Pack Perspective Podcast

In this special episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, SMCC President Kristen Miller and Dean of Students Jason Saucier join the Pack Perspective team for an engaging conversation across three dynamic segments focused on leadership, growth, and the SMCC student experience.
Listeners will hear personal stories that highlight each guest’s journey through higher education, along with insights into their leadership styles and the values that guide their work on campus. The discussion also spotlights key campus resources and the importance of building a strong sense of belonging within the SMCC community.
Throughout the episode, hosts Aidan, Bree, and Chris guide the conversation with student-driven questions that bring forward practical advice for navigating college life. This is an episode for everyone: students, staff, and community members alike, offering perspective and actionable takeaways for making the most of the SMCC experience.
Podcast Credits
HostsBree Michaud, Chris Mpuhwe, and Aidan Burchill
GuestsKristen Miller and Jason Saucier
Script WritersBree Michaud, Chris Mpuhwe, Aidan Burchill, and Benedite Vangu
Produced byBree Michaud 
Edited byBree Michaud
If you are interested in joining the Pack Perspective Podcast team next year, please reach out to bree.michaud@mainecc.edu

In this episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, host Aiden Burchill sits down with SMCC men’s basketball player Braden Rodrigue to break down a standout season for the Seawolves, highlighted by a historic 13-game win streak that led the team to become Yankee Small College Conference champions.
As a first-year point guard, Rodrigue talks about bringing high energy, staying locked in with his teammates, and playing with consistent effort throughout the grind of the season. The conversation also dives into what helped Rodrigue and his team maintain that same focus from the classroom to the court during their championship run.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about SMCC athletics, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
To learn more, visit SMCC Athletics site at gosmccseawolves.com.
Podcast Credits
HostAidan Burchill
GuestBraden Rodrigue 
Script WritersAidan Burchill
Produced byBree Michaud 
Edited byBree Michaud
If you are interested in joining the Pack Perspective Podcast team next year, please reach out to bree.michaud@mainecc.edu
 

In this episode of the Pack Perspective Podcast, host Bree Michaud and guest Savannah Johnson discuss mental health resources available to students at Southern Maine Community College (SMCC), highlighting both campus-based and community support systems. The episode explores services such as BetterMynd counseling, the Advocacy Resource Center (ARC), the SMCC Care Team, and Student Accessibility Services, offering students clear guidance on what support is available and how to access it.
The conversation blends Savannah’s personal experience with practical information about navigating mental health support during college. Alongside that perspective, the episode emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health, reducing stigma, and reminding students that they are not alone in what they may be experiencing. Seeking help is presented as a valid and encouraged step, especially in a college environment where many students face similar challenges. All students are encouraged to tune in for an open and relatable discussion that helps break down barriers around mental health and encourages students to feel more comfortable reaching out for support.
 
Mental Health Resources:
BetterMynd Website: https://www.bettermynd.com/
SMCC Student Accessibility Services Website: https://www.smccme.edu/academics/student-accessibility-services/
SMCC Counseling Support: https://www.smccme.edu/student-life/counseling/
Sweetser Maine Therapist Search: https://www.sweetser.org/find-a-maine-therapist/
NAMI Maine Resources: https://namimaine.org/maines-mental-health-resource-database/
Advocacy Resource Center Information: 
Phone - 207-741-5809
Email - smccarc@mainecc.edu
Location - 185 Benjamin Pickett St, South Portland, ME 04106
 
Podcast Credits
HostBree Michaud
GuestSavannah Johnson
Script WritersBree Michaud
Produced byBree Michaud 
Edited byBree Michaud

In this episode of the Pack Perspective Podcast, hosts Bree Michaud and Chris Mpuhwe sit down with Katelyn McKay and Anthony Knight to discuss the college experiences of nontraditional students in higher education and what it means to build a sense of belonging on campus at Southern Maine Community College.
Together, our guests and hosts explore the challenges of college, particularly for nontraditional students who return to college after spending time away or begin their journeys later than the typical college age. They address the uncertainty of taking a nontraditional path, including feeling out of place, navigating age-related stereotypes, and balancing the demands of college with work and family responsibilities.
The episode also focuses on what actually supports student success in college, including knowing how to use campus resources and building strong support systems. Additionally, Anthony Knight shares perspective from the Veterans Resource Center, speaking to veteran and military-connected students in higher education and their transition from military life to college, including adjusting to new routines and civilian life.
Listeners will gain insight into navigating college, building confidence in higher education, and using SMCC student resources to support their success. The conversation connects real challenges with practical strategies and shows how students can move forward and find their place in college at any stage of life.
To learn more about the Veterans Resource Center, visit: https://www.smccme.edu/admissions-aid/veterans/
Podcast CreditsHostsBree Michaud and Chris Mpuhwe
Guests
Katelyn McKay and Anthony Knight
Script WritersBree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe
Produced byBree Michaud and Chris Mpuhwe 
Edited byBree Michaud

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 CreditsHostsChris Mpuhwe, Bree Michaud, and Aidan BurchillScript WritersBree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris MpuhweProduced byBree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris MpuhweEdited byBree 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.
Podcast CreditsHostsBree Michaud and Aidan Burchill
GuestsGrace Thompson and Ethan Wells 
Script WritersBree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe
Produced byBree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe 
Edited byBree Michaud

In this episode of The Pack Perspective Podcast, we hang out with RA's Delaney Noldan 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.
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.
Podcast CreditsHostsBree Michaud 
GuestsDelaney Noldan, Kamy Dube, and Britt Couturier
Script WritersBree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe
Produced byBree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe 
Edited byBree Michaud and Kamy Dube 

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.
Podcast Credits
HostsChristian Mpuhwe, Bree Michaud, and Aidan Burchill
Script WritersBree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, and Christian Mpuhwe
Produced byBree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe, and Kamy Dube
Edited byBree 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 CreditsHostChristian Mpuhwe
GuestsLucia Campillay, Maks Nikulin, and Victoria Muanda
Script WritersBree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, and Christian Mpuhwe
Produced byAidan Burchill, Christian Mpuhwe, and Kamy Dube
Edited byBree Michaud