Chicago — Stuck In Your Stereo

Dec 9

Dec 9 S2E13: The Eras Tour, Photography, and Creating Musical Resources

We kick off today’s episode with Taylor Swift super-fan, Krystyna Cooney. Krystyna talks about the attributes that make Taylor a unique artist, walks us through getting tickets as well as her tips for attending large concerts, and explains how her TikTok became an outlet for her fandom.

Viola is a Columbia College freshman majoring in photography. She talks about expressing love to close friends and family through photography, the tension in posed photos, and the importance of connecting emotionally with a subject.

In today’s last interview, we hear from Hip Hop artist Life of Cuzzi. He discusses how his alter-ego has changed his personality and given him confidence. Then, he shares the story of how he started a club for music production at his former high school.

Dec 9

Dec 9 S2E14: Photojournalism, Rap, and Promos

Max Hatlem

Student Work

In this episode, we sit down with Bianca Kreusel to talk about all things photography. Bianca explains how she stumbled into photography and how her interest in political justice led her to pursue documentary-style photojournalism.

Next, we hear from Divo, a musical artist, producer, and label owner. Divo describes the long road towards putting together a live event for the first time and recording that performance, and we ask him about his Columbia College bucket list.

Our final segment for this show features George Korn. We discuss George’s path from an artist to a promoter in the underground music scene. He shares some of his methods and frustrations with creating social media promotions.

Aug 15

Aug 15 Ep 16: Second City, Gap Years, and Manifest

Shelby Steele

Student Work

Today’s episode features Will French and Henry Klapper meeting with stand-up and sketch comedian Tommy Koch. We hear more in detail about his experience in the Comedy Studies Semester at Second City and how his group practices patience, collaboration, and compromise. Follow him @tommy.koch and his sketch team @bootcupsketch on Instagram!

Then, Mia Hillyer talks with graphic design major and Chicago local Kate Lawler and fashion studies major Alexis Sharpf. They share their reasoning and experience with taking a gap year before attending college and the personal feelings and conflicts when leaving their hometowns.

Lastly, Rhine Schaub and Alejandro Bolanos interview upcoming rapper T Star Verse. She shares her rap journey since the age of twelve and the excitement she has as a Manifest performer. Verse also explores her differences from other creatives and her message as an artist. Follow her on social media @Tstarverse and listen to her music here!

Aug 9

Aug 9 Ep 14: DJ's, Instrumentals, and Marvel Controversy

Shelby Steele

Student Work

In this episode, Zach Kolbus joins DJ Nathan Brown to discuss his DJ-ing journey and how video games influenced his music since he was eight. Brown also shares the music differences between the East and West coast. They also discuss the controversial sync button...

Next, Tacco Mills and Zayd Hussein interview upcoming music producer Ian Bradford. They talk about his intro to beat making with drumming and percussion and his favorite things about Chicago and Columbia College. Bradford also shares the importance of versatility with music producing and how his instrument knowledge of drums, guitar, piano, and bass come in handy. Follow his Instagram @ian_bradford_.

Last, Koda Calma, Renni Kieschnick, and Dylan Case interview controversial Marvel super critic Niko Kosanovich. They share their criticisms of the Marvel Cinematic Universe including cheap labor and Marvel’s relationship with the U.S. Military. Kosanovich also explains their confusion with the huge fanbase the franchise has.

Aug 9

Aug 9 Ep 13: Social Work, Acting, and Al Capone

Shelby Steele

Student Work

Today, Leilani Fernandez interviews social worker Taina Fernandez. She explains what the job entails and how social workers support a variety of people. Fernandez also shares why she decided to pursue social work and how she takes care of herself when intense circumstances arise at work.

Then, Mia Hillyer talks with Columbia College acting major Noah Wolf. He shares the major life shifts he had to make when coming to America from Israel and why he decided to come to Columbia College Chicago. Wolf also shares the process of auditioning for a student film.

Last, Dylan Catherine speaks to post-production major Izzie Charles about the decisions she had to make when going to college and explains what her major entails. She also shares the wild history her family has with Chicago including car wrecks, Al Capone, and conspiracy deaths.

Aug 9

Aug 9 Ep 12: Afrobeats, Rising Rap, and 4% Vision

Shelby Steele

Student Work

Will French and Henry Klapper speak with music artist, producer, and composer Osa North about self-concepts and his inspiration for his work. North also shares his music styles of Afrobeats, R&B, and Freestyle and his journey into music. Check out his music and merch here!

Next, Tacco Mills meets Demi A’dore, a rising rap star and young entrepreneur. She shares her rap journey and inspiration from her grandmother. She also explores the differences between the Detroit and Houston music scene since she’s moved down south and how she stands out as a female rapper. Follow her on instagram @demiadoreee and listen to her music here!

Last, Dylan Case interviews Chicago freelance photographer Sage aka fourpercentvision. He explains his new photo projects including a yearlong collaborative studio shoot and magazine work. We also learn the story behind his photography name and how he ended up with 4% vision. Follow his Instagram @fourpercentvision!

Aug 3

Aug 3 Ep 10: Rock 'n' Photo 'n' Design

Shelby Steele

Student Work

In this episode, Mia Hillyer and Zach Kolbus meet long time teacher Karen Cheesman. Now retired, she continues to substitute while never missing a rock ‘n’ roll concert. Cheesman shares where her obsession with rock ‘n’ roll came from, including how she’s seen Kiss 37 times! She reminisces about her first concert and compares concerts back in the 70s to today.

Second, Tacco Mills and Zayd Hussein interview Columbia Chronicle photographer Sam about his beginnings in photography and comparing small town photography to Chicago, a bigger city. He shares his future goals with photojournalism and why Chicago is the place to be.

Third, Renni Kieschnick and Koda Calma speak with scenic designer Devin Walls. He explains what exactly scenic design is and his experience at DePaul University’s theatre school. Walls also tells the story of discovering his major and why such a niche job stuck with him.

Jun 22

Jun 22 Ep3: First-gen Feminism, Sketch Comedy, and Miami Music

Shelby Steele

Student Work

Today’s episode first features Dylan Catherine interviews Nora Guerrero about her family’s experience as first-generation immigrants and how feminism supported Nora and her mother’s lives. She shares the tedious process of becoming a U.S. citizen and how balancing family, work, and tests takes a toll. We also hear the inspiring driving force that encouraged her family to take the leap and move to the United States.

Second, Will French and Henry Klapper interview comedian and writer Lucy McReynolds about “nearly” doing it all. She shares her experience hosting a weekly stand-up show and performing in the sketch team “Boot Cup”. They also discuss the differences between playwriting and sketch writing and how she adjusts her performances depending on an audience. We also hear some personal anecdotes that are for sure influencing her comedic stories. Check out her sketch team on Instagram @bootcupsketch

Third, Mia Hillyer and Zach Kolbus interview music major Ayu Eini about how covid was handled in her hometown Miami versus her new home in Chicago. They also discuss the city’s’ differences in music taste, Miami festivals versus Chicago festivals, and Ayu’s experience starting her DJing journey.