Athletic Director Lori Mazza, who has been at WestConn for a little more than a year, announces the formation of four new teams and discusses how she navigates the traditionally male-dominated assignment, all while encouraging wins on the field, court and pool.

Tom Matt, the host of Boomers Rock radio talk show, is our guest for this episode. From discussing inter-generational collaboration in the workplace to overcoming drug and alchohol abuse, our conversation with Tom is about how to not only live life large but live a largely compassionate life (especially through “BEisms”).

Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton has announced he is running for governor of Connecticut. Among his first stops was with WCSU 411 to talk about his vision for the job and the difficult decisions the next governor will have to make.

“Black Mirror” and compassion. In this episode, which was inspired by the television show “Black Mirror," Tracy and Chris discuss the connections (or non-connections) between technology and compassion. From using social media to being governed by algorithms, technology is in almost every part of our daily lives. This episode is about taking the time to look into our own “black mirrors” for the purpose of reflecting upon how technology can be used for constructive and destructive purposes. If breaking a regular mirror leads to seven years of bad luck, do you know what breaking a black mirror leads to? A new smartphone (listen to the episode to understand why).

We start the new year with “understanding” (the “U” in LUCA). Tracy and Chris talk about the effects of intuitive versus deliberative thinking when it comes to understanding and solving problems. The discussion ranges from understanding what “The Human Advantage” is to understanding what the perfect cup of coffee includes. Enjoy your ‘perfect’ cup while you listen to this episode.

Dealing with the Holidays part II - Tracy, Pete, and Chris talk about the “craziness” of Christmas and how to compassionately make it through the holiday season: building a "gratitude attitude," unlocking your "multiple identities," and finding your “Silver and Gold.” We wish you all an enjoyable holiday season and a compassionate new year!

Compassionateachiver.com / @compachieverpod

It's a Year End Special!!! WCSU 411, the podcast that brings you news about the most interesting people and events at Western Connecticut State University, has featured professors, students, alumni and others who made significant contributions to the university. In this episode, we have pulled out the best moments for your enjoyment. So...please...Enjoy!!!

Dr. Shouhua Qi was born and grew up in China as the country was still feeling the effects of the Cultural Revolution, political purges and social upheaval. When he was accepted to university, he worked hard to excel in the major that was assigned to him: English. He eventually journeyed to the U.S. to earn his Ph.D. and now combines his love of English with research in China, where he studies the introduction and effect of Western literary classics on Chinese society.

Dr. Joan Palladino, Chair of WCSU’s Nursing Department, is this week’s guest. We discuss how the compassion of colleagues and leaders can strengthen a work environment where trauma and tragedy are constants. If you’re interested in learning more about the power of self-compassion, a “good cry,” and empathy fatigue (as opposed to compassion fatigue), Dr. Palladino has you covered better than any health care plan!

When Scott Brunjes enrolled at WestConn, he wanted to be either a disc jockey or an airline pilot. He is now the founder and CEO of Mediassociates, a successful media buying and planning agency. Scott credits his undergraduate years — especially the time he spent working in the campus radio station, WXCI — with giving him the knowledge and ability to succeed. And he still flies an airplane.