Rhoden Fellows Podcast
by Andscape, William C. Rhoden
Andscape’s Rhoden Fellows podcast is hosted by a rotation of four undergraduate students from HBCUs who are training under New York Times award-winning columnist William C. Rhoden as the next generation of sports journalists. Through the lens of sports, the fellows discuss stories about culture, entertainment, and race.
Episodes
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Gun Violence and Campus Security
Recent campus tragedies, campus security, and women's sports are topics discussed by the fellows.
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Big Feaux in ATL
The Big Feaux reunite in Atlanta for the Bears at Falcons game, as part of the NFL Experienceship program.
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Kaepernick Interview, & HBCU Life
The Big Feaux discuss Josh's interview with Colin Kaepernick and what’s going on at their HBCUs.
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NFL Week One, Bryce Underwood, & Hancel Rincon
The Big Feaux discuss NFL week one, Michigan QB Bryce Underwood, and a MLB umpire telling pitcher Hancel Rincon to fix his hat.
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Summer, NABJ, & Back to School
The Big Feaux discuss their summer at ESPN, NABJ Convention, and their first week of school.
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Happy National Intern Day!
ESPN intern Tatum Thomas discusses her journey to ESPN, Texas A&M roots, Bristol, CT experience, and LeBron’s move to Philly.
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World Cup, HBCU Pride & More with Shaka Hislop
World Cup review with ESPN soccer analyst and Howard University alum Shaka Hislop. The fellows learn more about "the beautiful game," express their HBCU pride, and the importance of early cancer detection.
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NBA Trades & Mr. Rhoden's Book Anniversary
Who won in the Jaylen Brown NBA trade? The fellows also cover the "Forty Million Dollar Slaves" book anniversary event in Harlem for Mr. Rhoden.
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NBA Draft & Trades by the Big Feaux
The “Big Feaux” discuss all things NBA-related, including their draft experience and the league’s recent trades.
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Introducing the "Big Feaux"
Landing in Windsor Locks, not Hartford, and the first week in Bristol, Conn., for the class of 2027!
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#un4gettable recap
The class of 2026 highlights overall experiences as Rhoden Fellows with senior HBCU writer Mia Berry.
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New Kids on the Block, Part 2
Alauna Marable welcomes two new students to the Rhoden Fellowship, Bradmond-Lee Harewood (Hampton) and Morgan Traylor (Norfolk State) and the different opportunities available.
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New Kids on the Block, Part 1
Two of the newest Rhoden Fellows step into the spotlight, guided by Ciara Latham, sharing their stories, inspirations, and what this opportunity means as they begin shaping their careers.
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Dancing with Janae Harrington
Professional dancer and choreographer Janae Harrington highlights her journey from Miami to Los Angles via Alabama State University with fellow Hornet and host Calandrea Carter.
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"Black History Always"
The fellows unpack how stories about Black history, from a sports perspective, are framed and the impact athletes have on and off the field.
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Underrated Sports at HBCUs
The fellows highlight some of the overlooked sports on their campuses and the dynamics shaping student engagement beyond football and basketball, including intentional storytelling, institutional backing, and consistent recognition.
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Naimah Muhammad on Black Visibility in Gymnastics
From breaking barriers by competing in tights to becoming the first-ever HBCU gymnast, Naimah Muhammad opens up about what it truly means to stand firm in your identity on and off the mat.
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A Love Letter to Black Love
In honor of Valentine's Day, the fellows talk about the HBCU love story and how being on campus creates the possibilities of connections, the role social media plays, and how love “back in the day” compares to now.
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NFL Playoffs to Super Bowl LX Bound
We’re back for the spring semester and discussing the NFL season and Super Bowl contenders, including top storylines on and off the field.
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HBCU Football Season by the Un4orgettable
As the HBCU football season comes to a close, the Rhoden Fellows break down everything that made this year unforgettable from classic games, surprising upsets and conference champions.
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Desensitized Dangers on HBCU Campuses
The fellows discuss the unseen challenges and dangers students may face on HBCU campuses. The discussion sheds a light on issues that often go unreported, emphasizing the importance of awareness and accountability in creating safer spaces for every student.
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For the Homecoming Culture
“The National Treasure” meets “The Mecca” for Howard University’s homecoming. Raigan Lydon (Morgan State), Ciara Latham (Howard) and former Rhoden Fellow Assata Allah-Shabazz trash talk before Howard hosts Morgan State.
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Tralee Hale and Kelee Ringo Discuss the Importance of Early Detection
Calandrea Carter and Alauna Marable sit with breast cancer survivor Tralee Hale and her son, Kelee Ringo of the Philadelphia Eagles. They share their journey of resilience, love, and advocacy during Tralee’s triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis and the importance of early detection.
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Changing the Game: Sierra Balgar & City Girls Golf
Ciara Latham and Raigan Lydon interview Sierra Balgar, founder of City Girls Golf, as she discusses creating opportunities for women of color on the course in addition to her personal journey, passion for impact and the future of her program.
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An Un4orgettable Summer Experience
From stepping onto ESPN’s Bristol campus for the first time to walking into the fall semester prepared and confident, the Rhoden Fellows reflect on an unforgettable summer.
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Behind the Screen with Jay Harris
In June, SportsCenter anchor Jay Harris announced his prostate cancer diagnosis on Good Morning America. Harris joins the Rhoden Fellows to discuss his recovery, the importance of early detection, and his advocacy to raise awareness within the African American community.
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Press Pass: Our First NBA Draft
The Rhoden Fellows reflect on covering their first NBA Draft, from navigating press credentials to interviewing future players. They offer behind-the-scenes insight, discuss the emotions of Draft night and what it means to be part of the next generation of Black media voices.
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Happy Father's Day from the Rhoden Fellows
The Rhoden Fellows dive into the pivotal role father figures play in shaping the next generations of athletes. This podcast unpacks how Black fatherhood is redefining not only athletic success, but also identity. Join us as we honor the men who coach from the sidelines of life, and the...
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Southern University Wins HBCU Sports Emmy
Nilea Cosley and Gabrielle Heyward interview Rhoden Fellow Sydney Cuillier and her Southern University classmates - Ashley Lovelace, Verbon Muhammad, Loren Sullivan, and Eric White - about wining an HBCU Sports Emmy for their work on "The Hidden Sport."
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Rhoden Fellows at the Final Four Recap
Team Harris - Aniyah, Assata, and Madison - recap covering the Men’s and Women’s Final Four. We dive into behind-the-scenes moments, standout performances, and what it was like to witness history courtside. Then, shifting to initial reactions to the 2024 WNBA Draft and what it means for the...
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Rhoden Fellows: Then and Now – Generations of Morganites
While at Morgan State University, Rhoden Fellow Assata Allah-Shabazz, upcoming fellow Raigan Lydon and past fellow Cayla Sweazie discuss the fellowship and its legacy with program founder Bill Rhoden.
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Present Meets the Future, Part 2
Current Rhoden Fellows (Gabby, Nilea and Sydney) meet with the next class (Alauna and Calandrea) for an in-depth discussion about the fellowship and all things HBCU.
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Rhoden Fellows, Class of 2026 Introduction, Part I
Meet two of the four new Rhoden Fellows! Team Harris - Aniyah, Assata, and Madison - sat with Ciara Latham (Howard University) and Raigan Lydon (Morgan State University), members of the Rhoden Fellowship class of 2026. They share their sports journeys, experiences at HBCUs and what they're…
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Women's History Month Conversation
Join the Rhoden Fellows for an engaging conversation in celebration of Women’s History Month. Gabby, Nilea and Sydney discuss the most influential female athletes, share personal inspirations, and highlight how we can do better in telling underrepresented stories.
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"Dear Rattler" Founder Tyler-Symone Brown Discusses Her Program
Team Harris - Assata Allah-Shabazz, Aniyah Robinson, and Madison Firle - sits down with Tyler-Symone Brown, a proud Florida A&M University Rattler and founder & CEO of "Dear Rattler," a platform dedicated to guiding prospective students on their journey to attending HBCUs. Brown shares her...
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Rhoden Fellows Highlight the NBA HBCU Classic
Team Rhoden - Nilea, Sydney and Gabby - discusses the NBA HBCU Classic with coach Douglas Whittler and guard Cedric Taylor lll, of Morehouse College, prior to the NBA All-Star Game. The Maroon Tigers will face Tuskegee University in the fourth annual event.
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Celebrating National Mentoring Month with Vincent Pierson
Vincent Pierson, Founder and Executive Director of the Black Sports Business Academy (BSBA) joins Nilea Cosley, Sydney Cuillier, and Gabby Heyward as they explore the importance of mentorship within the HBCU community. BSBA is a non-profit dedicated to enhancing experiences and career outcomes…
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Women’s Flag Football at Alabama State University
Fellows, Assata Allah-Shabazz, Aniyah Robinson, and Madison Firle, sit with two members of Alabama State University’s first women's flag football team Harmonie Thomas and Kamaira Crawford. The Hornets share their journey in becoming DI athletes, led by head coach Jennifer Constable, and making...
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Black History in Journalism with Bill Rhoden
The fellows view program founder Bill Rhoden as a pioneer in the world of sports journalism. They welcome him to discuss his career journey from the gridiron, at Morgan State University, to the newsroom.
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V Week: Rhoden Fellow Sydney Cuillier's Dad Joe Discusses His Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery
Joe Cuillier, father of Rhoden Fellow Sydney Cuillier, discusses his rehabilitation from a prostate cancer diagnosis and the importance of getting an annual physical. Joe answers questions and shares concerns with Sydney and her colleagues Nilea Cosley and Gabrielle Heyward as part of ESPN’s 18th...
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Interview with SinceThe80s Co-Founders, Barry Johnson and Zeke Nicholson
Join Team KJ - Nilea Cosley, Sydney Cuillier, and Gabby Heyward - as they interview SinceThe80s co-founders, Barry Johnson and Zeke Nicholson. The duo discuss their recent collaborations with the NBA, the unique intersection of sports and music, and how authentic partnerships can drive growth and...
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Team Rhoden Debut Features Zoe Matthews!
In this episode, the dynamic trio of Assata, Aniyah, and Madison take the reins as Team Rhoden! Join us for a conversation with soccer player Zoe Matthews, the youngest player to sign with the NWSL Houston Dash. They explore what it means for Matthews to represent her community and break barriers...
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Game Day Price Woes: Should HBCU Athletic Departments Raise Ticket Prices to Compensate Athletes?
Season eight of the Rhoden Fellows’ Podcast continues during the academic year. Half of “Thee Six” -- aka “Team KJ” -- discuss whether athletic departments at HBCUs should raise ticket prices to pay their athletes.
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EarthGang Joins the Pod!
In this episode, "Thee Six" chat with Atlanta-based, Grammy-nominated duo EarthGang. They explore their musical journey, Dreamville Records experience and highlight how attending an HBCU helped their growth as artists.
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Sit Down with "Not Like Us" Choreographer Charm La'Donna
In this latest episode, “Thee Six” sit down with dancer Charm La’Donna, choreographer of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” music video and discuss her journey through dance.
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The Rhoden Fellows Interview Olympian Ashleigh Johnson
In this episode, the Rhoden Fellows delve into the significance of Ashleigh Johnson being a trailblazer as the first Black woman to make the USA water polo team, as well as her passion for the sport.
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A Special Goodbye
The 7th class of fellows embark on their last podcast episode. They go through some of their special memories, as well as giving a special gift to the incoming 8th class.
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Meet the Last Two Fellows!
In this episode, current Rhoden Fellow Kamryn Jackson sits down with incoming fellows Nilea Cosley and Madison Firle to talk about their excitement regarding the fellowship.
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Two New Fellows Join the Party
In this episode, current fellows Kamryn Jackson and Takier George hear from two fellows of the next class, Southern University's Sydney Cuillier and Langston University's Aniyah Robinson.
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Another Episode, Another New Fellow
In this new episode, all three fellows get to sit down and meet Gabrielle Heyward, a fellow chosen for the upcoming 8th class. The group talks about her career goals, goals within the fellowship and her relationship with current fellow Aggie, Kamryn Jackson.
About this show
Andscape’s Rhoden Fellows podcast is hosted by a rotation of four undergraduate students from HBCUs who are training under New York Times award-winning columnist William C. Rhoden as the next generation of sports journalists. Through the lens of sports, the fellows discuss stories about culture, entertainment, and race.
Hosted by
Andscape, William C. Rhoden