You Go First with Lain Hensley Lain Hensley

Growing up in a family defined by addiction and dysfunction, Jeremy Bates knows firsthand the importance of developing resiliency, cultivating dreams, and never losing hope. Through his one-of-a-kind presentation, Jeremy is able to lace authenticity and vulnerability in his stories, while providing audiences the "tools" that gave him hope. His compelling life story is shared through live, interactive music, and takes audiences on a journey while challenging them to make healthy choices -- including not drinking underage or driving drunk -- that reflect the greatness they deserve.

As a keynote speaker and team building expert, Todd is no stranger to helping people face challenges and have hard conversations.  Diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2015, the typical tremors people get when stepping in front of an audience took on a whole new meaning for him and were unrelenting for almost 10 years. In this episode, Todd opens up about brain surgery and the impact his diagnoses had on him, his family and the work he loves.  With a controller implanted in his chest and electrodes in his brain, Todd is now the Poster Child for Deep Brain Stimulation and will share his journey from shaking to steady.  Sure to inspire and educate anyone facing Parkinson’s or any adversity.   

We are pleased to introduce you to the 13th president of California State University of Chico.  We sat down with President Steve Perez and talked about Leadership, Family, Post Covid Education, A.I., and the Future of Chico State.  Enjoy a personal conversation and gain insights into his leadership style and the future of Higher Education and Chico State.

Gayle Hutchinson is California State University of Chico's first female president in the college's 135-year history.

Pushed into the deep end at the start of her presidency, she hit the ground running to lead the university through the Oroville Dam Crisis, the Camp Fire Disaster, and COVID-19.

Hutchinson's achievements as president include overseeing the completion of a new arts and science building, securing more than $106 million in state funding, and rebuilding many key relationships between the university and surrounding community.

Hutchinson is retiring after almost three decades in the Cal State University system, the last seven years as president of CSU Chico.

This interview is personal. As proud alums, Chico State is near and dear to our host Lain Hensley, Bill John, Todd Demorest, Ross Field, Jonas Herzog, Carol Jones and most members of the Odyssey family.

Hutchinson's experience in higher education runs deep, and her leadership insights are powerful and inspirational. She has overcome many personal and professional obstacles and shares her keys to success and her plans for the future.

Mari Ruddy is a true survivor and thriver.  She survived childhood sexual abuse, forty years as a type one diabetic, breast cancer twice and at her lowest lows two suicide attempts.  She has rebounded to complete a marathon, century bike rides and triathlons.  The endurance lifestyle is not just a sport for Mari Ruddy. She pushes herself in all areas.  She is soon-to-be a published author, is training for another marathon, dynamic motivational speaker, and is beating the odds despite being dealt many tough hands.   Mari describes the details of her transformation in her upcoming book, Extreme Healing: Finding Your Inner Endurance Athlete. Her goal in her book and this podcast is to help anyone facing long-term illness or mental struggles discover their inner healer.

Grazina Herzog has gone first to pioneer in so many ways - as a mother, grandmother and educator. She grew up in Lithuania and immigrated to the United States when she was 8-years-old during the beginning of World War II. She fled with her family to escape the Russian and German Army. As Grazina settled in the U.S., she pursued a career as a teacher ultimately teaching Spanish, Russian, and French for more than fifty years. Grazina is the mother of our General Manager Jonas Herzog.