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Dr. Nicole McNichols ’97 is a professor whose work explores sex, intimacy, and how people connect. In this episode, Nicole breaks down what’s actually happening in modern dating and relationships — why so many people feel disconnected, how expectations around sex have shifted, and what the research really says about pleasure, desire, and communication.  Drawing from both her classroom and her own work, she explains the myths we’ve absorbed, the pressure people feel to “get it right,” and what actually leads to more connected experiences. Nicole also reflects on her journey from Cornell to leading the most popular undergraduate course in the history of the University of Washington, and shares key ideas from her book, You Could Be Having Better Sex, about what helps people feel more confident, connected, and fulfilled. She's incredibly fun and she's gone viral on social media - here's where you can find her: Instagram and TikTok: nicole_thesexprofessor Sign up for her newsletter at: https://nicolethesexprofessor.com/ Her book is sold wherever you buy books starting February 3, 2026 And thank you to past guest and author Alli Frank for the introduction. Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Asian Americans make up a small percentage of artists on major stages — and Lily Tung Crystal is actively changing that. Lily is the Artistic Director of East West Players, the nation’s largest and longest-running Asian American theater company. She shares her journey from Cornell to Shanghai to Minneapolis to Los Angeles, and how her work is reshaping who gets hired, who gets supported, and whose stories are told. We talk about representation, leadership, and why lasting change in the arts takes systems — not just talent — along with the creativity and care that make live theater matter. We had so much fun with Lily. Fun fact: she’s a sorority sister we hadn’t connected with since 1990! Read about Lily here: https://www.eastwestplayers.org/blog/ewp-announces-artistic-director-lily-tung-crystal Find East West Players and their schedule here: https://www.eastwestplayers.org/ And a special thank you to Beth Storz, a recent guest and sorority sister, for making the connection. Not sponsored or affiliated with Cornell University

Meet Dr. Eric Kusseluk ’97, a board-certified dermatologist, former Cornell soccer player, and a true example of persistence. "Dr. K" (to us) shares the remarkable story of how sheer tenacity got him into Cornell off the waitlist, onto the soccer field as a walk-on, and eventually helped transform the program into an Ivy League championship team. That same determination followed him through Wall Street, medical school (another waitlist work of magic), and into building a successful dermatology practice in Manhattan. We also get Dr. K’s no-nonsense take on current skincare trends, answering the questions everyone is asking in our game “Dr. K Yay or Dr. K Nay.” He breaks down what’s worth your time, what’s mostly hype, and how to keep skincare simple, healthy, and realistic. You will love this conversation about showing up and proving what’s possible when you don’t quit. Dr K's website: https://www.kusselukmd.com/ Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University 

Some people build careers. Others build trust (and an incredible career). Beloved return guest Dave Price joins us for a deeper conversation about what it means to show up — not just on television, but for people who need connection most. From decades as a trusted television weather forecaster to traveling overseas to entertain U.S. troops, Dave reflects on service, consistency, and why presence matters more than recognition. We talk about how those trips began, what stays with him long after he returns home, and why this work continues to matter so deeply to him. An absolute gift on a Monday morning — we even tested a few ideas we’re thinking about for 2026. Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

This episode is a reset. Lainie returns for a rare, mostly unedited conversation that unfolds like a masterclass in letting go. Her new book, Hold Nothing: An Invitation to Let Go and Come Home to Yourself, left us reflecting (and crying!) long after we finished — and questioning what we carry that no longer serves us. We explore what it really means to “hold nothing,” how presence and stillness shape the way we think and relate, and why friendship, service, and trust steady the nervous system. We talk about grief, parenting, spiritual health, and the small, deliberate shifts that change how we move through the world. If you’re heading into a new year looking for clarity, steadiness, and perspective, this conversation is worth everything. And of course, we asked her to play along with us and comment on some tricks and trends for 2026. Find Lainie here: https://elenabrower.substack.com/p/when-friendship-cracked-me-open Find her book on Amazon, and we strongly suggest you also download the audiobook to hear the content in Lainie's actual voice. Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

What actually happens when companies run out of ideas—and who do they call next? Beth Yancey Storz ’92 Beth is an innovation leader, creative strategist, and co-author of Outsmart Your Instincts. For decades, she’s helped teams break through stuck thinking and lead better brainstorms. In this episode, she takes us inside the room where ideas are really made. Do you know why “no idea is a bad idea” isn’t quite right? Or how negativity quietly kills creativity? And what great facilitators do differently to keep energy high all day long? Tune in if you want those answers and to know why learning how to think may be more important than what you think. WE think she's amazing. No brainstorming needed for that one. LinkedIn: Beth Storz Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

We kick off the episode with the upbeat song from Looking Up, because it’s exactly the Monday energy you need. Elena Neuman ’88 joins us to share how a 10-minute video unexpectedly became a full feature documentary—filmed on the face of El Capitan in Yosemite. Elena reflects on her Cornell experience, the professor who changed her path, and what it really takes to tell a powerful story—from creative pivots during COVID to finding the heart of a film in the edit. She also shares her work leading the effort to build Cornell’s first standalone Hillel, creating the kind of community she wishes had existed when she was a student.  It’s a conversation about perseverance, curiosity, and forward momentum. And it's clear that Elena is a gifted storyteller, maybe especially when it comes to telling her own! Her documentary: https://www.neumanfilm.com/lookingup Hillel  https://www.cornellhillelcampaign.org/ LinkedIn: Elena Neuman Lefkowitz Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

This week we sit down with Dr. Shari Brasner, a (semi famous!) OB/Gyn, widely respected for her approach to patient care. Dr. Brasner reflects on how her time at Cornell shaped her path in medicine and shares why the relationship between doctor and patient matters so deeply. Through honest, funny, and sometimes emotional stories, she highlights the impact of trust, communication, and compassion in moments that truly count. This conversation goes beyond credentials. It’s about the importance of a great doctor, the human side of medicine, and why thoughtful, attentive care can make all the difference. You will rethink everything. Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Cornell-trained veterinary surgeon Dr. Jared Baum shares the unbelievable story of how he saved Steph’s dog Buddy from emergency surgery—using skill, compassion, and one very brave hand. We talk about his Cornell Vet residency, the compassion award created in his honor, the night he drove 90 minutes to save a senior Chihuahua named Mabel, and his exciting new surgical clinic, PEAK Veterinary Surgical Care in Delray Beach. We have been dying to speak to a Cornell veterinarian—Cornell vets really are special—and Jared was everything you’d imagine a Cornell-trained veterinarian to be. He and his wife are launching a brand-new surgical clinic in Florida. Learn more here: https://www.peak.vet/ And you can watch the beautiful story behind the award created in his honor: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/about-us/news/20191125/college-clinicians-act-extraordinary-compassion-saves-imperiled-chihuahua Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.

Cornell Hotelie and former Big Red football player Jesse Baker ’09 joins us to share the path that took him from a blue-collar upbringing to founding JET Hospitality, a company transforming distressed RV parks and motels into boutique outdoor destinations. Jesse talks about discovering entrepreneurship early, finding his footing at Cornell, getting into real estate, and how flipping houses and experimenting with short-term rentals eventually shaped his approach to “lifestyle lodging.” He also explains what makes JET properties different, from tiny homes, to immersive outdoor experiences, to the secret behind his luxury bedding philosophy. The grit he built at Cornell still shows up in his work today. Plus, we pitch Jesse our “Next Big Things in Lifestyle Lodging” ideas, and he surprises us with which ones he’d actually consider. He's the best, and we had a lot of fun with him! Find Jesse here: JET Hospitality: jet hospitality.com Find Jesse on Instagram: @jethospitality Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

Celebrating four years of the Cornell (thank) U Podcast with a special anniversary episode full of gratitude, laughter, and reflection. We share what it’s really been like building the show, touch on a few behind-the-scenes moments, answer your most-asked questions, and look ahead to what’s coming (and who we’re dreaming of) in Season 5. Thank you to our families, listeners, friends, and the entire Cornell community for making the last four years so unforgettable. Year Five… here we come! Wishing you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

David Gura tells us how a kid from Chapel Hill found his way to Cornell and into some of the most respected newsrooms in the country. He shares how writing for the Cornell Daily Sun, spending a semester with Cornell in Washington, and an early internship at NPR sparked his love for journalism.  From NPR to MSNBC to Bloomberg, David has built a career telling stories across radio, TV, and podcasting. The conversation is smart, fun, and full of the insight and authenticity that make David such a compelling presence in today’s news. Also, he excels in our game with special thanks to Scarlet Fu for both introducing us to David and participating in the game. If everyone is like David and Scarlet, we want to work at Bloomberg. Find David here: https://www.bloomberg.com/authors/AWxIJr64omw/david-gura LinkedIn: David Gura Podcast: The Big Take https://open.spotify.com/show/3xau7gwFqr29suMARYPkww?utm_source=chatgpt.com Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

If you’ve ever dreamed of going back to Cornell for “just one more class,” this episode will take you there. Our guest, Corey Ryan Earle ’07—Cornell’s ultimate storyteller and fourth-generation Cornellian—teaches the legendary AMST 2001: The First American University, a one-credit Monday night class with hundreds of students on the waitlist known as “Storytime with Corey.” Corey shares what makes Cornell’s history so special, from live bears and Slope Day with Kanye, to the origins of “Any Person, Any Study.” He explains why understanding our past deepens community, what would surprise Ezra and A.D. White today, and how his course captures the heart of being a Cornellian. We also test Corey with a few “vintage” campus stories of our own—plus you'll hear the story behind his prized possession... This one will make you proud to be a Cornellian. Some fun links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBrw_khQ9LA https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2021/05/cornell-history-course-marks-10-years-community https://alumni.cornell.edu/cornellians/category/storytime-with-corey/ Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University

This week, we welcome Alli Frank, Cornell class of ’92, who might just become your new favorite author. She’s smart, funny, creative — and the kind of person you instantly wish you’d met on campus. We do. Alli talks about her path from Cornell to publishing, the partnership behind her bestselling novels with Asha Youmans, and the humor and heart they bring to every story. You’ll hear why readers connect so deeply with her books and get a sneak peek at her upcoming release, Run for Your Life, Callie Kingman, coming in December 2025. (Please preorder this book! In the publishing world, preorders are everything!) Find all her books and more at alliandasha.com. Shout-out to Lisa Chin Potash, who put Alli on our radar — thank you! Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.

Well, we are completely starstruck. This week, we talked with Cornell football legend Ed Marinaro ’73—record-setting running back, NFL star, and fan-favorite actor. From Schoellkopf Field to the Super Bowl to Hill Street Blues, Ed’s story has it all.  He tells us how Cornell changed his life, why he turned down 30 powerhouse football programs for the Hotel School, and how a purple Porsche and a closet became part of his diploma story.  He’s funny, charming, humble, and full of pride for the school we all love!  Google him—watch the old TV shows and movies, check out his Sports Illustrated cover, and relive those game films. His records are astounding. We loved every minute with him! Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University