Shows
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: Summer Stock Stage and "The Prom"Emily Ristine Holloway, founder and artistic director of Summer Stock Stage and Jacob Richardson '27, a secondary education major, theatre performer, and member of the Butler Cheer team, join Ross Hollebon on this episode of CCOM Backstage: What's going on at the Butler Arts & Events Center (BAEC).Summer Stock Stage was announced as the BAEC's resident theatre company in December of 2024 and is approaching opening night of its inaugural show, The Prom, at the Schrott Center for the Arts. Holloway directs the play and Richardson is one of the acting leads. The Prom, runs from May 30...2025-05-2723 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler University"Daggie" Lacis '64 discusses her new book and how she help modernize Latvia.In 1950, at age seven, Dagnija "Daggie" Lacis came to America with her parents as a refugee from Communist ruled Latvia. How did it happen that the Prime Minister of newly freed Latvia would invite Daggie back to her homeland in 1990 as the first official visitor from the West?Listen to the story from Daggie, who, upon graduating cum laude from Butler in June of 1964, crashed her first glass ceiling: she began her career in computers as the first woman programmer at the Burroughs Corporation, then the second-largest IT company worldwide. She stresses how Butler (mathematics, chemis...2025-05-2026 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityStudents Discuss CCOM Experiential OpportunitiesCCOM students Lexi Serra (First year; Strategic Communication), Miles Kong (First year; Journalism), Ally White (Graduating Senior; Sports Media), and Sarah Ripperger (Graduating Junior; Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences) join the CCOM Pawcast to share their experiential learning stories.From Mediterranean cruises focused on travel and hospitality to music business intensives in Nashville, and the Big Apple and Madison Square Garden to advanced clinical opportunities typically reserved for grad students—these students share what they've learned and the impact of these experiences.Join host Joe Valenzano, Dean of the College of Communication, as students share th...2025-05-0235 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityBehind the Lens with Photographer Lesle Lane '91Lesle Lane '91 graduated from Butler University with a degree in Liberal Arts and has earned a successful career in photography, now running Studio 13. She has been awarded national recognition for her images and helped Studio 13 come to serve global manufacturers, distributors, and bio-tech organizations. In this episode of the CCOM Pawcast she joins Joe Valenzano, Dean of the College of Communication, to discuss her background, the role of AI in photography, her Butler memories and excitement about the future of the university, and being better at accounting than math.Visit the official...2025-03-2116 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: "Burning Red: A Tribute to Taylor Swift" (April 4, 2025 at Clowes)Isabella Ernsberger '25 leads this episode of CCOM Backstage, with co-host Ross Hollebon, highlighting the upcoming April 4th performance by musical act "Burning Red: A Tribute to Taylor Swift" at Butler's Clowes Memorial Hall.Gina, lead singer and founder of Burning Red, talks about her impressive professional music background, why she has created a band to honor T Swift, and what fans should expect from the high-energy dance party, sing along, gathering of Swifties. Get ticketsVisit the official Burning Red website 2025-03-2115 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: Leslie Mendelson discusses her album “After the Party"Leslie Mendelson, Grammy Award-nominated artist, will play The Krannert Room in Clowes Hall at Butler University on Feb. 26, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. to support her latest album, After the Party.
Throughout After The Party’s ten tracks, Mendelson crafts a distinctive folk-rock, pop-Americana flavor, evoking the sounds of Laurel Canyon, but with the downtown grit and sharp wit of Brooklyn, the city she has called home for over two decades now. There’s a refreshing realness and effortless musicality that feels both nostalgic and new on songs like “Rock And Roll On The Radio,” “Signs Of Life,” and “I Know A Lot Of...2025-02-0422 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityFounder's Celebration Special with Ovid Butler's Great (4X) Granddaughter, Anna Demia Colosi(Recorded on Jan. 30, 2025) Anna Demia Colosi, great (4X) granddaughter of Ovid Butler, joins CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano as part of this year's Founder's Celebration Week.
Anna talks about the important legacy of Ovid and the immense pride her family shares in seeing all that Butler University continues to be.
To learn more about this year's Founder's Celebration, please visit the Founder's Celebration Landing page by clicking here.
2025-02-0313 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityBill Neher ’66 on Debate, Communication Ethics, and the "80 For 80" Campaign(Recorded on Jan. 14, 2025) Bill Neher '66, is Professor Emeritus of Communication Studies at Butler University, and former Dean of the University College (1974-1982) and the inaugural Dean of the College of Communication (2010-2012). He joins current CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano on this episode of the CCOM Pawcast.
This conversation builds on the wonderful discussions with Gregory Mark '79, and Deeny and David Waite, their love of debate & speech, and CCOM's “80 for 80” campaign celebrating the 80th years of Bill and David.
Bill shares his thoughts on numerous Butler topics and why he supports the Digital Communication, Ethi...2025-01-2723 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityMelissa Beckwith '00 discusses where "Butler is going and how we're getting there" including the Butler Gateway ProjectButler University's Melissa Beckwith, Class of 2000, is the Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President.
The marketing major is leading the Butler Gateway Project, a “shared vision to shape a university and campus that enhances lives and strengthens our community in dynamic new ways” and sheds more light on the growth of the University and of Midtown Indianapolis.
Learn more about the Butler Gateway Project
2025-01-0323 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM 80 for 80 announcement (Episode clip)Joe Valenzano, Dean of CCOM, announces the 80 for 80 campaign in honor of Dr. William W. Neher and Dr. David H. Waite.
Starting on Monday, Dec. 9, for the next 80 days (until March 1!) we’re asking for your help continuing the vital work Dr. Neher and Dr. Waite inspired.
Play your part in raising "80 for 80" as we seek 80 gifts to celebrate year 80 for both of these amazing Bulldogs! Gifts can be directed to two important initiatives that reflect their passions and impact:
Digital Communication, Ethics, and Democracy Gift Fund
The Digital Communication, Ethics, an...2024-12-0503 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityDr. David and Deeny Waite, and Dr. Gregory Mark '79 talk Debate & Speech, fond Butler memories, and react to a special CCOM announcement.Dr. David H. Waite, his wife Deeny, and Dr. Gregory Mark '79 poured their heart and soul into Debate & Speech and what today is the College of Communication (CCOM). As close friends to this day, they also remain actively connected to the college and university.
Listen to some of their fond memories of Butler before CCOM was an actual college and learn more about the 80 for 80 campaign, celebrating David and Dr. Bill Neher.2024-12-0535 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: David Nihil's “Comedy + Reading Recommendations = Shelf Help”Giselle Varre '24 co-hosts and welcomes comedian David Nihil to CCOM Backstage to tease his Monday, November 18th performance of “Comedy + Reading Recommendations = Shelf Help” at 7 p.m. at Butler's Shelton Auditorium.
Leaving Dublin, Ireland where he was born and raised until the age of 22, David got drunk on travel and never quite hit sobriety of it. He has lived and worked in twelve countries and visited over seventy. His shows draw on his wide travels, cultural observations, attempts at language study, (occasional) international drinking session(s) and being a mildly confused immigrant.
David is the...2024-11-0724 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityGrant Leiendecker ‘11, Vice President/Director of Butler Athletics, talks The Butler Way, the impact of NIL on college athletics, and more(Recorded on November 1, 2024) Grant Leiendecker ‘11, Vice President/Director of Butler Athletics joined CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano as men's and women's basketball kick off their 2024-25 seasons, respectively.
Leiendecker reflects on his experiences as a student at Butler, the special feeling that historic Hinkle Fieldhouse provides, his relationship with Barry Collier, what the future holds for Bulldog athletics, and how proud he is of every student-athlete at Butler—in all 20 NCAA sports.
A special shout out to Blake Richmond '26, a marketing major in the Lacy School of Business, who co-produced this episode as a CCOM cont...2024-11-0427 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityDr. Bryan Foltice and Randy Brown, of Butler LSB, talk their “Money Strong” program for students(Recorded on November 1, 2024) Dr. Bryan Foltice, associate professor of finance and the creator of the “Money Strong” program is joined by his initiative partner Randy Brown, a career mentor with LSB, to talk with CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano on the latest episode of the CCOM Pawcast.
Topics include student loans, budgeting, and personal finance, especially while transitioning from being an undergraduate student to a working professional and/or graduate student.
Folic and Brown provide financial support and planning, targeted for Butler students and their future financial confidence and success, through the lens of Behavior Finance.
2024-11-0120 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: Eddie Izzard's “The Remix Tour: The First 35 Years”International performer Eddie Izzard joins CCOM Backstage before heading to Indianapolis and Butler to perform “The Remix Tour: The First 35 Years” at Clowes Memorial Hall on Monday, October 28th.
Izzard discusses the influence of Monty Python, his/her role in the new Netflix series "Kaos," the statues on Easter Island, and performing Hamlet in the US and UK. 2024-10-1713 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: Koo Koo's "The Beastie Boys Meet Sesame Street" live performancesCCOM Backstage: What's Happening at the Butler Arts & Events Center, returns to shine the spotlight on Koo Koo's upcoming performance at Butler’s Schrott Center for the Arts on Saturday, October 26 at 1 p.m.
The duo of Bryan and Neil, who met during college in 2008 in Minnesota, have stepped into a new realm with their TV series “Oh Yeah Heck Yeah,” and they discuss how that ties into their live performances of fast-paced variety clip show elements like music videos, sketches, and interactive games in their irreverent, high-energy style.
So press play on this episode of CCO...2024-10-0918 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: Dr. Scott Bonn's "Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World's Most Terrifying Murderers."Eva Hallman '26 (journalism), is joined by Gabi Mathus '25 (criminology/psychology dual major) for the latest episode of CCOM Backstage: What's Happening at the Butler Arts & Events Center.
This episode features Dr. Scott Bonn, prior to his Friday, Oct. 11 evening at the Schrott Center for the Arts event titled, "Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World's Most Terrifying Murderers."
Dr. Bonn is a best-selling author, professor, public speaker, and he has interacted with such notorious serial killers as Dennis Rader (“Bind, Torture, Kill”) and David Berkowitz (“Son of Sam”). He shares shocking tales from his...2024-09-2524 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityStephanie Hinshaw and Shaun Owens discuss the background of Butler's online BSOL degree completion program(Recorded September 15, 2024) Butler's Stephanie Hinshaw, Associate Vice President of Transformation, and Shaun Owens, the BSOL program director for CCOM, join Joe Valenzano, Dean of the College of Communication to talk about the partnership between the transformation lab, CCOM, and other critical stakeholders at Butler and in the Indianapolis community.
Celebrate the initial cohort of students who began their journey this semester, building on previous coursework but working hard to earn a Butler degree.
2024-09-2121 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: Michelle Azar in “All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg”(Recorded on Sep. 9, 2024) Michelle Azar joins CCOM Backstage: What's happening at the Butler Arts & Events Center, before her one-woman performance of the play “All Things Equal: The Life and Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg,” taking place on Saturday, Sep. 14th at 8 pm in Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University.
Michelle discusses playing multiple icons during her career, what it means to be Ruth Bader Ginsburg in front of her daughters, and the similarities her family has with that of the Notorious RBG.
Be sure to follow the Butler Arts & Events Center on Instagram @butlerartseventscenter and lear...2024-09-1131 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityAaron Hurt, VP of Arts, Events, and Enterprise Management, talks his family history and putting Butler on the entertainment venue map(Recorded on September 5, 2024) Aaron Hurt ‘08, Vice President of Arts, Events, and Enterprise Management at Butler, joins CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano on the latest episode of the CCOM Pawcast.
Hurt started at Butler in 2013 as an operations manager for the Schrott Center for the Arts, and has made a massive impact on delivering world-class acts and entertainment to the amazing facilities on campus.
2024-09-0514 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityPresident James Danko celebrates Butler's 2024 Welcome Week and discusses big campus and community news(Recorded Aug. 29, 2024)
Butler's President James Danko joins host Joe Valenzano, Dean of the College of Communication at Butler, in the Season 2 kickoff of the CCOM Pawcast.
They talk the excitement of Welcome Week and the Fall 2024 semester, as well as multiple elements of The Butler Gateway Project and the University's leadership role in Midtown Indianapolis. Specific items include the transformation of Ross Hall into a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton, a generous $22.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., and the recently launched Founder's College. 2024-08-3020 min
CCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCCOM Backstage: Paul Mecurio's "Permission to Speak"(Recorded on Aug. 15, 2024) Welcome to the inaugural episode of CCOM Backstage: What's happening at the Butler Arts & Events Center.
Paul Mecurio is an Emmy Award winner for his work on The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, and his current position with The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. He joins the College of Communication's Ross Hollebon and Eva Hallman '25, journalism major, to share some laughs and provide an intimate sneak peek into his upcoming performance at Butler University's Schrott Center for the Arts in Indianapolis on Saturday, Aug 24th at 8 pm.
2024-08-1745 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversitySarah Myer '06 (Indy Sports Corp) and Prof. Bob SchultzSarah Myer '06 (Journalism) is not only a CCOM is currently the Chief of Staff & Strategy at Indiana Sports Corp., and was essential in Indianapolis and Lucas Oil Stadium hosting the US Swimming Olympic trials last June.
Bob Schultz has been at Butler for 20 years. He is civic leader in Indianapolis who served as an adjunct professor within Strategic Communication and is now a full time CCOM lecturer and the College's Internship Director. Bob has recently taught a class involving 100 Butler students working as Ambassadors for the NBA All-Star Game last February 2024, in conjunction with Indiana Sports...2024-07-2526 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityDean's Advisory Board (DAB) members share their thoughts on CCOM and Butler University after the 2023-24 school year.Dan Cooreman '76 (DAB Chairperson), Amy Dichter '98, and Jordan Anderson '10 join CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano in Studio 42 of Fairbanks Center for the 16th episode of the Pawcast.
They discuss their roles within the CCOM Dean's Advisory Board, why they volunteer their time, and what Butler means to them still today as they invest in CCOM's ongoing growth.
Thanks for listening and #GoDawgs2024-05-1430 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityRyan Briganti '98, VP of Sports Sales at Paramount, discusses his years at Butler, working in Manhattan, and his side of the sports industry.(Recorded March 25, 2024) Ryan Briganti '98 is vice president of sports sales at Paramount. He recently arranged a tour of CBS Studios for current Butler sports media students but is also helping his daughter navigate her college selection journey. 2024-04-0819 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityDr. Nneka Logan, 2024 CCOM Distinguished Lecturer, shares her impressive PR & communication background(Recorded Feb. 20, 2024) Dr. Nneka Logan is an associate professor at Virginia Tech and she visited Bulter University as the CCOM 2024 Distinguished Speaker. Her presentation focused on “Exploring the relationship between corporations, race, and responsibility in the age of AI.”
She was also a classmate with CCOM Dean Joe Valenzano as he worked on his Ph.D. and she worked on her M.A. in mass communication. 2024-03-1318 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityUmayr Shaikh '21 from Butler (undergrad) to Georgetown (doctorate)(Recorded Feb. 19, 2024) Umayr Shaikh graduated from Butler University in 2021 with a dual major in Spanish Language & Human Communication/Organizational Leadership, as well as minors in Chemistry and English Lit—and he was just getting started.
He earned his Master of Public Health (MPH) from The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice in June 2022 and is currently working on his MD at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. — where he also gave a TEDx Talk in April 2023.
And yes, he has a formal title relative to Pokemon too.
Watch: "So, you want to be a...2024-03-1316 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversitySteve Bulpett, veteran reporter, talks covering the Celtics, NBA, and the journey he traveled to get there (Posted Tuesday, March 12, 2024)(Recorded Feb. 16, 2024) Steve Bulpett was in town to cover aspects of the NBA All-Star game and shared his time to speak to a pair of classes, sharing tales from his more than 35 years as a journalist. Stephen has primarily covered the Boston Celtics and the NBA at large, as a veteran reporter for the Boston Herald and Heavy.com.
Bulpett spoke to Media Ethics and Sports Media students while visiting CCOM and also sat down with Dean Joe Valenzano for this episode of the Pawcast. 2024-03-1226 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityCory Stark ‘08 and Larry Potash share their professional broadcast news experience and thoughts on Butler (Posted Tuesday, March 12, 2024)(Recorded Feb. 17, 2024) Cory Stark ’08 and Larry Potash, parent of a current Bulldog, both have illustrious careers as broadcast TV anchors and hosts in St. Louis and Chicago, respectively.
Both visited CCOM in February to talk with students and give them advice on how to achieve success and make a mark on media companies. 2024-03-1224 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityMohsin Waraich '20 talks life in sports marketing, his Muslim experience at Butler, and moreChicagoland native Mohsin Waraich '20, major in sports media and minors in religion, and business, joined Dean Joe Valenzano for a last-minute episode of the CCOM Pawcast.
Enjoy Mohsin's take on his Butler experience and how he continues to find success in his burgeoning sports marketing career. 2024-02-0219 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityProf. Ann Bilodeau on Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences and her Faculty In Residence ExperienceProf. Ann Bilodeau, representing the Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences department and clinical experience, joins Dean Joe Valenzano to discuss her roles in the classroom and as a Faculty In Residence at Butler University.2023-12-2018 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityDean Joe Valenzano and Ross Hollebon discuss the NCA Conference and a DC Alumni EventRoss Hollebon, marketing & recruitment manager of CCOM, joins host Dean Joe Valenzano to discuss their trip to Washington, D.C., for the National Communication Association Conference and a Butler Alumni Event.
They celebrate conference presenters from Butler CCOM including Prof. Janis Crawford, Dr. Rong Ma, and Dr. Kristin Swenson. Joe and Ross also share the fun they had with Butler alumni at a men's basketball watch party on Friday evening.
2023-11-2130 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityAbby Kom '24 discussing her TEDx Talk, Speech & Debate, and her love of ButlerCCOM Dean Joe Valenzano welcomes senior Abby Kom to the 050 Studio in Fairbanks Center for this early November episode of the Pawcast.
Abby recently presented "Called aggressive? Me too," at TEDx Danville (Ky.), and is a dual major in Organizational Communications & Music, as well as the president of the Butler Speech & Debate team.
A native Minnesotan, she trekked down to Indianapolis for the close community of a mid-sized campus that has allowed her numerous opportunities to grow and thrive.
Enjoy their CCOM conversation and her story!2023-11-0718 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityButler CCOM Homecoming Alumni Panel (Homecoming '23)Corey McPherrin '77 hosts an all-star lineup of CCOM alumni who are making their mark on our communication world. Jen Christensen '94, Patricia Mays '93, and Steve Key '77 continue to give back to Butler and CCOM through their time, effort, and eagerness to mentor Bulldogs looking to make their name in journalism, broadcasting, and communication leadership.
Listen to their stories of how they ended up at Butler, where they've gone since (CNN, ESPN, and more), and why they're excited about the future of their alma mater.
Go Dawgs! 2023-11-0223 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityBarry Hohlfelder '66 with Corey McPherrin '77 (Homecoming '23)Homecoming 2023 is the gift that keeps on giving. Corey McPherrin '77 once again steps in as guest host to welcome Barry G. Hohlfelder ’66 to the studio in Fairbanks Center.
Hohlfelder tells stories about being news director for Butler's WAJC FM radio station, how his first taped interview was superstar-celebrity Bob Hope, and how special every visit to Butler's campus is for him.
Hohlfelder won the Katharine Merrill Graydon Alumni Service Award in 2015. It recognizes a long-term commitment of outstanding service to Butler University. The recipients have provided affirmative service to the University to assist in pe...2023-11-0115 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityJacqueline Eckhardt '13 (Homecoming '23)Jacqueline Eckhardt '13 joins host Dean Joe Valenzano to celebrate Homecoming from Fairbanks Center.
They talk about her earning the Joseph Irwin Sweeney Alumni Service Award as part of this year's Butler University Alumni Association Awards as well as the impact her classes and mentors had on her success while at Butler and since graduation.2023-10-3115 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityAmy Ulrich '98 with Corey McPherrin '77 (Homecoming '23)Guest host Corey McPherrin '77 helped lead the way for the CCOM Pawcast during Homecoming. His first of three alumni interviews is with the vivacious, fun, and accomplished voice actor Amy Ulrich '98.
Learn even more about Amy, and her incredible career and accomplishments, at her website: https://amyulrich.com/.
Butler University's College of Communication: Where Great Stories Begin!2023-10-3026 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityAlison Miccolis and Eva Hallman (The Butler Collegian)CCOM Pawcast host Dean Joe Valenzano is joined by two leaders of The Butler Collegian, the student-run University newspaper. Alison Miccolis, editor-in-chief, is a senior journalism and German double major, and Eva Hallman, multimedia editor, is a sophomore journalism major with a minor in strategic communication.
They talk about their Butler experience and their path to choosing the school, the future of The Collegian, and some of their biggest mentors on campus. And they both take part in "The Dean's List" speed round.
A special thank you to CCOM students Elizabeth Dixon ’25 and Chas Hall ’25 for...2023-10-1233 minCCOM Pawcast | Butler UniversityButler Provost Brooke Barnett joins CCOM Dean and host Joe ValenzanoWelcome to the inaugural episode of the CCOM Pawcast. This podcast is hosted by the Dean of the College of Communication, Joe Valenzano. We are honored to have Provost Brooke Barnett as our first guest as she shares some of her responsibilities, thoughts on the current state of higher education, and how meeting with students is still worked into her routine—as much as possible.
At least one episode a month will be released and we look forward to building this property with your help, support, and feedback. Bark at us at ccomcontent@butler.ed...2023-09-1625 min