WCSUPodcasts

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 pur...

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...

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 he...

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.

Imam Usman Akhtar, the Imam/Director of Religious Affairs at the Danbury Masjid, is our guest for this episode. We explore the connections between Islam, compassion, and success as well as some misconceptions about living life as a Muslim. Usman shows us how the Quran offers one path to walking life as a compassionate achiever.

Jimmy Greene, a Grammy-nominated saxophone player, assistant professor of Music and coordinator of WestConn’s Jazz Studies program, arranges and performs an annual concert in memory of his 6-year-old daughter, Ana Grace-Marquez, who was murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School. He discusses preparations for the Dec. 9 “Love Wins Benefit Concert” as well as the approach he and his wife, Nelba, embr...

Tracy and Chris have some tips to help you survive your holiday gatherings compassionately, some new traditions you may want to try with your own families, and a homework assignment for our listeners. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Compassionate Achiever Podcast.

Dr. Gabe Lomas, a noted researcher into methods to stop and respond to violence, has won a $1.8 million grant – the largest academic grant in WestConn’s history – to train more mental health workers for the region. His goal is to reach and help people who experience mental health crises.

Cliffe Knechtle, the Pastor of Grace Community Church in New Canaan, CT and host of “Give Me An Answer,” is our guest for this episode. We discuss a wide range of topics ranging from the role of compassion in Christianity to how to maintain compassion for others while they are seemingly attacking you for your beliefs.

WestConn Nursing Professor Dr. Mary Ellen Doherty and her sister have written two books about nurses who serve in war zones. What they reveal about the effects of war on nurses while overseas and upon returning home will surprise and inspire you. And, of course, Bharbara Viegas with some student event news...

Elin Hilderbrand, The New York Times bestselling author of over 20 novels, is our guest for this episode. We explore the role that compassion can play in writing as well as explain the meaning of ‘Hilderbranders’ and #mamastrong. From overcoming writer’s block to confronting cancer, Elin’s interview is one filled with hope and inspiration.

Three students who work on the award-winning election night report called Election Connection discuss how they keep track of the thousands of details of a live broadcast, their techniques to guide enthusiastic politicians, and how they plan to turn their experience into careers.

Mr. Farooq Kathwari, CEO of Ethan Allen, is the guest for our first-ever “live audience” podcast. The students of the Kathwari Honors Program help Tracey and Dr. Kukk navigate—through their questions to Mr. Kathwari—a wide range of topics regarding the power of compassion in achieving goals on the personal, professional, and international levels. We had fun doing the episode and we hope that you h...

WestConn helps students become anything they can imagine. Matthew Elmore is proof. He was a high school dropout who graduated from WestConn with a Biology degree. Today he is a major in the Air Force who flies U2 reconnaissance planes.

Theresa Canada: The latest research by Dr. Theresa Canada, an associate professor of Education at WestConn, found that parents of pre-school children have sophisticated ideas – and demands – regarding teacher skills and performance. School districts could improve if they listen more to parents, Canada says.

Marilyn Turkovich, the Executive Director of The Charter for Compassion International, is our guest for this episode.

Jennifer Tejada, Police Chief of Emeryville, California (and Marin County’s first female chief of police), is our guest for this podcast episode. We discuss how the combination of mindful meditation and law enforcement training creates more effective, compassionate, and resilient police officers. Chief Tejada helps us write the “ticket” about mindful policing.

Joe Loth, the coach of the WCSU Football Team, talks about the Colonials’ great season so far, as well as all the things he worries about before every game. Plus Bharbara returns to talk up some events on campus...

Dr. James Schmotter, the former President of Western Connecticut State University (2004-2015), is this week’s guest. Our show weaves the threads of education, economics, innovation, and compassion together in ways that reflect Jim’s careers and passions in life.