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She never planned to become Justine Snacks.
Today, Justine Doiron ('16) has built a community of more than 4 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, along with a New York Times bestselling cookbook. But behind the viral recipes is a story that's thoughtful, surprising, and deeply personal.
In this episode, Justine shares how a Cornell Hotelie became one of the internet's most beloved food creators. She opens up about losing her father before college, the cold email that changed her life, the corporate job that forced her to choose between PR and social media, and why, even today, she says she never wanted fame.
She also takes us back to her Cornell years—from Low Rise 6 to HumorUs, and the people who helped shape the person she would become.
Whether you know her well as Justine Snacks or you're meeting her for the first time, this conversation is about taking chances, embracing unexpected opportunities, and finding the confidence to build a life that looks nothing like the one you imagined.
TikTok: Justine_Snacks
Instagram: justine_snacks
YouTube: justine_snacks
Not Sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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What does the perfect day at Cornell look like?
After interviewing 250 incredible guests on the Cornell (Thank) U Podcast, we noticed something.
No matter when they were at Cornell—or what they studied—they kept coming back to many of the same memories:
• The same dorms
• The same classes
• The same professors
• The same study spots
• The same bars
• The same late-night foodSo, to celebrate our 250th guest, we asked ourselves one question:
What would the ultimate day at Cornell look like?
How many of our guests' picks would make your list?
If this episode brings back a favorite Cornell memory, please share it with a classmate—and tell us what you'd add to your perfect Cornell day on Instagram @cornellthanku or Facebook @cornell thanku.
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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How does a first-generation kid from Brooklyn end up becoming the Acting Mayor of Ithaca?
For Eric Rosario '91, it all started with one history professor whose book inspired him to apply to Cornell. That one decision changed the course of his life in ways he never could have imagined.
Eric is one of those people who instantly makes you feel like you've known him forever. He's thoughtful, funny, incredibly humble, and deeply committed to serving others. In this episode, we talk about the professors who shaped him, the unexpected campus job that turned into a lifelong career in philanthropy, and how years of investing in his community eventually led him to become Acting Mayor of Ithaca.
We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the fascinating relationship between Cornell and the City of Ithaca, hear some of Eric's favorite hidden gems around town, and learn why leadership is really all about relationships.
If you've ever wondered how one decision can completely change the trajectory of your life—or you've ever wanted to hear from someone who has dedicated his career to making both Cornell and Ithaca better—you are going to love Eric's story. We did!
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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We had the honor and fun of talking with Alexis Gabler '24, whose connection to Cornell began long before she ever arrived in Ithaca. After her father, Cornell alumnus Fred Gabler, was killed on September 11th, his closest friends—including our Vino—made an extraordinary commitment to be a loving part of her life and to help secure her future.
Years later, Alexis graduated from Cornell Human Ecology and built a career in fashion, transforming a remarkable gift into something entirely her own.
Alexis shares her unique relationship with the friends who helped keep her father's memory alive, an incredible mom, her journey from New York City artist to fashion professional, her experiences navigating Cornell during the COVID years, and the internships and opportunities that led her from Sense-ational You and Saks to her current role at Theory.
This is a conversation about resilience, community, gratitude, and what can happen when people invest in someone's future—and she builds something extraordinary with it.
Connect with Alexis:
LinkedIn: Alexis Gabler
Vino's episode: 242
Julia Deney of Sense-ational You's episode: 142
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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Lisa Levy Shaub ’91 joins us for a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and finding your true calling.
She shares behind-the-scenes stories about working with Oprah, the lessons she learned about behavior change, confidence, and wellness, and why she believes some of life’s biggest pivots can become our greatest opportunities.
We also discuss midlife health, longevity, GLP-1 medications, community, and how to build a healthier, more meaningful next chapter.
Connect with Lisa:
Instagram: @Lisa_nyc_coach
Website: apositivepractice.com
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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Mike "Vino" Levine has one of the most powerful jobs in sports as Co-Head of CAA Sports, representing some of the biggest athletes, coaches, and personalities in the world.
But that's not why we loved this conversation.
Vino takes us from Chappaqua and Cornell lacrosse to the top of the sports industry, sharing stories about friendship, teamwork, mentorship, family, and the relationships that have shaped his life and career.
We talk Cornell, Coach Richie Moran, fraternity life, the New York Knicks, lifelong friendships, and why Vino believes anything is possible from anyone.
He's successful, funny, humble, and exactly the kind of person you'd want sitting next to you at a Cornell reunion—or any dinner party.
We loved this one.
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.
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Adam Rosenberg '92 thought he might become a lawyer or work in politics. Instead, he built one of the most impactful careers we've ever featured on the podcast.
Today, Adam leads programs that support more than 10,000 survivors of violence each year, working with children, families, and communities during some of the hardest moments imaginable.
But before all of that, he was living the full Cornell experience—hockey games, Hot Truck, concerts, fraternity life, Cornell in Washington, and even a Cornell version of MTV's Remote Control.
Adam shares his unlikely path from Cornell student to national leader in violence prevention, what every parent should know, and why hope remains at the center of everything he does.
This conversation is equal parts inspiring and eye-opening with some fun sprinkled in because Adam is just a great guy.
We loved this one.
Find more about Adam and the Center for Hope here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrosenberg
https://www.instagram.com/acrelerate?igsh=aWI4aG15ZzN5bnRn&utm_source=qr
Center for Hope https://www.instagram.com/lifebridgecenterforhope?igsh=bTY5dDF0OXFxbmJv
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lbhcenterforhope/
https://youtube.com/@lbhcenterforhope?si=HWgG9QUmrD9dhKcp
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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Cornell rising junior Noah Farb joins us after a viral video and widely shared Free Press article suddenly put him at the center of a national conversation about Cornell and President Kotlikoff.
Noah talks about why he decided to speak out, how students reacted, and what it feels like to suddenly become one of the most talked-about student voices on campus.
Beyond the politics, this episode is also a snapshot of modern Cornell life: blockchain club meetings, frat house living, Slope Day, campus traditions, and the people Noah says make every day at Cornell happy and memorable.
It's a great conversation about campus culture, free speech, and finding your voice — plus why Noah’s writing and content have resonated with so many people so quickly.
You can find him here:
Instagram:
@noahfarb_substackThe Free Press article:
https://www.thefp.com/p/i-go-to-cornell-there-is-no-reason-fire-president-michael-kotlikoff
Special thanks to our sister Barbara Schultz for the introduction - thanks, Barbie!!!
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.
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Rob Gregor is back — and since we last spoke, he’s entered an entirely new world: finance YouTube.
The Cornell alum, lawyer, hotelier, investor, and Hotel School guest lecturer has launched The Hostile Takeover TV with his 15-year-old son Joseph, a channel designed to teach Gen Z about money, investing, AI, and financial survival in an increasingly uncertain economy.
You simply have to check it out to understand why we know it's going to be successful and why they should be in every middle and high school just like Bill Nye.
We loved catching up with him - he's the best.
Please subscribe to the channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheHostileTakeoverTV
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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Why do students describe Dr. Lauren Korfine as “life-changing”?
In this episode, the beloved Human Ecology professor opens up about mental health, imposter syndrome, anxiety, heartbreak, gender, campus culture, and what students today are really struggling with.
We also talk about her unexpected path from Cornell student… to Harvard… to working as a doula for 17 years before returning to the classroom.
The buzz is accurate, she is warm, thoughtful, and deeply relatable — this is one of those conversations that stays with you.
Thank you to our fave, Lori Isman Greene, for the introduction!
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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She didn’t pick one path—she picked all of them.
From Cornell to Procter & Gamble, to entrepreneurship, to raising a family, to running a tennis program for 500 kids a year—Lisa Ullmann is the definition of a doer.
In this episode, we talk about: Springsteen, Slope Day, how she built a career and still stayed deeply involved in her community, why she’s never been afraid to ask for money, and the mindset behind a life that just doesn’t slow down.
Plus: tour guide hot takes
She's incredible.
Special thanks to past guest Mary Grainger!!
LinkedIn: Lisa Kremer Ullmann
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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What does it actually mean to “control the narrative” in Hollywood?
Liz Mahoney ’99 is the publicist behind some of Hollywood’s biggest stars—and in this episode, she pulls back the curtain on a world most people never see.
From traveling the world with Ben Stiller to co-founding a top-tier PR firm, Liz shares how careers are built, protected, and sometimes…saved. She is trusted, admired, and sought-after for her endless creativity, intelligence, and instincts.
We loved her.
Learn more about her company, Narrative PR, here:
https://www.narrative-pr.com/Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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What is life in the operating room really like? And for women in surgery, how much has actually changed for the better?
In this episode, we talk withDr. Sarah Temkin '93 - gynecologic oncologist, physician-scientist, filmmaker, and now a leader at the American Cancer Society — about her path from Cornell to medicine, what drew her to surgery, and the hidden realities of working in the OR as a woman, even in 2026.
Sarah also shares the story behind her powerful documentary 1001 Cuts, which explores the everyday challenges women surgeons still face — from equipment and infrastructure not built for them, to the subtle pressures that add up over time.
This one is eye-opening, and a fascinating conversation about medicine, storytelling, and what still needs to change.
She's great at telling both her personal Cornell story, and the story of the operating room. We loved her.
Shout out to Ray Mirza, a total fave, for the introduction!
Find D. Sarah on LinkedIn:
Sarah Temkin, MD, FACSAll about her documentary here: https://www.1001cuts.org/
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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He’s back—and a lot has changed.
Since we last spoke with Ex-CIA Officer Marc Polymeropoulos, he’s gone from a somewhat private recovery to national headlines, including a powerful appearance on 60 Minutes.
In this episode, we catch up on everything:
what really happened behind the scenes of that 60 Minutes storyhis unfiltered take on Iran and where things stand nowhow his experience with Havana Syndrome has evolved—and what he believes todayMarc also opens up in a way he didn’t last time:
about recovery, resilience, and what it’s like to go from covert operations to speaking publicly.This isn’t just an update—it’s a deeper look at a story that’s still unfolding.
He's been our friend for 40 years and he and his story are extra special to us.
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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The headlines say women’s sports is booming.
Digit Murphy isn’t so sure.We brought back hockey legend, Cornell alum, and one of the most well-spoken and outspoken voices in sports for our first Since We Last Spoke episode—and she came in with takes.
Not just on the Olympics, the gold medal, and the controversial phone call that followed…
but on what’s actually happening behind the momentum everyone’s celebrating.Because according to Digit, the system itself?
Still broken.
In this episode, we get into:
the uncomfortable truth about who’s still making the decisionswhy “growth” doesn’t always mean sustainabilityand what needs to change if this is actually going to lastAnd then we go deeper.
Digit shares what she’s building now—a new model inside women’s sports through a female-led private equity platform designed to connect teams, athletes, and capital in a smarter, more sustainable way.
Not just more attention.
Not just bigger headlines.
But real infrastructure. Real ownership. Real change.This isn’t just a conversation about hockey.
It’s about who controls the future of women’s sports—and whether this moment is real progress… or just hype.And yes, we also tackle the most important question of all:
Lunch vs. Luncheon.Find everything Digit Murphy here, including her Substack:
https://www.digitmurphy.com/Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University.
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78% of Cornell students left campus for spring holidays.
But what about everyone else?From sorority house seders…
to Easter traditions…
to surviving on matzah and tuna —we realized we all experienced this time differently.
So we turned it into a game.
Matzah ball soup: essential or no one's gonna miss it?
Honey baked ham: yes or no?
Peeps vs healthy candy.
And the afikoman… should everyone win, or just one?Pick your side — and let us know where you land.
Featuring our besties of 40 years: Nic, Jojo, Mick and Lizzie
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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When Ken Kunken took the field for a Cornell football game, he had no idea his life was about to change in an instant.
That moment left him a quadriplegic.
What happened next is hard to comprehend—because the life he went on to build wasn’t supposed to be possible.
This isn’t just a story of resilience. It’s a story of defying every expectation, again and again, in ways that feel almost impossible to believe.
We’ve never heard anything like it. And we will be thinking about him for a very long time.
Find everything Ken here:
https://kenkunken.com/
And then read, or better yet, listen to his book which you can buy at many retailers. "I Dream of Things That Never Were - the Ken Kunken Story"
Special shout out to our recent guest and Ken's cousin, Roy Danis, episode 225 and to Ken's wife, Anna, who helped make this interview possible.
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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We had a great time with Ivy Woolenberg — a freshman at Cornell’s Hotel School, Disney Bake-Off winner, and the creator behind the viral baking account Baked With Love by Ivy.
Ivy shares the baking fail that somehow turned into a 40-million-view video, how she started her baking business at just 11 years old, and what it’s like balancing Cornell life with a fast-growing social media brand.
Plus: behind-the-scenes secrets from Disney’s Magic Bake-Off, Ivy’s favorite food spots at Cornell (she knows the best ones), and a fun challenge where she invents desserts for Gen Z, midlife women, and even the 85+ crowd.
We loved her.
Here's where to find her on Instagram and TikTok:
@bakedwithlovebyivy
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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Why are New Yorkers lining up for gelato in SoHo?
In this episode, we talk with the entrepreneur behind RivaReno Gelato about the moment in Italy that sparked an obsession—and ultimately led him to bring authentic Italian gelato to New York City.
From discovering what real gelato tastes like, to opening a shop in one of the toughest restaurant markets in the world, he shares the story behind the scoop everyone is talking about.
Along the way we dive into the craft of gelato, the realities of building a food business, and why sometimes one unforgettable experience can change everything.
Mathew was a GREAT guest. See you at RivaReno!
Find everything about RivaReno here: https://www.rivareno.com/us/
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
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We had the joy of sitting down with Bill Nye the Science Guy to hear the story behind how he became the person who made Science feel fun, approachable, and even a little bit cool.
Long before the bow tie and the TV shows, Bill was a Cornell student taking a transformative class with Carl Sagan, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and discovering how humor and critical thinking could live in the same space.
He shares the unexpected turns that led him from Ithaca to becoming a voice that inspired generations, and reflects on what it meant to later receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Huge thanks to Scarlett Fu of Bloomberg TV for helping make this dream conversation happen.
It’s a reminder that the moments that shape your future often start as ordinary chapters you don’t yet realize will matter most.
Not sponsored by or affiliated with Cornell University
- Visa fler
