In this episode of Cougars Uncaged, the Den Dwellers sit down with Cleary University President Alan Drimmer and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Carl Thomas for a conversation filled with momentum, heart, and humor. Fresh off the release of Cleary’s strategic plan and the men’s basketball team’s biggest win yet over nationally ranked Indiana Tech, both guests reflect on what these milestone moments mean for the university and its future.

Coach Thomas shares what it has been like to build a program from the ground up, emphasizing grit, belief, and a “let’s go to work” mindset. President Drimmer reflects on his five-year journey at Cleary and why the university has become such a meaningful part of his life. Together, they highlight the people of Cleary as the institution’s greatest strength and discuss what makes the campus culture so personal and student-centered.

The episode also dives into lighter topics, including music, favorite campus spots, dream travel destinations, and rapid-fire questions, while still making room for some deeper and more meaningful reflections. Coach Thomas opens up about the influence of his grandmother and father, sharing how their values shaped his life, work ethic, and commitment to education. President Drimmer reflects on the teachers who challenged and inspired him, and how discomfort can often be part of true growth.

From jazz and game-day playlists to leadership, family, education, and vision for the future, this episode offers a powerful look at two leaders helping shape Cleary in very different but complementary ways. It is a fun, thoughtful, and inspiring conversation that gives listeners a deeper look at the people behind the titles.

Athletic Director Max Ballinger and Associate Head Baseball Coach Nick Hoogerhyde bring energy, humor, and heart to this episode of Cougars Uncaged—joined by our first-ever live studio audience.

Max shares his journey from joining Cleary in 2019 to leading a rapidly growing athletics program, while Nick reflects on being part of Cleary’s first baseball recruiting class and now helping shape the next generation of student-athletes.

From favorite campus spots (third-base dugout vs. press box views) to heated Thanksgiving hot takes (pumpkin pie, turkey, and gravy debates included), this episode balances laughs with meaningful moments. Both guests open up about the family values and mentors who shaped their leadership styles—highlighting the culture that defines Cleary Athletics.

The show wraps with a competitive baseball trivia showdown and, of course, a spirited “Roll Cougs!”

🎧 Tune in for a fun, fast-paced look at the people building Cleary Athletics from the inside out.

🐾 Cougars Uncaged – Cleary Hockey Takeover

Lonnie sits down with Cleary hockey players Nick, Dylan, and Bennett to talk about what brought them to Cleary, why they chose Cougar hockey, and what they’re studying — from Sports Promotion & Management to Corporate Finance.

The guys share their favorite campus spots (Cougar Corner, Clancy’s, and Wellness) and break down their competitive pregame “Super Bowl” soccer-style ritual that gets the whole team locked in before games.

🔥 The Hot Take segment heats up with a debate over the Colorado Avalanche — contenders or frauds? A friendly wager might be brewing.

The conversation turns personal as the players reflect on the people who shaped them most — supportive parents, a devoted grandfather, and even a neighbor who introduced hockey on a frozen pond.

Rapid fire brings laughs (Elf spaghetti, chocolate-covered ants, pet peeves, dream vacations), and the episode closes with an intense U.S. states challenge.

This episode kicks off with high energy, quick laughs, and a totally unplanned guest lineup that turns into an instant favorite. Lonnie and Kylie welcome Sage Erskine, Barry Seymour, and Jerry Wallace for a conversation that’s equal parts funny, candid, and full of Cleary pride.

The trio shares how they each found their way to Cleary and why the campus family culture means so much to them—proving it’s not buildings that make Cleary special, but the people. From there, things spiral (in the best way) into a lively holiday debate, hot takes on Christmas and Thanksgiving, and plenty of playful banter.

The episode also delivers some surprisingly meaningful moments, with guests reflecting on who has impacted their lives most, balanced perfectly with rapid-fire questions, unexpected personal reveals, and a competitive movie showdown to close things out.

If you’re looking for laughs, personality, and a behind-the-scenes feel of what makes Cleary special, this is an episode you’ll want to tune into.

Cougars Uncaged welcomes bowling team captains Bryce Owens and Courtney Witten for a lively, laugh-out-loud conversation that blends leadership, student life, and a whole lot of personality.

As juniors at Cleary University, Bryce and Courtney share what drew them to Cleary, why their coaches have become such a powerful influence, and how the close-knit campus culture has shaped their college experience. From balancing academics and athletics to leading as captains on the bowling team and serving in SALT (Student-Athlete Leadership Team), both guests offer thoughtful insight into responsibility, maturity, and showing up for others.

The episode keeps things fun with hot takes (including a spirited debate on the best time to wake up), behind-the-scenes reflections on who has influenced them most, and a fast-paced Rapid Fire round that reveals everything from biggest fears to karaoke favorites. Highlights include Bryce’s dream conversation with Jeff Bezos, Courtney’s admiration for Tyler, The Creator, and an unforgettable trivia moment that will live in Cougars Uncaged history.

Authentic, energetic, and full of heart, this episode captures what it really means to be a Cleary student-athlete—competitive, committed, and always ready to roll with the Cougs.

In this episode of Cougars Uncaged, den dwellers Lonnie Preis and Kylie Walker sit down with Cleary men’s basketball players Isaiah Bailey and Brian Eberhardt for a wide-ranging and entertaining conversation ahead of game day. The duo shares their journeys to Cleary, from Isaiah returning home to Lansing after playing in Alabama to Brian transferring from Henry Ford Community College after a challenging athletic transition. The episode dives into team chemistry, favorite spots on campus, recovery routines, and dream careers beyond basketball, before heating up with a spirited NBA debate featuring Kevin Durant, Cade Cunningham, and even Nikola Jokić. Fans also get a deeper look behind the curtain as Isaiah and Brian reflect on family influences, personal motivations, and life lessons, followed by a fun rapid-fire segment covering everything from hype music and favorite foods to pet peeves and hidden talents. The episode wraps with laughs, competition, and Cougar pride—highlighting the personalities, perspectives, and bonds that define Cleary Basketball.

In this lively episode of Cougars Uncaged, den dwellers Lonnie Preis and Kylie Walker sit down with Cleary women’s soccer players Emily Krampitz and Ashley Stover for a fun, fast-paced conversation that blends campus life, personal stories, and plenty of laughs. The duo shares their backgrounds, majors, and what they love most about Cleary—highlighting the close-knit community, favorite campus hangout spots, and the sense of belonging that comes with being a Cougar.

Through segments like Roll With It, Behind the Curtain, and Rapid Fire, listeners get to know Emily and Ashley beyond the soccer field—from travel dreams and role models to quirky habits, pet peeves, and bucket-list adventures. The episode wraps with a competitive restaurant challenge and a women’s soccer trivia question for listeners, making it an energetic, authentic snapshot of student-athlete life at Cleary.

This episode of Cougars Uncaged brings the laughs, the “hot takes,” and a ton of heart as The Den Dwellers sit down with Coach Hayley Dann (Bowling Coach) and Coach Jamey Lobdell (Softball Coach).

Coach Dann shares how a “quarter-life crisis” turned into a bold leap from a 9–5 job in Ohio to chasing big goals in collegiate and professional bowling—ultimately landing her at Cleary, where she’s now entering her fourth season and loving life with her athletes. Coach Lobdell talks about his coaching path (including time at Saginaw Valley), the curveballs of life and COVID, and how a call from Coach Tim Bailey pulled him right back into the game.

From favorite campus spots (Lake Trust Stadium love, and the peaceful first-base dugout at sunset) to a legendary debate on pineapple on pizza, the conversation stays fun and real. The “Behind the Curtain” segment dives deeper into who shaped them—Coach Lobdell’s grandmothers (both educators with strong local Howell roots) and Coach Dann’s college coach Craig, whose positivity and resilience still guide her coaching today.

Then it’s off the rails in the best way: rapid-fire answers, spirit animals, Starbucks orders, weirdest foods ever eaten (yes… those), pet peeves, and a hilarious game of “Showtime” featuring musical artists. The episode wraps with a student trivia challenge (and a gift card prize!)—plus one last bowling question: How many strikes to bowl a perfect 300?