Birds Up Podcast

UTSA Alumni Association
  • 5.0 (31)
  • Education
  • Updated Monthly

The Birds Up Podcast, by the UT San Antonio Alumni Association, features conversations with alumni and special guests who have unique stories to tell about their time at UTSA, UT Health San Antonio, their unique career paths, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Our alumni nest is full of dedicated, passionate, and loyal Roadrunners eager to share their stories. Ready, Rowdy, and Relevant. Listen Up. Volume Up. Birds Up! Hosted by Andrew Addison & Melissa Adame. Produced Josh Amparan and Lost in Sound Recording Studio. Assistance from Jacob Cavazos, Madison Downing, and Russell Wagner.

  1. S5E102: Welcome to the Birdcage – Birds Up with UTSA Soccer Coach Derek Pittman

    Jun 5

    S5E102: Welcome to the Birdcage – Birds Up with UTSA Soccer Coach Derek Pittman

    Fresh off a historic 2025 American Conference Championship season, UTSA Soccer Head Coach Derek Pittman joins the Birds Up Podcast to talk about the journey of building one of the most successful programs in Roadrunner Athletics. Since arriving at UTSA in 2018, Pittman has transformed the program into a championship contender, leading the Roadrunners to conference titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, record-setting attendance, and a culture built on accountability, resilience, and excellence. In this episode, Coach Pittman shares his unique path from growing up in Oklahoma and racing cars as a kid to playing collegiate and professional soccer before finding his calling on the sidelines. We discuss the foundation of UTSA Soccer’s championship culture, what he looks for in recruiting, the importance of developing student-athletes on and off the field, and what lies ahead as the Roadrunners prepare for another exciting season. Whether you're a soccer fan, a Roadrunner supporter, or someone who enjoys stories about leadership and building winning teams, this conversation offers an inside look at one of UTSA's most successful coaches and the continued rise of UTSA Athletics. Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we celebrate the success of UTSA Soccer and look ahead to what's next for the Roadrunners. Birds Up! Show NotesUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni GalaUT System Invests over $470 Million Into UT San AntonioGraduate Student Paves the Way For Future Moon MissionsUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    1h 5m
  2. S5E101: Beyond the Smile – Birds Up with UT San Antonio Alum Dr. Joshua Austin

    May 15

    S5E101: Beyond the Smile – Birds Up with UT San Antonio Alum Dr. Joshua Austin

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with San Antonio native and UTSA alumnus Dr. Joshua Austin, nationally recognized dentist, educator, speaker, and Editorial Director of Dental Economics. From his early days at Health Careers High School and UTSA to becoming one of the most respected voices in dentistry, Dr. Austin shares the journey that helped shape his career and passion for helping others. In this episode, we discuss the rapid evolution of dentistry, innovation in digital technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the realities of balancing a demanding profession with personal wellness. Dr. Austin also opens up about the importance of mental health in high-pressure careers, breaking down stigma within the dental profession, and why community, mentorship, and self-care matter more than ever. As founder of Austin Dental Seminars and a nationally sought-after lecturer, Dr. Austin brings practical insight, humor, and authenticity to every conversation. Whether you are interested in healthcare, business, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond dentistry. Tune in to hear how a San Antonio student built a nationally recognized career while staying grounded in service, education, and community. Be sure to like, follow, comment, and share this episode with your fellow Roadrunners and listeners. Birds Up! Show NotesDr. Joshua Austin, DDS PracticeSpring 2026 Commencement InfoHonors College Largest Graduating ClassStudents Place at Cyber Defense NationalsAI Student Summer CampUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    1h 18m
  3. S5E100: We Made It to Episode 100! Celebrating with the Voices Who Started It All – Yvonne, Drew & Jacob

    Apr 24

    S5E100: We Made It to Episode 100! Celebrating with the Voices Who Started It All – Yvonne, Drew & Jacob

    We made it to Episode 100! Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane with two of the voices who started it all, Drew and Yvonne Addison! They share stories, laughs, and the journey behind the Birds Up Podcast, as we celebrate the entire team who helped get us here. We’re incredibly grateful to the many guests who have joined us along the way, and to you—our audience—for being such an important part of this journey. Over the years, our podcast has grown alongside UT San Antonio, giving us a front-row seat to the university’s powerful transformation, the expansion of its research impact, and the rise of its athletic programs. We’ve watched thousands of students graduate and become proud alumni, and we’ve truly enjoyed every moment of the ride. Tune in to celebrate with us, reflect on the journey, and get ready for the next 100 episodes. Thank you—and don’t forget to leave your comments. Birds Up! Show NotesGiving Day 2026 ResultsMiss Fiesta San AntonioUTSA Cheer Earns ChampionshipDoctor of Physical Therapy Program Climbs RankingsUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsBiride Bash ScrambleAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    1h 17m
  4. S5E13: The City Shaper – Birds Up with UT San Antonio Alum & Brooks CSO Connie Gonzalez

    Apr 3

    S5E13: The City Shaper – Birds Up with UT San Antonio Alum & Brooks CSO Connie Gonzalez

    From storyteller to city shaper, Connie Gonzalez joins the podcast to share her journey from broadcast journalism to Chief Strategy Officer at Brooks, one of San Antonio’s most dynamic mixed-use developments. She discusses how Brooks has transformed from a former Air Force base into a $1B+ economic engine and what that growth means for the future of the city—especially the South Side. Connie offers insight into her intentional, people-first leadership style, the importance of building strong relationships, and how strategic decisions can drive long-term community impact. She also reflects on her experience earning an Executive MBA from UTSA and why continuous learning is critical in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, growth, and what it takes to build something that lasts for generations! Birds Up!  Show NotesBrooksChanclas Y CervezasHarvey Najim $6.5M GiftBold Promise Covers Tuition at Health Science CenterUT San Antonio Dramatic Arts Little Shop of HorrorsUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsFiesta Arts FairUT San Antonio Fiesta MedalsBiride Bash ScrambleAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    1h 10m
  5. S5E12: The Fixer – Birds Up with UT San Antonio Alum & Former CST Brands CFO Clay Killinger

    Mar 13

    S5E12: The Fixer – Birds Up with UT San Antonio Alum & Former CST Brands CFO Clay Killinger

    UT San Antonio alum Clay Killinger’s journey to executive leadership is one of resilience, grit, and unexpected opportunity. After transferring to UT San Antonio and navigating a non-traditional path to graduation, Clay went on to build an impressive career in finance, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CST Brands and holding senior leadership roles at Valero Energy. Known as “The Fixer,” Clay became the leader organizations called when facing complex, high-stakes challenges—from Exxon Valdez oil spill insurance litigation to forensic accounting in major corporate investigations and serving as an auditor during a U.S. presidential campaign. In this episode of Birds Up, Clay reflects on the mentors who helped shape his journey, lessons from decades in public-company leadership, and how disciplined financial stewardship now supports children’s charities across Bexar County through his work with the Najim Foundation. Tune in to hear Clay’s remarkable journey from UT San Antonio classrooms to the corporate boardroom—and the leadership lessons he shares with the next generation of Roadrunners. Birds Up! ----- Harvey Najim FoundationUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsFiesta Arts FairVIA Expands Service Across UT San AntonioUT San Antonio Excellence AwardsThe Rowdys 2026Biride Bash ScrambleAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    1h 10m
  6. S5E11: From Classroom to Cosmos – Birds Up with Dr. Chris Packham on NASA, Japan & the New Era of Teaching

    Feb 20

    S5E11: From Classroom to Cosmos – Birds Up with Dr. Chris Packham on NASA, Japan & the New Era of Teaching

    Fresh off a return from NASA with UT San Antonio students who won a national competition, Dr. Chris Packham joins us for a powerful update on the groundbreaking work happening at the intersection of research, innovation, and student opportunity. From collaborations with Blue Origin to leadership roles connected to the James Webb Space Telescope and the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, Dr. Packham shares how UT San Antonio is contributing to the next generation of space exploration. We also dive into his role as Chair of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association, the global research pipeline he’s helping build for UT San Antonio students — including opportunities in Japan — and his leadership as Chair of the Gemini Observatory Board. Closer to home, he discusses returning to teach Astronomy 101 and what he calls a “new era” of teaching and learning in the classroom. This episode is about more than telescopes and research — it’s about UT San Anotnio students competing and winning on a national stage, global partnerships expanding opportunity, and Roadrunners helping shape humanity’s understanding of the universe. Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow Roadrunner. Birds Up. Show Notes:UT San Antonio AlumniDiploma Dash 5kUTSA AthleticsDr. Chris PackhamUT San Antonio researcher aims to save an endangered crocodile in Southeast AsiaUT San Antonio to launch nation’s first open-access neuromorphic computing hub Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    49 min
  7. S5E10: Built to Win – Birds Up with UTSA Baseball Alum & Star James Taussig & Dan Nerdahl of Alamo Audible | UTSA Baseball Preview

    Jan 30

    S5E10: Built to Win – Birds Up with UTSA Baseball Alum & Star James Taussig & Dan Nerdahl of Alamo Audible | UTSA Baseball Preview

    UTSA Baseball season is officially here—and this episode sets the tone. In our annual UTSA Baseball Preview, Birds Up teams up once again with Alamo Audible for a deep dive into what’s next for one of the hottest programs in college baseball. We’re joined by UTSA Baseball alum, fan favorite, and newly drafted pro James Taussig, who reflects on UTSA’s historic run, the culture that fueled it, and what it truly means to sustain success at the national level. From clubhouse leadership and player development to preparing for the grind of the next level, James offers firsthand insight into the standard being built at UTSA—and why this program is no longer sneaking up on anyone. Alamo Audible’s Dan Nerdahl joins the conversation to break down the upcoming season, roster continuity, and what fans should be watching for as the Roadrunners look to defend expectations and keep momentum rolling. This episode is also packed with special guests, including former UT San Antonio Alumni Association President Jacob Cavasos, who shares the alumni and fan perspective, the growing national profile of UTSA Baseball, and why Roadrunner support matters now more than ever. From the Bird Bath to the big picture, this episode is about legacy, momentum, and what comes next. If you’re ready for baseball season, ready to talk Roadrunner culture, and ready to meet us at the Bird Bath—this one’s for you. Birds Up! Play Ball!  Show Notes: Institute of Texan Cultures Reopens UTSA Athletics UTSA Baseball Diploma Dash 5k UT San Antonio Alumni Alamo Audible Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    1h 16m
  8. S5E9: Saving Lives Through Innovation – Birds Up with UTSA Champion & Trauma Tech Leader David Spencer

    Jan 9

    S5E9: Saving Lives Through Innovation – Birds Up with UTSA Champion & Trauma Tech Leader David Spencer

    This powerful episode features David Spencer, a mission-driven entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist whose career bridges a military upbringing, engineering, and life-saving medical innovation. While David is a graduate of UT Austin, his passion for higher education is deeply connected to UT San Antonio. Together with his wife Jennifer, David has become one of UTSA’s most influential supporters, with a shared vision that the university experience should be vibrant, engaging, and memorable—not just a place students attend, but a community where they thrive. Their support spans UTSA Athletics, student life initiatives, leadership, and mentorship programs like Empowered Connections, which pairs women UTSA student-athletes with mentors to support their growth on and off the field. David also reflects on how his military background and engineering education led him to work with the US Air Force at Kelly Air Force Base, and later to launch his first company after the base closed. He credits the UTSA Small Business Development Center as a key resource in learning how to start and scale a business. After successfully selling his first company, David was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to help guide state funding for startups across Texas—expanding his impact on innovation and economic development statewide. Today, David serves as President and CEO of Prytime Medical Devices, where his team develops trauma-care technology designed to slow internal bleeding and buy critical time for patients in life-or-death situations. Initially developed for military use, this technology is also being utilized for civilian trauma care, saving lives far beyond the battlefield. This episode is a compelling look at purpose-driven leadership, the power of mentorship, and how investing in people, education, and innovation can create lasting impact for UTSA, San Antonio, and communities around the world. Listen now, share with your Birds Up crew, and let us know your favorite takeaway. If this episode inspired you, leave a review and help us spread the Roadrunner spirit. Birds Up! Show Notes: UT San Antonio Alumni UT San Antonio Alumni 2026 Diploma Dash Five UT San Antonio Projects On the Horizon For 2026 UT Health Receives $10 million Grant For Cancer Research Empowered Connections for UTSA Female Student Athletes UTSA Athletics UT San Antonio Alumni Online Store Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    1h 15m
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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

The Birds Up Podcast, by the UT San Antonio Alumni Association, features conversations with alumni and special guests who have unique stories to tell about their time at UTSA, UT Health San Antonio, their unique career paths, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Our alumni nest is full of dedicated, passionate, and loyal Roadrunners eager to share their stories. Ready, Rowdy, and Relevant. Listen Up. Volume Up. Birds Up! Hosted by Andrew Addison & Melissa Adame. Produced Josh Amparan and Lost in Sound Recording Studio. Assistance from Jacob Cavazos, Madison Downing, and Russell Wagner.

Information

  • Creator
    UTSA Alumni Association
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Birds Up Podcast

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