Hokie Talk

We previewed and broke down 3 of Connor's original songs in this episode, "Quarter Life Crisis", "Waffles", and "Block My Number"! He shared his songwriting and producing strategies, including topics like why he typically won't pursue a song if it's not written within a few days, the importance of writing specific lyrics, and why the melody is the most important part of a song. Check him out on Spotify! Or listen to samples of his songs in this episode!

Julian Ferdman is a junior majoring in Sports Media and Analytics, and has been interning for VT Football for a little over a year now. We discussed his focus on prospective players, what the team looks for in recruits, and his interactions / the atmosphere with the players and coaches!

What does it really take to make Homecoming a reality every year? Ryan Paul (executive producer/director of "The Making of Homecoming 2022") and Maxwell Mandell (editor and lead director of photography of the Homecoming Cinema Team) discuss everything from the film's inception to its execution, and the hundreds of hours spent making it a reality! The documentary is truly captivating and can be found on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQoGDBuNDcA.

Dr. Buddy Howell, renowned by many past and present students at Virginia Tech for being a highly energetic and friendly professor, came onto Hokie Talk and spoke to us about engaging a classroom, how your morals guide your decisions, which then guide your life, and that you can and shouldn't be afraid to disagree with people and have meaningful conversations, even if you're not a disagreeable person.

Reid Burton was 1 of the 3 runners voted to Homecoming Royalty just last fall! His platform, Reaching out With Reid, focuses on providing mental health resources and education for middle and high school students. On Hokie Talk, we discussed his platform, the work behind running, and what it was like hearing his name called in Lane Stadium!

Gian Maselli and Glen Noel talk about their experiences DJing in downtown Blacksburg and how they've made throwing parties a business. They also shared what it was like opening for artists like Waka Flocka and Shy Glizzy and more from their perseverant story!

The Vêtements De Rue (VDR) show is a fashion event that will be held on Feb. 4, 2023 at the Moss Arts Center! Luis Kruger, Brandon Kong, and Andrew Rodgers join Hokie Talk today. We talked about easter eggs, new twists in the show, and adventures, including one in Iceland, that have led up to this moment.

The Undergraduate Student Senate (USS) is an information hub for students, bridging the information gap between students, administration, and the town! They have a strong understanding of various issues around campus. For instance, they have recently set up meetings with Blacksburg Transit to ask for more stops at certain locations based on student feedback. USS also has a great understanding of the fees Virginia Tech students pay as part of their payments to the school (Health Fee, Services Fee, Transportation Fee, Student Activity Fee, etc). On Hokie Talk, we break all these topics down!

Jake Spotswood holds the Virginia Tech school record in both the Heptathlon (5,835 points) and Decathlon (7,210 points)!We discussed Jake's highest highs and lowest lows in Track & Field, success principles that when learned can be applied anywhere, and an injury that knocked him out mid pole vault (yet he was back competing after only 2 weeks)!

"Not everyone can connect to sports themselves, but a lot of people can connect to sports storytelling that revolves around the human condition".  - Jack Allen (President of UNCUT Blacksburg)Aziz was joined by Jack Allen, Emma Inch, and Michaela McCarthy in talking about UNCUT Blacksburg. We discussed how UNCUT gives Virginia Tech students a platform to share their stories / passions off the field and showcase the human behind the uniform. We heard two stories, one from Emma and one from Michaela, about their experiences and challenges faced as VT student athletes. 

Blacksburg's Mayor, Leslie Hager-Smith talks to Aziz and Ruba about her journey into politics, alongside Virginia Tech's impact and relationship with the city of Blacksburg!70% of Blacksburg's population are currently renting their home (mostly students but not all), what impact do you think this might have on the city? Find that out and more by listening to this episode!

Maya and Preeti (director and co-director) from Hokies Vote Caucus join Aziz in explaining the group and motivation behind it. Hokies Vote Caucus is a non-partisan group that looks to collectively mobilize the student body to be more involved in democracy and take charge in making the changes they want to see in the communities. Students from a wide variety of backgrounds are encouraged to join!Midterm elections are coming up on November 8, 2022. You can find out more about candidates running in your district here:https://ballotpedia.org/Main_PageFind more about Hokies Vote Caucus:www.linktr.ee/HokiesVoteCaucus

Aziz, Donna, and Anna discuss PRISM, Data Privacy, and the Future of Marketing!With:Donna Wertalik Director of Marketing Strategy & Analytics for the Pamplin College of BusinessFaculty Advisor / Founder of PRISMAnna SherrodVirginia Tech SeniorChief Marketing Officer for PRISM

How did Chocolate Milk Mondays at Virginia Tech become one of the biggest organizations on campus? 

Lee and Aziz discussed the dangers of becoming a young entrepreneur, the importance of developing social skills, and the importance of being patient when looking for excitement in a job or any "innovative" field.I (Aziz) took Lee's course in the Fall of 2021, called "Innovation in Context", in which the grand overall theme I was able to take from it was learning about "Innovation"  and how it can be a misleading or overhyped word.

What are the negative impacts grind / hustle culture can have on college students? Associate Director at SOAR at Virginia Tech, Benito Nieves, joins Aziz in the discussion.

Former Hokie and Owner of Blacksburg Boxing and Fitness, Kevin Bowen, shows Aziz around the gym as they go about a "Vogue styled" rapid fire series of questions about Kevin and the gym!

A little after 2 years of the pandemic, Aziz and 2 members from Model UN at Virginia Tech, Prince Wang and Alyssa Bohnstengel, discuss COVID today at Virginia Tech and COVID on a more international scale!

Gerard Toal, a professor of Government and International Affairs in the school of Public and International Affairs here at Virginia Tech, joins Aziz in explaining why Putin has invaded Ukraine, why it was a strategic blunder on Putin's part, and what can be done to prevent escalation of the war.

Aziz, alongside 3 student members from Closing The Gap at Virginia Tech (Samuel Benedetti, Seli Gebreyesus, and Andrew Kuria), discuss the recent Joe Rogan controversy. This also led into discussions about political correctness and free speech.

Luis Kruger and Brandon Kong, alongside members in @vt.spark, designers, and models, have been involved in organizing a fashion event here at Virginia Tech; Vêtement De Rue, taking place Friday, Feb 25th, 2022. The proceeds will be going to the Active Minds chapter (mental health advocacy and education) at Virginia Tech.On Hokie Talk, Luis and Brandon explain the process of planning and organizing a fashion event while also attending a predominantly Engineering school. Finally, Luis and Brandon share some funny stories about their journey to Vêtement De Rue! 

Tim Baird shares his experience living in the new CID dorm with his family! As well as adventures in his life such as traveling to about 50 countries and Pink Time.Recorded on Dec. 10, 2021.

Aziz and Virginia Tech senior, Sean Stroud, discuss his brand new album, "Wandering Soul", now streaming on Spotify! The first 15 min are the initial interview, but it didn't feel right to stop the interview so soon, so there's an extra 30 min of bonus included afterwards :)Skip to the end to listen to "By the Mountainside" from the new album!Recorded on Nov. 2, 2021

Aziz and Jeannine Eddleton talk about her journey from Baltimore, Maryland to becoming an instructor at Virginia Tech, the existence life on other planets, whether people should even WANT to live forever, and much more! All this in 30 quick, attention-grabbing minutes :). 

Aziz and Jon Kabongo discuss his anecdotes from being on the D1 varsity Virginia Tech basketball team, his injury, and how he has built his career in rap.His latest album, "How Much Time You Got?", can be found on streaming platforms (check it out!). Aziz and Jon discuss the lessons he's taken from building a career in rap and how they can be applied to other people's lives as well.

Mia and Aziz discuss her last 4 years at VT, including her experiences as Director as Concerts for the Virginia Tech Union, Director of Communications for VT Spark, and what it was like running for 2021 Virginia Tech Homecoming Court!

Om Shah is a senior in Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. Today, Aziz and Om discuss Om's documentary on climate change, "The Class of 2050", alongside other themes, issues, and ideas regarding climate change at Virginia Tech!

Jarek Campbell is a graduate student at Virginia Tech from Oakton, Virginia majoring in Geography. Jarek is also a Hokie Ambassador and a part of Service Without Borders. On Hokie Talk, Jarek and Aziz discuss the theme of comparison and learning from our mentors and idols!

Today, Carol Franco and I discussed the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), needing total unanimity among countries, and a chance for all VT students to go to the COPs in Glasgow!

The Paris Agreement, why politicians aren't supporting climate change prevention legislation, carbon taxes and credits, and how COVID can be related to climate change.

Carol Franco is an expert in climate adaptation and mitigation policies! Today we discuss some of those policies, the VT Climate Action Commitment, and the importance of teaching kids about climate change at a young age. 

Brian Yohn on touches on why you should write your thoughts down in a notebook, the importance of going out in nature, and the design of Hokie Spa and the Blacksburg Transit App!

Brian Yohn, one of Virginia Tech's top graphic designers, speaks on whether Nike and Chick-fil-A have good brands and how one can be more creative!

Brian Yohn speaks about his foundations, why he only spent 18 months getting his university degree, and the multiple projects / side businesses he is working on!

Philosopher / VT Professor Justin Horn and I dive deep into a discussion on drugs and political correctness! Should we ban all drugs? Or legalize them all? Has political correctness been taken to an extreme? Especially in universities?Finally, if you are a student at Virginia Tech and are interested in discussing these topics, consider joining VT Ethics Bowl! Contact Hokie Talk on instagram or via email (hokietalk1@gmail.com) for more information!

Is cheating on a test ok if it's your last class in college and all you really need from the class is the credit? And it's one thing if YOU steal, but what if everyone acts like you and ALSO steals?Virginia Tech Professor and Philosopher Dr. Justin Horn and I discuss!Wanna hear Part 3 next week? Follow Hokie Talk!

Do we treat animals immorally? What are the ethical views on abortion? Is requiring COVID vaccinations ethical? Virginia Tech Professor and Philosopher Dr. Justin Horn takes a dive into these questions!Wanna hear Part 2? Follow Hokie Talk!

Are hugs, handshakes, parties, dating, football / basketball games safe? Do you still need to quarantine if vaccinated and exposed to COVID? How safe is traveling? When will the next pandemic be? COVID Expert Linsey Marr discusses.This episode was recorded on July 15, 2021. Since then, the CDC has recommended vaccinated Americans wear masks indoors in certain circumstances. 

COVID Expert Linsey Marr discusses why the delta variant is so contagious, when the COVID pandemic will be "over", and three things you can say to a friend or family member to convince them to get vaccinated.This episode was recorded on July 15, 2021. Since then, the CDC has recommended vaccinated Americans wear masks indoors in certain circumstances.