Had I Known: Recent Episodes
Dave Bolger
An exploration of the journeys of the many interesting members of the Hamilton College community. Each week we talk to alumni, faculty and students to understand the path they took to get to where they are and what role the school played in shaping who they are. New episodes air on WHCL-FM (www.whcl.org) every Sunday @ 8am EST.
Jim Rushton’s love of media started in high school and flourished while working at, and ultimately running, WHCL. He turned that love into a career that went from radio to professional sports. In this episode Jim shares insight into the business side of sports and how it teaches you to watch a different game.
Get tickets to Gabe Mollica’s one-hour comedy show, Solo: A Show About FriendshipAll music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Tom Vilsack grew up a Democrat in a family of Republicans. The skills learned then have served him well throughout his 35 years in politics. This week he shares how he got his start in public service, how lessons learned at Hamilton have served him thorough out his career and what’s different the second time around serving as the Secretary of Agriculture.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
David Chanatry has long had a love of long form storytelling. This week he shares how that love fueled a career in journalism and how along with a love of Utica, it drove him to help create the documentary film Utica: The Last Refuge.
Learn more about the film Utica: The Last Refuge
Learn more about David’s show, The Ivory Tower on WCNY
Read about Marge Pettey’s retirement from Hamilton
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Photographer Helen Morse says the pandemic drained her creative desire to make images. But it awakened her desire to write. This week she joins the show to give insight into her art and why now was the right time to write her memoir, The Difficult Girl. She shares some details into the heartbreaking stories in the book and how they have helped her connect with people on a different level than she’s used to.
Buy The Difficult Girl Learn more about Helen and her art at https://www.helenmorse.com/
Register to attend Hamilton’s virtual event, “Author Talk with Helen Morse K’76”
Listen to Jazz Backstory, the new podcast from Monk Rowe.
As a high school student in Germany, Peter Muggleworth fell in love with TV & Movies. Hear how he went from Hamilton College to a wide ranging career that has seen him involved with many aspects of entertainment. He shares how he’s played a collection of villains as an actor, worked long hours as a member of production crews and how an NFL coach questioned his physical fitness.
Watch The Wag Movie, produced, written & directed by Peter Muggleworth
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Ryan Serhant moved to New York City after college determined to be successful. This week he shares how he found that success but not in the way he originally planned. Hear how he went from actor to real estate agent to launching a successful real estate company.
Learn more about Ryan’s business
Order your copy of Wally Bressler’s new book Tragic Hero
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
As Jessica built a successful career in biotech, she never imagined her father’s interest in wine would lead her down an entirely new career path. This week she shares the story of how Et Fille came to be, how her early career prepared her for winemaking even if she didn’t know it and she gives Dave a lesson in the business of wine.
Learn more about Et Fille
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Kamila Shamsie came to Hamilton from Pakistan with a dream of becoming a published author. This week she’s shares how that dream became a reality and how, as she gets ready to publish her eighth novel, her process helps her build on her incredible success.
Preorder Kamila’s forthcoming novel Best of Friends .All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
For many in the Hamilton community this week's guest is known as Justinio on the Radio, the voice of WHCL in the early 2000's. Justin Ginsberg took that voice and used it--along with a lot of guts and hard work--to build a successful business. This week we hear how Justin built OnHold.com into one of the top on hold messaging and music services in the country. He shares how he went from one client in Clinton, NY to well over 10,000 clients across the country and what it took to get there.
Visit OnHold.com to learn more about Justin's business.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
As the world focuses on Ukraine, we talk to a man who had a front row seat to the country’s history. John Hewko was in the Ukrainian parliament the night they declared independence in 1991 and helped craft the post-Soviet constitution. This week he shares his story, his role in helping shape Ukrainian history and his thoughts on the current war.
Dave also shares an update from former guest Matt Zeller about what’s going on in Afghanistan and the recent on the ground report from the Association of Wartime Allies.
Learn more about John’s organization Rotary International
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Just when Missy Segall thought her hockey career was ending prematurely due to COVID-19, the Buffalo Beauts came calling to fulfill Missy's childhood dream of playing professional hockey. This week Missy talks about making the jump from D3 to the Premier Hockey Federation and how she's also getting hands on business school training working full time for Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream.
Pick up a Missy Segall jersey or t-shirt
Buy Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream - Use the code mail22 for 10% off
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
This week we meet Sammy Johnson and Chad Varney who turned an independent study project into a successful business. Upcurl is a clothing brand making a positive impact on the environment. Learn how to all started and what the future holds for Upcurl.
Learn more about the brand at Upcurl’s website
Check out Upcurl on Instagram - DM them to let them know you heard about them on this show for a special offer.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Weather knocked out this week’s guest, so a scramble to put together an episode leads to a painful but possibly entertaining trip down memory lane. In this episode you get to hear Dave like never before...or at least not like you’ve heard in 25 years.
Music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Fred Rogers is a trained historian so it was only natural that he’d dig into the deep history of Hamilton upon his arrival. Through his research he discovered a personal connection to the school and developed a deep appreciation of just how much history is buried in the school’s cemetery. His love of that history led him to giving countless tours of the cemetery and this week he gives a version of the tour he calls “The Last Dormitory.”
Kyandreia Jones dreamed of being a writer as a young child. By twenty she was a published author, This week she talks about the adjustment moving from South Florida to Clinton, NY, what it’s like writing Choose Your Own Adventure books and the importance of joy.
Preorder Kyandreia’s next book The Ghost on the Mountain
Buy Kyandreia’s first two books
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
We kick off 2022 with the Chair of the Board. David Solomon shares how Hamilton made an impact on him, why he remains engaged with the school, and the different types of leadership lessons he learned in school.
Check out Dave Bolger’s appearance on Life on the HillAll music by Doctuh Michael Woods
When you know you want to do something, sometimes you just need to make the decision to go ahead and do it. That’s how Meg Swertlow became a filmmaker. This week’s guest talks about the various times in her life when she made changes to go after what she wants. A fun chat with a woman the International Screenwriters Association calls one of the top screenwriters to watch in 2021. Hear how the former improv comedian is now taking the male-dominated horror genre by storm.
Read more about Meg at her website.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Rachel Weinstein went to Hamilton College thinking she’d be a lawyer. While studying theater she set herself on a path to becoming a successful Broadway producer. This week she shares insight into how she got her start, how she built her career, and all that goes in to creating a show.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
For nearly 30 years Marge Petteys has served as a surrogate mother to countless students. She’s helped students overcome loneliness, offered advice and given big hugs. While she’s played a role in helping students overcome their insecurities, she shares how working at Hamilton helped her deal with her own insecurities. She’s truly one of a kind.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
A liberal arts education is said to help develop well rounded individuals. This week’s guest Jeff Cournoyer credits his Hamilton experience for his ability to navigate a career that has spanned roles in government, professional sports and higher education. Despite being close friends, Dave still hears stories he’s never heard and learns some new things.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
No guest this week. Instead Dave shares some thoughts on his first visit to Hamilton in almost 15 years.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Alex Slater only spent one year at Hamilton College, but that year played a significant role in his life. This week Alex talk about coming to the US from Scotland and how his year at Hamilton influenced his decision to settle in America. He also provides insight into what it’s like building his own company and the health issues he’s had to overcome along the way.
Learn more about Alex’s work at Clyde Group
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Wally Bressler coaches his clients on the importance of overcoming the reluctance of making sales calls. That reluctance, he says, often comes from deep seeded issues of anxiety, self-esteem, or even depression. He knows because he’s dealt with all of those issues and more. Those issues led to bad decisions throughout his life and ultimately put him in a dark place. In this week’s extremely honest conversation, Wally talks about his rock bottom, the new path he’s on and what being open has done for him personally and professionally.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Lauren Reynolds knew she wanted to work in sports journalism from a young age. Hear how she turned a role as Sports Editor of the Spectator into a successful career at ESPN. She also shares lessons learned throughout her career and what she shares with students looking to follow in her footsteps.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
In moving from a career in science to becoming an award-winning author, Chris Holm learned the importance of admitting when something isn't right for you. This week he talks to Dave about his evolution from a career in science to becoming a fiction writer. He talks about finding the right agent and shares some behind the scenes insight into how books become movies and/or shows.
Learn more about Chris and his work
Pre-order his forthcoming novel, Child ZeroAll music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Mason Ashe has helped grow the careers of professional athletes, entertainers and content creators for over 30 years. This week he joins to share his view on how he views what his job entails, how persistence and the power of persuasion have been key for his success and how Hamilton College has played a role throughout his career.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
United States Representative Matt Cartwright joins this week to share some of the lessons he learned as a trial lawyer and how those lessons translate into valuable skills in Congress. He also talks about how he balances the many aspects of his job and the importance of seeking out advice.
https://www.cartwrightcongress.com/
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, we hear from Jon Bellona as he recounts the creation of Run for the Fallen which honored his Hamilton roommate Matt Cleary and all those killed in action. Jon also talks about his Hamilton experience as the son of the head of Hamilton’s physical plant and shares insight into his art and artistic process.
Learn more about Jon’s art at his website: https://www.jpbellona.com/
Check out Jon on Spotify
Learn more about Run for the Fallen: https://www.runforthefallen.org/
Theme music by Doctuh Michael Woods
For months, combat veteran and former CIA analyst Matt Zeller warned US officials that the situation we now see unfolding in Afghanistan was coming. He has been an outspoken leader in the fight to help evacuate Afghan interpreters. And now, as the situation worsens, Matt is working tirelessly to help save the lives of those that helped save his and other American soldiers’ lives.
Note: We are releasing this episode early in the hopes that you will consider joining Matt in his fight immediately.
Visit No One Left Behind for more information on how to help.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Travis Hill has spent 18 years working to make life more engaging and rewarding for students at Hamilton College. This week he joins Dave to talk about how he’s seen the school evolve over those 18 years and what the school is doing now to help students be successful outside the classroom. He also talks about the podcast he’s created to be a resource for Hamilton students.
Hears Travis’ Life on the Hill podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods.
This week the Hamilton College community lost a truly great member of its family with the death of Civil Rights activist Robert Moses. As a way to honor him, we share the audio of an on-campus event he did for the Days-Massolo Center in February 2019. Hear him talk about his work in the movement, the role education—particularly math education—played in it and the critical role it still plays today.
From Circle Jerk, to Ratatouille: The Tik Tok Musical, to This American Wife, it’s been a wild ride of a year for producer, writer and performer Michael Breslin. He joins the show this week to talk about all of his recent success and how the theater program at Hamilton College put him on this path.
Learn more about Michael’s work: https://www.michaelstevenbreslin.com/
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Comedian Gabe Mollica joins this week to share what it’s like working in NYC as a stand up. He talks about how he got into comedy, how lessons learned at Hamilton College help him today, and how starting a podcast has helped him reconnect with people he hasn’t spoken to in a decade.
Check out Gabe’s podcast on Apple or Spotify
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Award winning journalist Edvige Jean-François was a driving force behind the creation of the very special “We Are Hamilton” issue of Hamilton Magazine. This week she joins to talk about the creation of the issue, the importance of amplifying the voices of black members of the Hamilton community and how working on the magazine helped her reconnect with her Hamilton experience.
Read the “We Are Hamilton” issue of Hamilton Magazine, edited by Edvige
Hear more about her career on Paid By The Word
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
In the recent edition of Hamilton magazine, Michael Tennant writes, “The healing we are looking for might need to start from within.” This week he talks to Dave about how his quest for healing put him on a path to helping others find that healing and begin spreading empathy.
Learn more about Michael’s work at Curiosity Labs
Learn more about the Actually Curious card game
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
This week’s guest Kat McGrory says watchdog journalism is critical to help local newspapers hold those in power accountable for their actions. That’s something she’s done so well in her career, she recently won a Pulitzer for her work in exposing questionable policing tactics by a local sheriff.
Hear the Deputy Editor of Investigations at the Tampa Bay Times talk about her work and the role her liberal arts education played in her career.
Read Kat’s Pulitzer winning work
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
When Gillian Zucker heard Steve Ballmer was buying the LA Clippers she knew being President of the team would be the perfect job for her. This week she shares insight into her career through professional sports, how she landed her current job, and what it’s like as one of the highest ranking women in professional sports.
This episode was recorded as a live event. Please consider donating to Hamilton College as part of this event.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods.
Sarah Damaske is a sociologist, a professor, and an author. This week she tells Dave there is nothing else she’d rather be doing. During this great conversation we hear about Sarah’s path to discovering her calling as a sociologist (via a major in Comparative Literature) and we hear about her new book The Tolls of Uncertainty, which takes a deep look at the unemployment system in America.
Purchase The Tolls of UncertaintyLearn more about Sarah’s work
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Like many first year college students Derek Brand thought everyone else had it figured out. Over the course of his time at the school playing rugby and studying abroad he came to understand that few people had it figured out. This week Dave welcomes Derek, his classmate and former rugby teammate for a chat that explores Derek’s journey to becoming the Chief Operating Officer for New York Bio, the leading advocate for the bioscience industry in the State of New York.
Check out some recent events hosted by Derek
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Fresh off completing a year that saw her team manage Hamilton’s COVID testing program and plan Commencement in a condensed timeline, Lisa Magnarelli joins to talk about her unique Hamilton experience. Lisa discovered the possibility of a career as a college administrator as a student intern in Hamilton’s Student Activities office and when she returned to the school twenty years ago she described it as coming home. This is a fun chat with someone who has dedicated almost their entire adult life to Hamilton.
Less than 24 hours before he delivered Hamilton College’s 2021 Commencement Address, Ty Seidule joins Dave for a conversation. During this chat, Ty shares his impressions of Hamilton and its students, how they compare to West Point cadets and he talks about his latest book Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner’s Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause.
Get Ty’s book here
Watch Ty’s 2021 Hamilton College Commencement Address
Watch Ty’s 2017 “Robert E. Lee and Me” speech at Washington and Lee University
All Music By Doctuh Michael Woods
Dan Chambliss is retiring after 40 years of teaching at Hamilton College. Dave caught up with Dan just a few days removed from teaching his final class. In this conversation Dan shares how the school has evolved during his time there, what was the most terrifying moment of his career (it involved potentially failing the majority of an entire class), and what makes Hamilton and it’s students so special.
Register for “Celebrating Dan Chambliss”
Register for “Had I Known Live: Gillian Zucker”
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
Writer Mike Barlow joins this week to talk about life at Hamilton during the 1970s. While there was free love, drugs, and all that came with the Vietnam War, he shares what remains the same about Hamilton no matter the year. He also shares insight into his career as a writer and the role Hamilton played in shaping it.
Check out Mike’s writing
https://www.amazon.com/Mike-Barlow/e/B004GUNMLO?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1620535798&sr=8-1
Listen to Mike’s podcast about writing
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/paid-by-the-word-conversations-with-writers-and-editors/id1550478359
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/rkNtmymKbYPoUEK86
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Saphire Ruiz may have always had an activist’s spirit, but it’s been at Hamilton where they have really explored what it means to be an activist and put the skills to use. As Student Assembly President, Saphire has been battling the administration on many fronts and this week they share some of those experiences and talk about their deep interest in improving the education system for all.
For more information on Saphire’s recent work:
- BLSU's petition regarding the Advisory Council
- The linktree for Saphire’s current SA administration
- A recent article by The Monitor, which outlines the timeline and details of the Audit and Action Council
- An op-ed written by Saphire about racial justice at Hamilton
- Op-eds Saphire wrote/co-wrote about Posse (#1, #2, #3)
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/CeF56mP8x7WipVEU8
Herb Hand says being a football coach defines him. And while it’s hard to dispute the fact he is 100% a football coach, there is way more to this one-of-a-kind man. This week he shares his experience going to Hamilton via HEOP, talks about the people who influenced him and how he prides himself on making a positive influence on the lives of others.
Check out Herb’s rap skills
https://twitter.com/texasfootball/status/1029010545754746881?s=21
https://youtu.be/8wt7yCxZba8
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/JgancUta64AGekVN9
This week we have another Emmy winner. Toni Bullock joins to share her experience going from Hamilton to Hollywood. She shares insight into how she’s built her career as a producer and how she’s helping other women succeed in entertainment through her networking endeavor, Callsheets 2 Cocktails.
More about Toni
Callsheets 2 Cocktails
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
This week we tell another international story. Peter Kosgei, the most decorated athlete in Hamilton College history, talks about his early struggles coming to America from Kenya, what it was like competing as a runner at such a high level, and the terrible attack he suffered which ended his successful collegiate running career prematurely. Ultimately this is a story about falling in love with Hamilton.
See Peter in action
https://youtu.be/oruCsL9W4Ds
https://youtu.be/UT9awu8XINg
https://youtu.be/AUoYHN_2vR8
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.com/doctuhwoods?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=0
Growing up in Dubai, Manal Ataya’s perception of the United States was shaped by the few teen movies she saw. This week she shares the story of coming to the US to attend Hamilton and what life was like on campus as an Arab Muslim. The museum professional talks about her career path and what it’s meant to her to give back to the school as a member of the board of trustees.
More about Manal
http://sharjahart.org/sharjah-art-foundation/people/ataya-manal
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.com/doctuhwoods?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=0
For the last 24 years Steve Bellona has had a hand in shaping and growing the Hamilton community. First as the Associate Vice President for Facilities and Planning where he oversaw unprecedented growth and expansion of the campus and now as the Mayor of Clinton, NY. Steve shares what brought him to Hamilton, how his experience as a track coach helped him perform his job better and how the school and the Village of Clinton help each other thrive.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods.
https://soundcloud.com/doctuhwoods?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=0
If you’re going to do a show about Hamilton College, it makes sense to talk to the person in charge. So that’s what Dave did. This week President David Wippman joins to talk about how the school has dealt with the pandemic, how it continues to manage DEI , and how he tries to maintain a collaborative relationship with the students.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/Y32KQPQ9mPpFDYmZ9
Kena Gilmour won his share of hardware as a basketball player at Hamilton. The school’s #5 all-time leading scorer was an Academic All-American, he won the prestigious Josten’s trophy and was the first ever winner of the NCAA’s GLBTQ Award for scholar athletes. This week he talks about what it was like coming out to his coach and teammates and how he’s committed to fighting for all marginalized groups.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.com/doctuhwoods?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=0
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Lachlan Markay liked being a contrarian at Hamilton College and that experience of seeking the other side of the story has served him well as a journalist. This week he shares a bit about his career path from conservative media outlets like the Washington Free Beacon to the Daily Beast and now Axios. Throughout the conversation Lachlan shares insights into the world of modern media and reporting.
Read Lachlan’s latest work
https://www.axios.com/authors/lmarkay/
Get Lachlan’s book
https://www.amazon.com/Sinking-Swamp-Minions-Poisoned-Washington/dp/1984878565
Music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/aUjfAXesyh3PyD6a8
Fresh off his Super Bowl win, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive line coach Joe Gilbert joins to talk about his 35 year journey from Division III to the NFL. He shares the ups and downs of life as a coach, the differences between college and pro football, and what it’s like to reach the pinnacle of his profession.
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.com/doctuhwoods?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=0
Christie Vilsack preaches to students the importance of getting out of one’s comfort zone. Something she learned as a member of the inaugural class at Kirkland College. Along the way that lesson has served her well in careers in both education and politics. This week Christie shares insight into those experiences including helping shape what Kirkland would become, putting her husband Tom through law school, serving as the First Lady of Iowa, and the evolution of her career as a teacher.
“Becoming Mrs. Van Allen” - Christie Vilsack - TedxFoggyBottom
https://youtu.be/tRKKIwrqM7c
All music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/rEUJn2Wojk3YiFFk6
This week Dave talks to classmate Rob Romanowski. Rob shares how his summers spent in military training made him appreciate the time he had on campus, how traveling the world as a Foreign Service agent has helped him appreciate all that’s great about this country, and how he’s helped Americans abroad in his work for the State Department.
Theme and background music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/jM1pJm1PemKpZ4449
When Lauren Cupp was a two sport athlete at Hamilton College she wanted golf to be #3. She faces a challenge though...there was no women’s team for her to join. So she created one. The team she founded is now a varsity sport and she’s not only the coach, but she coaches men’s golf as well. This week she shares the story of how she built the women’s program, what it’s like coaching both women and men, and she shares insight into her experience as the #1 ranked female speed golfer in the world.
Theme and background music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/EC5P64uiaCyYW3RH6
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Phyllis Breland has dedicated herself to helping people succeed. The recently retired Director of Opportunity Programs at Hamilton has impacted and inspired countless students. This week she joins to share life lessons learned from her mother and how her experience, first as a Kirkland student and then as a Hamilton graduate, shaped who she is today. Throughout this conversation Phyllis shows why so many guests have made a point to credit Phyllis for their success.
Theme music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.com/doctuhwoods?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=0
John O’Keeffe didn’t set out to launch a condom company, but in many ways his varied experiences, both at Hamilton and throughout his career, make him well suited to do so. This week John joins to talk about how he came to be a co-founder of Champ, a direct-to-consumer sexual wellness company.
Get more info on Champ
https://meetchamp.com/
Theme music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/wgRjvGr3g7a566LH9
For over 25 years, Monk Rowe has been interviewing Jazz musicians as the Director of the Fillius Jazz Archive at Hamilton College. This week he joins the show to talk about how the archive came to be and shares some stories from his more than 300 interviews.
Check out videos from the archive at the Fillius Jazz Archive YouTube Page:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAs4ozKxI7GVTWsV789yMgw
More information on Monk Rowe and his music:
http://www.monkrowe.com/
https://open.spotify.com/album/0wLPXY5bYOkU5HwGQoYvPs?si=ONo48xFTTxWBbKf4PuuZjQ
Theme music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/DB6cTsGL6XXa9wpp7
A clip show? Yup, a clip show. Before we get going with new episodes in 2021, we take a look back at the conversations had in 2020.
At Hamilton, Dave’s friend Nathaniel Hurd was an atheist. So it came as a shock a few years after college to learn that Nathaniel had become a devout Catholic. This week Dave asks Nathaniel about his journey of faith, discusses how it has effected their friendship, and what—if any—impact it has on Nathaniel’s work as a Senior Policy Advisor for the US Helsinki Commission.
Music Spotlight: Bo Armstrong
https://www.boarmstrongmusic.com/
Theme music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/mhw6JfoH5enGLGdq6
It took a lot of courage for Céline Geiger to pack up the car and drive across country to pursue her dream. This week she joins the show to share how she gained that courage at Hamilton College. Céline also shares the steps she took to build a successful career as a television writer on shows like Vampire Diaries and Nancy Drew.
This week’s featured music is “Cry to Me” from Brew.
https://listentobrew.link/
Theme music by Doctuh Michael Woods
https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/YgzYrB38os83Md8Q8
Alteri’s Restaurant
Get a taste of Clinton, NY delivered anywhere in the US.
Martine Kalaw joins this week to share her incredible story. After being orphaned at 15, Martine soon found herself without a country to call home and embattled in an immigration case that lasted seven years. She shares that story and how she’s turned her experience into a career as a change agent focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.
Washington Post reporter Antonia Farzan joins to share how she, as she puts it, got into journalism somewhat unintentionally. Antonia is an award winning journalist and currently focuses on the pandemic.
This week we introduce a new feature showcasing the music of the Hamilton community. First up is Ben Leit and his new single, Next Year.
Check out Ben’s music on Spotify
Theme and background music from the deep catalog of Doctuh Michael Woods.
Get Doc’s music on Soundcloud
Retired Classics Professor Carl Rubino joins this week to talk about his path to Hamilton College, how he evolved as a teacher, and what he’s up to now. He also shares some knowledge about the college’s namesake.
This week The Athletic editor Adam Hirshfield joins to share stories about what it was like having a professor for a father, how that helped him cope with being a transfer student, and how Hamilton helped him prepare for a career in sports journalism.
As Election Day approaches, Dave welcomes New York State Assembly member Ron Kim to discuss Ron’s journey as a Korean immigrant. Hear how Ron went from Flushing, NY to Hamilton College to a career in public service. The first Korean American ever elected in New York State, Ron has made headlines by taking on battles against Governor Cuomo in an effort to fight for fairness.
Nationally syndicated DJ Frankie V makes his return to where it all started for him: WHCL. Frankie shares how he turned the dream of a teenager into a reality and built a successful on-air career in radio.
This week we learn about the path Susan MacTavish Best took to become the party planner every tech CEO wants to work with and how she’s evolved what she does during the pandemic.
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Last week John Werner talked about a passion for understanding the history of Hamilton College. That passion inspired him to create history tours of the campus when he was a student. This week he returns to share some historical tidbits about the school and some of its key figures. We also give an update on John’s idea to bring together the eleven NESCAC schools to help solve some of the problems facing our society.
Correction
John pointed out to us that he incorrectly stated the Hamilton Oneida Academy was founded in 1796. The date was 1793.
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John Werner says Hamilton College was like a video game to him. He found joy in each challenge he faced. He rallied more than 60 students to overcome a professor’s challenge that had not been solved in a decade, won a NESCAC championship, and was part of a group that pulled off a Guinness World Record. In this episode John shares a big idea on how the NESCAC schools can rally together to solve some of the challenges we all face.
The news of the California wildfires made Dave reach out to former classmate Pat Hibbard, a San Luis Obisbo firefighter. Their reconnecting moved quickly from telling old rugby tales to Pat sharing some deeply personal experiences. From struggles with mental health to a first hand experience with the honor code, Pat shares the good and bad of his time at Hamilton and how he came out a better person.
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Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph went from a geology major at Hamilton College to building one of the most iconic entertainment brands in the world. This week he joins to talk about his career and shares a multitude of lessons learned along the way.
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As members of Hamilton’s class of 1956 began talking about their upcoming 65th reunion, they started getting together for recurring Zoom sessions. Dave Bolger joined a recent session and quickly found out these weren’t just trips down memory lane. These men are getting together to talk about race, inclusion, and what they can do to make a positive impact on the Hamilton community.
Singer/Songwriter Jess Klein always had a love for the arts and creativity, but she didn’t know music would be her focus. This week she joins the show to talk about her unplanned journey into a career in music and how a series of decisions and encounters with people at a Hamilton College shaped her career.
Writer, actor, and director Paul Lieberstein joins this week to talk about his career. Fans of The Office know and love Paul as Toby, but what they might not know is he almost ended up in a career in finance instead. Hear how Paul got his start, his experience writing and directing a movie, and what he’s working on now.
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As students return to Hamilton College and the country gets closer to the Presidential election, it’s a good time to check in with Professor Phil Klinkner. He’s one of the most requested guests on this show and is listed by many as their favorite professor. This conversation shows why.
As the NHL Playoffs get underway we talk to former NHL All Star and Olympian Guy Hebert. Guy talks about choosing Hamilton College over bigger division one programs, getting drafted to the NHL as a sophomore and what life was like in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, and NY Rangers.
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Comedian, author, storyteller, actor, editor...it’s impossible to put a label on the talented Selena Coppock. This week Selena shares what its like for women working in standup, how she’s been able to balance a career in publishing while pursuing her myriad creative passions, and how much she loves Hamilton College.
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Chef Ashley Merriman joins to discuss the good and bad of her Hamilton experience, her career as a chef, and her time on reality TV’s Top Chef. Current students will benefit from hearing from a notable alum with wise words about dealing with being different.
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Dave Bugliari joins this week to talk about how he chose Hamilton College, how he became one of the top Hollywood agents, and how he and wife Alyssa Milano balance their careers to raise their two kids.
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When Amanda Daflos took on the role of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Chief Innovation Officer, she couldn’t possibly have imagined her job would be focused on helping the city’s response to a global pandemic. But here she is, one of the many Hamilton College alums doing incredible work.
Hamilton College’s new Alumni Association President Josie Collier joins for a conversation about her role and what she intends to accomplish. She talks about the importance of listening and how making connection across the community will help deliver the change so many people seek.
We dive back into the impact of the Res Life decision this week. Jeff Michael ‘98 experienced life on the Hill before and after the decision and as such has a conflicted view of his Hamilton experience.
This week we journey into another realm to chat with Doctuh Michael Woods. Doc Woods drops knowledge on life, race, the importance of being unapologetically you...and of course music. This is a fun journey with a legendary guide.
Nobody had a larger impact on the Hamilton experience of the 1990s than this week’s guest Bev Low. This week we talk to Bev about having to help lead the students through a time of change on campus, all the sleep she lost getting called out of bed to break up parties, and how she helps guide students in her current role as Director of Guidance & College Counseling at the Manchester Essex Regional School District in Massachusetts.
Professor Mark Cryer discusses his experience getting hired as an African American at Hamilton College, why he wrote his play 99 Question You’ve Always Wanted to Ask an African American But Were Afraid to Ask, and what’s required to keep the current Black Lives Matter movement going.
A conversation with documentary filmmaker David Gaynes about his unique career path from creating a television show in college to local TV news reporter to being the editor for Kool & the Gang.
This week we talk to political scientist Matt Glassman about his time at Hamilton, how the school prepared him for his career, his recent visit to the school, and the importance of local politics.