The Undercurrent on Impact 89FM

In the final episode of this season, host Kennedy DeMars sits down with graduating seniors Audrey Pelzek and Brooke Yorkison to talk about senior year and future plans. They delve into the uncertainties of post-grad plans, excitement for the future, and favorite memories from their college experiences. Audrey and Brooke give advice to college juniors, and share messages that they would say to their freshman year selves. We hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode of The Undercurrent, host Kennedy DeMars sits down with CEO and app creator Jasnoor Kaur -- the mind behind the app that predicts when you're going to get sick. Kennedy and Jasnoor talk about the capabilities of the Obeo app, the process of creating it, and the challenges faced along the way. Jasnoor discusses what it was like being a student and a young entrepreneur, and gives advice to young people wanting to do something similar. We hope you enjoy this episode.

In this episode, host Kennedy DeMars sits down with bilingual students Andrea Tropea and Neti Pali to discuss their experiences knowing more than one language. They delve into the process of learning languages, cultures, the benefits of being bilingual, and more. Kennedy, Andrea, and Neti talk about real life experiences and how communication can be improved through bilingualism. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode of The Undercurrent, host Kennedy DeMars meets with Andrew Templeton, Kayla Grant, and Zosette Guir to discuss their experiences working on the documentary 1969: Killers, Freaks and Radicals. A few weeks ago, the team brought the film to the East Lansing Film Festival. They discuss the making of the film, how it began, research methods, and advice for aspiring filmmakers. We hope you enjoy the episode.

In this episode, host Kennedy DeMars sits down with Riley Peterson and Kaitlynn Nguyen to talk about each of their unique experiences studying abroad. Kennedy, Riley, and Kaitlynn discuss what it's like to be a program assistant, medical study abroad programs, language barriers, and more. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode of The Undercurrent, host Kennedy DeMars sits down with Beth Hammond and Ana Lesage to talk about the upcoming MSU Ethics Week happening on February 16-20. Beth and Ana are two of the planners for this event, where they put together different panels, discussions, and workshops -- all centering around the main theme of ethics. Ethics Week is open to the whole community, and is a way to engage people in meaningful ethical conversations.

In this episode, host Kennedy DeMars chats with MSU Museum Director Devon Akmon about the MSU Museum and its recent renovations. The museum recently underwent 18 months of changes and improvements, and had its reopening celebration on January 14th. Kennedy and Devon discuss what the museum means to the community, how it can be beneficial to students, and what the future of the museum is in the next few years. We hope you enjoy the episode!i

In this episode of The Undercurrent, host Kennedy DeMars sits down with Erin Huetteman, Maddie Rutkowski, and Rylee Schlaud to talk about their experiences as MSU Feature Twirlers. The MSU Feature Twirlers are a part of the Spartan Marching Band, performing at football games, basketball games, and other community events. With the use of a baton, they perform complex tricks and skills to supplement the band. Kennedy and the twirlers discuss the audition process, their rehearsals, and favorite skills. We hope you enjoy the episode!

On this episode of The Undercurrent, host Kennedy DeMars sits down with Madison Nero, a candidate representing the Northeast in Miss Earth USA 2026. Miss Earth is a national pageant that primarily focuses on environmental awareness. Along with her multiple national titles and small businesses, Madison has developed her own makeup palette, meets with lawmakers in D.C., holds workshops for youth in her community, and much more. In this episode, Kennedy and Madison talk about pageantry, thrifting, makeup, and small ways to make a difference in the community. Madison will be competing in a national competition in January, and her and Kennedy talk about what it takes to prepare. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode of The Undercurrent, host Kennedy DeMars sits down with members of three different dance organizations on campus. She discusses NRG Dance, Orchesis Dance Company, and MSU Dance Club, and speaks with members of each group about what makes each organization special. They talk about the atmosphere at rehearsals, types of classes they offer, upcoming performances, and favorite memories the members have had in their respective dance groups. Each of the groups has something special to share, and we hope you enjoy hearing the dancers perspectives

In this week’s episode, Kennedy DeMars sits down with Jordan Woody, Ashiyana Bedi, and Alyssa Vettraino, three participants in Michigan State University’s annual Safe Halloween event. Hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Life, Safe Halloween provides families with a fun and safe way to trick-or-treat and participate in the holiday festivities. Jordan, the event’s Director of Public Relations, shares how the event benefits the community and what goes into promoting it, including her outreach to local news stations. Ashiyana and Alyssa reflect on their experiences and the excitement of seeing families come together to enjoy a safe, festive Halloween. Safe Halloween is a long-standing Spartan tradition that brings joy to families every year. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode, Kennedy sits down with Ethan Lamkin and Jack McGuire for an inside look at The Spartan Dischords. The duo shares what goes into their rehearsals, the songs they're excited to perform, and the standout events they’ve had the opportunity to sing at. The Spartan Dischords is MSU's all-male acapella group, and they have been blending voices and campus tradition for over 40 years.

On the first episode of the brand new season of The Undercurrent, host Kennedy DeMars is joined by Elizabeth Gerskie--an influencer who attends Michigan State University. More widely known as Liz G, she is known for her content creation and social media, and has over 100k followers on one of her Tik Tok accounts. Kennedy and Liz discuss what it's like to have a large platform on a college campus, and what it's like balancing that while being a student.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Anna Yarnal sits down with Beth Hammond and Ana Lesage, members of the planning committee for MSU Ethics Week. Beth and Ana discuss what the week will entail, the important conversations to be had, and the exciting guests coming in to talk to students, staff and faculty. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m ET. 

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Anna Yarnal sits down with cast members in Michigan State's Department of Theatre's upcoming production of 9 to 5, The Musical. Reese Martin, Jamie Patrona, and Mandy Marsili take listeners behind the scenes of this musical comedy. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m E.T. 

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Anna Yarnal sits down with Paige Hubler and Reagan Daul, members of the MSU Dance Team. Paige and Reagan share their experiences on the team and discuss their recent competition at the UDA Dance Team Nationals in Orlando, Florida. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET. 

On this weeks episode of The Undercurrent, host Anna Yarnal sits down with Dominic Cochran, the founding director of Lansing's newest center for music and art, The Ovation. Dominic tells listeners about the upcoming project and how it will better serve the Lansing community. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Anna Yarnal sits down with fiction filmmaking students at Michigan State. Zoe Dorst, Andrew Johnson, and Avery Taylor take listeners behind the scenes of their upcoming capstone project, "Orientation". To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Anna Yarnal talks with Avani Vinod about being the Vice President of Michigan State's community of classically trained Indian musicians and dancers, MSU Swara. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Anna Yarnal talks with Sabrina Seldon and Caesar Roundtree about being involved with Michigan State's entirely student run fashion, beauty and lifestyle publication, VIM. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m ET.

On this week’s episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with two international students.To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week’s episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with MSU alum and content and culture lead of brand relevance at McDonald's, Nathaniel Gaynor.To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week’s episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with MSU alum and Creative Director of "Variety" magazine, Haley Kluge.To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week’s episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with two alumni who played the role of Sparty.To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week’s episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with Spartan Marching Band drum major, Lacy Jewell.To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, you may have seen him in TV shows like NCIS, The Big Bang Theory or Jane the Virgin, but this week he's guest starring on WDBM. Our host Claire Bacarella interviews MSU alum and Hollywood actor Jeff Witzkie. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with three MSU freshmen about their experiences in their first month of college.To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with MSU Alum and current Miss Michigan, Maya Schuhknecht.To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with the Michigan State University students behind the Combo for a Change initiative. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with MSU graduate and YouTube star Tyler Oakley. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with three MSU seniors as they reflect on their time as students here. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with MSU senior Nick Coglianese about his success on Tik Tok. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with MSU junior Presley Bergmooser about her art business Presley Made It. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella talks with an MSU student preparing to compete for Miss Michigan. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Claire Bacarella does a deep dive into the different housing options available for students here at MSU. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

On this week’s episode of The Undercurrent, host Nick Saba interviews some of the Impact's new hires, including the future Undercurrent host Hailey MacDonald, about their new roles and their thoughts on the station as a whole. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30am ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, News Director Delaney Rogers, reporter Hailey MacDonald, and host Nick Saba go to the Constellation Cat Cafe to learn more about the company and their customers. To learn more about volunteering or adopting, go to meow.cool online. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30am ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, News Director Delaney Rogers and host Nick Saba interview MSU students about the beginning of this spring semester and the challenges of going from online to in-person schooling. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30am ET.

On this week’s episode of The Undercurrent, host Nick Saba talks with the creator of MSU Affirmations, an online account that posts in order to help give MSU students a bright start to their day. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30am ET.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, host Nick Saba interviews Renee Leone, a local businesswoman who recently opened her science-themed gift store Quark! earlier this year, about the intersection of science and art. To listen live, tune in every other Sunday at 10:30am ET.

On this week's spooky episode of The Undercurrent, host Nick Saba reads some scary stories in-between MSU students retelling real-life eerie experiences. To listen live, tune in to Impact89fm.org every other Sunday at 10:30am.

On this week's episode of The Undercurrent, Nick Saba interviews Impact 89FM members about working amidst the pandemic, their overall experience and what they may have learned. To listen live, tune in to impact89fm.org every Sunday at 10:30am.

On this week's episode of the Undercurrent, reporters George McNeil and Delaney Rogers interview students that graduated during the pandemic on their experiences and hopes as the MSU community moves toward the end of another online semester.

On this week's episode of the Undercurrent, Reporter Tasia Bass interviews interim Canadian Studies Center Director Dr. Rebecca Malouin about the direction of international studies and what the future of the program will look like

On this special episode of the Undercurrent, News Director Nathan Stearns sits down with Lansing Mayor Andy Schor to discuss a variety of topics, including the city’s effort to improve racial equality and enact criminal justice reform, economic initiatives and more.

On this week's episode, host Nick Saba focuses on Valentine's Day and the large array of emotions the "holiday" brings out of people. In honor of this Day of Love, our very own Impact Operations Manager George McNeill talks about Valentine's Day with his girlfriend and what it's come to mean during a pandemic. Some guests also share their views on what Valentine's means to them, and Nick chimes in with some facts on the day in focus to round off a lighthearted episode.

On this episode of the Undercurrent, host Nick Saba talks with Dennis Pennington, a Michigan State wheat systems specialist, and Aaron Newberry about the past, present and future of agriculture and what role agriculture plays in ensuring a healthy society. The trio also talked about the impact of genetically modified foods on the future of agriculture and crop population as a whole.

Nick Saba talks with Dr. Rebecca A. Malouin about the new graduate program Masters of Science in Global Health Program focused on global relations studies at Michigan State University. Dr. Malouin oversees all aspects of the Master of Science and Graduate Certificate programs in global health. Dr. Malouin also serves as Director of Research for the Institute for Global Health in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University.

Impact 89FM alum Steve Robinson has been selected as the next Lansing Community College (LCC) president by the LCC Board of Trustees. Currently the president of Owens Community College in Perrysburg, Ohio, Robinson will replace LCC president, Brent Knight, in July 2020.