Stern Chats

Latest Episodes:

Passing the Torch May 06, 2026

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It’s the final episode of the season! And in this episode, outgoing President Mridula Rajagopal and Community VP Sailey Thomasi pass the torch to incoming President John Schuberth and Production VP Olivia Manousos. The group reflects on the evolution of Stern Chats, the moments that shaped this season, and their hopes for where the club goes next. Join us in closing out another incredible season of Stern Chats — and we’ll see you all in the fall. Hosts: Mridula Rajagopal and Sailey Thomasi Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal, Sailey Thomasi Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Apr 30, 2026

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In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, our latest episode unpacks the relationship between cultural heritage, identity, and professional growth at Stern. Host Katherine Jiang, ABS Co-President, sits down with Walsh Kang, ABS VP of Career Development, and Tony Vu, ABS Member, to discuss the moments, challenges, and connections that have defined their journeys, and how cultural identity continues to shape who they are as future business leaders. Host: Katherine Jiang Produced by: Alex Cheung Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

Follies: Off Script Apr 16, 2026

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In this episode of Stern Chats, hosts Claire Chuff and Omar Garcia are joined by Co-President Namankita Rana and Chief of Staff Thomas Dols to get into what it really takes to bring Follies to life. From auditions and rehearsals to everything happening behind the scenes, they talk about the time, energy, and collaboration that go into the show—and why so many people, creatives or not, choose to be part of it. It’s a look at how the Stern community comes together—and a fun way to close out the school year. Hosts: Claire Chuff and Omar Garcia Produced by: Claire Chuff and Omar Garcia Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

EMBA...Unplugged Apr 02, 2026

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In this episode of Stern Chats, host Traiana Boyer Tretter is joined by Rivka Meir, Laura Geron, and Christina Kelly for a look inside Stern’s Executive MBA program. With warmth, humor, and honesty, they share what it’s like to balance demanding careers with graduate school while applying what they learn in real time. From leadership growth to new perspectives, they reflect on how the EMBA journey has shaped both their professional and personal lives—offering a glimpse into a part of the Stern community that many full-time students don’t often get to experience. Host: Traiana Boyer Tretter Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

A Path Defined by Purpose Mar 25, 2026

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In this episode of Stern Chats, host Tommy Durst sits down with fellow veteran Brenden Mott for a conversation that feels like catching up with an old friend. Brenden shares his journey from college athlete to military service, and ultimately to NYU Stern, reflecting on the moments and mindset shifts that shaped his path. Together, Tommy and Brenden explore what it means to transition between such different worlds, the lessons that carry across them, and how unconventional paths can lead to some of the most meaningful growth. Host: Tommy Durst Produced by: Tommy Durst Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

Women at Work Mar 12, 2026

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In honor of Women’s History Month, hosts Sim Ahuja and Allana Akhtar sit down with Alia Hakim and Paulina Sideris for an open and honest conversation about what it looks like to navigate professional spaces as women. From advocating for yourself to building strong networks and growing into leadership roles, the group reflects on the moments that have shaped their professional paths and the perspectives they’ve developed through their experiences. Host: Allana Akhtar, Sim Ahuja Produced by: Allana Akthar, Sim Ahuja Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

MBA1 Takeover Mar 04, 2026

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MBA1s are in the house! In this episode of Stern Chats, host Olivia Manousos sits down with Simran Nijhawan and Clair Shin for a pulse check on how their first year at Stern is going. From favorite courses to recruiting and everything in between, they reflect on the highs, challenges, and surprises of MBA1 life so far. Whether you're considering an MBA or just curious about what life at Stern looks like day-to-day, this episode offers a candid look at the MBA1 experience. Host: Olivia Manousos Produced by: Olivia Manousos Edited by: Alex Cheung Music by: Jesse Han

Alternate Paths: Beyond Traditional Recruiting Feb 25, 2026

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Not all careers follow a straight line. In this episode of Stern Chats, hosts Alisha Agrawal and Jordan Guillory sit down with Katie Connell and Emma Elsbecker as they share stories on forging their own paths, the risks they took, and what they learned along the way. Hosts: Alisha Agrawal & Jordan Guillory Produced by: Mridula Rajagopal Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

Love, Life, & The MBA: A Valentine's Day Special Feb 13, 2026

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Love is in the syllabus this week! In this episode of Stern Chats, host Kristen Brown sits down with Hop Mathews, Traiana Tretter, and Anna Ballate for an honest conversation on managing relationships alongside the demands of business school. From mid-semester wedding planning to partner support systems, they reflect on how their Stern journeys are strengthened by the people cheering them on behind the scenes. Host: Kristen Brown Produced by: Kristen Brown Edited by: Mridula Rajagopal Music by: Jesse Han

Leading with Purpose: Student Entrepreneurship with Freddy Mbari Dec 04, 2025

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In our final episode of the semester, host Jordan Guillory sits down with student entrepreneur Frederick Mbari to explore his remarkable journey - from taking bold risks and becoming an investor, to building ventures with friends and raising two young men (with another on the way), Freddy exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. He also shares how Milima Tea went from an idea to a fast-growing brand, and why building it has become one of his most exciting bets yet. Host: Jordan Guillory Produced by: Jordan Guillory Edited by: Alex Cheung, Sailey Thomasi Music by: Jesse Han

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