Following the Gong, a Podcast of the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State

Schreyer Honors College
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Are you a Schreyer Scholar looking to connect with Scholar Alumni for career and life advice? Or perhaps you are a recent graduate looking to take the next step in your career, or are a prospective Scholar looking to learn more about the College. When our Scholars submit their honors thesis, they ring a ceremonial gong to mark the completion of their honors experience. #FollowingTheGong is a show that features conversations with Scholar Alumni and friends with stories and advice on how to maximize your Scholar experience, prepare for your career and further education, and make new connections with a strong network of Scholar Alumni that blazed the trail before you. Episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays when Penn State classes are in session and are available on major platforms.

  1. FTG 0082 – From the Science Labs to the Stand-Up Stage with Brandon Follick ’15

    FEB 11

    FTG 0082 – From the Science Labs to the Stand-Up Stage with Brandon Follick ’15

    Overview: Dive into the inspiring story of Brandon Follick ’15 Sci, who seamlessly navigates careers in biochemistry and comedy. Discover how his scientific background fuels his humor, the challenges of balancing these worlds, and his advice for scholars pursuing creative paths. In this episode, you’ll here about Brandon's journey to Penn State and his early interests in science and comedy How biochemistry has shaped his understanding of human health and storytelling The parallels between scientific research and comedic creation, including writing and improvisation His experience working in biotech startups and the lessons learned about enterprise and innovation The evolution of comedy as a tool for social critique and the importance of punching up How platforms like YouTube and social media democratize content creation and talent discovery The role of mentorship in STEM and arts, and the importance of paying it forward Brandon’s creative process, balancing authenticity with ethical boundaries in comedy Practical advice for scholars considering unconventional careers in arts and startups How his childhood experience with Judge Judy influences his comedic perspective This episode is great for any Scholar interested in career paths in either STEM or the arts, and especially for Scholars looking to navigate and balance multiple interests. Guest Bio: Brandon Follick ’15 Science is an entrepreneurial scientist comedian and writer in New York City. He has written for humor websites such as The Onion, The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, and Reductress, including Reductress’s recent book How To Stay Productive When the World is Ending, named one of Vulture’s Best Comedy Books of 2023. He is a writer and actor on Going Down with Ella Yurman, a trans-led public access late night show from the team that produced Late Stage Live, which is about to return from hiatus. He has performed standup and sketch in national and international comedy festivals, including New York Comedy Fest, Edinburgh Fringe, and Philly SketchFest. He produces a writing workshop series alongside The Onion to help create career opportunities for emerging comedy writers from backgrounds historically-excluded in comedy. He currently teaches Humor & Satire Writing at the Brooklyn Comedy Collective. During the day, he works as a Senior Administrative Business Partner for Legal and Therapeutics at Schrödinger, a drug discovery and research enterprise. He was previously a Project Manager and Research Associate at Kallyope in New York City, an early-stage biotech startup exploring the gut-brain axis, where he assisted with the Research & Development of small-molecule therapeutics. Before joining Kallyope in 2016, he was a research assistant in Marcia Haigis’s lab at Harvard Medical School. He earned his B.S. in Biology with Honors in Biochemistry from Penn State in 2015. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by S...

    1h 15m
  2. Episode 0081 - Social Sciences to Technology Leadership with Brian Rogosky '97

    12/16/2025

    Episode 0081 - Social Sciences to Technology Leadership with Brian Rogosky '97

    Overview: Brian Rogowski ’97 Science shares his journey from a winding academic path to a successful career in technology. He discusses the importance of practical experience, the value of social sciences in tech, and the lessons learned from his honors thesis and research. Brian emphasizes the significance of teamwork, mentorship, and work-life balance while navigating the challenges of transitioning from academia to industry. He also provides insights into breaking into big tech and the evolving landscape of technology careers. This episode is useful for any Scholar, and especially those who are undecided about majors as well as those looking to work in the tech industry, especially “big tech.” Guest Bio: Brian Rogosky ’97 Science is Senior Software Engineering Manager at Apple, working on building large-scale data services for Apple Music. He previously was Director of Big Data Engineering for Beats Music, where he founded a software team for one of the early music streaming applications, which launched in 2013 and was acquired by Apple later in 2014, along with Beats Electronics, for $3 Billion, the largest monetary acquisition by Apple.   Brian graduated with a dual degree BS in Psychology and Science, with Honors and a Minor in Science, Technology and Society, in 1997. He earned a Masters in Psychology from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2004, where he researched human learning and artificial intelligence. He originally intended to pursue a Ph.D. with a view to become a professor of Cognitive Psychology like his mentors, Dr. David Rosenbaum (Penn State) and Dr. Robert Goldstone (Indiana), but the pull of technology and human-centered AI drew him to a career in the technology industry.  He has worked for or advised numerous startups in AI, internet geolocation, online publishing and online learning. He continues his interest in applied AI, big data, human learning and knowledge representation, as well as creative writing. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License. View Full Transcript

    1h 14m
  3. FTG 0080 – Marathons and Markets with Athlete and Financial Professional Katie Florio ’15

    11/11/2025

    FTG 0080 – Marathons and Markets with Athlete and Financial Professional Katie Florio ’15

    Overview: Katie Florio ’15 HHD, a Schreyer Scholar alumna and former D1 student-athlete at Penn State, joins FTG to share her journey from being a kinesiology major with aspirations of attending medical school to pivoting into the financial sector, where she now works at Goldman Sachs. The conversation delves into her experiences as a cross-country and track athlete, the challenges of balancing academics and athletics, and her transition into the business world. Katie also discusses her passion for running, her achievements in marathons, and how the skills she developed as an athlete have translated into her professional life. The episode concludes with Katie offering advice to current students on networking, attention to detail, and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal interests. This episode, featuring a cameo from running enthusiast Dean Patrick T. Mather ’89, is great for any Scholar interested in a career in business, especially those not in the Smeal College of Business, and all Scholars for exploring and maintaining hobbies and passions beyond their time at Penn State as they transition to alumni. Guest Bio: Katie Florio ’15 HHD earned her B.S. in Kinesiology with Honors from Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development in 2015. Katie was a D1 athlete on the Penn State Track and Field and Cross Country teams where she served as a team captain. Katie, originally aiming to work in healthcare, now works as a Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Goldman Sachs in Philadelphia. She won her division of the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon and is a proud working mother. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

    36 min
  4. FTG 0079 – Laying the Foundation for Law School with Joe Kernen ’86 and Victor Ficarra ’21

    10/21/2025

    FTG 0079 – Laying the Foundation for Law School with Joe Kernen ’86 and Victor Ficarra ’21

    Overview: Joe Kernan ’86 and Victor Ficarra ’21 share their unique journeys through college and into their respective legal careers in and out of “big law.” They discuss the importance of mentorship, the value of extracurricular involvement, and the impact of their honors thesis experiences on their professional paths. The conversation also covers practical advice for current students, including networking strategies, time management, and the evolving role of AI in law and accounting. Both guests emphasize the significance of giving back to the Penn State community and the transformative power of education. This episode is a must listen for any Scholar looking to a career in law and/or looking to get the most out of their relationships with mentors. Guest Bios: Joe Kernen ’86 Liberal Arts earned his BA in pre-law and went on to earn his JD from the NYU School of Law in 1989. He practiced law in Philadelphia for 35 years, the last 32 at DLA Piper, a global business law firm with over 4,500 lawyers. He had a complex commercial litigation practice, with an emphasis on class action and employment matters, and served as Managing Partner of DLA's Philadelphia Office, Chair of the Philadelphia Litigation Group and was the Hiring Partner for 14 years, and also served three terms on the firm's US Policy Committee. He retired as a practicing lawyer in March 2024  and now serves in a variety of charitable roles, including on the advisory boards of Penn State's Brandywine Campus and Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Victor Ficarra ’21 University College is an International Tax Consultant at Deloitte in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where he and his team support multinational companies to help them best align their tax strategies with their businesses through a wide variety of compliance and advisory services. Before joining Deloitte in October 2024, Victor interned at a handful of companies including J.P. Morgan Chase and Comcast Corporation. He earned his B.S. in Accounting with Honors from Penn State in 2021 as well as minors in International Studies and Civic & Community Engagement. He also earned his J.D. from Temple University's Beasley School of Law in 2024 and is enrolled at Georgetown University Law Center's LL.M. in Taxation program. Victor is also happy to speak further on tax, business and sports whether it relates to the law or otherwise, as well as mentorship and education as those were areas he continues to be passionate about post graduation. Please feel free to connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorbficarra/. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

    1h 7m
  5. FTG 0078 – Active Entrepreneurship with Smart Passive Income President Matt Gartland '05

    10/07/2025

    FTG 0078 – Active Entrepreneurship with Smart Passive Income President Matt Gartland '05

    Overview: In this episode, Matt Gartland ’05 IST shares his journey from Penn State to becoming a leader in the tech and startup world. Matt discusses his unexpected path to Penn State, his experiences in the College of IST, and his involvement with the Schreyer Honors College. He offers insights into his career, including his time at Lockheed Martin and Johnson & Johnson, and his transition into entrepreneurship. Matt emphasizes the importance of mentorship, leadership, making connections, and taking action, providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and students. Guest Bio: Matthew Gartland ’05 IST graduated as the Student Marshall of the 3rd ever class of IST students. He added an honors degree in IST from Schreyer. His academic and honors career at Penn State led him into an exclusive leadership development program with a Fortune 50 company. He left that successful corporate career to get into startups. His startup experience has spanned the DTC e-commerce, Creator Economy, and SaaS industries as a founder, operator, and c-suite executive. 10+ years and a few exits later, he leads SPI Media as CEO and is an advisor/investor to early stage tech companies operating at the intersection of commerce and content. His greatest joys are spending time with his wife and two little girls and traveling the world.  ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License. View Full Transcript

    1h 27m
  6. FTG 0077 – So Much More Than "So Money" with Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi ’02

    09/23/2025

    FTG 0077 – So Much More Than "So Money" with Personal Finance Expert Farnoosh Torabi ’02

    Overview: Personal finance expert and multimedia sensation Farnoosh Torabi ’02 Business shares her journey from a Schreyer Scholar to a renowned financial journalist. She discusses the importance of taking leaps of faith, staying curious, and leveraging unique opportunities at Penn State to forge a successful career. Scholars should listen to this episode to gain insights into navigating academic and career paths, understanding the value of diverse experiences, and learning how to position themselves as experts in their fields. Farnoosh's story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion. It is particularly useful for any Scholar in the Smeal College of Business, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, or any looking to start their own media presence. Guest Bio: Farnoosh Toabi ’02 Business is a leading personal finance authority, bestselling author, and creator of the Webby award-winning podcast So Money. As one of America's favorite go-to money experts, she has been a strategic advisor to millions on financial matters.  Torabi's critically acclaimed podcast, So Money, has surpassed 35 million downloads, featuring interviews with notable figures like Arianna Huffington, Margaret Cho, Queen Latifah, and Barbara Corcoran. Her work has been widely recognized, with her most recent book, A Healthy State of Panic, named a Best Book of the Year by Newsweek in 2023. Her financial expertise has been highlighted in major publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Forbes, Time, Marie Claire, Glamour, Redbook, and USA Today. She frequently appears on prominent news and talk shows, including NBC Today, Good Morning America, and Live! With Kelly. She’s earned several Penn State honors, including the Alumni Fellow Award in 2024, Smeal Distinguished Achievement Award in 2023, the Schreyer Honors College Outstanding Alumni Award in 2013, and the Penn State Alumni Achievement Award in 2010. In 2017, she was the commencement speaker for the Smeal College of Business, and in 2019 she served as the Homecoming Grand Marshal. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

    54 min
  7. FTG 0076 – Crafting A Career Path with Purpose with Digital Strategist Jennifer Baaklini ’11

    04/22/2025

    FTG 0076 – Crafting A Career Path with Purpose with Digital Strategist Jennifer Baaklini ’11

    Overview: Jennifer Baaklini ’11 Com joins Following the Gong to share her journey from print journalism student to global digital engagement strategist and leader. Jennifer walks through her time at Penn State Abington, University Park, and around the globe studying abroad, participating in THON, working jobs on campus, and her diligent search for a role after graduation. She shares great advice for current Scholars and early career alumni on the search for jobs one and two. Jennifer also dives into industry specific advice for those in communications, journalism, and public relations, especially for those seeking leadership opportunities beyond technical expertise work. As a new mom, she also shares value time and energy management insights that can be helpful for any Scholar. While particularly beneficial to Scholars in storytelling spaces, any Scholar can gain value advice from this must listen discussion. Jennifer’s bio is available below. Guest Bio: Jennifer Baaklini ’11 Communications is Director of Digital Strategy at FGS Global, where she specializes in advising clients on digital strategy with a focus on foreign policy and international affairs. Before joining FGS in 2019, she worked at the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education advancing U.S. government exchange programs and people-to-people understanding. This followed a short stint as a local journalist in her hometown. She earned her bachelor of art in Journalism with Honors from Penn State’s Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications in 2011. She also earned her MBA from George Washington University. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

    1h 3m
  8. FTG 0075 – A Distinguished STEM Leadership Career With Biotech Executive Greg Lucier ’86

    03/25/2025

    FTG 0075 – A Distinguished STEM Leadership Career With Biotech Executive Greg Lucier ’86

    Overview:  Greg Lucier ’86 Eng joined Following the Gong while at University Park to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed by Penn State upon an alum, to record live in the new Engineering Design and Innovation Building. Greg shared his experiences as a University Scholar studying industrial engineering and how he used his IE experiences, coupled with an MBA from Harvard University, to take on progressively higher levels of responsibility, from the factory floor at International Paper, to the executive and even CEO office at major firms, including GE and NuVasive, the latter of which was acquired by ThermoFisher Scientific. Greg, as a long-time manager, shares advice for Scholars and new grads seeking internships and entry level roles, including finding what you do and do not want to pursue for a career path. He also shares insight on stepping out to pursue an MBA, especially for non-Smeal grads, and translating experiences at legacy industries to high-tech companies and working internationally and serving on corporate boards. Greg also shares use-now advice for Scholars leading teams and people including their clubs and organizations and managing multiple commitments. This episode is great for any Scholar, especially those interested in careers in engineering, healthcare, management, and entrepreneurship. Greg’s full bio is available below. Guest Bio: Greg Lucier ’86 Engineering is the CEO and founder of Corza Health, Inc., a company focused on acquiring companies and assets to build market-leading healthcare businesses. Greg most recently served as Chairman and CEO at NuVasive, a global technology leader in minimally invasive spine and orthopedic surgery. Prior to that, he was Chair- man and CEO at Life Technologies which he grew into a global life sciences powerhouse that was acquired by ThermoFisher Scientific for more than $15 billion. He spent the first part of his career with General Electric— including GE Healthcare—in a variety of corporate officer and executive roles.  Greg serves on several public and private company boards, including Antylia Scientific, Catalent, Corza Medical, Maravai Life Sciences, and chairs Dentsply Sirona, the largest dental technology company globally. He has been actively involved in a variety of community and civic engagements, including serving as the Chairperson for Sanford Burnham Research Institute in La Jolla, California, and the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Greg earned his B.S. in industrial engineering from Penn State’s College of Engineering with Honors and an MBA from Harvard Business School. ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events  Scholars – Need Assistance? Book an Appointment!  Alumni – Learn Why and How to Volunteer  Make a Gift to Benefit Schreyer Scholars  Join the Penn State Alumni Association  ----- Credits & Notes: This show is hosted and produced by Sean Goheen '11 Lib (Schreyer), '23g Bus. It was edited by Riya Agarwal '28. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

    39 min
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Are you a Schreyer Scholar looking to connect with Scholar Alumni for career and life advice? Or perhaps you are a recent graduate looking to take the next step in your career, or are a prospective Scholar looking to learn more about the College. When our Scholars submit their honors thesis, they ring a ceremonial gong to mark the completion of their honors experience. #FollowingTheGong is a show that features conversations with Scholar Alumni and friends with stories and advice on how to maximize your Scholar experience, prepare for your career and further education, and make new connections with a strong network of Scholar Alumni that blazed the trail before you. Episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays when Penn State classes are in session and are available on major platforms.

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