We also discuss Actual Size's work on the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the evolving role of digital experiences in design, Eric's Penn State journey, and the impact of recognizing the next generation of creative talent through the Ryan Russell Award for Design Excellence in Graphic Design. Learn more about the Ryan Russell Award for Design Excellence in Graphic Design. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  8. Jul 23

    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 power of building meaningful relationships. Eric Wagner, a Managing Director at UBS Private Wealth Management and co-founder of PWJ, has helped build one of New York City’s premier wealth management teams while bringing together his background in finance and law to serve clients and lead with a people-first approach.  Eric Vishnevetsky has spent his career at UBS, growing from the firm’s Graduate Talent Program into a senior role with The Wagner Abrams Group, where he focuses on next-generation client initiatives, financial planning, and team strategy. Together, they share insights from their professional paths, discuss the importance of mentorship and lifelong learning, and reflect on how their Penn State experiences continue to shape their careers and connections. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

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4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

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 always a story worth sharing.

Information

  • Creator
    Penn State Alumni Association
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    157
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Penn State Alumni Association
  • Show Website
    The People of Penn State

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