Advertise on podcast: Owl Talk - A Sigma Pi Podcast

In this episode of Owl Talk, we welcome back Dr. Matt Johnson (Saginaw Valley State ’00), professor of educational leadership at Central Michigan University, for a deep dive into the latest trends shaping higher education. Building on his previous appearance, this conversation focuses on what has changed in the past year and what it means for today’s undergraduate experience. Dr. Johnson breaks down national enrollment data, including modest post-COVID growth driven by community colleges and the continued shift away from traditional four-year pathways. He explores the rise of dual enrollment, credential stacking, and the growing number of men choosing alternative routes like trades or delayed college entry. The discussion also examines the widening gender gap in higher education and what it signals for fraternity recruitment and retention. The episode also tackles the rapid integration of AI on college campuses, from how students are using it to how it is already influencing academic choices and career paths. Finally, Dr. Johnson offers direct, actionable insight for chapters, challenging them to evaluate whether they are truly improving member outcomes in areas like academic success, financial support, and mental health.

In this episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with two Delta-Beta Chapter alumni from Monmouth University, Bart Tripoli (Monmouth ’02) and Jeremy Lenart (Monmouth ’19), to talk about the power of fraternity connections in the professional world. Bart reflects on his path from Monmouth to Fox News Media, while Jeremy shares the frustration of navigating the job market after graduation and how one Sigma Pi connection helped open a door. The conversation centers on the relationship they have built across two generations of brothers, from Bart helping Jeremy land a role at Fox News Media to now mentoring him as he grows in the industry. Along the way, they discuss work ethic, trust, mentorship, and why the bonds formed in college often become some of the most valuable career connections a young alumnus can have.

In this special fifth Tuesday episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Matt Quimby (Bridgewater State '00) of Eta-Eta Chapter to talk about the lasting connection between wrestling and fraternity life. A longtime Sigma Pi volunteer and award-winning leader in the wrestling community, Matt reflects on how both experiences shaped his character, leadership style, and commitment to service. From his days as a college wrestler and chapter leader to his continued work as an official, volunteer, and alumni mentor, Matt shares how wrestling and Sigma Pi both teach grit, accountability, resilience, and brotherhood. He also discusses the growth of women’s wrestling, the future of the sport, and why getting involved, giving back, and building lifelong relationships remain central to finding your purpose.

In this episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Bart Henderson (Montclair State ’09), founding brother of Iota-Iota Chapter, serial entrepreneur, attorney, investor, and mentor to the next generation of builders. Bart shares how choosing freedom over money shaped his career, why earning your first dollar matters more than logos and websites, and what it really takes to withstand the punches of entrepreneurship. We also dive into sales as a life skill, the power of community, lessons from founding a chapter, and how surrounding yourself with strong men raises your standard. Bart offers practical advice for undergraduates looking to start a business today, reflects on growth through family and mentorship, and challenges listeners to take ownership of their time before chasing anything else.  

n this episode of Owl Talk, we welcome back Senior Director of Fundraising, Jacob Camilleri, to talk about the state of philanthropy across the Fraternity and the impact of alumni support. Jacob shares highlights from the past year, including nearly $275,000 raised for scholarships, leadership programs, and chapter educational funds, along with the successful results of the recent Founders’ Month of Giving campaign. The conversation also introduces the Fraternity's first-ever Bracket Challenge, a March Madness–style fundraising competition where chapters will go head-to-head to raise support for their Chapter Educational Funds. Jacob breaks down how the competition works, how alumni and undergraduates can participate, and why these funds are such a powerful tool for supporting scholarships, leadership development, and educational opportunities for members across the country. Check it out at sigmapi.org/bracket-challenge!

In this episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with two emerging entrepreneurs from Delta-Beta Chapter at Monmouth University, Blake Marushak (Monmouth ’23) and Brandon Blythe (Monmouth ’23). They share how their early ventures, from mobile detailing to AI-focused projects, shaped their approach to business and resilience. Blake and Brandon also break down the entrepreneurship competitions and accelerator-style programs they’ve completed, including Hawk Tank and the NSF I-Corps experience, and how customer discovery helped refine their startup thinking. Along the way, they connect the dots between fraternity leadership and entrepreneurship, from confidence and communication to accountability and balance. The conversation closes with their take on our Fraternity's slogan, Find Your Purpose, and how brotherhood helped shape the way they lead, learn, and build.    

In this episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Mike Long (Oakland ’03), Chairman of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation. Mike shares his journey from Zeta-Pi Chapter to Chapter Advisor, Province Archon, and now Foundation Chairman, reflecting on the impact Sigma Pi had on his life and why he continues to give back. You’ll hear how the Foundation supports undergraduate scholarships, chapter educational funds, and sustainable leadership development across the Fraternity. Mike also explains recent changes that make it easier for every chapter to access these benefits, and how alumni can help strengthen the future of Sigma Pi by supporting education, mentorship, and purpose-driven giving. Learn more about the Foundations of Sigma Pi at sigmapi.org/foundations

In our first Owl Talk of 2026, we’re joined by Dr. Kevin Carey (Bloomington, IL '09), Assistant Dean and Director of 4-H Youth Development at the University of Illinois Extension. Kevin shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to a career in student affairs and youth development, and how Sigma Pi played a pivotal role in shaping his path. From his early days at Epsilon-Gamma Chapter to his ongoing volunteer service with the Fraternity and Educational Foundation, Kevin reflects on what it means to lead, to serve, and to help others find their purpose. He also shares practical advice for alumni and undergraduates on officer transitions, mentorship, and sustaining strong chapters.

In this special bonus episode of Owl Talk, undergraduate leaders from across the country talk about the successes they achieved during their terms in office. Listen in as brothers from coast-to-coast share their accomplishments and talk about their hopes for their chapter's next executive councils. Also, this year-end wrap-up episode includes these young leaders talking about the Fraternity's new slogan and what it means to them. Featuring: Chase Norton (Wisconsin-Platteville '24) Anthony Cona (Monmouth '23) Michael Gudinas (Orlando, FL '22) Gavin Cracchiola (Orlando, FL '24) Kaufman (Wisconsin '24) Alex Arriola (Arizona State '25) Dayton McCann (Arizona State '23) Sudin Dhakal (CSUDH '25)

In this episode of Owl Talk, we speak with Chase Calvarese (West Chester '25) and Owen Harris (West Chester '25) – newly elected officers at Zeta-Alpha Chapter at West Chester University. As first and fourth counselors, these undergraduate leaders share how they found their way to Sigma Pi, what motivates them to serve, and how the chapter is building momentum through philanthropy, accountability, and brotherhood. From Lift the Stigma to breast cancer fundraisers, you’ll hear how Zeta-Alpha is living out the “Find Your Purpose” message – and setting the stage for the next chapter of growth.

What’s it like to lead the oldest continuously operating chapter in Sigma Pi Fraternity? In this episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Gavin Lindsay ('24), Cody Waling ('24), and Jason Gottesman ('24) of Eta Chapter at Purdue University. With 113 years of uninterrupted brotherhood behind them, these chapter leaders talk about what sets Eta apart... from their historic house in the heart of campus to their standout chapter culture, strong alumni support, and commitment to service. You’ll hear about their signature philanthropy event (yes, it involves smashing a car), how they're navigating growth, and what “Find Your Purpose” means to them as student leaders.

On this episode of the Owl Talk podcast, we’re joined by three previous Sigma Pi scholarship recipients: Ryan Russell (Illinois State '22), Victor Verhil (Ferris State '21), and Jack Kerdasha (Georgia '19). They share their collegiate experiences, how meaningful the scholarship was to them, and words of wisdom for the next generation of Sigma Pi brothers.

In this special Veterans Day episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Nick Zeisler (Colorado State ’93), founding father of Ada-Sigma Chapter and a veteran of more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. From writing to generals to stay in the military, to advising chapters in Texas and Colorado, Nick shares a impactful journey across military service, corporate America, and higher education. He reflects on leadership, adaptability, and the brotherhood that helped shape, and save, his career. You’ll also hear how Sigma Pi helped him find his purpose at every stage of life: as an undergraduate, an executive, a volunteer, and a mentor.

Join Owl Talk as we host Grand Sage Christian Miele (Towson '00) for his third fireside chat of the biennium. In this episode, GS Miele discusses the Grand Council traveling to visit chapters across the nation, chapter connection through programming, fall recruitment, Convocation planning, the Executive Director search, and much more!

Alexander Pettigrew (IUP ’18) shares his journey from campus leader to national staff member and now Vice President of Business Development for Sigma Pi Fraternity. In this episode, Alexander reflects on how his time as Sage of Theta-Epsilon Chapter and IFC Vice President prepared him for a career guiding chapter growth, recruitment, and educational programming. He also discusses the evolution of flagship initiatives like the Tony Siress Leadership Summit, Mid-Year Leadership Conference, and Sigma Pi Engage, and how leaning into opportunities, even when uncomfortable, can unlock new potential for members and the organization alike.