Lion Legacy

Penn State Alums Jared Melzer & Ross Weisbrot
  • 4.9 (13)
  • CAREERS

The Lion Legacy podcast uncovers stories of Penn State University alumni and their compelling professional and personal journeys. Founded by 2004 graduates and great friends - Jared Melzer and Ross Weisbrot - the duo interviews guests from wide-ranging career industries and dives into how Penn State has prepared them for growth and success.

  1. 10/30/2023

    Larry Jaffee, Author - "Record Store Day" (#60)

    1986 Penn State graduate Larry Jaffee loves this quote from Albert Einstein: "I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." Larry's curiosity has led to a career in journalism, teaching and his latest endeavor, authoring the book "Record Store Day" that dives into vinyls' comeback. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics that keep Larry curious. (7:33) - Pursuing a career in journalism (8:45) - Writing style (12:28) - Concerns about ChatGPT (13:11) - Advice to aspiring journalists (14:15) - Going into teaching  (16:05) - Sports reporting (19:57) - Bringing the vinyl industry together (29:08) - Writing "Record Store Day" (31:15) - MTV's impact on the music industry (37:15) - Top record collection (39:57) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience Learn more at http://LarryJaffee.com. Special thanks to Penn State student intern Dan Bransfeld. Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com. Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu. Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink. Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com and http://Instagram.com/LionLegacyPodcast.

    46 min

  2. 10/26/2023

    Jeff Coppola, Executive - WorldStrides (#59)

    1982 Penn State graduate Jeff Coppola is all about journeys. From his current company, WorldStrides, that focuses on experiential trips for students, to his own professional journey through numerous industries, to his family's personal journey with autism, this episode has great nuggets on leadership and career insights. (5:25) - Getting to know Worldstrides (13:38) - Role at Worldstrides (18:58) - Putting the focus on the customer (22:45) - Early career lessons (27:33) - Transferable skills across industries  (31:08) - Experiencing challenges (34:22) - Board Member for the Virginia Institute for Autism (39:08) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience Learn more at http://WorldStrides.com. Special thanks to Penn State student intern Dan Bransfeld. Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com. Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu. Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink. Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com and http://Instagram.com/LionLegacyPodcast.

    53 min

  3. 10/17/2023

    Jill O'Brien, FlyNYON (Helicopter Experiences) (#58)

    2013 Penn State graduate Jill O'Brien is flying high as Chief of Staff at FlyNYON, which specializes in creating enduring memories through helicopter experiences. On this episode, Jill shares with us how FlyNYON helps film movies (The Wolf of Wall Street), celebrate wedding proposals and more! Jump right in: (7:01) - Flying in a helicopter (9:46) - Career journey (13:33) - Role as Chief of Staff (17:50) - Commercial side of the business (21:45) - Drones vs. helicopters (25:52) - Passion for photography (28:43) - Photography style (30:17) - Appreciation of photography in the age of smartphones (31:31) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience Learn more at http://FlyNYON.com. Special thanks to Penn State student intern Dan Bransfeld. Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com. Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu. Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink. Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com and http://Instagram.com/LionLegacyPodcast.

    39 min

  4. 09/25/2023

    Larry Seamans, President - FamilyAid (#57)

    1985 Penn State graduate Larry Seamans is leading the fight against family homelessness. As President of FamilyAid, Larry discusses how his organization is providing holistic support to families in need, the policy changes he'd like to see and more! Jump right in: (7:55) - The impact of homelessness (10:12) - Role of FamilyAid (12:18) - Impactful stories (16:04) - Mental and emotional aspect  (17:30) - Talking to donors about FamilyAid (22:05) - Recognition by Charity Navigator (23:02) - Policy changes  (27:42) - Career trajectory  (30:16) - Most challenging aspect of role (32:28) - Advice for students considering a career in not-for-profit (33:41) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience Learn more at http://FamilyAidBoston.org. Special thanks to Katie O'Toole's podcasting class and student Kristin Hoberman. Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com. Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu. Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink. Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com

    43 min

  5. 09/19/2023

    Kate Chan, Social Media Influencer & Agency Founder (#56)

    2021 Penn State graduate Kate Chan knows how to connect with and create a community around Gen Z. In this episode, we learn about Kate's social media agency Ichiyuzu Media, creating an influential instagram account on food (@KatieEatsPhilly) and more! Jump right in: (4:32)- The meaning behind the agency name and type of agency (10:15) - Social media platforms (14:05) - Favorite brand campaigns (17:02) - Impact of social media on the business (20:45) - The creation of Katie Eats Philly on Instagram (25:43) - Creating a personal brand (27:08) - Favorite Philadelphia and State College restaurants (28:41) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience Learn more and follow Kate: http://IchiyuzuMedia.com and http://Instagram.com/KatieEatsPhilly Special thanks to Katie O'Toole's podcasting class and student Xi Chen. Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com. Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu. Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink. Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com

    39 min

  6. 09/07/2023

    Ryan Hager, Professional Golfers' Association (#55)

    2016 Penn State graduate Ryan Hager has made a profession of helping people improve their golf game. As Director of Instruction at Plainfield Country Club and a social media influencer (78k followers on Instagram), Ryan shares his experiences with the PGA Golf Management program at Penn State, his dream golf foursome and more! Jump right in: (6:36)- The early years of developing a passion for golf (13:06) - Certification process to become a PGA instructor (17:54) - Teaching style (22:24) - The mental aspect of the game (25:26) - Virtual coaching (28:28) - Coaching highlights (30:02) - Creating a personal brand on social media (32:58) - Advice on how to improve the game (38:14) - State of the industry (45:48) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience Learn more and follow Ryan: http://RyanHagerPGA.com and http://Instagram.com/RyanHager_PGA Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com. Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu. Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink. Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com

    59 min

  7. 08/23/2023

    Geoff Martha, Chairman and CEO - Medtronic (#54)

    1992 Penn State graduate Geoff Martha is Chairman and CEO of Medtronic, the global leader in healthcare technology. In this episode, Geoff gives us a special look into the role of a CEO, the importance of leadership, and his experiences taking the helm of a healthcare company during the start of the pandemic. Jump right in: (2:50)- Medtronic’s business (5:50) - Major trends in the healthcare industry (10:33) - Becoming CEO during the pandemic (18:24) - Experiences that led to becoming CEO (21:09) - Leadership characteristics (23:38) - Short term expectations vs. long term vision (27:54) - Time management  (30:41) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com. Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu. Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink. Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com Special thanks to http://StudioPodSF.com for their support.

    48 min

  8. 08/16/2023

    Ian Katz, Licensed Real Estate Broker (#53)

    2004 Penn State graduate Ian Katz is helping people buy and sell homes in one of the most popular and competitive markets - New York City. As a Licensed Real Estate Broker at Compass, Ian provides great perspective on successful brokers, the current mortgage rate environment and the vacant office building situation. Regardless if you live in NYC or not, you'll be sure to learn a lot and come away with a new appreciation for the industry. Jump right in: (3:59) - Starting his career on Wall Street (5:51) - Transitioning to real estate (17:05) - Joining Compass (19:42) - Day in the life (22:12) - Setting prices (26:56) - Securing new clients (28:43) - Advice for being a successful real estate agent (32:27) - Prideful moments (36:50) - Dealing with the current mortgage rate environment  (42:37) - Converting office space to apartments  (46:22) - Advice to sellers and buyers  (48:59) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com. Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu. Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink. Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com Special thanks to http://StudioPodSF.com for their support.

    59 min
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4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

The Lion Legacy podcast uncovers stories of Penn State University alumni and their compelling professional and personal journeys. Founded by 2004 graduates and great friends - Jared Melzer and Ross Weisbrot - the duo interviews guests from wide-ranging career industries and dives into how Penn State has prepared them for growth and success.

Information

  • Creator
    Penn State Alums Jared Melzer & Ross Weisbrot
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2023
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 Penn State Alums Jared Melzer & Ross Weisbrot
  • Show Website
    Lion Legacy