Retrospect: The Fordham Observer Podcast

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Take an in-depth look at the issues facing Fordham University with Retrospect, the official podcast of The Fordham Observer, as we interview guests, share powerful stories and foster active debate. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles.

The Fordham Observer

  • Jun 29, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • every other week NEW EPISODES
  • 20m AVG DURATION
  • 39 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Retrospect: The Fordham Observer Podcast

Summer Report: Pride Month Special

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 53:18


Katz Fantulin talks about the Rainbow Alliance and what it is like being LGBTQ at Fordham. Jay W. Walker discusses the history of NYC Pride and the Queer Liberation March. Vicky Carmenate shares a playlist celebrating queer Black artists. Hosted by Cate Galliford and Corbin Gregg. Produced by Jacqueline Pierce. Music by Michael Appler.

Summer Report: An Uncertain Fall Semester

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2020 13:58


News Editor Katrina Lambert discusses her recent article outlining what NY state guidelines mean for reopening. She also talks about how Fordham compares to other schools’ plans, what hybrid classes mean and the financial repercussions of keeping options open. Hosted by Cate Galliford and Corbin Gregg. Produced by Jacqueline Pierce. Music by Michael Appler.

“An Office We Call Home” - Lessons from the Outgoing Leadership Team

Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2020 17:06


Members of The Observer's outgoing leadership team Owen Roche, Courtney Brogle and Izzi Duprey discuss how the paper has shaped their time at Fordham and how they have overseen big changes for the publication. Hosted by Cate Galliford and Corbin Gregg. Produced by Jacqueline Pierce. Music by Michael Appler.

"Generation of Thoughts and Prayers" - New President, Adjusted Expectations and Farewell

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2020 32:33


The two new Retrospect hosts speak with Loreen Ruiz about her recent USG presidential win about her recent USG presidential win, Opinions writer Evelyn Sims about her latest article on adjusting performance expectations and former host Kevin Christopher Robles on what Retrospect has meant to him. Hosted by Cate Galliford and Corbin Gregg. Produced by Jacqueline Pierce. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell. 

Introducing the New Crew of Retrospect

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2020 14:07


Kevin Christopher Robles is very pleased and terribly proud to introduce Cate Galliford, Corbin Gregg and Jackie Pierce as the new proprietors of the podcast. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler.

The Coronavirus: Graduation, Senioritis and Animal Crossing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2020 31:10


Seniors Ally Blatz, Paolo Estrella, and Lena Weidenbruch share their thoughts on losing half of their final year, missing graduation and what they’re doing to cope with self-isolation. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.

The Coronavirus: Cancelled Sports, Dorm Evictions and Clubs on Zoom

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2020 32:05


Patrick Moquin gives a rundown on the final days of Fordham sports. Katrina Lambert explains the difficulties that students faced when trying to leave campus during the pandemic. Michelle Agaron talks about how clubs and student organizations are still operating remotely. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.

The Coronavirus: Student Workers and University Employees

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2020 5:23


Joe Kottke goes into how COVID-19 has affected student workers and university employees. Afterward, Kevin Christopher Robles gives a news update. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.

The Coronavirus: The Observer's Response to COVID-19

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2020 5:25


In light of COVID-19 and Fordham’s campus closings, The Observer’s Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor and Online Editor would like to update you about the state of the newspaper, where it's going and give some insight on what we believe our, and your, place in all this is. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Music by Michael Appler.

An Update from Retrospect

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2020 0:48


In the wake of COVID-19, host Kevin Christopher Robles says a few words.

"Make Fun of the Experience" - Diaries of a Frustrated Freshman

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2020 7:39


Polina Uzornikova describes her Opinions column Diaries of a Frustrated Freshman and what inspired her to write it. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler.

"A Different Structure" - Group Therapy, Laundry and Trump Protests

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2020 20:05


Michelle Agaron describes why the new group therapy sessions offered by Counseling and Psychological Services deserves your attention. Evelyn Sims voices her issues with the McKeon laundry room and the poor state of the campus’ laundry culture. Katrina Lambert talks about the recent protests surrounding the Trump acquittal and its relevance to college students.   Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.

"Practical and Pragmatic" - Five Guys Boroughs and Fries

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2020 8:51


Leo Bernabei explains his new column Five Guys Boroughs and Fries and tells us what to expect from his coverage of New York City politics. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler.

"Are You Sick?" - China, Study Abroad and Coronavirus

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2020 24:59


Resham Sansi talks about her study abroad experience in China and how the emergence of the coronavirus cut it short. Joe Kottke discusses the concern surrounding the coronavirus and how that has disrupted the Fordham community. Luke Osborn gives some health tips if you’re worried about the coronavirus. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.

"Committed to Your Success" - Freshman Dean Conor O'Kane

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2020 14:09


Conor O’Kane talks about his journey to becoming Assistant Dean of First Year Students at Fordham College Lincoln and what to expect from him going forward. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler.

"The History of Things" - Classics, Veterans and Basketball

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2020 27:16


Jill Rice and Nick Catapano give their thoughts as to why the classics major is worth your attention. Then, Melanie Corinne lays out the veteran experience at Fordham and talks about the new Veterans Center on campus. Finally, Pat Moquin discusses the worrying state of men’s basketball at Fordham. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.

"You Can't Just Have One" - Alcohol and Calories

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2020 9:38


Luke Osborn talks about the hidden consequences that consuming alcohol has on your caloric intake.   Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler.

"Tenets of Truth" - Editor-in-Chief Special Feature

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2019 17:09


Editor-in-Chief Owen Roche talks about The Observer's place in the Fordham community. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler.

"Use Your Power Correctly" - Subway Protests, Printing and Casey Feldman

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2019 23:50


Joe Kottke talks about the recent subway protests against the NYPD and the MTA. Kristen Skinner gives voice to students’ issues with printing at Lincoln Center. Samantha Matthews speaks to the legacy of former Observer editor Casey Feldman. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Jeff Umbrell and Michael Appler.   Relevant Reading: Students Storm Subway Protesting NYPD, MTA To Print or Not to Print Ten Years Later, Casey Feldman’s Values Still Resonate

"Ram and Roll" - Rameses Dynasty, Aramark and Blood Donations

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2019 20:25


Grace Getman gets real about the infamous history of the live rams used by Fordham as mascots. Michelle Agaron dishes about Aramark and whether it should remain Fordham’s food provider. Catherine Galliford discusses why it’s unfair to college students that gay and bisexual men aren’t allowed to donate blood. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Jeff Umbrell and Michael Appler.   Relevant Reading: The Rise and Fall of the Ramses Dynasty Aramark Faces Criticism The FDA’s Refusal to Allow Gay Men to Donate Blood is Blood-Boiling

"Ghost Stories" - Halloween Special Feature

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2019 17:39


Aristan Papeo tells two ghost stories set at Fordham University. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler, Jeff Umbrell and Kevin Macleod.

"A Matter of School Spirit" - Board of Advisors, Wavelengths and Fordham Football

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2019 18:55


Allie Beekman discusses the secretive Board of Advisors and what their termination means for the university. Alyssa Morales talks about Wavelengths, Fordham Lincoln Center's new radio station. Patrick Moquin gives us reasons why we should care about Fordham Football and why this season is one to pay attention to. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.   Relevant Reading: FCLC Board of Advisors Disbanded What Was the Board of Advisors? Wavelengths Bring Student Radio to LC Hoyas Handled: Rams Avenge Division Rival Loss

"A Great Space" - Camping, MetroCards and Vine

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2019 22:37


Aidan Donaghy breaks down the Environmental Club’s recent camping initiative. Brandon Sapienza provides his appeal to the university to provide commuters with MetroCards. Haley Smullen talks about why Vine is such a cultural phenomenon among college students. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.   Relevant Reading: Camping Out Fordham Should Buy Commuters MetroCards Vine is the Pinnacle of American Art

"You Take Priority" - Dean Laura Auricchio and Ramses Records

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2019 36:23


Dean Laura Auricchio talks about her new role as Dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center. Paolo Estrella and Jordan Meltzer talk about forming Ramses Records, Fordham’s first student-run record label; Chesca Mac, one of their artists, comes on to give us a taste of her music. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Show Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell. Featured music belongs to all rights holders.   Relevant Reading: Dean of FCLC Follows Back Ramses Records: Starting from Scratch

“We’re Still Fighting” - SJP, Leaving Ailey and Navigating New York

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2019 24:40


Veer Shetty, representing Students for Justice in Palestine, breaks down why it took five years of legal battles for Fordham to approve their club and what they hope the future will bring. Marina Vergara speaks about her choice to leave the Ailey program. Loreen Ruiz compares her hometown of San Francisco to bustling New York City. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler and Jeff Umbrell.   Relevant Reading: Students For Justice in Palestine Win Historic Lawsuit A Girl in Flux A Tale of Two Cities: San Francisco vs. New York

"Give Them a Reason" - Dean Wertz, OverheardAtFordham and Farewells

Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2019 31:21


Interim Dean Frederick J. Wertz speaks about his experience filling the shoes of Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J. as Fordham Lincoln Center searched for a new dean. Andy Vega takes @OverheardAtFordham to task for supposed "fake news." The outgoing editors behind The Observer and Retrospect look back at their time on the newspaper. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler.   Relevant reading: Grimes Steps Down as Dean of FCLC, Wertz Fills Interim Position Fordham Appoints First Female Dean of Fordham College Lincoln Center @OverheardAtFordham Is Lying To You Because I Am Lying To Them

"Something You're Proud Of" - Trans Housing, The Shakespeare Company and Banana Pancakes

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2019 22:03


Diamantina Kefalas talks about her experience as a trans woman who lived in Fordham's dorms. Carli Freeman and Shannie Rao discuss their original musical, "The Shakespeare Company," and the special circumstances surrounding its one night only production. Asst. Sports & Health Editor Lena Weidenbruch invites us to cook banana pancakes with her in her McMahon apartment. Hosted by Kevin Christopher Robles and Jeff Umbrell. Produced by Alyssa Morales. Music by Michael Appler. Songs from "The Shakespeare Company" provided by Carli Freeman and Shannie Rao.   Relevant reading: Transgender Housing Rights Still Not Secure At Fordham Making a Musical: "The Shakespeare Company" Refrigerator Spring Cleaning

"They Deserve The Best" - Eloisa James, Elections and Vegans

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2019 23:04


Kevin Christopher Robles, Jeff Umbrell and Retrospect's new producer Alyssa Morales take on a triad of trying topics: Associate Dean Mary Bly comes on to discuss her double life as an English professor and as world-famous romance novelist Eloisa James; former USG President Leighton Magoon gives his two cents on student government and the election process; Drew Bernstein airs the concerns of the frustrated and underserved vegan population of Fordham Lincoln Center. Music by: Michael Appler Jeff Umbrell

"They Can Always Go Here" - Rankings, Self-Care and Coffee Houses

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2019 14:51


Jeff Umbrell and Kevin Christopher Robless discuss the importance of rankings with News Editor Jordan Meltzer. Assistant Opinions Editor Evan Vollbrecht and Sports & Health Editor Luke Osborn debate the merits of self-care practices. Finally, Kevin sojourns up to Rose Hill to visit Rodrigue's Coffee House to illuminate why Lincoln Center deserves such a space.

"From Every Angle" - Crossword Crossroads

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2019 16:37


Jeff Umbrell and Kevin Christopher Robles discuss The Observer's famous crossword with Fun & Games Editor Dan Nasta. Then, Opinions Editor Emeritus John McCullough talks of his gonzo experience at Winter Ball. Finally, David Fresolone speaks about being the newest member of Stove's Cabin Crew and how the club puts on shows.

"Let's Talk About Sex" - Valentine's Day Special Feature

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2019 12:50


Join Jeff Umbrell and Kevin Christopher Robles as they embark on a Valentine's Day journey: Marielle Sarmiento communicates the woes of dating apps; Danny Magaldi tests out some Fordham-themed pickup lines; and students talk about how their Valentine's went.

"How Tenacious We Were" - Breaking Down the Future

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2019 20:37


Jeff Umbrell and Kevin Christopher Robles speak with Gabe Samandi who breaks down the potential of the Class of 2023, set to become the highest-achieving and most diverse class in Fordham history. Then, Sophie Partridge-Hicks talks about the de-tripling of McMahon Hall apartments and the consequences this has had on students. Finally, Roxanne Cubero speaks to the legacy of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company. Music by: Michael Appler Jeff Umbrell

"Savior Complex" - A Continuing Resolution

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2019 20:14


On the first episode Retrospect Season 2: Freshman Etta Shaw talks about her struggles after the government shutdown forced her to take a leave of absence. Then, musician Chesca Mac gives the first live performance on the podcast. Finally, Nicole Perkins illuminates the mysteries of a certain windy hallway. For more of Chesca Mac, see her Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/chesca-mac Music by: Michael Appler Jeffrey Umbrell Chesca Mac

"A Momentous Term" - Presidents, Deans and Finals

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2018 24:05


On this episode of Retrospect, Kevin Christopher Robles and Jeff Umbrell hear from USG President Demetrios Stratis after a tumultuous fall semester. Carmen Borca-Carillo discusses the worryingly empty information session about the search for a new dean, and Ashley Simpson gives an inside look into the daily life of an Ailey student. Music by: Michael Appler Jeff Umbrell

"Think Twice" - A Debate on Society

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2018 25:43


On this episode of Retrospect, Kevin Christopher Robles and Jeff Umbrell moderate a debate on socialism between Gabe Samandi and Brandon Sapienza. Then, Owen Roche talks about his issues with Thanksgiving, and Adriane Kong discusses her experience as a student with a disability. Music by: Michael Appler Jeff Umbrell

"Make Your Voice Heard" - Midterm Elections Special Feature

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2018 11:00


On this episode of Retrospect, Jeff Umbrell and Kevin Christopher Robles speak with Fordham Students about their voting experiences in the 2018 midterm elections. Hear from students who voted absentee, went home to vote and voted here in NYC. Music by: Jeff Umbrell The Resistance Revival Chorus

"We Proved You Wrong" - The Show Must Go On

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2018 20:30


On this episode of Retrospect, Kevin Christopher Robles and Jeffrey Umbrell discuss the student drag show with Jack Bugbee and Ky Hayward. Then, Chloe Rice tells a scary story about the Rose Hill campus. Finally, Brandon Sapienza vents his anger and frustration about the MTA. Music by: Michael Appler Jeffrey Umbrell Kevin Macleod

"You Have a Choice" - The Kavanaugh Fallout

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2018


On this episode of Retrospect, Kevin Christopher Robles and Jeffrey Umbrell speak with Courtney Brogle about the Kavanaugh walkout. Also, a discussion of Antigonick's social relevancy with lead actress Brittani Murphy, and Luke Osborn explains the prevalence of eating disorders among queer men. Music by: Michael Appler Jeffrey Umbrell

"Overcoming Hurdles" - A Taste of the Presidency

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 2, 2018 20:23


Episode 1 of The Observer's new podcast, where we take an in-depth look at some of our biggest recent stories. Kevin Christopher Robles and Jeffrey Umbrell speak with Demetrios Stratis, USG president, and sample food from grocery stores around NYC. Music by: Michael Appler Jeffrey Umbrell

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