Pack Perspective Podcast

PTK Pack Perspective/Southern Maine Community College

Are you ready to experience SMCC like never before? The Pack Perspective Podcast is your inside look into the heart of SMCC, where we dive deep into student experiences, campus life, and the issues that matter most. It's more than just a podcast; it's a community that is committed to amplifying voices, sharing stories, and building meaningful connections. Looking for more opportunities to get involved? Join us and find out what it is like to be part of the SMCC family through our podcast, produced by SMCC's Phi Theta Kappa Chapter.

  1. Apr 10

    Navigating Mental Health Resources at SMCC

    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 Host Bree Michaud Guest Savannah Johnson Script Writers Bree Michaud Produced by Bree Michaud  Edited by Bree Michaud

    50 min
  2. Mar 30

    The Path to Success as a Nontraditional Student

    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 Credits Hosts Bree Michaud and Chris Mpuhwe Guests Katelyn McKay and Anthony Knight Script Writers Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe Produced by Bree Michaud and Chris Mpuhwe  Edited by Bree Michaud

    1h 14m
  3. Feb 9

    SMCC SeaWolves Athletics

    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 Credits Hosts Bree Michaud and Aidan Burchill Guests Grace Thompson and Ethan Wells  Script Writers Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe Produced by Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe  Edited by Bree Michaud

    44 min
  4. 11/22/2025

    Res Life: Behind the Scenes

    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 Credits Hosts Bree Michaud  Guests Delaney Noldan, Kamy Dube, and Britt Couturier Script Writers Bree Michaud, Kamy Dube, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe Produced by Bree Michaud, Aidan Burchill, and Chris Mpuhwe  Edited by Bree Michaud and Kamy Dube

    1h 29m

About

Are you ready to experience SMCC like never before? The Pack Perspective Podcast is your inside look into the heart of SMCC, where we dive deep into student experiences, campus life, and the issues that matter most. It's more than just a podcast; it's a community that is committed to amplifying voices, sharing stories, and building meaningful connections. Looking for more opportunities to get involved? Join us and find out what it is like to be part of the SMCC family through our podcast, produced by SMCC's Phi Theta Kappa Chapter.