Speaking of ... College of Charleston

University Communications

Produced by the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, “Speaking of… College of Charleston” features conversations with faculty, students, staff, alumni and supporters who bring prestige and positive recognition to the university across a wide array of academic endeavors, professional interests and creative passions. 

  1. Quest Founder Luke Shirley ’18 on Mental Fitness, Peer Support and Asking for Help

    MAR 4

    Quest Founder Luke Shirley ’18 on Mental Fitness, Peer Support and Asking for Help

    Send us Fan Mail Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, U.S.). In South Carolina, you can also call the Mobile Crisis line at 833-364-2274. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.  On this episode of Speaking of… College of Charleston, alumnus Luke Shirley ’18 shares how depression and isolation shaped his sophomore year and how that experience helped inspire Quest, a Charleston-based nonprofit focused on strengthening the mental fitness of students and young adults through community and peer support.  Luke also explains what Quest means by “mental fitness” and why movement and the outdoors can help people get out of their heads and connect with peers.  Featured event: Quest’s flagship fundraiser, Sound of Mind, is March 29 at The Refinery in Charleston with headliner River Whyless.  Learn more: Quest (Quest in Recovery): questinrecovery.org Quest on Campus (student-led program at the College of Charleston and The Citadel): questinrecovery.org CofC Office of Student Wellness and Well-being: charleston.edu/wellness

    36 min
  2. A Smarter Way to Navigate College: Life Design at the College of Charleston

    FEB 19

    A Smarter Way to Navigate College: Life Design at the College of Charleston

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the College of Charleston’s Life Design Center and how it helps students move from uncertainty to action through individualized coaching, practical tools, and community support. What You Will Learn What the College of Charleston’s Life Design Center is and how it helps students build clarity and confidence with practical tools and coaching. Life Design Center How Life Design differs from traditional advising or career planning by focusing on individualized support and real-world experimentation. What students can expect in a first visit, including the kinds of questions coaches ask to help students clarify what they want and what to try next. The difference between Design My Charleston (for early college exploration) and Life Launch: Design My Life (for students preparing for graduation), and how students can start in either place. How to take the first step, including where to find the Life Design Center and when to drop in. Where to go next on campus for degree planning and job or internship preparation, including Academic Advising and the Career Center. Resources from this episode: Life Design

    18 min
  3. 'On the Prowl’ Podcast Brings Fans Inside College of Charleston Athletics

    JAN 28

    'On the Prowl’ Podcast Brings Fans Inside College of Charleston Athletics

    Send us Fan Mail The College of Charleston is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast from the Athletics department. On the Prowl with Charleston Athletics is hosted by longtime men’s basketball play-by-play announcer Everett German. For more than two decades, German has been the voice behind some of the College’s most memorable moments on the court. A job that he says brings him joy.  “As I often tell people, I have the coolest part-time gig in the world,” says German. On the Prowl will bring listeners behind the scenes of Cougar athletics, offering candid conversations with student-athletes, coaches, and administrators across all of the College’s 19 varsity sports. “We’re excited to launch “On the Prowl,” says Matt Roberts, Director of Athletics at the College. “With the everchanging landscape of college athletics, we continue to look for unique ways to communicate with Cougar fans around the country. On the Prowl will deliver in-depth stories from student-athletes, coaches and staff giving our fans, donors, and stakeholders insight to the happenings of not only Charleston athletics, but the college athletics landscape as a whole.” And for German, who was recently named a 2025 Cougar Trailblazer for his impact on the College and the local community, the opportunity to spotlight the next generation of athletes is especially meaningful.  “We have so many unique student-athletes who represent the College on and off the court, and we want people to see who they are beyond the jersey,” says German.  “They’re not robots, they’re going to make mistakes, and they have feelings and emotions just like everyone else. Some of them have overcome serious medical challenges to get where they are. Others have come from countries where English isn’t their first language. This podcast is a chance to tell those stories and help people understand what our kids go through, the training, the travel, the academics and the pressure from social media. Hopefully this can connect generations of Cougar fans and give everyone a deeper appreciation of who these student-athletes really are.” On The Prowl will launch in February 2026. Cougar fans can listen and follow the show on all major podcast platforms.

    18 min

  4. 12/18/2025

    AI and Arts Education: How Technology is Transforming Classroom Creativity

    Send us Fan Mail Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but how does it fit into the world of art and arts education? On this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston, three faculty members discuss how AI is reshaping creative practice and teaching, from sculpture studios to fundraising classes and art history seminars.  Guests include: Bex Ferrell, assistant professor in Arts Management Jarod Charzewski, studio art professor in sculptureMarian Mazzone, professor in Art History They share candid insights on the opportunities and tensions AI brings to the arts, why the creative process still matters and how educators are helping students balance efficiency with authenticity. From fundraising and marketing to sculpture and art history, this conversation dives into the opportunities and tensions AI brings to the arts.  In this episode, you’ll hear: Real classroom examples of students experimenting with AI toolsHow arts managers gamify AI for fundraising and marketingWhy the creative process is messy and why that mattersInsights on the future of AI art, including major museums collecting AI-generated worksResources and links: Learn more about the College of Charleston’s Arts Management, Studio Art and Art and Architectural History programsExplore contemporary AI artists like Refik AnadolLos Angeles’ AI Museum Dataland, opening spring 2026Full transcript and additional resources in the episode show notesOr, visit  today.charleston.edu/cofc-podcast for more episodes.

    32 min
  5. The Recipe for Success: How to Host a Cooking Show

    12/01/2025

    The Recipe for Success: How to Host a Cooking Show

    Send us Fan Mail Lauren’s tips for hosting dinner parties: Get people involved and feel wanted in the kitchen, give them tasksHandwritten timelineGet as much done ahead of time as possibleResources from this episode: Focaccia Bread Recipe Les Dames d’Escoffier  Lauren’s Favorite Cookbooks: 1. "Deep Run Roots" by Vivian Howard 2. "Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking" by Nathalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubart 3. "Dining In" by Alison Roman 4. "Everyday Italian" by Giada de Laurentiis 5. "Essentials of Italian Cooking" by Marcella Hazan 6. "Chasing Flavor" by Dan Kluger  Lauren’s Faves: Best olive oil ever is available locally at farmers markets and from the owner, they also ship directly to customersLocal wood shop owned by Brad FergusonThe Veggie Bin is a great spot for local food products, produce and more, plus the friendliest hospitality: https://www.instagram.com/veggiebinchs/?hl=enCrosby's Seafood Butchers:  Ted's https://www.tedsbutcherblock.com/NY Butcher Shop in Mount Pleasant https://www.nybutcher.com/mount-pleasantPeculiar Pig Farm https://www.peculiarpigfarm.com/Farmers:  Fire Ant Farms, https://www.fireantfarm.org/LowLand Farms

    37 min
  6. Beyond Debate: Building Bridges Through Free Expression

    11/12/2025

    Beyond Debate: Building Bridges Through Free Expression

    Send us Fan Mail Discover how CofC students are leading a movement for civil discourse. Hear their strategies for navigating tough conversations and why empathy is the key to bridging divides. Does pineapple belong on pizza?  It’s an easy yes or no question for most. It’s an easier question to answer then one about politics or religion and it’s the kind of question that the Civility Initiative Free Expression Fellows call “low stakes.”  Resources from this episode: Want to join the conversation? Follow the Civility Initiative on Instagram at @cofc_civility or visit the Civility Initiative webpage for upcoming events.

    26 min

  7. 10/29/2025

    Alumnus Tells Tales of Charleston Ghosts

    Send us Fan Mail Ed Macy 91’ knows truth is stranger than fiction. The College of Charleston alumnus is a professor, historical journalist and a Charleston tour guide.  He is the author of the best-selling books Haunted Charleston and Haunted Harbor and has spent many years researching and telling Lowcountry ghost stories.

    11 min
  8. Save More, Worry Less: Financial Wellness Tips Every College Student Needs

    10/08/2025

    Save More, Worry Less: Financial Wellness Tips Every College Student Needs

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Speaking of … College of Charleston, we talk about something that impacts every student: money. From tuition and textbooks to coffee runs and weekend plans, managing your finances in college can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re diving into financial wellness—what it means, why it matters, and how you can take control of your money while you’re here at CofC and beyond. Joining us is Liz Cooper, associate director for financial wellness in the Career Center and Elisa Peñaloza student ambassador. Whether you’re a first-year student or getting ready to graduate, this conversation will help you take control of your finances and set yourself up for long-term success. Campus Resources: iGrad – CofC Financial Literacy Digital Platform (Free for Students, Staff, & Alumni)Cougar Pantry – Open to All CofC Students. Currently located at 26 Coming StreetCougar Free Store – 207 Calhoun Street, Room 102 (next to Addlestone Library) Open M-Th 10 am – 5 pmApps: Blackbird – Earn rewards to use at local restaurantsClass Pass – 1 month Free to try fitness classes at studios in CharlestonFinancial Wellness at the College of Charleston

    22 min
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Produced by the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, “Speaking of… College of Charleston” features conversations with faculty, students, staff, alumni and supporters who bring prestige and positive recognition to the university across a wide array of academic endeavors, professional interests and creative passions. 

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