The class project that just might change your mind
Are you interested in adding a new podcast to your playlist? Look no further than This Could Change Your Mind.
The podcast, which began publishing on July 7, 2021, is the final project of the Winter 2021 JRN 801, Advanced Podcasting and Radio Documentary, class. The series consists of nine episodes, averaging between 20 to 30 minutes per episode, and was almost entirely student-run from the get-go.
This semester, the theme picked for the podcast was ‘hot takes,’ and students were allowed to explore any topic that fit the theme.
“I think each story is so different...I had people telling stories about Blackness, being Black and their mental health. This is a big, important topic. But I also have people talking about TTC fanatics,” said Amanda Cupido, the instructor for JRN 801.
Discussion of the final podcast and its theme starts fast in the classroom.
“Right out of the gate, when students come into the class, we talk about what this final podcast might start looking like,” Cupido said. “We take a survey on what kind of theme we want everyone’s stories to fall under.”
Once the choice of topic and executive production team is made, the students operate almost entirely by themselves for the rest of the semester, occasionally collaborating with Cupido when necessary.
Jael Joseph, who was the executive producer for the podcast, said the process was easier than she thought it would be.
"It was surprisingly effortless. Each person who submitted an episode was very passionate about the work that they did," She said. "Publishing it meant we all got to share it with someone and hopefully change their mind about any preconceived notions that they may have on a specific topic."
This Could Change Your Mind is the second podcast series JRN 801 has done under the direction of Cupido, with the first series being called Same Difference.
“The show [Same Difference] was about belonging. So it’s always a very general theme,” Cupido said. “Then the students dictate what that looks like and what kind of angle within that theme they take.”
Joseph said this podcast differed from Same Difference in that, "Our theme dealt with everyday events, situations or experiences that shed a light on common misconceptions that people have everyday. I think both of our podcasts series were exceptional in their own unique way."
JRN 801 will be running again in Fall 2021, with Cupido returning for her third semester teaching the course.
“It’s been a real honour to teach this class. I’ve been so inspired to see my students take what they’ve learned from the class and run with it,” Cupido said. “I honestly get emotional. And most definitely that’s the case with this series, so I’m so proud of them. And I can’t wait to see what my next semester class will be.”