Soundplay

Season 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.

Season 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.

Season 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.

Season 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.

Season 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.

Season 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.

Season 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!

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?

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?

Season 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.

Season 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. 

Season 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. 

Season 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.   

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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.  

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. 

Regan Doyle, Margaret Flaherty and Alba Melendez share interviews and stories all about religion. 

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.  

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. 

Professor Larry Lewis and Conor MacGinnis continue their discussion, which leads them to talk about motivation in today's society and life after university.  

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. 

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.”  

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. 

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.   

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.”

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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. 

This episode feature audio work from Professor Tiffany Chenault and several Salem State Students.

This 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!

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.

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.

This 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. 

This 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.

This 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.”

This show features Nicole Kotsovilis's audio documentary, "The Angel of Death Killer." The piece chronicles serial killer and nurse Charles Cullen who killed up to 40 of his patients. The show also features four 90 second episodes of a faux podcast made up for an assignment called "Salem According to Sound," which is directly based on the real podcast, "The World According to Sound.” The "Salem According to Sound" composers are: Patrick Garland, Alex Cooke, Kyle Acciavatti, and Lana D'Addieco.

This 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.

This 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.