MSU Denver Alumni BirdTalk

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Crisosto Apache, Colorado's Poet Laureate, acclaimed author and MSU Denver alumnus, joins the latest episode of BirdTalk to discuss poetry, education and the importance of creating space for the next generation of voices across Colorado. Apache will be the commencement speaker at MSU Denver's Fall Commencement ceremony in December.

MSU Denver Native and Indigenous Peoples' Grant link: https://www.msudenver.edu/financial-aid/indigenous/

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MSU Denver alumnus and 2026 Alumni Volunteer of the Year Jameer Fitch joins BirdTalk to reflect on his journey as a two-time graduate, military officer, public servant, entrepreneur and mentor. He shares how his experiences at MSU Denver shaped his path, the mentors who helped him see new possibilities, and why giving back and helping others recognize their own potential has become such an important part of his life.

https://red.msudenver.edu/2023/friends-alumni-unite-to-help-navy-reservist-sail-through-to-graduation-twice/

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MSU Denver alumna Chresten Wilson joins BirdTalk to share her decades-long career as a pilot with United Airlines and her journey to becoming one of the airline’s senior pilots. She reflects on how a childhood love of flying led her to MSU Denver’s aviation program, the role the university played in her career, and what it means to pave the way for women in aviation.

https://www.msudenver.edu/giving/women-aviation

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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/