سԹ

سԹ Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Image of Rowdy's head and a Denver skyline in the background

An سԹ Podcast about Alumni Careers and Lives hosted by Jamie Hurst ‘21.

The سԹ Alumni BirdTalk is a fascinating glimpse into the lives and careers of the university’s accomplished alumni. Each episode features an in-depth interview with an alum who shares their unique journey and insights on how their time at سԹ shaped their success. From entrepreneurs to educators, artists to scientists, BirdTalk offers a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the impact of higher education.

Find the podcast on ǰ.

Latest Episode

Season 1

Click the icons to listen to each episode

Travis Scott Luther '08

Episode 1

Jamie & Travis squawk about all things سԹ: including, Travis' life, careers, and how tripling your failure can lead to doubling your success.

Gary Striewski '10

Episode 2

Jamie & Gary squawk about Gary's love for سԹ, his dog, Homie, the importance of saying "yes" when opportunities present themselves, and all things ESPN.

Bre Dóvez '17

Episode 3

Jamie & Bre squawk about centering joy, community, and Bre's unwillingness to deviate from centering humans.

Abby Lundien '17

Episode 4

Jamie & Abby squawk about brew science, what kind of beer to try at a new place, and the سԹ community.

Megan Kelly '21

Episode 5

Jamie & Megan squawk about the entertainment industry, being well-rounded, and the non-linear path.

Rebecca Totman '05

Episode 6

Jamie & Rebecca squawk about the Simpsons, Burning Man, creating joy through art, and being a resourceful Roadrunner.

Bree Davies '07

Episode 7

Jamie & Bree squawk about City Cast Denver, artist advocacy, Bree's mom, and never saying the word "lit."

Russell Noles '81

Episode 8

Jamie & Russell squawk about Denver sports, the Board of Trustees, Roadrunner family ties, and creating community.

Ean Tafoya '12

Episode 9

Jamie & Ean squawk about advocacy, starting in the weeds, work ethic, the Sun Valley community, and سԹ's impactful community.

Jim Qualtieri '96

Episode 10

Jamie & Jim squawk about the CIA, سԹ's transformation over the years, the impact of mentorship, and Jim's tenure on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Jonathon Stalls '09

Episode 11

Jamie & Jonathon squawk about moving at the speed of trust, imperfect messy self love, and the medicine of walking.

Flannery Davis Love '23

Episode 12

Jamie & Flannery squawk about visiting polar bears, being an elite marathoner, psychotherapy, and her experience in the Olympic trials.

Season 2

Click the icons to listen to each episode

Amber Mozet '06

Episode 13

Jamie & Amber squawk about being a mascot, the Black Alumni Network, starting cultural changes in the community, and being the oldest au pair in Germany.

Justin Darnall '19

Episode 14

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

Amy Watanabe '11

Episode 15

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

Bloopers & Outtakes

Episode 16

Ruby & David squawk about how lucky they are to be a part of سԹ, 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.

Alyssa Svalberg '18

Episode 17

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.

Stephen Lease '16

Episode 18

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

Jeremi Medina '21

Episode 19

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

Brad Kaplan '82

Episode 20

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

Kayla Wright Jackson '19

Episode 21

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.

Eric Lansing '09

Episode 22

Jamie & Eric squawk about the evolution of athletics media at سԹ, 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.

Cheri Reynolds '97

Episode 23

Jamie & Cheri squawk about health equity and how Colorado Access is partnering with سԹ to build a more inclusive healthcare workforce.

Matt Maley '06

Episode 24

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.

Season 3

Click the icons to listen to each episode

Zander Keig '99

Episode 25

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.

Roy Alexander '74

Episode 26

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 سԹ and beyond, Roy shares how key mentors and life experiences helped him chart a purposeful and impactful path.

Anita Kudasik '19

Episode 27

In this special live episode of Bird Talk, host Jamie Hurst sits down with Anita Kudasik, a 2019 سԹ 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.

Andrew Dole '06 & '13

Episode 28

From chef to dietitian to NFL performance expert, Dr. Andrew Dole’s career is anything but ordinary. Hear how this two-time سԹ alum went from cooking for athletes to fueling the Arizona Cardinals—and why lifelong learning has been his ultimate playbook.

Emmy Jacobson '00

Episode 29

Emmy Jacobson is a lifelong aviator, community powerhouse, and سԹ’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.

Chucky Moss '88 & '91

Episode 30

Two-time سԹ 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.

Janet Damon '00

Episode 31

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.

Chennelle Diong '16

Episode 32

This episode features Chennelle Diong (’16), co-founder of Good Love Foods, to talk about turning a personal challenge into a nationally recognized gluten-free brand. Chennelle shares the real story behind entrepreneurship, rapid growth, and building a business rooted in inclusion, quality, and community.

Leah Millis '11

Episode 33

From the سԹ 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 journalism matters now more than ever.

Paul Anderson '07, '21

Episode 34

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 سԹ, 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 environments matters.

Jan Sumner '74

Episode 35

From throwing BP for the Colorado Rockies to writing 13 books and leading a prison ministry, سԹ 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.

Stephen Lease '16

Episode 36

Re-airing of a standout conversation with Stephen Lease, سԹ 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.