Life Story

On this episode, Tyler invited his friends Alec and Bailey Olson to join the show together to talk about not only their life stories, but their love story! Alec and Bailey lived only a few doors down from each other growing up and in fourth grade Alec gave Bailey a note saying he liked her! After dating throughout the roller coaster that is middle and high school, they decided to go to Iowa State University together where they eventually got engaged! The two also describe their differing experiences during grade school and how being Community Advisors was the best part of college. The common theme of this episode is that no matter the issue in life everything ends up working out for the best in the end!

On this episode, one of Tyler’s mentors, Kyle, stops by to chat about Disney, Nintendo, and how music has been a huge part of their lives. Kyle shares all of the states that he has lived and how his job has allowed him to move back to some favorite locations. Kyle describes how music was his whole life growing up and it even helped him to meet his wife, Lauren! Finally, he explains why he loves working in conduct and being a resource to students during difficult situations.

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Brandon stops in to share many memories of growing up in a predominately black community before moving to a predominately white community and how that shaped some of his views and memories as a kid. Brandon explains how band was a huge part of middle and high school and all of the many friends he met along the way. He and Tyler also discuss their mutual love for Iowa State and how their connections brought them to Texas Tech and got them involved in higher education!

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Anna joins the podcast to share a lot of laughs and fun memories! Anna describes some of her memories of living in China before being adopted and moving to the United States. She also shares how amazing it was that her best friend growing up in China, Lauren, was adopted by a family only minutes away from her new home in Iowa and how they have kept their friendship going strong! Anna explains how being a part of dance, cross country, and choir allowed her to meet so many friends growing up. Finally, she describes how her experiences in college and her sorority helped her land her first professional position in New York and getting to work with companies such as Tide and IKEA!

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Matt and he get a chance to reconnect since their high school days. Matt describes his strong bonds with his two sisters and how the love of basketball has helped them all connect. He shares stories of mentors that have helped him learn pivotal life skills and how he wants to impart those skills on the students and clients he works with in his ministry, basketball team, and financial planning practice. Finally, Matt shares about how faith has always been a driving force in his life and how he has used his faith to give back by volunteering at a school for the deaf in Jamaica.

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Max joins him to discuss how imagination played an important part in his childhood. Max describes how theater helped him meet new friends, grow his confidence, develop new skills, and helped expand his socialite status. He shares his coming out story and how he knew when the right time to come out was. Finally, Tyler and Max explain their dreams of being voice actors and why they think villains are always the most well-rounded characters in pop culture.

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Elizabeth FaceTimes in for the first virtual interview of Life Story from her apartment in St. Paul. Elizabeth talks about her differing friend groups over the years and how gymnastics lead to a collegiate career in diving. Elizabeth and Tyler also describe their relationship with religion. Finally, Elizabeth explains how, even through adversity, she learned a lot of life skills and personal beliefs through her first few post-college jobs and how friendships and community will always be the most important thing in her life.

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Rimu stops by the podcast allowing them to get to reminisce about their long time friendship. Rimu shares many childhood memories about growing up in India such as her school’s uniforms, favorite treats, and travels to visit her grandparents in the mountains, which sparked her love of hiking. Rimu discusses her families transition to America, making friends through high school show choir, and how being a Community Advisor shaped her college experience. Finally, Rimu shared how the COVID-19 pandemic allowed her to bond with her fiancé, as they worked remotely, traveling to multiple states around the U.S.

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Donato joins the podcast from his pool house on a rainy afternoon! Donato discusses how the two met as ensemble men in The Music Man and how he dressed as Super Mario for a middle school dance. He chronicles his fitness journey, receiving the SMART Scholarship, and how traveling to Washington DC, Montana, and South Africa shaped his college experience. Finally, Donato discusses how he hopes his passion for real estate will continue to create new contacts and opportunities in his future.

On this episode, Tyler’s friend Caitlin joins the podcast after they finished moving her into her first house! Caitlin shares about growing up in a tight knit community and the strong bonds she shares with her family, especially her grandmother. She shares stories of being involved in almost every club, sport, and organization her high school offered and how those lessons helped shape the bonds and passions she discovered in college. Finally, Caitlin spoke of some of the most influential mentors she had in grad school.