Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University
On Fraternity Foodie, we will have some of the tough conversations in Fraternity and Sorority Life with the leading speakers and experts in the industry. We'll discuss topics such as hazing prevention, sexual assault prevention, alcohol and drug abuse prevention, mental health, recruitment, and any issue involving college or university students to help make our campuses safer and stronger.
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Nathan Cook: Why Poetry Can Be More Effective
03/20/2026
Nathan Cook: Why Poetry Can Be More Effective
Nathan Cook is a captivating speaker, poet, and mental health advocate who transforms audiences with his powerful storytelling and spoken word. Drawing from his journey of overcoming adversity, Nathan inspires individuals to embrace self-leadership, make intentional choices, and take ownership of their narratives. Known for his unique combination of poetic expression and practical strategies, Nathan empowers professionals to thrive in their personal and professional lives while fostering emotional resilience and authenticity. In episode 659 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out when Nathan realized he needed to change, how his experience in the US Navy shaped his view of leadership, pressure, and emotional control, what are college men telling themselves that might be holding them back, how students can create their legacy now, what is the danger of suppressing emotion in college, why anger is a destination that gives away your power, what self-leadership looks like for a college student, why poetry can be more effective than a lecture, and how students can reframe failure. Enjoy!
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Ariel Vox: Understanding Personality Types Will Help Your Chapter
03/19/2026
Ariel Vox: Understanding Personality Types Will Help Your Chapter
Ariel Vox is a dynamic speaker and a Destiny Designer. She combines her rich background in various fields to offer a unique perspective on overcoming fear and turning failure into success. Her diverse experiences led her to start her own business, which she sold for a 7-figure sum after just 2 years. Ariel loves to speak at events, where she inspires others to STOP doubting their dreams and START doubting their limitations. She captivates audiences with her stories and practical advice. In episode 658 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what does “LUCK” actually mean in her framework, what lessons from entrepreneurship shaped the ideas behind her book, what are the four distinct personality patterns, how her approach is different from MBTI, DISC, or Enneagram, what are the common mistakes people make when trying to read someone’s personality in the first five minutes of meeting them, how understanding personality types can help chapters improve brotherhood, sisterhood, and communication, what personality combinations tend to work well together in leadership roles within student organizations, how understanding personality can be game-changing in a job interview, and how students can overcome procrastination, stress, and uncertainty about the future. Enjoy!
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Dr. Evelyn Kelly & Natalie Kelly: Budget Trips For College Students
03/18/2026
Dr. Evelyn Kelly & Natalie Kelly: Budget Trips For College Students
Evelyn Kelly, PhD, based in Ocala, Florida, is an accomplished writer, speaker, and educator with a deep passion for exploration and learning. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Florida, a master’s degree, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee, where her studies spanned microbiology, English, and history. With 22 published books to her name—including works on stem cells and a comprehensive two-volume encyclopedia of genetics—Evelyn has taught at four universities. Natalie Kelly, MS, resides in Tallahassee, Florida, where she serves as the Chief Executive Officer of a state organization and is a seasoned writer and public speaker. She earned both her M.S. in Communications and B.S. in Visual Arts and Communications from The Florida State University. Over her 35-year career, Natalie has held prominent leadership roles, including being the youngest female staff director in the Florida Senate and a director in Washington, DC. She has also run her own public relations and lobbying firm. In episode 657 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how a mother-daughter duo ended up traveling the world together, what keeps Evelyn motivated and adventurous at age 91, how college students can realistically plan an unforgettable trip on a tight budget, why national parks are such powerful travel experiences, what makes them special for Gen Z travelers, how travel helps students reset mentally and emotionally, what is their best tips for car-camping or road trips to keep costs low, what makes America so unique to explore, what advice they would give students about traveling with parents, grandparents, or siblings, and what should be your first step in planning an adventure. Enjoy!
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Matthew Fornaro: What College Students Should Do Before Signing a Contract
03/17/2026
Matthew Fornaro: What College Students Should Do Before Signing a Contract
Matthew Fornaro is a business law attorney with over two decades of service in South Florida who brings valuable, engaging conversation to audiences. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners through both the practical and strategic aspects of building successful businesses, from entity formation and contract drafting to handling complex disputes and mentoring new professionals stepping into the world of business. As a proud graduate and instructor for entrepreneurship programs and someone who has offered pro bono work to veterans, he relates deeply to the sense of purpose and community that our listeners embrace. His background as a law firm founder and his recognition with Marquis Who’s Who in Forbes Magazine reflect a dedication to making the often intimidating world of business law approachable and relevant for people at any stage of purposes like Greek life, professional growth, and networking. In episode 656 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Matthew chose FAU, what inspired him to be an attorney, what legal steps should someone should take before launching their first venture, what are the biggest legal mistakes he sees young entrepreneurs make, what are the most common types of business disputes, what college students should do before signing a contract, what skills college students should develop now if they want to become successful entrepreneurs, what role mentorship played in his career, a legal lesson every college graduate understood before entering the professional world, and the most unexpected cases he has worked on. Enjoy!
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Tammie Osborne: What You Didn't Know About Starting a Business
03/16/2026
Tammie Osborne: What You Didn't Know About Starting a Business
Before COVID-19 hit the US in 2020, Tammie Osborne spent over a dozen years as an in-demand nationwide healthcare technology executive and consultant, on the road nearly every week. Tammie knew she needed to uncover a new ‘normal’, one she hoped to find in a coworking space. She soon learned, however, that her corner of Middle Tennessee didn’t offer what she envisioned. So, in true entrepreneur fashion, she discovered a new passion: to create that which she was seeking and build a place where busy women could be productive without distraction, continue to grow professionally, socialize, and even exhale. The Sapphire Suite in Franklin, TN is fashioned as a destination—a thoughtful, welcoming place where women can crush their task lists and conquer new frontiers in a dynamic, nurturing environment of like-minded women. In this place, female strengths, intuition, and potential are organically recognized and nurtured; and women will always be made to feel both supported and inspired. In episode 655 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what drew Tammie into healthcare, what was the moment she know that she needed to build something new, how you know when it's time to pivot, why designing a co-working space was so important in Middle Tennessee, how we can design spaces where people feel safe, supported, and inspired, how organizations can balance productivity and social culture, how college students can seek out mentors without feeling intimidated, what nobody told her about starting a business, and why you shouldn't feel pressure to have your whole career mapped out. Enjoy!
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Lindsay Barnett: The Impact of Kindness in the Body
03/15/2026
Lindsay Barnett: The Impact of Kindness in the Body
On top of Lindsay Barnett’s extensive training as a certified Integral Coach, she has spent more than two decades leading and transforming organizations at every stage of growth—from startups to global enterprises like Mattel. She has worked through hypergrowth, integrations, and organizational redesigns, always drawn to the moments when people and systems are in motion and transformation is possible. Lindsay’s own career has been a story of reinvention. She has pivoted across roles, industries, and continents — pursuing flexibility and purpose as her life and values evolved. Lindsay has lived and worked abroad, immersed in different cultures, and learned firsthand how perspective expands when you step outside what’s familiar. Those experiences taught her that transformation isn’t just organizational — it’s deeply personal. In episode 654 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what Lindsay is seeing right now in terms of stress, isolation, and division, what happens in the body when we show kindness or even see kindness, why college students underestimate kindness as a stress-reduction strategy, how chronic stress change how we treat each other, what is the connection between burnout and unkindness, how does everyday kindness reduce the likelihood of harmful behaviors, what does “self-kindness” look like for high-achieving students, how we can reframe students from being afraid that kindness equals weakness, how kindness habits formed in college can impact someone’s career long term, and how kindness — toward yourself or others — play a role in your recovery. Enjoy!
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Brian Dixon: Why Most Men Drift After College and How To Avoid It
03/14/2026
Brian Dixon: Why Most Men Drift After College and How To Avoid It
Brian Dixon — most folks call him Dixon — is a Colorado-based Adventurer, Author, and Speaker, and a recovering midlife man-zombie. For twenty years, he lived misaligned — playing the superhero for everyone but himself. In 2014, a life-threatening mountain bike crash ended years of quiet drift. Alignment took longer — until he made a decision most men his age would never consider. At fifty, he chased down a dream from his youth. He found a mentor, committed to years of training, and flew a paraglider solo off Colorado's Lookout Mountain. It might sound like a midlife cliché. It wasn't—it was clarifying. That flight reset his True North. Everything he teaches fits into a simple mantra: Wake up. Realign. Move forward. Today, he helps men break free from misalignment — so they can Wake Up. Realign. Move Forward. In episode 653 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how a driven, high-functioning guy ends up asleep at the wheel, what happened with his pulmonary embolism after the mountain bike crash, why he launched a paraglider solo off Lookout Mountain, why men drift after college and how to avoid it, what does misalignment look like in your twenties, how you lead others without losing yourself, what does “True North” actually mean for a 21-year-old, how to distinguish between destructive risk and growth-producing risk, what is the moment men give up but never talk about, and what daily habits keep a man awake instead of drifting. Enjoy!
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Dr. William Lanting: Fears College Students Should Let Go Of
03/12/2026
Dr. William Lanting: Fears College Students Should Let Go Of
https://www.youtube.com/@GreekUniversity?sub_confirmation=1 Dr. William Lanting has traveled to 6 continents, 84 countries, and all 50 states, covering more than 1.5 million miles. He practiced medicine for 42 years and has also been an attorney, national baseball card dealer, and national lecturer. Through his extraordinary experiences, he shares insights that have reshaped his life and can change yours. In episode 652 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out which one of the 23 near-death experiences changed Bill the most, what goes through your mind when you’re staring at what feels like the end, how fear quietly limit college students today, how students cab take bold risks without being irresponsible, how students can create a life of purpose now instead of waiting until after graduation, how Bill wants people to remember him, what travel has taught him about perspective, how working in medicine shapes how he approaches risk, what does wise risk-taking look like in your 20s, and one fear students should let go of. Enjoy!
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Taj Simrit: Repairing Relationships in College
03/11/2026
Taj Simrit: Repairing Relationships in College
Taj Simrit is a modern Renaissance man whose journey has been defined by seeking wisdom through experience and transforming hardship into humility. Guided by the belief that true healing begins within, his work reflects themes of self-discovery, peace, and forgiveness. His debut book, Behold My Soul, shares timeless lessons on healing and transformation that resonate across cultures and generations. Beyond the page, Taj is a globetrotter, a travel writer, a public speaker, a retreat facilitator, and a consultant, known for creating transformative experiences that encourage inner growth and meaningful human connection. In episode 651 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how Taj's early life was purposeless and compassionless, whether his 8 years of traveling solo was running away, searching, or something else entirely, what was his “rock bottom” moment, what are some of the biggest ego traps young adults fall into, how students can they lead without being driven by ego, how college students can repair relationships, what happens psychologically and physically when someone carries resentment for years, how students can begin exploring spirituality without feeling like they have to abandon their existing beliefs, why so many men struggle to admit they’re hurting, and what college students should do if they don't know their purpose. Enjoy!
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Steve Kelly: The Power of Kindness in College
03/10/2026
Steve Kelly: The Power of Kindness in College
Stephen Kelly is a speaker and author. He is a filmmaker and former high school teacher of public speaking, theater arts and religion. He also coached wrestling, basketball and baseball. Steve recently wrote his first children’s book called “Butterflied”. In episode 650 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what made kindness his message, what patterns he saw in young people when it came to self-esteem and how they treated one another, how kindness is more powerful than a tornado on a college campus, what was the moment in his own life where kindness completely changed his direction, what actually happens in the brain when we perform an act of kindness, what he would say to fraternity men who believe toughness is more important than compassion, can kindness actually improve academic performance and confidence, what is happening psychologically in those moments of hazing or exclusion in college, what are some practical ways fraternity and sorority members can make someone’s day on campus, and what does self-kindness look like for a stressed-out college student. Enjoy!
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Tom Hicks: Difficulty With Failure While in College
03/09/2026
Tom Hicks: Difficulty With Failure While in College
Tom Hicks is the founder and CJO (Chief Juggling Officer) of Throw & Catch Consulting based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He provides practical and fun leadership development experiences that blend storytelling, reflection, and active learning to create deeper connections while playing with a purpose for individuals, teams, and organizations. Tom has worked at all levels in higher education for the past 20+ years and has adapted several of his most popular campus-based workshops for organizations of all types. When he’s not on campus or conducting workshops, Tom enjoys cycling and traveling with his wife Megan and cheering on their daughter Emily in all of her activities. In episode 649 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Tom chose Hiram College for his undergraduate experience, how he developed his signature juggling keynote program, how the keynote helps people rethink how they approach challenges in life, how his 20 years in higher education influences his approach to speaking and coaching, why students struggle with failure today, what leadership challenges he sees most often in Greek life, how chapters can use the 4 p's (Patience, Persistence, Purposeful Practice, and Purpose) in recruitment, academics, or chapter management, why trust and collaboration are so difficult to build but easy to lose, what students tell him about college life in his role as Student Support Coordinator, and how he developed the mantra “Be Competent, Curious, & Kind.” Enjoy!
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Danny Karon: Legal Issues for Fraternity and Sorority members
03/08/2026
Danny Karon: Legal Issues for Fraternity and Sorority members
For almost 30 years, Danny Karon, a member of Sigma Alpha Mu who went to Indiana University, has successfully represented plaintiffs and defendants in class-action and individual lawsuits. He chairs the American Bar Association National Institute on Class Actions. It’s the nation’s largest and most prominent non-partisan class-action program for lawyers, judges, and professors. Danny is also passionate about educating our next generation of lawyers. That’s why he teaches class-action litigation at the University of Michigan Law School and The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and taught complex litigation at Columbia Law School. Danny writes a column on civil justice for Law360, a hugely popular legal daily, and has published articles in countless other publications. His website called YourLovableLawyer.com offers actionable insight on common legal problems and describes pitfalls in a way that everyone can—indeed, needs to—understand. Because in law, as in life, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In episode 648 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what first inspired him to pursue law, what surprised him most when he started teaching future lawyers, what he would do differently as a college student today, what are the most common legal mistakes he sees college students or recent graduates make, what are three basic legal habits every college student should develop, what should someone do if they’re being harassed or defamed online, what legal risks come with parties, events, and social hosting, how students can protect themselves when signing leases, contracts, or internships, what legal issues student leaders in fraternities and sororities be aware of, and what inspired him to write "Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness". Enjoy!
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Dr. Tina Tran: Careers in Medicine for College Students
03/07/2026
Dr. Tina Tran: Careers in Medicine for College Students
Dr. Tina Tran brings more than 20 years of experience in veterinary practice, education and leadership. Her career includes work in small animal private practice, shelter medicine and academic leadership roles at Portland Community College, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine, where she served as founding faculty and clinical relations lead veterinarian. Most recently, Tina is founding dean of the proposed veterinary school at Hanover College in Indiana. Tina is widely recognized for her contributions to veterinary education and her commitment to creating learning environments where all students feel supported and empowered to succeed. Outside of work, Tina likes cooking, traveling, and taking care of her many houseplants. In episode 647 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why she chose UC Davis for her undergraduate experience, what made her want to join Kappa Alpha Theta, how the sorority helped to prepare her for the realities of veterinary school and leadership roles, why you don't have to “choose” between Greek life and a demanding career like medicine, the pressure she felt growing up as a first-generation Filipino-American student, what role mentors played in her journey, how student organizations—especially fraternities and sororities—can be better allies for diversity and inclusion, how she protects her mental health, what animals taught her about leadership and empathy, how working in animal welfare shaped her worldview, and what should students be doing now if they want careers in medicine. Enjoy!
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Jonathan Salmen: Accountability in Student Organizations
03/06/2026
Jonathan Salmen: Accountability in Student Organizations
Our next guest is Jonathan Salmen, a brother of Sigma Phi Epsilon from the University of Louisville who also served as Regional Director for his National Fraternity where he oversaw chapter operations for 17 chapters. He’s worked for Dell Technologies and is now at Northwestern Mutual, but he also does coaching to improve life and career outcomes for young men. On episode 646 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why he chose the University of Louisville, why he decided to join Sigma Phi Epsilon, how his personal experiences shaped a mission of more health, wealth, and happiness, what are the leadership lessons he learned as Regional Director for Sigma Phi Epsilon, how college students can balance academics, leadership, and social life, how to reduce stress for busy chapter leaders, how negative thought patterns limit student success, what conversations about money should students be having before graduation, why community service so important for personal growth, and how to get accountability in student organizations. Enjoy!
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Kevin Kocian: Tools to avoid burnout in fraternity and sorority chapters
02/25/2026
Kevin Kocian: Tools to avoid burnout in fraternity and sorority chapters
Kevin Kocian is a lead cloud engineer and the creator of CliqWave, a great communication tool for Fraternity and Sorority chapters. He’s a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington with a degree in Computer Software Engineering. In episode 645 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what pulled him into building technology specifically for fraternities and sororities, what frustrations did he see officers dealing with, why do we still have missed events and burned-out officers, how can we default to proactive help, why it was important to connect calendar, goals, chat, and live location in one workflow, how we get the right nudge without overwhelming members, how do you balance accountability with privacy so members don’t feel micromanaged, how features like progress rings, points, and celebration bursts change engagement compared to traditional attendance tracking, what surprised him most when chapters started using CliqWave in real life versus how he expected them to use it, and how CliqWave helped an officer avoid burnout or helped a chapter get back on track. Enjoy!
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Black History Month Celebration with Greek University
02/23/2026
Black History Month Celebration with Greek University
Check out the Black History Month Celebration for 2026 with the Greek University team! Featured speakers are Professor Tish Norman, Eddie Francis, Edson O'Neale, and Trevon Bryant. More details on their programs for your students on our website: www.greekuniversity.org
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Lindsey Jonin: Avoiding Anxiety and Burnout
02/15/2026
Lindsey Jonin: Avoiding Anxiety and Burnout
Lindsey Jonin is a licensed counselor, licensed and board-certified art therapist, speaker, trainer, and artist. She is the founder of two businesses. The first, Lily Counseling and Art Therapy, supports individuals in NJ and FL, navigating anxiety, life transitions, stress, and emotional overwhelm through talk therapy, art therapy, and somatic practices. She also provides continuing education trainings for mental health professionals. Her second business, Abstract and Aligned, offers presentations and experiential workshops for businesses and organizations, helping teams and leaders strengthen emotional intelligence and lead with greater clarity, creativity, and connection so they can truly thrive. Lindsey also facilitates creative workshops within communities, collaborating with organizations to foster visual expression and connection. There are virtual art workshops offered to any adults anywhere, too! She is a passionate advocate for the arts and believes that creativity is not a talent reserved for a few, but a capacity that lives in everyone. Lindsey views engaging in creativity as a way to reconnect with ourselves, support stress regulation, and help people approach challenges with flexibility and problem-solving, while deepening self-awareness and human connection. In episode 644 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Lindsey chose Caldwell University, what first drew her into art therapy and counseling, how her work experience in clinical supervision and entrepreneurship shaped her perspective on student mental health, how anxiety, burnout, and perfectionism show up in high-achieving student leaders, why so many students struggle to ask for help, how art therapy works and why it's so effective, how creative expression sometimes reaches people when traditional talk therapy can’t, what are the sustainable systems that prevent burnout, what inspired her to build a clinical practice and a creative platform, and what the "Quiet to Bold" journey looks like. Enjoy!
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Anna Resende: Redefining Success in College Beyond Grades and Titles
02/14/2026
Anna Resende: Redefining Success in College Beyond Grades and Titles
Anna Resende is founder of Mamma Terra Health Coaching LLC. She is an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach certified by The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. With a background in chemical engineering and a successful 25-year tenure in the manufacturing industry, she has honed her expertise in continuous improvement. Throughout her career, she has worked in various plants across Brazil and the United States, but it was her commitment to enhancing people’s health and well-being that truly struck a chord within her. Now, as a health coach, Anna can channel her passion for nutrition and a wholesome lifestyle to empower people on their journey toward becoming the best, healthiest versions of themselves. In episode 643 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what Anna wishes colleges understood better about those early warning signs in students, why the “Freshman 15” phrase sticks around, how students can create cultures where checking in on one another feels normal, what wellness skills she would train every fraternity and sorority executive board on, why progress over perfection is important, how students can approach alcohol, technology, and boundaries in a way that supports—not sabotages—their mental health, advice for professionals who want to support student wellness without crossing boundaries, where her book called "Living Your Best Life in College" would fit best on a college campus, what is one small step students could take this week to move toward feeling better, and what does “thriving” in college actually mean. Enjoy!
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Dr. Sharon Elefant: College Students Partnering with Community Organizations
02/13/2026
Dr. Sharon Elefant: College Students Partnering with Community Organizations
Dr. Sharon Elefant, Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug, consults with various individuals to form and incorporate 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organizations. Dr. Elefant specializes in supporting nonprofits to develop their organizational and administrative infrastructure, strategic vision, implementation plans, fund and growth development, and relationship cultivation. Additionally, she is adjunct faculty for Central Michigan University, Florida International University, and Pacific Oaks College specializing in health care business curriculum, supporting academic excellence in student advising, mentoring and internship programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Living by the concept of Tikkun Olam, to repair the world, Dr. Sharon Elefant is an inclusive social justice advocate, educator, and nonprofit leader with a proven track record of building, growing, and enhancing organizational and fund development efforts on both a national and global level. Her innovative approaches and excellent communication skills have allowed her to successfully align community programs with specific community needs through various program partnerships and collaborations. In episode 642 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what real belonging look like in a student organization, where she sees strong alignment with nonprofit values and fraternity/sorority values, how Tikkun Olam shows up when she advises organizations, what cultural warning signs suggests that an organization may unintentionally be excluding certain voices, what's usually happening when organizations resist policies or oversight, how student leaders shift from a “one-year term mindset” to a legacy mindset, what values-aligned leadership looks like when tough decisions need to be made, how chapters can partner more intentionally with nonprofits or community organizations, which misconceptions about social justice or inclusion work she wants to challenge for fraternity and sorority leaders, and what gives her hope about the future of campus communities. Enjoy!
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Dr. Kasi Lacey: Increasing Psychological Safety in Fraternity and Sorority Life
02/12/2026
Dr. Kasi Lacey: Increasing Psychological Safety in Fraternity and Sorority Life
As a former C-suite executive, Dr. Kasi Lacey know what it’s like to be the only woman at the table. She has built departments, led strategic plans, secured millions in grants, and managed crisis after crisis—all while battling imposter syndrome behind closed doors. She felt the pressure to prove herself. To be polished. To not take up too much space. Today, she speaks and coaches so that other women don’t have to carry that same pressure alone. Her keynote talks, workshops, and coaching programs are designed to help high-achieving students lead with clarity, confidence, and courage. She combines the science of psychology with real-world leadership experience to spark meaningful change—whether in a conference ballroom, a corporate boardroom, or a Zoom call with students who are ready for more. She has spoken to executives, educators, healthcare leaders, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, HR teams, students, and women in male-dominated fields—sharing tools to overcome burnout, build emotional intelligence, quiet the inner critic, and rise into roles they deserve. In episode 641 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Dr. Lacey chose Austin College for her undergraduate experience, how starting off life in survival mode helped to shape her view of confidence, what her experiences in higher education leadership taught her about confidence, power, and silence that psychology alone couldn’t, what is the biggest misconception leaders have about confidence, what are some signs advisors or chapter leaders should watch for that signal confidence issues, how can Fraternity or Sorority leaders increase psychological safety in their organization, how student leaders can set boundaries without feeling like they’re letting their chapter down, why leaders tend to isolate themselves as responsibility increases, what role fraternities and sororities play in either reinforcing—or closing—the confidence gap for students, and what mindset shift has to happen first for real culture change to stick. Enjoy!
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Trailblaize: Working with Alumni for Jobs and Internships
02/11/2026
Trailblaize: Working with Alumni for Jobs and Internships
Are you looking to build Alumni Relationship Management tools at scale in your fraternity or sorority? Trailblaize turns outdated spreadsheets and email lists into an interactive community. We’re going to find out more today with the founders of Trailblaize: Owen Ridgeway, Ford Hudson, and Adam Perez! In episode 640 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what problem they personally experienced at Ole Miss that made them say, “This needs to be rebuilt from scratch”, what was broken with alumni lists and LinkedIn groups, why it was important that joining Trailblaize is free for individual members, how their fraternity experience shaped the way they designed Trailblaize differently than a traditional social network, what are the biggest mistakes fraternities and sororities make when trying to engage alumni, examples of how alumni across different decades have connected in meaningful ways on the platform, what makes landing jobs and internships possible on this platform, advice for chapters that want alumni engagement to move beyond nostalgia and into tangible opportunity, how having a central system of record changes leadership transitions year over year, why national headquarters should think about alumni networks at scale, and what is the first step students should take to rebuild alumni engagement. Enjoy!
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Alka Sharma: How College Students Can Create a Personal Brand
02/10/2026
Alka Sharma: How College Students Can Create a Personal Brand
Alka Sharma is a powerful public speaker who motivates audiences to achieve their full potential. As an author of “From Cocoon to CEO Living the Life of Your Dreams”, she offers simple, practical advice for success. She also champions women’s empowerment, guiding women to embrace their inner strength and confidence. And as a real estate investor, Alka uses smart strategies to build lasting wealth. In episode 639 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what was the cocoon phase of her life and what finally pushed her to transform, what is the first sign that it might be time for a personal reinvention, what self-doubt usually sounds like in our heads—and how can students learn to challenge it, what mindset shift had the biggest impact on her success, how she learned to see challenges as things happening for you rather than to you, how women can step into leadership confidently in spaces that may feel male-dominated or intimidating, what is the biggest myth students believe about investing, how personal branding applies to college students, and what is one story from her book that readers say resonates with them the most. Enjoy!
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Eddie Francis: Leadership Requires Intentional Development
02/09/2026
Eddie Francis: Leadership Requires Intentional Development
Leadership requires intentional development! A passionate NPHC speaker, Eddie began his leadership journey as president of his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity chapter at Loyola University New Orleans, where he was also vice president of the Interfraternity Council. Because of his leadership, Eddie earned the Spirit of Loyola Award for Racial Understanding. He even choreographed a step routine that won second place at the ever-popular Bayou Classic Battle of the Bands and Greek Show! Eddie later served as an alumni chapter president and campus chapter advisor. Professionally, Eddie is a consultant who led marketing and communications at Southern University at New Orleans, Paul Quinn College, Dillard University, and Talladega College. He is an adjunct instructor for Southern New Hampshire University who has also taught at Tulane University and Dallas College. Additionally, Eddie’s diverse professional background includes mass media and talent acquisition. In episode 638 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out the biggest mistakes or struggles for Eddie that eventually shaped the D9 Leadership Blueprint, when he realized that leadership requires intentional development, why he chose to blend research, real-world leadership, and “D9 Old Head Wisdom”, how leaders move from survival mode to intentional leadership, what is a self-awareness exercise or mindset shift he would recommend, how Ubuntu show up practically in fraternity and sorority leadership, how understanding followership actually make someone a more effective leader, what is one concept from the D9 Leadership Blueprint that would create the biggest ripple effect, what role do alumni play in reinforcing intentional leadership instead of just critiquing from the sidelines, and how he helps young leaders understand legacy without overwhelming them. Enjoy!
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Scott Courtright: Struck by Lightning and Lived to Tell the Story
02/03/2026
Scott Courtright: Struck by Lightning and Lived to Tell the Story
Scott Courtright is a state archaeologist at USDA – Natural Resources Conservation Service and a brother of Phi Sigma Kappa from Northern Arizona University. The most unique thing about Scott is that he was struck by lightning on a hike and survived! He’s here to tell us all about it. In episode 637 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Scott chose Northern Arizona for his undergraduate experience, what was special about Phi Sigma Kappa that made him want to join, what happened on the day he was struck by lightning on a hike, how that event impacted his relationship with fear, what shifted for him after the lightning strike, how that event reshaped his patience, humility, and long-term thinking, what he wants students to understand about vulnerability, how he views legacy today, how students should think about decision-making when the consequences aren’t always visible in the moment, and what he would tell student leaders about responsibility, safety, and looking out for one another. Enjoy!
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Michelle Rupp: How Students Create Memorable First Impressions
01/21/2026
Michelle Rupp: How Students Create Memorable First Impressions
How students create memorable first impressions should be mandatory content for any recent college graduate or soon to be graduate! Michelle Rupp brings over two decades' worth of local media expertise to the table. Having created a local lifestyle show, stood in front of a business reporting, and sat behind the anchor desk, not only can she help you craft a meaningful message to get noticed by local media, but she has the contacts to help move it along. Michelle has an EMMY and is the Edward R. Murrow winner for reporting. Let Michelle craft your business's heartfelt story to get the publicity it deserves. It will set your organization apart in your community. She’s offering a free PDF to our Fraternity Foodie podcast listeners at In episode 636 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what stood out to Michelle in her recent program she delivered at the University of Central Arkansas, why first impressions are still so underestimated by college students today, what are the most common first-impression mistakes she sees students make when meeting employers, how you reframe networking in a way that feels more authentic, how fraternity and sorority members use their chapter roles—president, treasurer, recruitment chair—as real networking advantages, why employers care more about communication and presence than a perfect GPA, what communication skills separate candidates who get callbacks from those who don’t, what surprised her about what students at UCA didn’t know, how students leverage alumni connections more effectively without feeling like they’re “asking for something”, and why programs like this are essential for Greek communities right now. Enjoy!
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Nigel Romany: The Biggest Mistake Students Make When Leading Others
01/20/2026
Nigel Romany: The Biggest Mistake Students Make When Leading Others
Coach Nigel Romany’s journey is rooted in a lifelong passion for educating and helping others. He began his career in the banking business, where he focused on servicing and educating clients. This natural inclination led him to transition into teaching, where he found a similar fulfillment in guiding others. His coaching career began over 20 years ago when he stepped in to coach his eldest daughter’s soccer team and quickly fell in love with the sport and the coaching aspect. From soccer, he moved to basketball, where he continues to coach youth sports. He sees coaching and teaching as interconnected roles, both centered on educating others and helping them be better. Coach Romany believes that sports offer invaluable life lessons, including perseverance, hard work, and resilience. In episode 635 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what he learned about people in banking that still shapes how he coaches and speaks, how is being different actually an advantage, how caring for his parents at the end of their life reshaped his definition of success, why is it harder for leaders and caregivers to take care of themselves, why do people often resist the acceptance phase, why he believes true success is not sexy, what does accountability look like when you don’t yet have strong mentors or role models around you, what is one practical tool students can use this week when anxiety spikes, how does teaching young people how to think—instead of what to think—build long-term resilience, and what's the biggest mistake leaders make when motivating others. Enjoy!
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Marcy Barbaro: The Value of Your Own Story
01/19/2026
Marcy Barbaro: The Value of Your Own Story
The value of your own story is bigger than you think! Marcy Barbaro is a bold, heart-led speaker, writer, and coach who believes your story could change — or even save — a life. Hers began to change the day she stopped waiting to feel “ready” and started writing her truth. The result was Beautiful Humans, There’s Nothing Wrong With You — a moving, humorous, and soul-stirring collection that’s touched thousands. Marcy’s most requested talks, Your Story Could Save Someone’s Life, and What Would You Say If Tomorrow Was Your Last Chance? challenge audiences to stop holding back and start using their words to heal, connect, and leave a legacy. With a blend of emotional honesty, humor, and real-world insight, she empowers aspiring authors, leaders, creatives, and everyday humans to write and speak with urgency and heart. Her background as a magazine editor, yoga instructor, and co-founder of Working Writers Co. gives her a unique, grounded perspective on how writing becomes a tool for transformation — not just for readers, but for the writer themselves. She brings every audience she meets a powerful message: you don’t have to be perfect to be heard — you just have to be willing to be real. In episode 634 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why today's college students don't often see the value of their own story, what college students should do if they get writer's block, how storytelling shifts the mindset from selling to attracting, why we should focus on the deeper “why” behind your chapter culture, how to attract more values-aligned members, how organizations can balance honesty with the fear of being judged or misunderstood, how can fraternities and sororities define who they are for — without sounding exclusive or unwelcoming, her advice for graduating seniors who want to leave behind more than just a position title, one simple exercise fraternity or sorority members could do at their next meeting for authenticity and connection, and how to begin the process if students have an idea for a book they want to write. Enjoy!
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Jack Hellmer: Mental Health on College Campuses in the Future
01/14/2026
Jack Hellmer: Mental Health on College Campuses in the Future
Mental health on college campuses in the future is something our next guest is already thinking about. Jack Hellmer is an entrepreneurial leader from Alpha Tau Omega at Florida Gulf Coast University with a social mission to make a positive impact on the mental health of our world. He is focused on reducing the stigma around mental health and supporting others where they are at. Jack is the Founder of UBYou, a student success and wellness hub designed to support the well-being of students and enhance informed decision making for university leaders. UBYou aims to make student lives happier, healthier, and faster. On episode 633 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Jack chose Florida Gulf Coast University, why he decided to join Alpha Tau Omega, why he cares so deeply about mental health in higher education, what is the biggest disconnect right now between students who need help and the systems designed to support them, how technology helps to lower the emotional hurdle of asking for help, how UBYou helps institutions do more with the resources they already have, how Greek organizations can become part of the solution around mental health, what was the hardest leadership lesson he's learned while building UBYou, and what does he hope mental health support on college campuses looks like in five years. Enjoy!
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Donnie Landon: How to Pivot in Life
01/12/2026
Donnie Landon: How to Pivot in Life
How to pivot in life? We have the perfect guest for you. Donnie Landon knows what it feels like to be counted out before life even begins. With a father incarcerated throughout most of his childhood and the streets often more present than stability, Donnie’s early years were marked by trauma, transition, and turmoil. By 19, he found himself standing in a courtroom, facing the same fate as his father — until one decision changed the entire course of his life. In that moment, he made a promise: he would never be the reason his mother cried again. That single choice led him to the U.S. Navy, where he discovered the power of discipline, service, and self-mastery. Years later, Donnie would go on to coordinate daily intelligence briefings for the President of the United States, serving at the highest classified levels of government as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Today, Donnie is on a mission to help students—especially those who feel overlooked or misunderstood—recognize that they are not what happened to them… they are what they choose to become. In episode 632 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out when Donnie first realized that his story was the message, what was the moment when his life made the pivot, what changed inside of him, how he navigates being a single father, what is the Feel It. Flip It. Flex It.™ framework, how Greek organizations can better support first-gen and marginalized members, how becoming a father reshaped his definition of success, what is the biggest myth students believe about success at that elite level, what role do educators, advisors, and student leaders play in making 100,000 students impacted possible, and a decision that students can make today to change the trajectory of their life. Enjoy!
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Stina Leigh: The Problem With Leveling Up Too Quickly
01/06/2026
Stina Leigh: The Problem With Leveling Up Too Quickly
The problem with leveling up too quickly? Stina Leigh is here to answer that. Founder and Owner of Stina Leigh Practice, Stina has been shaking up industries for over 25 years—effortlessly merging experiential marketing, business development, and health + wellness into a career that’s as dynamic as she is. Stina Leigh Practice is the culmination of Stina’s global expertise in health, fitness, nutrition, and human performance. As an internationally recognized yoga instructor, nutrition practitioner and fitness professional, Stina has guided elite clients and world-renowned brands including CrossFit, ESPN, and Danone International Foods. Her background stretches far beyond the mat—holding advanced certifications in exercise science, corrective science, nutrition, tourism & hospitality management, and various wellness programming. This blend of education and life long experience allows her to approach transformation holistically—bridging body, mind, and lifestyle together in ways few can. Stina Leigh Practice isn’t just about movement or diet—it’s about creating a lifestyle of balance, vitality, and self-love, designed to meet the standards of both everyday individuals and high-performing professionals around the world. In episode 631 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out which parts of her own identity she had to let go of, how young adults can begin recognizing the conditioning that’s holding them back, what healthy reinvention looks like compared to escapism or running from yourself, which mistakes happen when you level up too quickly, what does embodied confidence actually mean, how students can recognize when their self-worth is tied to overachievement or being busy, how her foundation in yoga and somatic movement helps people transform, what goes into creating a retreat that actually leads to lasting personal growth, and what is one small shift students could make this week that would change everything for them. Enjoy!
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