On the Come Up with Libby and Riley

Imagination Station Communications and Media Manager Sutton Reekes started off following a steady path in journalism. Receiving her undergrad and masters degree in journalism, Sutton came to Toledo to work at NBC 24 (WNWO) as a reporter. However, the bumps along the way like the ever-changing media landscape and WNWO's closure in the Toledo region made her realize journalism wasn't for her. Sutton...

Vocal professional and entrepreneur Joelle Stiles-Brown has always believed that everyone can sing. Her desire to help people find their voices inspired her to study music education at BGSU, and continue to help others after graduation through her work at The Willow Center therapy practice. However, Joelle felt her passion of music didn’t have to be second to her career. Taking the leap, she decid...

Happy 2025!! Hosts Libby and Riley address discourse around New Year’s Resolutions, set their personal intentions for 2025, and lock in their biggest pop culture predictions. Plus, they introduce a new segment called “Hit or Miss” where they rapid fire guess the best movies of 2025.

It’s a very merry holiday episode! Hosts Libby and Riley discuss the holiday season through their 12 favorites of Christmas. From songs and movies to traditions and memories, Libby and Riley want to share their love for the season with you. Additionally, the On The Come Up hosts want to thank you for listening all year, and encourage you to keep listening for more wonderful young professional jour...

Nonprofit lawyer Emily Hoffman has dedicated her life to her principles. From a young age, she adopted a vegetarian and later vegan lifestyle due to her love of animals, and has spent her life learning about animal and environmental rights. Now, after earning her undergraduate degree in biology and completing law school, Emily is taking her life’s “quiet activism” to a more impactful scale.

University of Michigan’s Transfer Programs Specialist Jordon Egbert went through significant changes to his career throughout college. Upon graduation, Jordon realized all his work led him to one thing: community building. With that, Jordon got his master’s degree and now works at U of M helping mentor young students and welcome new students to school. However, Jordon more than anyone knows that h...

Architect Jason Davis always knew he’d be an architect, but wasn’t sure how to construct that path. He attended Bowling Green State University, where he became more and more certain about architecture for his future. Now, Davis works at Cutting Edge Countertops as an AutoCAD Designer and continues to design the path to his future. Davis discusses his current work, his love for architecture, and th...

577 Foundation Program Coordinator Isabelle Tucker has always known she wanted to pursue art, but was unsure where that path would lead. Working with high school mentors and studying drawing and painting at the University of Cincinnati, Isabelle found her way to 577 Foundation, eventually creating her own position. Now, Isabelle works to help coordinate programs and teach courses for local budding...

Athlete and activist Maizy Crandall has always worked to advocate for herself. As the only girl on an all guys’ hockey team in high school, she learned at a young age how to champion herself and her talents, even when the odds were against her. Continuing her hockey career in college, Maizy found another way to pursue advocacy – through studying political science for her Bachelor’s and Master’s de...

Hosts Libby and Riley discuss hot button topics on their minds lately, including cancel culture, respectful conversations in today's society (or lack thereof), the harmful rhetoric of Gen Zers being "lazy" or "not working hard enough," and the cyclical churning of trends. Plus, some side tangents about differing personality traits in the workplace and, of course, their Roman Empires. They invite y...

Future occupational therapist and artist Lauren Fiorletta found a way to combine her left brain and right brain in her careers. Instead of pursuing art as a full time job, she is currently studying occupational therapy to fulfill her desire to help children with their daily functionality. At the same time, she works as a live painter and artist to feed into her passion for creation. Lauren explain...

Tattoo artist and business owner Libbey June has always been an artist – but using skin as her canvas came later. After studying theatrical arts in college, June faced setbacks in pursuing her career due to the coronavirus pandemic. She pivoted roles to tattooing, and years later is a decorated artist who has opened her own business, Snailberry Studios, with her sister. June discusses tattooing, c...

Alex Huffaker, assistant to the CEO at TARTA, was unsure of his path. Through his work with TARTA, he found his passion in leading projects and giving back to the community. He was also recently appointed as the president of Rotaract, a young professionals group for networking and skill-development. He uses his own experience to connect with peers and family, and inspires others to become better a...

President and CEO of the Toledo Mindfulness Institute Isabella Weik is Toledo's biggest cheerleader. Her work with mindfulness extends beyond her day job, as she works with young professionals in the area to develop their skills and confidence while also teaching yoga and wellness classes on the side. Her creativity encourages everyone to fully embrace the opportunities that lay in Toledo, and has...

Hosts Libby and Riley discuss mental health in a personal and professional environment, as well as the challenges of Gen Zers transitioning from college to the real world. They also chat about the activism of Gen Z through social justice issues, and how social media plays a part in that. Plus, they compare pet peeves of their generation and, of course, discuss their roman empires.

Conservation Associate Ellie Schiappa spent her whole life learning about nature. Through her educational pursuits, she was able to turn her passion for humans and the planet into a job with the Black Swamp Conservancy. She encourages Gen Zers like her to become more involved in caring for the Earth, as well as how her path as a yoga instructor fits into her connection with the environment.

Mancy's Bluewater Grill Manager Grace Mancy is no stranger to the Toledo spotlight. Growing up as a Mancy, Grace was surrounded by the restaurant industry – and was ready to get away from it. After leaving Toledo to go to school, Grace developed a new appreciation for her family's business and moved back to the area to fill in the Mancy shoes. Now, as a Gen Z manager of one of Mancy's staple resta...

Coordinator of Marketing, Sales & Fan Experience Harison Bhanoo bleeds the University of Toledo's blue and gold. Having obtained a master's degree from UT and grown up catching as many games as possible when he made his way to Toledo, Harison fit right in upon accepting the job. Through a professional standpoint and a Gen Z lens, Harison is able to connect with student and community fans alike, ai...

Theatrical triple threat Phoebe Adams has worked tirelessly to enter the theatre industry. After moving to a brand new state to pursue her dream of performing professionally, she was hit with a crushing set of circumstances that taught her not everything that glitters is gold. But, as Phoebe discusses in the episode, she is no stranger to adversity as she grapples with her personal journey of tran...

Adams Street Publishing Company Sales Representative Gabrielle Huff works in an industry where she is up against employees equipped with years of experience. Though she is Gen Z, Gabrielle has found ways to thrive in the sales industry by asking questions, utilizing her friendly personality, and understanding the ever-changing space of professionalism as the years go by.

Music educator and local theater kid Aaron Roos is no stranger to taking the stage. Be it through educating young music students, music directing various local productions or performing in shows himself, Aaron has used his time in music education as a way to develop the next generation while simultaneously working on his own personal development.

Medical student and FilmToledo employee Chloe Smallwood has struggled with indecision, like most of Gen Z, as it pertains to major life choices and paths. Through her love of helping others, local theater performances, and persisting through challenges like studying for the MCAT, Chloe discusses navigating her life path one choice at a time.

McCord Junior High (Sylvania, OH) Math Teacher Caity Hoffman didn’t always know her path was education. Through trial and error, Caity found her home in teaching math, using her Gen Z status as an advantage to assist fellow teachers and better connect with her middle school students.

On the Come Up co-hosts Libby and Riley introduce their podcast to listeners, discuss their backgrounds and careers, and chat about what topics they can’t get out of their heads right now.