Podcasts about Darden

On this week's Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the latest restaurant industry news, including KFC's new Open House prototype, McDonald's massive NEXT initiative, and Darden's impressive results across its portfolio. First up is KFC, which introduced its Open House prototype at a new location outside Dallas last week. Alicia toured the new location and reported on how the prototype enhances everything from hospitality and menu innovation to operations and the digital experience, and she and Sam discuss how this could be transformative for the fried chicken chain. Next they turn to McDonald's, which unveiled details around its $8.5 billion NEXT initiative. Not unlike KFC's prototype, the NEXT initiative is a comprehensive retooling of the McDonald's operation, just at a much more massive scale. Sam and Alicia explore the various components of NEXT and what's at stake for McDonald's in its transformation. They then shift to the full-service world, where they unpack recent performance from Darden Restaurants and Cracker Barrel. For its part, Darden reported growth across all of its portfolio brands, while Cracker Barrel is still negative despite new CEO David Deno saying it's “on the right track." Sam and Alicia dive into the results and what they mean for both companies and the broader full-service landscape. For more on these stories: KFC unveils 'Open House' prototype as a centerpiece of its U.S. comeback planInside McDonald's massive 'Next' evolution strategyCyclospora outbreak put a damper on Olive Garden's summer

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we catch up with two Darden faculty members, Professors Rob Phillips and Manel Baucells. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with Rob and Manel about Darden's PhD program. They discuss the structure and philosophy of the program, what makes Darden's program distinctive, how someone might know if pursuing a PhD may be right for them and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we catch up with two Darden faculty members, Professors Rob Phillips and Manel Baucells. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with Rob and Manel about Darden's PhD program. They discuss the structure and philosophy of the program, what makes Darden's program distinctive, how someone might know if pursuing a PhD may be right for them and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special episode of The Georgia Politics Podcast, we remember the life and legacy of Ben Jones with former Congressman Buddy Darden. Darden reflects on his longtime friend and colleague, sharing personal stories and memories of Jones and discussing his impact on Georgia politics and public life. The conversation looks back at Jones' career, the people and political battles that shaped his life, and the lasting impression he left on those who knew him. It's a conversation about friendship, public service and the remarkable life of Ben Jones. Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast, HERE. Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1 Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network. #gapol

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Justin Powers. Justin is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and we chat with him about his science background, his decision to pursue an MBA, what led him to Darden, what he enjoys about the case method, his interest in venture capital and biotech and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Jasmine Latour. Jasmine is a student in Darden's Part-Time MBA Class of 2028, and we recently caught up with her about her decision to pursue an MBA, what led her to Darden, navigating the program as a new mom, what she's looking forward to in the months ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Dr. Tracey Hoke. Dr. Hoke is trained as a Pediatrician and Pediatric Cardiologist, and she is the inaugural health Chair, Innovation in Healthcare Operations at UVA Health. We talk with Dr. Hoke about her medical career, what led her to Darden, the courses she teaches – Challenges in Healthcare and Solutions in Healthcare – her advice for prospective MBA students considering a career in healthcare, what makes Charlottesville an attractive destination for biotech and life sciences firms, and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Dr. Tracey Hoke. Dr. Hoke is trained as a Pediatrician and Pediatric Cardiologist, and she is the inaugural health Chair, Innovation in Healthcare Operations at UVA Health. We talk with Dr. Hoke about her medical career, what led her to Darden, the courses she teaches – Challenges in Healthcare and Solutions in Healthcare – her advice for prospective MBA students considering a career in healthcare, what makes Charlottesville an attractive destination for biotech and life sciences firms, and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special edition of our podcast as part of our ongoing Admissions Director Q&A series, Senior Assistant Dean for Admissions at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, Willie Green, digs into the MBA program and admissions.

In this special edition of the podcast, we catch up with Nikki Hastings. Nikki is President of CvilleBioHub, an organization founded in 2016 focused on connecting founders, scientists, and investors across Central Virginia, helping life sciences and medtech companies commercialize and grow. We talk with Nikki about what attracted her to the life sciences industry, the biotech scene in Charlottesville, what she's looking forward to in the months ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special edition of the podcast, we catch up with Nikki Hastings. Nikki is President of CvilleBioHub, an organization founded in 2016 focused on connecting founders, scientists, and investors across Central Virginia, helping life sciences and medtech companies commercialize and grow. We talk with Nikki about what attracted her to the life sciences industry, the biotech scene in Charlottesville, what she's looking forward to in the months ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Gaby Siem. Gaby is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and she is also the President of Darden's Graduate Women in Business club. We talk with Gaby about her decision to pursue an MBA, what led her to Darden, how she's spending her summer, her plans for GWIB in the year ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

Jeff Shaw was an overweight former bodybuilder when he used a program taught to him by trainer and author Ellington Darden. Hear Jeff's story and if you like you can find his before and after photos in Darden's book, Killing Fat.

Andrew joined Disney Vacation Club in 2008 by purchasing at Animal Kingdom Villas. Shortly after buy-in, addonitis kicked in, and the Darden family purchased a second contract on the resale market at Old Key West. Later on, Disney cruises, he added on at Boulder Ridge and Copper Creek Cabins and Villa. We've included some of […]

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Willie Green. Willie is the new Senior Assistant Dean of Admissions at the Darden School of Business, and we talk with him about his background, what he enjoys about admissions, what attracted him to the role, and his advice for prospective students. Willie also shares insights and tips about the recently launched Full-Time MBA application. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

The applications for Darden's Executive MBA and Part-Time MBA classes enrolling August 2027 are now live! To mark the occasion, we catch up with Zoe Mayfield Boykin, Associate Dean of Admissions, Professional Degree Programs, to talk about this year's applications, guidance on application timing, how a Darden interview works, what happens after an applicant presses submit on their application and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Akshada Shrotri. Akshada is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and she is also VP of Admissions for Darden's Graduate Women in Business (GWIB) club and the VP of Marketing for the Darden South Asia Society (DSAS). We talk with Akshada about her background, what brought her to Darden, the role second year students play in supporting first year students at Darden, what motivated her to serve as a student leader and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

The Bulldogs coach previews his team's 2026 season

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Deborah Agoye. Deborah is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and she is also the President of Darden's Black Business Student Association (BBSA). We talk with Deborah about her decision to pursue an MBA, what led her to Darden, how she plans to spend her summer, her plans for BBSA in the year ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

Bonus Episode for Aug. 5. Restaurant chains this quarter are focusing on affordability and trying to bounce back from food-safety scares. WSJ reporter Heather Haddon discusses what's going on at McDonald's, Chipotle and Taco Bell owner Yum Brands, and why consumers are so interested in drinks like dirty sodas. WSJ reporter Laura Cooper hosts this special bonus episode of What's News in Earnings, where we dig into companies' earnings to find out what's going on under the hood of the American economy. Sign up for the WSJ's free Markets A.M. newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Juan Manuel Rozas and Krishna Rajesh. Juan Manuel and Krishna are recent graduates in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, and we chat with them about their background, moving to the United States to pursue an MBA, how their career goals evolved during their time in Darden, how B-Speak, a personalized English language coaching service, helped them with their onboarding experience, their advice for prospective students and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Professor Shane Dikolli. Dikolli is a member of the Darden's Accounting faculty, and his primary research interests focus on the performance evaluation of CEOs spanning both analytical modeling and empirical analysis. We talk with Dikolli about his background, what led him to Darden, why he's so interested in CEO performance, the Darden Worldwide Course he leads to Australia, his Strategic Costing elective and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Professor Shane Dikolli. Dikolli is a member of the Darden's Accounting faculty, and his primary research interests focus on the performance evaluation of CEOs spanning both analytical modeling and empirical analysis. We talk with Dikolli about his background, what led him to Darden, why he's so interested in CEO performance, the Darden Worldwide Course he leads to Australia, his Strategic Costing elective and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Haley Mendlin. Haley is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and she applied to Darden through the Future Year Scholars Program, Darden's deferred enrollment program. She is also VP of Finance for the Healthcare Club and serves on the Darden Disability Alliance. We talk with her about her decision to apply to Darden, what she's enjoyed about learning through the case method, her interest in healthcare and what the Healthcare Club has planned for the year ahead, how she's spending her summer, and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Tomás Bicudo. Tomás is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and he is also the President of Darden's Latin American Student Association (LASA). We talk with Tomás about his decision to pursue an MBA, what led him to Darden, his role on the GenAI student advisory board, serving as a tutor for the Global Economies and Market course, brewing beer with Three Notch'd Brewery as part of Darden's School of Brew student organization and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Pauline Jaffe. Pauline is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and she also applied to Darden through the Future Year Scholars Program, Darden's deferred enrollment program. We talk with her about her decision to pursue an MBA, how she decided when to start her MBA program, how she explored her career goals and interests during her first year, her plans for this summer and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Dan Levetown. Dan is a recent graduate in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2026, and we talk with him about his decision to pursue an MBA, what led him to Darden, his cleaning start-up, Refresh Routine, his favorite courses at Darden, his recommendations for things to do in Charlottesville and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Julia Boyer. Julia a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and she has a number of leadership roles – VP of Finance, Consulting Club, VP of Women's Engagement, Golf Club, VP of Career and Alumni Engagement, Graduate Women in Business (GWIB), and Forte Ambassador. We talk with Julia about her background, her decision to pursue an MBA, what motivated her to take on leadership roles during her second year, her recommendations for visitors to Charlottesville and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Alem Bello. Alem is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and he is also the Admissions representative for the Darden African Business Organization (DABO). We talk with Alem about his decision to pursue an MBA, coming to the U.S. to study at Darden, the role DABO played in his MBA research process, what he's enjoyed about life in Charlottesville, his plans for the summer and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

During this episode, Managing Director of Admissions Brett Twitty shares five tips for Executive MBA applicants targeting Darden's July 10 deadline. During this episode, Brett shares advice for approaching the application, demonstrating your academic readiness through your application, choosing a recommender, navigating the Darden interview and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Hannah Cho. Hannah is a student in our Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and she is the President of Darden's Marketing and General Management Club. We talk with Hannah about her background in the beauty industry, her decision to pursue an MBA, her plans for this summer, what she's looking forward to in her second year and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Kelly Okun. Kelly is a graduate in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2025, and she is currently running her venture, Fairway to Green, an equitable media company covering the worlds of men's and women's golf. We talk with Kelly with what's she been up to since graduating, winning the Kathryne Carr award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, how Fairway to Green has grown since her time in Charlottesville, what she's looking forward to in the months ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Matt Dunovant. Matt is a student in our Executive MBA Class of 2027, and we talk with him about his background, what led him to pursue an MBA, his current entrepreneurial venture, his experience in UVA's Entrepreneurship Cup (E-Cup) and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Professor Anthony Palomba. Palomba is a member of the Data Analytics Decision Sciences faculty area at Darden, and he teaches Data Storytelling and Media & Entertainment Business to MBA, MSBA, and Executive MBA students. A media scholar specializing in machine learning, causal inference, and applied econometrics, Palomba explores how audiences engage with entertainment content and how technology is transforming competition across the media, advertising, and gaming industries. Prior to academia, he led research for global media and technology companies including HBO, Facebook, CNN, Fox Sports 1, Sesame Street, and NBCUniversal/Comcast. He continues to consult for GBK Collective, working on projects with primarily FAANG clients. We talk with Palomba about what led him to Darden, the elective courses he teaches at Darden, the storylines he's following across the media and gaming industries and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

Domino's incoming CEO sees the pizza chain as a brand in progress. Business is booming at LongHorn Steakhouse. And Starbucks wants some employees to create TikTok content, and share in the ad revenue.

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Professor Anthony Palomba. Palomba is a member of the Data Analytics Decision Sciences faculty area at Darden, and he teaches Data Storytelling and Media & Entertainment Business to MBA, MSBA, and Executive MBA students. A media scholar specializing in machine learning, causal inference, and applied econometrics, Palomba explores how audiences engage with entertainment content and how technology is transforming competition across the media, advertising, and gaming industries. Prior to academia, he led research for global media and technology companies including HBO, Facebook, CNN, Fox Sports 1, Sesame Street, and NBCUniversal/Comcast. He continues to consult for GBK Collective, working on projects with primarily FAANG clients. We talk with Palomba about what led him to Darden, the elective courses he teaches at Darden, the storylines he's following across the media and gaming industries and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

Market update for June 25, 2026. Check out the Public app for incredible investing tools and to support the show (LINK)Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today's episode, Zaid covers:Oil prices falling back near pre-Iran war levels and what that could mean for inflationMicron's monster earnings and why it may have just saved the AI tradeQualcomm pops on AI data center pushWendy's meme-stock rally stays alive Darden falls on Olive Garden weaknessFun Fact: CEO pay hitting record high

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. While activity for this season is winding down, HBS and Chicago / Booth are scheduled to release their deferred admissions decisions, this upcoming week. We do still anticipate a little more waitlist movement in the weeks ahead. Graham noted that Clear Admit is planning its MBA Essay Workshop events series that is scheduled for July 21 and 22, and July 28 and 29. These events will bring together the majority of the top MBA programs to discuss both their written essay prompts as well as their video essays. Clear Admit is also hosting a special webinar event for international students, scheduled for July 16. This webinar will explore the value of a U.S. based MBA for international students, as well as the logistics of moving to the United States. Signups for all events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham highlighted three MBA news stories from this past week. UNC / Kenan Flagler opened a new building for its business school. Emory / Goizueta has installed a new dean. GMAC is rolling out a mechanism which allows applicants to share a test score that combines their best efforts on the different sections of the test, from multiple tests. Graham also shared two admissions tips that Clear Admit recently published. The first focuses on the importance of the b-school campus environment, when considering target programs. The second details how to address employment gaps. Clear Admit has begun its Adcom Q&A series for this upcoming season. This week Graham noted Q&As from Emory / Goizueta, ASU / Carey and CIEBS. Finally, Graham continued with the Real Humans Alumni series. This week focuses on three alumni: Tuck / Goldman Sachs, Yale / Bain and IMD / Amazon. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected two ApplyWire entries and one DecisionWire entry. This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Brazil and wants to pivot from Big 4 to MBB consulting. They still need to take the GMAT. This week's second MBA applicant is from India and has a 334 GRE score. They have military experience. They need to further develop their post MBA goals. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between Darden, Tuck and Yale. They are targeting MBB consulting. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Jingjing Li. Jingjing is an Associate Professor of IT and Innovation at the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, and she is also one of the Academic Directors for UVA's MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. We talk with Jingjing about Module 4, the module she leads in the MSBA program, how the program is incorporating AI into the curriculum, how the program stays relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Jingjing Li. Jingjing is an Associate Professor of IT and Innovation at the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, and she is also one of the Academic Directors for UVA's MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) program. We talk with Jingjing about Module 4, the module she leads in the MSBA program, how the program is incorporating AI into the curriculum, how the program stays relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Professor Rory McDonald. McDonald's research focuses on how firms compete and innovate effectively in new technology-enabled markets. Drawing on a mix of in-depth fieldwork and archival data, he studies how executives develop viable strategies in these contexts and how they obtain resources that improve their chances of success. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with McDonald about his background, what led him to Darden, how the Strategy course fits into the Darden core curriculum, his popular electives, “Disruptive Strategy” and “Disruptive Innovation,” his current research interests and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this special edition of the Darden Admissions podcast, we share a recent installment in our ongoing ‘Office Hours' faculty spotlight series, a conversation with Professor Rory McDonald. McDonald's research focuses on how firms compete and innovate effectively in new technology-enabled markets. Drawing on a mix of in-depth fieldwork and archival data, he studies how executives develop viable strategies in these contexts and how they obtain resources that improve their chances of success. In this wide-ranging conversation, we talk with McDonald about his background, what led him to Darden, how the Strategy course fits into the Darden core curriculum, his popular electives, “Disruptive Strategy” and “Disruptive Innovation,” his current research interests and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba. 

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Blake Dietrick-Siefert. Blake is a student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and we talk with her about her background in professional basketball, her decision to pursue an MBA, how her career goals have evolved during her first year, what she's looking forward to in her second year and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Tristan Gess. Tristan is a first year student in the Part-Time MBA Class of 2028, and he is Co-President for his class. We talk with Tristan about his decision to pursue an MBA, what led him to Darden, what he's enjoyed about his first year, how he decided to take on a leadership role and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

In this episode of the podcast, we catch up with Grace Haffner. Grace is a first year student in Darden's Full-Time MBA Class of 2027, and she also applied to Darden through the Future Year Scholars program, Darden's deferred enrollment program for current undergraduates or students in their final year of a masters program who are yet to enter the workforce. We talk with Grace about her decision to pursue an MBA, what led her to Darden, how she figured the right time to go back to school, her plans for the summer ahead and more. For more insights, tips, and stories about the Darden experience, be sure to check out the Discover Darden Admissions blog and follow us on Instagram @dardenmba.

Your website traffic might be down. But that doesn't mean your business is. In this episode of The Localist, Carrie Rollwagen sits down with Pam Darden, VP of Accounts and Revenue at Infomedia, to answer real audience questions about small business websites in the age of AI. Pam has worked with small business clients for over 10 years. She knows what actually works, and what is quietly costing you customers. They cover why you still need a website even if traffic has dropped, how AI is pulling information about your business from places you never thought to check, what to put on your site so AI includes you in the conversation, how to track sales when analytics no longer tell the full story, and whether vibe coding is ever a good idea for a small business. If you have a website and are not sure if it is working, this episode will show you exactly where to look.  

Steven A. Darden (Diné/Navajo and Cheyenne) is an artist, human rights advocate, business owner, and traditional practitioner. He is a long-time commissioner to the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, and currently serves as the vice-chair. Steve is a Luce Foundation Indigenous Knowledge Fellow. He sits on the council of elders for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society.

In this week's episode we began by discussing Clear Admit's events hosted in Atlanta. The annual MBA admissions fair, which included the majority of the top US-based MBA programs, also included several panel discussions. A great way to kick off the new admissions season. Graham then noted that Clear Admit is hosting several MBA application overview events in May, on May 19 and 20, this upcoming week, followed by events on May 26 and 27. Again, the majority of the leading MBA programs participate in these valuable events. Signups are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events Graham highlighted a new Clear Admit careers deep-dive piece that explores the reasons why the top MBA programs on the West Coast have been graduating more candidates into the tech sector. Graham also highlighted a new Dean at McCombs, who appears to have a very impressive resume. Graham continued with the Real Humans Alumni series. This week focuses on three alumni IMD / BCG, Judge / Bain and Tuck / Amazon. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected one ApplyWire entry and two DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate is from Vietnam and seeking an MBA in Europe, focused on finance. This week's second MBA applicant is deciding between Johnson, Darden and Ross, among other options. This week's final MBA candidate is seeking a career in New York City in investment banking. They have offers from Ross, Johnson and Stern. This episode was recorded in Philadelphia, USA and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!

In this week's MBA Admissions podcast we began by discussing the current state of the MBA admissions season. We are continuing to see MBA programs release their final decisions. This upcoming week, CMU / Tepper, Johns Hopkins / Carey, Dartmouth / Tuck, Indiana / Kelley, IESE, Michigan / Ross, Notre Dame / Mendoza, Georgia / Terry and Imperial Business School are releasing final decisions. MBA programs are also continuing to their next admissions rounds, including Ohio State / Fisher, Imperial Business School, BYU / Marriot, Georgia Tech / Scheller and UCI / Merage. Graham highlighted upcoming Clear Admit events. On May 11, Clear Admit is hosting our in-person admissions event in Atlanta. Most top MBA programs are scheduled to attend. We are also hosting several Application overview events in May, on May 19 and 20, and May 26 and 27. Signups for these events are here: https://www.clearadmit.com/events We are also hosting our monthly Livestream on YouTube on Tuesday, this week at 12 pm ET. Subscribe here to be notified as soon as we jump online: https://www.youtube.com/@ClearAdmitMBA Graham continued with the Real Humans Alumni series. This week focuses on three alumni from Tepper / Merck, Jones / Barclays and Stern / Microsoft. Graham also highlighted a recently published podcast featuring an in-depth Q&A Georgetown / McDonough's Anne Kilby. For this week, for the candidate profile review portion of the show, Alex selected three DecisionWire entries: This week's first MBA admissions candidate wants to focus on MBB, and has offers from Darden, Haas and Foster. They want to be in Seattle, post MBA. This week's second MBA applicant is deciding between Johnson and Tepper. They want to do investment banking. This week's final MBA candidate is deciding between Fuqua and Stern, while still on the waitlist for their top choice, Columbia. This episode was recorded in Paris, France and Cornwall, England. It was produced and engineered by the fabulous Dennis Crowley in Philadelphia, USA. Thanks to all of you who've been joining us and please remember to rate and review this show wherever you listen!