Hobart and William Smith Colleges

6 December 2024 Amplifying Voices: Fontana ’26 Takes the Helm of Podcast By Cassandra Lundgren '25

Kahlil Fontana ’26 is the new host and producer of the “Behind Success” podcast. First guest: Superbowl Champion Ali Marpet ’15. 

Kahlil Fontana ’26 has taken on the role of host for “Behind Success,” a podcast that explores successful individuals' stories, insights and philosophies.

The podcast, supported by the Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation and started by Reece Wilson ’24 last year, has already featured guests such as President Mark D. Gearan and Hobart Hockey Head Coach Mark Taylor.

“Behind Success” is Fontana’s first experience with podcasting. The management and entrepreneurship major says the show presented itself as a great opportunity to connect with students and challenge himself creatively.

From British Columbia, Fontana double minors in media and society and French. He works as the entrepreneurship intern for the Centennial Center, where he helps support student participants in the Idea Lab and the Todd Feldman ’89 and Family Pitch Contest. On campus, Fontana also serves as assistant captain of Hobart hockey. A two-time national champion, Fontana has played 62 career games, recording 34 points on 15 goals and 19 assists. He is a two-time American Hockey Coaches Association All-American scholar.

In the most recent episode of “Behind Success,” Fontana interviewed Ali Marpet ’15, former left guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 2021 Super Bowl Champion. Marpet was the highest NFL draft pick from Division III in recorded history. Marpet is pursuing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the National Louis University in Tampa.

In the episode, Marpet discusses his experience at HWS and the importance of mental health, encouraging student-athletes to nurture different identities outside of athletics to find balance.

“Ali was probably the easiest first guest I could ever have. He is such a down-to-earth and relaxed guy who made me feel comfortable,” Fontana says.

Fontana is the editor and producer of the show and has learned how to use editing software with the support of Instructor of Practice for Media and Society Casey Puccini.  

In the new year, Fontana plans to host a wide variety of guests who can offer unique perspectives on life and success that connect to athletics and academics. “I want this podcast to share success stories everyone can relate to,” he says.

Wilson now serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Colgate University, where he supports and leads the Thought into Action program in addition to recruitment and training for alumni mentors. Wilson, Matthew Nusom ’23, and Seamus Galvin ’24 are the cohosts of a podcast titled “CTFO,” geared toward young professionals navigating the early stages of their careers.