Cornell (thank) U

Before he was producing Netflix’s #1 true crime documentary, Jon Houseman was making salsa in Ithaca and hustling through NYU Stern (with Michelle).  In this episode, the Emmy-winning storyteller shares his journey from Cornell history major to global media entrepreneur—and reveals how a spicy startup and a passion for untold stories led to streaming success. He’s the best, he’s the most fun, and...

If you went to Cornell, chances are you heard his voice echoing through Bailey Hall to 2,000 rapt students at a time. In this heartfelt tribute to Professor James Maas, we remember the magic of Psych 101, his pioneering role in sleep science, and the multimedia lectures that made his class unforgettable.  Stephanie shares her personal experience as his TA and advisee, along with the memories that...

What’s a 5-letter word for brilliant? ROBYN.  Robyn Weintraub (’91) is a crossword puzzle constructor for the New York Times, New Yorker, People, and more.  She joins us to share her road from U-Hall 3 to puzzle fame, how she constructs with personality, and what makes a great clue. Special thank you to her husband, Jeff Weintraub, who introduced us to Robyn and gave us a day filled with fun, lear...

From Miami roots to navigating snow boots and shutdowns, Abby Siegel (’23) shares her story of flexibility, friendship, and finding her stride at Cornell—despite a freshman year no one could have predicted.  In this episode, Abby takes us through her transition from sunny South Florida to icy Ithaca, the sudden arrival of COVID during her first spring, and how she found meaning, connection, and un...

We just spent an hour with Dana Gershon and have one major regret: that we didn’t know her in college. She’s the kind of person who makes you feel smarter just by listening to her—and happier just by being around her (even over Zoom). A powerhouse attorney, mom of four, marathon runner (x4), and immediate past president of NCJW, Dana has done it all—and somehow makes it look effortless. She’s bril...

She’s not a decorator — she’s a designer with vision, edge, brilliance and a strict no-word-art policy. Lucie Ayres ’98 brings bold taste, smart strategy, and signature style to every space she touches. You won’t believe the magic she creates — or the industry giants featuring her work. Tune in for Craigslist romances, accent wall crimes, and how a garage playroom launched a design empire. Oh, and...

She met her husband on day two, got tear-gassed in Collegetown, and now she writes the stuff everyone’s hoping someone is brave enough to publish.  She is. Journalist and essayist Laurie Yarnell joins us to talk about her Cornell roots, the art of freelancing for Good Housekeeping and HuffPost, and why some stories—second marriages, senior sex, and nosy neighbors—need to be written.  Thankfully sh...

Cornell has waited 48 years for this. Frank Kelly—alum, former player, and father of current team member JK—joins us 24 hours after the NCAA men’s lacrosse national championship to share what it felt like to be there, what makes this team and the coaches special, and what this win means to the Cornell community and especially the forever-connected Cornell lacrosse community. From tailgates to team...

He has set the bar high for Hotelies everywhere. (pun intended) In this episode, we talk to Justin McManus '03, a proud graduate of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and fourth-generation owner of the iconic Peter McManus Cafe in Chelsea, New York City. Peter McManus Cafe has been serving up drinks, award-winning burgers, and unforgettable memories since 1911—and Justin is now carrying...

Well, "here's to" one of our most delightful guests yet: Sophia Johnston '22, Hotelie, wine enthusiast, and founder of Sip With Sophia.  You'll hear inside tips, what the best wine is to bring to a dinner party, and what she has in common with Michelle and Steph. Also - she's a twin...and a skater..and has a very impressive day job. Very. We loved everything about her...

In this episode, we interview Lauren Hass ‘96, aka The Clutter Kicker, who’s helping people clear their spaces and their minds. Inspired by her organizing magic, we tackled our own spring cleaning — and let’s just say, it felt amazing. Lauren shares her Cornell story, how a toddler playdate sparked a new career, and her go-to method for deciding what stays and what goes — it's genius, and you...

She’s back — and she’s published.  In one of our most beloved episodes ever, Stacy Smith Ross opened up about parenting a child with borderline personality disorder. Now, two years later, she returns to our podcast with the release of her deeply moving memoir, Searching for Slippers . In this conversation, we talk about love, mental illness, and what it means to come of age as an adult. She reflec...

Introducing...Jessica O'Toole — the hit TV writer, producer, and showrunner behind Jane the Virgin , Greek , Charmed , The Summer I Turned Pretty , The Carrie Diaries , and more. Jessica shares how she went from English major at Cornell to shaping some of the most binge-worthy shows on TV. We dive into how shows get made, what really happens in writers' rooms, and the script that launche...

We had the honor of meeting Gerry Howard, Class of 1972—one of publishing’s most beloved and influential editors. Gerry reflected on his time at Cornell, where he luckily made the switch to an English major, continued a lifelong love of reading, and enjoyed a social life that included a lot of music. A LOT. He shares stories from his legendary career, including what it’s like to edit literary gian...

Here’s what you can look forward to in this episode with Josh Gully: What it’s like to be part of a five-generation Cornell legacy How he almost majored in horticulture—and why he didn’t His unexpected journey into family financial planning The story behind the flower empire he and his dad ran from their backyard  How legendary coach Richie Moran changed his life Why Cornell continues to hold deep...

From the Hill to the White House, Seth Harris has shaped labor policy at the highest level—and he’s got the stories to prove it. He worked with Clinton, Obama, and Biden. He sat at the Cabinet table. But before all of that, he was a Cornellian enjoying Cornell to the fullest—from learning what really matters, to finding his voice—and discovering a path that would take him all the way to the West W...

Before he was reinventing teeth whitening and launching cutting edge dental tech, smile icon Dr. Jonathan Levine was lighting up the lacrosse field as a two-time Cornell all-star.  In this episode, we discuss his Big Red beginnings, an amazing Cornell program he launched with Dr. David Levine, and how he built a family business rooted in innovation and compassion. And Lenny Kravitz...how does he f...

In this special episode, we honor the life and legacy of Michelle's mom, Marilyn Stuzin — a woman whose heart belonged to Cornell and whose presence left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to know her. Marilyn was elegant, funny, and full of love — the kind of love that showed up in big ways, whether it meant racing down the highway, embracing Michelle's friends like family, or dati...

Scarlet Fu, a longtime Bloomberg anchor and chief markets correspondent, has spent over 25 years covering the biggest stories in finance. Turn on your TV, you will blown away. And here's what else you need to know: She’s a Phi Beta Kappa graduate She interned at the White House under President Clinton She once auditioned to be an MTV VJ in Hong Kong She was a producer at CNBC Asia She’s absol...

Scott Oliaro won’t say it himself, but we will—he’s a Cornell Football legend. A two-time captain, multiple record holder, and Cornell Athletic Hall of Famer, Scott embodies the ultimate team player, both on the field and in his role as Director of Sports Medicine at UNC. From the moment he set his sights on sports medicine, Scott dedicated his career to keeping athletes healthy, preventing injuri...

This week we talk to Sue Scheiner about her path from beautiful Cornell to the vibrant world of Sesame Street. We had an incredibly fun and nostalgic conversation about education, inspiration, and the magic of mentorship.  As an HDFS major in Cornell Human Ecology, she was guided by the wonderful Professor John Condry, whose influence helped launch her 35-year career at Sesame Street.  Sue shares...

Melissa Gellman Weiss is a brand strategist and marketing leader who has shaped major companies like Amazon, J.Crew, Theory and Barry’s Bootcamp. Melissa has built and transformed businesses by combining data-driven insights with creative storytelling—a skill she credits in part to her English major at Cornell. Beyond her corporate success, Melissa pursued a deeply personal dream—launching her own...

In this episode, we talk to Joe Holland—a Cornell football All-American and Academic All-American who went on to become a minister, lawyer, author, politician, and community leader. His impact spans industries and generations. Joe shares his remarkable journey—transferring from Michigan, finding his path at Cornell, excelling on the football field despite challenges, and ultimately dedicating his...

We’ve been looking forward to this episode! Kim Murstein ('18), the brilliant creator and co-host of Excuse My Grandma , joins us to talk about her time at Cornell, what led her to launch a podcast with her hilarious Grandma Gail, and how their multi-generational banter has taken over TikTok and Instagram. From dorm life and sorority days to fashion, dating, and building a media empire, Kim g...

From the Cornell Hotel School to leading Fischer Travel (with his grandpa and mom!), Max Rosenthal (‘16) shares his journey into the world of exclusive, ultra-luxury travel (that's the only way to categorize it - wait till you hear!).  He discusses working in a multi-generational family business, creating seamless experiences for high-profile clients, meeting his wife at Cornell, and keeping...