Cougars Uncaged: A Cleary University Podcast

Cleary University Marketing
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

Hosted by Cleary University’s Vice President of Athletics and Student Affairs, Lonnie Pries, Cougars Uncaged takes you beyond the scoreboard and into the heart of what it means to be a Cougar. Each episode features conversations with students, coaches, faculty, and staff—uncovering the passions, pastimes, and personal stories that shape our Cleary community. From the drive that fuels our student-athletes to the traditions and connections that define life on campus, Lonnie uncages the stories that inspire pride both on and off the field. Whether you’re a current Cougar, an alum, or part of our extended family, this is your all-access pass to the people who make Cleary University extraordinary.

  1. College Lifestyle Podcast -- Cougars Uncaged with Brett Paris and Brendan Seman

    Jun 1

    College Lifestyle Podcast -- Cougars Uncaged with Brett Paris and Brendan Seman

    Cougars Uncaged Podcast: Baseball, Brotherhood, and Big-League Debates On this episode of Cougars Uncaged, we sit down with Cleary University baseball players Brendan Simon and Brett Paris for a fun and candid conversation about college baseball, life at Cleary, and the experiences that have shaped them both on and off the field.  The pair share what brought them to Cleary, why the university's close-knit community feels like family, and how their journeys have included perseverance, growth, and overcoming challenges—including injury setbacks and the transition to collegiate athletics.  The conversation heats up during a spirited Hot Takes debate as Brendan and Brett tackle one of baseball's biggest questions: Who is the greatest hitter in Major League Baseball history? Is it Barry Bonds or Aaron Judge? Their passionate arguments, along with discussions about wooden bats, pitching strategy, and baseball superstitions, make for must-hear content for any sports fan.  Listeners will also get a glimpse behind the curtain as the players discuss:  The family members who have had the greatest impact on their lives.  The lessons they've learned from sports and adversity.  Their dream conversations with Shohei Ohtani and Tom Brady.  Bucket-list adventures, favorite Cleary memories, and rapid-fire questions that reveal plenty of personality and laughs along the way. From heartfelt stories about supportive parents and mentors to friendly baseball rivalry and locker-room humor, this episode captures the spirit of what it means to be a Cougar student-athlete. Tune in to Cougars Uncaged and get to know two members of Cleary Baseball beyond the box score. You'll leave with a few laughs, some baseball insight, and a deeper appreciation for the people behind the uniform. ⚾🐾

    27 min
  2. College Lifestyle Podcast -- Cougars Uncaged with Jack Gruno, Julius Polk, and Grayson Sonntag

    May 11

    College Lifestyle Podcast -- Cougars Uncaged with Jack Gruno, Julius Polk, and Grayson Sonntag

    In this episode of Cougars Uncaged, the spotlight is on Cleary University wrestlers Julius Polk, Jack Gruno, and Grayson Sonntag as they share their personal journeys, favorite campus spots, and what brought them to Cleary. From transferring schools and reconnecting with wrestling to finding community through the program, the trio opens up about life as student-athletes and the bond they’ve built on and off the mat.  The conversation dives into everything from breakfast debates and favorite foods to dream celebrity meetups, personal inspirations, and rapid-fire questions that reveal each athlete’s personality. Listeners will hear heartfelt reflections on family, leadership, discipline, and overcoming adversity — balanced with plenty of laughs about Dave’s Hot Chicken, tattoos, social media, and UFC trivia.  Packed with humor, authenticity, and team camaraderie, this episode gives fans an inside look at the personalities behind Cleary Wrestling while showcasing the culture, energy, and student experience that make Cleary Athletics special.

    26 min
  3. College Lifestyle Podcast -- Cougars Uncaged with Alan Drimmer and Carl Thomas

    Mar 31

    College Lifestyle Podcast -- Cougars Uncaged with Alan Drimmer and Carl Thomas

    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.

    46 min
  4. College Lifestyle Podcast-- Cougars Uncaged with Nick Hoogerhyde and Max Ballinger

    Feb 26

    College Lifestyle Podcast-- Cougars Uncaged with Nick Hoogerhyde and Max Ballinger

    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.

    27 min
  5. College Lifestyle Podcast-- Cougars Uncaged with Bennett Sheppard, Dylan Tammadge, and Nick Meyering

    Feb 20

    College Lifestyle Podcast-- Cougars Uncaged with Bennett Sheppard, Dylan Tammadge, and Nick Meyering

    🐾 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.

    25 min
  6. Cougars Uncaged, with Sage Erskine, Barry Seymour, and Jerry Wallace

    Feb 7

    Cougars Uncaged, with Sage Erskine, Barry Seymour, and Jerry Wallace

    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.

    32 min
  7. Cougars Uncaged, with Courtney Witten and Bryce Owens

    Jan 30

    Cougars Uncaged, with Courtney Witten and Bryce Owens

    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.

    25 min
  8. Cougars Uncaged, with Isaiah Bailey and Brian Everhart

    Jan 23

    Cougars Uncaged, with Isaiah Bailey and Brian Everhart

    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.

    27 min
See All (20)

Ratings & Reviews

About

Hosted by Cleary University’s Vice President of Athletics and Student Affairs, Lonnie Pries, Cougars Uncaged takes you beyond the scoreboard and into the heart of what it means to be a Cougar. Each episode features conversations with students, coaches, faculty, and staff—uncovering the passions, pastimes, and personal stories that shape our Cleary community. From the drive that fuels our student-athletes to the traditions and connections that define life on campus, Lonnie uncages the stories that inspire pride both on and off the field. Whether you’re a current Cougar, an alum, or part of our extended family, this is your all-access pass to the people who make Cleary University extraordinary.

Information