The Oswego Alumni Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Oswego Alumni Podcast
The Oswego Alumni Podcast, hosted by Dee McGowan Perkins '85 and produced by Liam Gotimer '22, features a diverse array of Oswego alumni spanning decades, career fields and experiences. Tune is as these alumni sit down with Dee to share their stories, both while students at Oswego and beyond.
This podcast is brought to you by the Oswego Alumni Association and WNYO.
For comments, questions or to suggest a future guest for the show, please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or alumni@oswego.edu.
In our latest episode, join host Dee McGowan Perkins '85 as she sits down with a remarkable entrepreneur and Oswego alum, Nick Moore, Class of 2010. Nick's journey began with the bold decision to start his own insurance agency immediately after graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. Since then, he's garnered multiple industry awards and recently relocated his agency to Central New York. Join us as Nick shares his origin story, detailing how he chose Oswego and the courses that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. He recounts the pivotal influence of a family friend's union experience, which shaped his commitment to community and service. Hear firsthand about this pivotal decision made during the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for his expanding business. Discover the complexities Nick faces in his industry—from staffing and training to navigating rapid technological advancements. Don't miss this inspiring episode with Nick Moore.
In this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast join host Dee McGowan Perkins '85 as she sits down with Coach Jason Leone, a powerhouse figure in Division III basketball. Jason is the 17th basketball coach to direct Oswego's program. During his time at Oswego, Coach Leone has crafted a legacy of success, boasting the most wins in any eight-year period in program history and holding the top spot for total wins in the East Region.Throughout their conversation, Coach Leone shares insights into the multifaceted world of coaching, from team dynamics and media relations to off-season training camps in Syracuse and the intricacies of summer recruiting. Hear firsthand about the dedication and sacrifices involved, including the unwavering support of his family, pivotal to his achievements both on and off the court.This episode offers a deep dive into the passion and perseverance that define Coach Jason Leone's remarkable career. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories that shape the Oswego Lakers' ongoing success.
In this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast hosted by Dee Perkins Class of 1985, Derrick Salisbury (Class of 1990) talks about his 35+ years in the business of producing some of the biggest sporting events around the world. Derrick started in Orlando helping to bring the World Cup to Florida and then went on to be a part of eleven Olympic & Paralympic. He served as FIFA Venue Manager for FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and is a long-time consultant to International Federations, National Olympic Committees, and top transport management companies. And today he has taken his years of experience to develop TPT Hub, a software suite dedicated to bringing efficiencies to the events world where he is one of the Managing Partners. Derrick not only has great stories about working behind the scenes in sports biggest stages but he also has a lot of advice for the students of today on how to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Find out more about TPT Hub: https://tpthub.com/
In this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast hosted by Dee Perkins Class of 1985, Derrick Salisbury (Class of 1990) talks about his 35+ years in the business of producing some of the biggest sporting events around the world. Derrick started in Orlando helping to bring the World Cup to Florida and then went on to be a part of eleven Olympic & Paralympic. He served as FIFA Venue Manager for FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and is a long-time consultant to International Federations, National Olympic Committees, and top transport management companies. And today he has taken his years of experience to develop TPT Hub, a software suite dedicated to bringing efficiencies to the events world where he is one of the Managing Partners. Derrick not only has great stories about working behind the scenes in sports biggest stages but he also has a lot of advice for the students of today on how to differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Find out more about TPT Hub: https://tpthub.com/
In this episode of the Oswego Alumni podcast, hosted by Dee McGowan Perkins '85, our featured guest, Greg Stumpf '86, talks about celebrating almost 40 years in the business of meteorology. A part-time storm chaser and full-time researcher, Greg is the developer of a new tool that will keep people updated on the track of dangerous tornados on a minute-by-minute basis. Greg not only talks about his project “Threats in Motion,” but also gives us the lowdown on what movies got storms mostly correct ('Twister') and some that are way off base ('The Day After Tomorrow'). To learn more about Threats In Motion, click here: https://youtu.be/Su5-l-VGlMk?feature=shared
In our latest episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, our host, Dee McGowan Perkins '85, speaks with current students Natalie Barden '24 and Jolie Santiago '24 about the details of the first-of-its-kind WTOP broadcast that has everyone talking. The very first all women's WTOP broadcast of the Oswego Lakers Men's Hockey team came together in February, and not only did the student team put together an amazing group of 21 women to showcase the Men's Hockey program's 1,000th victory -- but they also reached out to WTOP alumnae who peppered the broadcast with congratulatory videos. Jolie and Natalie were the two WTOP seniors who put this groundbreaking broadcast together, and we also find out what their plans are for life after graduation.
In our latest episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, our host, Dee McGowan Perkins '85 speaks with Donna Goldsmith '82.Named by Forbes as Second Most Powerful Woman in Sports, Donna served as a top-tier executive for some of the biggest sports brands in the world -- from the NBA, WWE, and Tough Mudder, and was General Manager of the 2014 Super Bowl.
Tune in as Donna shares experience from her incredible career, including working at the NBA while Michael Jordan set the basketball world on fire; moving to the home of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson at the WWE; working for the legendary sports moguls David Stern and Vince McMahon; lessons she's carried throughout her career from her first post-college job at Revlon; and how the journey all began at Oz!
Our host, Dee McGowan Perkins '85 speaks with Lori Jung '02, a Brooklyn-based veteran consumer and lifestyle publicist, and co-owner of Hudson West PR, a full-service public relations, branding and marketing firm.
Lori shares how her career has led her across the country from NYC to Arizona, and back again, the unusual place where she met her business partner, and her pet peeves, including trending slang words!
A successful entrepreneur, Lori credits Oswego for helping her succeed and stand out in her field.
Dee Perkins '85 interviews the Event Director and Assistant Director of The Dr. Lewis B. O’Donnell 2023 Media Summit. Katie Karlen (2025) and Kate Salamida (2025) talk about everything that goes into organizing a huge event. And one of the panelists for the event, Christy Somers talks about working in the production side of unscripted television shows. Her expertise on how to turn freelance work into a career will help all the students attending the event. Christy is currently working on the unscripted series "Help I'm in a Secret Relationship" for MTV, but has also worked on shows that were broadcast on TLC, A+E, HGTV, Cooking Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel, and more. She talks about how creating a network of colleagues within the industry can pay off in positions with other shows.
In our latest episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, our host, Dee McGowan Perkins '85, speaks with Marty Lindenmayer '79, a retired Navy captain and retired senior intelligence officer with the United States Defense Intelligence Agency, and currently an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University.
Marty reflects on his life of service to our country, and to his students as a professor and a mentor, and now as a candidate for Selectman in his town of Kent, Connecticut. Marty shares stories related to combat missions following the September 11 terrorist attacks and his briefings to dozens of U.S. Presidents and their staff throughout his long career.
A two-time recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Award, The Legion of Merit Award and the Navy Meritorious Award, along with numerous NATO, Defense, Navy and Theater Combat ribbons and awards, Marty's dedication to his country and community are an inspiration.
In our latest episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, our host, Dee McGowan Perkins '85 speaks with Earl Bellinger '12, astrophysicist and postdoctoral research fellow at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Germany, instructor at Yale University and Rock Musician.
Earl discusses how the study of variable star data impacts important health and environmental decisions here on Earth; the endless limitations and capabilities of A.I.; whether aliens are real, what the sounds of the sun can tell us; and why astrophysicists tend to be fantastic musicians.
What do training for an Iron Man and going for a PHD have in common? Chris McNally ‘97 a two-time Iron Man shares how lessons learned from failures make you a better athlete, teacher and grandfather.
In the latest episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, hostDee McGowan Perkins '85chats withDr. Thomas Mahl '80, Chief of Service, Gastroenterology at Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, and Assistant Professor of Medicine, SUNY at Buffalo.
Dr. Mahl discusses his unexpected path from a disengaged high school student to a dedicated and successful physician and medical professor, and how a series of family medical issues helped to inspire his path.
Crediting Oswego and faculty emeriti Gus Silveira and Pearl Monroe for teaching him discipline; his professional mentors for instilling a sense of "calm competence" in his care for patients; his broadcaster father for his captivating speaking skills which helped earn him three Segal Awards for Teaching; and his humble beginnings for motivating him to pay it forward to current SUNY Oswego students in financial need -- Dr. Mahl's journey is an inspirational one! Tune in today to hear his story!
In this special episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, filmed on location at the SUNY Oswego WTOP studio, our host,Dee McGowan Perkins '85. speaks with alumni couple Peter '75 and Andrea Guglielmo Bocko '73 M'75, as they share how their Chemistry summer research project was a catalyst for their long and prosperous marriage, and how, bonded by gratitude for this experience which not only brought them together but prepared them for their careers, they were inspired to give back to their alma mater through the establishment of the Peter '75 and Andrea Guglielmo Bocko '73 M'75 Forever Award Endowed fund. This fund supports summer research opportunities for Oswego chemistry students, and a group of student scholars join in the discussion to share updates on their own research and how Peter and Andrea's generosity has had a transformative impact on their lives.
In this special episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, released in conjunction with the 2022 Dr. Lewis B. O'Donnell Media Summit, our host, Dee McGowan Perkins '85, chats with some of this year's alumni career connectors and panelists as they share how their time at Oswego impacted their careers in media and set them up for success, and what the Media Summit means to them. Hear from Career Connectors Natalie Brophy '17, technology and startups reporter for the Buffalo News and Paul Esden Jr. '15, New York Jets digital reporter for Heavy.com, as well as Panelist Ade Ellis '04, associate director for CBS Sports. Plus, Dee gets a behind the scenes look at planning for this beloved campus event through a conversation with this year's event directors, Jenna Wilson '22 and Melinda Brancato '25. This year's panel, "Reaching for the Summit: Underrepresentation in Sports Media." will take place Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022 at 3 p.m. For more information, or to tune into the livestream, visit mediasummit.org. The Dr. Lewis B. O'Donnell Media Summit was founded by Lou Borrelli '77 in 2005, and in 2007, Al Roker '76, joined as a co-sponsor of the event, which was named in memory of their beloved professor, the late Dr. Lewis B. O'Donnell.
Our host, Dee McGowan Perkins '85 kicks off a new "Reminiscing with Roomies" Oswego Alumni Podcast series by talking to her former Oz roommates, Wendy Cobdra '86, chief marketing and strategy officer at Girl Scouts of NYPENN and Wendy Feikert '87, educational sales consultant at School Source. Dee, Wendy C. and Wendy F. chat about old Oz roomies and the stories that go along with them, how their time at Oswego prepped them professionally and personally, and whether your major really does predict your future career path. Are you still in touch with your Oz roommate? Interested in joining Dee to share your Oswego stories? Or, do you have another idea for a great future episode? Email us today at alumni@oswego.edu.
Tune in to our latest episode as host Dee McGowan Perkins ’85 chats with Cameron Jones '09, three-time Emmy-award winning producer and manager of development of integrated content strategy for race and culture at ABC News. During the conversation, Cameron discusses everything from how his time at Oswego prepared him for his career; to how he keeps his work-life balance in check; to his mentee relationship with Al Roker '76; to how he landed himself a private meeting with Barbara Walters!
On this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, host Dee McGowan Perkins sits down with Roberta Berkowitz, President and Owner of Prendo Forensics.
Check out more about Prendo Forensics below!
http://prendoforensics.com/
On this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, host Dee McGowan Perkins '85 sits down with Cherilyn Beckles '17. Cherilyn has a profound background in media production, working with companies such as YES Network, New York Film Academy, and most recently Buzzfeed.
Check out these links that highlight Cherilyn's terrific work!
Cher's Email: beckles94@gmail.com
Cher's Project: https://www.astoldbyblackwomen.com/
Applications for fellowships: https://www.buzzfeed.com/about/jobs#job-listings (this includes applications for fellowships)
On this episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, host Dee Perkins is joined by Jordan Sher ('77) who shares his experiences as a teacher, social worker, and most recently as an author.
Check out Jordan's website here!
https://www.jordanstevensher.com/
On this edition of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, your host Dee Perkins interviews SUNY Oswego Alumni Trudy Perkins '93! Trudy has worked in television production, is a member of many non-profit organizations, and has worked admirably under the late Elijah Cummings within Maryland's 7th district. Enjoy!
On this episode of "The Oswego Alumni Podcast", host Dee McGowan Perkins '85 sits down with Brittany Gibbons, an Oswego graduate of 2012 who is currently working with Tesla.
On the second summer episode of the Oswego Alumni Podcast, host Dee McGowan Perkins '85 is joined by Tamar Greene '09.
Tune in to hear Tamar reflect on his time at SUNY Oswego, and give an insight of what it is like to be a Broadway star during these uncertain times.
Enjoy!
The Oswego Alumni Podcast is back and better than ever! Check out our first ever video podcast (along with an audio version), as host Dee McGowan Perkins '85 meets with Marcus LaRobardiere '11 to talk about his career in public relations, while also reflecting on his time at SUNY Oswego.
Charlene Assam '16 MBA '17 is content accountant with Netflix and the face behind The Migrant Hope. She joins Carl to talk about her YouTube channel and how she utilizes it to fill the racial wealth gap in the country. Charlene also gives advice to students finding a new major and graduates looking for a job in their field. If you are interested in being interviewed on the podcast, please email alumni@oswego.edu or message us on social media @WNYO.
**The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.
Peter Melnick '13 is the host of the popular Marvel based podcast called The Marvelists. He joins Carl to talk about his roots at SUNY Oswego and what inspired him to start his podcast. Peter also tells the story behind his interview with Mark Ruffalo, who is known for his portrayal of The Hulk in the Marvel franchise.
As a part of SUNY Oswego's Imagine 2021 Program, Carl invites Jim Triandiflou '88 and Mike Davis '07 on to talk about the importance of the Oswego network and how it has impacted their careers. They also give their own career advice for students and graduates looking to find a job after college.
If you are interested in being interviewed on the podcast, please email alumni@oswego.edu or message us on social media @WNYO.
**The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.
Shanna Fuld ‘16, Host/Producer of the Israel Daily News Podcast, joins Carl to talk about her time at Oswego and her journey to where she is now. Shanna talks about her time at the Oswegonian, the inspiration for her podcast, and gives her recommendations for recent graduates on the job hunt.
If you are interested in being interviewed on the podcast, please email alumni@oswego.edu or message us on social media @WNYO.
**The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.
In this final episode of the series, Carl brings on more recent alumni to talk about diversity at WNYO and the radio world, the station's current state, and what the plans are for WNYO moving forward. We are happy to welcome Rufaro Matumbo '12, Amna Sadique '20 and Jenn Robilotto '21. These guests have all had a strong impact on WNYO while they were at SUNY Oswego and are looking to use their experience to make a bigger impact out of college.
To submit your questions for future podcast attendees please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or message us on social media @WNYO. *The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.*
In the second of three parts of WNYO Through the Years, Dee Perkins '85 and Dana Murphy '99 join Carl to discuss the transition from WOCR to the current WNYO. This change occurred during the 1980s and 90s and is a massive part of Oswego State student media's history. Perkins owns her own marketing company in Central New York, "Bright Ideas CNY," and previously spent years as an on-air in the region. Murphy, on the other hand, has worked in sales for her entire career, with stops at Westwood One, Fox News Radio and is currently a sales manager at WideOrbit.
To submit your questions for future podcast attendees please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or message us on social media @WNYO. *The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.*
This episode is the first of a three part series documenting the history of student radio at Oswego State University. Carl welcomes in Hank Volpe (class of 1973) to the podcast to discuss his time at WOCR in the early 1970s. Volpe has over 40 years of experience in broadcasting, most recently working as the Vice President of Technology for WPVI-TV Philadelphia, PA
Volpe chimes in as he remembers his college experience at Oswego State and how he has seen college radio change at his alma mater.
To submit your questions for future podcast attendees please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or message us on social media @WNYO.
*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.*
This month Carl spoke with Aida Almanzar '06 and Gabriel Almanzar '05 to discuss how their experiences at SUNY Oswego helped them become successful in their respective career paths. Aida graduated from Oswego's School of Business in 2006 and is the CEO and President of the Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine in Bloomfield, NJ which is the first school of acupuncture in the state. Gabriel graduated with his BFA in Graphic Design a year prior to Aida and is now a Supervising Art Director at CBS. He was been nominated for several Emmys and has even won one for his work on Super Bowl 50. He maintains his relationship with professors and the school as a member of the SCMA Advisory Board.
Both Aida and Gabriel give back to the campus community through the Almanzar Mentorship Award which provides support to students and allows them to get a "day in the life" experience where Gabriel shows them around the CBS Studios and provides them with insight to prepare for their future after Oswego.
To submit your questions for future podcast attendees please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or message us on social media @WNYO.
**The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.
In our second episode, Carl sat down with recent alum and fellow class of 2020 graduate Michael Russo to discuss life as a recent graduate during the COVID-19 crisis. Michael Russo was a member of SAVAC and is currently a licensed EMT working in the New York City area. He offers a unique perspective on the COVID-19 outbreak and lists a number of reasons why students should get involved with on-campus organizations and clubs.
To submit your questions for future podcast attendees please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or message us on social media @WNYO.
**The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.
To celebrate our first episode and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Carl decided to sit down with Oswego State alumni Ken Froebig '72 and Greg Loan '71, two climate advocates, and organizers of the first Earth Day celebration on campus. In this episode, Carl discusses not only Ken and Greg's SUNY Oswego experience but also their misadventures during the summer of 1969 at the height of the Vietnam war protest movement. Be sure to tune in and find out what these two alumni got into over that summer and learn if there is any truth to a car being buried on campus.
To submit your questions for future podcast attendees please email alumnipodcastwnyo@gmail.com or message us on social media @WNYO.
*The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Oswego Alumni Association, SUNY Oswego, or any of its officials.*