Fraternity Foodie Podcast by Greek University

Lynn Drake learned at an early age that if you want to succeed, you have to fight for it. An accident at age two left her with neurological damage and reading challenges; later, she built a 40+ year commercial real estate career, completed more than 1,700 transactions, started Compass Commercial at 50, and become an author, speaker, and teacher. Check out her memoir called "True North Success: Navigating Life & Business".

In episode 728 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how her early experiences shaped her determination to succeed, how she discovered a career path in commercial real estate, how to distinguish between a job that simply pays the bills and an opportunity that helps them build a meaningful career, how to get mentors as college students, what separates a great mentor from someone who merely offers occasional career advice, when she realized she needed to change how she communicated to make sure her ideas were heard, what she learned about documenting threats, finding allies, and protecting yourself in an intimidating workplace, why writing down personal dreams and experiences is important, what gave her the confidence to start her own business, and how can students identify their own guiding principles before facing difficult decisions. Enjoy!

Most leaders don't have a performance problem. They have a pattern problem. Automatic reactions. Unproductive loops. Mindsets stuck on autopilot — sabotaging communication, culture, and results before anyone sees it happen. Michael Saletta spent 35 years on the inside of more than 1,000 organizations — as consultant, strategist, corporate trainer, and executive coach. Front lines to boardroom. Fortune 500s, government agencies, entrepreneurial ventures, elite teams. His leadership companies have trained over 10,000 organizations globally and impacted more than 300,000 people. In May 2026, he took the core idea to the TEDx stage: Choice Mindset vs. Positive Attitude. It's the foundation of his book, Choice Mindset: The Missing Link to Shift Reactive Patterns and Take Back Your Life, featuring the Brain C.R.A.V.E.S.™ framework.

In episode 727 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why people make decisions they later regret, why intelligent college students sometimes participate in dangerous activities just to fit in, what he learned about the power of belonging, what is the Brain C.R.A.V.E.S.™ Framework, how chapter leaders can recognize the unmet needs driving conflict, resistance, or unhealthy behavior among their members, why people continue making the same mistakes even when they know better, how to use the Your Shift to Choice™ process when responding to peer pressure, how chapter leaders can create an environment where speaking up is viewed as an act of loyalty rather than betrayal, advice to a college student who feels like they don't belong anywhere and is considering compromising their values just to be accepted, and the most important lesson from the "Choice Mindset" book. Enjoy!

Barron Damon is a Certified Philanthropic Coach (ICF) with over 20 years of experience working as a Nonprofit Executive. Barron is currently the Managing Partner of the Business of Life Coaching and Consulting (BOLCC) a service and education company. As a philanthropic coach, Barron empowers individuals and businesses to make meaningful Impacts through strategic giving that aligns with their deepest values. Barron has coached and trained thousands of people during his professional career. He has been featured in national magazines and has appeared as a special guest on TV, radio shows, and podcasts, discussing topics related to philanthropy, business, youth development, and travel. Barron is the CEO of the BK Damon Foundation whose mission is to make a difference in the lives of young people and adults through philanthropic acts of kindness. The Foundation was established in 2020 by him and his wife, Dr. Katrina Damon. They manage a portfolio of non-profit organizations they support. Barron serves on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce and is the President of the Morrisville Rotary Club. To buy his book, visit www.givingupthenovel.com, join the waiting list, and indicate you heard about "Giving Up" from The Fraternity Foodie Podcast.

In episode 726 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how a mugging in college changed his life, what his recovery taught him about resilience, what prevented him from seeking help, how students can begin making decisions today that reflect the kind of person they ultimately want to become, how fraternity and sorority leaders can avoid defining their success entirely by grades or popularity, what is the importance of mentorship, how can college students who don't have much money still make a meaningful difference, how can student leaders move beyond transactional philanthropy and create service experiences that genuinely transform both their communities and their members, what makes collective giving so powerful, and how to achieve personal success. Enjoy!

Nansie Douglas is an author, consultant, and lifelong caregiver advocate. More than 40 years ago, her brother survived a traumatic brain injury. In the years that followed, she experienced firsthand heartbreak, progress and setbacks. She gained the courage and resilience it takes to care for someone you love while trying not to lose herself in the process. Nansie has a master's degree in clinical psychology and experience as a counselor, magazine publisher, and lifelong songwriter/storyteller. Her memoir is a raw and reflective look at what it means to love someone back to life, even at immense personal sacrifice.

In episode 725 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how she found the courage to start over in life at age 50, what she learned about reinvention, how helping her brother rebuild his life following a traumatic brain injury change her understanding of what really matters in life, what practical strategies students can use to calm their fears before making important decisions about their futures, how college students can stop comparing themselves to others, what happens when college students do everything right but the opportunities they expected simply aren't there, how to regain momentum, what are the skills that are important, and how to build a new road forward. Enjoy!

As a licensed architect with more than 25 years of experience in residential architecture, Heidi M. Bolyard has helped nearly 1,000 families transform frustrating houses into homes that more fully support their lives. But what she has really been doing all these years is helping people understand how they live. No matter the size of the home or the scope of the project, she kept seeing the same thing: the issue was rarely the space itself. It was how the space was working for the people who lived there. What she has learned through this work is simple: homes shape lives. A home influences how your day flows, how you connect with others, and how you feel in your own space. When your home begins supporting you instead of working against you, everyday life can feel calmer, easier, and more joyful.

In episode 724 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired her to write "Getting Back Home: Small Shifts for Big Joy", what are some signs that a student's living space is actually working against their academic success, what simple changes can students make to their desks, lighting, furniture arrangements, and surroundings to improve concentration and productivity, why does clutter create so much frustration in our daily lives, how to design their physical spaces and create visual reminders or organizational systems that make time management easier, how to arrange their common areas to encourage genuine conversations, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of belonging, three changes she would recommend to make the house more welcoming, functional, and conducive to building brotherhood, what can students do when they share a bedroom with someone whose habits are completely different from their own, how can chapters preserve their history and identity while creating cleaner, more functional spaces, and what are small changes to their living environment this weekend that could make a noticeable difference. Enjoy!

Growing up in apartheid-era South Africa - where racial segregation was enforced by law - that showed Colin Gill the power of rules. Compulsory military service and a decade in the fire service showed him the value of rules when lives depend on them. But it was ordinary life – as a husband, father, immigrant, entrepreneur, and lifelong rule follower – that led him to a more personal question: What about the rules we carry inside of us? That question became the foundation of his book, "Confessions of a Recovering Rule Follower". Today, Colin helps people recognize the invisible rules shaping their lives, question the ones they never consciously chose, and recover their ability to choose for themselves.

In episode 723 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out when he first realized that just because a rule exists doesn't necessarily mean it's right, what exactly is a "recovering rule follower", why are we so willing to follow rules that might hurt us, how students can distinguish between what they genuinely believe and what they've simply been conditioned to believe, how chapter leaders can determine which traditions are worth preserving and which invisible rules need to be challenged or replaced, how to make decisions that reflect your values, how students can learn from experiences without allowing their past to dictate their future choices, how student leaders can challenge an unhealthy group expectation without alienating the members they're supposed to lead, and what is one action students can take this week to start living a life they've consciously chosen. Enjoy!

Lisa Rice is a certified Life and Success Coach focused on holistic wellness and mindset. She helps people move past self-doubt, break through barriers, find clarity, and take intentional, aligned action towards lasting change. Lisa practiced law for nearly 30 years specializing in complex civil litigation. As a senior partner, she co-managed a mid-sized law firm with multiple offices in California and mentored countless attorneys for decades. Her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with advanced metastatic melanoma. She knew her life depended on the answer to one question – who am I going to be in this moment? Ultimately, through the strength of her faith, an unwavering mindset and integrated approach to healing, she defied the odds. Her experience of overcoming advanced cancer became her greatest teacher. She gained unique insights needed to help others heal and create impactful and sustainable changes in their lives. Her passion is to empower others to tap into their innate strength, heal from within, and create a healthy and fulfilling life. She is a parent to a son who just joined Fraternity life at Cal Poly.

In episode 722 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out about her devastating Stage 4 cancer diagnosis, how college students should handle adversity, what she would tell a student who feels that one setback defines their future, how to be grateful for while confronting a life-threatening illness, her advice to college students who are trying to decide what kind of life they want to build, what happens when college students focus heavily on one area while neglecting the others, how can students distinguish authentic relationships from superficial ones, what are her hopes for her son's fraternity experience, what her cancer journey teaches about leadership and accountability, and one practical takeaway that a college student could begin using today. Enjoy!

Born in Winnipeg, Canada, Beatty Cohan, MSW, LCSW, AASECT is a nationally recognized psychotherapist, sex therapist, author of For Better for Worse Forever: Discover the Path to Lasting Love, advice columnist for Dan's Papers in the Hamptons, national speaker and host of the weekly ASK BEATTY SHOW on the Progressive Radio Network. She has a private practice in New York City and East Hampton. Beatty has been an expert guest on over 1,0000 local and national radio and television shows, including the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, where she provides psychological commentary and analysis about topical and newsworthy mental health and relationship stories. She has also hosted numerous ASK BEATTY call-in counseling radio talk shows, beginning with the ABC affiliate, WPRO, in Providence, Rhode Island. Beatty also had regular ASK BEATTY segments on the noon news on the television ABC affiliates on WLNE in Providence and WFTS in Tampa. She lives happily on the Upper West Side and in East Hampton with her husband Jim Vrettos, a sociologist and criminologist and their Havachon Chacha.

In episode 721 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what are Beatty's concerns on relationships in college as a psychotherapist and sex therapist, what are the biggest red flags that college students frequently overlook when they're dating or becoming sexually involved with someone, what should every college student understand about the difference between sexual interest, willingness, and genuine consent, what happens when someone feels entitled to sex because of a romantic relationship or previous sexual encounter, what can we do to help students find the courage to intervene, what should a young man or woman actually say when a situation becomes uncomfortable or someone is pressuring them sexually, how peer pressure, pornography, social media, and cultural expectations influence what young adults believe is acceptable sexual behavior, how can someone break an unhealthy pattern rather than repeating it, what she would prioritize to create lasting change with education rather than simply checking a compliance box, and how to become a better partner. Enjoy!

Ronel Golden was in her late 30s when she finally left her abusive relationship. Determined never to make the same mistake again, she researched abuse, studied with neuro-scientists and other experts, advised frontline organizations, and sat with other victims long enough to understand the dynamics of abuse. Based on years of research and training, she developed a system for escaping abuse, which forms the basis of her new book, The Getting Out Guide. Ronel holds two law degrees and has worked in international finance, strategy, and public-interest leadership. She serves on various non-profit boards, is board president of the Harris County (Texas) Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, and has lectured on abuse and brain health at SXSW and at events tied to the World Economic Forum.

In episode 720 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired her to write "The Getting Out Guide", what are the early warning signs of emotional, psychological, financial, or controlling behavior that students might mistake for love or affection, how can we create environments where college students feel comfortable asking honest questions about relationships, what does abuse against young men typically look like, how brain development impacts judgement, what should a fraternity brother or sorority sister do if they notice that a friend is being isolated, manipulated, threatened, or emotionally harmed by a romantic partner, how to recognize when your own behavior is becoming harmful, how childhood experiences, family dynamics, or earlier relationships influence what college students believe is normal or acceptable in a romantic relationship, what are the Seven Pillars of Existence, and what advice she would give an 18 year old to help navigate serious romantic relationships for the first time. Enjoy!

Mary Snyder is the author of Moosefart, a true story born from a decade-long relationship with Hoot and the lessons his life – and death – left behind. Mary brings humor, honesty, and vulnerability to conversations that are often uncomfortable: health, morality, planning, relationships, and the things we all tell ourselves we'll get around to someday.

In episode 719 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what inspired her to help young people as a school counselor, why college students procrastinate, how students can protect their focus without completely disconnecting from their friends on social media, whether AI tools like ChatGPT is giving students another excuse to procrastinate, how students can manage competing priorities in college, what inspired her to write the book "Moosefart", how students distinguish between decisions that can safely wait and decisions where procrastination could have life-changing consequences, how college students can decide how to spend their four years on campus, one small change they could make tomorrow that might finally help them break the cycle of procrastination, and what's the most important lesson she wishes every college student understood about taking responsibility for their future. Enjoy!

Ed "Doc" Holliday is a semi-retired dentist, author, and speaker based in Tupelo, Mississippi. Known for his engaging storytelling and down-to-earth wisdom, Doc's personal experience with a devastating $200,000 financial scam on Valentine's Day 2025 sparked the writing of My 200K Nightmare. With a deep desire to help others avoid similar pain, he transformed his financial tragedy into a powerful teaching tool. Doc is also the author of the historical fiction series, Hatchie, where his passion for storytelling and history shine through. He now dedicates his platform to financial education, scam awareness, and inspiring resilience in others.

In episode 718 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how a successful dentist could ever fall victim to a financial scam, how he lost $200,000 to a scammer, why intelligent and successful people actually make attractive targets for scammers, how creating urgency is so effective at getting otherwise rational people to make irrational decisions, what are some of the warning signs that should immediately make them suspicious, what makes crypto particularly attractive to scammers, which warning sign seems painfully obvious that he simply couldn't see while he was inside the situation, why victims are often reluctant to tell their spouse, children, friends, colleagues, or even law enforcement that they've been scammed, how we create an environment where someone feels comfortable saying, "Something happened to me and I need help", and what are the first actions they should take to protect themselves from scammers and potentially limit the damage. Enjoy!

Beth Leeds has been an activist since she was 7 years old, when she cut through red tape and got a stop sign installed at a dangerous intersection in one day! And she has been inspired to stand up and act ever since.Beth stopped a huge 3,500 unit housing development by inspiring 10,000 people to take action, walking "The Walk to Save Laguna Canyon." She helped stop the offshore rigs off California four times, and eventually flew to Washington, DC, to get Congress to pass the National Ocean Protection Act—which she helped draft in her kitchen! But how did she pay for these decades of action as a volunteer? Beth is not only an activist, she is an entrepreneur. Beth now lives in Hawaii with her daughter Marielle and their furry friend Buddy. She is still active in her many pursuits including creating her little white Truce Flags for Peace with students at elementary schools.

In episode 717 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how she became an activist at just seven years old, how to make a difference when you don't know where to start, what is "inspired action", how she was able to get 10,000 people to participate in the Walk to Save Laguna Canyon, how to persuade people who are resistant to change, turn a creative idea into a successful business, what to do when you experience rejection or disappointment, how to make a lasting difference in college, how to promote understanding and resolve conflicts on campuses, and what she hopes people remember most about Beth Leeds. Enjoy!

Annette Benedetti is a sex educator, intimacy coach, and host of the Talk Sex with Annette podcast. She built her career on a simple belief: pleasure is not a luxury and it's not shameful. It's a birthright. Most of us were handed silence, fear, or bad information about our bodies and desires. Her work exists to change that. Talk Sex with Annette now ranks in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally, with a community of hundreds of thousands across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Every week she sits down with experts, researchers, and everyday people to have the honest conversations most of us were never allowed to have. No euphemisms. No shame. Just real talk about sex, bodies, and connection. She is the founder of Bi Women Empowered, a nonprofit close to her heart, and her work has been featured in Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, the New York Post, and SheKnows.

In episode 716 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast (warning: we do talk about SA on college campuses in this episode), we find out what Annette learned through her conversations on the podcast "Talk Sex With Annette", is it too simplistic to teach consent as simply "yes means yes" and "no means no", can someone willingly consent to kissing, touching, or sex with one person and then withdraw that consent—or not consent to another person or another sexual act, why students hear the word "freeze" when discussing trauma but Annette also talks about submitting, appeasing, or becoming agreeable, why people ask after an alleged sexual assault "Why didn't they just leave?" and what they misunderstand about trauma, how alcohol and drugs immediately remove the ability for consent, why we've seen instances where survivors wait days, months, or even years before fully identifying what happened to them as sexual assault, what is the right way to respond when a friend comes to you the next morning and says, "I think something happened last night, but I'm not sure", and how trauma affect someone's future relationships, intimacy, body image, and sexuality.

Prior to her work at Ground Zero, Emmy Award-winning Motion Picture Sound Editor Solange Schwalbe started her career after graduating in Motion Picture/TV with Honors from UCLA. Her feature film career started with films such as "Gremlins," "Goonies," and "The Color Purple." Other projects include "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Star Trek IV & V," and "Die Hard 1, 2 & 3.

In episode 715 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how she got into the movie business, what was her immediate reaction watching the news on September 11th in 2001, what motivated her to get involved, what were some of the things you witnessed that most Americans still don't know about, what it was like being one of four women out of 1,500 workers in the Pit, what it was like on a daily basis working the Pit at Ground Zero, what did the experience at Ground Zero teach her about stepping forward to help, how college students develop the courage to step forward, when did she first realize that the experience was affecting her mental health, and what she worries younger generations are missing about what happened.

Dr. Christopher Zacharda is the Senior Associate Dean of Students at Northwestern University. He oversees a large wellness related portfolio including Student Advocacy and Wellness, the Office of Community Standards, Off Campus Life, hazing prevention and disaster response. He earned a bachelor's degree in English and Political Science from Bucknell University; a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Connecticut; and a doctorate in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California. He has worked in student affairs for over 25 years, with focuses on formal and informal accountability models, as well as restorative practices. He is also a research fellow for the Piazza Center out of Penn State, where his focus is hazing prevention and response. He has facilitated countless workshops on hazing prevention, sexual assault prevention, understanding consent and bystander intervention at several campuses, national headquarters and national conferences. He is a proud fraternity man having previously worked at his fraternity headquarters. He is also a former and current athlete, still competing as an open water and competitive US Masters swimmer.

In episode 714 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out how his own fraternity experience influence the kind of student affairs professional you became, what those different perspectives taught him about preventing sexual violence on college campuses, what does genuine consent look like on a college campus, what are common myths about consent, what is the 5-D method of bystander intervention, why the connection between values and behavior is so important, how to challenge problematic behavior, where does accountability fit into sexual violence prevention, and how to create environments where students are more likely to speak up when they're worried about someone's behavior. Enjoy!

1 Dr. Zabina Bhasin, M.D. ("Dr. Zee") is a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, youth advocate, speaker, and founder of Listen to the KidZ (LTTK), a movement focused on bridging the communication gap between youth and adults. Known as a "Youth Translator," Dr. Zee works at the intersection of mental health, education, media, technology, and culture to help adults better understand the evolving needs of the next generation. With years of clinical experience working with children, teens, and families, Dr. Zee has become a nationally recognized voice on youth mental health, social media, digital culture, anxiety, resilience, and intergenerational communication. Her work emphasizes that listening to youth is not optional; it is essential for shaping healthier communities, schools, healthcare systems, and future leaders. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Zee collaborates with schools, organizations, media companies, and industry leaders to create youth-centered programming, research initiatives, and conversations that empower young people while helping adults respond with greater empathy and understanding. Through her platform, speaking engagements, media appearances, and upcoming research and documentary projects, Dr. Zee is helping redefine how healthcare, education, and society engage with today's youth.

In episode 713 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why college sometimes feel so overwhelming even when everything appears fine from the outside, how important it is to have a group of people who genuinely know you and notice when something changes, why our need to belong is so powerful, why it's difficult to speak up when everyone else in the room seems comfortable with what's happening, how we can create a culture where saying "Hey, this isn't okay" actually increases someone's social standing, what is constant comparison doing to the mental health of college students, how can someone have hundreds or thousands of online connections and still feel profoundly alone, what should you actually say when you're worried about a friend, does she worry that students could increasingly turn to AI instead of other human beings when they are looking for advice, and what advice she has about protecting student mental health. Enjoy!

Krista Demcher is a keynote speaker, consultant, and podcast host who helps teams grow by connecting more. Here's what she believes: As the world gets more automated, the real advantage is simple: stop 'selling' and start connecting. And the fastest way to connect? Tell better stories, by showing off your different..which is BETTER than better. Her journey to this work wasn't a straight line. She started as a licensed counselor, understanding what motivates people and what holds them back, and then she spent over a decade building an 8-figure sales team, where she discovered the missing link: people don't struggle with sales because they lack tactics —they struggle because they don't know how to tell their story authentically. Krista has been featured on NBC, CBS, Fox, and HerMoney, authored a LinkedIn Learning course, and generated 5M+ views across social platforms with content built on one core belief: authentic connection drives real results, because today's audiences crave real people over polished personas.

In episode 712 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what the sorority experience has meant to Krista, how chapters can figure out what makes them different, what are three pillars of personal branding, why stories are more persuasive than simply giving people facts about the organization, how to talk about why you joined the organization, how to move beyond small talk and create a real human connection, how to use AI technology without losing the authenticity, how to authentically help someone discover whether they belong, how to prepare every member to become a better recruiter, and what are the recruitment conversations that students remember. Enjoy!

With over 25 years of experience in education, Ed Bradley has embarked on a new journey as a life coach. Specializing in transitional, career, relationship, and business coaching, Ed draws from his rich background in teaching, mentoring, and leadership. His approach combines practical strategies with empathetic listening, helping clients overcome challenges, clarify their vision, and achieve their goals. Passionate about supporting individuals through life transitions, Ed is dedicated to unlocking their full potential and guiding them toward fulfilling, goal-aligned lives.

In episode 711 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what young men taught him about what they need from the adults and mentors in their lives, what college men are struggling with right now that the rest of us aren't talking about enough, how to develop men and build leaders, what is the difference between supporting a young man and bailing him out, what separates a great mentor from somebody who simply gives a lot of advice, what prevents young men from reaching out for help, what fraternity brothers should be looking for when they're concerned that one of their brothers isn't doing well emotionally, how to find your purpose, how to hold your friends accountable, what could fraternities and sororities do differently to reach students who might never picture themselves joining one, and one lesson that students desperately need before graduation.

With more than 25 years of experience as an educator, Dr. Dionne Poulton is a respected HR Executive, Author, Executive Coach, Conflict Mediator, and nationally recognized expert in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Access (DEIBA). Valued for her intelligence, authenticity, and approachable style, she helps organizations address complex challenges with clarity, fairness, and practical solutions. Dr. Dionne is a trusted advisor to leaders across industries, guiding them in creating inclusive, respectful, and legally compliant workplaces. Her work ensures that employees at every level feel safe, valued, and supported—free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination—so they can thrive personally and professionally. A highly sought-after consultant and speaker, Dr. Dionne equips CEOs, executives, and HR professionals with the tools and strategies to meet their legal obligations, strengthen organizational culture, and foster lasting change. Through her leadership, Dr. Dionne champions workplaces where everyone can show up authentically and feel a true sense of belonging—regardless of identity, background, or lived experience.

In episode 710 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out what made her become so passionate about workplace culture, why doesn't bullying end when we leave K-12 schools, what does workplace bullying actually look like, what happens when people see that certain individuals are allowed to behave badly without consequences, what happens psychologically when someone with seniority uses that power against someone with less power, when should we try to resolve a conflict through conversation, when should we try to resolve a conflict through conversation, what does excellence without exclusion look like in practice, how much does favoritism contribute to toxic cultures, where is the line between pushing someone to become better and crossing over into humiliation, and what should I do if I believe I'm being bullied at work.