Owl Talk - A Sigma Pi Podcast

In this episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Dr. Dawn Wiese, COO of FRMT and leading researcher on the fraternity experience. With data from the Foundation for Fraternal Excellence, Dr. Wiese shares how research is challenging outdated narratives and proving what many brothers already know: fraternity men are more likely to graduate, lead, intervene in moments of crisis, and thrive after college. She also explains how this research is influencing campus policies, reversing deferred recruitment, and strengthening the case for fraternity life – at a time when it’s needed more than ever.

In this episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Mike Long (Oakland ’03), Chairman of the Sigma Pi Educational Foundation. Mike shares his journey from Zeta-Pi Chapter to Chapter Advisor, Province Archon, and now Foundation Chairman, reflecting on the impact Sigma Pi had on his life and why he continues to give back. You’ll hear how the Foundation supports undergraduate scholarships, chapter educational funds, and sustainable leadership development across the Fraternity. Mike also explains recent changes that make it easier for every chapter to access these benefits, and how alumni can help strengthen the future of Sigma Pi by supporting education, mentorship, and purpose-driven giving.

Learn more about the Foundations of Sigma Pi at sigmapi.org/foundations

In our first Owl Talk of 2026, we’re joined by Dr. Kevin Carey (Bloomington, IL '09), Assistant Dean and Director of 4-H Youth Development at the University of Illinois Extension. Kevin shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to a career in student affairs and youth development, and how Sigma Pi played a pivotal role in shaping his path. From his early days at Epsilon-Gamma Chapter to his ongoing volunteer service with the Fraternity and Educational Foundation, Kevin reflects on what it means to lead, to serve, and to help others find their purpose. He also shares practical advice for alumni and undergraduates on officer transitions, mentorship, and sustaining strong chapters.

In this special bonus episode of Owl Talk, undergraduate leaders from across the country talk about the successes they achieved during their terms in office. Listen in as brothers from coast-to-coast share their accomplishments and talk about their hopes for their chapter's next executive councils. Also, this year-end wrap-up episode includes these young leaders talking about the Fraternity's new slogan and what it means to them.

Featuring:

Chase Norton (Wisconsin-Platteville '24)
Anthony Cona (Monmouth '23)
Michael Gudinas (Orlando, FL '22)
Gavin Cracchiola (Orlando, FL '24)
Kaufman (Wisconsin '24)
Alex Arriola (Arizona State '25)
Dayton McCann (Arizona State '23)
Sudin Dhakal (CSUDH '25)

In this episode of Owl Talk, we speak with Chase Calvarese (West Chester '25) and Owen Harris (West Chester '25) – newly elected officers at Zeta-Alpha Chapter at West Chester University. As first and fourth counselors, these undergraduate leaders share how they found their way to Sigma Pi, what motivates them to serve, and how the chapter is building momentum through philanthropy, accountability, and brotherhood. From Lift the Stigma to breast cancer fundraisers, you’ll hear how Zeta-Alpha is living out the “Find Your Purpose” message – and setting the stage for the next chapter of growth.

What’s it like to lead the oldest continuously operating chapter in Sigma Pi Fraternity? In this episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Gavin Lindsay ('24), Cody Waling ('24), and Jason Gottesman ('24) of Eta Chapter at Purdue University. With 113 years of uninterrupted brotherhood behind them, these chapter leaders talk about what sets Eta apart... from their historic house in the heart of campus to their standout chapter culture, strong alumni support, and commitment to service. You’ll hear about their signature philanthropy event (yes, it involves smashing a car), how they're navigating growth, and what “Find Your Purpose” means to them as student leaders.

On this episode of the Owl Talk podcast, we’re joined by three previous Sigma Pi scholarship recipients: Ryan Russell (Illinois State '22), Victor Verhil (Ferris State '21), and Jack Kerdasha (Georgia '19). They share their collegiate experiences, how meaningful the scholarship was to them, and words of wisdom for the next generation of Sigma Pi brothers.

In this special Veterans Day episode of Owl Talk, we sit down with Nick Zeisler (Colorado State ’93), founding father of Ada-Sigma Chapter and a veteran of more than 30 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. From writing to generals to stay in the military, to advising chapters in Texas and Colorado, Nick shares a impactful journey across military service, corporate America, and higher education. He reflects on leadership, adaptability, and the brotherhood that helped shape, and save, his career. You’ll also hear how Sigma Pi helped him find his purpose at every stage of life: as an undergraduate, an executive, a volunteer, and a mentor.

Join Owl Talk as we host Grand Sage Christian Miele (Towson '00) for his third fireside chat of the biennium. In this episode, GS Miele discusses the Grand Council traveling to visit chapters across the nation, chapter connection through programming, fall recruitment, Convocation planning, the Executive Director search, and much more!

Alexander Pettigrew (IUP ’18) shares his journey from campus leader to national staff member and now Vice President of Business Development for Sigma Pi Fraternity. In this episode, Alexander reflects on how his time as Sage of Theta-Epsilon Chapter and IFC Vice President prepared him for a career guiding chapter growth, recruitment, and educational programming. He also discusses the evolution of flagship initiatives like the Tony Siress Leadership Summit, Mid-Year Leadership Conference, and Sigma Pi Engage, and how leaning into opportunities, even when uncomfortable, can unlock new potential for members and the organization alike.