Dr. Tara McManus is in the hot seat for this episode of COMversations. Tara is an Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies who researches how close friends and family members can communicate more effectively and foster stronger relationships with one another. Tara shares with hosts Kevin and Dave the challenges of playing the violin, trumpet and french horn despite being rhythmically challenged, how her fierce competitive spirit helped introduce her to her now husband, and how she fell in love with the study of Communications despite majoring in Chemistry as an undergrad.

In this week’s COMversation, hosts Kevin and Dave sit down with Department of Communication Studies faculty member, and acting director of UNLV’s Debate Team, Dr. Craig Hennigan. Craig shares with us what inspired his love of debate and his passion for coaching it, how his path to graduate school and his eventual PhD wasn’t exactly a straight one, and his deep affinity for the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings. He also puts in a rather shameless plug for the UNLV Debater of the Year competition.

Dr. Natalie Pennington is in the hot seat for this episode of COMvesations. Natalie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Studies who researches the intersection of interpersonal communication and communication technology. Natalie chats with hosts Kevin and Dave about how the rise of Facebook during her time as an undergrad spurred her initial interest in the way people communicate through tech platforms. She also shares how despite wanting to be a theater kid in high school, she wound up on her high school and college debate team. Finally, as a recovering Applebee’s employee, Natalie shares with us what her go-to meal would be.