deeper connections – Greek University

Amanda Black: Deeper Conversations in College

By admin on April 3, 2026

Amanda Black founded The Solo Female Traveler Network (SoFe Travel), a global community of 560,000+ rad women who travel solo. She designs women-only trips to offbeat places like hot air balloons in Turkey and cliffside monasteries in Bhutan, night markets in Egypt and dawn deserts camelback in Morocco. Amanda also studies how strangers become friends, the idea at the heart of her TEDx talk on shared-first experiences. Her work spans three projects: SoFe Travel (immersive group trips), Kindred (a community-building project for women closer to home), and The SoFe Travel Collective (an artisan-driven store supporting women artisans worldwide). Across it all, her focus is the same: build spaces where women feel braver, less alone, and more connected to themselves, each other, and the world.

In episode 667 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Amanda chose University of Cincinnati and joined Chi Omega, how being “the new person” shaped how she thinks about belonging today, what was the moment Amanda realized this was more than just a travel group, what exactly is “shared firsts”, how to have deeper conversations in college, why people feel lonelier in college, what is a practical way someone listening today can deepen one relationship this week, what role vulnerability plays in building connection, why safety is such a key ingredient in connection, and what it takes to turn an idea into a global community. Enjoy!

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtNk5D5hoG8

Fraternity/Sorority

Reggie Ford: What is the process of perseverance?

By admin on March 13, 2024

Raised in poverty by a single teenage mother, Reggie Ford has been fortunate to receive an education from some of the most elite institutions in the country. This diverse background has helped him understand the common threads that run through humanity. He is an old soul, a lifelong learner, a humble teacher, and a natural go-getter, bringing a unique and valued perspective to those around him. He empowers everyone he encounters as he continues to grow into his best self. His story of turning the pain and struggle of his past into peace and abundance captivates audiences and makes him the epitome of perseverance.

Reggie is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, mental health advocate, and social activist. He is also a proud husband of Katie and dad to their beloved dog Rosie. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, practicing and teaching yoga, and spending time with loved ones.

In episode 432 of the Fraternity Foodie Podcast, we find out why Reggie chose Vanderbilt University for his undergraduate experience and Masters Degree, what was the most difficult part of being a first generation student, how he was able to pivot once he realized he wasn’t going to the NFL, what motivated Reggie to write the book “Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction (PTSD): Breaking the Curse of Intergenerational Trauma as a Black Man in America”, what happened the day he had a panic attack that left him unable to think clearly, what are ways college students can prioritize their mental health and wellbeing, what is the process of perseverance, and how today’s college students can build deeper connections with other students on campus and gain that sense of belonging. Enjoy!