Let's Talk Big - The Big Read

Jan 29, 2026

Let's Talk Big - Spring Ep 03 In this episode of Let’s Talk Big, hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger speak with Chalisa Rocker about a meaningful passage from A Little Less Broken by Marian Schembari (Chapter 19, p. 221). The conversation explores themes of reflection, resilience, and personal growth, connecting the text to broader experiences within the college community

Jan 14, 2026

Let's Talk Big - Spring Ep 01 In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Big, hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger are joined by Owens Community College student Alex Burkhardt for a thoughtful conversation exploring key passages and related themes from this year’s Big Read book A Little Less Broken by Marian Schembari. Together, they reflect on the text’s ideas, personal interpretations, and how the Big Read encourages meaningful dialogue across campus. Let’s Talk Big is part of Owens Community College’s Big Read initiative—bringing students, faculty, and the community together through shared reading and conversation. Watch more engaging discussions here on OutCommPlus on YouTube.

S5 EP 14 Premiered Dec 4, 2025

Let's Talk Big - Ep 14 In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Big, hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger welcome Grant Scholton, Assistant Dean of the Math and Science Department at Owens Community College, for a thoughtful discussion on key passages and themes from this year’s Big Read book. Together, they explore how literature connects to broader ideas in education, critical thinking, and personal growth—offering fresh perspectives that bridge the arts and sciences. Let’s Talk Big is part of Owens Community College’s Big Read initiative—encouraging open dialogue, deeper understanding, and a shared love of reading. Watch more inspiring conversations right here on OutCommPlus!

S5 EP 13 Nov 20, 2025

Let's Talk Big - Ep 13 In this week’s episode of Let’s Talk Big, hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger welcome Rachael Brooks, an Owens Community College student, for an engaging discussion on selected passages and themes (Chapter 16, p. 192-3) from this year’s Big Read book A Little Less Broker, by Mariam Schembari. They discuss the story’s deeper messages, personal connections, and how the Big Read continues to inspire meaningful conversation across campus and the community. Let’s Talk Big is part of Owens Community College’s Big Read initiative—encouraging everyone to read, reflect, and share. Watch more inspiring discussions right here on OutCommPlus!

S5 EP 12 Nov 13, 2025

Let's Talk Big - Ep 12 In this episode of Let’s Talk Big, host Jen Hazel and co-host Jane Berger sit down with Owens student Alex Burkhardt to discuss a powerful passage from A Little Less Broken by Marian Schembari (Chapter 13, p. 151). Together, they reflect on its themes of healing, growth, and finding strength through vulnerability

S5 EP 11 Nov 6, 2025

Let's Talk Big - Ep 11 In this episode of Let’s Talk Big, hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger are joined by James Zeller for an inspiring conversation about the benefits of yoga. Together, they explore how yoga supports mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall well-being—offering practical insights for students and anyone looking to bring more mindfulness into their daily life.

S5 EP 10 Oct 30, 2025

Let's Talk Big - Ep 10 In this episode of Let’s Talk Big, hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger sit down with James Zeller to discuss a passage from A Little Less Broken by Marian Schembari (Chapter 10, p. 114). Together, they explore the themes of vulnerability, growth, and self-discovery that make this Big Read selection such a powerful reflection on resilience and identity.

S5 EP 9 Oct 23, 2025

Let's Talk Big - Thursday, October 23, 2025 Hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger speak with Joe Duda, Owens Community College Philosophy instructor, about the upcoming screening of the 2012 romantic comedy-drama film "Silver Linings Playbook", starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence. "Silver Linings Playbook", written and directed by David O. Russell, is about a man with bipolar disorder who is released from a psychiatric hospital and moves back in with his parents. The film received eight nominations at the 85th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress and with Lawrence winning the Academy Award for Best Actress.

S5 EP 8 Oct 16, 2025

Let's Talk Big - Ep 08 Hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger continue the conversation with Owens Community College Professor of English Cory Hoover about a passage from The Big Read's A Little Less Broken by author Marian Schembari, and chapter 9, page 102.

S5 EP 7 Premiered Oct 9, 2025

Let's Talk Big - Ep 07 Let's Talk Big hosts Jen Hazel and Jane Berger speak with Owens Community College Professor of English Cory Hoover about a passage from The Big Read's "A Little Less Broken" by author Marian Schembari, and chapter 9, page 102.