P's in a Pod

As her final goodbye to the show, Susan is alone at the mic to reflect on each of her four years on this campus. She describes what she has learned while being challenged every step of the way and offers a few pieces of advice to incoming and current students.If you or anyone you know would like to continue the work of P's in a Pod, don't hesitate to reach out through our Instagram @psinapod.Thank you to everyone who has made this show possible.

At Princeton, the word "career" can be pretty charged, with endless pressures and decisions to navigate. Susan and Nathan look back on how their ideas of careers have changed over time, what types of career pipelines circulate at Princeton, how their own career paths have changed, and advice they would give to their younger selves. They also discuss their career bucket lists, romanticizing what paths lie ahead of them.Also, Susan chose the job over grad school!This episode was recorded on April 26 and 28, 2023.

Princeton has 11 eating clubs, which are basically huge houses lined up on one street, unironically called "the Street," that provide dining and social spaces for upperclassmen. 6 of them require you to "bicker" to become members (think rushing for greek life but slightly more regulated). Co-ops, which are also mentioned in this episode, are another dining plan option where students alternate cooking for each other in a designated space. Susan and Nathan discuss their thoughts on eating clubs, bicker, and a new dining pilot that aims to increase upperclassmen dining options.

This episode may be somewhat of a time capsule, since it was recorded several months ago on September 25th, 2021. This was at a time when returning to campus and attending in-person classes was still a fairly recent event, and this was before the emergence of the Omicron variant.Meet Imaan Khasru: third-year student from Bangladesh and Wales.  Imaan and Ava talk about how strange the transition to an in-person campus has been. Imaan also discusses colonialism in the world of fast fashion and microtrends, the Rana Plaza factory collapse, the history of the word "thug" by the British in India, and problematic campus language like referring to certain dorms as "the slums." Links mentioned:The True Cost (film)Sponsored by RingleSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

“Princeton” and “music” are often spoken in the same sentence when talking about our guest in today's episode: Sam Spector! If you haven't heard her music before, check her out using the links below and wait until the end of the episode to hear a spinnet of one of her songs! Jani, our in-house musician, also joins, and she, Ava, and Susan draft with Sam their favorite female artists of 2021. The group also discusses Sam's recent musical successes. Speaking of which, GO SEE HER PERFORM LIVE AT TERRACE ON THE 16TH! The categories of this draft include 3 different genres, 1 wildcard, and 1 “underrated” category. It's clear that all four women have different music tastes (though there is some overlap) so we'll be interested to see which dinner table y'all vote as the most interesting. Susan is still salty that Nathan won against her in our last draft. Go follow us on Insta @psinapod to stay tuned for the vote!Watch the full YouTube video here.Check out Sam's music: https://linktr.ee/samspectormusicFollow Sam on Instagram @samspectormusicFollow Jani on Instagram @janidumapitJanielle on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3ZD64... Apply for the P's in a Pod Network! Applications are due on September 10th.Host application: https://forms.gle/6VwBfV4n15hdZiqM8 Producer application: https://forms.gle/CLAUnGZzoF21evP29 Marketing application: https://forms.gle/um8y5FyUfydztDz46Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Recent alumni Morgan Smith and Joe Ort join Nathan and Susan to "draft" Princeton alumni for their dream dinner tables. Listen as Susan roasts Nathan's picks, Nathan convinces himself that he can change the world, and Morgan and Joe prove that they've done more research than either of the hosts. Video of this episode is found on our IGTV!*This was recorded on July 17, 2021.Featured song: Sleepless Nights (feat. Phoelix) by Dinner PartySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Danielle Samake: a rising second-year Princeton student from Maplewood, New Jersey. Danielle shares how she has grappled with her tricultural identity as a Jamaican, Malian, and first-generation American. She asks us to reconsider the ways in which we ask too much of marginalized communities, discusses her experiences as a Black woman at Princeton, and imparts wise words on how she stays optimistic. A literary enthusiast, Danielle provides an entire shelf of book recommendations, to which Susan and Anna share a few as well.*This episode was recorded on April 10, 2021.Links mentioned:The Loveland FoundationGirls Learn InternationalVikalp SansthanJatan SansthanDanielle's blogDanielle's book recommendations:What We Lose  by Zinzi ClemmonsSwing Time  by Zadie SmithAnnihilation of Caste  by B. R. AmbedkarHalf the Sky  by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunnBecoming  by Michelle ObamaSexual Citizens  by Jennifer S. Hirsch and Shamus KhanListen to the 10 lessons learned podcastSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Jani Dumapit: a second-year student and graphic designer of P’s in a Pod. A singer-songwriter herself, Jani shares her journey with music, from the beginning to producing her very first EP this year. Coming from New York City, she discusses her experience with the public school system and the different phases she went through growing up.  A member of the Limits Matter task force at Princeton, she gives her take on healthy and safe drinking. Jani, a resident Swiftie, also delivers her opinion on her favorite song by Taylor. *This episode was recorded on March 20, 2021. Links mentioned: Listen to Jani's EP rose colored  glasses  Chinese Satellite by Phoebe Bridgers UMatterLegal OutreachSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Vignesh Panchanatham: Princeton junior from Cupertino, CA. Vignesh sits down with Nathan as they consider where they see their future selves, discussing the merits of city versus suburb and whether they would send their children to private or public school. As an avid cook and baker, he plans out a hypothetical dinner party itinerary "Come Dine With Me"-style, beginning with appetizers and ending with dessert plus entertainment.  He also shares tips for prospective chess players, an explanation of ultimate frisbee and its similarities (or lack thereof?) to netball, and how he goes about maintaining an inbox with no more than 10 emails on any given day.Links Mentioned:The Marshall ProjectWatch Come Dine With MeChess.comweChessSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

For the first episode of Season 4, hosts Susan Baek, Ava Vilensky, and Nathan Gage tune in from quarantine at Princeton. Returning for the first time in a year, the group discusses everything campus life — from the best dining hall meals, to their favorite spots on campus, to eating clubs and bicker. The hosts also offer recommendations on their latest music finds, TV shows, and YouTubers. *This episode was recorded on February 13, 2020.Links mentioned:The Zac and Jay ShowChloe x Halle: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert Claudia Sulewski Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Nick Padmanabhan, the very first guest of P's in a Pod on Season 1, and Suniya Nsehti, a guest on a summer episode in Season 2, return for the finale of Season 3. After reflecting on what has changed since their original episodes, Nick and Suniya join Nathan, Alisha, and Susan for a discussion on the Capital riots, the power of private companies to control the use of their platforms, and the progress of Mars exploration. The group looks ahead to a new year, making predictions for 2021 and thinking about what they want their future selves to know about their current selves.*This episode was recorded on January 13, 2020.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Srishti Ghosh: second-year student from Dubai. Srishti discusses how politics has largely become perception and bonds with Ava over their love for baking. An advocate for women empowerment, Srishti has a candid conversation with the other three women on the call about feelings of guilt when it comes to being a "bad" feminist and struggles approaching jealousy and competition among women in male-dominant spaces. Srishti also delivers her hot takes on sparkling water and potato chips, gives her perspective on positivity, and asks the group about the ever-changing dynamics of social media platforms.*This episode was recorded on December 19, 2020.Links mentioned:Future HopeDream Children's Home@nikandlily on InstagramAlta Mar (High Seas) on NetflixLas Chicas del Cable (Cable Girls) on NetflixSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Daniel Drake: first-year student from Covington, Washington. A future SNL-hopeful, Daniel discusses "personal narrativism", a term he has dubbed for the phenomenon that people are increasingly thinking their lives are like a movie. Passionate about comedy and performance, Daniel performs stand-up (or "sit-down") and delivers a couple of impressions at Susan's request. The two also debate Harry Potter films, weigh the loneliness and social phobias of online school, and explore Daniel's love for maps. *This episode was recorded on October 31, 2020.Links mentioned:Watch The Social Dilemma on NetflixWatch I'm Thinking of Ending Things on NetflixSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Katherine Brubaker: gap-year student from Orange County, CA. Our first gap-year guest shares some insights into what led her to make the decision to take a year off, her experience as a field organizer for the Biden campaign, and what she has planned for the rest of the year. As a vegetarian-turned-pescatarian, she also discusses the environmental implications of meat consumption and the ineffective nature of scare tactics in bringing about real environmental change. Katherine offers up a feminist critique of Twilight, her opinion on low-rise jeans, and what qualities she values in her relationships.*This episode was recorded on October 18, 2020.Listen to Just Get A Real JobLinks Mentioned:Watch Normal People on HuluDonate to The International Community FoundationSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Adwoa Afrifa: Princeton first-year from Accra, Ghana. She shares her passion for female empowerment and the End SARS movement and highlights the importance of using one’s platform to address such issues. Adwoa and Nathan, both international students, discuss their perspectives on private schools and how their views of the United States have changed over time. While they agree that American football is inaptly named, they disagree on the merits of various shoe brands and the correct ranking of pizza, pasta, and pancakes. *This episode was recorded on October 24, 2020.Listen to Why People Do What They DoLinks mentioned:When Women RiseDiaspora Support 4 #EndSARSFit Your ValuesFeminist CoalitionFree Your Mind podcastGhanian film director mentioned:Shirley Frimpong-MansoSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Julie Wilson: Princeton sophomore from Newton, MA. She sits down with Ava to discuss how her private school background has influenced her belief in the importance of access to quality public education. As a pre-med student interested in psychology, she also shares how her intersecting passions for science and childhood development have led her to pursue pediatrics. Tune in to hear about her childhood obsession with rabbits, her opinion on manicured lawns, advice for current freshmen, and her answer to the classic question: do pineapples belong on pizza?!*This episode was recorded on September 19, 2020.Listen to Make a ChangeLinks mentioned:Listen to Let's Talk About from the Pace CenterArticle on celebrities' lawns during California's droughtListen to Nice White Parents from Serial & The New York TimesDonate to Cradles to Crayons: https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/donate-now Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Kelton Chastulik: Princeton senior from Chambersburg, PA. He shares his experience attending Princeton after growing up in a blue-collar family, in a community where "Princeton" is usually an unknown term. As an FLI student athlete from a semi-rural town, Kelton discusses the importance of exploring the intersection of complex identities that are often undermined by stereotypes. Listen as he shares with Nathan and Susan his passion for community service both on campus and in his hometown, his hot take on the importance of writing sem, and his love for listening to music.*This episode was recorded on October 10, 2020.Buy your own If I Was President card game: ifiwasgame.comCheck out Tell Me About Your Job: https://tellmeaboutyourjobpodcast.com/Links mentioned:"Ivy League Athletics are the new 'Moneyball'" by Liam O'Connor, The Daily Princetonian"Going home to 'Trump's America'" by Madison Mellinger, The Daily PrincetonianWhoSampledTaiye Selasi's Ted Talk on local identityChambersburg Holiday Book Drive: Website, FacebookKalos AcademyBooks mentioned:Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison BechdelAcid for the Children by FleaThe Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot DíazSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet (finally) our executive producer, Alisha Somani '23. She joins Susan to tell the story of P's in a Pod, discuss their vision for the podcast (and network) moving forward, describe how they have navigated working together while remaining close friends, and answer questions from listeners. Stay tuned for an exciting Season 3, and follow us on Insta @psinapod to stay updated with our mission and some exciting upcoming news!Apply to become an Advising Fellow for Matriculate: matriculate.org/applyCheck out Feature Female: featurefemale.comFill this out if you would like to be a guest on Season 3: https://forms.gle/Mx6safdYgcSX3gRD9Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Ella Gantman '23 is a goalkeeper for Princeton women's soccer. Jovan Aigbekaen '23 is a hurdler for Princeton men's track and field. Nicholas No '22 is a sabreur for Princeton men's fencing. The three of them join Susan (2:27) to discuss their Perspectives on entering the fall without sports (4:34), pros and cons of Princeton's athletics and overall institution (21:46), and their personal experiences as minorities on campus (40:22). The students then baffle at the University's most recent decision to go fully online (53:18) and learn how students can sign up to be poll workers for November (58:13). Finally, the students answer your Pitched questions (1:00:17), determining whether or not non-athletes can ride scooters on campus, first-year regrets, tips on virtual learning, media recs, and how each athlete got into their sport.Sign up to be a poll worker: https://www.pollhero.org/Join Instacart and get your groceries safely delivered today: https://instacart.oloiyb.net/psinapodSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Rohan Jasani '23 and Aparna Shankar '21 are two of the many international students at Princeton. They join Susan (2:30) to discuss their Perspectives on quarantine (3:59), Perceptions of both American and Princetonian cultures (6:18), and the unique space that international students hold at an American university (22:47). They also answer all of your juicy, Pitched questions (30:24), including if Rohan is single, the strangeness of American small talk, thoughts regarding ICE's announcement, and movie/TV recommendations. Finally, the three students discuss Hollywood's enormous cultural capital (54:14) and relate to the peculiar feeling of pride when POCs reach the big screen.Join Instacart today for safe and easy grocery delivery (all affiliate proceeds that do not directly fund the production of P's in a Pod will be donated): https://instacart.oloiyb.net/psinapodSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

In 2016, Princeton finally resumed its transfer program after pausing it for nearly 30 years. In the first cohort after reinstatement, 9 students enrolled out of 1,429 applicants. Susan talks with 3 of them: Daniela Alvarez '21, Frelicia Tucker '22, and Sam Fendler '21. After introducing themselves (2:18) and briefly discussing Princeton's reinstatement of its transfer program, they first discuss Perspective (13:24): their reasons for transferring and how transitioning to college from college is very different than transitioning from high school. During Princeton (23:28), the students reflect on their Princeton experiences so far, asking the question: does Princeton coddle their students too much? Then, for Perception & Potential (47:21), they give advice for students thinking about transferring and Daniela explains how she chose Princeton after applying to 19 schools. After giving some shoutouts during Platform (1:03:23), Susan and the guests answer Pitched questions from listeners (1:05:34), discussing elitism at Princeton, President Eisgruber, and book/movie/show recs.Follow Princeton Student Veterans: https://www.instagram.com/princeton_veterans/Resources mentioned: The Fight (documentary releasing soon), The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X, Meditations by Marcus AureliusSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Andrew Somerville, Suniya Nsehti, and Nathan Gage are rising freshmen in Princeton's Class of 2024. After introducing themselves and describing a favorite Pastime (1:29), they join Susan to discuss Perspectives (6:13) on statue removals, protests, and Nathan's perception of the U.S. as a student from the U.K. During Platform (28:49), the students discuss education reform and affirmative action. For Princeton (53:10), the prefrosh discuss what they are looking forward to at college and ask questions about Princeton to Susan. Finally, for Pitched (1:06:19), everyone answers questions from listeners, giving thoughts on remote learning, movie/show recommendations, and cancel culture. Resources mentioned: The Black Curriculum: https://www.theblackcurriculum.com/. TikTok with Suniya and her friends: https://vm.tiktok.com/JRykX35/  Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black man: https://www.youtube.com/user/Eacho18  Black Ivy Stories: https://www.instagram.com/blackivystories/Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Recent graduates of the Class of 2020, Matthew Oakland and Tessa Albertson join Susan to reflect on their four years traversing the arches of Old Nassau. After Susan describes some of their accomplishments (00:30) and the graduates introduce themselves (4:19), the first P is Princeton, during which Matthew and Tessa discuss how it feels to finally be graduated as they reflect on the values and shortfalls of their Princeton experience (7:23). During Prefrosh (22:29), they impart their wisdom to both incoming and current students. During Platform (39:07), Susan and the graduates examine the need for empathy in anti-racist work. Finally, for Pitched (1:07:46), Matthew and Tessa each answer a question from a listener, explaining how they discovered their passions.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Camille Reeves, Alkin Kaz, Ashwini Shende, and Douglas Robins return for an unprecedented roundtable discussion with Susan — over Zoom. After (re)introductions (3:11), they have a candid conversation about racism and the surge in social media activism (5:48). Their first P is Progress, in which they discuss virtual appearances (12:54), seeing COVID-19 patients as people (18:17), Alkin's life-changing philosophy (22:50), educational disparities during quarantine (34:15), and Douglas' hot takes on Hannah Brown and Bernie Sanders (48:30). Then for Pandemic (59:26), they explore positives and new hobbies of quarantine. During Platform (1:08:21), they learn about Camille taking a stance with TigerTrends, Douglas exposing unsanitary nursing facilities in Louisiana, Alkin translating Physics Olympiad materials, and Susan's view on Asian Americans standing with BLM. Lastly, for Pitched (1:18:11), they answer your questions about genetic engineering, TV recommendations, and advice for pre-frosh.Check out TigerTrends: https://www.tigertrendsprinceton.com/Article reported by Douglas about Louisiana nursing homes: https://www.nola.com/news/coronavirus/article_43127c7c-9a26-11ea-889f-dfe5c428a147.htmlSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

A reminder that our student generation has immense power in creating change that lasts. Our actions determine the kind of world into which future generations are born. P's in a Pod stands in solidarity with Black students and communities across the country. Black lives matter.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Camille Reeves: Princeton first-year from New Albany, Ohio. She and Susan discuss their thoughts on Coronavirus amidst the chaos of college move-outs, the importance of education for middle schoolers, and the impact of attire on self-perception and performance. Camille also gives advice on living a more eco-friendly life, making better first impressions, and avoiding complacency.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Alkin Kaz: Princeton first-year from Konya, a town near Istanbul, Turkey. He discusses developments in quantum computation, philosophies on changing the world, differences between Turkish and American culture, and his excitement over Galatasaray's win in the Intercontinental Derby.***We do not address Coronavirus until next week's episode. Stay healthy and accurately informed. To Princeton students and college students across the nation: this has been a devastating week for all of us and the rest of the world, but we are in this together. If you are traveling, travel safely. Be respectful to others. Hang tight and stay strong.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Ashwini Shende, Princeton first-year from the Philly suburbs and creator of this podcast's title. She joins Susan to discuss the values and inequities of our education system, compare the Bachelor to Love Island, appreciate different forms of music, and wonder why people spend so much time on their phones.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Douglas Robins, Princeton first-year from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. What is a "palatable" celebrity? Should writing seminars become P/D/F classes? And what exactly is so appealing about Snapchat? In addition to answering those questions, Douglas and Susan debate the meaning of the "passion" question and comment on the presidential primaries.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Zachary Sahin: Princeton first-year from Pace, Florida. As an aspiring POTUS and fan of Richard Curtis like Susan, Zach discusses the importance of compromise and reads a beautiful poem by an unknown author.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Kennedy Mattes: Princeton first-year from Mason, Ohio. Learn about how "innocent until proven guilty" can be the other way around sometimes, how bad driving and stealing coats drive both her and Susan crazy, and why skydiving wins over rollercoasters.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Meet Nick Padmanabhan: Princeton first-year from Palo Alto, California. Learn about space exploration, a rare musical talent, and why Nick can't fly on Southwest airlines.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)

Welcome to P's in a Pod. We believe that college students have important perspectives that are often underrecognized. This podcast series provides a platform for student voices.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/psinapod)