Before he was producing Netflix’s #1 true crime documentary, Jon Houseman was making salsa in Ithaca and hustling through NYU Stern (with Michelle). 

In this episode, the Emmy-winning storyteller shares his journey from Cornell history major to global media entrepreneur—and reveals how a spicy startup and a passion for untold stories led to streaming success.

He’s the best, he’s the most fun, and we can’t wait for you to hear his story.

Find out more about Jon on his LinkedIn: Jon Housman,

and more about his company, here: https://www.trulyadventure.us/

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

If you went to Cornell, chances are you heard his voice echoing through Bailey Hall to 2,000 rapt students at a time. In this heartfelt tribute to Professor James Maas, we remember the magic of Psych 101, his pioneering role in sleep science, and the multimedia lectures that made his class unforgettable. 

Stephanie shares her personal experience as his TA and advisee, along with the memories that still give her and Michelle goosebumps.

He will be missed.

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

What’s a 5-letter word for brilliant? ROBYN. 

Robyn Weintraub (’91) is a crossword puzzle constructor for the New York Times, New Yorker, People, and more. 

She joins us to share her road from U-Hall 3 to puzzle fame, how she constructs with personality, and what makes a great clue.

Special thank you to her husband, Jeff Weintraub, who introduced us to Robyn and gave us a day filled with fun, learning, and an inside look at a world we were dying to understand.

Google Robin’s puzzles — and get hooked!

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University 

From Miami roots to navigating snow boots and shutdowns, Abby Siegel (’23) shares her story of flexibility, friendship, and finding her stride at Cornell—despite a freshman year no one could have predicted. 

In this episode, Abby takes us through her transition from sunny South Florida to icy Ithaca, the sudden arrival of COVID during her first spring, and how she found meaning, connection, and unexpected joy in the years that followed. 

She’s thoughtful, funny, and on her way to medical school after winning a top award from Cornell Human Ecology. 

Plus, we put her future MD skills to the test in a game about beloved 1970s medicines.

Find Abby on LinkedIn: Abby Siegel

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

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