MSU Denver Alumni BirdTalk

MSU Denver alumna Nikki Brooker ('98) joins Bird Talk to reflect on how her education and career in teaching shaped her mission to support mothers and families. She shares how heartbreaking experiences in her community inspired her to found YANA M2M (You Are Not Alone, Mom to Mom), a nonprofit transforming postpartum care through connection, education, and yearlong support. From her time as a Road...

From 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...

Re-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.

From 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.

From 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 en...

From 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 journa...

Host 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 buildi...

This 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.

Host 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 re...

Fasten 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.

From 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.

In this special live episode of Bird Talk , host Jamie Hurst sits down with Anita Kudasik, a 2019 MSU Denver alumna and award-winning hotelier in Salida, Colorado. Anita shares her journey from growing up in her family’s motel to revitalizing the American Classic Inn while still completing her degree. With warmth and humor, she reflects on the power of community, the value of hands-on education, a...

Jamie sits down with Roy Alexander, a seasoned accountant and financial expert whose passion for affordable housing has shaped his career. From his childhood in the Caribbean to his journey to MSU Denver and beyond, Roy shares how key mentors and life experiences helped him chart a purposeful and impactful path.

Jamie talks with award-winning social worker Zander Keig. From his early life navigating identity and service in the Coast Guard to his trailblazing work in caregiving and LGBTQ advocacy, Zander shares a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and radical empathy.

In this heartfelt episode, Matt and Jamie explore the connections between community, legacy and personal growth. They dive into the power of relationships, the impact of athletics and discipline, and how one act of philanthropy can keep a memory alive while empowering future students.

In this episode, we chat with MSU Denver alum Cheri Reynolds, now VP of People Services at Colorado Access. She shares how her personal journey led to a passion for health equity and how Colorado Access is partnering with MSU Denver to build a more inclusive healthcare workforce.

Jamie & Eric squawk about the evolution of athletics media at MSU Denver, Eric's wild journey from student journalist to Assistant Athletics Director, the magic of storytelling in sports marketing, and pure passion that make Roadrunners Athletics something incredibly special.

Jamie & Kayla squawk about blazing trails in healthcare as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and being a CEO of a groundbreaking tech startup bridging the gap between education and industry through trust, diversity, and bold innovation.

Jamie & Brad squawk about what it means to be the gold standard of alumni, the value of staying connected to MSU Denver, the power of mentorship, and Brad's passion for Roadrunners Athletics.

Jamie & Jeremi squawk about student government, the Kamala Harris campaign, amplifying marginalized voices, exploring his journey from MSU Denver to his dedication to reshaping leadership.

Jamie & Stephen squawk about Stephen’s winding entrepreneurial journey, the magic of Goodr’s vibrant company culture, the importance of mental health, and how MSU Denver helped shape his success.

Jamie & Alyssa squawk about the inspiring work of the Gold Crown Foundation, the intricacies of athletics programs, finding your voice as a woman in sports, and Alyssa’s remarkable family.

Ruby & David squawk about how lucky they are to be a part of MSU Denver, this amazing podcast, and take listeners on a journey of the best bloopers & outtakes. In this episode, our host Jamie says funny stuff and so do our guests: Travis Luther, Gary Striewski, Bre Dóvez, Abby Lundien, Bree Davies, Russell Noles, Ean Tafoya, Justin Darnall & Jonathon Stalls.

In this very special MSU Denver Day of Giving live episode, Jamie & Amy squawk about building community and sports, Amy's travels to presidential libraries, and coaching.

Jamie & Justin squawk about rugby, military service, and education at MSU Denver, they explore his passion for space, mathematics, and his current position at Blue Origin.