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

Here’s what you can look forward to in this episode with Josh Gully:

• What it’s like to be part of a five-generation Cornell legacy
• How he almost majored in horticulture—and why he didn’t
• His unexpected journey into family financial planning
• The story behind the flower empire he and his dad ran from their backyard 
• How legendary coach Richie Moran changed his life
• Why Cornell continues to hold deep personal meaning for him

Tune in for a thoughtful, fun conversation about the many ways Cornell shapes a life.

Thank you to Laurie Barkman for the introduction (her episode 96).

Find more about Josh here:
NewEdge Wealth: newedgewealth.com
LinkedIn: Josh Gully
Cornell Chronicle Feature: https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2024/08/josh-gully-83-and-partners-build-investment-firm-ultra-wealthyRead the article

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

From the Hill to the White House, Seth Harris has shaped labor policy at the highest level—and he’s got the stories to prove it.

He worked with Clinton, Obama, and Biden.
He sat at the Cabinet table.

But before all of that, he was a Cornellian enjoying Cornell to the fullest—from learning what really matters, to finding his voice—and discovering a path that would take him all the way to the West Wing.

Oh, and he had a lot of fun too. 

And now, he's a blogcaster. You read that right. Tune in, he's doing some very cool things. 

This is a "forward it to everyone you know" episode and a HUGE thank you to Scarlet Fu for the introduction!

Find Seth here:

Blogging at www.PowerAtWork.US

Distinguished Professor of Practice, Doctoral Program in Law & Policy:

https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/program/doctor-of-law-and-policy-boston-14421/

Affiliated Faculty and Senior Fellow, Burnes Center for Social Change:

https://burnes.northeastern.edu/

Northeastern University

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethdharris/

Twitter: @MrSethHarris

Threads: @SethDHarris

Instagram: @SethDHarris

Social Science Research Network: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=111769

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Before he was reinventing teeth whitening and launching cutting edge dental tech, smile icon Dr. Jonathan Levine was lighting up the lacrosse field as a two-time Cornell all-star. 

In this episode, we discuss his Big Red beginnings, an amazing Cornell program he launched with Dr. David Levine, and how he built a family business rooted in innovation and compassion. And Lenny Kravitz...how does he factor in?

Also, you will not believe what they can do in his office - think very, very high tech. We were blown away...by dentistry, and you will be too.

He’s smart, fun, and full of good vibes—our kind of guest. 

Huge thanks to Peter Kaplan for the introduction—he knew we’d love this one!

Find everything Dr. Jonathan Levine here:

Website: https://jblnyc.com/

Instagram: @jblnyc

Glo Good: https://www.glogood.org/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjonlevine/

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University