All in Student Work

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

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.

Ep 9: Principals, Plays, and Patrick

Ep 9: Principals, Plays, and Patrick

Shelby Steele
Student Work

Zach Kolbus and Mia Hillyer start this episode interviewing Mary Kenly, principal of St. Theresa school. Kenly shares the steps she had to take at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, giving us an inside look at how schools had to quickly handle the situation. She explains how difficult communication was during crisis mode of not only school but her personal life as well.

Next, Will French, Henry Klapper, and Dylan Case talk with comedian and writer Penn Lodin. Lodin shares the process of writing and publishing his first play and why he got into theatre in the first place. He also explains how important personal experience and research is when creating art.

Lastly, Alejandro Bolanos, Estin Novak, and Rhine Schaub meet voice actor Jill Talley. She shares how she started her windy road to the world of voice acting through sketch comedy and puppets! Talley also gives tips to those pursing voice over and a day in the life of a voice actor. See her in SpongeBob, The Patrick Star Show, The Boondocks, and The Loud House.

Ep 8: Communication, Production, and Iron

Ep 8: Communication, Production, and Iron

Shelby Steele
Student Work

Today’s episode features Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen interviewing Cristina Vera, an award-winning communication strategist and CEO of her very own creative agency Vera Creative. She is also the founder of La Collective and The V Work Experience. Vera shares how she began her agency and how partnering with brands works. She also discusses how she makes her company different than others.

Second, Will French and Henry Klapper interview music producer S. Rock about the concept behind his projects and his journey as an artist. He shares what got him into music production and the use of samples in his songs. Listen to his EP Gamma Rays here!

Third, Estin Novak and Rhine Schaub interview Hans Wolf about the art of iron pouring. He shares why overall art is important to society and how the creative experience drives his passion. Wolf also explains the process and history of iron pouring and the importance of trust and collaboration during a pour.

Ep7: Everest, Algorithms, and Radio

Ep7: Everest, Algorithms, and Radio

Shelby Steele
Student Work

In this episode, Koda Calma, Dylan Case, and Renni Kieschnick interview Mt. Everest enthusiast and advocate Dawson Rudolf. They discuss where Rudolf’s interest in the mountain came from, and the dangers people don’t necessarily understand about climbing Mt. Everest. They also share the negative impacts the commercialization of the hike has on the environment.

Next, DJ Tacco meets with social media manager and fellow Columbia College student Shanel Midorya. She shares her experiences in the film department and the pros and cons of the internet and mobile media. They also share tips on how to work with the algorithm and what posts get the best audience response. Check out her TikTok account @shanelnechelle_.

Last, Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen talk to Jazzer Fierce, Kiss FM’s newest on-air personality. She shares where her passion for radio comes from and how performance and creativity has influenced her journey. We also learn how important hands-on experience is and tips for going into the radio field. Hear Jazzer Fierce on 103.5FM, Saturdays and Sundays from 4-6am.

Ep6: Love, Care, and Help

Ep6: Love, Care, and Help

Shelby Steele
Student Work

Today, Zayd Hussein and Tacco Mills interview TikTok star and upcoming author Ish Taher. They discuss how Taher had to switch to social media after the acting world shut down due to covid and how the sudden change in scenery proved to be quite a success. They also cover his new audiobook “WTF is LOVE”. Check it out here and follow his TikTok, Instagram, and other socials @IshTaher.

Next, Leilani Fernandez interviews Kierra Wooden, the founder of Southside Cleanup and author of “To The Angel In The Room”. She shares her inspiration to create Southside Cleanup and how passion truly drives everything she does. Wooden also explains her process behind writing her works, modeling, music, and self-taught animating. Check out Southside Cleanup here and “To The Angel In The Room” here!

Last, Alejandro Bolanos, Estin Novak, and Rhine Schaub meet with Nelson Torres, a linkage to care specialist with Howard Brown, a nonprofit LGBTQ healthcare and social services provider. Torres shares the process behind joining Howard Brown and what services the nonprofit provides. They uncover the importance of groups like this and how it positively affects the overall community. Check out Howard Brown here.

Ep5: Barstool, Biotech, and Open Mics

Ep5: Barstool, Biotech, and Open Mics

Shelby Steele
Student Work

Our fifth episode first features Dylan Catherine and Dylan Case interviewing radio personality Allison Kurnat. They discuss the process behind Allison’s True Crime podcast featured on Barstool Chicago and how college, social media, and community connections helped her get to where she is today. She also shares the writing process and how fans influence a lot of the episodes. Lastly, she shares how being a woman in Barstool proved to be a challenge.

Second, Mia Hillyer interviews Brayden Wetzel about his unique major plant biotechnology at Montana State. Brayden shares why he decided to pursue this major and shares the differences between the school he is attending and Columbia College while visiting a friend. He also answers the question we all have, what do you do in Montana?

Third, Will French interviews Chicago stand-up comedian Tommy Koch where they review his career thus far, the issues behind producing a stand-up set, and the frustration of open mics. He also shares his experience working in the Comedy Studies semester at Second City and his ideal career goals.

Ep4: Drumming, Drawing, and Directing

Ep4: Drumming, Drawing, and Directing

Shelby Steele
Student Work

Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen interview musician Chris Sanchez “Chofis” about what his inspiration was to start playing the drums, the influence music mentors have on his journey, and his experience as a freelance drummer in Chicago. We also hear his process of creating and producing music and people in the industry that inspire his music. Check out Chofis on Instagram @imchrissanchez to keep up with his music.

Next, Tacco Mills and Zayd Hussein interview aspiring artist Ruby about her start with illustration and how her community in Austin, Texas as well as in Chicago supported her and how being surrounded with passion keeps her flame lit. She also shares her athletic side with sharing stories from her derby experience. We hear the importance of community no matter the sport, artistic endeavor, or work passion especially after the pandemic.

Last, Alejandro Bolanos, Estin Novak, and Rhine Schaub interview Maureen Muldoon about running shows, publishing children’s books and the process behind her one person show “Transparent Love”. Maureen shares how the theater allowed her to explore the process of when her son came out as transgender. They also discuss the challenges behind producing a one-person show versus a show with a larger cast, and the differences between writing, acting, and directing.

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

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.

Ep2: Improv, Comedy, and EPs

Ep2: Improv, Comedy, and EPs

Shelby Steele
Student Work

In this episode, Koda Calma, Dylan Case, and Renni Kieschnick interview comedy major Shelby Steele where they discuss the freedom of improv, the delight of collaboration, and using satirical comedy to make a statement. Shelby also shares advice to those wanting to dip their toes in the improv scene, how she uses comedy in her other artforms, and why comedy needs to open up to more points of view.

Next, Mia Hillyer and Zach Kolbus interview comedy major Evan about the decision to pursue collegiate comedy and how he got his start as a performer. They also discuss comedy on social media and how that shapes his comedic persona as well as what inspires his jokes.

Last, Henry Klapper interviews rapper Jimmy Gordan about the creation of his EP “I Miss Owside” and how covid affected his creative process. He shares how emotions fueled the album and the initial creation of OutPastMidnight. Check out their EP “I Miss Owside” here!

Ep1: DnD, NYC, and Fashion

Ep1: DnD, NYC, and Fashion

Shelby Steele
Student Work

In our first episode, hosts Alejandro Bolanos and Rhine Schaub welcome guest Grace to dive into the world of Dungeons and Dragons. Grace shares the beginnings of their gaming experience, how to keep a campaign engaging as a DM, and why D&D is less nerdy than you think.

Next, Tacco Mills interviews New York musician Henry Klapper about work-life balance and how to avoid burnout as an artist. They also share the difficulties with traveling for shows and class and how to create a solid setlist without bias.

Lastly, Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen talk with fashion merchandizing major Audrey Marley. Audrey share’s information behind her major and her interest in how fashion affects individuals’ self-esteem. They also talk the best and worst of modern fashion trends, iconic inspirational designers, and overcoming creativity block.