Proud to BU

Hosted by Boston University Alumni Association

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Apr 2024

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About the show

Incredible Stories. Unique Careers. Proud Alumni. The Proud to BU podcast showcases the career journeys of some of Boston University’s most interesting and accomplished alumni. Inspiring BU grads share the highs, the lows, and the challenges they’ve overcome along their journeys from Comm Ave to innovative careers, providing listeners with unique perspectives and fresh ideas as they navigate their own professional development. No matter where your path takes you, be Proud to BU!

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60 recent

April 22, 2024Episode 1527 min

Mary Shelley with a Guitar | Mary Timony (CAS’92)

Mary Timony (CFA’92) is a luminary of indie rock, renowned for her distinctive guitar style and innovative approach to music-making. Named among Rolling Stone’s top 250 guitarists of all time, Timony has left her distinctive mark on contemporary music as a singer-songwriter, as well as a member of bands Ex-Hex, Autoclave, Helium, and Wild Flag. In this episode, Timony explores her musical path from classical guitar to DC hardcore to indie rock trailblazer, and how she has navigated the delicate balance between creative expression and the practicalities of making a living amidst personal pain and a rapidly evolving music industry. Mary Timony’s latest solo album, Untame the Tiger, can be found at an independent record store near you or on your favorite music streaming platform. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

April 15, 2024Episode 1446 min

Breaking and Editing | Saba Hamedy (COM’13, CAS’13)

As the former editor in chief of the Daily Free Press, journalist Saba Hamedy (COM’13, CAS’13) was responsible for publishing a daily newspaper and managing a crew of students, all while completing a full-time dual-degree program at BU. On this episode, learn about Saba’s career journey from FreeP to covering entertainment, politics, and culture at news outlets such as the LA Times, Huffington Post, CNN, and her current role as culture & trends editor for NBC News Digital. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

April 8, 2024Episode 1341 min

Beyond the Finish Line | Mary McManus (COM'76)

For Mary McManus (COM’76) contracting polio in Kindergarten was just one of the many challenges she faced throughout her childhood. Despite her difficult upbringing, Mary went on to have a long career in social work until, in her early-50s, she was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, a neuromuscular disease that doctors said could cause Mary to lose her mobility. In this episode, hear how this devastating diagnosis inspired Mary to defy the odds and complete the unlikely goal of running the Boston Marathon, and how she has channeled her health struggles and personal trauma into a successful second career as a poet, author, and motivational speaker. Her 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" will be released on May 25, 2024. Find details on her website at http://www.marymcmanus.com/mostunlikelyrunner and don’t miss the profile of Mary in Bostonia Magazine. Please note: this episode includes a discussion of a family member’s suicide. If you are dealing with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

April 1, 2024Episode 1237 min

Public Servants & Digital Citizens | Marcelo Garcia (Pardee’96)

Over more than two decades in media and politics, Marcelo Garcia (Pardee’96) has become a foremost expert and grassroots organizer in digital leadership, fighting the rising scourge of online disinformation and digital violence. In this episode, hear how Marcelo’s creation of the BU Mexican Students Association lit the political spark which eventually led him to a position in the Mexican Congress, and how his role as the Co-Founder of the Academia Política Digital empowers him to bridge the digital transformation gap and train the public leaders of the future with the tools to excel in our evolving digital world. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

March 25, 2024Episode 1156 min

Composing Connection | Kendall Ramseur (CFA’12)

As a cello performance grad student, Kendall Ramseur (CFA’12) was thrust into the spotlight when his BU student quartet Sons of Serendip became a national sensation on hit competition show “America’s Got Talent.” On this episode, hear about Kendall’s incredible musical journey of emotional healing and connection -- from performing for Dr. Maya Angelou to touring across the world with Sons of Serendip to composing solo and symphonic work for various media – and about his latest venture as Co-Founder and Music Director for the upcoming Sound Grove Community Studios in Malden, MA. Listen to Kendall’s music and learn more about his work at https://www.kendallramseur.com/. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

March 18, 2024Episode 1039 min

Building a Major League Soccer Champion | Larry Freedman (Questrom’85)

After an early career practicing law, Larry Freedman (Questrom’85) took a leap toward his first love of professional sports and moved to Hollywood to manage a portfolio of minor league baseball teams across the country. When his business partner entered the ownership group of the nascent Los Angeles Football Club in 2014, Larry became instrumental in creating the brand new MLS team – from designing a stadium to building corporate partners to cultivating a loyal and passionate fanbase. On this episode of Proud to BU, hear about Larry’s path from aspiring pro athlete to becoming the Co-President and Chief Business Officer for the championship-winning LAFC that, against all odds, has become the most valuable franchise in Major League Soccer. --  Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

March 11, 2024Episode 939 min

Looking Back and Moving Forward | Dr. Jenny Gruber (ENG’99, ‘99) and Anthony Harrison (COM’81)

It’s been five years since we spoke with NASA Engineer Dr. Jenny Gruber (ENG’99 ‘99) and former Facebook media relations executive Anthony Harrison (COM'81), and a lot has changed! On this episode, Jenny and Anthony come together to discuss the joys & disappointments they’ve experienced these past five years, the hard decisions they’ve made in their professional lives, and what really matters to them as they enter new stages in their lives. As the current and most recent Presidents of the BU Alumni Association, Jenny and Anthony also discuss the creation of the Alumni Association Scholarship and their vision of support that alumni can offer to the next generation of BU students. If you want to help future alums achieve their academic dreams, contribute now to the BU Alumni Association Scholarship. --  Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

March 4, 2024Episode 838 min

Reinventing the Red Carpet | Jeremy Lowe (CGS’12, Questrom’14)

As the VP of Talent and Partnerships for legendary entertainment company Dick Clark Productions, Jeremy Lowe (CGS’12, Questrom’14) manages relationships with entertainers, creators, and brands for numerous dcp shows, including The Golden Globes, Academy of Country Music Awards, and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. On this episode, Jeremy tells us about the qualities it takes to be successful in Hollywood and about how his BU student experience (both inside and outside the classroom) taught him the leadership, marketing, and communication skills that have propelled his career toward the stars. --- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch!  Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel.  Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing.  Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

February 26, 2024Episode 729 min

The Presidents’ Photographer Stands Up | Pete Souza (COM’76)

As Official White House Photographer for Presidents Barack Obama and Ronald Reagan, and a respected photojournalist for numerous news organizations, Pete Souza (COM’76) has spent decades on the front lines of history; but it was as a junior at BU that his journey into photography began. On this episode, hear about Pete’s experience working closely with two of the most iconic Democrat and Republican presidents in modern times, his thoughts on the importance of authenticity in journalism, especially in the dawning age of AI, and about using his platform to speak out where he saw wrong. See more of Pete’s work at https://www.petesouza.com/ or follow him on Instagram @petesouza. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.

February 19, 2024Episode 635 min

Combatting Racism and Antisemitism with Education and Philanthropy | Ayele Shakur (Questrom’87)

When family concerns led Ayele Shakur (Questrom’87) to change her trajectory from aspiring screenwriter to a business degree, she set in motion a career that’s just as inspiring as any Hollywood biopic. On this episode, hear how Ayele went from being a teacher in Compton to the CEO of BUILD, a national nonprofit supporting students from under-resourced communities, and what brought her to her current role as President of the Redstone Family Foundation where she provides funding for organizations that are creating innovative programs to end racism and antisemitism. -- Subscribe to the Proud to BU newsletter to be entered into giveaways for BU merch! Want to see this episode in full video or with captions? Watch on the Proud to BU website or subscribe to the BU Alumni YouTube channel. Proud to BU is produced by Boston University Alumni Relations and our partners 5 Tool Productions, a BU alumni-owned company, specializing in video production, livestreaming, and content marketing. Are you Proud to BU? Support the BU causes that are meaningful to you by making a gift at bu.edu/give.