On today’s episode of the Pack Perspective Podcast, hosts Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe talk all things Valentine’s Day, including modern dating and relationships as college students at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC). The hosts share their Valentine’s Day hot takes, discuss dating as college students, and offer some relationship advice along the way.

From navigating single life to celebrating with a partner or friends, this episode features honest opinions, relatable conversations, and plenty of humor to keep things light while offering real perspectives on love, communication, and connection. No matter how you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, this episode is for you.

Podcast Credits Hosts Christian Mpuhwe, Bree Michaud, and Aidan Burchill Script Writers Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, and Christian Mpuhwe Produced by Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe, and Kamy Dube Edited by Bree Michaud

This week on the Pack Perspective Podcast, we’re diving into the world of SMCC athletics. Join us as we sit down with Grace Thompson, an SMCC student who recently earned the USCAA National Championship title in women’s golf, marking one of the most incredible achievements in SMCC Athletics history. We also welcome the SMCC Director of Athletics, Ethan Wells, who is the driving force behind the success of SMCC’s athletic programs.

Together, we explore what it takes to excel in collegiate sports, the leadership and dedication behind the victories, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re a student-athlete, a sports fan, or just curious, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at what makes SMCC athletics thrive.

In this episode, Grace shares what it takes to compete at the national level, including managing pressure, staying focused one shot at a time, and balancing academics with the demands of being a student-athlete. Ethan discusses the culture and leadership behind SMCC’s growing success across sports, including championship programs, mentorship, recruiting, and what it takes to build winning teams in small college athletics. You’ll also hear how SMCC Athletics supports student success, campus spirit, and the overall student experience through competitive collegiate sports.

To learn more, visit SMCC Athletics site at gosmccseawolves.com.

In this episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, we hang out with RA's Delaney Nolan and Kamy Dube, as well as Resident Director Britt Couturier, to explore what Residential Life at SMCC is all about. They chat with us about everything from helping students get settled into their new space to finding ways to make the halls feel a little more like home.

Throughout the conversation, you’ll hear real stories about living on campus at Southern Maine Community College—from navigating Surfside and Spring Point Hall to managing roommate dynamics, community-building, crisis moments, and the unexpected realities of working in Res Life. Our guests dive into everything from RA training, on-call responsibilities, and balancing academics with duty nights to the lighter (and stranger) moments—yes, including the infamous Tortilla Bandit that’s been slipping cryptic messages under doors.

Episode_#8_Res_Life_.mp3

Our guests talk about what it’s actually like to live and work in the SMCC dorms, including the unexpected moments, behind-the-scenes chaos (the kind you aren’t told about on campus tours), and all the little things that keep Res Life interesting. Delaney, Kamy, and Britt discuss their own experiences, share what they love about supporting students, and offer advice for both residents and RAs on how to make the most of their time on campus.

They also open up about building community in shared spaces, fostering belonging in Surfside’s communal bathrooms and bustling lounges, helping students through tough days, and the importance of creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels seen. You’ll also hear insights on leadership, conflict management, communication skills, and how residential life staff support each other during busy, high-stress moments like move-in weekend and late-night crisis calls.

Overall, this episode gives you a genuine look at the people who help make SMCC’s residential community feel welcoming and comfortable for everyone who calls it home. If you’re curious about resident assistant life, looking for tips on thriving in college housing, or want an authentic inside look at campus living, this is a must-listen episode.

In this powerful episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, host Bree Michaud leads an honest, heartfelt conversation about mental health — what it really means, why it matters, and how students can take care of themselves through the challenges of college life. Featuring deeply personal stories from co-host Aiden Burchill and second-year student Natalie Webster, the episode explores vulnerability, structure, faith, community, and the everyday habits that help students stay grounded.

From navigating the transition to independence to combating seasonal depression to learning how to ask for help, this episode reminds listeners that they’re not alone— and that growth is possible at any stage.

Podcast Credits

Host

Bree Michaud

Script Writers

Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, and Aidan Burchill

Produced by

Bree Michaud and Aidan Burchill

Edited by

Bree Michaud

This Halloween, The Pack Perspective Podcast is getting into the spirit of the season with a festive mix of fun and friendly debate. In this episode, the podcast crew dives deep into bold opinions, nostalgic trick-or-treat moments, and the unspoken rules that make Halloween such a memorable time of year.

From calling out the capitalist side of the spooky season to debating the etiquette of candy distribution, our hosts don’t hold back as they share their honest hot takes and personal experiences. Expect plenty of unexpected perspectives as the team breaks down everything from trick-or-treat traditions to candy hierarchy.

The fun continues with the Candy Draft, where each member of the team builds their ultimate trick-or-treat lineup and reacts to each other’s choices in real time. What starts as a simple draft quickly turns into a hilarious and competitive exchange of candy strategy and good-natured rivalry.

Whether you're a Halloween enthusiast or just here for the conversation, this campus-powered episode brings real student voices, laughs, and authentic college-life energy — making it a must-listen for fans of pop-culture debates, student-run podcasts, and anyone who loves candy talk and spooky-season nostalgia.

Tune in for Gen Z humor, college-life commentary, trick-or-treat culture analysis, and surprisingly deep takes on capitalism, candy ethics, and childhood Halloween traditions.

This is the Pack Perspective at its best — real voices, real campus culture, and real laughs. It’s a sweet mix of playful arguments, nostalgic vibes, and downright iconic Halloween opinions.

Hosts Christian Mpuhwe, Bree Michaud, and Aidan Burchill

Script Writers Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, and Christian Mpuhwe

Produced by Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe, and Kamy Dube

Edited by Bree Michaud

In this episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, we dive into what it truly means to find connection, community, and confidence while studying abroad. Host Christian Mpuhwe, an international student from South Africa, sits down with three incredible guests – Lu from Argentina, Maks from Ukraine, and Victoria from South Africa with Congolese, Angolan, and Gabonese roots. Together, they open up about the challenges and opportunities that come with adjusting to a new culture and building a sense of belonging within Southern Maine Community College (SMCC).

Through honest stories and heartfelt reflections, our guests share how their unique cultural backgrounds shape the way they lead, learn, and connect with others. From celebrating traditions to navigating differences, these conversations highlight the beauty of diversity and the strength that comes from embracing who we are, and who we’re becoming.

The episode touches on themes such as culture shock, language barriers, code-switching, building friendships across cultures, and finding support through SMCC programs like the Intercultural Student Center, Resident Assistant roles, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), and the Black Student Union. Listeners will also hear insights about workforce opportunities, education systems, and the American dream through the eyes of students from around the world.

Tune in to discover how international voices enrich our community and remind us that belonging isn’t about where you come from, but where you find your people.

Podcast Credits Host Christian Mpuhwe

Guests Lucia Campillay, Maks Nikulin, and Victoria Muanda

Script Writers Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, and Christian Mpuhwe

Produced by Aidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe, and Kamy Dube

Edited by Bree Michaud

College can feel overwhelming, but having the right college support system can make all the difference. In this episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, hosts Bree Michaud and Kamy Dube shine a spotlight on the TRIO Student Support Services program at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC).

We explore how TRIO at SMCC helps students thrive through academic advising, college transfer assistance, financial aid guidance, and community connection. Through these resources, TRIO empowers first-generation college students, low-income students, and students with disabilities to overcome barriers, stay motivated, and achieve success in higher education.

The heart of this episode lies in the students’ voices. You’ll hear firsthand student success stories from TRIO participants who open up about the obstacles they’ve faced, the personal growth they’ve experienced, and how TRIO has helped them find confidence, belonging, and a support network within the SMCC community.

Whether you’re a current SMCC student curious about how to join TRIO, a faculty member supporting student success, or simply someone who loves hearing inspirational college stories, this episode highlights how student support programs like TRIO can transform college experiences and change lives.

Podcast Credits Hosts Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube

Guest TRIO Coach Ian Magill, Kamy Dube, Bree Michaud

Script Writers Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe

Produced by Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube

Edited by Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube

This week on The Pack Perspective Podcast, host Aidan Burchill sits down with Accounting Professor and Business Club Advisor Stephen Strand for a thoughtful, inspiring conversation about mentorship, entrepreneurship, and building a sense of belonging at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and beyond.

Professor Strand shares stories from his career as a business owner, educator, and advisor, reflecting on the lessons he's learned about leadership, perseverance, and financial literacy. He talks about the challenges of starting his own accounting firm, the importance of believing in yourself, and how mentorship and genuine connection can shape personal and professional success.

Listeners will gain insight into:

• Finding your path in business, accounting, or any career field.

• The value of networking, student involvement, and mentorship at SMCC.

• How to translate classroom learning into real-world impact.

• The story behind the creation of SMCC's Business Club—and the legendary "hot air balloon" accounting joke.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business student, or simply someone interested in career growth and community connection, this episode offers valuable takeaways on success, self-confidence, and what it truly means to belong.

Podcast Credits Host: Aidan Burchill Guest: Professor Stephen Strand Script Writers: Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe Produced by: Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill Edited by: Bree Michaud