In this special alumni edition, three Penn Staters (Jill Ferguson '98, Jaden Crudup '25, and Alysha Foo '25) reflect on their unexpected career paths and the lessons they learned along the way. From operational leadership to legal strategy and organizational transformation, they offer candid stories about growth, purpose, and navigating an industry where people, food, and values intersect.

Music credit: "West in Africa" by John Bartmann is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.

President Andrew "Andy" Feinstein of the University of Northern Colorado joins us to discuss the changing landscape of higher education, where access, relevance, workforce expectations, and hospitality-inspired leadership converge to define the next generation of universities.

Music credit: "West in Africa" by John Bartmann is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.

After a thoughtful hiatus, allinfoodz is back! Host Dr. Amit Sharma reflects on the podcast’s journey since 2017 — from its roots in exploring the complex world of food systems to its renewed vision for the future. In this relaunch episode, Dr. Sharma introduces new producer and editor Alicia Skeath and shares what listeners can expect in the episodes ahead.

Music credit: "West in Africa" by John Bartmann is licensed under a CC0 1.0 Universal License.

Hospitality leader Tom Neely discusses how businesses are responding to labor challenges, shifting guest expectations, and sustainability goals in today’s foodservice industry through thoughtful leadership and innovation.

Institutional meals feed millions, but can they also drive sustainability? Dr. Laure Saulais unpacks the complex systems behind institutional foodservice and shares insights on aligning health, policy, procurement, and sustainability goals in healthcare and beyond.

In this episode, John Longstreet shares insights on navigating policy challenges, workforce shortages, and legislative advocacy in hospitality. From minimum wage debates to public-private innovation, we explore what it takes to lead and sustain the restaurant and lodging industry in a changing world.

Join us back in a conversation with Dr. Kathy Kelley as we explore shifting alcohol consumption trends, from Gen Z’s sober curiosity to the rise of low- and no-alcohol drinks. Learn how consumer preferences, health consciousness, and product innovation are reshaping what, how, and why people drink today.

Food insecurity is a real and persistent challenge facing our society. While government organizations are essential to provide food to those in need, grass-root initiatives are often the backbone for local communities. We revisit with Mel Curtis, the Director of the Anti-Hunger program at the YMCA in Central PA to get an update of realities surrounding the food insecurity challenge.