
In this episode Zoe Kamman, a 2016 graduate in tourism development and management shares her life journey
from being adopted from China to growing up in Phoenix, and eventually finding her passion in the travel industry. She discusses her experiences working at a
resort, making a difficult career transition during the Northern California wildfires, and thriving as a travel agent Zoe emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, networking, and mentorship in shaping her successful career.
Jun 4, 2024
42 min

In this episode, Taylor shares her journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial family in Lake Tahoe, California, attending Arizona State University (ASU), briefly dipping into the corporate world, to ultimately finding her passion as a flight attendant. Taylor's story emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, adapting to various life changes, and the significance of the hospitality industry in shaping her career path. Her experiences highlight the value of exploring different career paths, the benefits of internships, and the impact of kindness and connection in the travel industry. Taylor's story is a testament to the idea that getting out of one's comfort zone and having an open mindset can lead to fulfilling and unexpected career opportunities.
Mar 12, 2024
33 min

In this in-depth conversation, Alex Mierzwa, a graduate of the
Nonprofit Leadership and Management program shares her diverse experiences and unique personal journey. Born in Paris, Alex moved to Arizona at the age of 8 where she later discovered her passion for volunteering and social causes. Her
career has spanned various roles with Make A Wish Foundation, the International Rescue Committee, Barrow Neurological Foundation, Disneyland Paris, and currently with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Alex provides
advice on pursuing international work, discovering passions, staying curious, and importantly, saying 'yes' to opportunities, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in making an impact.
Jan 24, 2024
58 min

In this engaging conversation, Ellie Singer shares her journey from college to a career as an outdoor guide. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Ellie always had a passion for the outdoors. Upon graduation from Arizona State University, she was initially drawn to a marketing job with an outdoor adventure company . However, after a year in marketing, a COVID-19 related layoff led her to pursue her real dream: outdoor guiding. Now, she guides backpacking and hiking trips as well as being a river guide in the Grand Canyon. Ellie discusses the challenges and rewards of the job, from the unpredictable schedule to the unique experiences she gets to share with her clients. She offers insight into how to break into the industry and emphasizes the transformative nature of outdoor experiences for those she guides.
Jan 3, 2024
44 min

In this episode, we talk to Matt Pennell, Fun Boss for Navy Installations Command. We talk about what it's like to run a recreation program on an aircraft carrier, being stuck on the carrier during COVID, and Matt's background as a musician and athlete. And we also have a special bonus at the end with Professor Erin Schneiderman who will tell us who ASU students can earn class credit to work for the Cardinals.
Nov 17, 2023
35 min

Though just a recent graduate, Raquel has done so many things! In this episode, we talk about a chance encounter with Miley Cyrus, bringing community together in her current job, her multiple side jobs in professional sports, visiting 30 MLB stadiums, making lemonade, and we get a prescient baseball prediction.
Oct 31, 2023
43 min

Elliot Anuta is an outdoor recreation and aquatic recreation coordinator for the City of Apache Junction. In this episode, we talk about discovering his college major while on a hike, his non-traditional path, Leslie Knopf, the CPRP, and his early foray into arts and gymnastics.
Oct 6, 2023
39 min

Paige is a 2017 graduate graduate with a Parks and Recreation Management degree. Paige was also President of Parks, and Recreation Student Association (now SPARC)
Since graduating from ASU, she received a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northern Colorado and is now a Child and Family Therapist in Jefferson County, Colorado. And though she has switched careers, she continues to be active in outdoor recreation. In this episode, we discuss Paige's degree experience and the relationship between recreation and mental health.
Sep 26, 2023
29 min

In this episode, we talk with Manny Padia, Recreation Supervisor for he City of Glendale, SCRD Alum, and former faculty member. Manny talks about the power of recreation for youth development, and why recreation is "the peanut butter to the celery stick"
Sep 12, 2023
31 min

In this episode, I talk with Chris Johnson, sports program coordinator at Sun Devil Fitness. We discuss his time at ASU, undergradaute research, student clubs, and his favorite intramural sport!
Aug 29, 2023
35 min
