Podward State

On this episode, hosts Samuel Brungo and Grace Cunningham start out the show going over some Penn State and State College headlines from this week with help from associate producer Jordan Mansberger and our new contributors, Shannon Smith, Charlie Pegler, and Hailey Stutzman.

After that, Sam and Grace are joined by Penn States own alcohol expert, Anthropology Professor Kirk French.. He talks with us about his advocacy for vaccinations and the initiatives that he has started to make sure that Penn State mandates vaccines for all students, faculty, and staff.

Finally, Sam is joined once again by contributor Connor Krause to recap last weekends game against Ball State and preview this Saturday’s game against Auburn.

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Franco Harris, Tom Verducci, Lisa Salters, Don Roy King, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

Host(s): Samuel Brungo and Grace Cunningham
Executive Producer: Samuel Brungo
Associate Producer(s): Grace Cunningham, Jordan Mansberger, Will Pegler
Audio Technician: Jordan Mansberger
Editor: Samuel Brungo
Contributors: Shannon Smith, Connor Krause, Charlie Pegler, Hailey Stutzman

Music: Stoned - Old 97s, Hole in My Pocket - Mac Miller

On this episode, hosts Samuel Brungo and Grace Cunningham are joined by associate producers Jordan Mansberger and Will Pegler. They start out the show going over some Penn State and State College headlines with helps from our new contributors, Shannon Smith, Connor Krause, Charlie Pegler, and Hailey Stutzman.

After that, Sam and Grace are joined by former Onward State Visual Editor, Trevor Hayes. He talks about his career experience working with the Philadelphia Eagles, SWAY in the Morning, and most recently, with NFL Films. He recalls his time at Penn State and reflects on how Onward State shaped the person he is today.

Finally, Sam is joined once again by Will Pegler and Connor Krause to recap last weekends game in Wisconsin and preview this Saturday’s game against Ball State.

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Franco Harris, Tom Verducci, Lisa Salters, Don Roy King, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

Host(s): Samuel Brungo and Grace Cunningham
Executive Producer: Samuel Brungo
Associate Producer(s): Grace Cunningham, Jordan Mansberger, Will Pegler
Audio Technician: Jordan Mansberger
Editor: Samuel Brungo
Contributors: Shannon Smith, Connor Krause, Charlie Pegler, Hailey Stutzman

Music: Live Well - Palace, Hole in My Pocket - Mac Miller

On our big season five premiere, our hosts Samuel Brungo and Grace Cunningham are back in the studio, albeit a brand new one. They are joined by associate producers Jordan Mansberger and Will Pegler to interview catch up on what we have missed during the summer.

The crew touches on all things from COVID testing and vaccines to renovated restaurants and buildings around town

For the second half of our show, Sam and Will are joined by our other two football beat writers, Social Media Manager Ryan Parsons and host of Ducks on the Pond, Gabe Angieri. They foursome discusses their expectations for this season and chat about some new players and coaches. Finally, they preview the #12 Wisconsin Badgers before they head off to Madison. 

Stay tuned for an exciting season filled with a ton of fun guests and topics. 

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Franco Harris, Tom Verducci, Lisa Salters, Don Roy King, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

Host(s): Samuel Brungo and Grace Cunningham
Executive Producer: Samuel Brungo
Associate Producer(s): Grace Cunningham, Jordan Mansberger, Will Pegler
Editor: Samuel Brungo
Music: Live Well - Palace, Hole in My Pocket - Mac Miller

On our big season four finale, hosts Matthew Paolizzi and Samuel Brungo are joined by associate producers Jordan Mansberger and Will Pegler to interview NFL Hall of Famer and Penn State Football Alumnus, Franco Harris. 

Franco starts the show talking about his journey to Penn State, his draft story, and the beginning of his young Hall of Fame NFL career. This includes stories about playing in high school, college, and professionally as well as his recruiting battles, conversations with Joe Paterno, and his fun draft day story.

Harris then talks about some of the influences and role models he has had in his life, leading him to talk about his commitment to service and to the communities he is involved in. This includes business ventures and outreach such as his involvement with Super Bakery, a nutrition bakery for school children and the Park’s Sausage Company in Baltimore, which was the first African American owned business to go public in the United States.

Franco talks about being inducted into the Hall of Fame and what it means to him. Wrapping up his interview, Franco talks about Penn State football and how he thinks the program is heading in the right direction, noting its 2021 draft class (including the Steelers 2nd Round Pick that he announced, Pat Friermuth). 

Finally, we bid farewell to our Co-Founder and Host, Matt Paolizzi. With parting words, Pao tells the story of how Podward State came to fruition from an idea to a multi-platform show interviewing some of Penn State and State College's biggest names. This show would not be where it is today without him, something we are forever grateful for. 

Thank you, Pao.

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Franco Harris, Tom Verducci, Lisa Salters, Don Roy King, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

On this episode of Podward State, hosts Matthew Paolizzi, Samuel Brungo, and associate producer Jordan Mansberger are joined by 2021 State College Mayoral Candidate Jim Leous.

Leous starts the show giving us a look into his past in politics and what his experience of serving three terms on the State College Area School District School Board. This leads into why he chose to run for mayor. He dives into certain issues in State College, and some places where he feels our community is falling behind. This transitions into what he's running on, what he wants to change, and some of his overall policies.

Jim talks about what makes a good mayor, his strengths in this campaign, and what sets him apart from his competition, Ezra Nanes. Leous then closes out the show by telling us information about his campaign, how to stay in touch with him, and what information residents need to know about the election.

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Franco Harris, Tom Verducci, Lisa Salters, Don Roy King, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

On this episode of Podward State, hosts Matthew Paolizzi, Samuel Brungo, and associate producer Jordan Mansberger are joined by 2021 State College Mayoral Candidate Ezra Nanes.

Nanes starts out the show talking about his wife, Mieke Haeck, and her question on ABC’s live town hall with Joe Biden back in October of 2020. He lets us in on the experience and what it meant for both their family and for the LGBTQ+ community. This discussion leads into Nanes' past experience with politics and how he got involved in the political world. 

Ezra then tells us about why he chose to run for mayor. He dives into certain issues in State College, and some places where he feels our community is falling behind. This transitions into what he's running on, what he wants to change, and some of his overall policies.

Finally, Nanes talks about what makes a good mayor, his strengths in this campaign, and what sets him apart from his competition, long time State College school board member Jim Leous. Ezra then closes out the show by telling us information about his campaign, how to stay in touch with him, and what information residents need to know about the election.

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Tom Verducci, Lisa Salters, Don Roy King, Ezra Nanes, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

On this episode of Podward State, hosts Samuel Brungo and Grace Cunningham are joined by associate producer Will Pegler to interview former Lady Lion and Penn State Alum, ESPN journalist Lisa Salters.

Lisa starts the show by telling us the story of how she came to choose Penn State, specifically her interest in journalism. She chats about her experiences at Penn State including her time on the women's basketball team.

Next, Salters talks about the beginning of her career, including time in LA covering the OJ Simpson case. This leads into the process of getting her job at ESPN, and some of the best moments and experiences that job has provided her with.

Finally, Lisa talks a little bit about some the coolest people she has met through her job and a little Penn State-Pitt rivalry with her cousin, Tony Dorsett. She closes the show by giving some advice to students interested in pursuing journalism. 

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Tom Verducci, Lisa Salters, Don Roy King, Ezra Nanes, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

On this episode of Podward State, host Grace Cunningham is joined by Associate Producers Jordan Mansberger and Will Pegler to interview a couple of freshman about their first student experience at Beaver Stadium.

Freshman staffers Shannon Smith and Connor Krause talk about what it was like to finally be a part of Penn State traditions, such as popular cheers and the Alma Mater. They talked about their favorite moments and what they are expecting going into next season. 

Afterwards, we catch up with guest host and Onward State sports editor Will Pegler to cover some quick sports updates. Starting off with his spring practice experience including takeaways and top players, followed by talking about Coach Shrews, his new hires, and the transfer portal situation. Will wraps up his Sports Talk with an update about Men's and Women's Soccer.

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Tom Verducci, Don Roy King, Ezra Nanes, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

On this episode of Podward State, host Samuel Brungo is joined by associate producer and Onward State sports editor William Hutchinson Pegler, III to chat with former Penn State, UMass Tight End, Adam Breneman.

Adam starts off the show by talking about his recruiting process. After being a four star, the second highest ranked tight end in his class, he was highly touted and sought out by top programs such as Notre Dame and Alabama. After receiving an offer from Joe Paterno's staff, Breneman knew he wanted to play for his hometown team. 

Following the breaking of the scandal, Breneman talks about the wild turn of events that occurred during his recruiting process, leading him to commit to Bill O'Brien. He chats about why he chose to stay and be a part of the program despite the sanctions and what it means for him to be a part of that group of players who stayed.

Adam then dives into his college career, noting the ups and downs. He talks about his breakout freshman year, his injury issues, the coaching change, all leading up to his retirement and transfer to UMass years later. Breneman tells us some great stories about his teammates, specifically about his good friend and roommate Mike Gesicki and his wild eating habits. 

After his second and final retirement from football following two All American seasons at UMass, Adam took a shot in the media world. He discusses what that experience was like, hosting his own podcast and some of the guests that he had on that show.

Finally, Breneman talks about the journey that led him to Arizona State University, making him the youngest position coach in the country. He talks about what it is like to coach alongside some popular football minds in former NFL Head Coaches Herm Edwards and Marvin Lewis as well as former Pro Bowl linebacker and Super Bowl Champion Antonio Pierce.

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Tom Verducci, Don Roy King, Ezra Nanes, Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, Adam Breneman, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.

On this episode of Podward State, hosts Matthew Paolizzi, Samuel Brungo, and Grace Cunningham are joined by associate producer Jordan Mansberger and special guest, CEO of the Penn State Alumni Association, Paul J Clifford.

Paul starts off the episode by telling his story of how he went from a bachelors in history to becoming an "alumni advancement guru" and how that led him to his current position as the CEO of the largest Alumni Association in the world.

After being at a number of different universities throughout his career, Clifford reflects on some of the best moments and takeaways from those experiences. He also pinpoints some of the differences that sets Penn State apart from the rest of the pack.

Growing up in a Penn State family, Paul reflects on some of his favorite memories this school has brought to him throughout his life and in the 6 years he has been here.

The Alumni Association is more than just graduates, so Clifford gives us some insight into what the Alumni Association entails and what it offers to its members.

Finally, Paul gives some advice to both graduating seniors and undergrads, as well as some information on how to get involved in the Alumni Association. 

Podward State is an Onward State-produced podcast. Onward State is an independent, student-run Penn State news site that works to generate honest conversation in the hopes of enriching the Penn State community.

The show was founded by Matthew Ogden, Matthew Paolizzi, and Mitchell Stewart  in 2019. They have covered a plethora of topics and hosted numerous guests including Sports Illustrated's Tom Verducci, Director of Saturday Night Live Don Roy King, 2018 PA Senate Candidate Ezra Nanes, Penn State sports legends Jordan Hill, Journey Brown, Bill Belton, DJ Newbill, and many more. 

Podward State releases episodes weekly and features discussions about all things Penn State, including sports, news, student life, and entertainment which will be available on Spotify and YouTube.