Elon Beyond the Bricks: A Podcast Hosted by President Connie Book
Welcome to Elon Beyond the Bricks, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Elon University to explore the stories, ideas and innovations shaping our community. Each episode, we’ll talk to inspiring individuals who are making a difference in the world, and we’ll explore the values and experiences that make Elon so special. We hope you’ll find stories that inspire and challenge you, and perhaps even spark new ideas of your own. Join us as we dive into conversations that go beyond the classroom and into the lives of our remarkable students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff.
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Episodes
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Join us for an engaging discussion with Ryan Vet '13, an entrepreneur, USA Today bestselling author, and international speaker. He has advised Fortune 500 companies and mentored entrepreneurs on leadership, generational dynamics and personal branding. Hear what Ryan has to say about these topics and more!
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Wednesday May 28, 2025
Join President Connie Book and Professor Alexis Franzese as they discuss the science of happiness, authenticity, and how to build a life of meaning and purpose - including lessons learned from Disney! Dr. Alexis Franzese serves as associate professor of sociology and chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Elon University. Her most recent publication is a volume she co-edited with Dr. Jill Peterfeso of Guilford College called, "Why the Magic Matters: Discovering Disney as a Laboratory for Learning." It is set for release in August 2025.
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
Join President Connie Book as she sits down with the incredible Zora Stephenson '15—trailblazing sports broadcaster and storyteller. From the NBA sidelines to the Olympics and beyond, Zora shares her journey, her passions, and what it means to lead with purpose in today's media landscape.
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Tuesday Apr 01, 2025
Join the conversation as Barrett Wilbert Weed '11 and Elon University President Connie Book discuss Barrett's journey from Elon to starring in Heathers and Mean Girls on Broadway, how she’s grown personally and professionally in the spotlight, and a sneak peek into her very own solo show. Note: This episode discusses topics related to mental health, including anxiety and depression. Please listen at your own discretion and seek support if needed.
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Join host President Connie Book as she discusses leadership, emotional reciprocity and other life lessons with Dave Porter P'11 P'19, chair of Elon University's Board of Trustees.
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Join us as President Connie Book interviews Jon Seaton, a member of Elon University's Class of 2023 and former member of the football team, as he discusses his journey as a social media persona in the age of Name, Image and Likeness.