Advertise on podcast: Stern Chats

Getting Season 18 started with a short introduction of some of our board members for this year! Join John, Rhea, and James as they chat about the upcoming season and why they're excited about contributing to Stern Chats this year. We've got a lot of great ideas in the works for Season 18, so tune in and turn on those notifications so you don't miss a thing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stern Chats President Mridula Rajagopal sits down with first-gen students Alexa Johnson and JC Arenas as they share what it’s like to be the first in their families to pursue higher education. This episode explores the challenges many first-gen students face, highlighting the resilience, ambition, and identity-shaping moments that define their journeys in a conversation full of insight, encouragement, and heart. Host: Mridula Rajagopal Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

It's Veterans Week, and we're celebrating it here at Stern! In this episode of Stern Chats, MBA2 student veterans Shea S., Chris Lynas, and Tony Vu speak with host Alex Cheung about their military service, transitioning to Stern, and their future plans. They discuss some of the highs-and-lows of wearing the uniform and the misconceptions they have faced as veterans and what they're working toward in the future. Host: Alex Cheung Produced by: Alex Cheung Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

In this episode of Stern Chats, host Allana Akhtar sits down with Ali Raza, Amani Malik, and Shahriyar Haider to chat about the newly launched affinity and professional club, Muslims in Business (MiB). They share the excitement behind starting MiB, fostering a sense of belonging for Muslim students, and building connections through shared experiences. Tune in to hear how MiB plans to grow, collaborate, and bring more students together across campus. Host: Allana Akhtar Produced by: Allana Akhtar Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

NYU and Stern has long been known to be a vibrant, international space; the latest MBA class has 43 countries represented! But what does it feel like, really, to move to New York for school? What should you know about the subway, Times Square, and cheap eats before you get here? That's just what hosts Gab Lombos and Siddhant Sharma discuss with guests Katherine Jiang and Joao Lima -- all international Sternies -- on this episode of Stern Chats. From finding community and embracing cultural differences to adjusting to the Big Apple, they share lighthearted stories and reflections on life away from home, offering a fun and honest look at building a new life in New York City. Hosts: Gab Lombos & Siddhant Sharma Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han