MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Image of Rowdy's head and a Denver skyline in the background

An MSU Denver Podcast about Alumni Careers and Lives hosted by Jamie Hurst ‘21.

The MSU Denver Alumni BirdTalk is a fascinating glimpse into the lives and careers of the university’s accomplished alumni. Each episode features an in-depth interview with an alum who shares their unique journey and insights on how their time at MSU Denver shaped their success. From entrepreneurs to educators, artists to scientists, BirdTalk offers a diverse range of perspectives and experiences, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the impact of higher education.

Find the podcast on Apple or Spotify.

Latest Episode

Season 1

Click the icons to listen to each episode

MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 1: Travis Scott Luther. Image of Travis Scott Luther and a Denver skyline in the background

Travis Scott Luther '08

Episode 1

Jamie & Travis squawk about all things MSU Denver: including, Travis' life, careers, and how tripling your failure can lead to doubling your success.

Listen to Episode 1
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 2: Gary Striewski. Image of Gary Striewski and a Denver skyline in the background

Gary Striewski '10

Episode 2

Jamie & Gary squawk about Gary's love for MSU Denver, his dog, Homie, the importance of saying "yes" when opportunities present themselves, and all things ESPN.

Listen to Episode 2
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 3: Bre Dóvez. Image of Bre Dóvez and a Denver skyline in the background

Bre Dóvez '17

Episode 3

Jamie & Bre squawk about centering joy, community, and Bre's unwillingness to deviate from centering humans.

Listen to Episode 3
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 4: Abby Lundien. Image of Abby Lundien and a Denver skyline in the background

Abby Lundien '17

Episode 4

Jamie & Abby squawk about brew science, what kind of beer to try at a new place, and the MSU Denver community.

Listen to Episode 4
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 5: Megan Kelly. Image of Megan Kelly and a Denver skyline in the background

Megan Kelly '21

Episode 5

Jamie & Megan squawk about the entertainment industry, being well-rounded, and the non-linear path.

Listen to Episode 5
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 6: Rebecca Totman. Image of Rebecca Totman and a Denver skyline in the background

Rebecca Totman '05

Episode 6

Jamie & Rebecca squawk about the Simpsons, Burning Man, creating joy through art, and being a resourceful Roadrunner.

Listen to Episode 6
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 7: Bree Davies. Image of Bree Davies and a Denver skyline in the background

Bree Davies '07

Episode 7

Jamie & Bree squawk about City Cast Denver, artist advocacy, Bree's mom, and never saying the word "lit."

Listen to Episode 7
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 8: Russell Noles. Image of Russell Noles and a Denver skyline in the background

Russell Noles '81

Episode 8

Jamie & Russell squawk about Denver sports, the Board of Trustees, Roadrunner family ties, and creating community.

Listen to Episode 8
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 9: Ean Tafoya. Image of Ean Tafoya and a Denver skyline in the background

Ean Tafoya '12

Episode 9

Jamie & Ean squawk about advocacy, starting in the weeds, work ethic, the Sun Valley community, and MSU Denver's impactful community.

Listen to Episode 9
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 10: Jim Qualtieri. Image of Jim Qualtieri and a Denver skyline in the background

Jim Qualtieri '96

Episode 10

Jamie & Jim squawk about the CIA, MSU Denver's transformation over the years, the impact of mentorship, and Jim's tenure on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

Listen to Episode 10
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 11: Jonathon Stalls. Image of Jonathon Stalls and a Denver skyline in the background

Jonathon Stalls '09

Episode 11

Jamie & Jonathon squawk about moving at the speed of trust, imperfect messy self love, and the medicine of walking.

Listen to Episode 11
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 12: Flannery Davis Love. Image of Flannery Davis Love and a Denver skyline in the background

Flannery Davis Love '23

Episode 12

Jamie & Flannery squawk about visiting polar bears, being an elite marathoner, psychotherapy, and her experience in the Olympic trials.

Listen to Episode 12

Season 2

Click the icons to listen to each episode

MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 13: Amber Mozet. Image of Amber Mozet and a Denver skyline in the background

Amber Mozet '06

Episode 13

Jamie & Amber squawk about being a mascot, the Black Alumni Network, starting cultural changes in the community, and being the oldest au pair in Germany.

Listen to Episode 13
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 14: Justin Darnall. Image of Justin Darnall and a Denver skyline in the background

Justin Darnall '19

Episode 14

Jamie & Justin squawk about rugby, military service, and education at MSU Denver, they explore his passion for space, mathematics, and his current position at Blue Origin.

Listen to Episode 14
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 15: Amy Watanabe. Image of Amy Watanabe and a Denver skyline in the background

Amy Watanabe '11

Episode 15

In this very special MSU Denver Day of Giving live episode, Jamie & Amy squawk about building community and sports, Amy's travels to presidential libraries, and coaching.

Listen to Episode 15
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 16: Bloopers & Outtakes. Image of four people laughing and a Denver skyline in the background

Bloopers & Outtakes

Episode 16

Ruby & David squawk about how lucky they are to be a part of MSU Denver, this amazing podcast, and take listeners on a journey of the best bloopers & outtakes. In this episode, our host Jamie says funny stuff and so do our guests.

Listen to Episode 16
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 17: Alyssa Svalberg. Image of Alyssa Svalberg and a Denver skyline in the background

Alyssa Svalberg '18

Episode 17

Jamie & Alyssa squawk about the inspiring work of the Gold Crown Foundation, the intricacies of athletics programs, finding your voice as a woman in sports, and Alyssa’s remarkable family.

Listen to Episode 17
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 18: Stephen Lease. Image of Stephen Lease and a Denver skyline in the background

Stephen Lease '16

Episode 18

Jamie & Stephen squawk about Stephen’s winding entrepreneurial journey, the magic of Goodr’s vibrant company culture, the importance of mental health, and how MSU Denver helped shape his success.

Listen to Episode 18
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 19: Jeremi Medina. Image of Jeremi Medina and a Denver skyline in the background

Jeremi Medina '21

Episode 19

Jamie & Jeremi squawk about student government, the Kamala Harris campaign, amplifying marginalized voices, exploring his journey from MSU Denver to his dedication to reshaping leadership.

Listen to Episode 19
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 20: Brad Kaplan. Image of Brad Kaplan and a Denver skyline in the background

Brad Kaplan '82

Episode 20

Jamie & Brad squawk about what it means to be the gold standard of alumni, the value of staying connected to MSU Denver, the power of mentorship, and Brad's passion for Roadrunners Athletics.

Listen to Episode 20
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 21: Kayla Wright Jackson. Image of Kayla Wright Jackson and a Denver skyline in the background

Kayla Wright Jackson '19

Episode 21

Jamie & Kayla squawk about blazing trails in healthcare as a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and being a CEO of a groundbreaking tech startup bridging the gap between education and industry through trust, diversity, and bold innovation.

Listen to Episode 21
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 22: Eric Lansing. Image of Eric Lansing and a Denver skyline in the background

Eric Lansing '09

Episode 22

Jamie & Eric squawk about the evolution of athletics media at MSU Denver, Eric's wild journey from student journalist to Assistant Athletics Director, the magic of storytelling in sports marketing, and pure passion that make Roadrunners Athletics something incredibly special.

Listen to Episode 22
MSU Denver Alumni Podcast BirdTalk with Jamie Hurst '21. Episode 23: Cheri Reynolds. Image of Cheri Reynolds and a Denver skyline in the background

Cheri Reynolds '97

Episode 23

Jamie & Cheri squawk about health equity and how Colorado Access is partnering with MSU Denver to build a more inclusive healthcare workforce.

Listen to Episode 23