Birds Up Podcast

Season 5 is officially in the books, and what a journey it's been! Join Andrew, Melissa and Josh as they reflect on an incredible season of the Birds Up Podcast , revisiting some of their favorite interviews, memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories and the conversations that made this season so special. From distinguished alumni and industry leaders to coaches, entrepreneurs and changemakers,...

Fresh off a historic 2025 American Conference Championship season, UTSA Soccer Head Coach Derek Pittman joins the Birds Up Podcast to talk about the journey of building one of the most successful programs in Roadrunner Athletics. Since arriving at UTSA in 2018, Pittman has transformed the program into a championship contender, leading the Roadrunners to conference titles, NCAA Tournament appearanc...

Join us for an inspiring conversation with San Antonio native and UTSA alumnus Dr. Joshua Austin, nationally recognized dentist, educator, speaker, and Editorial Director of Dental Economics . From his early days at Health Careers High School and UTSA to becoming one of the most respected voices in dentistry, Dr. Austin shares the journey that helped shape his career and passion for helping others...

We made it to Episode 100! Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane with two of the voices who started it all, Drew and Yvonne Addison! They share stories, laughs, and the journey behind the Birds Up Podcast, as we celebrate the entire team who helped get us here. We’re incredibly grateful to the many guests who have joined us along the way, and to you—our audience—for being such an important...

From storyteller to city shaper, Connie Gonzalez joins the podcast to share her journey from broadcast journalism to Chief Strategy Officer at Brooks, one of San Antonio’s most dynamic mixed-use developments. She discusses how Brooks has transformed from a former Air Force base into a $1B+ economic engine and what that growth means for the future of the city—especially the South Side. Connie offer...

UT San Antonio alum Clay Killinger’s journey to executive leadership is one of resilience, grit, and unexpected opportunity. After transferring to UT San Antonio and navigating a non-traditional path to graduation, Clay went on to build an impressive career in finance, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CST Brands and holding senior leadership roles at Valero Energy...

Fresh off a return from NASA with UT San Antonio students who won a national competition, Dr. Chris Packham joins us for a powerful update on the groundbreaking work happening at the intersection of research, innovation, and student opportunity. From collaborations with Blue Origin to leadership roles connected to the James Webb Space Telescope and the development of the Habitable Worlds Observato...

UTSA Baseball season is officially here—and this episode sets the tone. In our annual UTSA Baseball Preview, Birds Up teams up once again with Alamo Audible for a deep dive into what’s next for one of the hottest programs in college baseball. We’re joined by UTSA Baseball alum, fan favorite, and newly drafted pro James Taussig, who reflects on UTSA’s historic run, the culture that fueled it, and w...

This powerful episode features David Spencer, a mission-driven entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist whose career bridges a military upbringing, engineering, and life-saving medical innovation. While David is a graduate of UT Austin, his passion for higher education is deeply connected to UT San Antonio. Together with his wife Jennifer, David has become one of UTSA’s most influential supporte...

We’re halfway through Season 5 and have enjoyed getting to know Roadrunners representing UT San Antonio across a wide range of industries. Along the way, we heard from Alumni Association President Laura Beth Garcia, a graduate of both UTSA and UT Health San Antonio, as she began her term during the historic formation of UT San Antonio. We also explored unique career paths and perspectives from CPS...

After growing up in Austin, TX, Dan found a home at UT San Antonio following encouragement from his parents, who wanted him to experience college life and new opportunities. Still unsure of what direction he wanted to take professionally, he leaned into his naturally outgoing personality, getting involved on campus and discovering a talent for connecting with people. That openness eventually led t...

In this episode, Josh Gerken, who leads Asset Management at UT San Antonio, shares how the university strategically manages its physical growth to align with long-term academic and institutional priorities. As part of the university's Facilities, Real Estate, Construction & Planning team, Josh oversees space planning and sustainability initiatives. A proud graduate of UT San Antonio's Executive MB...

From Floresville, Texas to the national boxing stage, Amanda “Supernova” Sendejo’s journey is one of grit, grace, and Roadrunner pride. A two-time national champion and proud UTSA alumna, Amanda shares how watching her older brothers train first sparked her love for the sport — and how she laced up her own gloves at 17 to carve her own path. Her small-town beginnings instilled discipline and deter...

From student government president at UTSA to one of San Antonio’s leading voices in land use and economic development, attorney Rob Killen has dedicated his career to building both community and opportunity. In this episode, Rob reflects on how his Roadrunner experience prepared him for leadership in law, business, and civic service. As Chairman of the Metro SA Chamber and longtime advocate for sm...

In this episode of the BirdsUp Podcast, we sit down with UT San Antonio alum Jonathan Tijerina, Vice President of Corporate Development at CPS Energy, to explore his journey from Roadrunner to executive leader in San Antonio’s energy sector. Jonathan reflects on how his UT San Antonio experience shaped his career path, the lessons he’s learned through roles in communications, economic development,...

Roadrunner Nation, the wait is over — it’s time to talk 2025 UTSA Football! In this Annual BirdsUp Countdown to Kickoff episode, we team up with Jared Kalmus from Alamo Audible to break down why the Roadrunners are poised to get back to contending form. After an up-and-down 2024 season, UTSA returns an explosive offense, led by quarterback Owen McCown, dynamic receivers Devin McCuin and David Amad...

In this episode of BirdsUp, we sit down with Laura Beth Garcia ’06 — board-certified neurosurgical physician assistant, proud Roadrunner, and incoming President of the UTSA Alumni Association. From launching Homecoming traditions like the iconic foam Rowdy hands to leading with heart in the operating room, Laura Beth shares her incredible journey from UTSA student leader to healthcare professional...

What a season it’s been! From cheering on the sidelines to celebrating career wins, this season of BirdsUp was all about spotlighting the incredible people who make Roadrunner Nation so special. We had an absolute blast sitting down with an amazing lineup—from UTSA coaches who are building champions on and off the field, to alumni who are movers, shakers, and trailblazers in San Antonio and beyond...

In this episode of Birds Up Podcast , we sit down with UTSA Volleyball Head Coach Carol Price-Torok for a dynamic conversation about leadership, culture, and building champions—on and off the court. Coach Carol shares her journey from collegiate player at Texas A&M to her winning coaching career across the country, including her return to UTSA where she's leading a major turnaround for the program...

In this episode of the Birds Up Podcast , we welcome UTSA Alumnus Jesse Vargas, Chief Operating Officer of the San Antonio Zoo. Jesse takes us on a journey through his remarkable career—from his first job as a lifeguard at Fiesta Texas to leading some of the world’s most iconic attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Atlantis Dubai. His career has spanned the globe, taking him from San...

In this inspiring episode of Birds Up Podcast , we sit down with UTSA alumnus Jon Gary Herrera, the newly appointed President & CEO of VIA Metropolitan Transit—and the first Latino to hold the position in the agency’s 46-year history. Jon Gary shares how his San Antonio roots, years in strategic communications, and deep commitment to public service shaped his journey from private sector leader to...

In this inspiring episode of the Birds Up Podcast , we spotlight George Torres ’00 , a proud UTSA alumnus , successful entrepreneur, and dedicated community leader. Born and raised in San Antonio, George takes us on a journey through his formative years at UTSA, where his involvement in Kappa Sigma fraternity laid the foundation for a life of leadership, service, and meaningful connections. After...

In this episode, we sit down with Lori Houston, a proud UTSA alum and Assistant City Manager of San Antonio, to explore her incredible journey from the classroom to shaping the future of the Alamo City. With a career dedicated to urban development, economic growth, and community revitalization, Lori has played a key role in transforming downtown San Antonio—leading major projects like Project Marv...

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Rob Wicall , UTSA alumnus, former San Antonio Spurs Coyote , entrepreneur, and author of Furlosophy . Rob takes us behind the scenes of his 20-year career as The Coyote, sharing the creativity, endurance, and marketing strategy that made the mascot an icon. He also dives into his transition into consulting, marketing, and public speaking, offering valuab...

Get ready, Roadrunner fans! In this exciting episode, we dive into the 2025 UTSA Baseball season with expert insight from Dan Nerdahl of Audio Audible and special guest, UTSA Baseball's own Ty Tilson. We break down the key moments that set the stage for 2025, including standout players like Mason Lytle, roster changes, and updates on new coaching staff. You'll get behind-the-scenes updates, hot ta...