Advanced podcasting class examines the state of the future

The advanced podcasting and radio documentary class are back again with their newest series.

The final project, titled Unravelled: State of the Future, is a 17-part series that explores different facets of human life and how they will evolve post-pandemic.

The first episode focuses on books and how e-books are affecting the publishing industry. In contrast, the seventh episode focuses on how the decolonization of architecture can create more inclusive living spaces.

"I liked the idea [for the podcast] because, during Covid-19 and these uncertain times, I like the notion of looking ahead into the future and planning for it," says second-year masters' student Annika Forman. "It also provides a bit of an escape from the present. Rather than spending so much time thinking about the present, one can instead plan and hope for a better future."

As always, the project topic is broad to allow students the opportunity to create an episode that is unique and special to them.

As executive producer for this series, second-year masters' student Elena De Luigi not only had to create her own episode but also organize the rest of the class's episodes.

"I had to oversee the editing and putting together of all the podcasts and putting them in order," De Luigi says. "You know, writing the blurbs, writing the descriptions, the titles, the names of people who are reporting and editing, putting the slugs in, getting everything put together."

As for direction from instructor (newly named AM's 640 director of talk and talent) Amanda Cupido, De Luigi says she allowed the class nearly full autonomy.

"She really gave us those building blocks, so it was nice to take the editorial side into our own hands."

Aside from the project itself, Forman says guest speakers were among one of her favourite parts of the course.

"They brought a wealth of expertise and knowledge to the class, and provided us a lot of information about how to pursue a job in podcasting post-graduation, what the world of podcasting is like, and the realities of their job, the good and the bad," she said.

Even with the hard work, De Luigi says the course was gratifying.

"I think it was a really great learning experience. And I think if people really want to do podcasting or editing or that sort of thing in their careers, it's a good class to teach you how to do that," she says. "And also just a good experience for people to put their work out there."

You can find JRN 801/JN 8407’s podcast Unravelled: State of the Future on JRN radio, and eventually iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify.