Ep 17: Climbing, Creativity, and Columbia

Ep 17: Climbing, Creativity, and Columbia

Shelby Steele
Student Work

For our interviews today, we hear Dylan Catherine speak with Columbia College acting major Bernie Wesley. Wesley shares some of his recent works including Playwrights Aloud and Hooded or Being Black for Dummies. We also hear about his hobby outside of school: rock climbing!

Next, Shani Rosen talks with Stewart Arp, music artist and lead singer of Zorila. Arp shares his start with joining choir to impress a girl and how his band came to be. He also explains some personal stories that inspire his music and his favorite songs the band created. Listen to Zorila here and Stewart Arp’s music here!

Lastly, Zach Kolbus and Dylan Field meet Luke Fletcher to discuss his decision to come to Columbia College and how he fell in love with photography. Fletcher also shares where his passion for DJ-ing came from dropping a pottery class.

Ep 16: Second City, Gap Years, and Manifest

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!

Ep 15: Recognition, Management, and Support

Ep 15: Recognition, Management, and Support

Shelby Steele
Student Work

First, Alejandro Bolanos and Rhine Schaub interview actor and teacher Will Schaub. Schaub was featured in 17 Again, The Setting Sun, and King of the Hill and today we hear his acting journey. We also hear some personal stories from behind the scenes and celebrity co-workers as well as how his acting career influenced his teaching job.

Second, we hear Leilani Fernandez and Shani Rosen talking to Cory aka SznVibes, founder of magazine, news outlet, management company, and recording studio Defy the Odds. We hear about his journey from starting as a singer to becoming a creative leader and what challenges he’s had to face in the industry. Follow his social medias @sznvibes and check out his music here!

Third, Renni Kieschnick, Koda Calma, and Dylan Case speak with Kristi Kieschnick. She is the Student Progression Coordinator at the Net Charter High School in New Orleans, and she explains what her title entails and stories from her job. She also explains how she’s helped a multitude of students get on the right track for graduation.

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

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.

Ep 13: Social Work, Acting, and Al Capone

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.

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

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!

Ep 11: Jobs, Fighting, and Couture

Ep 11: Jobs, Fighting, and Couture

Shelby Steele
Student Work

Today’s episode features Alejandro Bolanos and Rhine Scaub interviewing Jacqueline Padilla, a creative writing major at Columbia College. Padilla shares her experience with the Obama Youth Group Job Corps as the Programming Associate. She explains what the organization does for students and how she got involved.

Then, Zayd Hussein talks with professional fighter Motaz Askar. He shares the struggles he faced while beginning fighting and how Factory X supported his journey to become an MMA fighter. Askar also explains how money played a factor in pursuing fighting and what pushed him to continue following his passion.

Last, Dylan Catherine meets with local hip hop artist Josiah Davis aka Crysocollo Sifi. He explains how he grew to love hip hop and how music is a huge part of his life. Davis also shares how hip hop is so different than other genres and walks us through the meaning of his new EP “CRACKHEAD COUTURE”. Listen here!

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.