In this final episode of The Game Plan for Growth, host Cally McSweeney sits down with Coach Annie Lahey, the architect behind Assumption University’s remarkable turnaround field hockey program. Over her 13-season tenure, Coach Lahey has taken a team that once struggled to win and transformed it into a perennial Division II powerhouse built on resilience, grit, and community. Throughout their conversation, Coach Lahey explains how she channels every setback into motivation for the next challenge, why she believes “we’ll laugh as hard as we run,” and how she balances high expectations with genuine care for each athlete’s wellbeing. She discusses her passion for continuous learning—adapting to new rules, innovating practice drills, and embracing feedback—and describes the human-first approach that keeps her players motivated, confident, and ready to face whatever comes their way. Tune in, trust your game plan, and keep pushing past your limits.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In this chilling conclusion to Mind of a Killer, host Anneliese Chase examines Richard Trenton Chase—the “Vampire of Sacramento”—who murdered six people in 1977–78, drinking their blood and mutilating their bodies. We trace his descent from a tortured childhood of animal cruelty and untreated schizophrenic delusions to a horrifying killing spree fueled by paranoid psychosis. Through expert analysis and firsthand accounts, we explore how genetic vulnerability and environmental neglect combined to create one of America’s most disturbing killers. Join us as we ask: could early intervention have saved lives, and how can society better support those at risk before it’s too late?

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In this final chapter of Missing Out, Tori Richardson introduces NOMO—No More Missing Out—a personal framework for finding balance between engagement and simplicity. Rather than dwelling on fear or even joy in what you skip, NOMO celebrates the normalcy in life’s trade-offs. To illustrate this, Tori sits down with her parents, Jenny and Adolf Richardson, who share how their own childhoods—rooted in discipline, community and family activities—shaped a mindset where missing out was simply part of a well-rounded life. As Tori guides her parents through questions about regret, “normal” experiences, and pivotal life decisions, you’ll discover that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all blueprint for happiness. Instead, NOMO is about owning your schedule, honoring the stages of life, and trusting that the moments you choose to embrace—both big and small—are exactly where you’re meant to be.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In this third installment of Turf Talk, Roderick Boyd reflects on a season unlike any other—one defined by a serious labrum injury that benched him for his senior year and forced him to rediscover who he was off the field. From the locker room to the media center, Roderick shares how he leaned on teammates like Gavin and Quinn Seager to stay connected, then channeled his energy into his true passion: communications and media. You’ll follow Roderick’s journey into TV-production classes, behind-the-scenes work at Assumption’s Media Center, and a bold leap into daily vlogging that skyrocketed his TikTok views. He explains how he balanced early-morning workouts and film study with editing graphics, live-streaming D2 combines, and even shooting battle-rap events for his family’s businesses. As he prepared to return to the gridiron, Roderick confronted the challenge of merging two identities—student-athlete and content creator—and learned to embrace vulnerability in front of the camera and on the sideline. This episode is packed with hard-earned insights on staying motivated through identity shifts, finding new ways to contribute when you can’t play, and the mindset it takes to step back into competition after a year away. If you’re navigating your own crossroads—whether injury, career change, or creative pursuits—you’ll walk away inspired to merge your passions without losing yourself.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In Episode 2 of The Game Plan for Growth, host Cally McSweeney sits down with powerhouse defenseman and captain Jillian McSorley to unpack the life-changing power of an unapologetic attitude. Jill shares her journey from seeking external validation to discovering unshakable self-worth, and how that mindset shift transformed her confidence on and off the field. You’ll learn practical strategies for setting boundaries without guilt, protecting your energy, and embracing your own path—even when it means disappointing others. Whether you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing or crave the courage to live life on your terms, this conversation will inspire you to step into your full potential. Tune in, own your story, and get ready to reset the way you play the game of life.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In this chilling second episode of Mind of a Killer, host Anneliese Chase unravels the story of Aileen Wuornos—dubbed “America’s first female serial killer”—and asks how a deeply abused child became a cold-blooded murderer on Florida’s highways. You’ll hear the harrowing details of Aileen’s childhood: abandonment by her teenage mother, sexual and physical abuse at the hands of her grandfather, and a life on the margins where survival meant drug use, sex work, and petty crime. As she drifted from motel to roadside, Aileen developed a profound distrust of men—one that she later claimed justified her brutal killings in self-defense. Through eyewitness accounts, court testimony, and the voices of psychologists like Todd Grand, we explore each highway slaying—from Richard Mallory to Steven Nesson—and how ballistic evidence, stolen property, and Tyra Moore’s betrayal finally brought Aileen to justice. Along the way, we delve into nature vs. nurture debate: Were her violent impulses born from a genetic predisposition and neurological differences, or forged by decades of trauma and neglect? This episode paints a nuanced portrait of a woman shaped by both her biology and her brutal upbringing.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In this episode of Missing Out, Tori Richardson tackles the flip side of FOMO and dives into JOMO—the Joy of Missing Out. Inspired by comedian Nate Bargatse’s “Hello World!” special, Tori and her guest, Professor Christopher Gilbert, explore why sometimes saying “no thanks” is the best decision you can make. They unpack how intentional solitude—choosing a cozy night in, a solo bike ride, or family time—can bring genuine happiness, even as social media and peer pressure ping us to stay plugged in. Professor Gilbert shares his personal criteria for choosing meaningful alone time over constant engagement and explains how structuring your day and resisting external influences (like Strava or Instagram pings) can transform anxiety into joy. From rediscovering the simple pleasures of farmstead hobbies to trading a Friday night out for quality moments with loved ones, you’ll learn strategies to reclaim your schedule and embrace experiences on your own terms.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In this second episode of Turf Talk, senior cornerback Roderick “Deuce” Boyd opens up about the challenge of juggling football, academics, and personal relationships. Deuce takes us through his transition from high school recruit to college athlete, sharing how he built friendships in the locker room and leaned on upperclassmen to find his footing. He digs into the reality of “student-athlete” life—early morning workouts, back-to-back classes, film study, and how a single missed assignment can derail both your GPA and your game-day focus. You’ll discover Deuce’s proven time-management playbook: map out your weekly schedule and syllabi, tackle homework in every available gap, resist the nap trap, and communicate early with professors when travel or games threaten deadlines. He explains why a disciplined routine unlocks true freedom—letting you savor college life without sacrificing grades or the grind on the field. Whether you’re headed to campus next fall or striving to sharpen your own productivity, this episode delivers hard-earned advice on staying consistent, carving out quality relationships, and thriving under pressure.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In this inaugural episode of The Game Plan for Growth, Cally McSweeney welcomes All-American Paige Gillette to explore the mindset that turns everyday challenges into championship-level performance. Paige explains how she learned to see mistakes not as failures but as one-time lessons and how shifting from “I have to” into “I get to” transforms obligations into opportunities. She also shares her approach to leading a team—building trust from day one, celebrating every contribution, and forgiving quickly when the stakes are high. Beyond the field, Paige reveals the simple rituals that keep her grounded and ready to excel: prepping meals and outfits the night before, swapping morning scrolls for a power playlist, and treating each task as a chance to grow. Whether you’re an athlete facing pressure or anyone seeking more consistency and confidence, Paige’s strategies offer a clear “game plan” to keep you focused, resilient, and empowered.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

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About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.

In this chilling debut of Mind of a Killer, host Anneliese Chase unpacks the case of Charles Cullen—the so-called “Angel of Death” who confessed to murdering at least 29 patients (and is suspected of hundreds more) during a 16-year nursing career. We trace Cullen’s troubled childhood in New Jersey—marked by loss, neglect, and early suicide attempts—and his turbulent stint in the Navy, where bullying and isolation deepened his psychological wounds. Then we follow his rise through hospital corridors, exploiting lax oversight and computerized drug systems to administer lethal doses of DEDOXIN and insulin, all while evading suspicion. Along the way, experts weigh in on Cullen’s personality disorders, the nature-vs-nurture debate, and how institutional failures allowed him to slip through the cracks. Whether you’re fascinated by criminal psychology or seeking lessons in mental-health intervention, you’ll find compelling insights here.

📧 Email us at [email protected] for details on how to get involved with The Student Podcast Collaborative.

In collaboration with Assumption University. This content is used for educational purposes.

____________

About the Project: For our second Student Podcast Collaborative series, Communication & Media majors will produce an all-new, three-episode, 90-minute podcast capstone. These students move from theory to practice—pitching ideas, writing scripts, recording and editing episodes, and finally publishing their original shows. Each series tackles both personal and societal topics, allowing hosts to flex their storytelling, research, and production muscles. By working in a long-form audio format—one of the fastest-growing areas in media—students gain first-hand experience with the creative possibilities and practical challenges of communication technology.