The People of Penn State

Welcome to the People of Penn State Podcast — the podcast from the Penn State Alumni Association that brings you the incredible stories of Nittany Lions making their mark on the world! Each episode, a rotating cast of hosts sit down with Penn State alumni who are changing the game in business, science, sports, the arts, and beyond. You never know who you'll hear from next — but you do know it'll be a conversation worth tuning in for!

The People of Penn State is a education podcast hosted by Penn State Alumni Association, with 152 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Penn State Alumni Association hosts The People of Penn State, a education show with 152 episodes published.

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  Episode #113

  Episode 113–Designing for the Digital World with Eric Yeamans

  Aug 6, 202624 minS6

  In this episode, we sit down with Eric Yeamans, '10 A&A , to explore the intersection of design, technology, and digital strategy. As the leader of digital initiatives at Actual Size, Eric shares how he leverages emerging technologies, data-driven insights, and innovative marketing strategies to help organizations grow their digital presence and create meaningful audience engagement. We also discuss Actual Size's work on the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, the evolving role of digital experiences in design, Eric's Penn State journey, and the impact of recognizing the next generation of creative talent through the Ryan Russell Award for Design Excellence in Graphic Design. Learn more about the Ryan Russell Award for Design Excellence in Graphic Design . For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

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  Episode #112

  Episode 112–Building Careers and Connections with Eric Wagner and Eric Vishnevetsky

  Jul 23, 202634 minS6

  In this episode, we sit down with Eric Wagner '96 Lib and Eric Vishnevetsky '15 Bus to explore their career journeys in wealth management, leadership, and the power of building meaningful relationships. Eric Wagner, a Managing Director at UBS Private Wealth Management and co-founder of PWJ, has helped build one of New York City’s premier wealth management teams while bringing together his background in finance and law to serve clients and lead with a people-first approach. Eric Vishnevetsky has spent his career at UBS, growing from the firm’s Graduate Talent Program into a senior role with The Wagner Abrams Group, where he focuses on next-generation client initiatives, financial planning, and team strategy. Together, they share insights from their professional paths, discuss the importance of mentorship and lifelong learning, and reflect on how their Penn State experiences continue to shape their careers and connections. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #111

  Episode 111–This Week's Forecast with Jackie Layer

  Jul 9, 202632 minS6

  In this episode, Jackie Layer '13 EMS shares how childhood weather events sparked a passion that led her to a career in broadcast meteorology. Now the Chief Meteorologist at DC News Now, Jackie reflects on her Penn State experience, covering everything from devastating tornado outbreaks to tropical storms, earning her AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation, and the responsibility that comes with keeping communities informed before, during, and after severe weather. She also discusses mentoring future meteorologists and why her connection to Penn State remains as strong as ever. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

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  Episode #110

  Episode 110–Designing a Path to the Olympics with Dan Barefoot

  Jun 25, 202626 minS6

  On this episode of The People of Penn State podcast, we chat with Dan Barefoot '13 A&A, a professional landscape architect and Team USA skeleton athlete who represented the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Dan shares how he discovered the sport after graduating from Penn State, what it took to balance a full-time career with the demands of elite international competition, and the journey from complete beginner to Olympian. He also reflects on the power of perseverance, embracing uncertainty, and chasing ambitious goals while staying connected to his profession and community. Plus, hear what's next as he sets his sights on the 2030 Winter Olympics. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

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  Episode #109

  Episode 109–Learning Undefeated with Jennifer Colvin

  Jun 11, 202620 minS6

  On this episode of the People of Penn State podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Colvin ’97 Behrend, chief innovation officer at Learning Undefeated and self-described “crazy ideas captain.” Jen reflects on her time at Penn State Behrend, where she earned her biology degree in 1997, and shares how her Penn State experience helped shape her passion for STEM education and community impact. She shares how Learning Undefeated allows her to fulfill her mission of making STEM education equitable and accessible for all learners, including the development of more than 20 mobile laboratory programs, the importance of community partnerships, and the Penn State values and experiences she carries with her every day. For more alumni stories, visit pennstatermag.com

  ListenShow Notes

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