Pop Up Podcast

Pop Up Podcast is back! While Pop Up Podcast started out as a free after-school activity for teens. In our second season, we welcome participants of all ages. Pop Up Podcast is an opportunity to tell your story, to engage with audio recording technology and to explore your own self-expression. Much like Season 1 of Pop Up Podcast, Season 2 invites members of the Escondido community tell their story, using the underlying philosophy that what is the most personal is the most universal. Our first episode of the new season covers the Olmstead family. Morse Olmstead managed Security First National Bank, which opened in Escondido in 1929 on the corner of Grand Ave and Broadway St. (The photo above is of the second location at 201 West Grand Ave which was built in 1951.) This podcast was recorded at an event celebrating the installation of a bench in Kit Carson Park to commemorate Morse and his wife Ida Olmstead. The project was initiated by their son Dave Olmstead, who in this recording tells his personal story along with accounts from his siblings and one of Morse Olmstead’s first employees. The podcast is hosted by Teddy Borja of the Pioneer Room Friends, a 501(c)(3) interest group supporting the Pioneer Room, Escondido Public Library’s local history archive. Produced & edited by Adult Services Senior Librarian Viktor Sjöberg. Bank photo courtesy of the Eloise Perkins collection, Escondido Public Library Pioneer Room.  

In anticipation of Season 2 of Pop Up Podcast: here's a few brief conversations with some of the interesting individuals that we encountered at the San Diego Mini Maker Faire this past weekend. More information on the Maker Faire: http://sandiegominimakerfaire.org

In our Season 1 finale, we recap with the teens about their experiences throughout the year, what they would like to see for the future of the Pop Up Podcast and the library, and they even sing us a goodbye song! We are currently working towards developing Season 2 of Pop Up Podcast, open to Escondidians of all ages!

This special episode of Pop Up Podcast was recorded at the Escondido Public Library and features CJ, Hector and Jasmine, three teens that volunteer at the library. They share their views on library services and how they can be improved. We also learn about their families as well as their views on country music.

In today’s episode we get to know three new teens, Valley High students Johnny & Michael and The Crossings resident Michelle. We cover a wide variety of topics, including trends, religion, libraries and creative expression. Join us as we explore the philosophy behind Johnny’s unique way of presenting himself as well as the circumstances that helped turn Michelle into an avid reader.

In this latest episode, the teens really surprised us with their responses to questions regarding tagging, drug use, foster care, art, and family. There’s so much more to these teens than the reputations that precede them. We hope that their stories will both have you reexamine your views and touch your hearts. (That’s certainly our experience!) A wonderful, unintended outcome of this project so far is how many teens we’ve brought together who may be classmates or neighbors but before participating in Pop Up Podcast they knew nothing about each other. Through sharing their stories, they find common ground.

In our second episode, we return to Valley High School to discuss what it's really like to be a teenager in Escondido. Laura and Eddie talk about their past and present experiences and offer great insights. This fascinating conversation is followed by an interview conducted by the teens themselves! Maya and Javeli talk to Mr. Atwood and Mrs. Leaf, teachers and representatives of Valley High School's Gay & Straight Alliance.    

Hurray! Our first episode is available for downloading! Meet some of the super interesting (and talented) teens from Valley High School. Tyler shows off his years of guitar playing and his fantastic voice – you’ll swear you’re listening to Jerry Cantrell. Selina joins in to talk about music and education and what it’s like to go from their original public high school to Valley, an alternative high school. George’s route to Valley was a little different – stemming from health issues – but no matter where he goes to school George is the trend setter when it comes to music! He won’t divulge his sources, but his uncle, Escondido’s own Seven60, seems to influence his taste. We round out the episode when Brenda, Jasmine, and Maya join us to chat about their other hobbies, favorite foods, and after-school exploits.