Best Alumni Organization Podcasts (2025)

1
The New Workplace 57:55

6d ago57:55

57:55

The COVID pandemic reshaped how we work, shifting many from office desks to home setups. As organizations consider office-forward, remote-first, or hybrid strategies, employees have their own preferences. In their new book, The New Workplace: Employee Alignment in Remote-First, Office-Forward, and Hybrid Work Organizations, Drake professors Dr. Rad…

1
Encouraging Dissent for Better Outcomes 35:58

1M ago35:58

35:58

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, host Julio Zelaya sits down with Dr. Marikay Forst, a distinguished alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer program with over 25 years of experience in learning and development, human resources, and organizational behavior. Dr. Forst shares her academic journey, including her decision to join t…

1
David Gedge: The Wedding Present 23:52

2M ago23:52

23:52

In this episode we’re joined by David Gedge - songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist in one of the University’s best loved bands, The Wedding Present. In 1985, David Gedge (Mathematics 1981) formed the band The Wedding Present with his friends Shaun Charman (Economics & Sociology 1986), English student Keith Gregory and PGCE student Peter Solowka. …

1
Grit and Growth: Keys to Success for Women Lawyers 43:26

2M ago43:26

43:26

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, hosted by Julio Zelaya, we meet Dr. Milana Hogan, the Chief Talent Officer at Sullivan and Cromwell, LLP. Dr. Hogan is an alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program at the University of Pennsylvania and holds a doctorate in work-based learning and development. The episode focuses on …

1
Empathy at Work: Transforming Organizations from Within 25:21

4M ago25:21

25:21

In this episode of The Practitioner Scholar, host Jess Jones welcomes Dr. Carla Thomas, a former WNBA athlete turned leadership consultant and educator. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from professional sports to academia, exploring how empathy shapes workplace culture and enhances collaboration. She discusses the role of emotional intelligence in ef…

1
Harnessing Film for Leadership Development 36:03

5M ago36:03

36:03

In this episode of The Practitioner Scholar, a Penn Chief Learning Officer podcast, hosts Maria Luisa Underwood and Lisa-Marie Aird interview Dr. Douglas Clayton, a visionary in corporate learning and culture transformation. Dr. Clayton, founder and CEO of Leadership Filmworks LLC, shares his journey through the Penn CLO program and how it shaped h…

1
Overcome the Holiday Hustle: Simple strategies for an organized life 54:44

7M ago54:44

54:44

As the holiday season approaches, many struggle to balance work, family, and endless tasks, often feeling overwhelmed and disorganized. While responsibility and dependability are crucial skills, few of us have formal training in mastering them, leading to reliance on complex systems that add to the stress. This session will focus on simplifying lif…

1
The Serious Research of Workplace Fun 44:14

7M ago44:14

44:14

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, host Julio Zelaya sits down with Dr. Janet Duliga, a distinguished executive and alumna of the Penn CLO Executive Program. Dr. Duliga, currently the Chief Corporate Officer at Prada Group, shares her extensive journey through law, psychology, and human resources, emphasizing her passion for organizationa…

1
Future-Proofed Marketing: You, Me, & Our Cyborg Audiences 58:07

8M ago58:07

58:07

Your brand’s audience is increasingly interconnected through technology, making them almost cyborg-like in their digital engagement. Join Drake alum Greg Swan for an insightful session on the latest trends in digital, social, A.I., and emerging technologies shaping marketing today. Discover future-proofed strategies to reach and engage these tech-f…

1
Steven Greenhouse talks how Trump's Tariffs may appeal to working-class voters 18:59

8M ago18:59

18:59

In the latest Payday Report podcast, retired New York Times labor reporter Steven Greenhouse talks about how Clinton pushing NAFTA bred distrust of the Democratic Party in the Rust Belt. He also discussed how Trump's tariffs may appeal to some working-class

1
Inside the Dugout: Sports Reporting with Carrie Muskat, JO'78 1:08:02

8M ago1:08:02

1:08:02

Join us for a conversation with Carrie Muskat, JO'78, a veteran sportswriter with over three decades of experience, including 18 years as the MLB.com beat writer for the Chicago Cubs. From covering the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series victory to witnessing two no-hitters, Carrie brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand stories from the world of b…

1
Authenticity in Leadership and Why it Matters 26:25

8M ago26:25

26:25

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, hosted by Lisa-Marie Aird, Dr. Mark Kaestner, an alum of the Penn Chief Learning Officer program and VP at Ball Corporation, shares his insights on authentic leadership. He discusses his journey through the Penn CLO program, the essence of leadership authenticity, and strategies for building trus…

1
Box Lunch Lifestyle: Crafting Your Own Path to a More Satisfying Life 55:39

9M ago55:39

55:39

How often do you finish the workday wondering “Really? Is this all there is?” Too many days are spent grinding through the to-do list. And even when it all gets done, those days feel more like a slog than a win. Something is missing. Maybe you feel change isn’t possible. Or worse yet, that it doesn’t matter much anymore. (Ouch.) But if you’re ready…

1
Political Journalism: Reporting on Democracy 58:21

9M ago58:21

58:21

Join us as we will explore the complexities of covering elections, polling, and the challenges facing political reporters today. The discussion will feature panelists Linley Sanders, AS'16, JO'16, and Matt Vasilogambros, AS'11, JO'11. Linley is a polls and surveys reporter for The Associated Press. She develops and writes about polls conducted by T…

1
From the Navy to Academia: Insights on Ethical Leadership 17:17

9M ago17:17

17:17

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, host Becca Clanton interviews Dr. Peg Klein, a distinguished alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program. Dr. Klein shares her unique journey from growing up near a Naval base to becoming a Navy officer and eventually an ethical leadership scholar. She discusses the impact of her early exposu…

1
Randi Weingarten Talks How Tim Walz Empowered Teachers Union Activists 9:04

10M ago9:04

9:04

By Mike Elk For more than 15 years, I have covered Randi Weingarten, the president of the 1.7 million member American Federation of Teachers union, but I have never seen her as excited as when she got the news that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a social studies teachers and AFT member, had been selected as Vice President. Behind the scenes, Weingart…

1
Radio Special on UE defeating McCarthyism in Small Massachusetts Town 1:25:33

10M ago1:25:33

1:25:33

In honor of Labor Day, earlier this week, we reaired a New England Public Media special produced by Ian Coss and hosted by local public historian Tom Goldscheider. “This project is every historian’s dream,” said Goldscheider. “I stumbled onto a cache of union meeting records and newspaper clippings from the 1940s that allowed me to reassemble a pie…

1
Mastering Stress and Leadership in High-Stakes Environments 28:03

10M ago28:03

28:03

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar podcast, host Jess Jones interviews Dr. John 'Coach' Havlick, a retired Navy SEAL Captain, Hall of Fame swimmer, and Penn CLO graduate. They discuss Dr. Havlick's storied career, from college swimming and coaching at the Naval Academy to leading elite SEAL units and his subsequent career in consulting and…

1
From Refugee to Olympian: The Inspiring Journey of Yiech Pur Biel, AS'93 1:00:42

11M ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Join us for a conversation with Yiech Pur Biel, AS'23, a refugee from South Sudan who found refuge in Kenya’s Kakuma camp and discovered a passion for running. He competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. A 2023 Drake graduate, Pur now serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and IOC member, advocating for displaced athlet…

1
Dave Weigel Talks What Summer Lee Can Teach America 28:34

12M ago28:34

28:34

Semafor’s Dave Weigel talks with Mike Elk about how Congresswoman Summer Lee was able to cruise to a landslide victory against AIPAC will other candidates struggles and were defeated by them.

1
Branding as an Executive 27:33

12M ago27:33

27:33

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, hosted by Lisa-Marie Aird, we welcome Dr. Lilian Ajayi Ore, a distinguished digital marketing strategist, top LinkedIn influencer, and humanitarian. Dr. Ajayi Ore, an alumna of the Penn Chief Learning Officer (CLO) program, shares her journey and insights from her extensive career in global diplomacy, co…

1
Sir Keir Starmer: Leeds's first Prime Minister 24:20

12M ago24:20

24:20

On 5 July 2024 Sir Keir Starmer (Law 1985, Hon LLD 2012) - one of the University's most prominent alumnus - became the Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Sir Keir is the first Leeds graduate to become UK Prime Minister, and one of only a few University-educated PMs to not study his bachelors at Oxford or Cambridge. His journey to…

1
Championship Insights: A Conversation with Brendan Daly, AS'97, Linebackers Coach, Kansas City Chiefs 57:12

1y ago57:12

57:12

Join us for an exclusive Everclass session featuring Brendan Daly, AS'97, a seasoned NFL coach with six Super Bowl rings and nearly two decades of experience. As a Drake University alum and current linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Daly has been a key figure behind the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 2023 and 2024. Don’t mi…

1
Veteran UE Organizer Chris Townsend Talks Organizing Surge in Northern Virginia 28:20

1y ago28:20

28:20

Chris Townsend is a veteran union organizer who has lived in Virginia for 20 years. He previously served as the UE's Political action director and the ATU's Organizing Director. Over the past five years, he has seen an upsurge in organizing in Northern Virginia. "I was the organizing director for the Amalgamated Transit Union and in a period of sev…

1
Leading the Charge: Reshaping Executive Leadership for the Modern Age 38:58

1y ago38:58

38:58

In this enlightening episode of the Practitioner Scholar, Lisa-Marie Aird welcomes Dr. Raj Ramachardran, a trailblazer in leadership consulting and an alum of the Penn CLO program's first cohort. Amidst shared laughs and candid stories, they delve into pivotal leadership concepts for the modern age, examining both the challenges and transformative …

1
27,000 Virginia Teachers Voting to Unionize 24:47

1y ago24:47

24:47

In Virginia, this week, over 27,000 teachers and school staff are expected to vote on unionizing. If they win, it will be the largest union victory in decades. The organizing drives comes after Virginia granted collective bargaining rights to public employees in 2020. Virginia now has become one of the fastest-growing states for unions in the count…

1
With 70% UAW Sign Up, 25-Year Mercedes UAW Veteran Talks 10:53

1y ago10:53

10:53

With 70% UAW Sign Up, 25-Year Mercedes UAW Veteran Talks By Mike Elk Eleven years ago, I first met Kirk Garner, Vice President of UAW Local 149, the minority union at Mercedes in Vance, Alabama. After the UAW was narrowly defeated in a union drive in 2014, it formed minority unions at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Mercedes in Vance, Alab…

1
AI-Powered Learning: Navigating the Future of Talent Development 36:52

1y ago36:52

36:52

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, hosted by Melissa Monti, Dr. Ann Schulte, a Penn CLO program alumna and current Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Chief Learning Officer at Procter & Gamble, discusses the integration of AI in talent development and the importance of an always Beta mindset for continuous workplace innovatio…

1
Mercedes Union Leader in Alabama Predicts Landslide Victory 22:20

1y ago22:20

22:20

Since the late 1990s, UAW Local 149 Vice President Kirk Garner has been involved in efforts to unionize at Mercedes in Vance, Alabama. Now, after the 73% victory at Volkswagen in April, the union says that it is cruising to victory. “It feels really good. And it's finally coming to fruition. And we're excited, everybody's excited, ready to vote,” s…

1
After 10 Year Battle, a Younger Generation Leads the Way at Volkswagen 16:07

1y ago16:07

16:07

A formerly anti-union Volkswagen worker explains why he now supports the union at Volkswagen.

1
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Unleashed: Turning Buzzwords into Business Breakthroughs 59:10

1y ago59:10

59:10

In this episode of 'Practitioner Scholar', host Lisa-Marie Aird dives into the realm of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) with Maria Luisa Garcia Underwood, a seasoned leader in education and organizational development. Maria, who serves as the CEO of M. Ideas Consulting Services and is also a current CLO student at Penn, shares he…

1
Unlocking the Resilience Code: Emotional Intelligence and Burnout Immunity 41:12

1+ y ago41:12

41:12

In this episode of the Practitioner Scholar, Penn Chief Learning Officer podcast, host Melissa Monti talks with Dr. Kandi Wiens, a senior fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and author of the new book, 'Burnout Immunity.' Dr. Wiens, a graduate of the Penn CLO program, shares her experiences juggling work, school, and family life, leading to a …

1
After 25 Years, Mercedes Workers Say Union Could Come "Any Day Now" 14:10

1+ y ago14:10

14:10

For nearly 25 years Mercedes workers in Vance have tried to unionize, but have never gotten so close. Early last month workers at Mercedes reached 50% for the first time in plant history. “I came in ‘98. And they had a campaign going on, and were gaining momentum. And they just couldn't reach that 50% mark,” says Kirk Garner, one of the leaders of …

1
Koch Industries Using “Texas Two-Step” to Prevent Asbestos Victims from Going to Court 22:24

1+ y ago22:24

22:24

This week, as part of our podcast, Payday Report spoke to Lori Knapp and her lawyer, Jon Ruschdeki, who have been involved in a 6-year lawsuit against Koch Industries-owned Georgia Pacific but have yet to see their day in court. The lawsuit stems from her father Ed Chapman's death in 2020 from mesothelioma. Her father contracted the disease as a co…

1
Northern Ballet's Romeo & Juliet: Preserving the passion 35:04

1+ y ago35:04

35:04

Northern Ballet’s Romeo & Juliet has survived fire, flood and the changing fashions of more than three decades. Ahead of the 2024 revival of this classic production, we discover the turbulent tale behind it. Director of the University’s Cultural Institute Wieke Eringa hears from Daniel de Andrade and Pippa Moore MBE, who danced the title roles and …

1
Redefining the Learning Leader Role: Elevating Learning Strategies for Organizational Excellence 39:48

1+ y ago39:48

39:48

In the inaugural episode of the Practitioner-Scholar, The Penn Chief Learning Officer Podcast, host Melissa Monti talks extensively with Dr. Keith Keating, Chief Learning and Talent Officer for BDO, a global consulting firm. Dr. Keating shares his challenging personal learning journey, having dropped out of formal schooling at 15 and subsequently r…

1
Trailer 0:51

1+ y ago0:51

0:51

Introducing "The Practitioner-Scholar: The PennCLO Podcast," where we blend academic know-how with real-world practicality. In this series we dive into the strategies and success stories shaping organizational learning and leadership. From dissecting practitioner-scholar approaches to featuring standout individuals from our student and alumni circl…

1
Al McCoy, FA'54, Phoenix Suns Hall of Fame Announcer 57:08

1+ y ago57:08

57:08

Experience a one-of-a-kind conversation with legendary Phoenix Suns broadcaster, Al McCoy, FA’54. Recently retired after an incredible 51 seasons as "The Voice of the Suns," Al McCoy is a true NBA icon. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at his remarkable journey from the small town of Williams, Iowa to Drake and the NBA.…

1
Episode 14: Setting the standard for vegan ice cream with Dirk Mischendahl 20:42

1+ y ago20:42

20:42

Founder and director of Northern Bloc Dirk Mischendahl (Psychology 1995) is doing ice cream differently. He started out by making ice cream through the night and selling it from a van during the day. Now, Dirk and co-founder Josh Lee supply hundreds of theatres, arts venues and tourist attractions across the UK. Northern Bloc can be found in the Co…

1
Episode 13: Honorary graduates Anita Rani and Ondrej Krivanek 19:52

2y ago19:52

19:52

In this episode we’re joined by broadcaster Anita Rani (Broadcasting 2000) and physicist Ondrej Krivanek (Physics 1971), as they return to the University to receive honorary doctorates. Ondrej is a leading developer of electron-optical instruments. He talks about how the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968 led to him enrolling in physics at …

1
Episode 12: Naga Munchetty 22:53

2y ago22:53

22:53

Naga Munchetty is one of the most recognisable faces in the UK. Since 2014 she's been a regular presenter on BBC Breakfast, she's a presenter on 5 Live, but did you know the spark to embarking on her career as a journalist involved a trumpet and the Leeds Student? After being a musician in her teens, she had to give back her trumpet to the Inner Lo…

1
Ep 020 Talking with Screenwriter Eirene Tran Donohue 34:47

2y ago34:47

34:47

USJETAA's Jessyca Livingston (Hokkaido 2003-06) talks with Hollywood screenwriter Eirene Tran Donohue (Nagasaki 2002-04) about her recent #1 Netflix movie, A Tourist's Guide to Love, and how JET did and continues to inform her work.

1
Episode 11: Cystic Fibrosis Trust's Dr Keith Brownlee 21:16

2y ago21:16

21:16

This week we speak to Dr Keith Brownlee, Director of Medical Affairs at the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Since graduating with a medical degree from Leeds in 1984, Dr Brownlee gained over 30 years’ experience caring for children and families with Cystic Fibrosis. In the podcast he speaks about the disease, the development of life-changing treatments, the…

1
Episode 10: The World Health Organization's Dr Ian Smith 22:01

2y ago22:01

22:01

This week marks the 75th anniversary of the NHS, and another health organisation that’s celebrating 75 years in 2023 is the World Health Organization. The international body’s renowned for its work in eradicating smallpox, polio, and most recently its efforts during the Covid pandemic. Leeds has a long history of its alumni working for the organisa…

1
Episode 9: Pride Scholarships at Leeds 15:45

2y ago15:45

15:45

This week we're coming to the end of Pride Month. The month of June is a time when we celebrate and commemorate the LGBT community. We celebrate how far we’ve come from the time of the Stonewall riots of 1969, but we also reflect on the issues that continue to face LGBT people globally. And that’s something that we want to address at the University…

1
Episode 8: Professor Sir Steve Jackson 14:39

2y ago14:39

14:39

This week the University is celebrating its staff and alumni who have been named in the King’s Birthday Honours, and Biomedical scientist and Leeds alum Professor Steve Jackson is among them. He received a knighthood as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. Steve is both a researcher and entrepreneur, and heads up the Cancer Research UK Cambrid…

1
Episode 7: Fix Your Fatigue with nutritionist Karina Antram 20:54

2y ago20:54

20:54

After struggling with a debilitating combination of fatigue and burnout during her career as an HR leader, Karina decided to take matters into her own hands. She retrained as a nutritionist, and now runs her own clinic, providing support to people with fatigue, stress and burnout. This year, she released her bestselling book, Fix Your Fatigue. Kari…

1
Episode 6: Remembering crime writer Peter Robinson 18:46

2y ago18:46

18:46

Crime writer and Leeds alumnus Peter Robinson is one of the University's most well-known former students. The Leeds-born novelist's DCI Banks series has sold nine million copies worldwide, and been translated into multiple languages. Peter died last year after a short illness, but his legacy at the University continues in the literary archive he gi…

1
Episode 5: Reporting from inside an armed bank raid 14:48

2y ago14:48

14:48

This week on Leeds Voices we're talking to Hind Hassan (Medicinal Chemisty 2007). She broadcasts from the most hostile environments in the world – but last year Hind found herself at the centre of an armed bank raid. She spent 16 hours reporting the siege in Lebanon to thousands of followers online, filming the antagonists with guns, Molotov cockta…

1
Episode 4: Olympic triathlete Jonny Brownlee MBE 13:28

2y ago13:28

13:28

This week we’re joined by Leeds alum and triathlete Jonny Brownlee MBE. Jonny has completed the set – he’s won Olympic gold, silver and bronze medals. He’s been world champion, and he’s won countless European and Commonwealth medals over a 14-year career. In 2012, as well as winning Olympic bronze at the London Olympics, he also graduated from Leed…

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Alumni Organization Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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