Cougar College

This week, we’re hanging with Robert Yates to talk CrossFit, canine dad life, country music, Carolina Panthers football, and the wonderfully messy business of figuring out who the heck you are in your late 20s! From lifting heavy and loving hard to finding your footing in adulthood, Robert brings his own perspective on building a life that feels like YOU. We’re talking fitness, fandom, four-legged family members, and everything in between. Because sometimes finding yourself means picking up a barbell, turning up the country music, cheering for the Panthers, and letting your dog remind you what unconditional love...

Liz has a Martha Stewart obsession, and ladies, it’s getting serious. From picture-perfect homes and next-level entertaining to the art of making everyday life look effortlessly fabulous, we’re diving into the world of Martha and asking the important questions: Is it really possible to have it all together, or are we all just hiding the mess in another room? 😂 Join the Cougars for a little domestic inspiration, a lot of cougar commentary, and a reminder that living your best life doesn’t require a perfectly folded napkin… but it certainly doesn’t hurt!💋

May you end yo...

Get ready to drop it low, shake what your mama gave ya🍑, and bring a little hip-hop heat to Lake Norman! 🎵 This week on Cougar College, we’re joined by the fabulous Jena Bowman, who’s bringing the beats, the booty shakes, and the confidence with the opening of the FIRST Fly Dance Fitness studio in North Carolina! We’re talking hip-hop, empowerment, finding your confidence, and why sometimes the best therapy comes with a killer beat and a little booty pop. 💃🔥 Tune in for big moves, big energy, and plenty of laughs as Jena shows us what happens when women..and me...

Apparently one episode of L. Feighery’s  favorite crimes just wasn’t enough. 🔪 In Part 2 of The Cougar Crime Files, we dive even deeper into the cases that fascinate her most—with twists, disturbing details, questionable rabbit holes, and plenty of Cougar commentary along the way. Because nothing says girls’ night quite like serial killers, true crime, and a healthy pour of Kraken Rum. 🐾🩸🍹 Consider this your warning: things are about to get delightfully dark.

May you end your day….with all your organs still intact🫀🤭🫣

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L. Feighery is BACK, and ready to regale us with their favorite crimes—because apparently this is what we do for fun now. 😂 We’re diving into the twisted tales of Jeffrey Dahmer, BTK, and Ted Bundy, with a healthy dose of “WHY are we fascinated by this?!” and, naturally, a side of Kraken Rum. 🥃🔪🐾 Consider this your invitation to pull up a chair, pour yourself something questionable, and enter the Cougar Crime Files…because L. Feighery has thoughts.

May you end your day….still above ground🤭😱👻🫣!!!!! 

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What if getting older wasn’t about slowing down—what if it was about getting better at living? In Episode 60, the Cougars dive into the fascinating world of the Blue Zones and explore what some of the world’s longest-living people may be doing differently. From food and movement to purpose, friendships, community, and the simple daily habits that keep us thriving, we’re asking the BIG question: How do we live longer without forgetting to actually LIVE? Because Cougar College has never been about acting our age… it’s about making every year count, having a lit...

This week, we’re talking all things Lake Norman with the woman who seems to know EVERYONE—and everything😉! Mamie Lee is a local influencer, radio show host, and editor of Lake Norman Woman Magazine, giving her a front-row seat to the people, businesses, stories, and personalities that make this community so damn interesting. From behind the microphone to behind the magazine pages, Mamie shares her own journey, what she’s learned about connection and community, and why Lake Norman is so much more than a pretty lake with a lot of boats. 🚤😉 Buckle up, Cougars…this one is a local love lett...

One year ago, 210 Collective was a dream. Today? They’re celebrating their ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY on September 8th and dreaming even bigger! 🎉 We’re welcoming back our girl Heidi Karant to catch us up on an incredible first year of 210 Collective—what they’ve built, the people they’ve impacted, and the BIG vision for what comes next. And because apparently one year wasn’t enough excitement…they’re now launching a “Buying a Building” campaign to create a permanent place to call their own. 🏢❤️ From a dream to a community to a future with four walls and a whole lo...

This week, we’re getting to know the woman behind the art. ❤️ Kathy Feighery joins us to share her personal journey—how she basically fell into the creative world (even though she was clearly always meant to have a paintbrush in her paw..er hand), the experiences that shaped her as an artist in art school, and what ultimately led her to create 26 Division. We also take a deep dive into some hilarious tales from her childhood in Ireland. Kathy’s story is heartfelt, hilarious, inspiring—and proof that some Cougars are just born with a little extra creati...

From maggot farmers to dog food tasters, Episode 56 is taking a deep dive into the weirdest, wildest, and downright “wait…THAT’S A REAL JOB?” careers out there. 🤯 We’re talking jobs you never knew existed, jobs you definitely couldn’t make up, and a few that might make you rethink your current career choice. Because apparently, there really is a job for everyone…even if that job involves maggots. 🪰🍷🐾

May you end your day wiser!!!🤭

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Are urban legends actually true…or have we just been telling the same creepy stories for generations because they’re WAY too good to let die? 👀 From haunted bridges and old wives tales to “did that really happen??” — we’re diving headfirst into the weird, the wild, and the wonderfully questionable. Grab your skeptical side and your “I totally believe this” side…because these Cougars have some true-ish tales to tell. 🐾👻

May you end your day horrified….errr we mean wiser!!!🤭

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Who says your biggest adventures have to happen when you’re young? In this episode, we’re talking women’s roles through the decades, reinvention, courage, and the freedom to chase something completely unexpected later in life. Mayor Janet Simpson joins us to share her story of stepping into new roles, breaking expectations, and proving that there is NO expiration date on ambition, purpose, or badassery. 💪✨

May you end your day like a boss babe!!!😘

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Ever wondered what all the buzz is really about? This week we’re joined by Justin from Queen’s Orders Honey to dive into the fascinating world of bees, honey and the tiny queens running the show. 👑

We’re talking hives, hard work, sweet rewards, trouble shooting and a few bee facts that just might blow your mind (Spoiler Alert - the girl bees aka the worker bees..don’t play around y’all😂)

So grab your favorite honey themed snack and get ready for a conversation that’s equal par...

We’re climbing the cougar family trees and discovering the stories, surprises, and maybe even a few skeletons hiding in the branches! From fascinating ancestors to unexpected connections, this episode proves that sometimes the best adventures start by looking back!

So…who do you think you are? Tune in and let’s find out! 

May you end your day wiser🐾

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Episode 51 is LIVE y’all!! 

This episode is so much more than golf. John shares his lifelong love of the game, the wild story of meeting his wife😳, the joy of celebrating one of his daughter’s beautiful wedding, and why he’s so passionate about supporting his wife’s incredible nonprofit, 210 Collective.

It’s full of laughs, heart, and proof that life doesn’t always follow the fairway—but sometimes that’s where the best stories begin!

May you end your day wiser🐾

Sen...

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are turned off, and this is one of them. In Part 2, our dear friend Erik continues sharing his journey of faith, coming out, and learning to fully embrace who God created him to be.

This episode reminded us that living authentically isn’t always easy, but there is so much freedom and beauty in finally choosing to be yourself. We laughed, got emotional, and left this conversation with even more love and appreciation for Erik’s courage and honesty.

We’re so...

Our good friend Erik sits down with us for a powerful, real, and unexpectedly tender conversation about living an authentic life. From his coming out journey to navigating faith and Christianity along the way, Erik opens up about the tension, the growth, and the grace it takes to become fully yourself.

This one is about truth without performance, faith without fear, and learning how to hold all the parts of your story at the same time. We laughed, we got honest, and we probably said a few things that’ll sit with you long af...

This week, we’re diving into the wildly unpredictable world of animal rescue with Stephanie! Pun definitely intended🤭

From rescuing animals that most people wouldn’t know how to approach to caring for giant breeds with even bigger hearts, Stephanie shares what it really takes to give these animals a second chance. We talk about the challenges, the unforgettable success stories, and the kind of day that might include ordering baby squirrel milk online, taking a turkey on rides to Starbucks, and contemplating teaching bats how to fly by jumping out of trees.

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You think today’s world is weird? Just wait until you hear the laws that somehow survived the test of time. 😂

In this episode, we’re diving into the most ridiculous, head-scratching, “there’s NO way that’s real” laws that are technically still hanging around. From bizarre rules you could accidentally break to laws that make you wonder what happened to inspire them in the first place…we’re laughing our way through all of it.

Grab your favorite drink, prepare to question humanity, and come find out if you’ve unknowing...

We spend years counting down to milestones—driving, graduation, moving out, becoming independent. Then one day, they’re technically grown, making their own decisions, and somehow the worrying doesn’t stop. It just changes. In this episode, we’re talking about the unique challenges of parenting teens and adult children: learning when to step in, when to stay quiet, and how to support them without trying to control the outcome. If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake wondering if your “grown” child made it home, ate a vegetable, or is making good life choices, this conversation is for you. Because n...

Order in the court! This week at Cougar College, we’re putting life under oath with attorney Shawn Copeland.

From LLCs to civil disputes, Shawn breaks down what you need to know to protect yourself, details the most insane case he’s ever handled and how you should not try to get out of the jury summons.

No confusing legal jargon. No boring lectures. Just real talk, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way.

Because being a cougar means being confident, informed, and...

If there’s one thing we should all be getting better at with age, it’s setting boundaries.

Not because we’re difficult.

Not because we don’t care.

But because our peace is too valuable to hand out for free.

Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re guidelines. They teach people how to treat us, respect our time, and honor our energy.

In this episode of Cougar College, we’re talking about the boundaries we wish we’d learned sooner: saying no without...

Episode 43 is for every woman who’s looked around in midlife and thought… “Wait. I can change my mind.” ✈️✨

This week we’re talking about pivoting careers in midlife, taking risks that actually light you up, and why becoming a travel advisor is about so much more than booking vacations. It’s freedom. Flexibility. Reinvention. And sometimes… finally choosing yourself.

Because contrary to popular belief, midlife isn’t the end of the story. It’s the plot twist. 💅

From building a business to creating experiences for others, thi...

In Episode 42, we sit down with April Zuiderveen, a licensed therapist and an integral part of leading women in faith at Search National, for a conversation about women’s leadership in faith, spirituality, and creating spaces where people of all beliefs feel safe to be heard. We explore the importance of leading with compassion instead of judgment, how respectful disagreement can bring deeper understanding, and why women are often the ones building communities rooted in connection, grace, and honest conversation. This episode is about faith without fear, leadership without ego, and making room at the table for everyone!

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Usually around Cougar College we keep things light, funny and a little wild…but Episode 41 is different.

This week we sat down with Maria Hamm for one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had. We talked about grief, child loss, faith, and what it looks like to keep living when life changes forever.

Maria shares the heart behind Beauty for Ashes, her ministry that provides grief boxes to those walking through unimaginable loss, offering comfort in the middle of heartbreak. We also talk about her creative side as the...

You ever look back at your life and realize…you were never actually in control of the board?

Cougar College Episode 40 is all about the plot twists we didn’t plan, the people who showed up right on time (or suspiciously late), and the moves that only make sense in hindsight. One minute you think you’re the one making power plays…next thing you know, you’re getting spiritually checkmated into growth.

Because maybe it’s not chaos.

Maybe it’s strategy.

The closed d...

Episode 39 of Cougar College is here, and we’re rolling out the red carpet for Dr. Julie Adams! 🐴🐶🐱✨

A licensed chiropractor with a lifelong passion for healing, Dr. Julie grew up on a horse farm where she learned early how to care for injured animals while helping at her family’s rehabilitation center, Indian Creek. Over the years, they’ve helped hundreds of animals—from horses and dogs to cats and even cows—recover using photon light therapy, massage, and chiropractic care.

Now, she’s bringing that same passion to pet owners across th...

This week we sit down with Jen Barboza of Boza Boards—serving up stunning spreads and one seriously powerful story. From building her charcuterie business to walking through a diagnosis of a** cancer, her words not ours😆, Jen brings the kind of strength that hits different. She opens up about what it means to fight, heal, and keep showing up with grit (and a little glam).

But that’s not all… her days as a trauma tech? Whew. The stories are real, raw, and will make you see life—and people—differently. It’s eye opening y'a...

Episode 37 is serving SKIN, sass, and zero apologies 💅✨

We’re talking all things CC’s Wild Skin Care—the glow, the tallow, the “wait…why is my skin actually thriving?” energy. From dry and dull to dewy and a little dangerous, we’re breaking down what’s working, what we’re obsessed with, and why medical grade skincare just isn’t in our vocabulary anymore.

Expect strong opinions, soft skin, and the usual chaos… because nothing says Cougar College like being moisturized, slightly unhinged, and absolutely glowing.

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In Episode 36, Fierce & Flawed: 3 Things We Slay and 3 We… Don’t, we’re serving equal parts confidence and chaos. We’re owning the things we absolutely crush—where the cougar energy is strong💪—and just as boldly calling out the areas where we… let’s say, could use a little glow-up🤭It’s honest, a little unhinged, and very real, because being fierce doesn’t mean being flawless. Tune in for laughs, relatability, and a reminder that self-awareness is the ultimate power move.

May you end your day wiser!!!🐾

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EMFs…they’re everywhere—but how much do we really know about them? ⚡️

In Episode 35, the Cougars sit down with Ildiko Toth from Low EMF Living to break down what EMFs are, how they impact our daily lives, and simple ways to create a healthier home environment.

This conversation is eye-opening, empowering, and one you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned—your awareness is about to level up. 🎙️

And may you end your day wiser, y’all!!!🐾

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Episode 34, Money Talks: Building Cougar Cashflow Confidence with Michael Duggan, is all about stepping into your financial power with clarity and confidence. Michael breaks down practical, real-life strategies for managing money, building sustainable cashflow, and shifting your mindset around wealth—without the overwhelm. With the Cougars keeping it fun and relatable, this episode blends smart financial insight with empowering conversation, reminding you that confidence isn’t just a vibe—it’s a financial strategy too.

And may you end your day wiser, y’all!!!🐾

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Episode 33 of Cougar College is all about Anything and Everything as the Cougars sit down with special guest and friend, Jen Knag for a conversation that goes in every direction—in the best way. From real-life moments and laughter to unexpected tangents and honest reflections, nothing is off the table. It’s the kind of episode that feels like sitting around with friends where one topic leads to another and the stories just keep getting better. Full of humor, insight, and classic Cougar sass, this episode proves that sometimes the best conversations are the ones with no scri...

On Episode 32 of Cougar College, the Cougars sit down with Brandon Lindsey, founder of Dream On 3, for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring, heartfelt, and wildly motivating. Brandon shares the powerful story behind launching Dream On 3 and how the organization is changing lives by making once-in-a-lifetime sports dreams come true for children and young adults facing serious illnesses, disabilities, and life challenges. The Cougars dive into the grit, faith, and fearless belief it takes to build something bigger than yourself, while also uncovering the emotional moments and unforgettable dream experiences that have made Dream On 3 such...

The Cougars dive into the real story behind lasting relationships — the kind built not on fairy tales, but on resilience, forgiveness, hard conversations, and choosing each other again and again. In this episode, we peel back the polished surface of “perfect love” to talk honestly about the struggles, lessons, and growing pains that shape a marriage into something unshakable. Because real love isn’t found — it’s forged, through grit in the hard seasons, grace in the messy moments, and growth that turns trials into deeper connection.

Welcome to Cougar College, y’all!!!

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Cougars, we’re unscrewing🔩the pretty label and reading the real ingredients list. This episode dives deep into the toxic chemicals, hidden additives, and not-so-cute overly processed junk lurking👀in everyday foods — the ones marketed as “healthy,” “natural,” and “totally fine.” Spoiler: most of them are neither.🍽️🥀

We’re talking food politics, label lies, body intuition, and how modern convenience might be quietly sabotaging our😵‍💫wellness. Because we don’t fear food… we question it.

Sharp claws out. Minds wide open.🎙️🔥

And may you end your day wiser!!!

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In Episode 29 – We step into a world of powdered wigs, gilded salons, and unapologetic indulgence before crossing the threshold into the buttoned-up discipline of Victorian society. Joining us from her studies at Aberystwyth in Wales🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, Parker guides us through the dazzling contrasts between Rococo extravagance and Victorian propriety, unpacking the art, fashion, scandals, and social codes that defined each era. It’s a dramatic journey through beauty, rebellion, morality, and transformation—revealing how wildly different periods still shape the way we see culture, class, and self-expression today!! ⚜️

And may you end your day wiser, Cougars!!!

Sen...

In Episode 28, we sit down with our friend Lucy Parker—an all around amazing person AND former Miss Teen North Carolina turned artist and photographer—to talk about the beauty of evolving, creating, and falling in love when you least expect it. Lucy shares how life’s winding road led her to a more meaningful kind of spotlight, one filled with creativity, self-discovery, and a deeper sense of purpose. We chat about art, CrossFit, identity, and the freedom that comes with starting fresh, proving that midlife isn’t an ending—it’s the most honest, colorful chapter yet, complete with true lo...

Episode 27, “The Accidental Artist,” is one of those stories that feels like it was written by the universe itself. We sit down with Nancy Martin to talk about the beautiful, winding road that led to the adoption of her daughter and the unexpected way creativity found her along the way. What started as simply surviving a season of life slowly turned into self-expression, healing, and an artistic journey she never planned but clearly was meant for. It’s a conversation about motherhood, identity, and how sometimes the things we never set out to become end up being exactl...

Episode 26 – The Great Cleanup is your sign to finally break up with the plastics and mystery chemicals quietly taking over our lives. We’re diving into the not-so-cute truth about “forever chemicals,” where they’re hiding in your home, and the small, realistic swaps that actually make a difference (no, you don’t have to live off-grid or churn your own butter). From kitchens to skincare to the stuff we thought was “safe,” we’re learning how to clear the clutter, detox our spaces, and make choices that feel better for our families and the planet. It’s practical, a little eye-opening...