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.

Fasten your seatbelts—this episode of Bird Talk is cleared for takeoff! Host Jamie Hurst chats with Emmy Jacobson (‘00), a lifelong aviator, community powerhouse, and MSU Denver’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year. From flying at 16 to leading at an Airbus company, Emmy’s journey proves that Roadrunners don’t just take flight—they soar.

This episode was originally recorded on August 15th, 2025.

From chef to dietitian to NFL performance expert, Dr. Andrew Dole’s career is anything but ordinary. Hear how this two-time MSU Denver alum went from cooking for athletes to fueling the Arizona Cardinals—and why lifelong learning has been his ultimate playbook.

In this special live episode of Bird Talk, host Jamie Hurst sits down with Anita Kudasik, a 2019 MSU Denver alumna and award-winning hotelier in Salida, Colorado. Anita shares her journey from growing up in her family’s motel to revitalizing the American Classic Inn while still completing her degree. With warmth and humor, she reflects on the power of community, the value of hands-on education, and her bold leap into entrepreneurship. This episode is a celebration of grit, growth, and going all in on your dreams.

Jamie sits down with Roy Alexander, a seasoned accountant and financial expert whose passion for affordable housing has shaped his career. From his childhood in the Caribbean to his journey to MSU Denver and beyond, Roy shares how key mentors and life experiences helped him chart a purposeful and impactful path.

Jamie talks with award-winning social worker Zander Keig. From his early life navigating identity and service in the Coast Guard to his trailblazing work in caregiving and LGBTQ advocacy, Zander shares a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and radical empathy.