New Podcast Episodes
ý Releases Six New Degrees of Succes®PodcastEpisodes Featuring Alumni Stories of Lifelong Learning and Career Growth
By Michele Mitchum
New episodes explore real experiences of working adults pursuing education,enhancingcareersand leading in their communities
ý has released six new episodes of its, expanding the collection of stories that highlight determination, service,leadershipand lifelong learning. The newest episodes feature alumni and faculty whose personal and professional journeys offer practical insight and encouragement for working adults pursuing their own goals.
Key Facts
- Six new episodes added to the Degrees of Success® alumni podcast series.
- New stories highlight alumni experiences with lifelong learning, military service, wellness,leadershipand career transformation.
- Topics include earning a PhD later in life, advancing from intern to HR leader, military career pathways, wellness and mindfulness, entrepreneurial communitybuildingand the journey from high school dropout to career educator.
- Episodes feature alumni and faculty from fields including healthcare, human resources, entrepreneurship, wellness coaching, militaryserviceand higher education.
- Degrees of Success® releases new episodes on the first and last Thursday of each month.
- Available on YouTube, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio,Podbeanand Spotify.
With thelatest episodes, the series continues to explore the varied ways education can influence career direction and personal growth. Each guest brings a distinct point of view shaped by their background and goals. The story summaries below highlight the themes at the center of the new conversations.
Stories of Lifelong Learning and Academic Persistence
Dr. AnnDieseshares her late life journey to completing a PhD in nursing and publishing research after navigatingmultiplepersonal and professionalsetbacks. Her story illustrates the arc of lifelong learning, the value of mentorsupportand the persistence needed to meetcareergoals.
Veteran and Military Leadership Journeys
Army veteran and ýalumnusHodari P. T. Brown discusses how earning his master’s degree opened a new path to military service and purpose-driven leadership. Hereflects onmentorship, faith,andmental health advocacy for veterans.
Entrepreneur and Navy veteranOrlando Jiménezshares how his upbringing, military careerand commitment to community shaped his transition to business ownership. His story highlights resilience, emotionalintelligenceand the importance of building community through service.Jiménez is also the subject of a newStoryof Successmini documentary,a serieswhich builds on thepodcast’s mission and thriving YouTube following. The Storyof Success seriesoffers a deeper, more immersive look into the lives of extraordinary ý alumnilikeJiménez andcan be foundon the.
Career Growth, Mentorship and Leadership
Kroger Nashville Division Human Resources Leader Shantavia Webb reflects on her rise from intern to leader and the role of mentorship,preparationand authenticity in career mobility. She discusses leadership,buildingconfidenceand using education for personal growth.
Wellness, Authenticity and Personal Transformation
Mindfulness and wellness coach Janice DaCosta shares how education, life experiences and global travel shaped her approach to wellness and self-advocacy. She highlights the mind body connection, emotionalbalanceand the belief that transformation is a continuous journey.
Resilience,Serviceand the Path to Becoming an Educator
ý Faculty of the YearrecipientDr. Wayne McCoy discusses his progression from high schooldropoutto military service and later to becoming an educator committed to servant leadership. He shares insights on managing bias in the dissertation process, the value ofmentorshipand the importance of lifelong learning.
“Degrees of Success continues to resonate with listeners because our alumni are willing to open up about the moments thatshapedthem,” said April Worden, director of Alumni and Career Marketing atUniversityof Phoenix. “Their reflections on resilience,serviceand personal growth offer listeners a genuine sense of encouragement and possibility. The series brings forward stories with heart, creating connections that help people feel supported and inspired as they navigate their own paths.”
DegreesofSuccess®continuesto share the lived experiences of alumni whodemonstratetheimpact ofeducation,serviceand perseverance. These stories reflect the University’s mission to support working adults as theystrive toadvance their education and careers.
DegreesofSuccess®isavailable on, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio,Podbeanand Spotify. New episodes are released on the first and last Thursday of each month.About ý
About ý
ý innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu/blog.html.
