When you think of Downtown Ann Arbor, there is usually one name that springs to mind: Susan Pollay. The former longtime director of the Downtown Development Authority talks to Rishi about her decades of service in community centered organizations in Ann Arbor, along with some great stories about the Downtown! ---- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotif…

Prashant Salla is an Ann Arbor transplant from India whose personal story is as endearing as his startup story. His A2 based company, FixMyCar, is providing convenience for consumers looking for repairs as well as new opportunities for mechanics. ---- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts I Am Ann Arbor is sponsored by: Underground …

This week Ed Feng talks to us about how he created The Power Rank, a premier sports analytics site that discusses "data, analytics and betting in an enjoyable way". Ed founded The Power Rank after moving to Ann Arbor from the Bay Area, and talks about his transition from Academia to Entrepreneurship. You know Rishi has a soft spot for former Engine…

Rishi is back! Season 2 of podcast (slightly delayed due to a global pandemic) features a new name, a new logo, a revised focus, and all new guests! Rishi brings his old friend Zac Logsdon, host of sister pod "I Am Norman" to explain more about the new focus and the new company, Podcasts United. ---- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Pod…

In Ann Arbor, Ari Weinzweig needs no introduction. The founder of Zingerman's Deli is a legend in the worlds of entreprenuership and food, and the story of Zingerman's is a source of pride for Ann Arbor Townies and UM Alumni around the globe. In late January of 2020, Rishi sat down with Ari at Zingerman's Roadhouse to get the story behind some of t…

College is tough. But going to college after serving your country for almost a decade?That takes a dedication not often found. And starting your first business from scratch while you are in your second career as an undergrad? That's downright amazing, and exactly what Anthony Taylor did. Anthony and his partner Shannon Kozyra come on the pod to tel…

For over 15 years, students at UofM enjoy a study break during the Fall semester in order to refresh and rejuvenate after midterms. However, for many older alumni, there was no such thing as "Fall Break". Matt Nolan (LSA '03, LAW '06) comes on the podcast to tell the story of how Fall Break was conceived and brought to life. Shoutout to Good Time C…

We all know that Pearl Jam and Nirvana played the Blind Pig. But do you know any actual stories from the legendary music venue? Jason Berry, managing partner and longtime talent buyer, welcomes Rishi and Mason to green room at the Pig to tell them some epic stories from its storied history. See who's playing at the Blind Pig in the near future: www…

Mary & Nick Lemmer are proud UofM alumni, and the sibling team behind Iorio's Gelato in Ann Arbor. Mary & Nick recount their tasty startup story, how they started the business as kids, the difficulties of running a store as college students and young graduates, and some lessons learned along the way. Find out where you can taste Iorio's Gelato: htt…

We all think we know interesting facts about the Law Quad...but do we? This week we play mythbusters with Michele Fraser Wing, Chief Operating Officer, and Lois Harden, Facilities Manager, of the UM Law School. Michele, Lois, and Rishi run through some of the most common rumors heard throughout the decades and unearth the origin of one of campus' m…

Recruiting and amateurism in collegiate athletics is obviously a hot topic right now, but did you know it was an issue 100 years ago as well? Greg Dooley from MVictors.com comes on the podcast to talk with Rishi about Fielding Yost, the Godfather of Michigan Football, and how is rivalry with Amos Alonzo Stagg of the University of Chicago created he…

Rishi and Mason take the show on the road to visit Abra Berens ('04), the executive chef at Granor Farms and author NY Times bestselling cookbook "Ruffage: A Practical Guide to vegetables". Abra talks about growing up on a farm, cultivating her love of food at Zingerman's, and the path that led her to culinary fame. Learn more about Granor Farms: g…

In this episode, we meet "Dr. O" - Oluwaferanmi (Feranmi) Okanlami (MD '11) - the Director of Medical Student Programs (OHEI) as well as the Director of Adaptive Sports (MCHAMP), not to mention a Clinical Professor at Michigan Medicine and Spokesperson for the Adaptive Sports community. Dr. O's speaks about his inspiring journey, one that led him d…

Olivia Walch is a PhD in Applied Mathematics (UM '16), but that may be the least interesting thing about her! Olivia comes on the podcast to explain how her diverse interests are tied together, and shows us how "chill" math is. You can learn more about Olivia and her work here: http://oliviawalch.com/ ---- Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Goog…

We are taking a few weeks off for the Holidays. South U Stories will be back on January 16th! In the meantime, visit our newest sponsor, State & Liberty, and use code SOUTHU for 10% off your next order. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts or Watch on: YouTube South U Stories is sponsored by: State & Liberty - Visit our newest spon…

This week Rishi stops by the University Flower shop, located in Nickels Arcade, to chat with Danielle (Dani) Vignos about her story as a Pre-Law major at UofM who ended up in the flower business. Originally from the Bay Area, Dani's love of flowers has led her to take a chance and set up roots in Ann Arbor. Notes: You can support Dani by visiting U…

It's an impressive accomplishment to have reached the peak of just one of "The Seven Summits". Our guest this week, Scott DeRue, has summited not just one, but six of the tallest mountains in the world! Scott currently serves as Dean of the Ross School of Business and takes some time out of his busy schedule to tell Rishi a couple stories from his …

Everyone knows that collegiate merchandise is big business these days, but not as well known is the fact that the birthplace of collegiate apparel is Ann Arbor Michigan. Bud VanDeWege visits with Rishi to tell a few stories about Moe Sport Shops, the iconic shop that played a major part in collegiate apparel landscape. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | S…

Going to Dominick’s is essentially a rite of passage for any Michigan student. But few who enjoy a slice of pizza or a glass of sangria know the role this Ann Arbor institution played in creating the world’s largest pizza chain. Rishi visits the Ann Arbor institution Casa Dominick's and interviews owner Richard DeVarti. Rich (founder Dominick DeVar…

This week, Phil Brabbs ('04) recounts his role in a Michigan Football Instant Classic against Washington in 2002. The roller coaster of a game paved Phil's philosophy and outlook later on in his life. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts or Watch on: YouTube South U Stories is sponsored by: Underground Printing - Visit UGP for all …

Rishi talks with Adam Lowenstein ('05) and Justin Herrick about the serendipitous story at the beginning of BTB Burrito. BTB then paved the way for Adam & Justin to take over Good Time Charley's, and create the family of businesses known as the Watershed Hospitality Group. Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts or Watch on: YouTube S…

A quick introduction to South U StoriesBy Rishi Narayan