The Vulcan Nation: Recent Episodes
Ryan Barnhart
The Vulcan Nation is the only Cal U podcast you should listen to! Featuring interviews with alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the university, the Vulcan Nation is your place for Cal U podcasts.
We chat with Derek Partsch, Cal U alum and entrepreneur, philanthropist, and sport business guru, about his experiences at Cal in the Sport Management program and how he has carved out a unique experience post-college.
We chat with Ashley Cole, Cal U alum and higher education professionals, about her time at Cal U and how it has influenced her life and career pathways.
We chat with author and Cal U alumna Valerie Schutte, Ph.D, FRHistS, about her time at Cal U, her expertise on all things Tudor England, and experience with Cal U Athletics.
Visit her website here.
Friends of former Cal U Athletics Administrator Frank Bauer can contribute to the scholarship here.
We have a chance to chat with Joe Duffy '88, Atlanta Restaurant Podcast Host & Sports Handicapper and Owner of OffshoreInsiders.com.
Check out Joe's Atlanta-based food podcast here, and his insight on sports betting here.
We chat with Elizabeth Hobson '05, Museum Administrator at the Idaho State Museum and 2020 Under 40 Honor Roll inductee!
We chat with Ironman, former professional football player and Army officer Spencer Lynn '14 '15!
We chat with Lauren Tan, alumna and body language expert! Check out Lauren's work at:
https://www.bodycipherpro.com/
We chat with Guy Holmes '07, member of the 2020 Under 40 honor roll, and current production planning manager at The Perryman Company!
It's here! We're dropping the Ultimate Cal U Playlist, and we're featuring a conversation to introduce it with emerging Cal U artists including:
Cam Chambers
Dan Sullivan
Bobby Webster
Check out Cam's album here.
Launch the Ultimate Cal U Music Playlist!
We chat with MLB producer, independent recording artist, and alumnus Ed Eagle! Check out Ed at these links:
MLB.com: www.mlb.com
My artist page on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/533zHq8CZyLs9n75vs82aO
My new music video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70sTfCV-5dM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ed_eagle_music/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EdEagleMusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/edeagle89
New Artist Spotlight: https://www.newartistspotlight.org/
We chat with Kaitlyn Moffett '18, Under 40 honoree and meteorologist at CBS3 in Duluth, MN!
We kick off Women's History Month with a conversation with an emerging female leader in collegiate athletics, Chelsey Burk '08!
We chat it up with Ray Shonk '19, owner of Quest Fitness about his time at Cal U in the Global Online program, and what it's like to build your fitness business from the ground up!
Find Ray's Book on Amazon!
We chat it up with Mike Pecosh, owner and principal at Pecosh Counseling and Consulting.
We talk with Jessie Punia, class of 2008, Partner and Consultant at August. We catch up about her time at Cal U as an international student and student-athlete, and how her experiences have helped her in her role shaping corporate culture for clients at August.
We chat with Dr. Andrew Johnson '07, Executive Director of Community and External Affairs at Community College of Allegheny County about his time at Cal U, his Mon Valley hoops influences, and how that has all culminated in his leadership role in higher education.
We cut up with Shawn McCoy '14, '16, about his time at Cal U, moving to the other Cal, and everything in between.
We catch up with alum, author, and emergency management professional Cody Santiago in our latest episode.
We chat with Summer Rothrock '06, director of the office of cross-cultural and leadership development at the University of Pittsburgh.
We chat with Blayre Holmes Davis, Cal U alumna and Under 40 recipient, and the director of community relations with the Pittsburgh Steelers, about her work with the team and in the community.
We chat with Allen Pines '11, better known as his YouTube persona Allen Austin, on his passion for content creation, sports broadcasting, and how he created "The Allen Austin" show on YouTube during the pandemic.
We chat with alumnus, and generally cool dude Chris Buffington '07, Global Merchandise Director at Salvatore Ferragamo about his career, his time at Cal U, and how his passions met at Cal U and unfolded into an international experience.
We are pleased to host special guest and honorary citizen of the Vulcan Nation, Pittsburgh Penguins broadcaster and 2x Stanley Cup Champion, Phil Bourque, the ol' 29-er, on a special season 3 preview episode of the Vulcan Nation.
We chat with Shujuane Brown Martin, this year's Professional Excellence award recipient.
We link up with Adisa Hargett-Robinson, Class of 2016, this year's Young Alumni Award winner.
We talk to Dr. Saroyi Chandler Morris, this year's WS Jackman Award of Distinction recipient.
We catch up with Eric Zwigart '98, this year's Pavlak/Shutsy Special Service Award winner.
We talk to Cal U celebrity and everybody's favorite, Carolyn "Ms. Tardd" Tardd, this year's John R. Gregg award winner.
We talk to Brooque Williams '10, Cal U Athletics Hall of Famer and this year's Michael Duda Athletic Achievement Award recipient.
We talk to martial artist and educator Bill Viola '69, this year's Illustrious Californian.
We talk with the Furlong Military Award Recipient, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Donna Barbisch in this Alumni Awards special episode.
We talk to 2020 Cal U Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Renata Silva Gray about her experiences as an international student at Cal U, how she built her pathway to success and her athletic accolades during her time on campus.
We talk shop, and some sports, with Bill "Powerhouse" Hughes, Alumni Association Board of Director, about his experiences at Cal U, his sports entertainment experiences, and his passion for sports and impacting the lives of his students.
We link up and chat with Gennifer Difilippo about her time at Cal U, her experiences performing with the campus version of The Nutcracker, and taking her passion for the performing arts to creating ArtSpireVA.
We check in with Alumni Association Board of Director member Jeremy Babcock on his time at Cal U, his pathway back home to RIT, and making Larry Sebeck by lunch.
We talk shop with Vince Wilson about his time at Cal U, and how it's led to his career path in higher education, all the way to the Ivy League.
We chat with Prof. Jim Bove of Cal U's art department about his craft, influencing future artists, and particularly, his awesome trip to the Arctic Circle and how that has inspired his art, and his students.
We link up with Nate Dixon, alumnus and Foundation for Cal U board member, about his experiences at Cal U and giving back as an alumnus.
We chat with Carrie Kromer, Cal U alum and manager of the PSECU branch on campus, about her time as a Cal U student, working across departments at the university, and impacting students through her work at PSECU!
We talk shop with Dr. Brian Oddi, former Cal U and CFL football standout, current professor of exercise science, and all-around good dude about his time at Cal U, the infamous facepaint, and how he transitioned his passion for sports to his academic teaching career.
We chat with Efrain Martinez, Cal U grad and current principal at Orozco Academy in Chicago, IL, about his experiences at Cal U as an international student, and how his time at Cal launched helped to launch his current career trajectory.
We link up with Ronald Taylor, better known in Cal U circles as Spoon, about his time at Cal U, how it shaped his future in higher education, and what it's like to start a fashion brand for kids!
We connect with Derek Fiorenza, Cal U alum and principal at Summit Group Retirement Planners + CEO and Founder of Fiorenza's Food For Friends, a food rescue non-profit that helped launch the food rescue concept across the state nearly a decade ago!
We chat with Coach Gary Dunn, alumnus, former Cal U football player, and current head coach of your California Vulcans, about his time as a player, and what it's like to come back and lead the program he has literally and figuratively shed blood, sweat, and tears for. We also preview the Vulcans 2020 season!
We chat with alumna, staff member, and author Cindy Speer about her experiences at Cal U, life as an author, and everything in between!
We talk with alumna Jill Rodriguez about her experiences as a student and in life, and her life on and off the yoga mat!
We talk with Daniel Caulfield, head coach of Cal U's men's and women's track and field and cross country teams about the joys of running, his coaching philosophy, and the concept of 1% upgrades.
We meet up with Dr. Chad Kauffman, professor in the department of earth sciences at Cal U, and talk all things weather related, plus the amazing partnership that Cal U has with the American Meteorological Society, and how students and alumni can benefit from the partnership!
We talk with Missy Dunn, alumna, student services extraordinaire, mom, and football wife about her experiences as a student, and now a staff member, at Cal U.
We chat with Rhonda Gifford, the Director of Cal U's Career and Professional Development Center, about resources available for alumni to jumpstart their career search, kick their networking game into high gear, and how the CPDC can help alumni throughout their career with various services and opportunities!
We talk shop with Dr. Shelly Fetchen DiCesaro '94, assistant professor and certified athletic trainer at Cal U, about the revamped Athletic Training program, her memories on and off the field as a student AT and what it's like to be full circle educating the future of her profession.
We meet up with 2x alumnus and the current Dept. of Theatre professor, Dr. JP Staszel, to talk about his unique experience at Cal U, performance art, what it's like to come "full circle" from a student in theatre at Cal U to teaching the next generation, and his unique perspective and dissertation on the "Magic Mike" perspectives of the male entertainment industry.
We meet up with Dr. Anthony Kane, Jr '11, '12, Assistant Director of Residence Life at Duquesne University, Cal U inaugural Under 40 Recipient, and all-around good dude and talk about everything from time at Cal U to making an impact in higher ed.
We catch up with Dr. Janet Koposko '10, assistant professor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and inaugural Cal U Under 40 recipient about her journey in the psychology field.
We catch up with Bryan Lipchinsky, Financial Services Rep at Northwestern Mutual and 2x Cal grad about everything from his time at Cal U, sports, why thinking about retirement is important, even during COVID-19, and more.
We meet up with alumna Brianna Rigg and talk about her talent for eyeing talent and all things hustling cupcakes on the side while building growth in her field.
We catch up with Dr. Marguerit Haldin '09, '11 about her experience in education, pursuing a doctorate, and what it means to be teaching the next generation of educators and leading them through unchartered waters in teaching through a pandemic.
Join us as we delve into the benefits of Cal U's MBA and new Master's in Accounting programs, as well as discuss the landscape of business, marketing, accounting, and more in the post-COVID-19 landscape as we talk with the Department of Business and Economics experts!
We chat with Cody Elias '12, inaugural Under 40 recipient and Multimedia producer for the Oakland Athletics of MLB, about his time at Cal U, his love for baseball, and how he ended up in "The Big Show".
We chat with Ron Celaschi '08, Cal U MBA grad and CEO of Clearview Federal Credit Union about how his MBA at Cal helped prepare him to lead Pittsburgh's largest credit union, launching a one-stop financial and insurance service at Clearview FCU, and how Clearview cares not only for its members but the communities it serves, all throughout the year and especially during times of need like COVID-19.
We catch up with inaugural Under 40 recipient, Alumni Board member, and Cal U for Lifer Alisha Carter Harris '06, '11, as we reminisce about her time and experience at Cal U and how it helped to launch her career in higher education...plus, how she can help you with resume related questions and concerns during COVID-19!
Ryan and Ryan reconnect to briefly form their old WCAL (WVCS at the time) radio show, talk about how life is full circle at Cal U, how COVID-19 is affecting special populations, and Ryan Jerico's work with the American Heart Association in battling both lifestyle disease and folks with heart conditions and COVID-19.
We host Ben Brown and Jamie Colecchi of the Mon Valley Alliance, as well as Vice President for University Development and Alumni Relations, as we discuss the impact that COVID-19 has on small business and non-profit organizations, and the resources available via the MVA for small business owners, and other insights for preparing your business for a post-COVID-19 market.
We chat with Darren Burns '09, about his time as a defensive back under Coach John Luckhardt and the winning ways of Vulcan Nation, as well as his post-Cal U career and life.
We talk to Tommy Victor, May 2020 graduate of Cal U, about his experiences at Cal U and graduating amidst the COVID-19 crisis.
We talk to Dr. Christina Toras, professor and program coordinator for Cal U's online Legal Studies bachelor's and master's programs, about her love and passion for law and teaching, and how her programs offer professional development and career opportunities for students and alumni.
We link up with Carissa Debreczeni '04, brand solutions director at Innovid and general cool person about her experience at the forefront of digital marketing, the benefits of deep-dish pizza, how she's an "O.G." when it comes to marketing and branding online and how she can be a resource to Cal U students and fellow alumni in the marketing field.
We meet up with Bri Mitchell, friend of the University and Social Media Associate for WQED Education. Bri provides info for parents who are in the role of "teacher" with kids at home during isolation, and the free resources WQED is offering to parents at home during this time.
We chat with Amanda Magdic, Associate Director of Admissions at Cal U, about how COVID-19 has impacted the college search process for many prospective students, including for alumni with children in the college search process. Amanda details what parents should remember during this time, tips for your prospective college student, and what Cal U is doing differently to help future Vulcans during this time.
We talk with Cal U alumna and current program director of the Social Deviance major at Cal U, Dr. Emily Sweitzer, and we talk about why deviance is so cool, and why shows like CSI, The Blacklist, Mindhunter, and more, seek her expertise out before they film.
We meet up with Amanda Osterberger, owner of Amarah Studio and Boutique and talk about her experience at Cal U, and the vibe of her chic fitness studio and boutique in Brookline.
Join Rachel Michaels '12, '14, Director of Student Wellness Support Services at Cal U, as she discusses how her experiences at Cal U shaped her professionally as a counselor. She also talks COVID-19 and how it has impacted students and adults alike, what Cal U is doing to meet the wellness needs of students, and tips and strategies for taking care of your student, and yourself, in this time.
Catch up with Jessica Brown '07, former Cal U tennis standout and current business development manager at Allied Univeral, and how their company is handling COVID-19, including a boom in hiring!
We link up with marketing + design guru, higher education professional, and general LEGO enthusiast RJ Thompson to discuss art in revitalizing communities, the distractions of LEGO, and more!
Listen in as we talk with 2020 Cal U Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, head baseball coach at the College of the Desert RoadRunners, and founder of The SD Project, Sam DiMatteo!
Join us for a chat with Nikki Popielarcheck and her experiences at Cal U as a student, an employee, and how she can help listeners explore a new or finish a graduate degree program through Cal U!
Listen in as we speak with Mike Mendolia '12, Premium Sales with the Seattle Mariners, about his journey in Major League Baseball, and his thoughts on how Cal U helped prepare him for a career in "The Show", plus we chat about how the COVID-19 situation has fundamentally changed sports as we know it.
Join us as we talk with Allison Kotarsky '07, owner and designer at Paper Hearts Invitations. We'll talk a bit about her time at Cal U, why she loves what she does, and how she can help if your wedding is "corona-canceled".
In the season 2 premiere, we link up with Ashley Pesi, MSW '16, on her role as Project Manager at Auberle, studying for her doctoral degree, and what it's like to be part of the inaugural Cal U Under 40 class.
On the season 1 finale of the Vulcan Nation, we chat with University President Geraldine Jones about her time as a student, what makes her job great, and who really walks who when it comes to First Dog Ali!
On this episode, we catch up with Teddy Maloney '12, marketing manager for adidas...and Cal U Under 40 recipient.
On this episode, we check in with Marshal Carper '09, brand engagement and content strategist, author, jiu-jitsu player, one half of THE Cal U Couple, and all-in-all Renaissance man.
On this edition of the Vulcan Nation, we catch up with Dan Carmichael '15, '16 to talk about his time with the Underground Cafe while at Cal U, and what he's doing now.
On this episode, we link up with Rachael McKriger, creative copywriter at DICK'S Sporting Goods and independent sports journalist. We catch up on her time at the Cal Times, and her new gig with the ACC Network.
On this episode of The Vulcan Nation, we check in with Kendal Rudolph as she discusses her career as a marketing professional and her role as an entrepreneur as the owner of the sunless tanning solution, Solrae!
Check in with us as we check up with Ta'lor Pinkston '12, '15, founder of The Heart Advocate & LADYHOOD journey. We catch up and chat about how she's changing women's lives in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Globetrotter he is for sure! We check in with Trevor Consavage '06, #CalU alumnus and the Globetrotter of Golf...he's a professional golf trick shot artist and long driver...and all around cool guy. Check out our time shooting the breeze with the "Macho Man" now!
Join us for episode 3 of The Vulcan Nation as we catch up with Justin Leader '05, '07, Vice President of Business Development with Benefit Design Specialists.
We catch up with Justin, how he's impacting the nation's healthcare industry, and we discuss the infamous, and literal, "eye candy" incident.
Tune in to the episode 2 of The Vulcan Nation Podcast as we sit down with Justin James '12, '14, Development Associate in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at Cal U.
Justin talks about his journey at Cal U into the world of sports, and back to his career path in higher education here at his alma mater.
The Vulcan Nation highlights students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of California University of Pennsylvania, known better as Cal U. On this episode we talk with alumna Amy Wohar '07, "The Healthy Hypnotist" about her experiences and new practice for Rapid Transformation Therapy.