From the Ville to the Nest: A Parent and Family Podcast

You've had questions - and we have answers!

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, we’re joined by Emily Bridges, Assistant Director of Marketing for Louisville Athletics, to walk us through everything you need to know about how students will access athletic events starting in the 2025–2026 season.

We cover the new Ville’ns membership, the student fee, how the ticket lottery works, what Ville’ns+ offers, and how families ...

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, we’re talking openly about something that matters to every college student—mental health.

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Geeta Gulati, Director of the UofL Counseling Center, to explore the resources and support systems available to your Cardinal. From one-on-one counseling to 24/7 crisis services and campus outreach, the Counseling Center is here to help students navigate life’s ups a...

Not every student lives in a residence hall - and that’s perfectly okay. Whether your Cardinal is commuting from home or transferring in from another college, they’re still an important part of the UofL family.

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, host Jessica Combess sits down with Alex Courtenay, Coordinator for Commuter and Transfer Initiatives at the University of Louisville. Together, they discuss the unique experienc...

Think your student doesn’t need UofL's Disability Resource Center? Think again.

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, we’re joined by Krista Schutz-Hampton, Neurodivergent Specialist in the Disability Resource Center at UofL - and a college parent herself.

She helps us unpack what the center does, who qualifies for accommodations, and why even students who never had an IEP or 504 Plan in high school might benefit from ...

When you think “Campus Rec,” you might picture treadmills and weight rooms — but at the University of Louisville, it’s so much more than that. In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, host Jessica Combess sits down with Danielle Lavender, Senior Associate Director, and Tim Moore, Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness, to unpack everything their team offers to support student health, engagement, and overall well-being.

Fro...

🚨 What does safety look like at the University of Louisville? In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, we sit down with Major Oscar Chavez of the University of Louisville Police Department (ULPD) to talk about how the department works around the clock to keep our Cardinal community safe.

From emergency alerts and patrol coverage to proactive safety measures and what to do if your student ever feels unsafe—we’re covering it al...

Think education abroad is out of reach for your student? Too expensive or will delay graduation? Think again!

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, we're joined by Elizabeth Liebschutz and Kristin Samer from UofL’s Office of Education Abroad to break down everything families need to know—from where students live and study to how financial aid works, safety planning, and how it all fits into their academic goals.

Whether...

In this episode, host Jessica Combess sits down with Robin Jackson, Director of Operations, and Tori Robinson, Marketing Coordinator for UofL Dining, to talk about all things campus dining.

From meal plan options and special dietary accommodations to late-night eats and how students can give feedback—this episode answers the big (and small!) questions families often ask about food on campus.

Whether your student is a first-year figur...

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, we’re talking about how students find their place at the University of Louisville through campus involvement. Host Jessica Combess sits down with Brandon McClain, Assistant Director for Student Involvement, to explore what “getting involved” really means, how it can look different for every student, and why it plays such an important role in their college experience.

You’ll hear practic...

In this episode, we’re diving into the ins and outs of University Housing and the Resident Experience at the University of Louisville. Whether your student is applying for housing, gearing up to live on campus, or already settled in, this conversation covers everything you need to know.

Guests from University Housing — including Tina Belcher and Kenzi Surkin — join us to talk about the application process, housing options, safety an...

In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, host Jessica Combess talks with Melissa Eversole, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions, about what families can expect during UofL’s two-day New Student Orientation and how the Family Orientation program can help you feel informed and confident.

Whether you're preparing to send your first student to college or supporting another future Cardinal, this episode offers key ins...

Welcome to 'From the Ville to the Nest: A Parent and Family Podcast,' presented by the University of Louisville Parent and Family Association. Whether you’re a new or returning member of the UofL community, this podcast is here to keep you connected to campus life. Each episode, we’ll share helpful insights, introduce you to staff, faculty, and students, and highlight important programs, events, and resources that matter to...