Drake University's Everclass Podcast

Local media continues to evolve rapidly, reshaped by shifting audiences, new technologies, and the power of data. In this Everclass session, Paul LeFort, JO’91, Managing Director of Local Media Client Solutions at Nielsen, offers an insider’s view of how local TV, cable, and sports organizations are adapting. Drawing on years of guiding media clients through transformation, he shares how data-driven insights uncover growth opportunities and fuel success. Paul’s career began in Des Moines radio, sparking a passion for local storytelling and the business impact it creates. Listen as he reflects on how audience measurement is evolving, what innovation looks like in local media, and the lessons he’s learned across three decades in the industry.

Discover the real story behind a rising literary career with bestselling author and Drake graduate Ellen Won Steil, JO’07. In this Everclass session, Ellen reflects on her path from Iowa to the bookshelves, sharing the quiet persistence, reinventions, and even failures that fueled The Lives of Others, Becoming Marlow Fin, and Fortune. She will also discuss what it is like to have one of her books optioned for development as a series on Peacock and how her background in journalism and law sharpened her voice as a storyteller. Perfect for creators seeking motivation, insight, and a candid look at the publishing world.

Step inside the world of high-stakes investigations with Utley Noble, LA’85, JD’88, a retired FBI agent whose career spanned some of the nation’s most consequential cases. From leading a multi-state search in a nationally known student abduction to collecting evidence at Ground Zero after 9/11, Noble has seen it all. In this Everclass, he shares how investigators uncover truth amid chaos—revealing lessons in ethics, leadership, and problem-solving that extend far beyond law enforcement. Whether you’re drawn to forensic science or the mindset behind major investigations, you’ll gain rare insights from a life dedicated to uncovering the truth.

Join us for a fascinating discussion with David Lubbers, JO’86—former ESPN investigative producer and award-winning sports journalist—now Assistant Professor of Multimedia News Journalism at Drake. Over nearly two decades at ESPN, Lubbers produced stories for E:60, Outside the Lines, and SportsCenter, covering everything from Super Bowls to Michael Jordan. A career highlight: interviewing legendary coach John Wooden—and asking about Drake’s 1969 Final Four matchup with UCLA. With multiple Peabody and Emmy Awards, Lubbers brings unmatched storytelling experience and a deep passion for journalism.

Craft beer is booming—but can it help reconnect our divided communities? Join Noreen Otto, LW’06, executive director of the Iowa Brewers Guild, for an engaging look at the economic and social impact of craft brewing. She’ll explore shifting consumer habits, emerging policy issues, and the creative evolution of the industry. You’ll also get expert tips for discovering your next favorite beer—even if you’re not an IPA fan. A Wisconsin native and Drake Law grad, Otto brings deep experience in public policy, business leadership, and community engagement to this refreshing conversation.

Join us for an insider Everclass with Brian Hardin, Des Moines native and Director of Athletics at Drake University. Since 2017, Hardin has led Drake through its “golden era,” marked by record academic, competitive, and fundraising achievements. In this session, Hardin shares candid insights on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) and its impact on student-athletes, the evolving responsibilities of a Division I athletic director, and the realities behind NCAA tournament selection and seeding. Learn how he has shaped Drake into Des Moines’ Hometown Team and a national model for success. Don’t miss this conversation on leadership, innovation, and the future of college sports.

Join us for an inspiring Everclass session featuring two Drake Bulldogs who are making big moves on the world stage.As Team USA gears up for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, two familiar names are heading overseas: Reed Fischer, a standout 2017 Drake grad and elite marathoner, and Blake Boldon, current Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays, who will serve as the Men’s Head Manager for Team USA.Reed earned his spot on the U.S. marathon team after a blazing 2:10:14 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon—adding to an already impressive career that started right here at Drake. From conference champ to international competitor, his journey is one you won’t want to miss.Blake, no stranger to the global athletics scene, is heading to Tokyo for his fifth Team USA staff role in just four years. He’s mentored Reed before on the international stage at the inaugural World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia. And now they’re teaming up again—this time on the world’s biggest stage.Hear their stories, insights, and what it means to represent both Team USA and Drake University on a global level.

The COVID pandemic reshaped how we work, shifting many from office desks to home setups. As organizations consider office-forward, remote-first, or hybrid strategies, employees have their own preferences. In their new book, The New Workplace: Employee Alignment in Remote-First, Office-Forward, and Hybrid Work Organizations, Drake professors Dr. Radostina (Ina) Purvanova, Professor of Organizational Leadership, and Dr. Alanah Mitchell, Aliber Distinguished Professor of Information Systems share research showing that the key to success is alignment. There’s no single “right” model or new normal; instead, choice and flexibility drive results. Join us as Ina and Alanah discuss how YOU can find alignment across differing workplace strategies and employee preferences.

As the holiday season approaches, many struggle to balance work, family, and endless tasks, often feeling overwhelmed and disorganized. While responsibility and dependability are crucial skills, few of us have formal training in mastering them, leading to reliance on complex systems that add to the stress. This session will focus on simplifying life during the holiday rush by creating easy routines and habits to stay organized and reduce stress. Learn how to align your calendar, to-do list, and priorities without worrying about missed deadlines or commitments. Join us to discover strategies for surviving the holidays with less stress and more ease! This session will be facilitated by Kristin Economos, Senior Director, Adams Leadership Institute at Drake University.

Your brand’s audience is increasingly interconnected through technology, making them almost cyborg-like in their digital engagement. Join Drake alum Greg Swan for an insightful session on the latest trends in digital, social, A.I., and emerging technologies shaping marketing today. Discover future-proofed strategies to reach and engage these tech-fueled audiences effectively. Come ready with questions and get actionable insights for the future of marketing. Note: This session is designed for humans, but robots are welcome too!

Join us for a conversation with Carrie Muskat, JO'78, a veteran sportswriter with over three decades of experience, including 18 years as the MLB.com beat writer for the Chicago Cubs. From covering the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series victory to witnessing two no-hitters, Carrie brings a wealth of knowledge and firsthand stories from the world of baseball. Her career highlights include writing for major outlets like USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, and the Associated Press, and covering iconic moments such as Michael Jordan’s switch to baseball and Sammy Sosa’s return to the Dominican Republic.In this session, Carrie shared her personal journey, offering invaluable insights into the life of a sports journalist. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories from her time covering the Cubs 24/7, learn about reporting from the field during major events like the 2001 World Series, and gain tips for building a successful journalism career. Whether you’re an aspiring sportswriter, a fan of baseball, or someone who loves compelling storytelling, this session is a must-attend.

How often do you finish the workday wondering “Really? Is this all there is?” Too many days are spent grinding through the to-do list. And even when it all gets done, those days feel more like a slog than a win. Something is missing. Maybe you feel change isn’t possible. Or worse yet, that it doesn’t matter much anymore. (Ouch.) But if you’re ready to finally do something different—to BE something different—the time to start making progress toward “better” is already on your calendar: it’s lunch. In Box Lunch Lifestyle: Using Your Lunch Break to Win Back the Life You Deserve, Cheryl K. Johnson, AS’90, draws on firsthand workplace experience and the discipline from a decade of boxing training to create a totally doable strategy for change that NYT bestselling author Daniel H. Pink calls “remarkable.” In this session, learn a simple yet profound way to fuel your body and reclaim your spark. You don’t need a gym membership, a new job, or to throw out everything in your pantry to start. You just have to decide to be your own champion and build that better life one tiny-bit-rebellious lunch break at a time. The session was moderated by Matthew Mitchell, Associate Professor of International Business and Strategy at Drake and co-author of Am I Doing this Right? Foundations for a Successful Career and a Fulfilling Life.

Join us as we will explore the complexities of covering elections, polling, and the challenges facing political reporters today. The discussion will feature panelists Linley Sanders, AS'16, JO'16, and Matt Vasilogambros, AS'11, JO'11.Linley is a polls and surveys reporter for The Associated Press. She develops and writes about polls conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, and she works on the AP VoteCast survey of the American electorate that is designed to tell the story of the election.Matt is the lead reporter on voting rights, ballot access, and election administration for Stateline, part of the States Newsroom nonprofit network. A finalist for the 2021 Toner Prizes for Excellence in Political Reporting, he previously covered national politics for The Atlantic and National Journal.The conversation was moderated by Amy McCoy, assistant professor of strategic political communication and public relations at Drake. Amy is a seasoned political communication expert and former Associated Press journalist. With over two decades of experience in political reporting and public affairs, Amy brings a wealth of knowledge to guide this important discussion on the role of media in shaping public discourse.

Join us for a conversation with Yiech Pur Biel, AS'23, a refugee from South Sudan who found refuge in Kenya’s Kakuma camp and discovered a passion for running. He competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics as part of the Refugee Olympic Team. A 2023 Drake graduate, Pur now serves as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and IOC member, advocating for displaced athletes. He aims to provide access to sport for one million young refugees this year. The conversation will be facilitated by Blake Boldon, Senior Associate Athletics Director/Franklin P. Johnson Director of the Drake Relays.

Join us for an exclusive Everclass session featuring Brendan Daly, AS'97, a seasoned NFL coach with six Super Bowl rings and nearly two decades of experience. As a Drake University alum and current linebackers coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, Daly has been a key figure behind the Chiefs’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 2023 and 2024.Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insider knowledge from a Drake alum not only coaching but excelling at the highest levels of the sport. The session will be moderated by Michael Admire, the 'Voice of the Bulldogs' and Drake's Director of Broadcasting.

Experience a one-of-a-kind conversation with legendary Phoenix Suns broadcaster, Al McCoy, FA’54. Recently retired after an incredible 51 seasons as "The Voice of the Suns," Al McCoy is a true NBA icon. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at his remarkable journey from the small town of Williams, Iowa to Drake and the NBA.

Hear from Sandy Bretzlauf Young, JO'02, regarding her career path from Drake to an executive role with the Denver Broncos in the NFL.

Hear from John Meise August, JO’92 during a Q&A facilitated by Associate Professor of Practice in Marketing, Mary Edrington. John discussed his career path, including how curiosity has been a driving force leading him from Drake to Hollywood. John is a screenwriter whose credits include Aladdin, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie and the first two Charlie’s Angels movies. He directed the 2007 film The Nines starring Ryan Reynolds and Melissa McCarthy, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.