Lion Legacy

By: Penn State Alums Jared Melzer & Ross Weisbrot
  • Summary

  • The Lion Legacy podcast uncovers stories of Penn State University alumni and their compelling professional and personal journeys. Founded by 2004 graduates and great friends - Jared Melzer and Ross Weisbrot - the duo interviews guests from wide-ranging career industries and dives into how Penn State has prepared them for growth and success.
    Copyright 2023 Penn State Alums Jared Melzer & Ross Weisbrot
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Episodes
  • Larry Jaffee, Author - "Record Store Day" (#60)
    Oct 30 2023

    1986 Penn State graduate Larry Jaffee loves this quote from Albert Einstein: "I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." Larry's curiosity has led to a career in journalism, teaching and his latest endeavor, authoring the book "Record Store Day" that dives into vinyls' comeback. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics that keep Larry curious.

    (7:33) - Pursuing a career in journalism

    (8:45) - Writing style

    (12:28) - Concerns about ChatGPT

    (13:11) - Advice to aspiring journalists

    (14:15) - Going into teaching 

    (16:05) - Sports reporting

    (19:57) - Bringing the vinyl industry together

    (29:08) - Writing "Record Store Day"

    (31:15) - MTV's impact on the music industry

    (37:15) - Top record collection

    (39:57) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience

    Learn more at http://LarryJaffee.com.

    Special thanks to Penn State student intern Dan Bransfeld.

    Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com.

    Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu.

    Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink.

    Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com and http://Instagram.com/LionLegacyPodcast.

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    46 mins
  • Jeff Coppola, Executive - WorldStrides (#59)
    Oct 26 2023

    1982 Penn State graduate Jeff Coppola is all about journeys. From his current company, WorldStrides, that focuses on experiential trips for students, to his own professional journey through numerous industries, to his family's personal journey with autism, this episode has great nuggets on leadership and career insights.

    (5:25) - Getting to know Worldstrides

    (13:38) - Role at Worldstrides

    (18:58) - Putting the focus on the customer

    (22:45) - Early career lessons

    (27:33) - Transferable skills across industries 

    (31:08) - Experiencing challenges

    (34:22) - Board Member for the Virginia Institute for Autism

    (39:08) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience

    Learn more at http://WorldStrides.com.

    Special thanks to Penn State student intern Dan Bransfeld.

    Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com.

    Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu.

    Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink.

    Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com and http://Instagram.com/LionLegacyPodcast.

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    53 mins
  • Jill O'Brien, FlyNYON (Helicopter Experiences) (#58)
    Oct 17 2023

    2013 Penn State graduate Jill O'Brien is flying high as Chief of Staff at FlyNYON, which specializes in creating enduring memories through helicopter experiences. On this episode, Jill shares with us how FlyNYON helps film movies (The Wolf of Wall Street), celebrate wedding proposals and more!

    Jump right in:

    (7:01) - Flying in a helicopter

    (9:46) - Career journey

    (13:33) - Role as Chief of Staff

    (17:50) - Commercial side of the business

    (21:45) - Drones vs. helicopters

    (25:52) - Passion for photography

    (28:43) - Photography style

    (30:17) - Appreciation of photography in the age of smartphones

    (31:31) - Lions Den presented by http://Lions-Pride.com: Penn State Experience

    Learn more at http://FlyNYON.com.

    Special thanks to Penn State student intern Dan Bransfeld.

    Show off your Penn State pride with the latest apparel and gear by visiting http://Lions-Pride.com.

    Keep up with all the Penn State news at http://Collegian.PSU.edu.

    Join Penn State's network connecting students and alumni at http://Alumni.PSU.edu/LionLink.

    Lion Legacy is a Baroudeur Production and is not affiliated with Penn State University. Visit us at http://LionLegacyPodcast.com and http://Instagram.com/LionLegacyPodcast.

    Show More Show Less
    39 mins

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