Crossing The Alameda

Live from the Santa Clara Grand Reunion, straight out of the TV Studio at Vari Hall - it's the first LIVE Podcast of CROSSING THE ALAMEDA!

Join Kari, Charles, David, A.J. and Mike as they host the SCU Class of 1991 for an in studio live BROADCAST of Crossing The Alameda!

The laughs, the love and a standing room only audience made Saturday, October 10th an amazing afternoon filled with friendship and frivolity. If you were there, please relive the moment and if you could not make the Reunion here's your chance to join in the fun!

Thank you to Maureen Muscat and the Santa Clara Alumni Association. Big ups to the SCU Communication Department and the stellar team from Riverview Systems Groups that made the show a huge success.

GO BRONCOS!!!

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to the live Class of ’91 reunion

04:05 Meet the hosts and the reunion podcast team

06:07 Why the podcast brought classmates back together

08:47 This or That: favorite campus hangouts and food

12:50 Alumni stories: The Hut and Yummy Yogurt

14:01 Name That Tune and memories of ’80s and ’90s music

15:46 Three couples revisit how they met

21:31 Couple questions: first moves, first “I love you,” and college stories

25:34 First dates, college trouble, and the Little Professor arrest story

27:52 Unforgettable pranks: chickens, a goat, and Condo Chicks

29:03 Shannon’s fire-alarm rescue story from Swig Hall

30:55 First concerts and a 23-hour Santa Clara playlist

34:44 The podcast solves a 35-year-old song mystery

35:12 AJ tracks down a long-lost song from a 1989 playlist

36:05 The party-ball search, muesli debate, and Fast Five setup

37:44 Fast Five: first concerts, dorms, food, and karaoke

42:39 Remembering Santa Clara’s legendary off-campus houses

44:29 Old house names, new residents, and reunion throwbacks

47:13 Mission Mice and an unexpected chapel service

49:13 Jeopardy answers and the great free-pizza hustle

51:24 The 1,800-flyer “St. Mary Sucks” prank

53:06 Roommate antics, hallway bikes, and graduating through the Mission

54:55 Thesis elves, Judy Bannan, and lasting friendships

58:10 Remembering Walt and celebrating the Santa Clara community

59:09 Freshman-dance disguises, reunion thanks, and the closing sing-along

It’s GRAND REUNION WEEK!!!  Join Mike, Kari, Charles, David and A.J. as they take a look back and recap the adventure that has been Crossing The Alameda. They share the lessons they have learned since starting the podcast back in November of last year.  They share some of their favorite moments and celebrate the members of the SCU Class of 1991. 54 shows, 65 guests, over 8000 streams and too many laughs to count. We have officially set a 35th Reunion Attendance record at SCU and there is still time to join the fun.  As an added bonus check out this walk down memory lane.  Check out the YOUTUBE video below
Hope to see you at the Reunion!
GO BRONCOS!

https://youtu.be/hs-ZGCWDBJo?is=zUQx0DDwixm0JDmI

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

00:15 How Crossing the Alameda started and its purpose

00:44 Building the virtual family and team behind the podcast

01:11 The upcoming Santa Clara reunion and live event

02:23 Highlights and top guests of the podcast series

05:50 Memorable stories and alumni reflections

12:24 The spirit of Santa Clara and lifelong bonds

16:31 Vulnerability, growth, and shared journeys

22:45 The power of community and friendship

28:57 Final thoughts and reunion anticipation

In this episode of CTA, Mike, Dave and A.J. sit down with classmate Donna Bayless Berlinski who shares her remarkable journey from being the first in her family to attend college and being a TA at the Accounting Lab at SCU that eventually leads to a 20 year career in finance. In her late 40’s, Donna decides to make a career pivot  to becoming an attorney dedicated to justice for low-income clients. We explore her career transitions, the impact of her education, and her current work with Defenders of Children in the State of Arizona. Thank you Donna for coming on Crossing the Alameda.

https://www.defendersofchildren.org/

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction

02:03 Donna's journey to Santa Clara and initial impressions

04:11 Deciding on accounting and her academic experience

06:58 Memories of campus life and favorite spots

10:02 Influence of professors and career services

14:55 Transition from accounting to corporate roles

20:00 Decision to pursue law and law school experience

24:54 Work at Price Waterhouse and Sprouts IPO

30:02 Transition to nonprofit work and current role at Defenders of Children

35:55 Donna's personal interests and passions outside work

41:57 Reflections on her Santa Clara experience and lessons learned

50:53 Advice to her younger self and reunion plans

In this episode, it’s Charles Michelet’s turn in the hot seat!! Join Kari, David, Mike and A.J. host their fellow co host Charles as he shares his fascinating journey from Santa Clara University to a diverse career in media, music, and entrepreneurship. Discover how embracing saying yes and creative experimentation shaped his path and learn from his unique experiences in multimedia and media formats.

Listen to the show and watch Charles struggle to identify one of his favorite songs. With the help of the internet, the archived top 500 Memorial Day Playlist from LIVE 105 and his dogged co hosts on CTA, we have since found the song post  recording session.

The song is “Hey Matthew”  from the album Human Animal by artist - Karel Fialka
Charles can now sleep at night!!!! 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

02:00 Charles's early memories at Santa Clara and transfer story

03:54 College experiences: professors, projects, and creativity

08:00 Memories of campus life and early media experiments

12:07 Multimedia projects and college coursework

15:59 Music, bands, and creative outlets during college

20:00 Career twists: laserdiscs, CD-ROMs, and AOL

23:57 Lessons on adaptability and saying yes

28:00 Humorous stories from early work experiences

31:49 Reflections on media formats and future trends

35:59 Final thoughts and advice for listeners

In this episode of Crossing the Alameda, Charles, Kari and A.J. reconnect with SCU alumni Ann Sullivan and Debbie Rishel. They share their journeys from Santa Clara University, reflecting on their college experiences, friendships, and the impact of professors and the discussion of a 1989 EARTHQUAKE MIX TAPE!! . The discussion emphasizes the value of self-compassion and the ongoing journey of personal growth. In this engaging conversation, the group dives into a variety of light-hearted topics, including their favorite movie quotes, karaoke songs, and life experiences everyone should try.They share personal anecdotes and reflections on their past, including pet peeves and alternate career paths they might have pursued. As they wrap up, they express excitement for their upcoming reunion, reminiscing about their college days and the connections they've maintained over the years.

BIG SHOUT TO CATHY BLITZ!!!!!!!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest introductions

03:14 Why Santa Clara? Early memories and college choices

04:04 Memories of the Brown House and college life

06:25 Funny and embarrassing college stories

09:13 Professors who influenced or challenged us

12:30 Favorite campus places and traditions

15:16 The earthquake mixtape story

18:12 Reconnecting with Santa Clara friends during COVID

21:49 Major life challenges and personal milestones

28:47 The importance of community and staying connected

33:16 Reflections on life pivots and personal growth

34:44 Challenges faced after graduation and lessons learned

Join Charles, Dave and Mike as they catch up with John Vannucci and Tony D’Antonio as they discuss the balance of fun and responsibility during their time at college, the impact of professors, and how these experiences shaped their career paths. In this engaging conversation, John and Tony explore themes of adaptability, career transitions, and the importance of passion in one's work. They discuss the journey from representing insurance companies to advocating for plaintiffs, highlighting the challenges and rewards of the legal profession. The conversation also touches on personal growth, community engagement through mentorship, and the significance of enjoying one's work. John and Tony share personal anecdotes, including their experiences with family, travel, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The discussion culminates in a light-hearted fast five segment, where they answer quickfire questions about music and memorable quotes. The discussion also touches on valuable life lessons and the excitement of reconnecting with old friends at upcoming reunions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Santa Clara Alumni Panel

00:18 Meet the Guests: Law, AI, and Community Leaders

03:04 College Memories: Dorm Life and Water Balloon Pranks

06:40 First Weeks at College: Challenges and Fun

14:01 Early AI Projects and Tech Pioneering in College

17:46 Reflecting on College Years: Fun, Growth, and Relationships

22:05 The Privilege of College Life and Gratitude

24:22 Campus Life: Community, Cohesion, and Local Life

25:31 Career Pivots: From Insurance Defense to Plaintiff Law

32:33 Adapting to Change: Startup Experiences and Lessons

40:06 Balancing Family, Fitness, and Passion Projects

43:01 Mentoring and Giving Back: Supporting New Entrepreneurs

46:43 The Joy of Community and Sharing Knowledge

47:29 Fast Five: Quick Fire Questions and Fun Facts

49:50 Sharing favorite artists and songs, Billy Holiday and Miles Davis

50:35 College music discoveries and first CD player

51:40 Favorite movie quotes and their significance

52:07 Memorable concert experiences: The Kinks and others

56:21 First concerts and their impact

58:54 City life, theft, and resilience stories

01:00:35 Alternate careers and passions: Music and performance

01:02:18 Guitar lessons, family, and passing on musical talent

01:07:40 Dinner with a famous person and personal aspirations

01:09:50 Advice to past self and reflections on life choices

01:11:20 Closing thoughts and upcoming reunions

In this episode of Crossing the Alameda, host Charles and co-hosts Kari and Sage welcome Mike Kline, the original creator of the podcast. They discuss Mike's journey to Santa Clara University, his memorable experiences living on campus, the influential professors he encountered, and the impact of music and sports on his college life. Mike reflects on his experiences in team sports, the lessons learned during his college years, and the impact of gender dynamics. He shares his journey from Santa Clara to England, highlighting the importance of sobriety and the insights gained from parenting his daughters, who inspire him with their courage and motivation to make a difference. In this conversation, Mike Kline shares his experiences with book clubs, travel, and personal growth. He discusses how reading diverse books expands his empathy and knowledge, the joy of traveling and connecting with different cultures, and the importance of balancing hobbies and relaxation in life. The discussion also includes a fun segment of quickfire questions, where Mike reflects on his past and shares valuable advice for personal development. The conversation concludes with a heartfelt emphasis on the importance of community and connection among friends.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

03:02 Mike Kline: The Man Behind the Podcast

05:56 Choosing Santa Clara University

08:56 Memorable Living Experiences at SCU

12:02 Influential Professors and Academic Growth

17:02 The Impact of Music on College Life

20:05 The Role of Lacrosse in Personal Development

27:18 The Impact of Team Sports on Personal Growth

32:23 Reflections on College Experiences and Gender Dynamics

43:34 Life Journey: From Santa Clara to England

50:50 Lessons from Parenting: Insights from My Daughters

54:48 The Power of Book Clubs

56:17 Traveling and Cultural Experiences

59:12 Balancing Life and Hobbies

01:00:29 Fast Five: Quickfire Question

In this episode of Crossing the Alameda, hosts Kari Morin and A.J. Riebli welcome Jane Sitter Mudge, a Santa Clara University alumna, to discuss her journey from college to her successful career in marketing and design. The conversation explores Jane's fond memories of dorm life, influential professors, and the importance of friendships formed during her time at SCU. They also delve into Jane's reflections on personal growth, parenting, and the lessons learned throughout her life. The episode concludes with a fun fast five segment, highlighting Jane's insights and experiences.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

01:59 Jane's Journey Through Santa Clara University

06:01 Memories of Dorm Life and Social Experiences

10:23 Influential Professors and Academic Impact

16:02 Non-Academic Activities and Lasting Friendships

19:50 Reflections on Journaling and Personal Growth

23:59 Self-Awareness and Life Lessons

30:00 Earthquake Stories and Shared Experiences

37:00 Career Path and Marketing Insights

49:49 Parenting and Life Priorities

57:18 Fast Five Questions and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Crossing the Alameda, hosts A.J. Riebli and Kari  Morin welcome guests Leanne Craigmile Hulme and Annie Franz Dice, both alumni of Santa Clara University. The conversation explores their college experiences, including how they chose SCU, memorable moments, friendships formed, and reflections on their academic journey. In this engaging conversation, the speakers reflect on their youth, parenting experiences, and the nostalgia of their past. They share personal anecdotes about their bucket list aspirations, alternate career dreams, and the excitement of upcoming reunions. The discussion highlights the importance of connections, both past and present, and encourages listeners to embrace spontaneity and cherish relationship

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

03:21 Choosing Santa Clara University

06:08 Memorable College Experiences

09:10 Friendship Origins and Living Arrangements

12:05 Earthquake Memories

15:06 Favorite Professors and Academic Insights

22:03 Reflections on College Life

23:04 The Power of Connection and Community

26:16 Navigating Life After Corporate Careers

29:11 Pride Beyond Professional Achievements

32:29 Embracing New Hobbies and Interests

34:33 Reflections on a Unique Career Journey

37:18 Memorable Adventures with Team USA

43:17 Balancing Family Dynamics in Midlife

48:28 Reflections on Youth and Parenting

49:06 Fast Five: Nostalgia and Personal Preferences

51:58 Bucket List Aspirations and Future Plans

54:08 Imagining Alternate Careers

56:13 Reunion Anticipation and Connections

01:00:09 Final Thoughts and Looking Forward

In this episode of Crossing the Alameda, host Charles Michelet and co-hosts AJ Riebli and Mike Kline reconnect with Lisa Secan Strain.The conversation explores Lisa's journey from her time at Santa Clara, her experiences living abroad in London, the impact of significant life events, and her career in property management. Lisa shares heartfelt memories of her classmates, the lessons learned from loss, and the importance of cherishing each day. The episode highlights the value of reconnecting with old friends and reflecting on the past as they count down to their 35th reunion. In this engaging conversation, Lisa Secan Strain shares her experiences in property management, including some wild stories that highlight the unpredictability of the job. She discusses her passion for gardening and her commitment to the Master Gardener program, emphasizing the importance of community service. The conversation also touches on her children’s lives after college, their careers in San Francisco, and the joy of family connections. The discussion wraps up with a fun segment of rapid-fire questions, revealing personal insights and preferences. In this engaging conversation, the participants reflect on their musical influences, memorable concerts, and the importance of seizing opportunities in life. They share personal anecdotes about historical figures they admire, discuss the significance of community and friendship, and offer heartfelt advice for living authentically. As they look forward to their upcoming reunion, they express gratitude for the connections they've maintained over the years and the joy of sharing their experiences with one another.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting with Classmates

03:19 Lisa Secan Strain: A Journey Through Time

06:07 Memories of Santa Clara University

09:02 The Impact of Education on Life

12:09 Life Abroad: London and the Earthquake

15:12 Reflections on Loss and Life's Lessons

20:03 Life After Graduation: Career and Family

25:22 Property Management: Insights and Experiences

26:37 Crazy Property Management Stories

30:55 The Joy of Gardening and Master Gardener Program

39:19 Life After College: Kids in San Francisco

41:15 Family Connections and Celebrating Life

45:25 Fast Five: Fun Questions and Answers

49:11 Musical Memories and Influences

50:10 Historical Figures and Personal Connections

51:08 Concert Experiences and Nostalgia

54:17 Life Lessons and Advice for the Future

57:45 Reflections on Friendship and Community

01:01:03 Looking Forward to Reunions and Connection