Birds Up Podcast

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

The Alumni Association's Birds Up Podcast showcases the voices, stories, and experiences that shape the UT San Antonio Community. Recorded in San Antonio, each episode features conversations with alumni and special guests who share their journeys on one of our campuses, the paths their careers have taken, and the lessons they have learned along the way. From inspiring milestones to unexpected turns, these stories highlight the passion, resilience, and impact of alumni everywhere. 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. 1d ago

    S6E6: From Lab Coats to Resale Racks – Birds Up with Uptown Cheapskate Owner and Alumnus Robert Buenrostro

    What do a biology degree, a career in teaching, and a booming resale fashion business have in common? For UT San Antonio alum Robert Buenrostro ('08), they're all part of an unexpected journey into entrepreneurship! On this episode of Birds Up, Robert shares how his Roadrunner journey began when his older sister picked him up from his job at Burger King and drove him to UTSA to enroll. After earning his biology degree, he spent years teaching science before an unexpected opportunity led him and his wife, fellow Roadrunner Erica, into business ownership with an Uptown Cheapskate franchise. From long hours balancing family and careers to navigating staffing challenges and changing fashion trends, they learned firsthand what it takes to transform an underperforming store into a thriving business. Robert shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the growing popularity of secondhand fashion, and how their business supports the community through affordable shopping, sustainability, and local employment. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the resale industry, including some unexpected customer experiences. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a bargain hunter, or a proud Roadrunner, Robert's story is a reminder that success doesn't always follow a straight path. Sometimes the greatest opportunities come from taking a chance and embracing the unexpected. Tune in, subscribe to Birds Up, and share this episode with a fellow Roadrunner. Birds Up! Show Notes:Uptown Cheapskate HuebnerUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio MembershipUTSA FootballDiploma Dash 2027 Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    S6E6: From Lab Coats to Resale Racks – Birds Up with Uptown Cheapskate Owner and Alumnus Robert Buenrostro

  2. Oct 14

    S6E5: Genes, Grit and Giving Back – Birds Up with Breast Oncologist and Distinguished Alumna Dr. Jessica Treviño Jones

    In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jessica Treviño Jones joins Birds Up to share a journey that began on San Antonio’s South Side and ultimately brought her home to help change how patients understand and address their risk for cancer. A breast medical oncologist at the Mays Cancer Center, founder and director of the Cancer Risk Reduction and Education (CaRE) Clinic, and 2026 UT San Antonio Alumni Gala honoree, Dr. Jones reflects on the teachers, family and mentors who helped shape her path from a first-generation college student to a physician serving the community that raised her. We also go beyond her story to talk about what everyone should know about their own cancer risk—from family history and genetic testing to breast density, prevention and the concerning rise in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women. Dr. Jones also discusses some of the barriers facing Hispanic women and underserved communities across South Texas and why greater awareness and access to early detection matter. It’s a conversation about science, mentorship, family and coming home to make a difference—with an important reminder that understanding your own health history can be one of the first steps toward changing your future. Show Notes:Cancer Risk Reduction and Education (CaRE) Clinic UT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio MembershipUTSA Football Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    S6E5: Genes, Grit and Giving Back – Birds Up with Breast Oncologist and Distinguished Alumna Dr. Jessica Treviño Jones

  3. Sep 23

    S6E4: Barbacoa, Big Red and Big Ideas – Birds Up with H‑E‑B Global Sourcing Leader and Entrepreneur Tony Villarreal

    From sourcing products around the world for H-E-B to helping build one of San Antonio’s most recognizable cultural celebrations, Tony Villarreal’s journey has been shaped by entrepreneurship, creativity and a willingness to pursue the things he’s passionate about. In this episode of Birds Up, Tony shares his journey from Monterrey to San Antonio and his time at UTSA, including rushing TKE and discovering a passion for music that led him to become a club and radio DJ and eventually start his own business. He also discusses how his career took him to H-E-B, where his work in global sourcing gave him the opportunity to find products and ideas from around the world and bring them to Texas consumers. Tony also takes us behind the scenes of the Barbacoa & Big Red Festival and the idea that grew into a celebration of two things deeply connected to San Antonio culture. He shares the entrepreneurial story behind the festival and how food, music and community have helped turn it into a San Antonio tradition. Show Notes: Barbacoa Big Red FestivalLand N TexasUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio MembershipUTSA Football Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    S6E4: Barbacoa, Big Red and Big Ideas – Birds Up with H‑E‑B Global Sourcing Leader and Entrepreneur Tony Villarreal

  4. Sep 2

    S6E3: Beyond the Balance Sheet – Birds Up with UT San Antonio Alum Randy Daniels

    Randy Daniels likes to say that UT San Antonio chose him, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made. From meeting his future wife on campus to earning his degree in finance and beginning his career through an internship, his Roadrunner experience helped shape the leader, entrepreneur and community advocate he is today. In this episode, Randy shares his journey from commercial banking and Merrill Lynch to cofounding JDK Wealth Advisors. He talks about building a business centered on trust, creating opportunities for the next generation and giving back through the JDK Give Back volunteer program. We also discuss his service with the UT San Antonio Alumni Association, the importance of internships and how family, faith and a little moonwalking keep life interesting. Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation about taking chances, building meaningful relationships and staying invested in the community that helped you get started! Show Notes:UT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio MembershipUTSA Football     Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    S6E3: Beyond the Balance Sheet – Birds Up with UT San Antonio Alum Randy Daniels

  5. Aug 12

    S6E2: Ready for Kickoff – The 2026 UTSA Football Preview with Alamo Audible

    The Alamo Audible crew joins the Birds Up Podcast to break down everything Roadrunner fans need to know heading into the 2026 UTSA Football season. We’ll discuss key returning players, new additions, position battles, must-watch matchups and the biggest questions facing the team. Can UTSA contend for an American Conference championship and return to the postseason? Tune in for expert insight, bold predictions and plenty of Roadrunner football talk as we get ready for kickoff. Birds Up! Show Notes:UT San Antonio Alumni/UT San Antonio MembershipUTSA FootballAlamo Audible     Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    S6E2: Ready for Kickoff – The 2026 UTSA Football Preview with Alamo Audible

  6. Jul 22

    S6E1: The Business of Saving Lives – Birds Up with Alumna & UT Health San Antonio's Dr. Holly Keyt

    Leadership isn't confined to the boardroom—and healing doesn't happen by chance. This week, we're joined by Executive MBA alumna Dr. Holly Keyt, Medical Director of the Lung Transplant Program at UT Health San Antonio, to explore how business leadership and medicine come together to transform lives. From leading one of the country's most respected lung transplant programs to expanding access to specialized care across Texas, Dr. Keyt shares the lessons she's learned about service, strategy, resilience, and hope. Whether you're a healthcare professional, aspiring leader, or proud Roadrunner, this conversation will leave you inspired. Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we celebrate another incredible UT San Antonio alumna making an impact. Birds Up! Show Notes:UT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni GalaUT Health San Antonio - Pulmonology Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    S6E1: The Business of Saving Lives – Birds Up with Alumna & UT Health San Antonio's Dr. Holly Keyt

  7. Jun 26

    S5E103: Looking Back, Flying Forward – The Season 5 Recap

    Season 5 is officially in the books, and what a journey it's been! Join Andrew, Melissa and Josh as they reflect on an incredible season of the Birds Up Podcast, revisiting some of their favorite interviews, memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories and the conversations that made this season so special. From distinguished alumni and industry leaders to coaches, entrepreneurs and changemakers, every guest brought a unique perspective that continues to showcase the impact of the UTSA community. Most importantly, this episode is a thank you to our guests for sharing their stories and to our listeners for tuning in, supporting the podcast and being part of the Birds Up family. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or just discovered the show this season, we appreciate you coming along for the ride. Tune in for one last look back at Season 5, and get ready for what's ahead in Season 6. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and share the podcast with your fellow Roadrunners. The conversation doesn't stop here—Birds Up! ----------------------------------------------------- Show Notes:  UT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni Gala           Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

    S5E103: Looking Back, Flying Forward – The Season 5 Recap

  8. 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!

    S5E102: Welcome to the Birdcage – Birds Up with UTSA Soccer Coach Derek Pittman
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5
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

The Alumni Association's Birds Up Podcast showcases the voices, stories, and experiences that shape the UT San Antonio Community. Recorded in San Antonio, each episode features conversations with alumni and special guests who share their journeys on one of our campuses, the paths their careers have taken, and the lessons they have learned along the way. From inspiring milestones to unexpected turns, these stories highlight the passion, resilience, and impact of alumni everywhere. 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
    110
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Birds Up Podcast

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