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. ⚾🐾

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.

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.