The AMCAST: a Podcast by Anna Maria College: Recent Episodes

Anna Maria College

Welcome to the AMCAST, a new podcast produced by the Anna Maria College marketing and communications office. Our goal is to feature the many people, programs and activities that make Anna Maria an interesting and fun place to learn, compete, network and prepare for a career.

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Teamwork and character building are two attributes of the Anna Maria student experience. In this AMCAST episode we hear from two legendary Central Mass coaches – Paul Phillips and Mike Burlas - as they share their wisdom about succeeding in college, practicing good sportsmanship, and living a worthy life.

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Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a person makes in life. Business major Shay Savoie left Anna Maria during the pandemic and later returned. Her other schools left her wanting more. Two years gone, her AMCATS coach called her to say “You owe it to yourself to finish college. We care about you…come back to get your degree.” Listen to Shay share her story of coming to Anna Maria from Canada and how her relationships with faculty and coaches helped her to earn an MBA.

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During our recent episode on internships, graduating psychology senior Ahna Mento spoke of her work at Revive, a recovery community outreach program focused on fitness and recovery. In this episode, we interview Revive’s president and co-founder, Anthony Bizzotto, and Revive COO and coach Cassie Bergeron. Of course Prof. Lisa Williams returns as well as Ahna. Listen the story on how this nonprofit got started and the impact it is having in the region.

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In this AMCAST episode the head coaches of the Men's and Women's Ice Hockey teams discuss the value proposition of the Anna Maria College experience. While both teams finished with the best records in their respective histories, the coaches talk more about the power of relationships, support and the campus culture.

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The English class is called Writing through literature. This AMCAST episode takes you into the classroom where first year students just completed their ghost stories unit and are reading their stories out loud for the first time. You'll experience how fun this class can be. Enjoy their stories and prepare to be scared.

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Who will win best picture? In this AMCAST episode, Profs. Travis Maruska and Lisa Williams review their Oscar picks. Do you agree with them? The Academy Awards take place March 10, so be sure to listen before then. #oscars #academyawards #bestpicture

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Internships is the theme of this AMCAST episode. Prof. Ann Maria Mires and students John Kelly and Ahna Mento give advice and discuss their experiences with internships. While most internships are part of the junior and senior academics, it’s never to soon to start preparing and networking. Tune in for some great tips and ideas. #internships

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On April 10, Anna Maria will hold its Annual Academic Symposium. In this AMCAST episode, Dr. Jim Bidwell and Prof. Lisa Summers preview plans for this exciting event which represents the best of student and faculty achievement. This year, they have several enhancements planned. Listen to learn more.

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Dave Armstrong is Senior Advisor to Criminal Justice Operations and the former Police Chief of Holden. In this AMCAST, Chief Armstrong discusses some of the career pathways available to CJ students and the exciting partnerships and internships he is organizing. Law enforcement is in the midst of change and Anna Maria's CJ program is preparing students for the future of public safety and security.

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This semester’s Podcasting and Narrative class created several very original podcasts ranging from sports, book recommendations, family histories, and conspiracies. In this AMCAST episode we leave the studio to interview these student podcasters in their classroom as they reflect on the highlights of producing and sharing their content. #podcast #studentpodcasters

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Hartford’s Emanuel “Manny” Rivas is a hardworking first-year Fire Science student-athlete at Anna Maria College. Not only is he the first in his family to attend college, he was the first to graduate high school. In this AMCAST episode, we interview Manny to hear more about what brought him to Anna Maria, how his college experience is going so far, and his hopes for the future.

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People are always negotiating but for Anna Maria College students studying criminal justice, they learn negotiation strategies from a real-world law enforcement negotiator – Dr. John Colautti. In this AMCAST episode, Dr. Colautti uses his 30 years of criminal justice and security experience to discuss crisis negotiation techniques and the versatile communications skills he teaches his students.

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Amcares is a student organization that coordinates volunteer opportunities on and off campus. In this episode we speak with two student leaders about AmCares and upcoming events they have planned.

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Fall has officially arrived. This means it’s time for an AMCAST episode about football. Our favorite campus film critics are back. Tune in to hear Professors Travis Maruska and Lisa Williams discuss their picks for the best football movies of all time.

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Anna Maria is proud to provide every student with access to Student Academic Support Services (SASS). In this AMCAST episode, two members of the SASS team discuss the resources available to students, tips from peer tutors, and news of some upcoming events.

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Art in the Park and Anna Maria College collaborate to bring public art displays to the campus. There are four new displays this year. In this AMCAST episode we hear from international artist Helen Duncan about her installation called Begin Again. It is beautifully located on the lawn outside of Socquet House.

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The latest AMCAST episode welcomes Greg Walther, the new career services director. Greg’s previews some of the activities planned for the fall and offers some career-planning advice for Anna Maria students.

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As we bid farewell to the Class of 2023 and many of our students for the summer break, the AMCAST uses this episode for a conversation with officers in the Student Government Association. SGA had a fabulous year of activities, events and campus engagement. They are already planning for the fall. Tune in to hear more.

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Baseball at Anna Maria College is all about the AMCATS. But for our AMCAST podcast film buffs Professors Travis Maruska and Lisa Williams, baseball is about the movies. Listen to them discuss their favorite baseball films and let us know if you agree with their picks. #baseball #baseballmovies

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My Journey to America is Andy Antwi Boasiako's story of leaving Ghana to study at Anna Maria College in Massachusetts. In this episode of Anna Maria Storytellers, Andy talks about his journey and reads his heartfelt essay. You might just cry.

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Most people have been affected by cancer either directly or indirectly. Anna Maria students launched a campus chapter of the American Cancer Society last fall and made plans for an all-night-long relay for life on Caparso field. They return to the AMCAST to share their event plans and information on how to sign up and support the cause. Learn more and sign up at https://relayforlife.org/amc

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Students Justin Mcleod and John Kelly are officers in the Anna Maria chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success. There are many benefits including career networking and skill building. This episode takes a deeper look at NSLS from the student perspective.

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"The future will be different if we make the present different" are the words of the co-founder of the Catholic Worker Movement, Peter Maurin. In this AMCAST episode, Dr. Marc Tumeinski discusses his recent book review of Maurin's essays and how Maurin's beliefs, and those of Dorothy Day, created the Catholic Worker Movement which is still active in Worcester and around the world. #dorothyday #catholicworker #petermaurin #lent

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It’s Academy Award time which means it’s time on the AMCAST for Professors Travis Maruska and Lisa Williams to make their predictions for the Oscars. AMCASTERs, do you agree with their picks? Tell us what you think and share the episode with your friends. #theoscars

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In this AMCAST episode, Anna Maria College student athletes Elijah Rapaport, Jarrett “Eggo” Niland, Joshua Alexander, and Cameron Powell describe how their Super Bowl celebration turned into an act of heroism. They are our Hockey Heroes!

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In this AMCAST episode, we hear more about how Anna Maria College is working with public safety departments across the Commonwealth to increase the number of professionals trained in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). These trainings come at a time when stress, burnout, and fatigue are taking an emotional toll on first responders and public safety professionals.

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Introducing “Anna Maria College Storytellers” where we interview members of the college community who have written stories they would like to share. Our first storyteller interview is with Professor Travis Maruska who reads from his novel, Order of the AssassinBook One. We hope you enjoy the discussion.

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Every organization needs good communicators. This AMCAST episode features Professor Travis Maruska who talks about the Communications Major and how communication skills are applicable to so many careers.

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Watch out for AMCAT Field Hockey! The AMCATS recently concluded their most successful season since joining the GNAC. The seven total wins for the AMCATS also gave head coach Lauren Chenevert the most wins for a first-year AMCATS coach since 1992. In this episode, we talk to the team. They share their passion for the game and Anna Maria College. They tell us how teamwork and determination led this squad to a playoff berth. Considering college #fieldhockey? Become an AMCAT! #goamcats

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Thrillers, jump scares and classic horror are the topics in this AMCAST episode. Professors Travis Maruska and Lisa Williams return to discuss their favorite spooky movies. Be sure to share with your friends and let us know what you think of their picks.

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They’re back! Professors Travis Maruska and Lisa Williams return to the AMCAST to talk about their favorite “back to school” films. Do you agree with their selections? Please subscribe to the AMCAST on your favorite podcast listening platform and be sure to share it to your social networks.

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These podcast episodes are part of a miniseries to share information with students and their families about some of the services available to students at Anna Maria, how to access support on campus and how to adjust to college life. The series is called “From our Family to Yours.”

Supporting Your Student’s Mental Health/Wellness- Lynn Curran, Dir. of Counseling Services and Isiah Tucker, Counselor, talk about the counseling services available on campus, the why, how and when to make an appointment, and information to stay healthy and thrive at Anna Maria.

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These podcast episodes are part of a miniseries to share information with students and their families about some of the services available to students at Anna Maria, how to access support on campus and how to adjust to college life. The series is called “From our Family to Yours.”

Resources for Academic Success – Learn more about the resources here to support your academic success. Dennis Vanasse, Director of the Student Success Center and Dana Sheehan, Director of the Writing Center, discuss the services and support available to Anna Maria students.

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These podcast episodes are part of a miniseries to share information with students and their families about some of the services available to students at Anna Maria, how to access support on campus and how to adjust to college life. The series is called “From our Family to Yours.”

Adjusting to College/Living Away from Home – Drew Melendez, Director of Residence Life, and Allene Martin, a student and Resident Assistant offer practical advice about living on campus, handling roommates, making new friends, and being independent.

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Esports arrives this fall at Anna Maria College. This AMCAST podcast episode checks in with Esports Director Zachary Gandara who gives us an update on the program, plans for the first cohort, and why he’s excited to launch esports at Anna Maria. #esports

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International Artist Matthias Neumann is recognized nationally and internationally for his work. As part of the Campus Sculpture Program administered by Professor David Wackell, Anna Maria College is honored to feature three sculptures that Neumann created specifically for our campus. They are part of his works called “Basics” which have three features: Basic material, Public display, and temporary. In this AMCAST episode, Neumann discusses the creative process, his work as an artist, and what he hopes these pieces bring to Anna Maria. Remember to rate and subscribe to the AMCAST on your favorite podcast platform.

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When you think about any of the major disasters in North America in recent memory, Dr. Jennifer Carlson probably has played a role in the humanitarian response. At Anna Maria, Dr. Carlson is a member of the social work faculty. In this AMCAST episode, Dr. Carlson talks about emergency management, the collaborations between government and nonprofits, and career opportunities in the field. Remember to rate and subscribe to the AMCAST on your favorite podcast platform.

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Everybody loves a good summer movie! Remember Jaws, Star Wars, Grease, ET, and Batman? In this fast-paced AMCAST episode, we welcome back Professors Travis Maruska and Lisa Williams to discuss their favorite summer blockbusters. What do all you AMCASTers think of their picks? Be sure to let us know. And, don’t forget to rate and subscribe to the AMCAST on your favorite podcast listening platform.

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In this AMCAST episode, Professor Marc Tumeinski  and Campus Ministry director Melissa Laneve take a deeper look at Anna Maria College’s mission and the value: Development of the Whole Person. Anna Maria’s mission reads: As a Catholic institution inspired by the ideals of the Sisters of Saint Anne, Anna Maria College educates students to become individuals who will transform their world as ethical leaders and community-oriented professionals. The mission statement is supported by seven values. The value Development of the Whole Person was a focus for the College during the 2021-2022 Academic Year. Be sure to rate and subscribe to the AMCAST on your favorite podcast listening platform.

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This week on the AMCAST: Head Football Coach Steve Croce reflects on his 30 years of service as a Waterbury Firefighter and the synergies between football, firefighting and life. Be sure to listen until the very end for a special announcement. Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform so you never miss an episode.

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This week the AMCAST podcast features three episodes we call: Students Helping Students: Adjusting to college life one episode at a time. Dana Sheehan, Director of the Writing Center & Assistant Professor of English, is the episode host. She interviews students Caleb Wu, Liam Egan and Mik Smith about how they approach things like how best to manage a busy schedule, how joining clubs and organizations can really help with mental health, and how to ask for help when you never had to before. Professor Sheehan is planning more episodes where students share their best practices. You can visit her in the Student Success Center.

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This week the AMCAST podcast features three episodes we call: Students Helping Students: Adjusting to college life one episode at a time. Dana Sheehan, Director of the Writing Center & Assistant Professor of English, is the episode host. She interviews students Caleb Wu, Liam Egan and Mik Smith about how they approach things like how best to manage a busy schedule, how joining clubs and organizations can really help with mental health, and how to ask for help when you never had to before. Professor Sheehan is planning more episodes where students share their best practices. You can visit her in the Student Success Center.

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This week the AMCAST podcast features three episodes we call: Students Helping Students: Adjusting to college life one episode at a time. Dana Sheehan, Director of the Writing Center & Assistant Professor of English, is the episode host. She interviews students Caleb Wu, Liam Egan and Mik Smith about how they approach things like how best to manage a busy schedule, how joining clubs and organizations can really help with mental health, and how to ask for help when you never had to before. Professor Sheehan is planning more episodes where students share their best practices. You can visit her in the Student Success Center.

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It’s Academy Award season! This AMCAST episode reviews the nominees for Best Picture. Listen as Anna Maria professors Travis Maruska and Lisa Williams discuss their likes and dislikes and share a little bit on the history of the Oscars. Lastly, did you know that Prof. Williams hates sci-fi? Now you do.

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Join Senior, Ashley Garcia, as she reflects on her Anna Maria College experience.

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Welcome to the AMCAST, a new podcast produced by the Anna Maria College marketing and communications office.

In this pilot episode, we wanted to offer something special for the holiday season so we asked two film fans from the faculty to give us a bit of holiday cheer. Communications Professor Travis Maruska and Psychology Professor Lisa Williams joined the AMCAST to discuss their favorite holiday films and what makes these movies work. There must be something appealing in the holiday film formula because we watch them year after year.

More AMCAST episodes are in the works so stay tuned. Our goal is to feature the many people, programs and activities that make Anna Maria an interesting and fun place to learn, compete, network and prepare for a career.