We just spent an hour with Dana Gershon and have one major regret: that we didn’t know her in college. She’s the kind of person who makes you feel smarter just by listening to her—and happier just by being around her (even over Zoom). A powerhouse attorney, mom of four, marathon runner (x4), and immediate past president of NCJW, Dana has done it all—and somehow makes it look effortless. She’s brilliant, warm, and wildly accomplished, but still totally down-to-earth. We left this conversation inspired, impressed, and maybe a little obsessed.

P.S. The only “B” we left out of the episode title is for Balch — and you’re going to love that story.

LinkedIn: Dana Gershon

National Council of Jewish Women:

https://www.ncjw.org/

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

She’s not a decorator — she’s a designer with vision, edge, brilliance and a strict no-word-art policy. Lucie Ayres ’98 brings bold taste, smart strategy, and signature style to every space she touches. You won’t believe the magic she creates — or the industry giants featuring her work.

Tune in for Craigslist romances, accent wall crimes, and how a garage playroom launched a design empire.

Oh, and you'lll head a little bit about her other work with Mariah Carey - you won't guess...

Find Lucie here, and be impressed:

https://www.22interiors.com/

Little shout out to the HEAA board for making her Michelle's mentor. #GOCHE

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University 

She met her husband on day two, got tear-gassed in Collegetown, and now she writes the stuff everyone’s hoping someone is brave enough to publish. 

She is.

Journalist and essayist Laurie Yarnell joins us to talk about her Cornell roots, the art of freelancing for Good Housekeeping and HuffPost, and why some stories—second marriages, senior sex, and nosy neighbors—need to be written. 

Thankfully she counseled herself out of counseling and into so many publications we all love to read.

She's incredibly fun and so kind that it was difficult to get any pet peeves out of her. 

We did.

Shout out to Buddy and Georgia - tune in to find out who they are.

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.

Cornell has waited 48 years for this. Frank Kelly—alum, former player, and father of current team member JK—joins us 24 hours after the NCAA men’s lacrosse national championship to share what it felt like to be there, what makes this team and the coaches special, and what this win means to the Cornell community and especially the forever-connected Cornell lacrosse community. From tailgates to team culture to tears in the final seconds—it’s all here. 

Go Big Red (and apparently also, Let’s go Red!)!

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

He has set the bar high for Hotelies everywhere. (pun intended)

In this episode, we talk to Justin McManus '03, a proud graduate of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and fourth-generation owner of the iconic Peter McManus Cafe in Chelsea, New York City.

Peter McManus Cafe has been serving up drinks, award-winning burgers, and unforgettable memories since 1911—and Justin is now carrying that torch with heart, hospitality, and a healthy dose of humor. We had a lot of fun with him.

We talked about his path from city kid to first-generation college graduate, how Cornell shaped his approach to business, and all about his late nights, hustle and even Law and Order. as bar owner.

You’ll hear what it's like to grow up in the bar business, why customers keep coming back, and how Justin balances innovation with tradition in one of Manhattan’s oldest family-run bars. And we get his take on what pairs well with bar food so that you can order like a pro.

Visit Peter McManus Cafe: https://petermcmanuscafe.com
Follow on Instagram: @petermcmanuscafe

Not sponsor by or affiliated with Cornell University

Well, "here's to" one of our most delightful guests yet: Sophia Johnston '22, Hotelie, wine enthusiast, and founder of Sip With Sophia. 

You'll hear inside tips, what the best wine is to bring to a dinner party, and what she has in common with Michelle and Steph.

Also - she's a twin...and a skater..and has a very impressive day job. Very.

We loved everything about her. And you will too!

Cheers!

Find Sophia on Instagram: @sipwithsophia.nyc

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

In this episode, we interview Lauren Hass ‘96, aka The Clutter Kicker, who’s helping people clear their spaces and their minds. Inspired by her organizing magic, we tackled our own spring cleaning — and let’s just say, it felt amazing.

Lauren shares her Cornell story, how a toddler playdate sparked a new career, and her go-to method for deciding what stays and what goes — it's genius, and you may want to print it on a mug (but don’t tell her).

Here’s where to find Lauren:

Website: www.clutterkickerct.com
Instagram: @clutterkicker
Facebook: Clutter Kicker

Special thank you to Melissa Weinstock and Robyn Carter for the intro!

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

She’s back — and she’s published. 

In one of our most beloved episodes ever, Stacy Smith Ross opened up about parenting a child with borderline personality disorder. Now, two years later, she returns to our podcast with the release of her deeply moving memoir, Searching for Slippers.

In this conversation, we talk about love, mental illness, and what it means to come of age as an adult. She reflects on the strength of her friendships, and how honesty and vulnerability has led to community, awareness and hopefully the services families need.

You’ll laugh, you’ll want to hug her — and then you’ll want to read her book. This is more than her memoir; it’s a lifeline. 

And it's kinda beautiful that she's launching during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Stacy, we love you and thank you.

You can find more about Stacy and buy her book here:

https://stacyrossspeaks.com/book-order-form/ and on Amazon.com

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Introducing...Jessica O'Toole — the hit TV writer, producer, and showrunner behind Jane the Virgin, Greek, Charmed, The Summer I Turned Pretty, The Carrie Diaries, and more.

Jessica shares how she went from English major at Cornell to shaping some of the most binge-worthy shows on TV. We dive into how shows get made, what really happens in writers' rooms, and the script that launched her Hollywood career.

Plus, Jessica tells us how her Cornell days still influence her life and work today — and we even pitch her a (questionable) show idea of our own.

If you love TV, writing, or just a great "how I made it" story, this episode is for you.

HUGE thanks to Scarlet Fu for the introduction - we want in on that friend group.

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.

We had the honor of meeting Gerry Howard, Class of 1972—one of publishing’s most beloved and influential editors. Gerry reflected on his time at Cornell, where he luckily made the switch to an English major, continued a lifelong love of reading, and enjoyed a social life that included a lot of music. A LOT.

He shares stories from his legendary career, including what it’s like to edit literary giants like David Foster Wallace, Don DeLillo, Hanya Yanagihara, and Roger Ebert. Known for his generosity, humor, and discerning eye, Gerry received the Maxwell E. Perkins Award and the 2022 BIO Editorial Excellence Award for his outstanding work.

Gerry also gives us a peek at the biography he’s currently writing on famed editor Malcolm Cowley—and takes us back to the time he drove 45 minutes through a blizzard with just one contact lens...wondering why?

This is a conversation for anyone who loves books, stories, and the editors who help bring them to life. He's FUN!

Huge thanks to Bryna Pomp for this introduction!

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University