Cougarcast 18 - Dr. Gary Huffnagle

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In this episode of the Cougarcast, we talk with Dr. Gary Huffnagle, the first guest lecturer of the 2009-2010 Distinguished Speaker Series. Renowned probiotics author and international lecturer, Huffnagle is a professor of internal medicine and microbiology and immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School. He holds a bachelors of science degree in microbiology from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in immunology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. He is the author of "The Probiotics Revolution: The Definitive Guide to Safe, Natural Health Solutions Using Probiotic and Prebiotic Foods and Supplements".  In this interview, Dr. Huffnagle speaks with Heather Darrow about the benefits of probiotics.

Cougarcast 17 - Matthew Pearl

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The Book-in-Common program entered its fourth year by choosing Matthew Pearl's best-selling "historical novel" The Poe Shadow. Pearl is the author of two other books, The Dante Club and The Last Dickens. During his visit to Collin College in October, Pearl talked with Mark Robinson about his particular genre, writing, sub-themes of The Poe Shadow and more.

Cougarcast for November 2008

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November 17, 2008 - The Book-in-Common program just held its 2008 events featuring author Michael Patrick MacDonald and his book, All Souls.

For the third straight year, the Book-in-Common program has put Collin College students, faculty and staff in direct contact with a writer, injecting one common book into the curriculum of a wide range of disciplines. The program culminates in a lecture by the author at a Collin College campus.

In this month's Cougarcast, we talk with MacDonald during his visit to Collin College about writing, movies, South Boston, activism, death, drugs and his past that has not only defined and molded his stories but also opened the eyes of many to the perils of poverty, racism and class struggles in America.

Cougarcast for June 2008

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June 13, 2008 - The Collin Theatre Center is putting a Vaudevillian spin on William Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors."

In this month's Cougarcast, we talk with director Joanne Zipay, founder of the New York-based Judith Shakespeare Company, about this year's adaptation and about directing the Bard's finest plays.

Also we talked with Casey Struble, pianist and former Collin College student, who wrote and will perform the play's score.

Finally, we talked with theatre professor Gail Cronauer about acting and reading Shakespeare.

"The Comedy of Errors" will run June 19-21 and 26-28 at the Black Box Theatre at the Spring Creek Campus in Plano. Tickets are $5. For more information, call 972.881.5100 or visit www.collintheatrecenter.com.

Cougarcast for May 2008

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May 15, 2008 - In making this month's Cougarcast we spoke with three Collin College students who are each moving on to new challenges and opportunities. As you'll hear in this episode, all three hold Collin College, its instructors and the education they've received here in the highest regard. And as they prepare to leave for another college or university or start a new career in the workforce, they proudly state their experience here at the college will impact their future.

We begin our podcast with Julie Boudreaux, a nursing graduate, who will soon apply her training on patients at an area hospital.

Following Ms. Boudreaux, we interviewed Tiara Tyree, who will be transferring to a partner university.

The episode concludes with Adam Pawelczyk, a Collin College ambassador, who has big plans at Texas Christian University and credits the college for many of his opportunities.

As these students move on to new things, the Cougarcast is also looking forward. Do you look forward each month to the Cougarcast arriving in your podcast player? Do you have ideas and suggestions for improving these podcasts? Do you want to be involved in the podcast creation or production? Send us an email at nyoung@ccccd.edu.

Cougarcast for April 2008

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April 4, 2008 - The consciousness of green America is alive and it's spirit is most evident during the month of April as Earth Day events and eco-friendly initiatives are held. Collin College's Earth Day events April 15 and 16 are evidence of a nationwide phenomena of individuals recognizing the frailty of the planet and agreeing to do something about it. We talked with E.J. Hanford, professor of environmental science, about Earth Day and the culture around saving the planet.

We also talked with Rebecca Boatman, professor of art, about eco-conscious art and the use of recycled objects.

Also: This month's Cougar News features an article on the college's Earth Day festivities. Events will focus around the theme of "It Is Easy To Be Green! Recycle � Reuse -- Renew Our Planet."

Cougarcast for March 2008

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March 25, 2008 - Spring Cleaning. It's easier said that done. But when one's house and office are in order it can make a significant impact on one's life and career. In this Cougarcast, we talk with Gloria Cockerell, professor of business, who discusses the value and strategy of using a daily planner when keeping one's work and school schedule organized.

Also in this episode, Ali Kholdi, professor of interior design, shares his thoughts on cleaning and organization -- how cleaning up one's space works toward a greater self improvement.

Also: This month's Cougar News features an article on spring cleaning. It offers tips for cleaning up five common clutter causers.