Stern Chats

Hosted by NYU Stern MBA Community

BusinessInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

220

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

About the show

Stern Chats is an MBA student-run podcast. Our Mission is to explore untold stories of students, alumni, administrators and faculty at NYU Stern. While NYU Stern is filled with impressive resumes, some of the best stories cannot be found on paper. Each episode features members of the Stern community and their personal stories and reflections. We hope that everyone—even beyond the walls of Stern—will listen, appreciate, and learn about the people that make the NYU Stern community what it is. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for more!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 6, 202620 min

Passing the Torch

It’s the final episode of the season! And in this episode, outgoing President Mridula Rajagopal and Community VP Sailey Thomasi pass the torch to incoming President John Schuberth and Production VP Olivia Manousos. The group reflects on the evolution of Stern Chats, the moments that shaped this season, and their hopes for where the club goes next. Join us in closing out another incredible season of Stern Chats — and we’ll see you all in the fall. Hosts: Mridula Rajagopal and Sailey Thomasi Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal, Sailey Thomasi Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

April 30, 202640 min

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, our latest episode unpacks the relationship between cultural heritage, identity, and professional growth at Stern. Host Katherine Jiang, ABS Co-President, sits down with Walsh Kang, ABS VP of Career Development, and Tony Vu, ABS Member, to discuss the moments, challenges, and connections that have defined their journeys, and how cultural identity continues to shape who they are as future business leaders. Host: Katherine Jiang Produced by: Alex Cheung Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

April 16, 202638 min

Follies: Off Script

In this episode of Stern Chats, hosts Claire Chuff and Omar Garcia are joined by Co-President Namankita Rana and Chief of Staff Thomas Dols to get into what it really takes to bring Follies to life. From auditions and rehearsals to everything happening behind the scenes, they talk about the time, energy, and collaboration that go into the show—and why so many people, creatives or not, choose to be part of it. It’s a look at how the Stern community comes together—and a fun way to close out the school year. Hosts: Claire Chuff and Omar Garcia Produced by: Claire Chuff and Omar Garcia Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

April 2, 202641 min

EMBA...Unplugged

In this episode of Stern Chats, host Traiana Boyer Tretter is joined by Rivka Meir, Laura Geron, and Christina Kelly for a look inside Stern’s Executive MBA program. With warmth, humor, and honesty, they share what it’s like to balance demanding careers with graduate school while applying what they learn in real time. From leadership growth to new perspectives, they reflect on how the EMBA journey has shaped both their professional and personal lives—offering a glimpse into a part of the Stern community that many full-time students don’t often get to experience. Host: Traiana Boyer Tretter Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

March 25, 202628 min

A Path Defined by Purpose

In this episode of Stern Chats, host Tommy Durst sits down with fellow veteran Brenden Mott for a conversation that feels like catching up with an old friend. Brenden shares his journey from college athlete to military service, and ultimately to NYU Stern, reflecting on the moments and mindset shifts that shaped his path. Together, Tommy and Brenden explore what it means to transition between such different worlds, the lessons that carry across them, and how unconventional paths can lead to some of the most meaningful growth. Host: Tommy Durst Produced by: Tommy Durst Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

March 12, 202630 min

Women at Work

In honor of Women’s History Month, hosts Sim Ahuja and Allana Akhtar sit down with Alia Hakim and Paulina Sideris for an open and honest conversation about what it looks like to navigate professional spaces as women. From advocating for yourself to building strong networks and growing into leadership roles, the group reflects on the moments that have shaped their professional paths and the perspectives they’ve developed through their experiences. Host: Allana Akhtar, Sim Ahuja Produced by: Allana Akthar, Sim Ahuja Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

March 4, 202642 min

MBA1 Takeover

MBA1s are in the house! In this episode of Stern Chats, host Olivia Manousos sits down with Simran Nijhawan and Clair Shin for a pulse check on how their first year at Stern is going. From favorite courses to recruiting and everything in between, they reflect on the highs, challenges, and surprises of MBA1 life so far. Whether you're considering an MBA or just curious about what life at Stern looks like day-to-day, this episode offers a candid look at the MBA1 experience. Host: Olivia Manousos Produced by: Olivia Manousos Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

February 25, 202643 min

Alternate Paths: Beyond Traditional Recruiting

Not all careers follow a straight line. In this episode of Stern Chats, hosts Alisha Agrawal and Jordan Guillory sit down with Katie Connell and Emma Elsbecker as they share stories on forging their own paths, the risks they took, and what they learned along the way. Hosts: Alisha Agrawal & Jordan Guillory Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

February 13, 202631 min

Love, Life, & The MBA: A Valentine's Day Special

Love is in the syllabus this week! In this episode of Stern Chats, host Kristen Brown sits down with Hop Mathews, Traiana Tretter, and Anna Ballate for an honest conversation on managing relationships alongside the demands of business school. From mid-semester wedding planning to partner support systems, they reflect on how their Stern journeys are strengthened by the people cheering them on behind the scenes. Host: Kristen Brown Produced by: Kristen Brown Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

December 4, 202552 min

Leading with Purpose: Student Entrepreneurship with Freddy Mbari

In our final episode of the semester, host Jordan Guillory sits down with student entrepreneur Frederick Mbari to explore his remarkable journey - from taking bold risks and becoming an investor, to building ventures with friends and raising two young men (with another on the way), Freddy exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. He also shares how Milima Tea went from an idea to a fast-growing brand, and why building it has become one of his most exciting bets yet. Host: Jordan Guillory Produced by: Jordan Guillory Edited by: Alex Cheung, Sailey Thomasi Music by: Jesse Han