Best Boston University Alumni Association Podcasts (2024)

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Mary Shelley with a Guitar | Mary Timony (CAS’92) 27:53

5M ago27:53

27:53

Mary Timony (CFA’92) is a luminary of indie rock, renowned for her distinctive guitar style and innovative approach to music-making. Named among Rolling Stone’s top 250 guitarists of all time, Timony has left her distinctive mark on contemporary music as a singer-songwriter, as well as a member of bands Ex-Hex, Autoclave, Helium, and Wild Flag. In …

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Breaking and Editing | Saba Hamedy (COM’13, CAS’13) 46:50

5M ago46:50

46:50

As the former editor in chief of the Daily Free Press, journalist Saba Hamedy (COM’13, CAS’13) was responsible for publishing a daily newspaper and managing a crew of students, all while completing a full-time dual-degree program at BU. On this episode, learn about Saba’s career journey from FreeP to covering entertainment, politics, and culture at…

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Beyond the Finish Line | Mary McManus (COM'76) 41:42

5M ago41:42

41:42

For Mary McManus (COM’76) contracting polio in Kindergarten was just one of the many challenges she faced throughout her childhood. Despite her difficult upbringing, Mary went on to have a long career in social work until, in her early-50s, she was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, a neuromuscular disease that doctors said could cause Mary to los…

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Public Servants & Digital Citizens | Marcelo Garcia (Pardee’96) 37:37

5M ago37:37

37:37

Over more than two decades in media and politics, Marcelo Garcia (Pardee’96) has become a foremost expert and grassroots organizer in digital leadership, fighting the rising scourge of online disinformation and digital violence. In this episode, hear how Marcelo’s creation of the BU Mexican Students Association lit the political spark which eventua…

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Composing Connection | Kendall Ramseur (CFA’12) 56:57

6M ago56:57

56:57

As a cello performance grad student, Kendall Ramseur (CFA’12) was thrust into the spotlight when his BU student quartet Sons of Serendip became a national sensation on hit competition show “America’s Got Talent.” On this episode, hear about Kendall’s incredible musical journey of emotional healing and connection -- from performing for Dr. Maya Ange…

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Building a Major League Soccer Champion | Larry Freedman (Questrom’85) 39:29

6M ago39:29

39:29

After an early career practicing law, Larry Freedman (Questrom’85) took a leap toward his first love of professional sports and moved to Hollywood to manage a portfolio of minor league baseball teams across the country. When his business partner entered the ownership group of the nascent Los Angeles Football Club in 2014, Larry became instrumental …

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Looking Back and Moving Forward | Dr. Jenny Gruber (ENG’99, ‘99) and Anthony Harrison (COM’81) 39:53

6M ago39:53

39:53

It’s been five years since we spoke with NASA Engineer Dr. Jenny Gruber (ENG’99 ‘99) and former Facebook media relations executive Anthony Harrison (COM'81), and a lot has changed! On this episode, Jenny and Anthony come together to discuss the joys & disappointments they’ve experienced these past five years, the hard decisions they’ve made in thei…

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Reinventing the Red Carpet | Jeremy Lowe (CGS’12, Questrom’14) 38:30

6M ago38:30

38:30

As the VP of Talent and Partnerships for legendary entertainment company Dick Clark Productions, Jeremy Lowe (CGS’12, Questrom’14) manages relationships with entertainers, creators, and brands for numerous dcp shows, including The Golden Globes, Academy of Country Music Awards, and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. On this episode, Jeremy tells us about the …

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The Presidents’ Photographer Stands Up | Pete Souza (COM’76) 29:20

6M ago29:20

29:20

As Official White House Photographer for Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, and a respected photojournalist for numerous news organizations, Pete Souza (COM’76) has spent decades on the front lines of history; but it was as a junior at BU that his journey into photography began. On this episode, hear about Pete’s experience working closely …

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Combatting Racism and Antisemitism with Education and Philanthropy | Ayele Shakur (Questrom’87) 35:48

7M ago35:48

35:48

When family concerns led Ayele Shakur (Questrom’87) to change her trajectory from aspiring screenwriter to a business degree, she set in motion a career that’s just as inspiring as any Hollywood biopic. On this episode, hear how Ayele went from being a teacher in Compton to the CEO of BUILD, a national nonprofit supporting students from under-resou…

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The Innovator Behind Your Favorite Beers | Robert Vail (SHA’85) 32:12

7M ago32:12

32:12

Robert Vail (SHA’85) first developed a love for the intersection of food, culture, and hospitality as a kid, traveling the globe on his dad’s business trips. Upon completing BU’s Hotel and Food Administration Program and after several years working to open a chain of restaurants around New England, Robert was looking for a new opportunity in the fo…

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Turning Chronic Disease Into Startup Success | Hannah Olson (SHA’17) 33:44

7M ago33:44

33:44

When Hannah Olson (SHA’17) contracted Lyme disease as a sophomore Hospitality Administration major, her life was thrown into a difficult world of hospital visits, IVs, and other health challenges. But from that illness came the idea for Chronically Capable, an online platform connecting people with chronic illnesses to supportive businesses. Next, …

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Fashion icon doing GOOD for families in need | Mary Alice Stephenson (CGS’88, COM’90) 36:44

7M ago36:44

36:44

Mary Alice Stephenson (CGS'88, COM’90) spent years at the height of haute couture -- from fashion director for publications such as Vogue, Allure, and Harper’s Bazaar to beauty consultant for major celebrities and style commentator across popular television and news. On this episode, hear how Mary Alice’s drive toward service, inspired by lessons s…

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Transforming Education through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation | Dr. Archie Cubarrubia (Sargent’01, Wheelock’02) 36:43

7M ago36:43

36:43

Archie Cubarrubia (Sargent’01, Wheelock’02) knew he wanted to work in higher education from his days as a student leader at BU, but it was through an internship with the US Department of Education that he first began to understand the breadth and impact of higher education for students across the country. After receiving his doctorate from George W…

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From Pre-Med to Celebrity Chef | Priyanka Naik (CAS’10) 37:59

8M ago37:59

37:59

Priyanka Naik (CAS’10) is a celebrated vegan chef, Food Network champion, and author of cookbook THE MODERN TIFFIN. A first-generation Indian American, Priyanka's path took her from pre-med and economics to a career in media & tech, including several years as an executive at X (formerly Twitter), before launching full-time into the culinary world, …

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Proud to BU Season 3 Coming Soon! 0:47

8M ago0:47

0:47

The BU Alumni Podcast Returns! Season 3 of Proud to BU showcases the career journeys of some of Boston University’s most interesting and accomplished alumni. Inspiring BU grads share the highs, the lows, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. Watch for new episodes coming soon! Upcoming alumni guests include a celebrity chef, a fashion …

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Crime Specialist Busts Common Myths Surrounding Her Profession | Andrea Feldman (Sargent’06, MED’09) 18:18

9M ago18:18

18:18

What’s the best part of being a crime scene specialist? For Andrea Feldman (Sargent’06, MED’09), nothing compares to the instant gratification when her forensic evidence helps bring the ‘bad guys’ to justice. As an undergraduate at BU, Andrea earned a degree in health studies from Sargent College and she went on to earn a master’s in biomedical for…

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HBO Executive on the Importance of Staying Hungry | Jay Roewe (COM’79) 37:12

10M ago37:12

37:12

Leaving the field to take a corporate job at HBO wasn’t an easy decision for Jay Roewe (COM’79). Looking back on it today, he says it was one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Jay graduated from BU’s College of Communication in 1979 with a degree in television. Today, he serves as Senior Vice President for West Coast Productions at HBO and is a…

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Learning to be ”Lit on Purpose” as a Social Entrepreneur | Ivellisse Morales (COM’12) 38:19

10M ago38:19

38:19

Ivellisse Morales (COM’12) is on a mission to build a national network of creatives who can help illuminate the important issues that need attention and action in America. She is the founder and CEO of bombilla, a branding and design firm with an intentional focus on reimagining the creative agency model and embodying representative storytelling to…

1
Licensing Consumer Connections for BTS | Hyeji Byun (Pardee’11) 28:38

10M ago28:38

28:38

Hyeji Byun (Pardee’11) is a licensing project manager at Big Hit IP. One aspect of her dynamic job is to find meaningful ways to bring the South Korean boy band sensation, BTS, closer to their fans. From animated characters to pop-up stores around the world, there is no shortage of opportunities to expand the reach of this cultural phenomenon. On t…

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Building Communities in the Face of Pandemics | Bryan Murphy Eustis (SPH’04) 29:16

10M ago29:16

29:16

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are joined on the podcast by Bryan Murphy-Eustis (SPH’04), a public health practitioner with unique insights to share. Bryan earned his MPH from Boston University in 2004 and went on to found his own public health consulting practice, BME Strategies. He also served as the Executive Di…

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Restaurateur on Striving for Perfect Harmony | Shraddha Bhansali (Questrom’14) 25:33

10M ago25:33

25:33

From the age of 15, if you asked Shraddha Bhansali (Questrom’14) what she wanted to do when she grew up, her answer was steadfast: open a restaurant. She graduated from the Questrom School of Business in 2014 having studied both business and hospitality management. Today, she is the owner of Candy & Green, a vegetarian restaurant and bar in Mumbai,…

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The Life of a Foreign Correspondent in China | Allen Wan (CAS’90) 28:56

10M ago28:56

28:56

Allen Wan (CAS’90) never thought he was going to be a journalist. He graduated from the College of Arts and Sciences in 1990 with a degree in political science and sought out numerous opportunities to expand his worldview while strengthening his communication skills. Today, he is Deputy Bureau Chief in Bloomberg’s Shanghai office and will be openin…

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Senior Economist on Asking Big Questions | Karen Fishman (CAS’12, GRS’12) 28:57

10M ago28:57

28:57

As a vice president and senior economist at Goldman Sachs, Karen Fishman (CAS’12, GRS’12) spends her days wrestling with really big questions. Karen graduated from BU in 2012 with both a bachelor’s and master’s in economics. She was recently named to the Forbes 30 under 30 list as a trailblazer in the world of finance. On this episode of the podcas…

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Transforming Personal Loss into an Encore Career | Bill Cohen (Questrom’74) 26:20

10M ago26:20

26:20

Bill Cohen (Questrom’74) founded Cohen Caregiving Consultants, LLC, to provide advice and counsel to families who are grappling with a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s. His work with caregivers follows a fascinating career that included time in hospitality, financial services, and state government. He joined us on the podcast to talk about the …

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Blazing Your Own Path as an Interior Designer | Cari Giannoulias (COM’96) 31:03

10M ago31:03

31:03

Cari Giannoulias (COM’96) has a knack for trusting her gut and following her passion. After graduating from BU, Cari built a tremendous career in the world of marketing for the entertainment industry. She worked at Creative Artists Agency, Jersey Films, Universal Pictures, and even collaborated with the Sex Pistols, before deciding to blaze her own…

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Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisor | Alex Tanguay (Questrom’02) 21:27

10M ago21:27

21:27

Alex Tanguay (Questrom’02) is a Senior Vice President and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Boston. Alex earned his bachelor’s degree from the Questrom School of Business in 2002 and was recently named one of Forbes’ “Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors” under 40. Alex is deeply engaged in the Alumni Association; he serves on…

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Lessons in Leadership from a Fire Chief Officer | Joe Maruca (Questrom’81) 30:40

10M ago30:40

30:40

Joe Maruca (Questrom’81) didn’t know what he wanted to do for a living after graduating from BU. His advice for any students who are feeling similarly? “Don’t worry about it!” Joe earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Questrom School of Business in 1981 and went on to become both a practicing attorney and Fire Chief in th…

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Changing the Way You Pay in the Digital World | Mamta Rodrigues (CAS’95) 27:38

10M ago27:38

27:38

Mamta Rodrigues (CAS’95) is always looking for new ways to make financial transactions easier for the rest of us. She has established herself as a prominent fintech leader having held top jobs at industry giants American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Synchrony, and Teleperformance. During this episode of the podcast, you’ll hear some of the highlights…

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At the Intersection of Healthcare and Technology | Dr. Joe Frassica (MED’88) 34:36

10M ago34:36

34:36

Dr. Joe Frassica (MED’88) has built an extraordinary career delivering healthcare innovations to the patient’s bedside. He is the Head of Philips Research and Chief Medical Officer at Philips North America. He also remains active in the world of academic medicine with teaching appointments through the Institute for Medical Engineering and Sciences …

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Amplifying Diverse Voices in Entertainment | Nina Tassler (CFA’79, HON’16) 8:40

10M ago8:40

8:40

Nina Tassler (CFA’79, HON’16) is a producer, author, and the former chairman of CBS Entertainment. She built a groundbreaking career in the industry and she was instrumental in propelling CBS to become America’s #1 network for 12 of her 13-year tenure. In recent years, she co-founded PatMa Productions alongside Denise Di Novi and she published her …

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A Family Business, 3 Generations Strong | Dr. Howard Brooks (SDM’87) & Dr. Stephanie Brooks (SDM’18) 29:11

10M ago29:11

29:11

Dr. Howard Brooks (SDM’87) and Dr. Stephanie Brooks (SDM’18) are two of the three generations running Brooks Dental in Winthrop, MA. Dr. Barry Brooks founded the practice in 1959 and since then, he welcomed his son, Dr. Howard, and his granddaughter, Dr. Stephanie, into the family business. On this episode of the podcast, all three Drs. Brooks join…

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Prosecutor in ’El Chapo’ Case on Pursuing Your Calling | Andrea Goldbarg (LAW’01) 27:04

10M ago27:04

27:04

Andrea Goldbarg (LAW’01), is an Assistant US Attorney who spent a decade of her career prosecuting the case against Mexican drug kingpin, Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. She reflects on her experiences at BU and beyond that prepared her to tackle this career-defining challenge and shares why she believes she’s found her calling as a public servant. Reco…

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Empathy and Tenacity Bring Hollywood Success | Jamie Kaler (CAS’87) 33:48

10M ago33:48

33:48

Jamie Kaler (CAS’87) is an actor and comedian best known for his starring role as “Mike” on the hit TBS show, My Boys. His career also includes credits on Friends, Will & Grace, How I Met Your Mother, Parenthood, and NCIS. On this episode of Proud to BU, Jamie shares insights on the work ethic required to be successful in Hollywood and beyond. Reco…

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MA Teacher of the Year on How to Bounce Back | Takeru Nagayoshi (Wheelock’16) 22:18

10M ago22:18

22:18

Takeru Nagayoshi (Wheelock’16) is a high school English teacher in New Bedford and was recently named the 2020 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. He joined us on Proud to BU to explore the ups and downs of his personal educational experience, why he believes teaching made him a better person, and what working in a turnaround school district has tau…

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How to Find Your Place in Big Organizations | Emily Theurer (CAS’14) 20:38

10M ago20:38

20:38

When Emily Theurer (CAS’14) graduated from BU with a degree in economics, she found herself well equipped to navigate the complex world of finance at one of the largest firms in Boston. Today, she’s a Research Analyst at State Street Global Advisors and she’s passionate about promoting financial literacy, especially among women and girls. Recorded …

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Using Film to Spark Systemic Change | Rel Dowdell (COM’96) 28:11

10M ago28:11

28:11

During his time at BU, Rel Dowdell (COM’96) made a name for himself with a groundbreaking thesis project that went on to become the critically acclaimed and award-winning film, Train Ride. His most recent work is a feature-length documentary examining the impact of the child support system on African American families titled, "Where’s Daddy?" Stay …

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Advice from a Physician Turned Chocolatier | Elaine Hsieh (CAS’90, MED’90) 37:50

10M ago37:50

37:50

After graduating from BU’s six-year medical program, Elaine Hsieh (CAS’90, MED’90) established a women’s health practice in Arlington, MA. Over the next twenty years, she slowly came to the realization that that healthcare was not her true career calling. In 2010, she co-founded a local chocolate shop, EHChocolatier, and since then, her business ha…

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Southwest Strategist on Solving Universal Problems | Ajay Mehta (Questrom’11) 16:52

10M ago16:52

16:52

Ajay Mehta (Questrom’11) has a proven track record as an innovator and creative problem solver. While his career is centered on the transportation industry, the lessons he’s learned about strategy and consulting are universal. Ajay earned his MBA from the Questrom School of Business in 2011. Today, he is a Manager of Technology, Strategy, & Continu…

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How Digital Disruption is Transforming Banking | Phonpimol Pathomsak (Questrom’96) 21:15

10M ago21:15

21:15

Phonpimol Pathomsak (Questrom’96) is a Senior Vice President at Kasikornbank, one of Thailand’s largest commercial banks. After graduating from BU, Phonpimol moved from Boston to Bangkok where she built a career in banking and consumer finance at world-renowned firms AIG, Citi, GE Capital, and Bank of China. She also served as CEO of fintech startu…

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Google Resident on Challenging the Status Quo | Parag Vaish (Questrom’03) 35:34

10M ago35:34

35:34

Parag Vaish (Questrom’03) has built a career at the forefront of digital innovation, marketing, and design. He rose through the ranks at companies like Disney, Microsoft, MSNBC, StubHub and Tesla prior to tackling his most recent challenge as a founder-in-residence at Google’s internal incubator, Area 120. During his time at Tesla, Parag worked clo…

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A Journey from Civil Rights Activism to Finance | Thomas W. Jones (Questrom’78) 33:53

10M ago33:53

33:53

In 1969, Thomas W. Jones (Questrom’78) stood firmly at the center of the armed student takeover of Willard Straight Hall at Cornell University. Pulitzer Prize-winning images of Jones and his fellow classmates emerging from the student union after a peaceful resolution powerfully captured widespread frustration over stalled civil rights efforts. Upo…

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Helping Startups Navigate the Early Stages of Business | Jeremy Shure (LAW’08) 27:00

10M ago27:00

27:00

As Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank, Jeremy Shure (LAW’08) is a partner to startup founders as they navigate the early stages of their business development. Recently named a Kauffman Fellow, Jeremy is now part of a world renowned network of innovative leaders working to transform relationships between entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. …

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Lifelong Educator on her Impact in the Classroom and Beyond | Joanne Steinback (Wheelock’66) 22:03

10M ago22:03

22:03

As a lifelong educator, Joanne Steinback (Wheelock’66) worked at the forefront of the transformation of special education in the American school system. Her career is centered on implementing innovative strategies to effectively engage children with emotional challenges and learning disabilities. Joanne reflects on the lessons she learned, the chal…

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Pursuing Criminal Justice Reform through Litigation | Somil Trivedi (LAW’09) 26:20

10M ago26:20

26:20

Are we living in a renaissance for criminal justice reform? Somil Trivedi (LAW’09), Staff Attorney at the ACLU Trone Center for Justice and Equality, joins Proud to BU to explore his unique perspective on this prescient topic. Somil traces the origins of his passion for social justice and shares the prominent role BU played in scaffolding his platf…

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Climbing the Corporate Staircase | Michael DiSalvo (COM’09) 28:49

10M ago28:49

28:49

What does it mean for a company to emphasize people over profit? Michael DiSalvo (COM’09) is a self-proclaimed Ogilvy enthusiast, having called the company his professional home for the last 9 years. In that time, Michael has quickly climbed the corporate “staircase” as he would call it to become the company’s youngest Senior Vice President. He was…

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From the NFL to the NBA | Dan Liburd (SAR’06) 30:39

10M ago30:39

30:39

Not many resumes include experience with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Buffalo Bills, and the Brooklyn Nets, but after chatting with Dan Liburd (SAR’06), you’ll quickly hear how it all adds up. As the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Brooklyn Nets, Dan spends his days ensuring his colleagues, who just happen to be some of the world’s most …

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Building a Career in Broadcasting | Karen Holmes Ward (COM’77) 28:57

10M ago28:57

28:57

Karen Holmes Ward (COM’77) is a staple of the Boston media landscape and has built a distinguished career earning her a spot in the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. She is the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services and many New England natives or transplants will recognize her as the Host and Executive Producer of the weekly TV t…

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A Chat with Red Sox Manager of Photography | Billie Weiss (COM’16) 24:12

10M ago24:12

24:12

Billie Weiss (COM’16) has what many in New England would consider a dream job. For the past seven years, Billie has documented the World Champion Boston Red Sox as the team’s manager of photography. On this episode of Proud to BU, Billie explores his unique journey from BU to Fenway Park and offers a behind-the-scenes look at his remarkable career.…

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Blogger on Her Entrepreneurial Journey | Sahara Rose (CAS’13) 25:37

10M ago25:37

25:37

Welcome to the Young Alumni Edition of our Proud to BU Podcast. In this first iteration, Corinne Tramuta (MET’17) chats with Sahara Rose (CAS’13) about her path at Boston University and how she developed her brand as a health and wellness blogger, and author of the Idiot’s Guide to Ayurveda. In this episode, Sahara Rose (CAS’13) explores her entrep…

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Boston University Alumni Association Podcasts

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