<![CDATA[MSU Denver Alumni BirdTalk]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk An MSU Denver Podcast about Alumni Careers and Lives hosted by Jamie Hurst ‘21.

Bird Talk is a fascinating glimpse into the lives and careers of the university's accomplished alumni. Each episode features an in-depth interview with an alum who shares their unique journey and insights on how their time at MSU Denver shaped their success. From entrepreneurs to educators, artists to scientists, Bird Talk offers a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the impact of higher education.

]]> RSS.com 2026.428.112250 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:24:10 GMT en 275abeed-0c4f-52ba-b747-f66608955f0c https://media.rss.com/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/20250605_080611_76d469e24e028efa6f5645f229a6374f.png MSU Denver Alumni BirdTalk https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk yes MSU Denver Alumni Association 2023 MSU Denver Alumni MSU Denver Alumni false episodic podcast false <![CDATA[Stephen Lease '16]]> Re-airing of a standout conversation with Stephen Lease, MSU Denver alum and founder of goodr, as he returns to campus as the Spring '26 alumni commencement keynote speaker. From his unconventional entrepreneurial path to building a globally recognized brand, Stephen shares lessons on leadership, culture, failure, and finding success by doing things differently.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2782597 9c5fca0a-adb0-4b44-89e7-12a74b48888c 3352 full 3 3 12 12 false Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:24:09 GMT false Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Jan Sumner '74]]> From throwing BP for the Colorado Rockies to writing 13 books and leading a prison ministry, MSU Denver alum Jan Sumner has stories for days—and he delivers. This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes baseball moments, unexpected career turns, and real talk on failure, purpose, and finding your next chapter.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2684632 d4935fc7-21f3-4356-922d-47e8c38d8599 3622 full 3 3 11 11 false Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:25:38 GMT false Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Paul Anderson '07 & '21]]> From aviation to executive leadership to professional poker, Paul Anderson (’07, ’21) has built a career driven by curiosity and continuous learning. Now an affiliate professor in the College of Business at MSU Denver, he joins host Jamie Hurst to reflect on studying leadership across industries, what poker taught him about risk and human behavior, and why creating psychologically safe learning environments matters. It is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, intention, and what it means to truly run your own road.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2601607 b4a39329-7df2-4c71-a79d-f2c92961f23b 3754 full 3 3 10 10 false Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:45:39 GMT Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Leah Millis '11]]> From the MSU Denver student newsroom to the front lines of history, photojournalist Leah Millis (’11) has documented some of the world’s most defining moments — from the January 6 Capitol riot to protests and global conflict. In this candid conversation, she shares what it takes to tell powerful stories with empathy, the resilience required to work on the front lines, and why ethical, local journalism matters now more than ever.

Documentary Mentioned: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-capitol-security-backstory/

Organization: https://www.womenphotojournalists.org/

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2515443 140269a4-f35c-4459-8b60-aa693acb5288 3510 full 3 3 9 9 false Mon, 02 Feb 2026 23:00:52 GMT Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Chennelle Diong '16]]> Host Jamie Hurst sits down with MSU Denver alumna Chennelle Diong (’16), co-founder of Good Love Foods, to talk about turning a personal challenge into a nationally recognized gluten-free brand. From her hospitality roots at MSU Denver to winning the Denver Startup Week Pitch Competition and appearing on Shark Tank, Chennelle shares the real story behind entrepreneurship, rapid growth, and building a business rooted in inclusion, quality, and community

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2451747 b63594d7-c3c8-4917-814a-f4270a966075 3579 full 3 3 8 8 false Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:09:30 GMT Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Janet Damon '00]]> This episode features Janet Damon - Colorado's 2025 Teacher of the Year - whose passion for literacy, community, and student well-being is transforming classrooms across Denver. Get ready for a powerful, heartfelt conversation with one of Colorado’s true changemakers.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2360362 dcfabd17-5881-41d6-aac0-b1a39708eeff 3578 full 3 3 7 7 false Mon, 01 Dec 2025 14:59:46 GMT Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Chucky Moss '88 & '91]]> Host Jamie Hurst sits down with two-time MSU Denver alum Chucky Moss (’88, ’91) to talk about his 30-year career at Wolters Kluwer, the power of mentorship, and why curiosity keeps him moving forward. From Park Hill to global business leader, Chucky shares wisdom, humor, and what it means to “enjoy the ride” as a lifelong Roadrunner.

A special thanks to Kyle Woodiel.

This episode was originally recorded on May 23rd 2025.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2300253 bc319b22-36cf-4f46-8f6f-bc1f8abab07f 3408 full 3 3 6 6 false Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:26:00 GMT Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Emmy Jacobson, '00]]> Fasten your seatbelts—this episode of Bird Talk is cleared for takeoff! Host Jamie Hurst chats with Emmy Jacobson (‘00), a lifelong aviator, community powerhouse, and MSU Denver’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year. From flying at 16 to leading at an Airbus company, Emmy’s journey proves that Roadrunners don’t just take flight—they soar.

This episode was originally recorded on August 15th, 2025.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2259001 378e033d-4edf-4d99-8cd4-e6a393ae6870 3284 full 3 3 5 5 false Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:07:31 GMT Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Andrew Dole '06 & '13]]> From chef to dietitian to NFL performance expert, Dr. Andrew Dole’s career is anything but ordinary. Hear how this two-time MSU Denver alum went from cooking for athletes to fueling the Arizona Cardinals—and why lifelong learning has been his ultimate playbook.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2219613 20d5830a-ba8e-4ba8-80dd-468dc1c20b51 4005 full 3 3 4 4 false Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:56:32 GMT Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA Metropolitan State University of Denver, 890, Auraria Parkway, Auraria, Denver, Colorado, 80204, USA <![CDATA[Anita Kudasik '19]]> In this special live episode of Bird Talk, host Jamie Hurst sits down with Anita Kudasik, a 2019 MSU Denver alumna and award-winning hotelier in Salida, Colorado. Anita shares her journey from growing up in her family’s motel to revitalizing the American Classic Inn while still completing her degree. With warmth and humor, she reflects on the power of community, the value of hands-on education, and her bold leap into entrepreneurship. This episode is a celebration of grit, growth, and going all in on your dreams.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2152884 ddfab170-076d-4fc8-aee3-32b8d676e292 3251 full 3 3 3 3 false Tue, 05 Aug 2025 18:37:21 GMT <![CDATA[Roy Alexander '74]]> Jamie sits down with Roy Alexander, a seasoned accountant and financial expert whose passion for affordable housing has shaped his career. From his childhood in the Caribbean to his journey to MSU Denver and beyond, Roy shares how key mentors and life experiences helped him chart a purposeful and impactful path.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2123691 7e2cb056-1174-42f4-ac83-73df8fa25c0e 3219 full 3 3 2 2 false Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:25:00 GMT <![CDATA[Zander Keig '99]]> Jamie talks with award-winning social worker Zander Keig. From his early life navigating identity and service in the Coast Guard to his trailblazing work in caregiving and LGBTQ advocacy, Zander shares a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and radical empathy.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2060586 c5dffcd3-3aa9-412a-99af-42084558ab95 4907 full 3 3 1 1 false Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:39:08 GMT <![CDATA[Matt Maley '06]]> In this heartfelt episode, Matt and Jamie explore the connections between community, legacy and personal growth. They dive into the power of relationships, the impact of athletics and discipline, and how one act of philanthropy can keep a memory alive while empowering future students.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/2024768 0c942190-32f6-4b12-8db7-fd69b835f373 3258 full 2 2 24 24 false Mon, 12 May 2025 15:20:54 GMT <![CDATA[Cheri Reynolds '97]]> In this episode, we chat with MSU Denver alum Cheri Reynolds, now VP of People Services at Colorado Access. She shares how her personal journey led to a passion for health equity and how Colorado Access is partnering with MSU Denver to build a more inclusive healthcare workforce.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1997623 60058f89-f822-4783-9b9b-4975a1cdd9f4 3744 full 2 2 23 23 false Tue, 22 Apr 2025 19:10:31 GMT <![CDATA[Eric Lansing '09]]> Jamie & Eric squawk about the evolution of athletics media at MSU Denver, Eric's wild journey from student journalist to Assistant Athletics Director, the magic of storytelling in sports marketing, and pure passion that make Roadrunners Athletics something incredibly special.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1918855 1190145b-7f60-41ac-8a86-e6a69a546e71 3614 full 2 2 22 22 false Sat, 01 Mar 2025 16:20:08 GMT <![CDATA[Kayla Wright-Jackson '19]]> Jamie & Kayla squawk about blazing trails in healthcare as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and being a CEO of a groundbreaking tech startup bridging the gap between education and industry through trust, diversity, and bold innovation.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1882585 7ad3e89e-d522-4f1b-9ee7-a5fc4ad20c41 3035 full 2 2 21 21 false Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:37:40 GMT <![CDATA[Brad Kaplan '82]]> Jamie & Brad squawk about what it means to be the gold standard of alumni, the value of staying connected to MSU Denver, the power of mentorship, and Brad's passion for Roadrunners Athletics.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1826602 3fb09dc8-ac12-4f75-beee-d652a55cee3c 3670 full 2 2 20 20 false Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:50:08 GMT <![CDATA[Jeremi Medina '21]]> Jamie & Jeremi squawk about student government, the Kamala Harris campaign, amplifying marginalized voices, exploring his journey from MSU Denver to his dedication to reshaping leadership.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1792965 15b31694-bd67-413b-ab13-8043368eb0c7 3205 full 2 2 7 7 false Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:41:04 GMT <![CDATA[Stephen Lease '16]]> Jamie & Stephen squawk about Stephen’s winding entrepreneurial journey, the magic of Goodr’s vibrant company culture, the importance of mental health, and how MSU Denver helped shape his success.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1730635 be92ab02-8699-4112-a407-1b83bb94d42e 3371 full 2 2 6 6 false Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:00:39 GMT <![CDATA[Alyssa Svalberg '18]]> Jamie & Alyssa squawk about the inspiring work of the Gold Crown Foundation, the intricacies of athletics programs, finding your voice as a woman in sports, and Alyssa’s remarkable family.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1705379 34a70e22-9132-40bc-af21-2a5ef8701a35 4226 full 2 2 5 5 false Wed, 16 Oct 2024 01:33:18 GMT <![CDATA[Bloopers & Outtakes '24]]> Ruby & David squawk about how lucky they are to be a part of MSU Denver, this amazing podcast, and take listeners on a journey of the best bloopers & outtakes. In this episode, our host Jamie says funny stuff and so do our guests: Travis Luther, Gary Striewski, Bre Dóvez, Abby Lundien, Bree Davies, Russell Noles, Ean Tafoya, Justin Darnall & Jonathon Stalls.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1637168 670fd3b1-504d-43ac-bdc6-c894a1dbed2b 1999 full 2 2 4 4 false Sun, 01 Sep 2024 12:00:47 GMT <![CDATA[Amy Watanabe '11]]> In this very special MSU Denver Day of Giving live episode, Jamie & Amy squawk about building community and sports, Amy's travels to presidential libraries, and coaching.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1551349 22ce1464-f070-4520-bf0a-102aa8f3a892 2097 full 2 2 3 3 false Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:30:57 GMT <![CDATA[Justin Darnall '19]]> Jamie & Justin squawk about rugby, military service, and education at MSU Denver, they explore his passion for space, mathematics, and his current position at Blue Origin.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1505487 7d54c7d1-916f-40a8-b7f5-421b8da5a91b 3977 full 2 2 2 2 false Fri, 31 May 2024 14:53:26 GMT <![CDATA[Amber Mozet '06]]> Jamie & Amber squawk about being a mascot, the Black Alumni Network, starting cultural changes in the community, and being the oldest au pair in Germany.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1461104 ad659864-b7f5-4809-b05c-ec4447d92be2 4219 full 2 2 1 1 false Wed, 01 May 2024 16:36:16 GMT <![CDATA[Flannery Davis Love '23]]> Jamie & Flannery squawk about visiting polar bears, being an elite marathoner, psychotherapy, and her experience in the Olympic trials.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1416338 a75b0d59-041e-4480-a0e6-8975d763375b 3592 full 1 1 12 12 false Mon, 01 Apr 2024 16:53:17 GMT <![CDATA[Jonathon Stalls '09]]> Jamie & Jonathon squawk about moving at the speed of trust, imperfect messy self love, and the medicine of walking.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1366587 e010c54b-d63f-491a-91c1-43d4d9212317 3674 full 1 1 11 11 false Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:01:08 GMT <![CDATA[Jim Qualteri '96]]> Jamie & Jim squawk about the CIA, MSU Denver's transformation over the years, the impact of mentorship, and Jim's tenure on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1327859 bcfcda7f-6dc5-403a-9883-40df41d815b8 3259 full 1 1 10 10 false Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:30:03 GMT <![CDATA[Ean Tafoya '12]]> Jamie & Ean squawk about advocacy, starting in the weeds, work ethic, the Sun Valley community, and MSU Denver's impactful community.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1284484 6e1fc990-9e4a-465c-8f3e-d797dbf50d51 2949 full 1 1 9 9 false Mon, 01 Jan 2024 21:45:24 GMT <![CDATA[Russell Noles '81]]> Jamie & Russell squawk about Denver sports, the Board of Trustees, Roadrunner family ties, and creating community.

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1248765 38ca95c3-25ad-425a-b48b-2235ec2c89d3 3590 full 1 1 8 8 false Sat, 02 Dec 2023 20:47:58 GMT <![CDATA[Bree Davies '07]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1177134 dfc13854-3936-4bdc-b389-cd595c6a8406 4362 full 1 1 7 7 true Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:01:21 GMT <![CDATA[Rebecca Totman '05]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1098226 a627b411-cbcc-4492-89f3-5dabf8a34923 2633 full 1 1 6 6 false Fri, 01 Sep 2023 13:35:05 GMT <![CDATA[Megan Kelly '21]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1060454 5d1a4d67-9338-4894-bef8-58c43a83d26f 2491 full 1 1 5 5 false Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:04:32 GMT <![CDATA[Abby Lundien '17]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/1020717 687531da-1845-4e62-864c-ff63e80ddfa5 3085 full 1 1 4 4 false Sat, 01 Jul 2023 14:25:43 GMT <![CDATA[Bre Dóvez '17]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/976471 a3b0db68-cf2c-4193-9003-6d90b4629de3 3203 full 1 1 3 3 false Thu, 01 Jun 2023 12:41:09 GMT <![CDATA[Gary Striewski '10]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/928268 5cafa548-9826-4a46-a24e-545475f4ae71 3652 full 1 1 2 2 false Fri, 28 Apr 2023 14:00:21 GMT <![CDATA[Travis Scott Luther '08]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/msudenveralumnibirdtalk/893337 439f538d-72d7-4994-91c2-4e3d9b6b060e 3070 full 1 1 1 1 false Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:52:18 GMT