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

Schreyer Honors College
  • 4.2 (10)
  • Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

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. Jun 23

    FTG 0086 – Building Your Own Pathways with Engineer Turned LGBTQ+ Financial Advisor Christopher Stroup ’14

    Discover how Christopher Stroup ’14 EMS shifted from oil and gas to become a successful LGBTQ-affirming financial advisor. His story offers invaluable lessons on city life, career pivots, authenticity, and building community as a Penn State alum no matter where life takes you. (Nothing said in this episode should be taken as financial advice! Please consult with Christopher or another financial advisor for proper advice.) Main Topics Covered: Navigating city life without a car in Los Angeles and the benefits of mass transit Career pivot from petroleum engineering at Chevron to wealth management How an MBA opened doors to new opportunities and professional growth The importance of authenticity and visibility in the workplace Supporting underserved communities, including LGBTQ+ clients, through financial advising Strategies for young professionals to plan financially in their early careers Building a personal and professional network through alumni and community engagement Advice for students contemplating big career or life changes The entrepreneurial mindset and side gigs in today’s gig economy Balancing community involvement, personal identity, and professional success The significance of trust in personal evolution and career development Guest Bio: Christopher Stroup is the founder of Silicon Beach Financial, a fiduciary wealth management firm based in Santa Monica, CA. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he partners with ambitious entrepreneurs, small business owners, and tech professionals to make smart, life-changing financial decisions. Before launching Silicon Beach Financial in 2024, Christopher was a financial advisor at Abacus Wealth Partners. He began his career as a petroleum engineer with Chevron before pivoting into wealth management, leveraging his MBA from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. He earned his B.S. in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering with Honors from Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Sciences in 2014. A regular contributor to Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, and Investopedia, Christopher frequently shares insights on entrepreneurship, equity compensation, and financial planning for founders and creatives. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/christopherlstroup. Connect with Christopher: LinkedIn Instagram Website ----- 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 Brady Sanders. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

    FTG 0086 – Building Your Own Pathways with Engineer Turned LGBTQ+ Financial Advisor Christopher Stroup ’14

  2. Jun 2

    FTG 0085 – International Law and Leadership with Attorney Amanda Wetzel ’02

    In this episode, Amanda Wetzel ’02 Liberal Arts, shares her remarkable journey from studying political science at Penn State to practicing law across continents. Her diverse experiences—from research in Belfast to legal work in Paris—highlight the importance of international exposure, mentorship, and strategic career moves. Whether you're a student or a professional, Amanda's story offers valuable insights on seizing opportunities, building expertise, and giving back to your community. Main Insights Amanda's thesis on women in Northern Ireland's peace negotiations sparked her international career and research approach. The ethnographic research she conducted abroad foreshadowed her legal career in human rights and international law. Her dual law degrees in the U. and France equipped her with unique legal perspectives, emphasizing the value of international education. The Mitchell Scholarship, a highly competitive program, played a pivotal role in her academic and professional development. Amanda advises students to consider studying abroad and starting early on applications like personal statements for competitive scholarships. Her practical legal experiences include internships in Bosnia, clerkships in Miami and the 11th Circuit, and practicing law in Paris, illustrating the importance of diverse clerkship options. Moving between countries and legal systems requires resilience, cultural adaptability, and strategic planning. Her transition back to the U. involved leveraging her international experience to excel in international trade law and litigation. Amanda underscores the significance of mentorship, proactive engagement, and networking in advancing legal careers. Outside work, she remains committed to community service, music, and maintaining connections to her roots in Philadelphia and Penn State. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction and Amanda Wetzel's background overview 02:10 - The influence of Amanda’s college thesis on her career 05:00 - Research methodology: Ethnography in Northern Ireland 07:30 - Balancing academic research with real-world impact 09:20 - The role of study abroad in shaping Amanda’s legal perspective 11:00 - Pathways in international law: LLM and joint degrees 13:00 - Securing prestigious scholarships: Mitchell Scholarship insights 15:00 - Legal internship experiences in Bosnia and their impact on her career 17:00 - Clerkship experiences: U.S. and international opportunities 19:00 - Practicing law in Paris and navigating cultural differences 21:00 - Transitioning back to the U.S.: Strategy and career development 23:00 - Developing expertise in international trade law 25:00 - The importance of mentorship and networking in legal careers 27:00 - Amanda’s community engagement and service outside of work 29:00 - Community, music, and maintaining work-life balance 31:00 - Advice for students interested in international careers and law 33:00 - The significance of proactive mentorship and alumni involvement 35:00 - Reflections on the value of early international exposure 37:00 - Amanda’s perspective on volunteerism and giving back 39:00 - Common questions from students about law school preparation 41:00 - Transformational moments and lessons learned during her career 43:00 - An example of international legal strategy influencing a notable case 45:00 - Mentorship approach: proactive engagement and relationship building 47:00 - Recognizing influential professors and supporters from Penn State 49:00 - Final advice: maximizing opportunities in international law 50:00 - Closing remarks and how to stay connected with Amanda Wetzel Resources & Links Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney

    FTG 0085 – International Law and Leadership with Attorney Amanda Wetzel ’02

  3. Apr 28

    FTG 0084 – Singing, Dancing, and Science Experimenting with Stage Actress Melody Munitz ’22

    "When I was six, I saw my first Broadway show, Mary Poppins, and at intermission, I pointed at the stage and said, 'That's what I'm going to do with my life.'” In this episode, Melody Munitz ’22 A&A, Liberal Arts shares her extraordinary journey from performing in Broadway plays and musicals to conducting groundbreaking research in neuroscience, all while maintaining her passion for musical theater. Discover how her diverse experiences intertwine, offering unique insights into the power of arts and sciences working together – a must watch/listen for Schreyer Scholars with broad ranges of interests.  Melanie’s early inspiration and first steps in theater at age six Transition from local performances to Off-Broadway and regional theaters Balancing a double major in musical theater and neuroscience at Penn State The impact of COVID-19 on her performance and research pursuits Her innovative honors thesis linking empathy, theater, and psychology Navigating the challenges of auditioning and building a career post-graduation Insights into the tour life: differences between stage performances in various venues The significance of networking within Penn State’s alumni and arts communities Leveraging stage experience in production roles including writing and directing The role of social media and public facing roles in a performer’s career Practical advice on managing finances and taxes for traveling artists The importance of volunteerism, philanthropy, and community building in the arts   Melody Munitz ’22 is a New York-born, raised, and based theatre artist, social scientist, and digital designer. She graduated from Penn State in 2022 with dual honors degrees in Musical Theatre (College of Arts and Architecture) and Psychology (College of the Liberal Arts), serving as the Student Marshal of both departments. At the time of recording, Melody was traveling the country playing Wednesday Addams in the Broadway National Tour of “The Addams Family.” Previously, Melody led the National Tour of “American Girl Live!" where she originated the role of Madison, a new American Girl Doll character inspired by her. Beyond touring, Melody's work onstage spans 15 shows Off-Broadway, concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and musicals at regional theaters across the country. In 2023, Melody premiered her interdisciplinary solo show, "The Science of Love: A Night of Songs & Psychology," which won the 2023 BroadwayWorld Award for Best Solo Show. Continuing to combine science and art, Melody has worked as a commissioned playwright and researcher for the University of Chicago's STAGE (Scientists, Technologists, and Artists Generating Exploration) Lab; as an artist with the science-theatre company Transforma Theatre, debuting a project about the role of AI in society; and as an Artist in Health bringing interactive theater to children in hospitals and care facilities with the non-profit Only Make Believe. As a digital designer and marketing specialist, Melody has worked on the social media marketing teams for 14 Broadway shows, and this spring is working with Broadway writers Paul Gordon and David Goldsmith to launch a new company, Virtual Stage Lab, at the crossroads of theater and film that aims to democratize the process of creation and increase access to the arts. Website: melodymunitz.com Instagram: @melody_munitz ----- Schreyer Honors College Links:  Website  Instagram  LinkedIn  YouTube Upcoming Events

    FTG 0084 – Singing, Dancing, and Science Experimenting with Stage Actress Melody Munitz ’22

  4. Apr 14

    FTG 0083 – Advancing Medicine through AI with Physician Scientist Ryan Henrici ’15

    "Four years at Penn State will fly by—embrace every moment, seek help when needed, and never underestimate the power of curiosity and giving back." Explore how Dr. Ryan Henrici ’15 Science transitioned from a student with a passion for science and sports to a pioneering physician, scientist, and entrepreneur driving groundbreaking biotech innovations. In this episode, Ryan shares his inspiring path, lessons on work-life balance, mentorship, and the transformative power of philanthropy. Key Topics Ryan’s early ambitions: swimming, architecture, and medicine. The pivotal moments in medical research and clinical impact. Navigating lab opportunities and research at Penn State. The influence of mentorship and cultural lessons in science. The unique structure and advantages of UK and US doctoral programs. How AI and machine learning are shaping drug development. Integrating medical training with entrepreneurial ventures. The importance of storytelling and organizational skills in science. Strategies for maintaining balance and fulfillment outside of work. The value of philanthropy and giving back to the community.  Ryan Henrici ’15 Science is Vice President of Discovery Medicine at BigHat Biosciences where he is using machine learning and AI approaches to design safer and more effective antibody medicines for patients with cancers, infections, and rare diseases. Ryan was one of the earliest team members and helped grow the team to more than 100 employees today and raise more than $110 million dollars to support developing the BigHat therapeutic portfolio. He oversees the immunology research team and the creation of new drug programs through the initiation of Phase 1 studies in humans. Ryan is also an Adjunct Professor of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine where he teaches foundational biology and medicine to first year medical students and supports clinical research activities at the intersection of inherited, benign blood disorders and infectious diseases. He earned a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with Honors from Penn State’s Eberly College of Science in 2015, a PhD in Infectious and Tropical Diseases from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine as a Marshall Scholar in 2018, and an MD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 2021. ----- 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 Sarah Taylor '27. The artwork was created by Isabella Gasparraj '28. The sound effect is “Chinese Gong,” accessed via SoundBible used under Creative Commons License.

    FTG 0083 – Advancing Medicine through AI with Physician Scientist Ryan Henrici ’15

  5. 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...

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

  6. 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

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

  7. 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.

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

  8. 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.

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