Elon Beyond the Bricks: A Podcast Hosted by President Connie Book
Elon Beyond the Bricks: A Podcast Hosted by President Connie Book
Elon University Office of University Advancement

Elon Beyond the Bricks: A Podcast Hosted by President Connie Book

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Welcome to Elon Beyond the Bricks, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Elon University to explore the stories, ideas and innovations shaping our community. Each episode, we’ll talk to inspiring individuals who are making a difference in the world, and we’ll explore the values and experiences that make Elon so special. We hope you’ll find stories that inspire and challenge you, and perhaps even spark new ideas of your own. Join us as we dive into conversations that go beyond the classroom and into the lives of our remarkable students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff.
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Dr. Corinne Auman '97 P'29 on Redefining Aging & Embracing Growth
14 April 2026

Dr. Corinne Auman '97 P'29 on Redefining Aging & Embracing Growth

In this episode of Elon Beyond the Bricks, President Connie Ledoux Book talks with Dr. Corinne Auman ’97 P'29, the founder of Choice Care Navigators and award-winning author of Keenagers. Corinne shares insights on redefining aging, navigating senior care, and inspiring others to see later life as a season of growth, opportunity, and purpose.
Mike Mooney '93 on Motorsports & Values-Based Leadership
10 March 2026

Mike Mooney '93 on Motorsports & Values-Based Leadership

In this episode of Elon Beyond the Bricks, President Connie Ledoux Book sits down with Mike Mooney ’93, a veteran motorsports executive and leadership consultant, to reflect on the unexpected moments that shaped his career. Mooney discusses how an early injury redirected his path at Elon, the lessons learned from more than two decades working across NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula One, and how those...
Stephanie Marken ’08 on Gallup and the Responsibility of Listening
10 February 2026

Stephanie Marken ’08 on Gallup and the Responsibility of Listening

In this episode of Elon Beyond the Bricks, President Connie Ledoux Book speaks with Stephanie Marken ’08, a senior partner at Gallup, about the evolving landscape of public opinion research and higher education. Marken discusses the discipline and responsibility behind national polling efforts, the insights drawn from long term data, and how her experiences at Elon influenced her path into public...
Sean Mikesh ’25 on Stranger Things: The First Shadow and His Path to Broadway
14 January 2026

Sean Mikesh ’25 on Stranger Things: The First Shadow and His Path to Broadway

In this episode of Elon Beyond the Bricks, President Connie Ledoux Book sits down with Sean Mikesh ’25, an ensemble member and understudy in Broadway’s Stranger Things: The First Shadow, to discuss his rapid transition from Elon student to professional actor. Sean shares the unexpected series of events that took him from his senior year to a Broadway rehearsal room, offering insight into the...
Simone Earle '16 on Creative Strategy and the Making of Spotify Wrapped
09 December 2025

Simone Earle '16 on Creative Strategy and the Making of Spotify Wrapped

In this episode of Elon Beyond the Bricks, President Connie Book sits down with Simone Earle, a 2016 alumna and Global Brand Manager at Spotify, to discuss the evolution of Spotify Wrapped, the creative discipline behind the campaign, and the impact of strategic storytelling on global audiences.
Gary Grumbach ’16 on Journalism and the Road to NBC News
07 November 2025

Gary Grumbach ’16 on Journalism and the Road to NBC News

In this episode of Elon Beyond the Bricks, President Connie Book sits down with Gary Grumbach ’16, Legal Affairs Reporter at NBC News, to talk about his career in journalism, the power of storytelling, and the lessons he learned along the way.Gary shares his path from student reporter to national news correspondent, offering insight into how his time at Elon University’s School of Communications...
Joyel Crawford ’97 on Navigating Leadership and Career Confidence
30 September 2025

Joyel Crawford ’97 on Navigating Leadership and Career Confidence

Join Elon University President Connie Book as she sits down with leadership expert and author Joyel Crawford ’97 for a conversation packed with wisdom, humor and inspiration. From navigating careers with confidence to finding purpose in leadership, this episode of Elon Beyond the Bricks is one you won’t want to miss.
Wyn Ferrell '09 on Craft Spirits and Creativity
01 September 2025

Wyn Ferrell '09 on Craft Spirits and Creativity

Join President Connie Book as she chats with Wyn Ferrel ’09, the entrepreneur, distiller, and creative force behind Mile High Spirits. From a finance career in New York to launching one of Denver’s most recognizable craft distilleries, Wyn shares how he’s built a business rooted in community, creativity, and bold reinvention.
From Fulbright to the Front Page: Natalie Lampert '11 on her Storytelling Journey
30 July 2025

From Fulbright to the Front Page: Natalie Lampert '11 on her Storytelling Journey

In this episode, journalist, author and former Fulbright recipient Natalie Lampert '11 joins Elon University President Connie Book for an inspiring conversation about carving your own career path and saying yes to your dreams when the opportunity arises.
Ryan Vet '13 on Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Life
30 June 2025

Ryan Vet '13 on Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Life

Join us for an engaging discussion with Ryan Vet '13, an entrepreneur, USA Today bestselling author, and international speaker. He has advised Fortune 500 companies and mentored entrepreneurs on leadership, generational dynamics and personal branding. Hear what Ryan has to say about these topics and more!