Penn State COMMversations: Recent Episodes
Penn State Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
Penn State COMMversations is a podcast produced by the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications. Episode topics range from the people, programs and events that shape the Bellisario College to discussing key aspects of life in the professional world for young and upcoming communications alumni.
In this episode, hear highlights from the 2026 Page Center Awards. At the event, each honoree participated in a discussion and offered advice and guidance on a number of topics, including preparing for AI, building trust and navigating difficult decisions. Watch the entire event on the Page Center's YouTube channel.
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In this episode,
Amy Kristin Sanders, the John and Ann Curley Professor of First Amendment Studies at the Bellisario College
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In this episode,
John Nichols, professor emeritus of communications
Patrick Parsons, professor emeritus of telecommunications
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In this episode,
Martin Marinos, assistant professor of film production and media studies
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In this episode:
Joe Colacurcio, senior vice president of analytics and insights at Weber Shandwick
In this episode:
Sara Liao, assistant professor of film production and media studies in the Bellisario College.
In this episode:
Heather Shoenberger, associate professor of advertising/public relations in the Bellisario College
In this episode:
Briana Rojas is a senior broadcast journalism major from Fairfax, Virginia. Rojas works with FOX Big Noon and also interns with Penn State Athletics.
Gabriel McNear is a sophomore film production major from Elimsport, Pennsylvania. McNear works sky cam at Beaver Stadium home games.
Grant Sheets is a senior public relations major from Ashburn, Virginia. Sheets broadcasts Penn State football games for CommRadio.
On Oct. 8, 2023, Bellisario College students Carlos Garcia and Juan Mendez announced the Penn State women’s soccer match versus Ohio State in Spanish. It was the first time a university hosted a Spanish-language play-by-play broadcast on Big Ten Plus. In this episode, hear about the origin story of this historic broadcast, how Carlos and Juan prepared, and the feeling of triumph at the final whistle.
In this episode, hear clips from the 2024 Page Center Awards. At the event, each honoree participated in a discussion and offered advice and guidance on a number of topics, including preparing for AI, building trust with stakeholders and navigating difficult decisions. Watch the whole event on the Page Center's YouTube channel.
Listen to each's leaders' insights from their perspectives at the top of their industries.
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Bellisario College Ph.D. candidate Sydney Forde discusses her upcoming trip to The Frankfurt School and her experience at Penn State overall.
The three co-executive producers of 46 LIVE — the student leaders of the livestream that carries the Penn State Dance Marathon to 200,000-plus viewers in 80 countries — share insights into their preparation for THON 2024 at Penn State.
Alumnus Paul Levine talks about his latest novel, "Early Grave," his writing process, what's next for his popular character Jake Lassiter and more during a wide-ranging conversation.
A conversation with screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, who's career of success, of ups and downs, includes films such as "The Killer," "Sleepy Hollow," "Se7en" and many more. In a wide-ranging conversation, Walker talks about his latest success, "The Killer" on Netflix, as well as screenwriting in general, the impact of Penn State on his career and the support of his parents.
Entering its fifth year, the Centre Film Festival is ready to take a major step. In this episode of COMMversations, Bellisario College faculty member and Centre Film Fest creative director Pearl Gluck and Rowland Theatre director Rebecca Inlow talk all about the festival – this year’s fest, its history and the people who make it happen. Learn more at: https://centrefilm.org/
In this episode of COMMversations we talk with alumna Savanna Schweizer on the endless job possibilities with a PSU communications degree and taking the next step in your career.
A fun origin story about Bob Martin, his emails and the love-hate relationship with something that is uniquely part of the Bellisario College student experience. Learn about what powers these opportunity makers, why they work and how it all got started.
Alumnus Alex Eliasof ('14), a senior associate producer for WWE Documentaries, talks with classmate Caroline Goggin ('14), a news reporter for WHDH-TV, about his career path, making the most of opportunities on campus, networking and career success.
Alumna Lisa Salters, the sideline reporter for "Monday Night Football" and for the NBA on ESPN/ABC, discusses her career path, success, what's next and more.
Alumni sports anchors Alex Walker ('14) and Tyler Feldman ('16) discuss career development, networking ... and even a little about makeup application.
In this episode, hear clips from the 2023 Page Center Awards. At the event, each honoree participated in a discussion and offered advice and guidance on a number of topics. Listen to each's leaders' insights from their perspectives at the top of their industries. Mary Barra talked about women in engineering, top-down accountability and rebuilding reputation. Lester Holt discussed working with public relations professionals, articulating values and Black representation in journalism. Jon Iwata shared his thoughts on burgeoning AI technology, how to ethically adapt and integrity’s role in evolving.
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Alumnus Jack HIrsh ('20), an assistant editor for GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com, talks about opportunity and support for students in the Bellisario College. He also shares some advice about early career success.
Learn about options, resources and support; dispel some myths, hear from students; and learn how the Bellisario College and World Campus work together to meet the needs of "nontraditional" students.
A conversation with Penn State alumnus and longtime central Pa. journalist John Beauge.
Alumnus and former Penn State football letterman, Brandon Bell discussed his time at Penn State, the NFL and his transition to his current role with NFL Films.
Alumnus Ben Feller discusses his debut book, a children's book about his relationship with his son.
Penn State alum and Marketing Generalist for the Penn State Alumni Association, David Abruzzese discussed his career path, useful tools he learned while enrolled in the Bellisario College, and how to make yourself an asset.
Alumna Dana O'Neil discusses her book, "The Big East: Inside the Most Exciting and Influential Conference in College Basketball History"
Brad Rhen is the deputy state public affairs officer for the Pennsylvania National Guard. The 1997 journalism graduate had his sights set on a career in sports broadcasting, but that all changed by the time graduation rolled around. He joined the Army as a public affairs specialist and reported news for bases in Hawaii and Washington, D.C. In 2004, he continued writing and editing for the Army while stationed in Afghanistan. That experience set the stage for an award-winning career in public communication.
This interview is about a recent publication, authored by Dr. Stephanie Madden and her collaborators Dr. Kate Guastaferro of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies and Drs. Chris Skurka and Jessica Myrick, faculty members at the Bellisario College. The study was published in the Howard Journal of Communication and titled “When Home is Not Safe: Media Coverage and Issue Salience of Child Maltreatment during the COVID-19 Pandemic.” Dr. Madden also discusses the of power interdisciplinary work and how collaborations help remove the limitations of research
Faculty member Colleen Connolly-Ahern talks about her research and work focusing on advocacy communications.
A discussion with alumnus Mike Abrams, director of journalism practices and principles for The New York Times.
Alumnus AJ Cassavell of MLB.com discusses the 2020 season covering the San Diego Padres.
Faculty member Bill Zimmerman talks about podcasting, teaching, entrepreneurship and much more.
Professor Tounsel's research interests include Black pop culture, womenism, and feminist media studies.
BELLISARIO COLLEGE LECTURER AND LOS ANGELES SHOW WRITER DEEPAK SETHI DISCUSSES THE IMPACT CORONAVIRUS HAS HAD ON HOLLYWOOD.
DEAN MARIE HARDIN OF THE BELLISARIO COLLEGE SAT DOWN WITH DONALD P. BELLISARIO TO DISCUSS HIS PROCESS OF WRITING SCRIPTS AND HIS FAVORITE METHODS, THE ADVICE HE WOULD GIVE TO YOUNG WRITERS, AND HIS LATEST WWII-THEMED PROJECT ENTITLED "SPITFIRE".
Three juniors in the Bellisario College (Dan Howanetz, Jake Jurich and Dymand Mitchell), part of a group that we've been following with brief interviews and video updates since they arrived on campus as freshmen, sat down together for the first time in March.
Alumnus Ben Feller talks about his career with The Associated Press, including his time as the White House correspondent, his career change (he's now a partner at Mercury) and more.
The voice of Penn State football and Men's basketball along with part-time professor Steve Jones discussed how he prepares in the off-season, teaching his students, and maintaining relationships with coaches.
Teaching professor Kevin Hagopian discussed the Oscars award show, diversity amongst the nominations, and teaching film in the Bellisario College.
Alumna Taylor Harrington and Allie Shwalb discuss success strategies during semester break for students, ranging academic minors and internships to job fair prep, networking, websites and more.
Karen Mozley-Bryan, the Bellisario College's manager of facilities, discusses our facilities and resources, her path to her position, the coming Bellisario Media Center and more.
Faculty member and graduate program director Matt McAllister discussed graduate study in the Bellisario College.
Alum Brian Tripp discusses his broadcasting career, his process and advice for those who want to enter the industry.
Faculty member Shaheen Pasha discusses her journalism career, her approach to teaching, the upcoming prison journalism program and more.
Assistant Dean Jamey Perry talks about advising and student services in the Bellisario College of Communications.
John Affleck, the Knight Chair in Sports and Society and director of the John Curley Center for Sports Journalism, discusses the program, opportunities for students and Penn State and more.
Alumnae Erin Cunniffe and Erin Peterman discuss dealing with different managerial styles for young alumni.
Alumnus Chima Okoli of Penn State Law, discusses his job, Penn State football and more.
Alumnus Pete Jensen, senior fantasy hockey editor for NHL.com, joins host Jacob Wilkins to discuss his career path, offer advice and more. This episode is presented by the Young Alumni Council.
Pam Hervey, president of the Alumni Society Board, joins host Erin Cunniffe to discuss the board and how it can assist alumni and students.
Dean Marie Hardin joins host Jerome Taylor to recap the academic year and talk about the future of the Bellisario College.
Kevin Flintosh and Chima Okoli of the Alumni Society Board discuss nontraditional career paths for communications graduates. This episode is presented by the Young Alumni Council.
Mike Poorman, director of alumni relations for the Bellisario College, recently joined host Jerome Taylor to discuss his role.
Richard Rapp, president of Altamira and former president of the Bellisario College's Ad/PR Alumni Network Board, joins host Jerome Taylor to discuss his career path and his role with the board.
Rob King, ESPN’s senior vice president, original content, recently visited campus to meet with students and present a lecture. He joins host Jerome Taylor to discuss his experiences.
Steve Manuel, assistant teaching professor, joins host Jessica Quinlan to discuss working in communications while traveling abroad. This episode is presented by the Young Alumni Council.
The 15th annual Penn State Powwow is scheduled for April 6-7. John Sanchez, an associate professor in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications and coordinator of the event, joins host Jerome Taylor.
Steve Kraycik, director of student television, joins host Jerome Taylor to discuss “Centre County Report,” an award-winning newscast produced by students from the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications.
Steve Sampsell (director of strategic communications) and Trey Miller (strategic communications coordinator) join host Jerome Taylor to discuss the Bellisario College's Office of Strategic Communications.
Listen to portions of the 12th annual Films and Friends film screening and networking event, which took place Feb. 22 in New York City.
Host Jerome Taylor talks with faculty members Pearl Gluck and Tara Wyckoff as well as student Brynn Boehler about their educational spring break trips.
With two communications-specific job fairs coming up in the next few weeks, Assistant Dean Bob Martin joins host Jerome Taylor to discuss the Bellisario College's Office of Internships and Career Placement.
46 LIVE is set to bring THON to viewers around the world from Feb. 15-17. Jerome Taylor welcomes executive producer Meghan Shiels and host Zach Kaplan to discuss the live webcast.
Host Jacob Wilkins welcomes fellow alumnus Rich Russo to discuss his job as lead director for FOX Sports' NFL coverage, how he got to where he is today and more. This episode was presented by the Young Alumni Council.
Seniors Ashanti Rubin and Rachel Tasker are serving as public relations assistants for the NFL at the Super Bowl. They join host Jerome Taylor to discuss the opportunity.
Assistant Dean Gary Abdullah joins host Jerome Taylor to discuss the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, which strives to make the Bellisario College a comfortable, welcoming home for all students, staff and faculty.
Senior Brandon Pelter joins host Jerome Taylor to discuss all things CommRadio. Pelter is a student general manager for the internet-based radio station housed in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications.
Jessica Handler of NFL On Location Experiences hosts fellow Penn State alumna Halle Stockton of PublicSource to discuss the ins and outs of startups.
Katie DeFiore hosts senior advertising/public relations major and Bellisario College Fellow Taylor Harrington, who discusses her experiences at Penn State, her career aspirations and more.
Katie DeFiore hosts S. Shyam Sundar, the James P. Jimirro Professor of Media Effects and co-director of the Media Effects Research Laboratory in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, to discuss the effects of interactive media and how internet-based information is consumed.
Katie DeFiore hosts David Frum, a senior editor at The Atlantic and author of “Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic,” to discuss what he describes as the “guardrails of democracy.” Frum spoke on campus earlier in the semester.
Katie DeFiore hosts alumnus Dave Leopold, the senior director of content production technologies at Viacom, to discuss the future of technologies such as VR and AR in the journalism industry.
Kevin Flintosh talks with Matt Eichelberger (development), Tara Wyckoff (teaching) and PJ Mullen (athletics) about how they transitioned from Penn State students to Penn State employees working in different areas of the university.
Following one year and the first 12 episodes of "Penn State Comm-versations," Young Alumni Council members Marielena Balouris, Pat Bunting, Amy Camacho and Jess Quinlan discuss their involvement with the Bellisario College, why staying connected to Penn State is important to them and more.
Jessica Quinlan hosts fellow Penn State alumna Danielle Mimnaugh, senior director of brand engagement for Rooftop2 Productions, to discuss what it's like working in sports and how to break into the industry.
Pat Bunting hosts fellow alumni Pam Hervey and Jarred Romesburg to discuss the ins and outs of being an entrepreneur in the media industry.
Journalism grad Christian Heilman joins alumna Marielena Balouris to discuss the importance of having a mentor.
Alumna Jessica Quinlan and graduating senior Marc Auker talk about what to expect after college.
Kevin Flintosh discusses how to break into sports journalism with fellow Penn State alumnus Sweeny Murti, who covers the Yankees for WFAN.
Penn State alumni Amy Camacho and Chris DeRosa discuss freelancing, including how to survive and why it's worth it.
Kevin Flintosh and Mike Poorman, the Bellisario College's director of alumni relations, discuss how to form connections with fellow Penn State alumni.
Marielena Balouris discusses the future of TV news with fellow Penn State alumna Kathryn Barrett.
Alumna Marielena Balouris discusses Donald P. Bellisario's transformative $30 million gift with Dean Marie Hardin.