Shows
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCATCHING UP WITH…Communications Media Alumni Panel - Visions 2025 Part 2 (of 2)CATCHING UP WITH… is an ongoing series where Fitchburg State alumni reflect on their time here on campus, celebrate their accomplishments and discuss how they got from here to where they are now.This is part two of our special two-part episode featuring Fitchburg State graduates of the Communication Media Department sharing how they took their first steps into the professional world of communications, the importance of staying current to navigate technology and shifts in the workspace and being prepared to pivot in your career as part of the professional experience.The annual Al...2025-07-0822 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCATCHING UP WITH…Communications Media Alumni Panel - Visions 2025 Part 1 (of 2)CATCHING UP WITH…is an ongoing series where Fitchburg State alumni reflect on their time here on campus, celebrate their accomplishments and discuss how they got from here to where they are now.This special two-part episode features the Alumni Panel of the 2025 Visions Exhibition, Fitchburg State University’s annual event that showcases the best original work from the students in the Communications Media Department.The 2025 Alumni Panel was hosted by the Chair of the Communications Media Department, Prof. Jeff Warmouth, and features the following Fitchburg State graduates:Traci Bartlett (COMM ‘03, Theater), has do...2025-06-1326 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A FALCON: Annabella Valle, Theater & Film/Video Production (COMM '25)Annabella Valle (COMM ‘25) studied both Theater and Film and Video Production at Fitchburg State University as a Communications Media major. In this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON, Annabella shares her passion for Fitchburg State’s theater program -- in particular the impact of Professors Mary Vreeland and Kelly Morgan on her professional and personal growth as an actor and filmmaker. She also makes the case for why every student would benefit from taking theater courses, as it helped her develop her own public speaking and time management skills. Annabella also reflects on how taking advantage of the uni...2025-06-0605 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCATCHING UP WITH ... President Donna Hodge Catches Up with Peter Reynolds (COMM '83)In this episode of the CATCHING UP WITH... series, Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge catches up with Peter Reynolds (COMM ’83), as he talks about his journey from being a hungry Fitchburg State graphic design student in the Communications Media department to best-selling author, illustrator, and 2025 Commencement Speaker. Peter Reynolds is an acclaimed author with over 40 million copies of his books in print worldwide, including The Dot, Ish, The North Star, and Be You. He has also collaborated as an illustrator on the Judy Moody series by Meghan McDonald. He fo...2025-05-1636 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A (future) FALCON: Danny Schaffer (COMM '27), from Middlesex Community College to Fitchburg State UniversityIn this episode of FIVE WITH A (future) FALCON, Emily Puccia (COMM '26) talks to Danny Schaffer (COMM '27) about his goals and aspirations as he makes the transition from Middlesex Community College to Fitchburg State University starting the Fall 2025 semester.Danny completed his Associates Degree at Middlesex in film and video production -- and is now looking forward to continue building towards a career in film production by finishing his bachelor's degree as a Communications Media major in the film/video concentration as a Falcon.Danny is an...2025-05-1304 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkSPECIAL EPISODE: Prof. Kisha Tracy, Harrod Lecturer, on Decolonizing the Study of Disability in the Middle AgesProfessor of English Studies Kisha Tracy, who holds a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies from the University of Connecticut, discusses her research shared in a recent Harrod Lecture, Fitchburg State’s longstanding faculty lecture series. Dr. Tracy explores decolonizing the study of disability in the Middle Ages -- and how that research fits more broadly within her work as a medievalist specializing in disability studies with a particular focus on mental health.Read more about Prof. Tracy's lecture at the Burg Blog.***Episode transcript found here.2025-05-0217 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A FALCON: Nicole Salerno & Study Abroad at Fitchburg State UniversityIn this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON, Gabriel Rivera (HIST '26) interviews Nicole Salerno. Nicole is the Assistant Director of Study Abroad in the International Education office at Fitchburg State and is passionate about helping students discover new academic opportunities abroad. Join us and listen to what Nicole has to say about her sense of belonging at Fitchburg State!***Episode transcript can be found here.***Episode produced, edited, and mixed by Gabriel Rivera (HIST '26) for the Spring 2025 Podcasting course (C...2025-04-2208 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A FALCON: Isaiah Manuel (COMM '25) from Fitchburg State to TD Garden and beyondIn this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON, Isaiah Manuel (COMM '25) details his journey at Fitchburg State as a student in the Film/Video Production program. From coming out of the pandemic as a shy and reserved person with no solid direction to becoming an active member in the Communications Media department and taking first place at a student media summit pitch contest, Isaiah reflects on his growth as a student and his ever-evolving skillset. Moreover, he talks about his video production internship at TD Garden, a recent 90-mi...2025-04-1706 min
Off the Beaten Path with Sam DickThe Fitchburg FurnaceRiding in a pickup truck with Robert “Skip” Johnson along a ridge in Estill County we get a history lesson on life in the 1800’s. “We are on the Cottage Furnace Road. And this would be the road that they would bring the pig iron out on. It was a wagon road, and you can see parts of the old road up through here.”We’re going into the Daniel Boone National Forest where the road turns from asphalt to gravel. A sign reads National Forest Historic Site Cottage Furnace and an arrow points down a dirt road....2025-03-2804 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCLASSROOM STORIES: Say It Louder! A Progression in Hip Hop Aggression by Adam FournierToday, we present one of the episodes produced in this winter's course on the Politics and Poetics of Hip-Hop offered by historian and Professor Katherine Jewell. The assignment said: "This assignment is your chance to advance your own interpretation of the evolution or application of the knowledge and insight developed this term. In a one-hour radio show, for which you will produce a script and a playlist and record for dissemination on WXPL, build a thematic engagement with an aspect of the course. Your playlist can take any theme you would like, but it...2025-02-2846 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCLASSROOM STORIES: Women and Hip-Hop History by Toni MagrasIn this episode, in honor of Black History Month, we present one of the episodes produced in this winter's course on the Politics and Poetics of Hip-Hop offered by historian and Professor Katherine Jewell. The assignment said: "This assignment is your chance to advance your own interpretation of the evolution or application of the knowledge and insight developed this term. In a one-hour radio show, for which you will produce a script and a playlist and record for dissemination on WXPL, build a thematic engagement with an aspect of the course. Your playlist ca...2025-02-1425 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A FALCON: Elliot Zopatti, Technical Theater (COMM '24)In this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON, Elliot Zopatti (COMM ‘24) talks about studying Technical Theater (TETA) within the Communications Media department and being an active member of the campus community, including serving as a Residential Advisor (RA). He also talks about how Fitchburg State -- and, especially, his 20+ strong friend group -- helped him find his sense of belonging. As a member of the Honors Program, Elliot describes how he stepped out of his comfort zone with his Honors thesis project to create a personal documentary called The Little Girl...2025-01-3003 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkTHE WEEKLY ROUND-UP - Final Exam Week EditionThis week's round-up mixes things up with a special Exam Week Edition. Round-Up Host Nick Castillo talks to students on campus about how they get through finals week. From the quiet zen of a monk to maniacally listening to video game boss music, these half dozen Fitchburg State students all take different approaches to making it through finals. This is the last episode of the Weekly Round-Up for the Fall 2024 semester. Perseverantia would like to thank Nick for creating and producing this semi-weekly podcast -- along with his other contributions as a reliable voice of many a sho...2024-12-1606 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkGETTING TO THE POINT: Michael Burns (HIST ‘26) and Joshua Cronin (COMM ‘26) Talk about Student Politics and The PointJoining host Tori Kiolbasa ('25) on GTTP is Student Government Association (SGA) President Mike Burns (HIST ‘26) and Senator Josh Cronin (COMM '26). In addition to their service to student government, Mike is a columnist for The Point -- Fitchburg State University’s student-run newspaper -- and Josh hosts North Central News, a collaboration between The Point and Fitchburg Access Television (FATV). In their conversation, they talk with Tori about working across campus on different SGA initiatives, while balancing their community-oriented one with their journalistic responsibilities.If you're interested in working on the pod...2024-12-1223 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCATCHING UP WITH ... Buffy Cautela (COMM '22) catches up with Autumn Olson (COMM '20) - part two of twoWelcome to CATCHING UP WITH ... where Fitchburg State students and recent graduates talk to Fitchburg State alumni, reflecting on their time here on campus, celebrating their accomplishments, and discussing how they got from here to where they are now.In this special follow-up episode, Buffy Cautela (COMM ‘22) and Autumn Olson (COMM/HIST ‘20) catch up with each other one year after their first interview, which you can find in our previous episode. They discuss Autumn’s recent projects in Los Angeles and Buffy’s experiences as a Product...2024-12-0532 minPerseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkTHE WEEKLY ROUND-UP (Dec 1st thru Dec 7th)Hosted by Nick Castillo, this week's round-up covers student-led events between December 1st through December 8th on the Fitchburg State University campus. These events were directly sourced from FalConnect, if you have not logged into FalConnect with your Falcon Key, check out the many more events that are coming up!***Did we overlook anything? Would you like to be interviewed? Let us know (podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu), and we will be happy to oblige!Episode transcript here.***Produced, written, and edited by Nick Castillo, a...2024-12-0201 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A FALCON: Anna Gauvin, Engineer, Tour Guide, & Improv President (ENGT '25)In this episode of FIVE WITH A FALCON, Anna Gauvin (ENGT ‘25) talks about her college career as an Engineering major and how it was affected by the COVID pandemic. Despite this setback, Anna shares her appreciation for the sense of belonging and community she found with being a Fitchburg State University campus tour guide and being a member of the Improv Club. ***Episode transcript available here.Recorded in May 2024, this episode was produced by McKenzie Calvao and edited & sound mixed by Adam Fournier. Both are mem...2024-11-2707 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCATCHING UP WITH ... Buffy Cautela (COMM '22) catches up with Autumn Olson (COMM '20) - part one of twoWelcome to CATCHING UP WITH ... where Fitchburg State students and recent graduates talk to Fitchburg State alumni, reflecting on their time here on campus, celebrating their accomplishments, and discussing how they got from here to where they are now.In this episode, Buffy Cautela, a 2022 Film and Video and Theater graduate of the Communications Media Department, catches up with Autumn Olson, a 2020 graduate with a major in Film and Video and a second major in History. Autumn is a screenwriter and novelist who stayed in Los Angeles f...2024-11-2023 minPerseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkTHE WEEKLY ROUND-UP (Study Abroad Edition, Nov 18th thru Nov 24th)This week's round-up, hosted by Nick Castillo, features student-led events on the Fitchburg State University campus during the week of November 18th.This episode includes an exclusive interview with Fitchburg State's Nicole Salerno. Nicole is the Assistant Director of International Education at Fitchburg State University. In this interview, she talks about upcoming programs that the International Education office is running, as well as deadlines and dates students should be aware of if considering Study Abroad. Nicole believes Study Abroad looks great on a resume and is very important to think about during your time at F...2024-11-1807 minPerseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkTHE WEEKLY ROUND-UP (Nov 12 thru Nov 17)This week's round-up, hosted by Nick Castillo, features student-led events on the Fitchburg State University campus during the week of Veteran's Day.***Want to know more about how to get involved on campus? Wanted to join a club but don't know when they meet? The Weekly Roundup is here for you!Each week, a different set of clubs, meetings, and events is featured for students to think about! There may also be club leaders who will have the opportunity to speak about their events and promote!This will be a weekly po...2024-11-1301 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFITCHBURG SPEAKS: The Road Less Traveled - A Storytelling Event (part two of two)This is the second of a special two part release.Fitchburg Speaks showcases stories from members of the greater Fitchburg community. Faculty, Students, and Community members were invited to share stories on the themes of the paths less taken in life and the obstacles we overcome along the way.This event was held at Fitchburg State University in April 2024, before a live audience in the Falcon Hub in the Hammond Campus Center. Fitchburg Speaks was the culminating event from a year of programming inspired by the 2023 Community Re...2024-11-1233 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFITCHBURG SPEAKS: The Road Less Traveled - A Storytelling Event (part one of two)This is the first of a special two part release.Fitchburg Speaks showcases stories from members of the greater Fitchburg community. Faculty, Students, and Community members were invited to share stories on the themes of the paths less taken in life and the obstacles we overcome along the way.This event was held at Fitchburg State University in April 2024, before a live audience in the Falcon Hub in the Hammond Campus Center. Fitchburg Speaks was the culminating event from a year of programming inspired by the 2023 Community Re...2024-11-0134 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkMAKING HISTORY TODAY: America Since 1968 - Drew McKevitt on "Gun Country"Making History Today, produced by the History program at Fitchburg State University, connects the classroom to historians working in their fields. In these conversations, students discuss works assigned in class and develop questions for the authors, which are then posed in these episodes.This conversation emerges from Prof. Katherine Jewell’s class, America Since 1968, during the 2024 spring semester.In this episode, Dr. Andrew C. McKevitt, history professor at Louisiana Tech University and author of Gun Country: Gun Capitalism, Culture and Control, published in November 2023, responds to questions and curiosities developed by st...2024-10-1636 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCATCHING UP WITH ... Visions 2024 Alumni Panel, Communications Media at Fitchburg State University (Part 2 of 2)CATCHING UP WITH…is an ongoing series where Fitchburg State alumni reflect on their time here on campus, celebrate their accomplishments and discuss how they got from here to where they are now.This is Part Two of our special two-part episode featuring Fitchburg State graduates Joe Aidonidis, Scott Kurland, Matthew Krol, Dan Daly, and Jasmine Cordeiro, who attended the Alumni Panel during the 2024 Visions Exhibition, which is part of the annual event that showcases the best original work from the students in the Communications Media department. (Part 1 was released on October 2.)In thi...2024-10-0925 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkCATCHING UP WITH ... Visions 2024 Alumni Panel at Fitchburg State University (Part 1 of 2)CATCHING UP WITH…is an ongoing series where Fitchburg State alumni reflect on their time here on campus, celebrate their accomplishments and discuss how they got from here to where they are now.This special two-part episode features five Fitchburg State graduates who attended the Alumni Panel during the 2024 Visions Exhibition, an annual event that showcases the best original work from the students in the Communications Media department. The Alumni Panel invites Fitchburg State graduates back to campus to share their experiences and talk about their careers with students. The 2024 Alumni Pan...2024-10-0226 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A FALCON: Peter Elliott, Professional Writing and English Studies (ENGL '26)In this episode of Five with a Falcon, Peter Elliott (ENGL '26), talks about how his Professional Writing concentration and major in English Studies have been integral to his sense of belonging on campus -- while his liberal arts course have provided the perspectives he needs to grow as a writer. A junior from Petersham, MA, Peter's poetry has appeared in the Fitchburg State University literary journal, Route 2 . He's also an active member of the Writing Club on campus where he and fellow scribes commune over their written words. ***Episode transcript available 2024-09-2507 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A FALCON: Sydney Sartell, Early Childhood Education (EDUC '25)In this episode of Five with a Falcon, Sydney Sartell ('25) shares her experience at Fitchburg State University as an Early Childhood Education major. A personal challenge her first year set her back a semester but, with the help of her advisor, Prof. William Corteiza, and a close-knit group of friends, she got back on track. Sydney reflects on the growth she's experienced as she looks forward to her senior year. She also describes defying the dormitory odds and becoming legit best friends with her randomly selected first year roommate.***Episode transcript ava...2024-09-1805 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkSPECIAL EPISODE: Remembering Professor John CrawleyIn this special episode, Perseverantia suggests a podcast that might have been. Business Administration Professor John Crawley had discussed doing a podcast series of the fun advice he gives student, meant to be a light-hearted interjection to our series.But we never got that chance. John Crawley passed away May 1, 2024. As a result, we decided to ask for contributions of memories and recordings to make a small attempt to capture some of the many pieces of advice and meaningful moments he had with students.This episode compiles some of those contributions, both containing P...2024-09-1013 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFALCONCAST (Bonus): Vincent Colavita (GAME '24) is LEAVING THE NESTIn this bonus episode of FalconCast, "Leaving the Nest, " Nikki Mctoggart (COMM '24) speaks to graduating Fitchburg State University seniors. Nikki and her guest explore what it feels like to take that next step, their hopes and their regrets (if they have any). They look back on their time at Fitchburg State University and reflect on who they are now.In this episode, Nikki, a Communications Media Major with a double concentration in Film and Video Production and Public Relations, Social Media, and Advertising Production (PRSA), talks to Vincent Colavita (GAME '24), a Ga...2024-05-1812 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFALCONCAST: Captain Cookie & Life on the Men's Ice Hockey Team at Fitchburg StateIn the Season 2 finale of FalconCast, Jeremy Allik (COMM '25) talked to Oliver "Cookie" Cookson (BSAD '25), a captain of Fitchburg State University's Men's Ice Hockey team. Cookie discusses his journey as a student-athlete, the appeal of the daily grind of the hockey season -- while looking ahead to next season's team and hopes for success. Says Cookie, "A lot of the stuff that you know translate to a good life you can find in a good athlete and a good teammate. So as a leader, that's what I try to strive for."2024-05-1714 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFALCONCAST: Improv(atron) at Fitchburg StateIn this episode of FalconCast, Fredo Robinson (COMM '26) sat down with the past, present and future presidents of Improvatron (Fitchburg State's Improv Club): Nick Castillo (COMM '25) and Anna Gauvin (Engineering Technology '25). Nick and Anna highlight the welcoming nature of improv and offer advice for potential members, showcasing how leadership roles within the club can cultivate lifelong friendships, self-confidence, and loads of laughs.Episode transcript can be found here.***This episode was produced by Tori Kiolbasa (COMM '25). It was...2024-05-1613 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFALCONCAST: Student Veterans and the Veterans’s Center at Fitchburg StateIn this episode of FalconCast, Dave Gambone (COMM '25) sat down with Shanna Sallah in April 2024 to explore her work supporting student veterans on Fitchburg State's campus. Shanna, who oversees the Veterans Center alongside her role at the Office of Student Affairs, discusses the veteran's work-study program and the personal connection that makes this work so meaningful. The Veteran's Center is a vital space on campus, fostering camaraderie among veterans, with monthly meet and greets and other activities. "This is the place for the veterans, this place is yours."Epi...2024-05-1413 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFALCONCAST: Life as a Soccer Player at Fitchburg StateJoin us on FalconCast as Jeremy Allik (COMM '25) chats with Zoe Christostomides (BSAD, minor Journalism '26), the rising junior captain of the Fitchburg State University women's soccer team, editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Point, and aspiring broadcast journalist. Zoe's story takes us on a journey from her high school soccer days, where she was a "little fish in a huge pond," to finding her place as a collegiate athlete and leader. She opens up about the personal growth she's experienced, the pressures of competing for a starting position, the ex...2024-05-0916 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFALCONCAST: Season 2 TeaserWelcome to Season 2 of FalconCast, produced by the Spring 2024 Podcasting class in the Communications Media department at Fitchburg State University.Over the next week, your hosts, Jeremy Allik, Fredo Robinson, and Dave Gambone will dive into the extracurriculars and campus involvement that Fitchburg State University offers by talking to the students invested in community, personal growth, and what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself.Transcript can be found here.***Trailer edited and mixed by Jaden Blake (COMM '27). Episode produced by Gio Colon (COMM '25) and Dave G...2024-05-0801 min
Perseverantia: Fitchburg State University Podcast NetworkFIVE WITH A FALCON: Derek Tirrell, Film/Video Production (COMM '25)In this episode of Five with a Falcon, Derek Tirrell ('25) talks with fellow Communications Media major McKenzie Calvao ('25) about finding his passion within the film/video production program, and the sense of place and community he’s nurtured while working on campus as a student tour guide and Student Orientation leader. Derek also plugs an upcoming short film he’s producing with Ally Thompson and Ania MacIndewar and other students in his Advanced Cinema Production course during in the Spring 2024 semester called Dream Girl.***Episode transcript available here...2024-04-1906 min