Soundplay

Salem: Then and Now

Season 1: Episode 7

This episode features audio work by Allison Cockett as well as an interview with her about her composing process. You'll also hear Matthew Swindell's "A Souvenir of Salem," created in Prof. Margo Shea's public history course, as well as audio work by Jennifer Moody.

A Future Computer Scientist, President, and Stem Cell Researcher...and a Witch

Season 1: Episode 6

This episode includes feature stories by SSU undergraduate students, Dana Ventre, Allison Cockett, Osvaldo Moreno, and Tony Karaj. Dana explores the life of an accomplished young woman who faces challenges because of a stutter. Allison's story features a truly magical Salemite named Rose who has found her "witch niche." Osvaldo chronicles the success of a 21-year old Lesley College student with a stacked resume who is on the road to presidency. Tony provides us with a glimpse into the life of a young Syrian man who recently moved to to the states.

A Wrestler, a Wigmaker, and a Drag Queen

Season 1: Episode 5

This episode includes feature stories by SSU undergraduate students, Jaleesa Molina, Aleya Beckford, and Abigail Hurley. Jaleesa tells the story of a man living a double life: he's a professional wrestler named CJ Cruz on the stage and Jason everywhere else. Aleya tells the story of a college students' unexpected interest and profession: wig-making. Abigail's story focuses on the life of a 19-year old drag queen.

Musicians and a Muralist

Season 1: Episode 4

This episode includes three feature stories by SSU undergraduate students, Conor MacGinnis, Sarah Pangborn, and a student who wishes to remain anonymous. Both Conor and Sarah focus on musicians, one who has endless creativity and one who faces significant challenges during the COVID global pandemic. The other story focuses on an artist who paints enormous murals on city buildings.

Covid Stories, Part 3: Dating, Doom, and Personal Punches

Season 1: Episode 3

This episode features three stories by SSU undergraduate students, Abigail Hurley and two composers who wish to remain anonymous. The first story focuses on dating in a pandemic. The second story reflects on how the pandemic was initially perceived and how that perception has changed over time. Abigail's story is a montage of people's voices all responding to the same question: what has been the biggest personal punch to you because of corona?

COVID Stories, Part 2: College Life in a Pandemic

Season 1: Episode 2

This episode features audio pieces by Tony Karaj, Sarah Pangborn, Jennifer Moody, and a senior who wishes to remain anonymous. These students offer their personal understanding of current events as well as reflections of how they've experienced life in a global pandemic.

COVID Stories, Part 1: A Doctor, An Activist, and a Poet

Season 1: Episode 1

This episode features the audio work of SSU undergraduate students Jaleesa Molena, Dylan Snyder, and Conor MacGinnis. Jaleesa composed a beautiful piece of spoken word poetry. Conor interviewed his mom, who is a doctor caring for people with Covid. Dylan reflects on how the pandemic has highlighted social class inequities. 

Love at a Preschool

This episode is an audio tribute to Taylor Wholley, one of the best teachers on campus! Taylor teaches at the beloved SSU preschool, which will be sadly closing its doors this month. Thank you for all you do, Ms. Taylor, and we can't wait to hear about your next amazing adventures!

What Do You Believe?

Magic, Choices, Community, Control. These are some of the topics students talk about in their projects that fall in the genre of the former NPR show, "This I Believe." The student composers are: Cassidy Keegan, Justin Nguyen, Marissa Blonigen, Tina Phan, and Emma Walsh, all students in Tanya Rodrigue's ENL 317 Digital Writing class.

What's Your Relationship with Humans?

This episode features three hilarious spin offs of "Everything Is Alive," a podcast featuring interviews with inanimate objects. This episode tells the story of an under-appreciated football stadium, a police car that's seen too much, and a lonely shovel. The student composers are: Alec Connell, Robbie Christensen, and Michael Jordan.