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

Jana Lynn Patterson on Leadership, Legacy and a Life in Student Development

In this episode of “Elon Beyond the Bricks”, President Connie Ledoux Book sits down with Jana Lynn Patterson, Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Student Health & Well-Being, as she reflects on nearly four decades of leadership at Elon University. Known to generations of students as “Dean P,” Patterson shares insights on mentorship, servant leadership, and the evolution of student life, while discussing the relationships and values that have defined her career as she prepares for retirement.
 
 

Dr. Corinne Auman '97 P'29 on Redefining Aging and 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 and 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 experiences led him to focus on values-based leadership and purposeful reinvention.

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 opinion research.

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 preparation, adaptability, and discipline required to step into a major production so early in his career. He reflects on the training, mentorship, and community at Elon that helped equip him for the opportunity and continue to support him as he builds his life and career in New York City.

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

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 prepared him for the fast-paced world of broadcast journalism.

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

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.

Natalie Lampert '11 on Fulbright and 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.