Hi Friends! The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rachel Meltzer
Welcome to the Hi Friends podcast, where Rachel will sit down with friends to share stories and advice about college, being a working professional, life and more. Together, we'll be on the journey of figuring it all out and making the most of it as we do. Join the Hi Friends community on Instagram @hifriendsbyrachel.
HI FRIENDS!! welcome back to hi friends the podcast! the podcast is back after a few years and we're ready to share stories, connect, and chat together! here's to all to come!
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Friends!! This episode with Elliott was so fun! Everyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE Linq, so I'm so excited that we had Elliott on the podcast to share all about innovation in networking, his entrepreneurial journey, and all the fun things! Can't wait to talk to y'all next week!
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WELCOME BACK TO THE PODCAST & WELCOME TO 2022!! I am SO glad to be back and my dear friend Brady is the perfect guest to kick off the new year of the pod!! Join Brady and I as we chat all about making people feel known in our work, why asking questions is SO important, and as we discuss things that matter more than checking boxes as young professionals, no matter the industry! Enjoy this episode and I'll chat with you next week!
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About Brady:
Brady is a dedicated student, a dynamic communicator, and a passionate people person.
Guided by these traits, he's heavily involved in his campus and his community. Brady is a junior at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he studies advertising & public relations (with a PR emphasis) and public & nonprofit administration with a French minor.
Outside of schoolwork, you'll find him hosting GVPRSSA's podcast, PR Hangover, serving on the Honors College Student Council, conducting research and creating campaigns for GVSU's student-run integrated communications firm, GrandPR, applying design thinking to various university innovation projects, and participating in Campus Ministry events.And, in spare moments between activities, you'll probably catch him throwing extravagantly goofy events with friends, reading, traveling, or discussing the "bigger stuff" like faith, morality, and Kung Fu Panda.
What a stellar episode to end off 2021 with the one and only Zach Ferenchak! In this episode, Zach pours out all the wisdom and insight on workplace transitions, how to balance your workflow, and top tips for productivity! Thank you all for tuning in in 2021, and here's to 2022!
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About Zach:
Zach Ferenchak is a communications professional loving all things gaming, tech, and PR/Marketing. Currently he is an Account Coordinator at TriplePoint, a public relations and influencer marketing agency specializing in the video games industry. Zach graduated from Capital University in May 2021 and is an alumni of PRSSA - formerly serving on the national committee as the vice president of brand engagement. Outside of work, Zach loves exploring local restaurants and coffee shops in his hometown of Columbus, geeking out over the latest Marvel movie, or playing the hottest new video game. Feel free to connect with him on Twitter or LinkedIn.
A fun and festive episode the week of Christmas with sweet Emily! Emily is such a cool human and I absolutely loved talking all about her baking origins, business growth, and all the cool experiences she's been a part of due to Cookie In The Kitchen! Merry Christmas!
Cookie In The Kitchen Website
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About Emily + Cookie In The Kitchen!
Emily Henegar, also know as “the Cookie Girl,” is the creator and baker behind Cookie in the Kitchen. Since 2011, Emily has handcrafted designer-decorated cookies, as special as the people they represent, to celebrate the significant moments, relationships, and stories of unique lives. Emily is a senior in college at Belmont University studying entrepreneurship and graphic design, and plans to stay in Nashville to run Cookie in the Kitchen full time in 2022.
Today on the podcast we have a super exciting guest with us: Adam Croom! We chat all about shifts in education, teaching philosophies and connections in the classroom. This is such a stellar episode and I can't wait for y'all to hear it!
About Adam:
Adam Croom is a faculty member in the Strategic Communication area of the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Croom also serves the university in a separate capacity as the Director of the Office of Digital Learning.
Croom teaches courses related to concept, strategy, print and web design, social media, and portfolio work. As an instructor, his aim is to support individual growth and self-actualization through an educational environment that is built on autonomy, trust, cooperation, participation, and self-directed learning. His courses are very hands-on and interactive. Social learning is his favored form of education while experimentation and discovery methods are also encouraged. He believes that his role as an instructor is to be a facilitator, assistant, and partner in the learning process.
Croom completed his Masters at Pepperdine University where he studied education and learning technologies. His research focused on networked approaches to online learning in public relations design courses.
In 2012, Croom founded TEDxOU, an independently organized TED event dedicated to ideas worth spreading. The event produced more than 80+ TEDx Talks which have accumulated more than two million views in more than 120 countries worldwide. From 2012 through 2014, Croom was the Project Director for freedom.ou.edu, an online education platform dedicated to promoting civic education through talks related to citizenship, freedom, and the Constitution. He was named a Journal Record Innovator of the Year Honoree in 2013 and was recognized in 2014 as a Journal Record Achiever Under 40.
He has served on numerous committees for national organizations including the Association of Public Land Grant Institutions (APLU), Online Learning Consortium (OLC), and the Commission on Innovation, Competiveness, and Economic Prosperity (CICEP). Croom is also a former board member for Norman Next. At OU, he has served on the Provost Advisory Committee for Learning Technologies, Digital Initiative Working Group, United Way Steering Committee, and co-chaired of the Canvas Implementation Committee.
Croom is a proud alum of OU and the Gaylord College where he was heavily involved with OU Student Media, Gaylord Ambassadors, and the Center for the Creation Economic Wealth. Before returning to OU, Croom spent time in marketing and public relations roles focused on corporate engagement, technology transfer, and economic development.
To get the latest scoop on his adventures, read his blog at adamcroom.com.
Hi friends! Welcome back to another episode with Sam Sims! Sam gives all the insight on professionalism and how to advance your career forward! About Our Guest: Sam has more than 23 years of public relations and marketing experience in architectural, engineering, energy, medical, science, automotive, technology, and arts industries where he has realized successes in strategic planning, communication, development, media relations and crisis situations. He is heavily involved in the public relations industry and is the 2021 Co-Chairman of Public Relations Society of America’s Technology Committee and former member of the Strategic Planning Committee. Sam is a former National PRSA Board Director and Past President of the Oklahoma City chapter of PRSA. Sam's commitment to his career was accentuated in 2021 when he was inducted into PRSA’s College of Fellows, which is considered the pinnacle of one’s career. He also achieved national accreditation in public relations from the Universal Accreditation Board in 2005. He received the Paul E. Dannelley Harmony Award for his commitment to positively impact and further the public relations industry in 2015. He was named one of the “Achievers Under 40” by Journal Record magazine in 2007, one of the "Forty Under 40" by OKCBusiness in 2005 and selected “Outstanding Young Professional in Public Relations” in 2003. As a featured speaker at conferences and association meetings for more than 23 years, Sam shares his knowledge of communications strategies and techniques within emerging technologies. Sam is committed to growing and developing his community, where he serves in leadership capacities among the board of directors for the United Way of Canadian County, Central Oklahoma Ballet and State Capital Publishing Museum. Sam is also a former board member for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic and Heartline, and a former marketing committee member for the Arts Council of Oklahoma City and for the United Way of Central Oklahoma. Connect with Sam on LinkedIn! NEW HI FRIENDS WEBSITE! Follow along on Instagram!
What an INCREDIBLE episode with the queen herself, Hannah Ashton! Hannah chats all about her e-commerce business, productivity, YouTube channel growth, and her entrepreneurial journey in this super exciting episode! Thank you so much to Hannah for being a part of this podcast and providing so much inspiration to student entrepreneurs!
About Our Guest:
Hannah Ashton is a 21-year-old, Latina YouTuber, entrepreneur, and college student. She has grown her following to over 175,000 subscribers as she uploads videos weekly about women's lifestyle, college, and productivity. In 2019, Hannah launched her e-commerce business where she sells her own self-designed planner, The Dream Achieve Workbook, along with other products to help busy, driven women succeed.
NEW HI FRIENDS WEBSITE!
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Hannah Ashton Youtube
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Dream Achieve Workbook on Instagram
Hi Friends! This week Amanda and I chat all about Relay for Life! From chatting about American Cancer Society to how this organization encourages communities on campus, this episode is filled with so much heart and insight on how you can get involved to support cancer patients, families and survivors.
About Our Guest:
Amanda is a senior marketing major at the University of Oklahoma. She has served on Relay for Life since her freshman year. She currently servesPreviously, Amanda served on exec for two years, then serving as Vice Chair of PR for her junior year.
Register for Relay for Life!
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Hi Friends! Here with a special BONUS EPISODE with Zack Lissau & Denzel Akuffo, two students running for SGA President and Vice President here at the University of Oklahoma! We dive all into how to empower campuses and the details of what it looks like to run a student government campaign with tips and insight that you can take to your own campus!
About our Guests:
Zack Lissau and Denzel Akuffo are juniors at the University of Oklahoma who have served passionately and effectively through various leadership roles on campus. In addition to each being selected to join the President’s Leadership Class, Lissau and Akuffo have proven to be action-oriented leaders through their executive roles in the Student Government Association and Campus Activities Council. As Oklahoma residents, Lissau and Akuffo are dedicated to improving the University of Oklahoma and Norman community-at-large and look forward to investing in the state they call home as Student Body President and Vice President.
LINK TO VOTE!
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Lissau Akuffo Campaign Website
Lissau Akuffo Campaign Instagram
Welcome to the sweetest episode with the sweetest friend! Madison constistly inspires me to chase my dreams and pursue my passions and I know this episode with her will encourage you to do the same! We chat all things bridal industry, changing your direction, and how to choose joy every step of the way! Enjoy!
About our Guest:
Madison is a Wedding Planning Intern, Bridal Stylist, Communications Student, and Performer born and raised in Houston, Texas. After double majoring for two years in Musical Theatre and Communication Studies (with a Dance Minor!) at Ohio Northern University, Madison is currently transferring to finish her communications degree at a Texas college. Although she is more focused on things outside of her performing life these days, her passion for it still helps navigate the Communications routes she's hoping to explore these last two years! Outside of the formalities of her life, you can find Madison: reading, trying out stationery design, cooking and baking, enjoying her close friendships in life, traveling when she can, and working out! Madison's faith is the most important thing to her, and she loves a good dance party.
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WELCOME TO ANOTHER EPISODE!! Caroline is the QUEEN of campus involvement and I can't wait for y'all to hear her talk all about Sooner Scandals and her tips on getting involved on campus! See you next week for another episode!
About our Guest:
Caroline is a Marketing Major with a Double Minor in Creative Media Production and Finance. She's from Tulsa, OK and aspires to be a talent agent in the next 10 years! Caroline serves as the 2021-2022 Executive Chair for Scandals. In addition, Caroline is involved in the American Marketing Association, Alpha Gamma Delta, and Asian American Student Association.
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Welcome back! Emily is so sweet and kind and absolutely radiates joy and it was a JOY to have her on the episode today to talk about University Sing and how campus organizations impact college experiences! University Sing tickets are on sale now, so be sure to check it out!
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Welcome to this SUPER CHATTY AND UNEDITED episode with my freshman year roommate, the QUEEN, Ali Wine! In this episode, we jumped right into chatting about navigating choosing a college, how to accept change and growth through your college experience, and Ali tells us all about her experience in the social work field! Ali is so wise and has so many good stories to share!
About our Guest: Ali is a Social Worker from Houston, Texas, currently based in Nashville, Tennessee. Ali attended Belmont University for her undergrad, where I was so blessed to have her as my roommate! As a social worker, Ali specialized in trauma theory and treatment, interpersonal violence treatment and advocacy, research, and program evaluation. Currently, Ali is an MSSW-Candidate at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville studying Evidence-Based Interpersonal Practice and trauma treatment. She is also an avid Taylor Swift fan, loves plants and the color green, and will gladly wear a cowboy hat on any given occasion.
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In today's episode, Caleb Murphree and I dive into all things leadership, serving others, and following the call Christ has for you! Caleb breaks down leadership development, strategies as well as shares stories of how we can help others celebrate their own wins.
About our Guest: Caleb has a driving passion for development, with a vision of a world where people know their purpose and lead themselves well. His favorite thing in the world is seeing people grounded and growing, with the right community of leaders around them! Caleb feels blessed to move that vision forward with Third Lens Ministries, a nonprofit that serves to support other nonprofits through design and construction. Follow along on Instagram! Connect with Caleb on LinkedIn Learn more about Third Lens Ministries Follow Third Lens Ministries on Instagram
After quite the hiatus, the podcast is back and I am so excited for this new chapter! This is just a brief chat about where we've been and what's to come, so look out for the first episode back to drop Monday, September 13th!
The podcast is back!! Kate Stewart joins me as we chat about her pursuing a Ph.D., tackling imposter syndrome, and remaining truly and authentically you in your career!
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About our Guest: Kate Stewart is currently continuing her education by working toward obtaining her Ph.D. of Mass Communication with a focus in Public Relations at the University of South Carolina. I personally met Kate through PRSSA, which she's been incredibly active in throughout the years. While in her undergraduate studies in Public Relations, she served as the President and Immediate Past President of the Auburn University PRSSA Chapter. During her time in Auburn’s Mass Communication Master’s program, Kate served as a PRSSA District Ambassador and the following year served as the National PRSSA Vice President of Chapter Development. She has stayed involved with PRSSA during her doctoral program by serving as Special Counsel to the University of South Carolina PRSSA Chapter and being involved with the local SC PRSA Chapter.
Last summer, Kate launched her own business called Blonde Ambition Creative Company. So far, she has worked with 9 clients to make all their branding, website, and social media dreams come true.
When Kate isn't researching or teaching on the newest public relations and social media trends, she enjoys watching football, baking, cooking, traveling, and walking my beagle/hound mix, Hunter.
Kaylin Carpenter joins me to chat about how we've changed as people in college and to chat about experiences as a member of Greek Life in college. With lots of silly stories, impactful moments, and lots of intention, this episode will tell you all you need to know about sorority life and becoming you in college!
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About our Guest: Kaylin Carpenter is a junior at the University of Oklahoma studying journalism with a double minor in Spanish and nonprofit organizational studies.Kaylin has internship experience with Make-A-Wish New Mexico, Early Childhood Solutions, the New Mexico Child Care and Education Association and Carroll Strategies Public Relations. Throughout her time as an intern, Kaylin has worked doing social media, public relations, content creation and donor development and stewardship. Currently, Kaylin serves as the president of Alpha Gamma Delta's Upsilon chapter at the University of Oklahoma and previously served as the vice president of recruitment and director of community service. While she's not working, studying or serving her sorority, Kaylin loves to workout and spend time with her friends!
Katy Belanger joins me as we chat about all things in the digital space and social media! Hear all about our thoughts on IG Reels vs. Tik Tok, brands interacting through their social platforms, and how to find your passion in the digital space.
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About our Guest: Kathryn (Katy) Belanger is a senior at Sam Houston State University studying mass communications with an emphasis in public relations and advertising and a minor in graphic design.
Belanger has held many internship positions, including the State Fair of Texas, Dressember and the most recent, the Sam Houston State University College of Arts & Media. She serves as the PRSSA National vice president of digital communications. Through these internships, she has gained public relations, social media and content creation experience.
In her spare time, Belanger loves finding the perfect glass of iced coffee and vintage thrift treasures. She enjoys binge watching the tv show Friends and spending way too much time on TikTok.
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