Birds Up Podcast

What do a biology degree, a career in teaching, and a booming resale fashion business have in common? For UT San Antonio alum Robert Buenrostro ('08), they're all part of an unexpected journey into entrepreneurship!

On this episode of Birds Up, Robert shares how his Roadrunner journey began when his older sister picked him up from his job at Burger King and drove him to UTSA to enroll. After earning his biology degree, he spent years teaching science before an unexpected opportunity led him and his wife, fellow Roadrunner Erica, into business ownership with an Uptown Cheapskate franchise. From long hours balancing family and careers to navigating staffing challenges and changing fashion trends, they learned firsthand what it takes to transform an underperforming store into a thriving business.

Robert shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the growing popularity of secondhand fashion, and how their business supports the community through affordable shopping, sustainability, and local employment. He also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the resale industry, including some unexpected customer experiences.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a bargain hunter, or a proud Roadrunner, Robert's story is a reminder that success doesn't always follow a straight path. Sometimes the greatest opportunities come from taking a chance and embracing the unexpected. Tune in, subscribe to Birds Up, and share this episode with a fellow Roadrunner. Birds Up!

Show Notes:
Uptown Cheapskate Huebner
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Membership
UTSA Football
Diploma Dash 2027

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jessica Treviño Jones joins Birds Up to share a journey that began on San Antonio’s South Side and ultimately brought her home to help change how patients understand and address their risk for cancer.

A breast medical oncologist at the Mays Cancer Center, founder and director of the Cancer Risk Reduction and Education (CaRE) Clinic, and 2026 UT San Antonio Alumni Gala honoree, Dr. Jones reflects on the teachers, family and mentors who helped shape her path from a first-generation college student to a physician serving the community that raised her.

We also go beyond her story to talk about what everyone should know about their own cancer risk—from family history and genetic testing to breast density, prevention and the concerning rise in breast cancer diagnoses among younger women. Dr. Jones also discusses some of the barriers facing Hispanic women and underserved communities across South Texas and why greater awareness and access to early detection matter.

It’s a conversation about science, mentorship, family and coming home to make a difference—with an important reminder that understanding your own health history can be one of the first steps toward changing your future.

Show Notes:
Cancer Risk Reduction and Education (CaRE) Clinic 
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Membership
UTSA Football

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

From sourcing products around the world for H-E-B to helping build one of San Antonio’s most recognizable cultural celebrations, Tony Villarreal’s journey has been shaped by entrepreneurship, creativity and a willingness to pursue the things he’s passionate about.

In this episode of Birds Up, Tony shares his journey from Monterrey to San Antonio and his time at UTSA, including rushing TKE and discovering a passion for music that led him to become a club and radio DJ and eventually start his own business. He also discusses how his career took him to H-E-B, where his work in global sourcing gave him the opportunity to find products and ideas from around the world and bring them to Texas consumers.

Tony also takes us behind the scenes of the Barbacoa & Big Red Festival and the idea that grew into a celebration of two things deeply connected to San Antonio culture. He shares the entrepreneurial story behind the festival and how food, music and community have helped turn it into a San Antonio tradition.

Show Notes:

Barbacoa Big Red Festival
Land N Texas
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Membership
UTSA Football

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Randy Daniels likes to say that UT San Antonio chose him, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made. From meeting his future wife on campus to earning his degree in finance and beginning his career through an internship, his Roadrunner experience helped shape the leader, entrepreneur and community advocate he is today.

In this episode, Randy shares his journey from commercial banking and Merrill Lynch to cofounding JDK Wealth Advisors. He talks about building a business centered on trust, creating opportunities for the next generation and giving back through the JDK Give Back volunteer program. We also discuss his service with the UT San Antonio Alumni Association, the importance of internships and how family, faith and a little moonwalking keep life interesting.

Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation about taking chances, building meaningful relationships and staying invested in the community that helped you get started!

Show Notes:
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Membership
UTSA Football

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

The Alamo Audible crew joins the Birds Up Podcast to break down everything Roadrunner fans need to know heading into the 2026 UTSA Football season. We’ll discuss key returning players, new additions, position battles, must-watch matchups and the biggest questions facing the team.

Can UTSA contend for an American Conference championship and return to the postseason? Tune in for expert insight, bold predictions and plenty of Roadrunner football talk as we get ready for kickoff. Birds Up!

Show Notes:
UT San Antonio Alumni/
UT San Antonio Membership
UTSA Football
Alamo Audible

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Leadership isn't confined to the boardroom—and healing doesn't happen by chance. This week, we're joined by Executive MBA alumna Dr. Holly Keyt, Medical Director of the Lung Transplant Program at UT Health San Antonio, to explore how business leadership and medicine come together to transform lives. From leading one of the country's most respected lung transplant programs to expanding access to specialized care across Texas, Dr. Keyt shares the lessons she's learned about service, strategy, resilience, and hope. Whether you're a healthcare professional, aspiring leader, or proud Roadrunner, this conversation will leave you inspired. Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we celebrate another incredible UT San Antonio alumna making an impact. Birds Up!

Show Notes:
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Alumni Events
Alumni Gala
UT Health San Antonio - Pulmonology

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Season 5 is officially in the books, and what a journey it's been!

Join Andrew, Melissa and Josh as they reflect on an incredible season of the Birds Up Podcast, revisiting some of their favorite interviews, memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories and the conversations that made this season so special. From distinguished alumni and industry leaders to coaches, entrepreneurs and changemakers, every guest brought a unique perspective that continues to showcase the impact of the UTSA community.

Most importantly, this episode is a thank you to our guests for sharing their stories and to our listeners for tuning in, supporting the podcast and being part of the Birds Up family.

Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or just discovered the show this season, we appreciate you coming along for the ride. Tune in for one last look back at Season 5, and get ready for what's ahead in Season 6.

Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and share the podcast with your fellow Roadrunners. The conversation doesn't stop here—Birds Up!

-----------------------------------------------------

Show Notes:

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Fresh off a historic 2025 American Conference Championship season, UTSA Soccer Head Coach Derek Pittman joins the Birds Up Podcast to talk about the journey of building one of the most successful programs in Roadrunner Athletics. Since arriving at UTSA in 2018, Pittman has transformed the program into a championship contender, leading the Roadrunners to conference titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, record-setting attendance, and a culture built on accountability, resilience, and excellence.

In this episode, Coach Pittman shares his unique path from growing up in Oklahoma and racing cars as a kid to playing collegiate and professional soccer before finding his calling on the sidelines. We discuss the foundation of UTSA Soccer’s championship culture, what he looks for in recruiting, the importance of developing student-athletes on and off the field, and what lies ahead as the Roadrunners prepare for another exciting season.

Whether you're a soccer fan, a Roadrunner supporter, or someone who enjoys stories about leadership and building winning teams, this conversation offers an inside look at one of UTSA's most successful coaches and the continued rise of UTSA Athletics.

Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we celebrate the success of UTSA Soccer and look ahead to what's next for the Roadrunners. Birds Up!

Show Notes
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Alumni Events
Alumni Gala
UT System Invests over $470 Million Into UT San Antonio
Graduate Student Paves the Way For Future Moon Missions
UTSA Athletics

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with San Antonio native and UTSA alumnus Dr. Joshua Austin, nationally recognized dentist, educator, speaker, and Editorial Director of Dental Economics. From his early days at Health Careers High School and UTSA to becoming one of the most respected voices in dentistry, Dr. Austin shares the journey that helped shape his career and passion for helping others.

In this episode, we discuss the rapid evolution of dentistry, innovation in digital technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the realities of balancing a demanding profession with personal wellness. Dr. Austin also opens up about the importance of mental health in high-pressure careers, breaking down stigma within the dental profession, and why community, mentorship, and self-care matter more than ever.

As founder of Austin Dental Seminars and a nationally sought-after lecturer, Dr. Austin brings practical insight, humor, and authenticity to every conversation. Whether you are interested in healthcare, business, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond dentistry.

Tune in to hear how a San Antonio student built a nationally recognized career while staying grounded in service, education, and community. Be sure to like, follow, comment, and share this episode with your fellow Roadrunners and listeners. Birds Up!

Show Notes
Dr. Joshua Austin, DDS Practice
Spring 2026 Commencement Info
Honors College Largest Graduating Class
Students Place at Cyber Defense Nationals
AI Student Summer Camp
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Alumni Events
Alumni Gala
UTSA Athletics

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

We made it to Episode 100! Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane with two of the voices who started it all, Drew and Yvonne Addison! They share stories, laughs, and the journey behind the Birds Up Podcast, as we celebrate the entire team who helped get us here.

We’re incredibly grateful to the many guests who have joined us along the way, and to you—our audience—for being such an important part of this journey. Over the years, our podcast has grown alongside UT San Antonio, giving us a front-row seat to the university’s powerful transformation, the expansion of its research impact, and the rise of its athletic programs. We’ve watched thousands of students graduate and become proud alumni, and we’ve truly enjoyed every moment of the ride.

Tune in to celebrate with us, reflect on the journey, and get ready for the next 100 episodes. Thank you—and don’t forget to leave your comments. Birds Up!

Show Notes
Giving Day 2026 Results
Miss Fiesta San Antonio
UTSA Cheer Earns Championship
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program Climbs Rankings
UT San Antonio Alumni
UT San Antonio Alumni Events
Biride Bash Scramble
Alumni Gala
UTSA Athletics

Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!