Eye on the Triangle

Breyton Hill discusses the history of Earth Day on April 22 and how it came to be one of the largest secular holidays in the world. The theme of Earth Day 2026 is Our Power, Our Planet, which according to EarthDay.org, reflects a fundamental truth: environmental progress doesn’t depend on any single administration or election. It’s sustained by daily actions of communities, educators, workers, and families protecting where they live and work. Breyton invites all of the listeners to get involved in their community for Earth Day and celebrate the beauty that is living on this planet. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of "Eye on the Triangle," Evie Dallman and Amanda Levinson discuss the arts' place in exciting civic engagement and ways communities can continue restoration within the individual as well as larger bodies of people. We talk radical rest, laborers' rights and artistic action.In our second story, Evie chats with the North Carolina Museum of Art's Head Librarian, Andrew Wang, about North Carolina book culture, zine culture, DIY movements, the NCMA's library as a source for research and media, grassroots efforts in publication and media representation and the End Paper Book Fair's place in these ideas.Finally, we close out with Evie's interview with Kid Lab creators Shannon Newby and Susan Kelly on their initiatives to give kids access to arts education and principles of making with recycled goods. ★ Support this podcast ★

Breyton Hill attends Brain Night at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. As she explores, she talks to researchers, volunteers, and community members all attending or tabling for Brain Night. Chris Smith, the museum's Coordinator of Current Science Programs explains more about what Brain Night is. The 2026 keynote speaker was Dr. Christa Baker and her postdoc, Dr. Alexandra Venuto, talks about their research in fruit flies. Attendee Zachary Henderson visited their table and shares what he learned. NC State University researcher Dr. Kurt Marsden shares about his work studying zebrafish and how they are surprisingly genetically similar to humans. Dr. John Meitzen's table always has real human brain specimens for visitors to hold. Julia Janosko shares how humbling it is to hold what was someone's consciousness in the palm of your hand. Emily Philips and Ranganath Gopalraj talk about the Neuroscience Club at NC State and how Brain Night is "their Super Bowl." Once again, Chris Smith leaves us with his favorite part of Brain Night: holding a real human brain and nerding out with experts. ★ Support this podcast ★

Breyton Hill interviews Dr. Kasey Wagoner, a physics professor at NC State, about his career journey, science communication and outreach, as well as why everyone should care about physics.Originally a business major, Dr. Wagoner fell in love with physics after taking an astronomy course in undergrad. He describes how cool it was to ask questions about the origin of the universe and eventually test for the idea of other universes in his PhD.The pair then discusses how to make physics not only accessible but fun. Dr. Wagoner shares about Science on Tap, a place to combine learning with good beer at Lynnwood Brewing Concern.Dr. Wagoner also describes how physics can explain different phenomena of sports. For more about his Sport Science work, you can read his articles on Substack.Lastly, Breyton asks about Dr. Wagoner’s most recent achievement: a digital science communication fellowship. Dr. Wagoner explains some of his ideas he hopes to come out of that fellowship and shares some advice he would give his 20-year-old self.Breyton ends the interview with the Breyton Interrogation: a series of questions to get to know you rather than what you do. ★ Support this podcast ★

Breyton Hill discusses the history of March being recognized as Women's History Month. She also discusses the careers and achievements of outstanding women in STEM who have changed the world for the better, including Ada Lovelace, Henrietta Lacks, Rosalind Franklin, Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson. All these women and many, many more should be celebrated, especially as the 2026 theme of Women's History Month is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”. ★ Support this podcast ★

Evie Dallmann chats with College of Design PhD student, Erin White, about his research and practice in integrated food systems and policy design in North Carolina. He emphasizes the importance of working at a regional level across multiple counties in North Carolina to connect urban and rural food production and consumption ★ Support this podcast ★

This week’s episode of Eye on the Triangle focuses on connection through creativity. From international voices in the Tunisia 88 Alumni Choir to insights from NCMA curator Caroline Roocheleau, we examine how art, music, and history shape communities and preserve stories that transcend borders. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this science news update, new public affairs content creator Breyton Hill discusses some cool science and research news that has been happening around the Triangle. With the weather happening this weekend, Breyton gets into the science of snowflakes, discussing what makes each one unique.Next, Breyton talks about how astronomers at Duke University are photographing the cosmos as part of Legacy Survey of Space and Time at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile.Breyton then gets into updates from the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science’s “Dueling Dinosaur” exhibit. Get excited, there has been a new classification. What was originally thought to be a baby Tyrannosaur is actually a Nanotyrannus.Lastly, Breyton discusses different ways to get involved in science around the triangle with events at the NC Museum of Natural Science and the Durham Life and Science Museum. ★ Support this podcast ★

This episode explores blind hockey and the role of adaptive sports in expanding accessibility and inclusion in athletics. Through a conversation with Craig Fitzpatrick, a blind hockey player and disability advocate, the episode looks at how sports can be reimagined to serve a wider range of participants.The discussion covers how blind hockey works, the challenges disabled athletes face in traditional sports environments, and why accessibility should be treated as a fundamental part of athletic design rather than an accommodation. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about disability in sports and the importance of representation in competitive spaces.Craig is also the author of a book focused on his experiences and advocacy work, His book is available for purchase on Amazon. ★ Support this podcast ★

 WKNC's Evie Dallmann speaks with Amanda Mills from the NC State Wilson College of Textiles about the evolution of smart textiles and the wearable electronics. ★ Support this podcast ★

What happens when you trade your fall break for five days of service, community and McDonald's runs? Shradha joins NC State's Alternative Service Break team in Rutherford County, working with Rutherford Housing Partnership( RHP) meeting lifelong volunteers, bonding over late nights, and learning what service really means! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Eye on the Triangle, we sit down with Dr. Adrian Percy, Executive Director of NC State’s Plant Science Initiative. Dr. Percy shares insights on Seed2Grow, an innovative program that bridges research, industry, and entrepreneurship to tackle today’s agricultural challenges. From supporting student innovation to strengthening global food security, Seed2Grow is helping turn groundbreaking plant science into real-world solutions. ★ Support this podcast ★

Evie Dallmann interviews Leah Torrey and Virginia Ferris about archives, storytelling, and moral agency. Virginia discusses the importance of representational belonging in archives, emphasizing the need to include diverse voices. Leah highlights the role of pop-up events called "Larks" in fostering community and using foraged materials to promote sustainability. Both stress the significance of zines as accessible, DIY publications for marginalized communities. They also explore the intersections of music, memory, and cultural heritage, noting how personal archives, like playlists, reflect individual histories and community connections. ★ Support this podcast ★

Landscape Architect Kofi Boone from NC State's College of Design describes his book "Empty Pedestals: Countering Confederate Narratives Through Public Design" and themes surrounding it such as environmental justice, community engagement, activism, history and weaves interdisciplinarity through his telling of vignettes of the book such as case studies and anecdotes.This podcast is produced in collaboration with the NC State Sustainability Stewards. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Nubian Minute crew is back again to discuss the controversy surrounding Coca-Cola's alleged reporting of immigrant workers to ICE, highlighting the lack of a public apology and the potential trend of corporations exploiting undocumented workers. The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's use of Guantanamo Bay to detain undocumented immigrants, criticizing it as akin to a concentration camp. The panel also addresses housing issues at NC State, noting the difficulty in securing housing and the lack of parking, particularly for students who can't afford off-campus housing. Finally, they review the album "Above" by Mad Season, praising its emotional depth and recommending it to listeners. ★ Support this podcast ★

The Nubian Message team is back to discuss the Super Bowl LVI halftime show. The conversation shifted to the evolution of Southern hip-hop, emphasizing its storytelling and resistance to industry pressures. They also discussed the importance of DEI classes, lamenting their removal from UNC's graduation requirements. The segment concluded with a promotion of the Nubian Message's Black History issue, featuring a photo shoot and articles on Southern hip-hop's origins and impact. ★ Support this podcast ★

"Eye on the Triangle" host Emilia Rivadeneira is joined by staff from The Nubian Message to break down news from the previous week. The Nubian Minute News Roundup discussed the Grammys, with differing opinions on Beyoncé's win for "Cowboy Carter." Kristopher argued it was a groundbreaking album, while Emilia believed earlier works deserved recognition. They also highlighted Doja Cat's historic win as the third Black woman to win Best Rap Album, joining Cardi B and Lauryn Hill. The conversation shifted to DEI initiatives, criticizing corporations for pulling back on diversity efforts and emphasizing the broader benefits of DEI, including healthcare representation and education. They stressed the importance of community voice and action against perceived injustices. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, The Nubian Message's Aiyanna Moore, Senait Richmond, Olivia Henson, and Johnathan Lee kick off a new weekly segment, "The Nubian Minute," where they take a closer look at the headlines and unpack the issues that are making an impact on Black students and minority communities at NC State. Later, host Emilia Rivadeneira sits down with Richard Bedlack, founder of Duke University’s ALS Clinic and Professor of Neurology at Duke, and Sam Pearce, Assistant Professor of the Practice at NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles. They discuss their exciting collaboration, where Bedlack partners with NC State design students to create stylish, accessible clothing for people living with disabilities, such as ALS. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira speaks with Robert Scheller, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University, about the causes behind the recent L.A. wildfires that erupted on January 7. Scheller discusses the broader implications of these fires, including their potential effects on the East Coast, and delves into the connections between climate change and global warming. Acknowledging how overwhelming climate news can feel, Scheller concludes the episode with an inspiring message of hope and practical strategies listeners can adopt to tackle these challenges. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira sits down with Amy Sentementes, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Queens University of Charlotte, to explore how election season can impact relationships and conversations with family during the holidays. Sentementes shares practical tips to help students navigate challenging discussions with loved ones who hold opposing views. Additionally, Alianna Brooks, Editor-in-Chief of The Nubian Message, provides a semester news roundup, highlighting the publication’s standout coverage and stories. Visit The Nubian Message's website to read more.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, Menna Elsayed chats with Edgar Bernal, the founder of Revista Latina, about his journey in creating the cultural organization and magazine. They discuss the publication's impact and significance within North Carolina's Latino community, as well as a glimpse into the cultural events it helps organize around The Triangle.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This special live election night coverage is part of Student News Live, a non-partisan news hub to amplify the voices of student journalists that coordinated a live audio and video feed starting at noon ET on Tuesday, Nov. 5.WKNC at NC State took the midnight to 1 a.m. slot. Public affairs director and “Eye on the Triangle” host Emilia Rivadeneira, a fourth-year student studying political science and communication, divided her hour into two 30-minute segments.Rivadeneira was joined live by Mac McCorkle, Professor of the Practice in the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, and Elizabeth Lane, Assistant Professor of Political Science at NC State. They offered an analysis of the election results, including the impact of Donald Trump’s win in North Carolina, the N.C. Supreme Court race, the citizenship voting amendment, and the future of North Carolina voting patterns. The interview was simulcast on Student News Live and WKNC 88.1 FM HD-1 and recorded for YouTube.WKNC then considered how NC State students felt about the election in a conversation with Annabelle Rossi, a third-year student studying political science and President of Students for Immigrant Rights and Equality, and Zania Sanders, a third-year student studying science, technology and society and AYA Ambassador at the African American Cultural Center. They discussed anxiety about the election, what issues were important to college students, youth voter turnout and influences, and the role of student organizations in election advocacy. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira speaks with Shannon McGregor, associate professor and director of the Ph.D. program at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, about the impact of social media in the 2024 presidential election — more specifically in campaigns and influencing the US electorate. As well, Menna Elsayed takes us back to rediscover the history of the NC State Fair, reflecting about diversity through interviews with different fair vendors.  ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira speaks with Justine Hollingshead, Assistant Vice Chancellor at the Office of Student Life and Advocacy, Bryan Botts, Associate Director at University Housing, Lisa LaBarbera-Mascote, Senior Director at Student Success Initiative, and Pete Fracarroli, Director of Facilities and Business Operations at University Housing about NC State relief team's efforts in assisting at UNC Asheville after Hurricane Helene. Read more about NC State's actions in providing aid to Western North Carolina. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this special episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira dives into the North Carolina State Fair, rating rides and food while also chatting with talented artisans at the Village of Yesteryear. She also meets Biscuit, the lovely cow on display at the Animal Science booth from NC State. Join Emilia for a fun-filled adventure at the fair! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira gives a news rundown, including early-voting dates and NC State Fair. Menna Elsayed also interviews Sima Haida, the Vice President of the Triangle Lebanese American Center (TLAC) to know more about its role and Lebanese immigrants in the Triangle. Haida talks about the Debeka, Arabic lessons and more about TLAC. ★ Support this podcast ★

Feliz Mes de la Herencia Latine! In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira speaks with Jack Rothacker, a senior at NC State and founder of the nonprofit Perseverancia, about his initiative to build three classrooms in Soyapango, El Salvador. In the second segment, we interview Elaine Townsend Utin, co-founder and executive director of LatinxEd, along with Kiara Aranda, Director of Programs, discussing LatinxEd's mission and its impact in North Carolina, where it provides dedicated, multi-year support to Latine students and immigrant families pursuing higher education. For more information on Rothacker's initiative, visit Perseverancia's instagram. For more information on LatinxEd and their initiatives, visit LatinxEd's website. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira speaks with Thomas Birkland, a Professor of Public Administration at NC State, about how Hurricane Helene might influence the elections, particularly in Western North Carolina. Additionally, Whitney Ross Manzo, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Meredith College, provides a "Polling 101" overview, explaining how polls operate and their importance during election season. ★ Support this podcast ★

This episode is part of Eye on the Triangle's special series called "Politics Unpacked: Elections 2024 Edition," in which we interview NC political analysts and political science professors.  In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira talks with political analysts Chris Cooper and Michael Bitzer to explore North Carolina's electoral landscape. They tackle questions ranging from whether North Carolina is truly a purple state to potential outcomes of the upcoming presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.  ★ Support this podcast ★

This episode is part of Eye on the Triangle's special series called "Politics Unpacked: Elections 2024 Edition," in which we interview NC political analysts and political science professors. In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira talks with Professor at the School of Public and International Affairs at NC State about key political events that could influence the upcoming November elections.  ★ Support this podcast ★

Happy FDOC, Wolfpack! In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira sits down with Alexis Steptoe, Assistant Director at Wellness and Recreation to explore how to balance college life with personal wellness. Steptoe dives into what wellness truly means and shares practical strategies for managing overall well-being while handling the demands of student life. Don't miss out on essential tips and expert advice to start your semester off right! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira talks with David Elrod, Associate Vice Provost for the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity at NC State & Title IX Designated Official, about changes and updates in Title IX regulation. For more information about Title IX and resources, visit the Office of Institutional Equity and Equal Opportunity's website.   ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode, host Emilia Rivadeneira provides a news roundup and speaks with Dr. Ashley Ward, director of the Heat Policy Innovation Hub at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, about the heat wave that has taken over several areas of North Carolina, including the Triangle. Dr. Ward explores the impacts of the heat wave on local communities and the environment, gives recommendations for North Carolinians and provides potential future solutions to boost heat resilience in our community. For more information on the issue of extreme heat, visit the Heat Policy Innovation Hub's website. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this news update, EOT's Ellie Feaga shares how two Raleigh schools have taken top honors, the unusual taste and smell of Raleigh drinking water, and some resources available from NC State's Well Rec to help relieve stress.We'll also hear from the North Carolina News Service about how a rural North Carolina town gets a pathway to homeownership. ★ Support this podcast ★

EOT's Ellie Feaga talks with James Bullock, a Raleigh city horticulturist, about the Raleigh Rose Garden on this Earth Day episode. ★ Support this podcast ★

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris visited Raleigh on March 26 to discuss health care. EOT's Ellie Feaga provides clips from their speeches and talks to some audience members. ★ Support this podcast ★

April is Earth Month at NC State and EOT's Ellie Feaga talks with Lani St. Hill from the University Sustainability Office. ★ Support this podcast ★

NC State University's Shack-a-Thon is underway. EOT's Ellie Feaga talked with Madison Farlow, Habitat Work Projects Officer for NCSU's Habitat for Humanity Chapter, to discuss the Shack-a-Thon fundraiser.Learn more and donate to Shack-a-Thon. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this special episode of "Eye on the Triangle," guest producer Abdullah Najjar speaks with Josh Paul, an official from the State Department who recently resigned in opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel. Paul talks about the unfolding situation in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis, and the U.S. role in perhaps mitigating some of the effects on the Palestinians. Paul has appeared on many media outlets, including CNN and Democracy Now. View a video of their conversation on YouTube.We'll also hear from the North Carolina News Service about how North Carolinians can improve their financial situation for the year. ★ Support this podcast ★

With NC State University's Shack-a-Thon quickly approaching, EOT's Ellie Feaga sat down with Chase Inman from Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. Inman educates listeners on Habitat for Humanity and how Shack-a-Thon is helping Wake County residents in need to build and purchase homes.Learn more and donate to Shack-a-Thon. ★ Support this podcast ★

EOT's Ellie Feaga speaks with Mia Xavier, Jessica Martin and Alex Barker from Second Chance Animal Adoptions about their service to finding homes and care for Wake County animals. ★ Support this podcast ★

EOT's Ellie Fiege and NC State University Provost Warwick Arden discuss the PCB exposure at Poe Hall and how the school is addressing it. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this news update, EOT's Ellie Feaga discusses how North Carolina's childcare industry faced funding challenges since the pandemic, North Carolina homeowners can expect to see increased insurance rates this year and how NC State is offering a Pack the Primaries interactive voting toolkit.We'll also hear from the North Carolina News Service about free technology training for underrepresented groups through Code the Dream. ★ Support this podcast ★

EOT's Ellie Feaga speaks with Chloe Short, President of Magical Moments of NCSU, about granting wishes for children with cranial facial disorders.You'll also hear about how North Carolina has legalized sports betting for the first time and a report from the North Carolina News Service about how a new union agreement ushers in benefits for immigrant agricultural workers. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this weekly news roundup, EOT content creator Ellie Feaga talks about President Biden's recent visit to Raleigh and his announcement of an $82 million investment into expanding broadband Internet access in North Carolina, an increase in Narcan availability on the NC State campus, and NC State Women's Basketball's 72-57 victory over the Duke Blue Devils.We also have a story from the North Carolina News Service about how a Farm Bill could help food banks across North Carolina. ★ Support this podcast ★

EOT's Ellie Feaga interviews student organizations at the NC State Student Involvement Fair to provide listeners with new opportunities to get involved across campus. We also have stories from the North Carolina News Network about Microsoft's extension of support for Windows 10 to prevent e-waste and how post-holiday diets can impact heart health. Thanks for listening. ★ Support this podcast ★

EOT's Ellie Feaga and Hayes Permar discuss the reopening of Raleigh's historic theater, the Rialto. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ellie does a short news roundup. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ellie Feaga talks with NC State Police Chief Daniel House on the newly released Annual Security Report, followed by Ellie's story on The NC State Fair's annual "can day," where the local food banks collect cans as a form of admission to the fair. ★ Support this podcast ★

EOT's Ellie Feaga reports on the local organization, Free Moms NCSU. Mrs. Cecilia Dean comments on the beloved organization of local moms, dads, grandmas, and dogs that visit campus every Thursday to provide snacks, hugs, and listening-ears for our students. Jenny, a long-term Free Mom, and students visiting the Free Moms tent on Thursday, September 21st provide comments about the organization.Later, Ellie runs down a preview of the North Carolina State Fair. ★ Support this podcast ★