Owl Talk - A Sigma Pi Podcast

Trends in Higher Education with Dr. Matt Johnson (Saginaw Valley State '00)

The higher education landscape is changing by the day. Join us as Owl Talk learns from Dr. Matt Johnson (Saginaw Valley State '00) about the latest trends in the higher education industry that are impacting our chapters today and the future of Sigma Pi Fraternity tomorrow. In addition, learn about some of the volunteer work that Dr. Johnson is performing for Sigma Pi Fraternity to prepare us for the future!

Powerlifting with Tyler Sonnett (Middle Tennessee '23)

From coast-to-coast, many of our brothers enjoy staying healthy and active in the gym. In Middle Tennessee, though, one of our undergraduate brothers is taking that passion and turning it into competitive powerlifting victories! Join us as we interview Tyler Sonnett - a two division, 2024 National Champion powerlifter - and talk about his training routine, what powerlifting brings to his work at Theta-Omega Chapter, and more.

Founders' Day Special Livestream Event

In this special episode of Owl Talk, we bring you the audio from our 2025 Founders’ Day Livestream, featuring an insightful conversation with Past Grand Sage Joe Palazzolo (Monmouth ’00) and Grand Sage Christian Miele (Towson ’00).

Join us as we explore 128 years of our Fraternity's history, the values that have shaped our Brotherhood, and the lasting impact of Sigma Pi. Whether you missed the livestream or want to revisit this meaningful discussion, this episode is your chance to reflect on our Founders’ vision and celebrate the future we are building together.

The Women Who Support Us - Alyssa Salvesen

With Valentine's Day coming up, this week we're especially thankful for the women who support our Sigma Pi men. Join us as we talk to Alyssa Salvesen, who helped organize and promote the family activities during the San Antonio Convocation. As an alumna of Sigma Kappa, Alyssa provides us with her perspective on volunteering, how to manage a significant other while giving back to Sigma Pi, and more.

Founders' Month of Giving

In this episode, host Joe Palazzolo sits down with Chief Development Officer Paul Wydra and Senior Director of Development Jacob Camilleri to discuss the upcoming 2025 Founders' Month of Giving. Together, they explore the critical role donations play in supporting educational initiatives, leadership programs, and mental health advocacy efforts like Bonds of Brotherhood and Engage. Paul and Jacob share insights on the impact of donor contributions, exciting incentives like Sigma Pi swag giveaways, and how chapters can get involved in a little friendly competition to boost participation. Learn more and donate: give.sigmapi.org/FMOG25

Entrepreneurship with Giovanni Morales (Orlando, FL '22)

Learn about what it's like to be an entrepreneur from Giovonni Morales! In this episode, Giovonni takes you inside the struggles he faced as a college student, the lessons he learned from Sigma Pi Fraternity, and what ultimately led him to start Monkey Man Media in Tampa, Florida. Also, listen as Giovonni shares some advice that he's learned from his billionaire clients. 

Year End Wrap with GS Christian Miele

Join Grand Sage Christian Miele and special guest co-host Jack Madden as Owl Talk looks back at Sigma Pi Fraternity's biggest moments of 2024. In addition, GS Miele talks about some of the Fraternity's plans for 2025 and the conversation takes a short detour to talk about spikeball! All of this and more as Owl Talk wraps up 2024 in this special episode of the podcast.

Student Athletes - Collegiate Wrestling

This episode of Owl Talk is all about college wrestling! Host PGS Joe Palazzolo talks with Franny Gonzalez (East Stroudsburg '23) to talk about juggling leadership as his chapter's Fourth Counselor and competition. In addition, he talks to undergraduate athletes Luke Petaccia (Monmouth '22) and 2024 Guy "Red" Mackey Award winner John Dooley (Monmouth '23) to discuss their experiences in both building and competing for a new program. The discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of competing in wrestling, from navigating the unique demands of being part of a team to winning significant accolades. The brothers share personal stories about their wrestling careers, including wrestling through the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as managing the demands of college athletics alongside fraternity life. 

Alumni Volunteering with Bradley Poronsky (Texas '01)

In this episode of Owl Talk, host PGS Joe Palazzolo sits down with Brad Poronsky, a decorated JAG officer in the United States Air Force and the award-winning Chapter Advisor for Iota-Delta Chapter at UTSA. Brad shares his journey from his days as a student-athlete at the University of Texas, where he was part of the 2005 National Championship-winning football team, to his current roles as a military lawyer and a dedicated alumni volunteer for Sigma Pi.

Brad offers valuable insights on the importance of leadership, service, and building community through alumni volunteering. He reflects on his experiences mentoring undergraduate members, the lessons learned from his career and athletic accomplishments, and the immense impact of giving back. This conversation is filled with advice for Sigma Pi brothers, alumni, and undergraduates alike on how to stay involved and make a difference.

Alumni in Sports: Matt Healing (Monmouth '01)

In this episode of Owl Talk, Past Grand Sage Joe Palazzolo sits down with Matt Healing (Monmouth '01), the head coach of Pace University's men's basketball team and an alumnus of Delta-Beta Chapter at Monmouth University. Coach Healing shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey to becoming a successful collegiate basketball coach, including winning Pace's first-ever Northeast-10 Conference Championship. The two discuss the impact of fraternity life on leadership, the importance of mentorship, and the bond that connects Sigma Pi alumni well beyond their college years.