CommUnity Corner

Fear, Philosophy, and Wrestling: A Conversation with Dr. Mark R. McLaughlin (Neurosurgeon & Trenton Youth Wrestling Co-Founder) In this episode of CommUnity Corner, Coach Nicolas Cabrera sits down with Dr. Mark R. McLaughlin—neurosurgeon, author of Cognitive Dominance, and co-founder of Trenton Youth Wrestling—to explore how wrestling becomes a laboratory for courage, how philosophy sharpens p...

The CommUnity Corner | Episode 4 | Big Mike Bertram In this episode, we welcome Big Mike Bertram — a spoken word poet, educator, and community builder with more than 30 years of experience in the classroom. From legendary poetry slams and Def Jam performances to organizing free open mics in New Jersey, Big Mike has dedicated his life to making poetry accessible for everyone. He reflects on his jou...

CommUnity Corner | Episode 3: Brendan Buckley In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Buckley, former Executive Director of Beat the Streets NYC and longtime Division I wrestler and coach. Brendan reflects on his journey — from wrestling and coaching at the highest levels, including leading programs at Cal Poly and Columbia University, to nearly a decade of building Beat the Streets into a powerh...

In this episode of The CommUnity Corner Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Wilbur Pan — an oncologist, researcher, East Brunswick Board of Education member, musician, and woodworker. Dr. Pan shares how his professional work as Oncology Clinical Director at Merck intersects with his passion for education and community service here in East Brunswick. We talk about his vision for the future of our schools,...

🎙️ CommUnity Corner | Episode 1 For our very first episode, I’m honored to sit down with Dr. Christopher J. Manente, PhD, BCBA — U.S. Army Combat Veteran, Founding Executive Director of the Rutgers Center for Adult Autism Services (RCAAS), and Associate Professor of Clinical Practice at the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP). Dr. Manente has dedicated his life t...