How Very Human (Sciences)

In this episode of How Very Human Sciences, the official podcast of the Auburn University College of Human Sciences, meet Mary Ryan, a 2013 graduate in Hotel and Restaurant Management and now Director of Operations at JW Marriott Houston. As Houston, Texas prepares to host multiple matches during the upcoming World Cup, Ryan reflects on how her Auburn education—and hands-on hospitality training—pr...

On this episode of How Very Human Sciences, we sit down with 2026 Horst Schulze Award for Excellence in Hospitality honoree Stacy Brown—founder of Chicken Salad Chick and co-owner of Botanic in Opelika. Stacy reflects on what she calls a “soul-fulfilling career,” sharing the journey behind building not just one, but two beloved brands. From the challenges and setbacks to the moments of joy and pur...

In this episode of How Very Human Sciences , Nutrition Wellness alumna ’24 Chef Riley Sue Walker shares how an unexpected diagnosis in 2016 redirected her life and ultimately led her to a career rooted in healing and fulfillment. Walker reflects on her educational journey, her philosophy of serving food as medicine, and the personal experiences that shaped her path. She also previews an upcoming A...

Welcome to the official podcast of the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University—where we explore the big ideas, bold voices, and everyday experiences that shape our students, graduates and the world. In this episode, we’re joined by award-winning chef and Auburn alumna Lauren Windham of L. Windham Provisions.   Recently featured in the all-female Summer Chef Series at 1856, the teaching rest...

In this edition of the How Very Human Sciences podcast, CEO of Momma Goldberg’s, Inc. Nick Davis shares his “since birth” passion for Auburn University and what it means to be this year’s Hospitality Gala honoree, recognized for excellence in hospitality. Davis talks about persevering through some difficult days as a college student and how that experience drives him to pay it forward today.

Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Auburn University swimming great Rowdy Gaines talks about perseverance and the peaks and valleys of life in this College of Human Sciences podcast. Gaines shared this conversation minutes before being celebrated and recognized at the 29th Annual International Quality of Life Awards (IQLA) as the Lifetime Achievement Award honoree on December 5, 2022.

College of Human Sciences alumna Molly Arnett ’19 is a traveling and private chef who will tell you she never saw this career coming. A diagnosis shortly after graduating from Auburn charted a path that was a bit bumpy at first but led to her calling. Chef Molly Arnett sits down for a How Very Human Sciences podcast sharing her passion for creating gluten-free gourmet food and offering advice for...

Hospitality Gala Outstanding Alumnus Whip Triplett shares the few peaks and many valleys of his Auburn Experience. Now Chief Operating Officer of North Point Hospitality, Triplett credits his Auburn degree and success in the hospitality industry to the support and encouragement of Auburn University faculty and friends.

Olympian swimmer and College of Human Sciences Alumna Alana Dillette returns to Auburn as a Black Alumni Weekend honoree. Dr. Dillette, a native Bahamian, talks about finding community and support as an Auburn student and how that shaped who she is today. She also encourages young people to use their “student status” during this formative time of life.

Corporate Chef Zane Holmquist of the Stein Erikson Lodge in Deer Valley, Utah talks about having a plan, working hard and embracing the career journey as a marathon as he shares advice for the students of today. Chef Holmquist is a leader in the hospitality management industry who finds balance in giving back, whether it is to charity or through mentoring the next generation of leaders.

In this episode of the How Very Human Sciences podcast Auburn University Interior Design alumna Ashley Gilbreath shares her journey of discovery and finding her passion in life. A passion that led her to a successful award-winning career in interior design and the release of her first book, entitled “The Joy of Home.”

In this episode of the How Very Human Sciences podcast Human Sciences Assoc. Dean of Extension Dr. Laura Downey shares how extension specialists and county agents make a powerful team.

Called one of the most prolific chefs and restaurateurs in America, Chef Ford Fry is the newly announced Chef-in-Residence at 1856, the teaching restaurant in the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. Chef Fry brings his Texas upbringing and experience for foods and flavors from coast to coast to the Plains, giving students in the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management an opportunit...

Bucket list goal checked off. 91-year-old Olive Stone Craft, a 1953 graduate of the School of Home Economics—now the College of Human Sciences— recently toured the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center with family. While here she and her daughter Alice McLaughlin, a 1991 College of Human Science alumna, stepped into the podcast booth to share their memories and offer advice to the students o...

Finding fulfillment and balance in the field of Human Sciences.  Executive Director of the national Board on Health and Human Sciences, Dr. Kelly Dalton, visits Auburn and said she is “Wowed” by the town, the university and the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center.  Dr. Dalton shares her career path and insight for the students of today in this edition of the How Very Human Sciences podcast...

President and CEO of Auberge Luxury Resorts Collection and The Hospitality Gala honoree joins the How Very Human Sciences podcast to share his impression of the opportunity offered hospitality management students in the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center.

In this How Very Human Sciences podcast, Ada Ruth Huntley, Global Studies graduate and former SGA president at Auburn University, talks about the adventurous road of the “real world” after graduating from Auburn in the summer of 2021.  From Culinary School in California to working with World Central Kitchen in Turkey, growing one experience at a time and seeing her Auburn studies translate into ex...

Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Auburn University swimming great Rowdy Gaines talks about perseverance and the peaks and valleys of life in this College of Human Sciences podcast. Gaines shared this conversation minutes before being celebrated and recognized at the 29th Annual International Quality of Life Awards (IQLA) as the Lifetime Achievement Award honoree on December 5, 2022.

In this episode of the How Very Human Sciences podcast, Kim Hendrix, College of Human Sciences Director of Communications & External Relations, sits down with Jimmy Rane, Founder/CEO of Great Southern Wood & Auburn University Board Member. The two discuss a variety of topics from his time as a student at Auburn University to being the lead donor of the new world-class Tony and Libba Rane C...

In the inaugural episode of the "How Very Human Sciences" podcast, Kim Hendrix, College of Human Sciences Director of Communications and External Relations sits down with Hospitality Management alum Catherine Wayman, '07 to talk about her career with C. Wayman Floral and Events and the exciting course it's taking now.