Growing up on Denver's west side, Javier Ibarra never imagined the campus he'd visited as a child would become the foundation of his career. In this episode, the Emmy-winning communications leader reflects on the power of belonging, the lessons that transformed him from marketer to storyteller, and why creating emotional connections, not just content, is the key to inspiring action and building stronger communities.

MSU Denver alumna Nikki Brooker ('98) joins Bird Talk to reflect on how her education and career in teaching shaped her mission to support mothers and families. She shares how heartbreaking experiences in her community inspired her to found YANA M2M (You Are Not Alone, Mom to Mom), a nonprofit transforming postpartum care through connection, education, and yearlong support. From her time as a Roadrunner to leading an organization that has served thousands of Colorado families, Nikki's story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make.

This episode contains discussions of suicide and depression, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.

https://yanamom.com/lets-be-real-podcast/

Music Credits:

Music by Jakey Wherry

Piano, Synths & Programming: Jakey Wherry

Drums, Vibraphone: Chris Hewitt

Flute: Katy Wherry

Saxophone: Jack Harrington

Additional Piano: Ursa Utesch

Jakey Wherry is a 2022 MSU Denver graduate, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Jazz and American Improvised Music.

From first-generation student to creative storyteller, Dirza Pedroza Ceballos shares how saying “yes” to opportunities at MSU Denver and leaning into community support shaped her path from education to marketing. Hear how she’s now uplifting student voices across Denver and why she believes that when you risk being seen, you open the door for others to follow.

This episode was recorded live during the MSU Denver Day of Giving Telethon in March.

Re-airing of a standout conversation with Stephen Lease, MSU Denver alum and founder of goodr, as he returns to campus as the Spring '26 alumni commencement keynote speaker. From his unconventional entrepreneurial path to building a globally recognized brand, Stephen shares lessons on leadership, culture, failure, and finding success by doing things differently.

From throwing BP for the Colorado Rockies to writing 13 books and leading a prison ministry, MSU Denver alum Jan Sumner has stories for days—and he delivers. This episode is packed with behind-the-scenes baseball moments, unexpected career turns, and real talk on failure, purpose, and finding your next chapter.

From aviation to executive leadership to professional poker, Paul Anderson (’07, ’21) has built a career driven by curiosity and continuous learning. Now an affiliate professor in the College of Business at MSU Denver, he joins host Jamie Hurst to reflect on studying leadership across industries, what poker taught him about risk and human behavior, and why creating psychologically safe learning environments matters. It is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, intention, and what it means to truly run your own road.

From the MSU Denver student newsroom to the front lines of history, photojournalist Leah Millis (’11) has documented some of the world’s most defining moments — from the January 6 Capitol riot to protests and global conflict. In this candid conversation, she shares what it takes to tell powerful stories with empathy, the resilience required to work on the front lines, and why ethical, local journalism matters now more than ever.

Documentary Mentioned: https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-capitol-security-backstory/

Organization: https://www.womenphotojournalists.org/

Host Jamie Hurst sits down with MSU Denver alumna Chennelle Diong (’16), co-founder of Good Love Foods, to talk about turning a personal challenge into a nationally recognized gluten-free brand. From her hospitality roots at MSU Denver to winning the Denver Startup Week Pitch Competition and appearing on Shark Tank, Chennelle shares the real story behind entrepreneurship, rapid growth, and building a business rooted in inclusion, quality, and community

This episode features Janet Damon - Colorado's 2025 Teacher of the Year - whose passion for literacy, community, and student well-being is transforming classrooms across Denver. Get ready for a powerful, heartfelt conversation with one of Colorado’s true changemakers.

Host Jamie Hurst sits down with two-time MSU Denver alum Chucky Moss (’88, ’91) to talk about his 30-year career at Wolters Kluwer, the power of mentorship, and why curiosity keeps him moving forward. From Park Hill to global business leader, Chucky shares wisdom, humor, and what it means to “enjoy the ride” as a lifelong Roadrunner.

A special thanks to Kyle Woodiel.

This episode was originally recorded on May 23rd 2025.