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From sourcing products around the world for H-E-B to helping build one of San Antonio’s most recognizable cultural celebrations, Tony Villarreal’s journey has been shaped by entrepreneurship, creativity and a willingness to pursue the things he’s passionate about. In this episode of Birds Up, Tony shares his journey from Monterrey to San Antonio and his time at UTSA, including rushing TKE and discovering a passion for music that led him to become a club and radio DJ and eventually start his own business. He also discusses how his career took him to H-E-B, where his work in global sourcing gave him the opportunity to find products and ideas from around the world and bring them to Texas consumers. Tony also takes us behind the scenes of the Barbacoa & Big Red Festival and the idea that grew into a celebration of two things deeply connected to San Antonio culture. He shares the entrepreneurial story behind the festival and how food, music and community have helped turn it into a San Antonio tradition. Show Notes: Tonyc Instagram Barbacoa Big Red FestivalLand N TexasUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio MembershipUTSA Football Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Randy Daniels likes to say that UT San Antonio chose him, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made. From meeting his future wife on campus to earning his degree in finance and beginning his career through an internship, his Roadrunner experience helped shape the leader, entrepreneur and community advocate he is today. In this episode, Randy shares his journey from commercial banking and Merrill Lynch to cofounding JDK Wealth Advisors. He talks about building a business centered on trust, creating opportunities for the next generation and giving back through the JDK Give Back volunteer program. We also discuss his service with the UT San Antonio Alumni Association, the importance of internships and how family, faith and a little moonwalking keep life interesting. Tune in for a fun and inspiring conversation about taking chances, building meaningful relationships and staying invested in the community that helped you get started! Show Notes:UT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio MembershipUTSA Football     Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

The Alamo Audible crew joins the Birds Up Podcast to break down everything Roadrunner fans need to know heading into the 2026 UTSA Football season. We’ll discuss key returning players, new additions, position battles, must-watch matchups and the biggest questions facing the team. Can UTSA contend for an American Conference championship and return to the postseason? Tune in for expert insight, bold predictions and plenty of Roadrunner football talk as we get ready for kickoff. Birds Up! Show Notes:UT San Antonio Alumni/UT San Antonio MembershipUTSA FootballAlamo Audible     Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Leadership isn't confined to the boardroom—and healing doesn't happen by chance. This week, we're joined by Executive MBA alumna Dr. Holly Keyt, Medical Director of the Lung Transplant Program at UT Health San Antonio, to explore how business leadership and medicine come together to transform lives. From leading one of the country's most respected lung transplant programs to expanding access to specialized care across Texas, Dr. Keyt shares the lessons she's learned about service, strategy, resilience, and hope. Whether you're a healthcare professional, aspiring leader, or proud Roadrunner, this conversation will leave you inspired. Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we celebrate another incredible UT San Antonio alumna making an impact. Birds Up! Show Notes:UT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni GalaUT Health San Antonio - Pulmonology Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Season 5 is officially in the books, and what a journey it's been! Join Andrew, Melissa and Josh as they reflect on an incredible season of the Birds Up Podcast, revisiting some of their favorite interviews, memorable moments, behind-the-scenes stories and the conversations that made this season so special. From distinguished alumni and industry leaders to coaches, entrepreneurs and changemakers, every guest brought a unique perspective that continues to showcase the impact of the UTSA community. Most importantly, this episode is a thank you to our guests for sharing their stories and to our listeners for tuning in, supporting the podcast and being part of the Birds Up family. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or just discovered the show this season, we appreciate you coming along for the ride. Tune in for one last look back at Season 5, and get ready for what's ahead in Season 6. Be sure to subscribe, leave us a review, and share the podcast with your fellow Roadrunners. The conversation doesn't stop here—Birds Up! ----------------------------------------------------- Show Notes:  UT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni Gala           Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Fresh off a historic 2025 American Conference Championship season, UTSA Soccer Head Coach Derek Pittman joins the Birds Up Podcast to talk about the journey of building one of the most successful programs in Roadrunner Athletics. Since arriving at UTSA in 2018, Pittman has transformed the program into a championship contender, leading the Roadrunners to conference titles, NCAA Tournament appearances, record-setting attendance, and a culture built on accountability, resilience, and excellence. In this episode, Coach Pittman shares his unique path from growing up in Oklahoma and racing cars as a kid to playing collegiate and professional soccer before finding his calling on the sidelines. We discuss the foundation of UTSA Soccer’s championship culture, what he looks for in recruiting, the importance of developing student-athletes on and off the field, and what lies ahead as the Roadrunners prepare for another exciting season. Whether you're a soccer fan, a Roadrunner supporter, or someone who enjoys stories about leadership and building winning teams, this conversation offers an inside look at one of UTSA's most successful coaches and the continued rise of UTSA Athletics. Tune in, subscribe, and join us as we celebrate the success of UTSA Soccer and look ahead to what's next for the Roadrunners. Birds Up! Show NotesUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni GalaUT System Invests over $470 Million Into UT San AntonioGraduate Student Paves the Way For Future Moon MissionsUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with San Antonio native and UTSA alumnus Dr. Joshua Austin, nationally recognized dentist, educator, speaker, and Editorial Director of Dental Economics. From his early days at Health Careers High School and UTSA to becoming one of the most respected voices in dentistry, Dr. Austin shares the journey that helped shape his career and passion for helping others. In this episode, we discuss the rapid evolution of dentistry, innovation in digital technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the realities of balancing a demanding profession with personal wellness. Dr. Austin also opens up about the importance of mental health in high-pressure careers, breaking down stigma within the dental profession, and why community, mentorship, and self-care matter more than ever. As founder of Austin Dental Seminars and a nationally sought-after lecturer, Dr. Austin brings practical insight, humor, and authenticity to every conversation. Whether you are interested in healthcare, business, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers valuable lessons that extend far beyond dentistry. Tune in to hear how a San Antonio student built a nationally recognized career while staying grounded in service, education, and community. Be sure to like, follow, comment, and share this episode with your fellow Roadrunners and listeners. Birds Up! Show NotesDr. Joshua Austin, DDS PracticeSpring 2026 Commencement InfoHonors College Largest Graduating ClassStudents Place at Cyber Defense NationalsAI Student Summer CampUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

We made it to Episode 100! Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane with two of the voices who started it all, Drew and Yvonne Addison! They share stories, laughs, and the journey behind the Birds Up Podcast, as we celebrate the entire team who helped get us here. We’re incredibly grateful to the many guests who have joined us along the way, and to you—our audience—for being such an important part of this journey. Over the years, our podcast has grown alongside UT San Antonio, giving us a front-row seat to the university’s powerful transformation, the expansion of its research impact, and the rise of its athletic programs. We’ve watched thousands of students graduate and become proud alumni, and we’ve truly enjoyed every moment of the ride. Tune in to celebrate with us, reflect on the journey, and get ready for the next 100 episodes. Thank you—and don’t forget to leave your comments. Birds Up! Show NotesGiving Day 2026 ResultsMiss Fiesta San AntonioUTSA Cheer Earns ChampionshipDoctor of Physical Therapy Program Climbs RankingsUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsBiride Bash ScrambleAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

From storyteller to city shaper, Connie Gonzalez joins the podcast to share her journey from broadcast journalism to Chief Strategy Officer at Brooks, one of San Antonio’s most dynamic mixed-use developments. She discusses how Brooks has transformed from a former Air Force base into a $1B+ economic engine and what that growth means for the future of the city—especially the South Side. Connie offers insight into her intentional, people-first leadership style, the importance of building strong relationships, and how strategic decisions can drive long-term community impact. She also reflects on her experience earning an Executive MBA from UTSA and why continuous learning is critical in a rapidly evolving world. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, growth, and what it takes to build something that lasts for generations! Birds Up!  Show NotesBrooksChanclas Y CervezasHarvey Najim $6.5M GiftBold Promise Covers Tuition at Health Science CenterUT San Antonio Dramatic Arts Little Shop of HorrorsUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsFiesta Arts FairUT San Antonio Fiesta MedalsBiride Bash ScrambleAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

UT San Antonio alum Clay Killinger’s journey to executive leadership is one of resilience, grit, and unexpected opportunity. After transferring to UT San Antonio and navigating a non-traditional path to graduation, Clay went on to build an impressive career in finance, serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of CST Brands and holding senior leadership roles at Valero Energy. Known as “The Fixer,” Clay became the leader organizations called when facing complex, high-stakes challenges—from Exxon Valdez oil spill insurance litigation to forensic accounting in major corporate investigations and serving as an auditor during a U.S. presidential campaign. In this episode of Birds Up, Clay reflects on the mentors who helped shape his journey, lessons from decades in public-company leadership, and how disciplined financial stewardship now supports children’s charities across Bexar County through his work with the Najim Foundation. Tune in to hear Clay’s remarkable journey from UT San Antonio classrooms to the corporate boardroom—and the leadership lessons he shares with the next generation of Roadrunners. Birds Up! ----- Harvey Najim FoundationUT San Antonio AlumniUT San Antonio Alumni EventsFiesta Arts FairVIA Expands Service Across UT San AntonioUT San Antonio Excellence AwardsThe Rowdys 2026Biride Bash ScrambleAlumni GalaUTSA Athletics Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

Fresh off a return from NASA with UT San Antonio students who won a national competition, Dr. Chris Packham joins us for a powerful update on the groundbreaking work happening at the intersection of research, innovation, and student opportunity. From collaborations with Blue Origin to leadership roles connected to the James Webb Space Telescope and the development of the Habitable Worlds Observatory, Dr. Packham shares how UT San Antonio is contributing to the next generation of space exploration. We also dive into his role as Chair of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science Alumni Association, the global research pipeline he’s helping build for UT San Antonio students — including opportunities in Japan — and his leadership as Chair of the Gemini Observatory Board. Closer to home, he discusses returning to teach Astronomy 101 and what he calls a “new era” of teaching and learning in the classroom. This episode is about more than telescopes and research — it’s about UT San Anotnio students competing and winning on a national stage, global partnerships expanding opportunity, and Roadrunners helping shape humanity’s understanding of the universe. Tune in, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow Roadrunner. Birds Up. Show Notes:UT San Antonio AlumniDiploma Dash 5kUTSA AthleticsDr. Chris PackhamUT San Antonio researcher aims to save an endangered crocodile in Southeast AsiaUT San Antonio to launch nation’s first open-access neuromorphic computing hub Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

UTSA Baseball season is officially here—and this episode sets the tone. In our annual UTSA Baseball Preview, Birds Up teams up once again with Alamo Audible for a deep dive into what’s next for one of the hottest programs in college baseball. We’re joined by UTSA Baseball alum, fan favorite, and newly drafted pro James Taussig, who reflects on UTSA’s historic run, the culture that fueled it, and what it truly means to sustain success at the national level. From clubhouse leadership and player development to preparing for the grind of the next level, James offers firsthand insight into the standard being built at UTSA—and why this program is no longer sneaking up on anyone. Alamo Audible’s Dan Nerdahl joins the conversation to break down the upcoming season, roster continuity, and what fans should be watching for as the Roadrunners look to defend expectations and keep momentum rolling. This episode is also packed with special guests, including former UT San Antonio Alumni Association President Jacob Cavasos, who shares the alumni and fan perspective, the growing national profile of UTSA Baseball, and why Roadrunner support matters now more than ever. From the Bird Bath to the big picture, this episode is about legacy, momentum, and what comes next. If you’re ready for baseball season, ready to talk Roadrunner culture, and ready to meet us at the Bird Bath—this one’s for you. Birds Up! Play Ball!  Show Notes: Institute of Texan Cultures Reopens UTSA Athletics UTSA Baseball Diploma Dash 5k UT San Antonio Alumni Alamo Audible Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

This powerful episode features David Spencer, a mission-driven entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist whose career bridges a military upbringing, engineering, and life-saving medical innovation. While David is a graduate of UT Austin, his passion for higher education is deeply connected to UT San Antonio. Together with his wife Jennifer, David has become one of UTSA’s most influential supporters, with a shared vision that the university experience should be vibrant, engaging, and memorable—not just a place students attend, but a community where they thrive. Their support spans UTSA Athletics, student life initiatives, leadership, and mentorship programs like Empowered Connections, which pairs women UTSA student-athletes with mentors to support their growth on and off the field. David also reflects on how his military background and engineering education led him to work with the US Air Force at Kelly Air Force Base, and later to launch his first company after the base closed. He credits the UTSA Small Business Development Center as a key resource in learning how to start and scale a business. After successfully selling his first company, David was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to help guide state funding for startups across Texas—expanding his impact on innovation and economic development statewide. Today, David serves as President and CEO of Prytime Medical Devices, where his team develops trauma-care technology designed to slow internal bleeding and buy critical time for patients in life-or-death situations. Initially developed for military use, this technology is also being utilized for civilian trauma care, saving lives far beyond the battlefield. This episode is a compelling look at purpose-driven leadership, the power of mentorship, and how investing in people, education, and innovation can create lasting impact for UTSA, San Antonio, and communities around the world. Listen now, share with your Birds Up crew, and let us know your favorite takeaway. If this episode inspired you, leave a review and help us spread the Roadrunner spirit. Birds Up! Show Notes: UT San Antonio Alumni UT San Antonio Alumni 2026 Diploma Dash Five UT San Antonio Projects On the Horizon For 2026 UT Health Receives $10 million Grant For Cancer Research Empowered Connections for UTSA Female Student Athletes UTSA Athletics UT San Antonio Alumni Online Store Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

We’re halfway through Season 5 and have enjoyed getting to know Roadrunners representing UT San Antonio across a wide range of industries. Along the way, we heard from Alumni Association President Laura Beth Garcia, a graduate of both UTSA and UT Health San Antonio, as she began her term during the historic formation of UT San Antonio. We also explored unique career paths and perspectives from CPS Energy’s Jonathan Tijerina, local attorney and community leader Rob Killen, and Josh Gerken, who offered insight into the growth, maintenance, and expansion of University facilities. The season also featured stories of humble beginnings from local women’s boxer Amanda “Supernova” Sendejo and radio personality Dan “Lunchbox” Chappell. The first half of the season brought plenty of insights and laughs, along with major moments for UTSA Athletics, including another exciting football season and upcoming bowl game, a soccer conference championship, and growing anticipation for the spring sports slate. We also celebrated new statues unveiled on campus, significant academic and research recognition, a successful Be Bold campaign, generous philanthropic support, and the addition of more than 3,000 new Roadrunners to the alumni family. We’re looking ahead to an exciting 2026, including the milestone of Episode 100! Show Notes: UT SAN ANTONIO Alumni UT San Antonio Alumni 2026 Diploma Dash UT San Antonio 2025 Fall Commencement UT San Antonio receives $30 Million Gift UT San Antonio receives $7 Million Gift Commitment UTSA Athletics UTSA Football 2025 Bowl Game UT SAN ANTONIO Alumni Online Store Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!

After growing up in Austin, TX, Dan found a home at UT San Antonio following encouragement from his parents, who wanted him to experience college life and new opportunities. Still unsure of what direction he wanted to take professionally, he leaned into his naturally outgoing personality, getting involved on campus and discovering a talent for connecting with people. That openness eventually led to an unexpected radio audition that would change the trajectory of his life. With no formal broadcast background, Dan nonetheless made a memorable impression on Bobby Bones, standing out for his raw energy and unfiltered approach. What began as part-time stunt work quickly evolved into a full-time role behind the mic, where he helped shape the show’s dynamic as it expanded into a nationally syndicated program. Along the way, Dan has shared his personal milestones—marriage, fatherhood, and the many chaotic, heartfelt, and humorous moments in between—inviting listeners into his world and strengthening the bond fans feel with the show. In this episode, Dan reflects on his journey, from a directionless college kid to a defining voice in modern country radio, and the twists, risks, and lucky breaks that made it possible. Show Notes: UT SAN ANTONIO Alumni Fall 2025 Commencement Information New Dramatic Arts Degree The Bobby Bones Show The Sore Losers Podcast UTSA Football UTSA Baseball 2026 Schedule UTSA Athletics UT SAN ANTONIO Alumni Online Store Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, follow, and subscribe for more great content! Birds Up!