Shows
Clue FourteenComing to America: When English isn't Your First Language At Lake Superior College, there are students from all over the world. Many of them have a Primary Language that is not English, yet here, they must speak, listen, read, and write in English. That they are successful, and they are, is absolutely amazing. Kirsi Halonen, LSC English Instructor, was once one such student, and here she: Explains ways that languages, like her native Finnish, are fundamentally different from English, and how she still struggles with some things today. Recalls the things that helped her become a fluent English speaker.
2023-05-0213 minClue FourteenReading: Inseparable From Writing All of this talk about writing. I think it’s time to acknowledge reading. It’s not rocket science that there’s a connection between the two. LSC Reading faculty Keri Stimpson talks with us here about: The literal relationship between these two critical acts. How college reading – reading for content – is hard work, and our social media habits are not exactly helping.
2023-04-2814 minClue FourteenAcademic Writing Structure: Universal? Not! All of this stuff you’ve been learning in Comp class? You know, thesis statements, Intros, bodies, conclusions, transitions, citations? All good stuff, right? Well, LSC’s Lindsy Mason O’Brien says sure. Fine. But wait? She maintains that: There are other ways of academic writing that are totally different and legit in other cultures and contexts. That a clear thesis statement and cracker jack topic sentences might actually be insulting to some readers.
2023-04-2614 minClue FourteenBob's Your Uncle: How the English Do Writing As we know from an earlier episode with Amy Jo Swing, this English language comes from...England. OK. Pretty obvious, but in this episode, British expatriate Nicola Scott from LSC’s Tutoring and Learning Center unpacks for us what she learned about writing back in her school days. It’s kind of surprising: That what we would call high school (secondary school) ends much younger there. That after secondary school, there is literally no parallel thing to our College Composition.
2023-04-2014 minClue FourteenThesis: Take Your Pick - Diagnosis, Captain, or Map Let me guess. You’ve been waiting and waiting for an episode on Thesis Statements. You are in luck, because Paul Richgruber and Jocelyn Pihlaja met me at Mexico Lindo one night to talk about just that. Paul, a writer and history faculty, was really there to get some insight into how to help his students arrive at better theses. And the three of us? Well, we dig into: Analogies from the real world to help students picture theses in different ways. How students who are struggling with the concept can
2023-04-1914 minClue FourteenAI: OK. Now What? Our conversation with Liam Wright-Meier and Jocelyn Pihlaja resumes as we wrestle with AI writing and what it means for college students, teachers, and heck, the future of the human species. Yep. This is big stuff. In this episode, we investigate: The temptation something like ChatGPT opens for students. How instructor Jocelyn is already handling the issue on the fly and how she plans to address it in future syllabi.
2023-04-0512 minClue FourteenAI: Tool or Cheat Right before the Spring 2023 Semester started at LSC, something called ChatGPT suddenly became the buzz, at least for writing teachers. ChatGPT is an Artificial Intelligence, or AI, tool that can seemingly write just about anything a person could ask of it. Naturally, questions for said faculty became, if our students use it, are they learning anything about writing? About thinking? Can they say it’s their writing? Or... Is this a tool that writers can use to become even better writers? I asked LSC writing instructor Jocelyn Philaja to help me think about this, and she brought alo...
2023-04-0414 minClue FourteenPronouns: The Case for They In this episode, LSC’S Gretchen Flaherty (she/her) investigates how writers use Pronouns. Primarily, Gretchen uncovers: What pronouns are and why we use them How the 2nd person You/Your pronoun is problematic in college writing How our growing understanding of gender – now much broader than she/her and he/him - is changing how we think and write
2023-04-0313 minClue FourteenWords: Image and Sound Poet Amy Jo Swing returns yet again, this time to discuss her true love, poetry. More accurately, Amy Jo shows that poetic language has a role in academic writing. She shows us: That making use of metaphor and simile is powerful.. That idiom can also be powerful, but should be used with caution and an understanding of audience.
2023-04-0113 minClue FourteenWords: Indigenous and Continuous Our conversation with Blair Powless at the Dovetail concludes with a dive into something Blair calls The Continuous Conversation. He makes references to Western Academic Tradition, and here, “Western” specifically refers to culture and tradition that originated in Europe and spread around the world, definitely to places like the U.S. As a person of Native heritage, Blair also argues that oral Storytelling practices of Native peoples are a largely unrecognized contribution to the Conversation. In this episode, Blair challenges us: To consider ourselves, even as first year college students, to be entering that conversation.
2023-03-3113 minClue FourteenWords: It's About the Layers Our conversation with Blair Powless at the Dovetail continues. In this episode, Blair clarifies: That we think about what words mean through denotation and connotation. That a poetic awareness helps writers consider the layers and layers of meaning that word connotations bring to our writing. That inclu
2023-03-3112 minClue FourteenWords: Finding Voice Through Poetic Language Blair Powless calls himself a freelance educator. He’s been writing faculty at Lake Superior College, has coached local Spoken Word Poets in a group called Are Poets, and is currently studying history in hopes of teaching it. In this episode, Blair emphasizes that: Academic writers will benefit from poetry because such language will help connect emotionally with readers. Poetic language is a path to finding the elusive “voice.”
2023-03-3108 minClue FourteenOutlines: They're Just Lists Kelli Hallsten Erickson is back, and this time with a very practical discussion of Outlines. I figured that would get you excited. Right. Anyway, pay attention to how Kelli: Argues that outlines save time as well as provide clarity. Is a big fan of all things Delayed Gratification.
2023-03-3114 minClue FourteenImplicit Bias: Everyone has 'em In this episode, LSC’s Executive Diversity Officer Sarah Lyons is going to explore the intersection of Implicit Bias and College Writing. She breaks down the difference between explicit and implicit bias. She shows how our implicit biases, while hardwired into all of us, can be problematic if we don’t pay attention to them. She rocks our composition world by showing us that we need to pay special attention to biases as college writers.
2023-03-3114 minClue FourteenFeedback: Hurts so Good Because seeking feedback is a key to good writing, LSC and Fond Du Lac writing tutor Tanner Servoss uncovers what is valuable about this sometimes intimidating process. Tanner reveals that there are higher level concerns that college writers should consider, and – spoiler – they are not grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Tanner reveals that meeting with a tutor might just be a conversation about the writer’s ideas. Tanner gives away one of his best writing secrets, which he learned from his wife.
2023-03-3112 minClue FourteenHistory of English: Shakespeare's Not Old Amy Jo Swing, LSC writing instructor and poet, returns in this episode to do a little time travel with us. That’s right. This English language that we wrestle with has a history, and knowing how we got into this mess is helpful. Amy Jo breaks down... How a succession of invaders, in addition to a lot of bloody mayhem, actually changed this language. How English is literally divided into three historical periods. Old, Middle, and Modern.
2023-03-3112 minClue FourteenWordiness: Chuck the Dead Wood In this episode, poet and LSC English instructor Amy Jo Swing is going to help us uncover wordiness. You know, when we’re using words we just don’t need. Listen for these clues: Chuck the dead wood. Avoid Passive Voice. There are better words, so use ‘em
2023-03-3114 minClue FourteenAudience: Ain't no Diary In this episode, Kelli Hallsten Erikson, writer and LSC English instructor, digs into the importance of considering audience. Three clues that Kelli shares are. The point of most writing, even if it’s assigned How writing a diary and writing just about anything else are very different things.
2023-03-3114 min
Going ThereEpisode 9: Horse Kicks, Futures, and GoodbyesWith Dan Riihiluoma and Cheyenne Warner moving on to greener horse pastures, and Tara McCoy insuring a new position, it's time for Going There to hang it up. Keep your tissue handy as Steve Dalager and the gang stumble down memory lane. See Closed Captioned Edition here.
2022-04-1934 minGoing ThereAbortion: The Path ForwardGoing There shares the rest of Kieona's story as she finds a path forward out of an abusive relationship and into a healthy one, recognizing her self-worth and creating a family. She moves forward an outspoken advocate for the choice that she made and the freedom for others with uteri to do the same. Find a Closed Captioned Edition of this episode here.
2022-01-2131 minGoing ThereAbortion: When Home Isn't SafeIn this episode, Going There hears Kieona share her history of finding herself trapped in an abusive relationship of epic proportions, taking a home pregnancy test, and it's Christmas. Kieona's tale reaches back and back into her past, but it all winds its way to her decision. Kieona's story concludes in the next episode. Find a Closed Captioned edition of this episode here.
2022-01-1832 minGoing ThereAbortion: When They Trusted The DoctorWith the Supreme Court of the United States hearing multiple cases that will potentially erode reproductive rights established by Roe v. Wade in 1973, this is the first of three episodes where Going There explores the abortion stories of two LSC students with unteri. Here, Autumn relates an experience that happened thirteen years prior, what led to her decision, and how she has processed it in the aftermath. Find a Closed Captioned edition of this episode here.
2022-01-1736 minGoing ThereMinnesode: Suicide Prevention Awareness MonthIn this Minnesode, Tara, Steve, and Dan share information about campus and community mental health resources, which include the following: The Bandana Project Campus Telepsychiatry Community Resources National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 Birch Tree Crisis Line 218-623-1800 Crisis Text Line, text "Home" to 741-741 PAVSA 218-726-1931 Minnesota Warm Line 877-404-3190 Nystrom & Associates Ltd. 218-722-4379 NAMI https://nami.org/Home
2021-09-2210 minGoing ThereKhalif: Out! And starting over at 68You can support Johnnie Veal's re-entry to life @ payit2.com (search "Johnnie Veal"). After 51 years imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, Johnnie Veal was released on May 7, 2021. Johnnie (aka Khalif) continues his conversation with Going There about the politics of parole, finally gaining release and narrowly escaping going back again, and the joy of being with his family, work, and playing his sax again. View a Closed Caption edition of the episode here.
2021-08-1640 minGoing ThereKhalif: Falsely Accused and Locked Up 51 YearsYou can support Johnnie Veal's re-entry to life @ payit2.com (search "Johnnie Veal"). In 1969 at age 17, Johnnie Veal (aka Khalif) was rounded up along with 200 other suspects from Chicago projects for the shooting of two police officers. He was playing baseball at the time, but nevertheless found himself facing 199 years in prison. Going There's Tara McCoy got to know Johnnie in 2018 doing volunteer work with prisoners in the Illinois State System. This is Khalif's story in his own words. Be sure to listen to the conclusion in Episode 4. View a Closed Caption edition of the episode here.
2021-08-1445 minGoing ThereInclusive? Or Performative?Cheyanne and Steve continue their conversation with Duluth Human Rights Officer Carl Crawford. The discussion continues to explore systemic racisms in law enforcement, wanders briefly into the phenomenon of blood quantum in the indigenous community, but ultimately explores how BIPOC are depicted in the media and how these depictions are evolving in alarming ways. See a Closed Captioned version here.
2021-07-0228 minGoing ThereGet Your Car KeysStarting off Season 3, Going There reaches back to the final days of the Spring 2021 semester at LSC. The Derek Chauvin verdict had just been announced, Daunte Wright had just been murdered by police, Steve's African American Literature class was unpacking Angie Thomas' The Hate U Give, and it was all too real. Carl helps Steve and Cheyanne make sense of it, and the conversation continues in Episode 2. See a Closed Captioned version here.
2021-06-3027 minGoing ThereSky Rats and the Energizer BunnyAfter 34 years as LSC Architectural Drafting faculty who was also closely involved in many campus building projects, Jon LIntula recounts the people and projects that were instrumental in creating what we know as Lake Superior College today. Warning: There may be mention of abandoned acronyms (MNSUC), programs (Baking), projects (campus housing), and mascots (Sky Rats). View closed captioned version here.
2021-04-2637 minGoing TherePandeversaryLSC students Kyle Lee, Laura Mobley, and Nick Boucher discuss their trials, their successes, their embarrassing moments, and how they've surprised themselves roughly one year into the Covid-19 Pandemic. Spoiler: the conversation roams far and wide to Zoom cameras (on or off?), the passing of sweet grandmothers, mountain lion tracks, what berries to eat and not eat in the forest, and what to expect from a post-pandemic world. View closed captioned edition here.
2021-04-0634 minGoing ThereJanuary 6: Rippin' Off the BandaidIf you listened to Episode 11, then you're ready to unpack the events of January 6 with LSC students Krubo Jallah and Buck Huard, along with hosts Steve, Tara, and Cheyanne. Krubo is a native of Liberia in West Africa and Buck is a native Minnesotan. Their insights into January 6 and the divisive politics of the moment will give listeners new ways to think about what the U.S. faces and how we can expect to move forward. Spoiler: no easy answers provided. Sorry.
2021-03-1034 minGoing ThereJanuary 6: A Civics Lesson? C'mon...In the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 assault on the U.S. Capitol, we're all scrambling to understand a) what happened, b) why it happened, and c) whether this is an end or a beginning? Scary stuff. Understanding our own government and its history, though, is something that Americans (yes, LSC community; we're Americans) could benefit from (our lack of self knowledge is a well documented phenomenon). Therefore, first in our two-part series unpacking January 6 is a conversation with LSC History faculty, Paul Richgruber. If you slept during high school civics class, this might be the best 37 minutes of your life. Oh, a...
2021-03-1037 minGoing ThereMaking EquityIn this episode, student hosts Cheyanne Warner and Dan Riihiluoma continue their conversation with LSC President Dr. Pat Rogers. Pat reveals her vision for the student LSC experience, and both Cheyanne and Dan share struggles they experience at LSC, both before and during the pandemic. Pat emphasizes the role of policy as a key to removing barriers to equity. There's also revelation of past rebellious periods, motorcycles, and country music
2021-02-1125 minGoing ThereLabels and TumbleweedsIn this episode, new student host Cheyanne Warner joins Dan Riihiluoma in a conversation with LSC President Dr. Pat Rogers. Together they explore the intersection of Pat's college presidency with the fact that she identifies as a lesbian feminist. On the way, they explore the phenomenon of labels in general and get a glimpse of Pat's vision for LSC. Pat digs deeper into that vision in Episode 10: Making Equity.
2021-02-1121 minGoing ThereFeelin' GratefulIn this episode, student Dan Riihiluoma continues the conversation with four LSC students about the 2020 Covid holiday season. The group explores their emotional responses and whether there's good that might come out of this crazy year. There's also a visit from a turkey-stealing pooch and someone mentions wearing a onesie.
2020-11-2321 minGoing ThereTraditions and Covid AdjustmentsIn this episode, four LSC students discuss past holiday traditions and how Covid will change things in 2020. Two of the four not being American born, we also learn how "local" some American holiday traditions are, and how varied traditions are in other parts of the world. Student host Dan Riihiluoma leads the discussion.
2020-11-2322 minGoing ThereConvince Much? 3rd Parties and PredictionsIn this final segment of Going There's 2020 election series, the student panel discusses their Get-Out-The-Vote efforts and digs into the problem of a two-party system of government and whether to support 3rd Party candidates. The students also analyze the debates and make some predictions about the election outcome.
2020-10-2518 minGoing ThereCare Much? Issues that MatterGoing There continues the conversation with a panel of five LSC students, this time focusing on the issues that matter to them. These issues include candidate integrity, healthcare, race and LGBTQ+ equity, the Supreme Court, and cannabis.
2020-10-2517 minGoing ThereWorried Much? Voting Plans and ConcernsAs the November 3 election approaches, Going There discusses voting plans and concerns about them with five LSC students. Students discuss how and where to vote, and weigh the risks of vote-by-mail and voting in person.
2020-10-2516 minGoing ThereActivism - Taking a Stand Against RacismIn this episode, Kirk Bates discusses civil rights actions he has participated in this summer in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd. Kirk thinks mindfully about his role as a white male involved in this work. He also supplies some simple, practical advice for others who would lend support.
2020-08-2128 minGoing ThereWhistleblower 2 - Taking a Stand Against RacismIn E2, we learn that Ashley's action had surprisingly successful results. While Ashley recognizes that she is likely to face this problem again in the future, she is "more determined than ever" to continue, and even can see herself as a "freedom fighter."
2020-08-2120 minGoing ThereWhistleblower 1 - Taking a Stand Against RacismIn E1, we talk with student and mom Ashley Daniels, who found herself facing racism in her workplace, and in the aftermath of the George Floyd protests, decided to take decisive action - action that until that moment, she would have been very unlikely to take.
2020-08-2122 minGoing ThereMaking It - Covid-19 and Mental HealthIn this episode, second in a two part series, we return to Alyssa Hainline as she moves forward to complete the Spring 2020 Semester. We then bring on Marie Carter Brooks, Lake Superior College Counselor, who considers Alyssa’s experience and shares the mental health support that is available at LSC.
2020-08-2126 minGoing ThereFaking It - Covid-19 and Mental HealthIn this episode, first in a two part series, we talked with student and mom Alyssa Hainline back in March, right before classes resumed March 30. Alyssa was dealing with a lot, but appeared to be up to the challenge. What we found out later was that the very next day, Alyssa checked herself into a mental health facility. Three weeks later, we follow up with Alyssa to talk about that experience.
2020-08-2121 minGoing ThereWhat's in a Name, Anyway?This episode was recorded prior to campus closing, so it’s a nostalgic visit to BCE (Before Covid Era) where we talk with Jo Busick, Accounting major, LeadMN activist, vinyl aficionado (follow him at josvinyl), and also member of LSC’s LGBTQ+ club (like Mystic Raddatz from E3).
2020-08-2125 minGoing ThereScholars and SchedulesIn this episode, we check in with LSC students Cheyanne Warner (E1) and Dan Riihiluoma (E2) to see how they’re surviving the campus transition to alternative course delivery during the Covid-19 campus closure. This is the second in our special Covid-19 series.
2020-08-2123 minGoing ThereMasks and MayhemIn this special Covid-19 episode, LSC students Jarves Hunt and Paisley Forsell discuss how they are coping with the campus closure and shelter-in-place orders. This is the first in a special Covid-19 series.
2020-08-2130 minGoing TherePronouns and FreedomIn this episode, LGBTQ+ Club president Mystic Raddatz explores finding community on campus and in the Twin Ports. This is the third in our series exploring LSC’s tagline, “Out Community’s College.”
2020-08-2132 minGoing ThereSpies and SpaghettiIn Episode 2, LSC students Sunhee Go and Dan Riihiluoma talk about finding community at LSC and in the Twin Ports. This is the second in our series exploring the LSC tagline, “Our Community’s College.”
2020-08-2134 minGoing ThereGoing ThereIn this episode, we interview LSC students Dustin Blacketter and Cheyanne Warner about finding community at LSC and in the Twin Ports. This is the first in our series exploring the LSC tagline, “Our Community’s College.”
2020-08-2127 min