Shows
SoundplayThe Power of MusicSeason 6: Episode 1. Host: Abbie Roux
Music is a powerful form of expression. Dive into it with me in this episode.
2025-09-2920 minSoundplayBOO! Did I Scare You?Season 6: Episode 2. Host: Abbie Roux
Explore some spookiness with me in this episode. Only if you dare…
2025-09-2927 minSoundplayThe Only Way Out is ThroughSeason 6: Episode 3. Host: Abbie Roux
Hard times are just as inevitable as the good times. Let’s listen to some empowering stories about persevering through the hard times.
2025-09-2917 minSoundplayEveryone Has a Place in This WorldSeason 6: Episode 4. Host: Abbie Roux
It’s hard to find a sense of belonging in such a hectic and sometimes hate-filled world. Let’s discuss in this episode.
2025-09-2913 minSoundplayWho Am I?Season 6: Episode 5. Host: Abbie Roux
Identity can have so many different meanings and can take shape in a multitude of ways. Here are some empowering stories about the discovery of self.
2025-09-2924 minSoundplayA World of CultureSeason 6: Episode 6. Host: Abbie Roux
Sometimes we get so lost in our own little worlds that we forget that there’s a whole planet out here with so many different people and so many different cultures. Let’s explore a couple cultures in this episode.
2025-09-2918 minSoundplayThe Human ConditionSeason 6: Episode 7. Host: Abbie Roux
Music: a powerful form of expression. Dive into it with me in this episode.
2025-09-2920 minSoundplayProfessional JourneysSeason 5, Episode 1
In this episode, this season of the Soundplay podcast's host Ben Westgate invites us to hear the stories of three different professionals. These individuals all have vastly different careers and describe the paths that led them there.
2025-03-2724 minSoundplayThe Fandom EpisodeSeason 5, Episode 2
In this episode, Ben showcases how members of different fandoms follow their favorite franchises. We will hear about fans of a cult classic television series, a massive media empire, and a popular tabletop/trading card game.
2025-03-2719 minSoundplayThe Deep Blue SeaSeason 5, Episode 3
This episode takes us out to sea - literally! We will hear stories from those who voluntarily deploy onboard seagoing vessels, from Merchant Marine ships to Naval submarines.
2025-03-2725 minSoundplayThe Love EpisodeSeason 5, Episode 4
In this episode Ben features stories about love and loss. Each piece features a different kind of relationship, but all showcase the power of love in our lives.
2025-03-2727 minSoundplayCulture ShockedSeason 5, Episode 5
In this episode we will enter the shoes of those who travel the world. We will hear the perspectives of people traveling to foreign places and how they adapt to the cultural norms of their new settings.
2025-03-2724 minSoundplayEmergency ResponseSeason 5, Episode 6
In this episode, we will explore how different people are affected by emergencies and tragedies in their lives. For some, they can be a wake-up call for a change while for others they act as their calling.
2025-03-2721 minSoundplaySoundplay Presents: It's Only a Movie!Season 4: Episode 1
This episode of Soundplay features an original podcast called It's Only a Movie, interwoven with bits of interview with the podcast creators. This three episode podcast consists of sonic retellings of scary stories followed by an analysis of how the stories manifest in horror movie tropes. The podcast composers are: Madilyn Aubrey, Isabelle Briggs, Kaitlyn Evans, and Rachel Pullino. Here are the transcripts for the three episodes.
2024-09-2559 minSoundplaySoundplay Presents: Creepypasta Unraveled, Part 1Season 4: Episode 2
This Soundplay episodes features an episode of the original student podcast Creepypasta Unraveled. The podcast is about the Creepypasta Internet phenomenon. The first episode explains the history of a phenomenon that terrorized children and teens with horror stories. The podcast composers are: Frances Gervais, Abbie Roux, Darlenys Tolentino, and Anthony Hull. The transcript of the Creepypasta Unraveled episode can be found here.
2024-09-2530 minSoundplaySoundplay Presents: Creepypasta Unraveled, Part 2Season 4: Episode 3
Trigger warning: violence, gore, fear.
This episode of Soundplay features the original student podcast, Creepypasta Unraveled! The two episodes include sonically rich retellings of the horror stories Sonic.EXE and The Russian Sleep Experiment, followed by smart discussion and analysis of the stories. The podcast composers are Francis Gervais, Abbie Roux, Darlenys Tolentino, and Anthony Hull. Episode transcripts can be found here.
2024-09-2550 minSoundplaySoundplay Presents: Play Like a Girl, Part 1Season 4: Episode 4
This episode of Soundplay features the original student podcast, Play Like a Girl, interwoven with bits of interview with the podcast creators. The podcast is about phenomenal athletes who rocked the sports world and happen to be women. The episode here is called "Rowdy and the Mighty Atom." The podcast composers are Cassie Gove, Meg Gove, Cam Boisvert, and Ryan Kennedy. Here is the transcript for the Play Like a Girl episode.
2024-09-2543 minSoundplaySoundplay Presents: Play Like a Girl, Part 2Season 4: Episode 5
This Soundplay episodes features two episodes from the original student podcast, Play Like a Girl. The episodes are "Lightening Strikes Twice in the NHL" and "Sharpshooter." Here are the transcripts for Play Like a Girl. The podcast composers are: Meg Gove, Cassie Gove, Ryan Kennedy, and Cam Boisvert.
2024-09-2542 minSoundplaySoundplay Presents: What's on My Plate?Season 4: Episode 6
This Soundplay episode features the original student podcast, What's on My Plate?, interwoven with bits of interview with the podcast creators. The podcast is about food and their histories and cultural connections. You'll hear the stinky and spicy episodes on this episode of Soundplay! The podcast composers are Ben Westgate, Fanshu Sun, Jon Stewart, and Siyu Wu. Here are the transcripts for What's on My Plate?
2024-09-2552 minSoundplaySoundplay Presents: What's on My Plate?Season 4: Episode 7
This Soundplay episode features the original student podcast, What's on My Plate?, interwoven with bits of interview with the podcast creators. The podcast is about food and their histories and cultural connections. You'll hear the expensive and novelty episodes on this episode of Soundplay! The podcast composers are Ben Westgate, Fanshu Sun, Jon Stewart, and Siyu Wu. Here are the transcripts for What's on My Plate?
2024-09-2546 minSoundplaySoundplay Presents: Story StreamSeason 4: Episode 8
This episode features the original student podcast, Story Stream, composed by Tamara Normil, interwoven with bits of interview with her. The podcast is features an exploration of story in its various forms. Here are the transcripts for the two episodes on short stories and magical girls!
2024-09-2536 min
Ivory Tower Boiler Room"What is Soundwriting and Being a Composer of Sounds?" with Drs. Tanya K. Rodrigue and Kyle D. Stedman (An Inside Baseball...I Mean Podcasting Episode)Watch this and all episodes ad free by joining the ITBR Cafe for only $5 a month! patreon.com/ivorytowerboilerroom
Andrew is joined with Drs. Tanya K. Rodrigue and Kyle D. Stedman to talk all about their new book "Soundwriting: A Guide to Making Audio Projects" (published by Broadview Press)! Right away, the three get into a conversation about how to create podcasts in the college classroom. This is such a meta ITBR episode since Andrew uses this podcast as an example of one genre of podcasting. They discuss the different genres of podcasts, how to understand your tar...
2023-06-051h 10SoundplayThe Nocturne Files Part IISeason 3: Episode 7, Part 2
In the final episode of this season, Alissa explores the backdrop of nighttime in multiple different settings, starting in her home neighborhood and continuing on to Salem State’s Campus environment in Part Two. What's lurking in the dark and what does it mean for our lives in the daytime?
Music featured in part one by PodingtonBear, with some edits made
2022-12-1334 minSoundplayThe Nocturne Files Part ISeason 3: Episode 7, Part 1
In the final episode of this season, Alissa explores the backdrop of nighttime in multiple different settings, starting in her home neighborhood and continuing on to Salem State’s Campus environment in Part Two. What's lurking in the dark and what does it mean for our lives in the daytime?
Music featured in part one by PodingtonBear, with some edits made
2022-12-1331 minSoundplayProudSeason 3: Episode 6
In this episode, Salem State graduate Josie Kinghorn interviews a transgender student and learns all about his experiences on campus. Alissa talks to her roommate Davianna Cora all about the LGBTQ community, coming out, pride, and being queer on campus.
2022-12-1313 minSoundplayWelcome to the InternetSeason 3: Episode 5
The Internet has evolved into a vast web of different communities and subcultures, where people can explore their passions and befriend like minded individuals. Basil talks with V, an internet video game streamer, and Alissa Pray interviews Sarah— a cosplayer who shares their costumes and videography online— to learn more about these subcultures, their benefits, their drawbacks, and the impact they have on people behind the screen.
Music by JBlanked
2022-12-1323 minSoundplayTea and ContemplationSeason 3: Episode 4
Sit back and drink some tea while Alissa takes you through stories about believing in yourself and overcoming obstacles. This episode features audio work by Salem State graduates Sam Flaherty and Alba Melendez.
2022-12-1321 minSoundplayThe Chocolate Chip Cookie EpisodeSeason 3: Episode 3
Alissa shares her favorite baking recipes in between stories about finding your passion from the perspective of a costume designer and a drag queen. This episode features stories from Matthew Morrissey and Caiden Bistany.
2022-12-1331 minSoundplayThe TruthSeason 3: Episode 2
Regan Doyle, Margaret Flaherty and Alba Melendez share interviews and stories all about religion.
2022-12-1328 minSoundplayLive and LearnSeason 3: Episode 1
Join Salem State Podcast Soundplay’s host Alissa Pray as she talks all about the different facets of education and learning, featuring original audio work done by Salem State students Anna Walsh and Xiouyu Liu and an interview with Salem State Student Chloe MacNeil.
2022-12-1319 minSoundplayGrass and KarateSeason 2: Episode 7
In this episode, graduate students Sarah Eshelman and Kacper Kruszewski interview influential members of their communities. Sarah tells the story of a musician that found hope by organizing grassroots concerts during the pandemic, and Kacper speaks with the owner of a karate studio, who needed to find some innovative teaching methods at the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic.
2022-02-1424 minSoundplayMotivation and World War IISeason 2: Episode 6
Professor Larry Lewis and Conor MacGinnis continue their discussion, which leads them to talk about motivation in today’s society and life after university.
2022-02-1431 minSoundplayDaoism and BitternessSeason 2: Episode 5
In this episode, Conor MacGinnis interviews Salem State Professor of Tai Chi, Larry Lewis. Together, they talk about Tai chi, meditation, religion, and life philosophies.
2022-02-1431 minSoundplayLove and Animate ObjectsSeason 2: Episode 4
An undergraduate student tells a story about leaving toxic relationships and how her past experiences with romance have impacted her fundamental beliefs. Afterwards, Jenna interviews a one dollar bill and Matt learns about the complicated history of the American flag in their respective takes on “Everything is Alive.”
2022-02-1427 minSoundplayRats and GlassSeason 2: Episode 3
This episode features an audio story by undergraduate Josie Kinghorn, who weaves a twisted, modern version of the fairytale Cinderella, followed by an interview about her composing process.
2022-02-1437 minSoundplayChicken and BeliefSeason 2: Episode 2
Digital Writing students Molly, Michad, and Stepanie discuss the beliefs that have shaped their lives. Molly talks about the lessons she learned while playing softball, Michad relates his experiences with love and relationships to life’s unpredictability, and Stephanie’s story focuses on bullying and the importance of showing empathy.
2022-02-1417 minSoundplayClocks and WitchesSeason 2: Episode 1
Join Soundplay producer Conor MacGinnis as he takes you through an array of stories composed by Salem State’s own students and faculty. In this episode, undergraduate student Gina talks to an inanimate object in “Grandfather Clock,” a piece inspired by the podcast “Everything Is Alive,” and undergraduate Lucy Tew interviews a social media content creator and witch in “100% That Witch.”
2022-02-1420 minSoundplayA Runner, a Chipped Coffee Cup, two Politicians, and an 1855 RadiatorSeason 1: Episode 8
This episode features Prof. Tiffany Gayle Chenault's "28," a story about running and grief. You'll also hear undergraduate student Abby Crogan's interview with a chipped coffee cup (a concept borrowed from the podcast, "Everything is Alive"), Lana D'Addieco's uncovering of history via old radiators in Salem, and Cassandra Pearson's public history piece on Gore Vidal and William Buckley.
2020-06-0529 minSoundplaySalem: Then and NowSeason 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.
2020-06-0541 minSoundplayA Future Computer Scientist, President, and Stem Cell Researcher...and a WitchSeason 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.
2020-06-0534 minSoundplayA Wrestler, a Wigmaker, and a Drag QueenSeason 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.
2020-06-0526 minSoundplayMusicians and a MuralistSeason 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.
2020-06-0422 minSoundplayCovid Stories, Part 3: Dating, Doom, and Personal PunchesSeason 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?
2020-06-0411 minSoundplayCOVID Stories, Part 2: College Life in a PandemicSeason 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.
2020-06-0421 minSoundplayCOVID Stories, Part 1: A Doctor, An Activist, and a PoetSeason 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.
2020-06-0438 minSoundplayLove at a PreschoolThis 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!
2019-06-1006 minSoundplayWhat 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.
2019-04-3025 minSoundplayWhat'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.
2019-04-1119 minSoundplayWhat She Went ThroughThis episode features two "Salem According to Sound" episodes by Caitlin Donahue, Collin Blacksmith and Nicole Kotsovillis, and an audio documentary by Jeff Gately entitled "Somehow, Even More Alone." Trigger warning: Jeff's documentary is about suicide.
2019-04-1132 minSoundplayChristmas is RuinedThis show features Jill Brown's documentary, "Christmas is Ruined." Jill's touching story describes the challenges and tragedies she has faced in her life such as addiction and losing her husband on Christmas even, and how she persisted despite them. The show features a bonus interview with Jill about her experience composing the documentary. (You'll need tissues ready for this one.) This show also features episodes of the faux podcast "Salem According to Sound" by Matt Eldar and Savannah Kolosey.
2019-03-2240 minSoundplayA Veggie Orchestra, Water Bubbles, and Culture Jammers Walk into A BarThis show features Matthew Eldar's audio documentary on the social phenomenon of culture jamming. The show also features two 90 second episodes by Jill Brown and Mikayla Porcaro of a faux podcast made up for an assignment called "Salem According to Sound," which is a direct rip-off from, "The World According to Sound.”
2019-02-2146 minSoundplayFashion, Love, and MusicThis show features holiday songs from the Salem State preschool and three audio documentaries from students in an audio storytelling class. The documentaries include: "Bump in the Road" by Savannah Kolosey; "Big Mac Raps" by Patrick Garland; and "Sounds of Fashion" by Chris Monson.
2018-12-1244 minSoundplayDoin' Their ThingThis show features the audio work of 6 Salem State University alum: Kate Artz, Megan Grandmont, Julia Bennett, Mike Rand, and M.P. Carver. They produced these projects in a 2015 Digital Writing graduate course taught by Tanya Rodrigue. Their work responded to a loosely structured assignment that asked students to choose a visual and use it in some way to create an project in any genre.
2018-11-2948 min
Rocky Mountain Revival50: Peaceful Warriors“Peaceful Warriors” by Tanya Rodrigue. This narrative audio journalism piece—part documentary/part personal narrative—tells a story of the Jan. 21st Women's March. The story weaves together narration, family stories, media clips, and interviews/conversations with protestors at the sister marches in Chicago, DC, London, Toronto and Denver. Perhaps more importantly, it tells a story about protests—how they work to foster human connection and evoke intense emotions that drive people to action. Tanya Rodrigue is an English professor at Salem State University and teaches writing and rhetoric. She lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband, Pete...
2017-06-1228 min