Podcast
MSU Denver Alumni BirdTalk
Hosted by MSU Denver Alumni · EN
An MSU Denver Podcast about Alumni Careers and Lives hosted by Jamie Hurst ‘21.
Bird Talk is a fascinating glimpse into the lives and careers of the university's accomplished alumni. Each episode features an in-depth interview with an alum who shares their unique journey and insights on how their time at MSU Denver shaped their success. From entrepreneurs to educators, artists to scientists, Bird Talk offers a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the impact of higher education.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Dirza Pedroza Ceballos '23
3d ago00:22:12Tap to summarizeFrom first-generation student to creative storyteller, Dirza Pedroza Ceballos shares how saying “yes” to opportunities at MSU Denver and leaning into community support shaped her path from education to marketing. Hear how she’s now uplifting student voices across Denver and why she believes that when you risk being seen, you open the door for others to follow.This episode was recorded live during the MSU Denver Day of Giving Telethon in March.
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Stephen Lease '16
Apr 3000:55:52Tap to summarizeRe-airing of a standout conversation with Stephen Lease, MSU Denver alum and founder of goodr, as he returns to campus as the Spring '26 alumni commencement keynote speaker. From his unconventional entrepreneurial path to building a globally recognized brand, Stephen shares lessons on leadership, culture, failure, and finding success by doing things differently.
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Jan Sumner '74
Apr 201:00:22Tap to summarizeFrom throwing BP for the Colorado Rockies to writing 13 books and leading a prison ministry, MSU Denver alum Jan Sumner has stories for days—and he delivers. This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes baseball moments, unexpected career turns, and real talk on failure, purpose, and finding your next chapter.
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Paul Anderson '07 & '21
Mar 401:02:34Tap to summarizeFrom aviation to executive leadership to professional poker, Paul Anderson (’07, ’21) has built a career driven by curiosity and continuous learning. Now an affiliate professor in the College of Business at MSU Denver, he joins host Jamie Hurst to reflect on studying leadership across industries, what poker taught him about risk and human behavior, and why creating psychologically safe learning environments matters. It is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, intention, and what it means to truly run your own road.
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Leah Millis '11
Feb 200:58:30Tap to summarizeFrom the MSU Denver student newsroom to the front lines of history, photojournalist Leah Millis (’11) has documented some of the world’s most defining moments — from the January 6 Capitol riot to protests and global conflict. In this candid conversation, she shares what it takes to tell powerful stories with empathy, the resilience required to work on the front lines, and why ethical, local journalism matters now more than ever.Documentary Mentioned: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-capitol-security-backstory/ Organization: https://www.womenphotojournalists.org/
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Chennelle Diong '16
Jan 900:59:39Tap to summarizeHost Jamie Hurst sits down with MSU Denver alumna Chennelle Diong (’16), co-founder of Good Love Foods, to talk about turning a personal challenge into a nationally recognized gluten-free brand. From her hospitality roots at MSU Denver to winning the Denver Startup Week Pitch Competition and appearing on Shark Tank, Chennelle shares the real story behind entrepreneurship, rapid growth, and building a business rooted in inclusion, quality, and community
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Janet Damon '00
Dec 100:59:38Tap to summarizeThis episode features Janet Damon - Colorado's 2025 Teacher of the Year - whose passion for literacy, community, and student well-being is transforming classrooms across Denver. Get ready for a powerful, heartfelt conversation with one of Colorado’s true changemakers.
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Chucky Moss '88 & '91
Oct 3000:56:48Tap to summarizeHost Jamie Hurst sits down with two-time MSU Denver alum Chucky Moss (’88, ’91) to talk about his 30-year career at Wolters Kluwer, the power of mentorship, and why curiosity keeps him moving forward. From Park Hill to global business leader, Chucky shares wisdom, humor, and what it means to “enjoy the ride” as a lifelong Roadrunner. A special thanks to Kyle Woodiel. This episode was originally recorded on May 23rd 2025.
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Emmy Jacobson, '00
Oct 700:54:44Tap to summarizeFasten your seatbelts—this episode of Bird Talk is cleared for takeoff! Host Jamie Hurst chats with Emmy Jacobson (‘00), a lifelong aviator, community powerhouse, and MSU Denver’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year. From flying at 16 to leading at an Airbus company, Emmy’s journey proves that Roadrunners don’t just take flight—they soar.This episode was originally recorded on August 15th, 2025.
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Andrew Dole '06 & '13
Sep 1701:06:45Tap to summarizeFrom chef to dietitian to NFL performance expert, Dr. Andrew Dole’s career is anything but ordinary. Hear how this two-time MSU Denver alum went from cooking for athletes to fueling the Arizona Cardinals—and why lifelong learning has been his ultimate playbook.
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