Elon Beyond the Bricks Podcast
Welcome to Elon Beyond the Bricks, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of Elon University to explore the stories, ideas and innovations shaping our community.
Each episode, join President Connie Book as she talks to inspiring individuals making a difference in the world. We hope you’ll find stories that inspire and challenge you, and perhaps even spark new ideas of your own. Join us as we dive into conversations that go beyond the classroom and into the lives of our remarkable students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff.
FIND THE PODCAST
ABOUT THE HOST
Elon Beyond the Bricks is hosted by President Connie Book. Dr. Connie Ledoux Book is a passionate advocate for the power of higher education to transform students’ lives. She spent 16 years as an Elon University faculty member and administrative leader, helping to build the university’s reputation for excellence in engaged teaching and learning. In 2015 she accepted a groundbreaking role as the first female provost and chief academic officer at The Citadel in South Carolina. She returned to Elon as president in 2018, bringing a deep appreciation for the university’s unique history and its rapid rise to national prominence.
In 2020, President Book led creation of the 10-year Boldly Elon strategic plan to advance the university’s signature programs in experiential education, mentoring and student success. Under Book’s leadership, Elon has created innovative new academic programs; expanded its focus on health and wellness; invested in inclusive excellence, faculty and staff, and alumni engagement; built a new Innovation Quad for engineering and sciences; and established a new campus in Charlotte, North Carolina, for Elon University School of Law and other programs.
SEASON ONE
February 2025
Jon Seaton ’24 G’25
Elon football player and social media persona
“Student-athletes and the impact of NIL”
COMING SOON
March 2025
Dave Porter P’11 P’19
Owner, Baystate Financial and Elon University Board of Trustees
“Leadership and other life lessons”
April 2025
Barrett Wilbert Weed ’11
Actor and performer
“Stages and Screens: Barrett Wilbert Weed ’11 on Broadway and Beyond”
May 2025
Alexis Franzese
Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology
“Disney and the Science of Happiness”
Have ideas, comments or questions for the podcast? We want to hear them! Contact: