We kick off the episode with the upbeat song from Looking Up, because it’s exactly the Monday energy you need. Elena Neuman ’88 joins us to share how a 10-minute video unexpectedly became a full feature documentary—filmed on the face of El Capitan in Yosemite.

Elena reflects on her Cornell experience, the professor who changed her path, and what it really takes to tell a powerful story—from creative pivots during COVID to finding the heart of a film in the edit.

She also shares her work leading the effort to build Cornell’s first standalone Hillel, creating the kind of community she wishes had existed when she was a student. 

It’s a conversation about perseverance, curiosity, and forward momentum. And it's clear that Elena is a gifted storyteller, maybe especially when it comes to telling her own!

Her documentary:

https://www.neumanfilm.com/lookingup

Hillel

 https://www.cornellhillelcampaign.org/

LinkedIn:

Elena Neuman Lefkowitz

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

This week we sit down with Dr. Shari Brasner, a (semi famous!) OB/Gyn, widely respected for her approach to patient care.

Dr. Brasner reflects on how her time at Cornell shaped her path in medicine and shares why the relationship between doctor and patient matters so deeply. Through honest, funny, and sometimes emotional stories, she highlights the impact of trust, communication, and compassion in moments that truly count.

This conversation goes beyond credentials. It’s about the importance of a great doctor, the human side of medicine, and why thoughtful, attentive care can make all the difference.

You will rethink everything.

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Cornell-trained veterinary surgeon Dr. Jared Baum shares the unbelievable story of how he saved Steph’s dog Buddy from emergency surgery—using skill, compassion, and one very brave hand.

We talk about his Cornell Vet residency, the compassion award created in his honor, the night he drove 90 minutes to save a senior Chihuahua named Mabel, and his exciting new surgical clinic, PEAK Veterinary Surgical Care in Delray Beach.

We have been dying to speak to a Cornell veterinarian—Cornell vets really are special—and Jared was everything you’d imagine a Cornell-trained veterinarian to be.

He and his wife are launching a brand-new surgical clinic in Florida. Learn more here:
https://www.peak.vet/

And you can watch the beautiful story behind the award created in his honor:
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/20191125/college-clinicians-act-extraordinary-compassion-saves-imperiled-chihuahua

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.

Cornell Hotelie and former Big Red football player Jesse Baker ’09 joins us to share the path that took him from a blue-collar upbringing to founding JET Hospitality, a company transforming distressed RV parks and motels into boutique outdoor destinations.

Jesse talks about discovering entrepreneurship early, finding his footing at Cornell, getting into real estate, and how flipping houses and experimenting with short-term rentals eventually shaped his approach to “lifestyle lodging.” He also explains what makes JET properties different, from tiny homes, to immersive outdoor experiences, to the secret behind his luxury bedding philosophy. The grit he built at Cornell still shows up in his work today.

Plus, we pitch Jesse our “Next Big Things in Lifestyle Lodging” ideas, and he surprises us with which ones he’d actually consider. He's the best, and we had a lot of fun with him!

Find Jesse here:

JET Hospitality: jet hospitality.com
Find Jesse on Instagram: @jethospitality

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Celebrating four years of the Cornell (thank) U Podcast with a special anniversary episode full of gratitude, laughter, and reflection.

We share what it’s really been like building the show, touch on a few behind-the-scenes moments, answer your most-asked questions, and look ahead to what’s coming (and who we’re dreaming of) in Season 5.

Thank you to our families, listeners, friends, and the entire Cornell community for making the last four years so unforgettable. Year Five… here we come!

Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

David Gura tells us how a kid from Chapel Hill found his way to Cornell and into some of the most respected newsrooms in the country. He shares how writing for the Cornell Daily Sun, spending a semester with Cornell in Washington, and an early internship at NPR sparked his love for journalism. 

From NPR to MSNBC to Bloomberg, David has built a career telling stories across radio, TV, and podcasting. The conversation is smart, fun, and full of the insight and authenticity that make David such a compelling presence in today’s news.

Also, he excels in our game with special thanks to Scarlet Fu for both introducing us to David and participating in the game. If everyone is like David and Scarlet, we want to work at Bloomberg.

Find David here:

https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/AWxIJr64omw/david-gura

LinkedIn: David Gura

Podcast: The Big Take https://open.spotify.com/show/3xau7gwFqr29suMARYPkww?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

If you’ve ever dreamed of going back to Cornell for “just one more class,” this episode will take you there. Our guest, Corey Ryan Earle ’07—Cornell’s ultimate storyteller and fourth-generation Cornellian—teaches the legendary AMST 2001: The First American University, a one-credit Monday night class with hundreds of students on the waitlist known as “Storytime with Corey.”

Corey shares what makes Cornell’s history so special, from live bears and Slope Day with Kanye, to the origins of “Any Person, Any Study.” He explains why understanding our past deepens community, what would surprise Ezra and A.D. White today, and how his course captures the heart of being a Cornellian.

We also test Corey with a few “vintage” campus stories of our own—plus you'll hear the story behind his prized possession...

This one will make you proud to be a Cornellian.

Some fun links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBrw_khQ9LA

https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2021/05/cornell-history-course-marks-10-years-community

https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/category/storytime-with-corey/

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

This week, we welcome Alli Frank, Cornell class of ’92, who might just become your new favorite author. She’s smart, funny, creative — and the kind of person you instantly wish you’d met on campus. We do.

Alli talks about her path from Cornell to publishing, the partnership behind her bestselling novels with Asha Youmans, and the humor and heart they bring to every story. You’ll hear why readers connect so deeply with her books and get a sneak peek at her upcoming release, Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman, coming in December 2025. (Please preorder this book! In the publishing world, preorders are everything!)

Find all her books and more at alliandasha.com.

Shout-out to Lisa Chin Potash, who put Alli on our radar — thank you!

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.

Well, we are completely starstruck. This week, we talked with Cornell football legend Ed Marinaro ’73—record-setting running back, NFL star, and fan-favorite actor. From Schoellkopf Field to the Super Bowl to Hill Street Blues, Ed’s story has it all. 

He tells us how Cornell changed his life, why he turned down 30 powerhouse football programs for the Hotel School, and how a purple Porsche and a closet became part of his diploma story. 

He’s funny, charming, humble, and full of pride for the school we all love! 

Google him—watch the old TV shows and movies, check out his Sports Illustrated cover, and relive those game films. His records are astounding.

We loved every minute with him!

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Our guest, Dr. Tashara Leak, is the powerhouse behind Cornell’s growing presence in New York City.

She’s built a life centered on opportunity and impact—creating pathways for Human Ecology students to live, learn, and work in NYC. Tashara is bringing the classroom to the real world, and she hopes every Cornell college will join the movement.

She shares stories about her inspiring mom, her unexpected path from pre-med to public health, and how she’s helping Cornell students find confidence and purpose beyond the Ithaca campus. 

Plus, stay tuned for our game “What Would It Take?”—where Tashara’s negotiation skills and sense of humor shine.

It’s an inspiring conversation with the woman redefining what “One Cornell” really means.

Plus we just like her sooooo much!

Watch our Instagram for details about an exciting January 15, 2026 event, and connect with Tashara on LinkedIn to see her incredible achievements—including an award from President Joe Biden! 

Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.