60 episodes

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.

Lion Legacy Penn State Alums Jared Melzer & Ross Weisbrot

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 13 Ratings

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.

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

    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
    Jeff Coppola, Executive - WorldStrides (#59)

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

    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.

    • 38 min
    Larry Seamans, President - FamilyAid (#57)

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

    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
    Ryan Hager, Professional Golfers' Association (#55)

    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

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
13 Ratings

13 Ratings

Marietta beginner ,

Penn State Pride Illuminated

Jared and Ross are skilled interviewers who eloquently extract nuggets of wisdom and wonderful stories from Penn State alum. It’s clear through the guests on this show that we have a lot to be proud of from our university and fellow alumni. So fun to relive the fun memories through the Penn State focused segment. We are!

PSU Andy ,

Great Podcast

Jared and Ross have done a fantastic job with this podcast. As a fellow Penn State alum, I find it fascinating to hear the stories of other alumni. It’s really interesting to discover how Psu prepared others for their careers, and find out how everyone’s experiences are so different. I highly recommend this podcast! We Are...

psu0420 ,

Not just for Penn Staters

I’m an alum and love the talks, but these are not just for Penn Staters. These are great stories for anyone. Well done!

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