“Real Lessons from a Silly Show” details Aidan Hatton’s takeaways and lessons learned from hosting the podcast “Games & Grub” on Marquette University Radio. Starting an interview series after the COVID-19 outbreak, Aidan shares the valuable wisdom given by so many local and national success stories in their conversations, presented in a more professional, business-oriented context.
Written May 30, 2020
It is only right during a Marquette Radio interview series to talk to some Marquette alumni. This week’s featured guest, however, has had blue and gold in her blood since birth. The daughter of two former Marquette basketball players, Jenny Fischer graduated in 2019 with a degree in journalism with a minor in digital media. Most recently starring on camera for the NCAA’s Digital & Social team, Fischer came on the podcast the week of April 10th and delivered a series of important lessons for the entire listening audience.
On what she learned from her Marquette experience: “I mean this wholeheartedly: Marquette is one of the best places in the world. My biggest thing — and it’s one of the things that Marquette taught me — is you take advantage of the opportunities that you’re privileged to have. For me, I would advise people at Marquette to take advantage of those opportunities, go out of your way to meet people, build relationships, and try something that you maybe haven’t tried before, because what better a time than college?”
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” First published in the Gospel of Luke then translated into hip-hop culture by Kanye West, this powerful verse rings true in Fischer’s comments. Emphasizing the opportunities we are given is a teaching she has clearly taken to heart. It was powerful to hear about how gratitude fuels her determination in this way.
On another note, she is a huge advocate of taking risks. It all made perfect sense to me when Fischer explained that college represents the perfect time to explore and try new things. Across all fields of work, taking that initial “jump” is a universal, though necessary challenge. I’m sure Steve Harvey would back me up here.
Earlier in the interview, she expressed her admiration for Marquette’s ability to, in her words, “throw lobs.” As a current student, it was inspiring to hear an alumna’s confidence that the university has potential to assist in so many of its students’ endeavors, especially in the beginning phases.
On how she has turned her connections into friendships: “One of my best friends from Marquette, Ben Wiberg, said to me: ‘Everyone is my friend until they’re not.’ I’m going to treat people like they’re a friend of mine, I’m going to be genuine and authentic, because for me especially as a journalism major and just who I am, I am genuinely curious. I like to get to know people. I like to ask questions and hear about their lives. You don’t think about what they can get you. You think about the relationship that you can build with them.”
It turns out Fischer has one key characteristic in common with one of the most famous interviewers of all time, Larry King.
Hear me out: within three days of each other, on two different podcasts, both spoke out on one asset: curiosity. On a show I listened to days before, King claimed: “My lucky break was that I was born with insatiable curiosity.” Fischer’s similar sentiments on our show display the true value of this trait. Whether you’re an 86-year-old broadcasting legend or a recent college graduate, having curiosity within you can pay major dividends.
Prioritizing the relationship in networking is something that Fischer has constantly promoted. Getting to know someone before judging them by “what they can get you” is a key lesson that can be practiced anywhere from business to botany. Maintaining relationships by being inquisitive may not be as attractive at first glance as the concept of “networking to find a job,” but Fischer attests it may be the long-term solution to prosperity. It is explained best by award-winning humanitarian and sports agent David Meltzer: “Be more interested than interesting.” By constantly asking questions, Fischer has adopted this strategy to a T and risen to new heights as a media member.
Jenny Fischer (bottom right) joins my roommate/co-host Zachary Passios (top right) and myself (left) for Games & Grub. No, we did NOT plan to all wear Marquette gear during our video call.
On losing her mother to suicide 10 years ago: “When I look at the hardships, that’s kind of who I am…My mom would love to see what I’m doing right now. I think about that all the time. She was part of NCAA Women’s Basketball when it was becoming an NCAA sanctioned sport. And now I’m on the other end, where I am getting to interview these NCAA Women’s Basketball players. For me, it’s taking those hardships and realizing that there is something good to come out of it. One of my favorite quotes is ‘Don’t ask for a lighter load, but a stronger back.’”
A message reiterated or slightly modified in speeches by both John F. Kennedy and Bruce Lee, Fischer’s ending quote demonstrates her determination to persevere rather than look for a shortcut. Being open to talking about her mother’s story is something she has been very vocal about, an inspirational act in itself. Having the inclination to discuss a life event of such great magnitude requires an immense amount of courage, and Fischer shows no signs of a shortage.
Fischer also spoke about the coincidence of her mother being a part of NCAA Women’s Basketball when the sport was in its early ages, and now herself being a part of the NCAA. Indeed, some opportunities present themselves as particularly serendipitous. Fischer has the awareness to sense her situation and this opportunity with the NCAA Digital & Social team is one of those.
Even if blue and gold is not in your blood, there sure is a lesson to be learned from someone who does! Fischer has a powerful message for anyone trying to perfect their networking skills, handle hardship, or take most advantage of their opportunities. I want to say thanks again to Jenny, both for her time and her powerful storytelling.
Next week, I’ll dive into the lessons learned from Trenni Kusnierek, a member of the Marquette Class of ’99 now shining as a host on NBC Sports Boston.
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