Far and Widener

Widener University

The Far and Widener podcast explores the far-reaching world of Widener University and the many ways Widener strives to create a better future while shaping tomorrow’s leaders. At Far and Widener, you’ll find engaging interviews on diverse topics with fascinating educators, researchers, and industry professionals. Far and Widener is produced by Widener’s University Advancement staff. Our intro music is courtesy of the fabulous band Stereo Ready—you can find them at stereoready.com. To learn more about Widener University, visit widener.edu.

  1. Aug 10

    Courtney Douds, Master Falconer and Owner of Raptor Jawns, on raptors, conservation, and community education

    This episode of Far and Widener features Courtney Douds, owner of Raptor Jawns, a bird education program that brings the wonder of raptors to schools, events, and community gatherings through live flight demonstrations and educational presentations. A master falconer, Courtney has built a unique path at the intersection of wildlife education, conservation, animal training, and public engagement. Through Raptor Jawns, Courtney helps audiences of all ages better understand birds of prey — their biology, behaviors, ecological importance, and the remarkable relationship that can develop between humans and raptors through the ancient practice of falconry. Her programs offer close-up learning experiences designed to spark curiosity, deepen respect for wildlife, and show how raptors contribute to healthy ecosystems. Courtney earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental biology and English from Columbia University before continuing her education at Widener University, where she earned a master’s degree in education in human sexuality and a master’s degree in social work. Her interdisciplinary background informs the way she teaches, communicates, and connects with diverse audiences through Raptor Jawns. In this conversation, Courtney reflects on her path into falconry, the process of becoming a master falconer, and the responsibility involved in caring for and working with birds of prey. She also shares the story behind Raptor Jawns, the importance of conservation and wildlife stewardship, and how her Widener experience shaped the way she brings education, empathy, and community engagement into her work. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

    Courtney Douds, Master Falconer and Owner of Raptor Jawns, on raptors, conservation, and community education

  2. Jul 8

    John Barry, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of HRBench, on entrepreneurship, people analytics, and measuring what matters in HR

    This episode of Far and Widener features John Barry, a 2002 graduate of Widener University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. In this conversation, John reflects on how his Widener engineering education shaped his leadership style, the lessons he learned building companies from the ground up, and the role data, benchmarking, and artificial intelligence are playing in the future of human resources. He also discusses his connection to Widener and his service as a member of the university’s Board of Trustees. With more than 25 years of experience in HR technology, product innovation, and executive leadership, John has built a career helping organizations use data to make smarter decisions about people, performance, and business strategy. John’s entrepreneurial journey began while he was still a Widener student, when he launched a business from his dorm room—an early experience that helped shape his path as a technology founder. He went on to hold leadership roles at organizations including Salary.com, Aon, HealthcareSource, PayScale, and Payfactors, where he co-founded a leading enterprise compensation management solution used by companies to better understand and manage pay. Today, John is co-founder and co-CEO of HRBench, a people analytics and engagement platform designed to help companies measure, benchmark, and improve their workforce decisions. Drawing on his experience as an executive and founder, John saw a need for better context around critical HR metrics such as turnover, time-to-hire, employee engagement, revenue per employee, and compensation strategy. HRBench helps organizations understand not only what their people data says, but how they compare to peers and competitors—and how major business decisions affect workforce outcomes. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

    John Barry, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of HRBench, on entrepreneurship, people analytics, and measuring what matters in HR

  3. May 8

    Bart Miller, CEO of Covisian (US), on entrepreneurship, leadership, and disrupting customer service with AI

    This episode of Far and Widener features Bart Miller, a 2005 graduate of Widener University and chief executive officer of Covisian in the United States. With more than 25 years of experience in call center operations, software development, and executive leadership, Bart has built a career defined by innovation, resilience, and people‑first leadership. Bart’s entrepreneurial journey began while he was still a Widener MBA student, when he launched his own customer service call center. That venture grew into a successful company that was later acquired by Covisian, a global organization headquartered in Italy. Today, as CEO of Covisian (US), Bart is focused on transforming the customer care industry through the strategic use of artificial intelligence—enhancing agent productivity, improving customer experiences, and redefining how technology and human talent work together at scale. In addition to his Widener MBA, Bart holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Quinnipiac University and a master’s degree in legal studies in conflict resolution from Washington University in St. Louis. He has founded and led multiple organizations, built strong internal cultures centered on employee growth, and helped teams navigate both rapid expansion and moments of crisis. He also serves as a board member and treasurer of the Online Lenders Alliance. In this conversation, Bart reflects on how his Widener experience shaped his leadership approach, the lessons learned building companies from the ground up, and what the rise of artificial intelligence means for businesses, workers, and everyday life. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

    Bart Miller, CEO of Covisian (US), on entrepreneurship, leadership, and disrupting customer service with AI

  4. Apr 20

    Brad Isaacson, President and COO of Tellica Imaging, Chief of Operations & Research for the Geneva Foundation, on innovation, service, and improving lives through medical imaging

    This episode of Far and Widener features Brad Isaacson, a 2007 graduate of Widener University and president and chief operating officer of Tellica Imaging. A mechanical engineering alumnus with an entrepreneurial drive, Brad has built a career spanning engineering, medicine, finance, and executive leadership—all focused on improving health care through patient‑centered innovation. Brad earned an MBA and an MS in Finance from Boston College and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Utah. He went on to found and lead a company working to disrupt the medical imaging industry by delivering higher‑quality imaging at lower cost, while exploring how emerging technologies can improve patient outcomes. Brad also serves as Chief of  Operations & Research for The Geneva Foundation, supporting research on serious injuries affecting combat veterans, and is a board member of LivFree, a pediatric cancer foundation dedicated to supporting children and their families. His Widener connection is also personal—he is married to fellow alumnus Meghan Witherspoon ’07, a nursing graduate and former ROTC cadet. In this conversation, Brad reflects on the professors and experiences that shaped his path, the leadership lessons gained across disciplines, and why improving lives through health care continues to drive his work. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

    Brad Isaacson, President and COO of Tellica Imaging, Chief of Operations & Research for the Geneva Foundation, on innovation, service, and improving lives through medical imaging

  5. Mar 16

    Kristen Hamilton, President of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, on leadership, service, and how Widener inspired her journey in family and juvenile law

    This episode of Far and Widener features Kristen Hamilton, the 131st president of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and a 2005 graduate of Widener University Commonwealth Law School. An accomplished family and juvenile law attorney, Kristen built her career through early work with at‑risk youth and a deep commitment to advocating for children and families in crisis. She now practices in Chambersburg, where she also serves as Franklin County’s juvenile court hearing officer, guiding young people and their families through some of their most difficult moments. Kristen’s leadership extends far beyond the courtroom. She has held key roles within the PBA’s Children’s Rights Committee, the Commission on Women in the Profession, the Minority Bar Committee, and the American Bar Association House of Delegates. As PBA president, she is championing expanded civic education, confronting legal deserts in rural Pennsylvania, and renewing pride in the legal profession. In this conversation, Kristen reflects on the Widener education that shaped her path, the values that guide her service, and the symbolism of her sunflower theme—a reminder that, like sunflowers turning toward the sun and toward one another, lawyers can anchor their communities and each other through connection, empathy, and purpose. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

    Kristen Hamilton, President of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, on leadership, service, and how Widener inspired her journey in family and juvenile law

  6. Feb 5

    Charles Duncan reflects on purpose, leadership, and how Widener shaped his career in law, public service, and corporate affairs

    This episode of Far and Widener features Charles Duncan, vice president of government and regulatory affairs at Comcast. A 2005 graduate of Widener Law Commonwealth, Charles leads state government affairs for Comcast in Pennsylvania and Ohio, navigating complex legislative and regulatory challenges in a role that blends law, policy, and politics. His journey from law school to corporate leadership was shaped by pivotal experiences at Widener, including the Law and Government Program and mentorship from faculty and alumni that opened doors to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Charles also shares how a constitutional law seminar with then-U.S. Senator Joe Biden sparked connections that led him to serve as a JAG officer in the Pennsylvania National Guard—a chapter that taught him lifelong lessons in leadership and resilience. In this conversation, he reflects on the Widener education that gave him an edge in government affairs, the mindset that drives his success, and the personal philosophy behind his commitment to public service and family. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

    Charles Duncan reflects on purpose, leadership, and how Widener shaped his career in law, public service, and corporate affairs

  7. 12/21/2025

    Jason Vosheski reflects on leadership, resilience, and the Widener roots that shaped a lifetime of teaching and coaching

    This episode of Far and Widener features Jason Vosheski, longtime social studies teacher and head football coach at Academy Park High School in Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania. A two-time Widener University graduate, Jason earned his bachelor’s degree in education in 1997 and his master’s in educational psychology in 2007. Over 25 years as head coach, he has built one of the region’s most consistently successful programs, leading his team to winning seasons in 15 of the last 17 years. Jason also shares his powerful story of navigating a multiple sclerosis diagnosis five years ago, and how the challenge has deepened his purpose as both a coach and educator. In this conversation, he reflects on the mentors and experiences that drew him to teaching, the evolution of his coaching philosophy, the culture behind his team’s sustained success, and the support of a community that has stood by him through adversity. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

    Jason Vosheski reflects on leadership, resilience, and the Widener roots that shaped a lifetime of teaching and coaching

  8. 11/21/2025

    Mamadou Keita shares how resilience, service, and his Widener experience shaped a global mission to expand education from campus to communities in Guinea

    This episode of Far and Widener features Mamadou Keita, former president of the Guinean Alliance for Education and Development and a two-time Widener University graduate. Mamadou's work with the nonprofit led to transformative educational opportunities in Guinea: opening computer labs at universities, distributing bicycles to rural students, and expanding access to learning that changes lives. Mamadou has also built a successful career in corporate operations and training, spending nine years at Agilent Technologies before recently joining New York Life as an agent. Mamadou earned his bachelor’s degree in international relations and French in 2013, followed by a master’s in public administration in 2018. In this conversation, Mamadou shares his inspiring story of emigrating from Guinea as a child, determined to earn a college degree, and how resilience, mentorship, and global purpose have shaped his life and work. The podcast is hosted by Greg Potter, associate vice president for University Relations at Widener University.

    Mamadou Keita shares how resilience, service, and his Widener experience shaped a global mission to expand education from campus to communities in Guinea
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About

The Far and Widener podcast explores the far-reaching world of Widener University and the many ways Widener strives to create a better future while shaping tomorrow’s leaders. At Far and Widener, you’ll find engaging interviews on diverse topics with fascinating educators, researchers, and industry professionals. Far and Widener is produced by Widener’s University Advancement staff. Our intro music is courtesy of the fabulous band Stereo Ready—you can find them at stereoready.com. To learn more about Widener University, visit widener.edu.

Information

  • Creator
    Widener University
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Widener University
  • Show Website
    Far and Widener