The Grahm Lives Podcast

Our guest this week thought he had a career path chosen when he entered Grahm, but when landed his first job he made a conscious decision to follow the money. Smart move, as he became a mover and a shaker and a real success maker in radio broadcasting. Hear the story of Gary Burns, Class of '69 when you press to play.

Grahm set this grad up for a long career in radio that has made him one of the more recognizable and respected voices in his market. I should know, I've been listening to him my whole adult life. Happy to call him a friend and colleague, meet Jim Gagliardi, Class of '69.

You never know where your chosen career might take you. We've heard from some broadcasting professionals who never strayed far from home and many others who left Kenmore Square and took their broadcasting careers around the world. This week's guest saw much of the country and left its shores for some television projects, as well. And despite a good, long conversation with some great stories, he says he left a lot out. Such is the life of Peter Zawistowski, Class of '74.

You'll hear about a full circle moment in our guest's life this week. And Grahm Junior College helped make that happen. It's not often we find a love of something early in our lives and then get to share that love with others later in life, but it's happened to this week's guest. He's been known by many names in his radio career, but entered into GJC as Steve Sugarman, Class of '70.

Here comes another example of success after college that takes a path never expected. It doesn't mean their college education went to waste, it was just applied in ways not imagined while attending school. And in this case, we're all the better for it. You've enjoyed his alumni newsletter stories for years now. Today, you get to know how all that came about, as you listen to Scott Smith, Class of '72.

Here's another Grahm story that takes a couple of twists and turns you don't see coming. It's also a first-person account of our campus as it was and what it became during our guest's tenure in Kenmore Square. Relax and enjoy another unique story of a life, this week from Matthew Hasson, Class of '78.

Before Grahm Junior College earned its reputation as a broadcasting school, it had established itself as the Cambridge School of Business, and prepared many students for careers in business related professions. For my first non-broadcasting-major interview in this series, I'm happy to introduce Doreen Lopes-Smith, Class of '69.

Here's another Grahm grad who credits one of his teachers for getting him on the right track and giving him his first taste of the broadcasting business from the inside. His launch from Kenmore Square propelled him into the universe of radio news gathering, reporting and editing in a major market. Learn more during my conversation with Chris Camp, Class of '78.

This week's guest's career journey begs the question, "Can a small town boy from Maine find success and happiness in the competitive television cameraman industry?" With a little help from some terrific Grahm Junior College teachers and a friend or two along the way, you'll find the answer is a resounding yes. Here's the story as told by Dale West, Class of '76

Here's another classmate of mine who found a broadcasting path from Grahm to Europe and then a quiet but busy life in Vermont. How his unique story unfolds is another great journey. Have fun getting to know Joel O'Brien, class of '72.