On this episode of As Spiders Do, Amaya Jones, Assistant Director of Alumni Networks, speaks with Diana McKenney, '16 (née Reighart), who shares how campus helped shape their understanding of gender, identity, and community. Diana reflects on discovering they were non-binary, advocating for gender-inclusive housing, and what it means to live proudly and authentically every day. Their story is a powerful reminder that self-acceptance and community care can create lasting change.

Editing by Amaya Jones, Assistant Director, Alumni Networks and Maggie Johnson Apostolov, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Vincent Olivieri, '98 shares how a Richmond education shaped a lifelong creative path from math major to sound designer and composer. He reflects on the unexpected lessons that stuck with him, the role of empathy and “the next right thing” in a nonlinear career, and how U of R’s curiosity-driven community helped launch a life of making, teaching, and exploring new ideas.

Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Amaya Jones, Assistant Director of Alumni Networks, speaks with Greg Morley, R'88 about his journey from University of Richmond to a 25-year international career, and how curiosity, optimism, and lived experience shaped his work in human resources, inclusion, and belonging. He also shares how those lessons led him to write about resilience, identity, and the importance of building community that lasts beyond a single moment.

Learn more about Greg's books and work at https://gregmorley.com/.

Editing by Maggie Johnson Apostolov, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Mike Gray, '06 and Andrew Ryan, '06, reflect on how their friendship grew from campus volunteer work into a long-running professional partnership built on trust, service, and shared values. They also share how their college experience shaped their careers and how their new podcast, The Midlife Guys, uses humor and honesty to explore the challenges and rewards of midlife while staying grounded in community and human connection.

Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Christine Keeley, W'85 discusses how her path from economics and corporate healthcare into photography, brand strategy, and storytelling was anything but linear. She shares how family, community, and collaboration shaped her journey, and how she now blends creativity and technology to help brands tell more meaningful stories.

Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

On this episode of As Spiders Do, Matt Scoletti, '06 explores how his University of Richmond experience shaped his growth, from finding community on campus to learning the power of asking for help. He also shares the life-changing moments that pushed him toward sobriety, endurance racing, and a purpose-driven life centered on helping others challenge themselves and reach their full potential.

Check out Matt's podcast, Challenges Build Champions, wherever you found this podcast.

Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

Reunion Weekend is a favorite alumni tradition. But did you know that students are integral to making the weekend happen? In this episode, Clayvon Grimes, ’25 share about his experience as a Reunion Student Ambassador (RSA). Get an inside look at Reunion Weekend as Clayvon discusses the responsibilities, memorable moments, and the unique activities that make the RSA program a cornerstone of Reunion.

Learn more about Reunion Weekend at reunion.richmond.edu.

Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

In this episode of As Spiders Do, join Amaya Jones, Assistant Director of Alumni Networks as she discusses the power of community with Jocelyn Blizzard, ’05. Jocelyn’s journey, which spans politics, philanthropy, and higher education, reveals how strategic partnership and unwavering advocacy can transform isolated efforts into powerful, lifelong connections. Jocelyn’s story is a masterclass in advocacy, adaptability, and the transformative strength of belonging.

Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

Valentine’s Day is here, and this special episode of As Spiders Do shines a spotlight on two couples who have been together since their time at the University of Richmond. Tune in to hear these Spider couples' stories of college beginnings, deep connections, and how their love has grown over the years. Whether you're single, taken, or simply a hopeless romantic, come celebrate enduring love and lasting bonds forged at UR.

Thank you to Chris Cosgrove, '11, Nicole Prunetti Cosgrove, '11, and Sarah Muller, '97 for sharing your stories!

Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director, Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Sound Effect by freesound_community and music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

On this episode of As Spiders Do, tune into our interview with Krystle Voss, C'13 as she discusses her journey of founding Resolution Winery. Hear how she transformed a pandemic hobby into a successful business by navigating complex regulations, building a supportive community, and trusting practical next steps. Discover her insights on overcoming challenges, scaling with confidence, and turning passion into profit. This interview took place as part of our Curated Conversation event series.

Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

Billy Howland, R'82, P'22, has always had a passion for barbecue that began with Richmond's Pig Roast tradition. What started as a family legacy has now blossomed into a thriving local brand: Billy's Slapp'n Sauce. In this episode, we dive into Billy’s journey and explore the entrepreneurial shift he made in mid-life. Joined by his daughter Morgan Howland, '22, we uncover how her background in journalism helped shape their brand’s marketing and product development. Together, they share some great lessons on turning a passion into a product, using secret recipes, and why community matters so much in business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or just love good food, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical tips to help you turn a simple passion into a successful venture.

Learn more about Billy's Slapp'n Sauce here: https://www.billysslappnsauce.com/

Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

Join us as we catch up with past guests of As Spiders Do, where they share the latest chapters of their lives. From career milestones and personal growth to unexpected twists and new passions, these podcast alumni reveal how their journeys have evolved since we last spoke. Tune in to hear how the story continues - because at UR, the connections never end and our webs keep growing.

Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

Join Nina Rogers and Adam Hake, both Class of 2011, as they reflect on their unexpected journeys from college to their current roles at Foster Made. Discover how their shared experiences and friendships have shaped their careers and personal lives, and explore the importance of curiosity and exploration in their professional paths. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the value of relationships, the evolving tech industry, and the unique community they've built in Richmond.

Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Spider alumni who’ve turned bold ideas into thriving businesses. Rich Mitchell, '95 and Claude Diggs, '03 share the stories behind their brands, the challenges they’ve faced, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Tune in for an inspiring look at the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to shape the Spider community.

Check out Rich Mitchell Creative, Small Big Dog Naturals, and all of our Spider Owned Businesses!

Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

In this episode of As Spiders Do, join SiwantaThapa, '23 as he shares his journey from Nepal to the University of Richmond and Columbia University. Discover how Siwanta navigated cultural transitions, embraced his identity, and found community and mentorship in unexpected places. From excellence to personal growth, this episode explores the balance between planning and discovery, and the importance of authenticity and self-care. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about finding one's place in the world and the power of diverse experiences.

Editing by Stephanie Moki, '26, Alumni Engagement Student Assistant. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

In this episode of As Spiders Do, we’re catching up with some of our recent graduates — alumni who are just a few years out of Richmond, navigating life after college and making their mark in the world. From launching careers to pursuing further education, and discovering new passions along the way, they’ll share their honest reflections, challenges, and triumphs since leaving campus.

Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

This episode of As Spiders Do explores the unique journey of Sam Widdoes, '08, who balances a career in law with his work as a film producer. His diverse background led to the creation of As We Speak, an award-nominated documentary that was inspired by UR professor, Erik Nielson's work as an expert witness in trials where rap artists' lyrics are used as evidence. Together, we discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of amplifying voices that need to be heard, and the impact of just showing up.

Check out Sam's documentary, As We Speak: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30291991/

Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

UR doesn’t run itself—it takes a dedicated team working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. In today’s episode, we’re shining a light on some of the unsung heroes who make this university feel a little bit more like home. Managing the day-to-day operations isn't easy, but our guests do it with grace and efficiency.

Music by Wahyuddin and sound effects from Pixabay. This episode was edited and produced by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional and Young Graduate Engagement. 

Being a Richmond Spider means "we live excellence while never forgetting others." Wise words from this month's interviewee, Imani Esparza-Pitman, '09! Tune in to hear Imani's story, from growing up in Richmond, to traveling the world, to becoming a local entrepreneur!

Check out Imani's company, I Kale Life: https://www.ikalelife.com/

Editing by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional & Young Grad Engagement. Episode music by FASSounds from Pixabay.

Nominate someone to be on our show by emailing alumni@richmond.edu.

Ever wondered who's behind Richmond's storytelling efforts? Or who puts on the amazing performances in Modlin? Or who makes some of the amazing campus events happen? On today's episode, hear from Spider alums working to make all the great Richmond events and stories happen. Each brings a unique perspective on the work that keeps UR vibrant and connected—from crafting the university’s public voice to producing thought-provoking events and performances.

Learn more about opportunities to give back at giving.richmond.edu.

Music by Wahyuddin and sound effects from Pixabay. This episode was edited and produced by Maggie Johnson, '18, Associate Director of Regional and Young Graduate Engagement.